Outback Steakhouse has been promoting three-course meals starting at $14.99 lately.
Facebook posts and Instagram reels promoting the “Aussie Aussie Aussie” deal show thick, sizzling steaks and loaded baked potatoes.
We found that isn’t necessarily what you get.
On a visit to Outback in San Bernardino, the printed menu showed meals starting at $14.99 with a choice of soup or salad, choice of entree with one classic steakhouse side and a slice of cheesecake. There are chances to upgrade with every course.
Four entrées were offered at $14.99. They included the Bloomin’ Burger, Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp and a new item, Crispy Breaded Shrimp.
Entrées at the next tier, $22.49, included 6-ounce sirloin, Grilled Chicken on the Barbie and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders.
Entrées at the highest tier, $27.49, included 9-ounce sirloin, a half rack of ribs and Bloomin’ Fried Chicken.
Starters with no upcharge included Baked Potato Soup, a house salad or Caesar salad. Other items such as Tasmanian Chili and Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad cost $2.99-$3.99 more.
The cheesecake comes with the choice of raspberry or chocolate sauce, but customers can switch to Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, a pecan brownie topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce for $3 more.
Based on these prices, the $14.99 deal could turn into $34.48.
We stuck with the basics, ordering Shrimp on the Barbie with veggies, which meant broccoli, a house salad and cheesecake with raspberry sauce. The meal included a loaf of honey wheat bread.
It came to $16.30 with tax but not counting the tip. Prices and participation may vary by location, as the Outback website cautions.
Lunch specials, available until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, include Shrimp on the Barbie for $11.99, Bloomin’ Fried Chicken for $12.99 and 5-ounce sirloin for $13.99.
Information: outback.com