[bsloan1960]

Beginning 15 years ago we'd go often- always a GREAT meal. We stopped going for a while, and when we began to go again 5 years ago the food was awful- like what you'd expect from a Chain that figured out how to maximize profit and minimize quality. I'm not at all surprised that people are reporting underwhelming food there.

Originally Posted by DBaty

We had dinner there last Saturday evening around 7:30. It was a terrible experience. I ordered an 18 ounce bone-in ribeye ($32). The steak I received had a bone of no more than 2 inches and at least a third of the steak was a big blob of fat. When I asked for the manager, I was told "ok, we will get you another one." No apology. The replacement steak that I received looked like a bone-in ribeye but was only about 1/2 thick and also had a huge blob of fat - almost 4 inches in diameter. And the steak had little flavor. It was worse than a cheap breakfast steak you get at a low quality diner. And then the service. It too was terrible. We ordered drinks from our waiter. Three of the 4 drinks arrived via another server. We told him one of the drinks was omitted. About 10 minutes later, I summoned a bus boy and asked for our waiter because we were missing a drink. The drink arrived about 10 minutes later, just before our meals were served. Then we never saw our waiter again until he brought the check. I am forgiving on challenged service when a restaurant is real busy, I can excuse substandard service. But the place was only about 3/4 full. Overall an unacceptable experience and a "never return."

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Risuli

USDA Prime? I've yet to see prime cuts at Publix. They have only been USDA Choice.

This brings up a question I've had since moving here a couple of years ago. With all the cattle raised in and around the Villages, why are there no actual butcher shops to be found? Closest thing to a butcher shop is Fresh Market but nothing else.

I buy USDA Prime filet mignons at Publix. I shop at the Colony Plaza store often, and when they have them (usually 2-3 times per week), I buy them and freeze them. I never run out.

I have checked all of the high end restaurant menus in the area, and none of them sell a USDA Prime filet mignon, except Ruth Chris. This includes Chophouse, Mark's, and Prime 3.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Risuli

USDA Prime? I've yet to see prime cuts at Publix. They have only been USDA Choice.

This brings up a question I've had since moving here a couple of years ago. With all the cattle raised in and around the Villages, why are there no actual butcher shops to be found? Closest thing to a butcher shop is Fresh Market but nothing else.

To butcher what, Florida beef? I wouldn't waste my time, personally, it's just not the same quality.

[jimhoward]

Amongst the big chain Steak Houses, I think Ruth Chris and Capital grill are equally good. But they are 35 miles+ away. A prime bone-in ribeye costs about $89 ala carte. You might then add a salad and some sides and a drink.

The villages is a working class retirement community. Putting aside occasions, people mostly go to dinner where the prices are cheap. I know I do. Restaurants sell the lowest possible quality steaks, and season them so you can't taste the meat anyway. They operate with minimal staff. But they sell steaks for only $32. So we go.

Once in a while a pleasant surprise happens and the meal is great, not usually.

[elle123]

Originally Posted by DBaty

We had dinner there last Saturday evening around 7:30. It was a terrible experience. I ordered an 18 ounce bone-in ribeye ($32). The steak I received had a bone of no more than 2 inches and at least a third of the steak was a big blob of fat. When I asked for the manager, I was told "ok, we will get you another one." No apology. The replacement steak that I received looked like a bone-in ribeye but was only about 1/2 thick and also had a huge blob of fat - almost 4 inches in diameter. And the steak had little flavor. It was worse than a cheap breakfast steak you get at a low quality diner. And then the service. It too was terrible. We ordered drinks from our waiter. Three of the 4 drinks arrived via another server. We told him one of the drinks was omitted. About 10 minutes later, I summoned a bus boy and asked for our waiter because we were missing a drink. The drink arrived about 10 minutes later, just before our meals were served. Then we never saw our waiter again until he brought the check. I am forgiving on challenged service when a restaurant is real busy, I can excuse substandard service. But the place was only about 3/4 full. Overall an unacceptable experience and a "never return."

What do you expect--it's Outback. No one who demands a good piece of meat and attentive service would eat there.

[RustyandEthel]

This is probably what happened in the kitchen.

https://youtu.be/SKi1-e8R9RA?si=wuMWX40Ku--BpS77

[Michael 61]

Grilling your own will generally always deliver far superior results to what you get in most restaurants. (And will be much more economical ). I will rarely order a steak when dining out.

[paulajr]

Ribeye ALWAYS is a fatty cut…

Originally Posted by DBaty

We had dinner there last Saturday evening around 7:30. It was a terrible experience. I ordered an 18 ounce bone-in ribeye ($32). The steak I received had a bone of no more than 2 inches and at least a third of the steak was a big blob of fat. When I asked for the manager, I was told "ok, we will get you another one." No apology. The replacement steak that I received looked like a bone-in ribeye but was only about 1/2 thick and also had a huge blob of fat - almost 4 inches in diameter. And the steak had little flavor. It was worse than a cheap breakfast steak you get at a low quality diner. And then the service. It too was terrible. We ordered drinks from our waiter. Three of the 4 drinks arrived via another server. We told him one of the drinks was omitted. About 10 minutes later, I summoned a bus boy and asked for our waiter because we were missing a drink. The drink arrived about 10 minutes later, just before our meals were served. Then we never saw our waiter again until he brought the check. I am forgiving on challenged service when a restaurant is real busy, I can excuse substandard service. But the place was only about 3/4 full. Overall an unacceptable experience and a "never return."

[paulajr]

We purchase all of our quality beef at HM Cattle in Webster. Order online and pick up Saturday at Brownwood. Delicious!

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I buy USDA Prime filet mignons at Publix. I shop at the Colony Plaza store often, and when they have them (usually 2-3 times per week), I buy them and freeze them. I never run out.

I have checked all of the high end restaurant menus in the area, and none of them sell a USDA Prime filet mignon, except Ruth Chris. This includes Chophouse, Mark's, and Prime 3.

[PhilR]

Charley’s does a nice job. Berns, if you’re up for scheduling 2 mos out

[merrymini]

Outback is ixnay. Way too spicy and salty. A fine steak should never taste that way.

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by DBaty

We had dinner there last Saturday evening around 7:30. It was a terrible experience. I ordered an 18 ounce bone-in ribeye ($32). The steak I received had a bone of no more than 2 inches and at least a third of the steak was a big blob of fat. When I asked for the manager, I was told "ok, we will get you another one." No apology. The replacement steak that I received looked like a bone-in ribeye but was only about 1/2 thick and also had a huge blob of fat - almost 4 inches in diameter. And the steak had little flavor. It was worse than a cheap breakfast steak you get at a low quality diner. And then the service. It too was terrible. We ordered drinks from our waiter. Three of the 4 drinks arrived via another server. We told him one of the drinks was omitted. About 10 minutes later, I summoned a bus boy and asked for our waiter because we were missing a drink. The drink arrived about 10 minutes later, just before our meals were served. Then we never saw our waiter again until he brought the check. I am forgiving on challenged service when a restaurant is real busy, I can excuse substandard service. But the place was only about 3/4 full. Overall an unacceptable experience and a "never return."

We have eaten there twice and had a good meal and service. One bad experience should never preclude you from going back but that is your choice.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by JRcorvette

We have eaten there twice and had a good meal and service. One bad experience should never preclude you from going back but that is your choice.

Generally will agree but every once in awhile a restaurant out does itself in making me a former customer.

[Driller703]

Originally Posted by DBaty

We had dinner there last Saturday evening around 7:30. It was a terrible experience. I ordered an 18 ounce bone-in ribeye ($32). The steak I received had a bone of no more than 2 inches and at least a third of the steak was a big blob of fat. When I asked for the manager, I was told "ok, we will get you another one." No apology. The replacement steak that I received looked like a bone-in ribeye but was only about 1/2 thick and also had a huge blob of fat - almost 4 inches in diameter. And the steak had little flavor. It was worse than a cheap breakfast steak you get at a low quality diner. And then the service. It too was terrible. We ordered drinks from our waiter. Three of the 4 drinks arrived via another server. We told him one of the drinks was omitted. About 10 minutes later, I summoned a bus boy and asked for our waiter because we were missing a drink. The drink arrived about 10 minutes later, just before our meals were served. Then we never saw our waiter again until he brought the check. I am forgiving on challenged service when a restaurant is real busy, I can excuse substandard service. But the place was only about 3/4 full. Overall an unacceptable experience and a "never return."

So I need to know this why?

[Sandy and Ed]

Wife an I went @ 3pm and sat at bar. Ordered a medium sized strip with baked potato. Not bad. Barkeep knew how to make a great perfect gin martini served up with olives. Not crowded and service was good. We try never to go to a dinner during regular hours in the crazy snowbird season.