Queens Tribune

88-01 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst
(718) 760-7200
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Mon – Thurs.;
4-11 p.m. Fri.; noon to 11 p.m.
Sat.; noon to 9:30 p.m. Sun.
Parking: Lot (Paid), Street

As the adage goes, the three most important factors in real estate are location, location and location. For Outback Steakhouse, its location seems to feed it an unending stream of hungry shoppers flowing through Queens Place, the home of the former Macy’s that now houses Target and other shops on Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst. After all, to get to target (other than by elevator) you have to go past the entrance to Outback, with its tempting smells luring even the non-carnivores for a bite.

On a recent weekend at lunchtime, tables filled quickly as we were quickly waited upon. Drink orders were taken and we were left with a pile of menus, a book of drink ideas and a child’s coloring booklet (complete with Crayola crayons – not some cheap imitation).

Though we had eaten there a few times in the last year, this was going to be a challenge. It was going to be hard to not order the signature Bloomin’ Onion, Kookaburra Wings, Baby Back Ribs or Boomerang Shrimp – all of which are true classics of the Aussie franchise.

No, today was to be simple, no fuss, no worries.

We started with an order of the Coral Reef Crab Dip before settling on our entrees. This was to be a simple lunch, not extravagant, and to make up for a lack of breakfast from our late-start morning, so the three of us spilt the appetizer. The dip was creamy and cheesy, with chunks of crab meat and came with toasted honey wheat bread that’s absolutely delish.

My daughter went simple; she had one of the “Joey Meals” for kids – Grilled Cheese-A-Roo and Aussie Fries (I’m sure you can guess the translation). My wife, who usually picks from either the mid-size seafood menu or a burger, went with the Chicken Caesar Salad – which came in a huge bowl and had a great contrast between the hot grilled chicken and the cold of the creamy dressing.

I’m a burger fan, and when I saw that Outback had a new burger, rather than try creating my own I went with the Hickory Burger, which is a simple bacon cheeseburger with sautéed onions, mayo, lettuce, tomato, smoked cheddar and a hickory barbecue sauce – yum.

We passed on dessert, but certain treats like the Cinnamon Apple Oblivion and the Chocolate Chocolate Tower will have to wait until my next trip back.

Outback is a great stop from a busy day shopping, a destination when you want comfort food or simply a place to hang out with friends, enjoy a pint and feast on some wings while watching a game. Enjoy!