Outback Steakhouse: A taste of ‘Down Under’ in the Southernmost City
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
Key West is a long way from Australia. But fortunately for local diners, a taste of “Down Under” is available at 3230 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
The island’s Outback Steakhouse has been open since 1999, but the eatery is currently under new ownership, and positive changes are afoot.
“We’ve really been focusing on rebuilding our business with locals,” said Jessica Hughes, who became the owner, after serving a two-year apprenticeship as general manager under the previous proprietor. “We’ve put a lot of effort into hiring new management and employees, as well as the way we prepare many of our dishes. For example, all our sirloin steaks are now center cut. Currently we are focusing on perfecting our internal steak temperatures as well as the presentation of the food in order to deliver a desirable meal to every guest.”
The Outback is ubiquitous in the U.S., with locations in all 50 states, and Puerto Rico, but the Key West location does have a unique quality, according to Hughes.
“Where else can you feed delicious food to a family of four for under $100?”, she asked. “We provide a great selection of quality food at an affordable price, with great service. And we’re working to improve the experience all the time.”
Ah, yes. The food!
Besides well-known Outback favorites such as the famed Bloomin’ Onion appetizer; “cut lunch” items such as burgers and steak sandwiches; prime rib, filet mignon, and porterhouse steaks; Alice Springs Chicken, and lobster tails; and tempting desserts such as the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, more new flavors are being introduced all the time.
“We update our core menu two to three times per year,” Hughes said. “But we have new specials every month. We make 90 percent of our sauces from scratch, and never freeze our meats. We also have a great happy hour, with $4 to $5 appetizers, and $5 cocktails. For people who like to eat outside, we also have full service on our outdoor patio, for lunch and dinner.”
For those who prefer to eat at home, the Outback continues to offer its curbside take-out service.
As part of the push to become more Key West focused, Hughes said, her restaurant is taking a larger role in area social and educational functions.
“We really love to get involved with the community,” Hughes said. “And we’ve participated in at least 10 community events so far this year. We’ve catered teacher luncheons and baseball tournaments, and we also have a program that allows students to privately dine in our restaurant and take a tour of our kitchen. We’re trying to stay as active in Key West as we can.”
As part of keeping the Outback experience affordable, the restaurant is also offering a Dine Rewards program, where customers can receive 50 percent off, up to $20 on every qualifying fourth visit. As a member of the free program, diners will receive their own personal Dine Rewards card when they sign up through the free Outback smart phone App.
“Come and see the new Outback, and all the changes we’ve been making,” Hughes said. “You’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
For reservations, take-out, or more information on the Outback Steakhouse, call 305-292-0667, or visit https://www.outback.com/
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