Outback Steakhouse Palm Harbor

January '17: Went to the Outback Bowl yesterday, so we thought we'd have dinner & get our free appetizer (Bloomin Onion). Got there around 3:30PM; place was pretty-well filled by the time we left, maybe 4:45PM.

We both had the chopped steak w/ sauteed onions & mushrooms & Cabernet reduction. Broiled perfectly, medium rare, loads of juiciness & flavor. I substituted my smashed potatoes & broccoli for chicken tortilla soup & house salad w/ bleu cheese dressing. Neither triggered any upcharge, & both were delicious. Soup has moderate heat, so request a dollop of sour cream if you're spice sensitive (above 5). Blackberry sangria for $5.00 was awesome.

Yudis, our waitress, was very accommodating, attentive, & engaging. Total for two entrees, one Chardonnay, one sangria, & one (complimentary) Bloomin Onion came to $45 (tax & tip incl). Can't use coupons or holiday gift card "bonus cards" w/ free app...Only ONE DISCOUNT allowed per meal/table.

Note: I asked, & was promptly told, why I can't get a chopped steak cooked less than well done at any of travel-favorite Cracker Barrels. It's not because of any EColi liability; it's because of the quality of the meat (difference). Aha!

Stopped by to take advantage of their "unlimited shrimp" special. It's as advertised. I ordered the 5 oz sirloin, had 1 shrimp boat of scampy & 2 bowls of fried (crispy), a bowl of southwest chicken tortilla soup as alternative SIDE (no upcharge), w/ bread loaf & butter for $15.99. I greatly preferred the crispy shrimp, which were 26/31 count in my opinion, to the popcorn-sized shrimps in the scampy. Our waitress (Rashell) was engaging, attentive, & candidly helpful. Total tab for two w/ beer & wine & Bloomin onion pedals came to less than $50, tax & tip included.

Delicious! Dont let the reviews guide your decision on weather or not to go here, just go. It was great food, the wait was not at all long, and our server was very friendly. The only thing is their new 9.99$ steak is nothing but fat but for a few dollars more you can get a mouthwatering ribeye which my fiance got and was cooked to perfection. Definately going back in the near future.