I'm laughing at your comments, beachdreams. Why would I want to have so many drinks that I can almost forget that the food is terrible. Why not go to a dozen other places where after that same number of drinks I don't have to pretend, because their food is wonderful. Sorry, I'll take the latter.

By the way, finally got to our new Flemings Steakhouse. What a great place! Of course, it's at least twice as expensive as Outback -- but so what? I'd take one meal at Flemings over three meals at Outback any day!!! I'd rather save up a bit for a really great meal instead of save money by eating at a mediocre place.

"If the Gramercy Tavern was purchased by OSI would it make it a better restaurant? Of course not."

Would it make it better? No. But if the Grammercy retained their chefs and manager, is there any reason to think it would somehow deteriorate in that scenario? No to that as well.

O.K. Patrick, lets just agree to disagree on this one.

I'll still eat at Roy's and I'm sure it will be great, but I'll have those Outback Steakhouse radio ads in the back of my mind.

I have to agree with Patrick. How about this analogy - Most of the hotel companies own several chains, with different prices and amenities. Does the fact the same company that owns Marriot owns Fairfield affect your stay at a Marriot?

"Beachbum, the only one who doesn't like Outback?"

Watch who you're calling a beachbum, Patrick. I'm with you; Outback might be a notch above Sizzler's (are they still around?), but I'd hesitate to rate their steaks any higher.

Hey, Buttercup, don't forget that same company also "owns" the Ritz Carltons to make your analogy even stronger! As a matter of fact before the Marriot group started their association with Ritz Carlton's, some of those Ritz's were being pretty poorly managed. There's a good case where the "corporate umbrella" may have actually improved things.

And oops, sorry I got my "beachbum" confused with "beachdreams". So many screen names. So much confusion.

Heck, I like Outback.

Where else on the planet can you get really good crabcakes (no breadcrumb filler, all crabmeat) the size of hamburgers for $8.99? I get them to saute mine in olive oil instead of deep frying them.

Another comment which shows that not all chain restuarants are alike. The crabcakes at the Outback in Naples could be described as "all breadcrumb filler -- no crabmeat". Your idea of the olive oil is probably a good one, but you'd lose the fun of picking them up and squeezing the oil out of them like a sponge.

By the way we also once went to a brand new Outback in Blacksburg, Va. They tried to do my steak twice as rare. The first time it was very well done. The second time it was medium well (no pink). The second time I gave up. They took it off the menu and brought us a big dessert for free. Sorry, I know that makes a lot of people return for more. It made me want to seek out a different place that knows how to cook a steak, instead.

Duh. Obviously they didn't take the steak off the menu; I'm sure it's still on there. But they did take it off our BILL.

Patrick, I can't imagine these Outbacks you're talking about. Here around Raleigh, Outback's steaks are just as good (in fact, I prefer their filet) as Ruth's Chris, and put Longhorn's totally in the shade. I love Roy's also, eat there when I visit a city with one. The two restaurants are apples and oranges to me.......... and I like them both! The Coconut Shrimp at Outback is worth walking across hot coals for, I swear!

Well to each his own. But Outback serves only US CHOICE beef, never PRIME. And their steaks are fresh not DRY AGED. Maybe you like fresh choice steaks better than dry aged prime. I happen to feel there is a huge difference, and MUCH prefer a prime to choice and much prefer dry aged to fresh. Of course, I know I have to pay for the difference. You are indeed lucky to actually prefer the cheaper cuts. My bank account would prefer it if I did too. But again -- to each his own.

I've been to Roy's in Tampa just once and loved it. I had the Ahi tuna. I didn't see any children at that particular location, but from the previous posts, maybe other locations are "kid friendly".

Roys in Maui was wonderful. I've never heard of Outback Steak House, and never knew that Roys had branches all over the US. I've never seen any in the Marin or SF areas, but it sounds like I'm better left with my memories of the Roys in Maui.

I tried to go to the one in La Jolla for lunch a few months ago but was told they are only open for dinner. Is that true for all of their locations?

We've been to the Roy's in Maui, Pebble Beach and La Jolla. I saw kids at all of them (and took ours to the one in Pebble Beach). I love the melted chocolate cake! Also, it's nice to take children to someplace with cloth tablecloths that still has coloring books and crayons!

Calamari, Outback (ahem...OSI that is)does not offer lunch at any of their chains, Roys or otherwise. One of their corporate policies I believe.

GoTravel - I have to admit their crabcakes are pretty good but this is a very new item for the Outback near me. As much as I love shrimp, I hate coconut so I have never tried their coconut shrimp although I have heard that is pretty good as well.

Patrick - unfortunately I do not always have a choice since some of my family members and friends are extremely picky about where they eat and tend to only eat at chains and love Outback. If it was just hubby and myself, then I would not have to drown my food in alcohol. As another rare steak eater, I have feel your pain because the average steakhouse can not cook a proper rare steak which I find odd since it obivously takes far less time than a well done one (which I will not touch).

However, if I had my choice of steak places, I would choose Mortons or Bones in Atlanta. I prefer those to Ruth Chris or Chops.

joan, from my understanding there are some Outbacks that serve lunch but there are special circumstances surrounding. I know the two Outback Steakhouses in Midtown Manhattan not only serve lunch but also deliver.

Patrick, I swear I've never had the crabcakes with filler (I am in search of the perfect crabcake so I order them everywhere) but maybe my local one is better than where you've eaten? The sauteed in olive oil is ten times better.

Just had to comment. I love steak period and enjoy Morton's, Ruth Chris, Chicago Chop House etc, but I certainly don't mind Outback either. Neither of us cooks so we eat out for dinner 5 nights a week (plus lots of lunches) and we eat at Outback almost every Tuesday (yes we are predictable). See the difference is Outback for two people is $40 and Ruth Chris for two people is $120 big difference. Also we can come home from work and throw on jeans to zip over to Outback As for nicer restaurants we eat at those too about once a month but with all the other eating outing, it adds up. As for Roy's, we live in Jacksonville FL and they have a Roy's which I love having eaten there 3 times in two years but at over $130 for two people, it is one of our special occasion places. As for atmosphere and cuisine of Roy's, I have seen well-behaved children there early in the evening but not later on. Do not mistake it for an Outback in that it is not friendly, but I doubt they would ever turn a customer away with children. Also I would not call the food Asian fusion but more Hawaiian or Caribbean possibly with a Philippine flair. I had the most wonderful Mahi with a mango salsa last time and the pineapple dipped in coconut rum they hand you to "munch on" while reviewing the menu is out of sight (no to mention potent). LOL

Sunlover you hit upon something I wanted to mention but forgot to. In Atlanta, Roy's is considered Hawaiian fusion not Asian fusion and actually advertised as such. Also Sunlover, I do agree that cheaper steakhouses are fine to dine at and I do frequently. I just happen to dislike Outback. I do like Longhorn's though. Unfortunately it seems most of my friends disagree with me.