Outback
Steakhouse: Australian for 'Yumm'
by Denise
Moyle, Outpost
staff
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I had a feeling that there would not be that long of a wait and prior experience had made me a huge fan. This trip to the Outback did not ruin my opinion. It was fast and friendly and really good. The atmosphere was pleasant and the food was plentiful. I assure you that you will not leave hungry.
Our stomachs were growling when we zipped into the parking lot and nearly ran to the double wood doors. At the second set of doors we were greeted with the sweet smell of steak and pasta. I grasped the brass handle and let the aroma lead me into the spacious dinning room.
No, we were not instantly transported to the Southern Hemisphere, and the hostess did not greet me at the door with her boomerang saying "G'day mate!" But she was really nice and we felt extremely welcome.
Because it was late on a Wednesday night, about 8 p.m., we were seated right away. But I have been before and had to wait as long as 45 minutes. So if you are going on a weekend, get there early because the restaurant does not take reservations. It does have seating in the bar if you don't mind the tables. In the past, I have found the bar to be a lot quicker.
We got to our booth, and our server arrived promptly to take our drink and appetizer orders. "The Outback" carries a number of specialty drinks and a full bar, as well as a common assortment of sodas. I had one of the specialty beers that they had on tap and my friend had a Bud Light. Because I was nearly ready to start gnawing on the wood table, I also ordered a plate of medium hot buffalo wings for the two of us.
After we had decided on what we wanted to eat, my friend and I enjoyed a relaxed conversation. It is easy at Outback; the wood booths and floors and native-but-not-too-overcrowded decor make it easy to feel comfortable and relaxed. The seating is spacious so you don't feel like you are sitting on top of your neighbor. Also, the lighting is warm but not so bright that your eyes hurt, yet not so dim you can't see what you're eating.
Our waitress returned with our wings and we set about the business of ordering. I had the 8- ounce prime rib with a loaded baked potato and a Caesar salad. The prime rib comes with a choice of potato, fries or rice, but the baked potato with everything on it is irresistible. The Outback also offer the choice of soup or house salad. All are really good but my mood cried out for Caesar.
The Outback cooks its meat pink, so if you order medium rare be prepared to eat it medium rare. The servers are always really good about asking. But be prepared, and if you're squeamish about the color, play it safe.
My dinner companion chose the Queensland Chicken and Shrimp, which is grilled chicken and shrimp on a bed of Alfredo pasta. It had more shrimp and chicken than noodles, and she was quick to box up and take home what she could not finish. She also had a house salad, which looked delicious.
By the time we had stuffed ourselves with wings, bread, salad and entrée the idea of dessert didn't settle well. They have a delectable looking dessert menu, but truth be told, I have never had enough room for dessert. Maybe some day I will go in just for dessert.
All and all The Outback is great. The food, the atmosphere, the service, the whole package. I would go there again and again -- and I have. The only problem is the price. While it is not tremendously expensive, it is a steakhouse and it has steakhouse prices. There's not a lot under $10, but for $10-15 you get a lot of really good food. So if you're thinking of splurging, this is the place I would recommend. I'll see ya down under, mate!
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1805 E. Lincoln Way Sparks, Nev. 89434 1-775-358-2700 |
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HOURS:
Sunday-Thursday: 4-10 p.m. , Friday and Saturday:
4-11 p.m. |
Posted Nov 6,
1999
Copyright 1999, Nevada Outpost