You know that stretch of Sunrise Highway where everything sort of blends together into a blur of strip malls and traffic lights? Right there in Merrick, tucked into the Hewlett Shopping Center, sits the local Outback Steakhouse. It's been a staple of the South Shore dining scene for years. Honestly, in an era where "fast-casual" is taking over everything and artisanal bistros are popping up in every corner of Long Island, there’s something almost nostalgic about seeing those giant Bloomin' Onion posters.
But let's be real for a second.
When you’re looking for a meal at Outback Steakhouse Merrick New York, you aren't exactly expecting a Michelin-star experience with foam and tweezers. You want a massive steak, a cold beer, and maybe a booth where you can actually hear the person sitting across from you.
Merrick is a specific kind of neighborhood. It’s family-oriented, slightly upscale but still grounded, and people here have zero patience for bad service. If a restaurant flops in this part of Nassau County, it doesn't last. The fact that this location has weathered the storm of the last few years—through lockdowns and skyrocketing beef prices—says something about its consistency.
The Merrick Vibe vs. The Corporate Standard
Walking into the Merrick location feels familiar. It’s got that dark wood, the boomerangs on the walls, and that specific scent of seared fat and seasoning. It’s cozy. Or maybe it’s just dark enough that you don't have to worry about how you look while dismantling a deep-fried onion.
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What makes the Outback Steakhouse Merrick New York spot stand out compared to, say, the one in Westbury or Bay Shore? It’s the crowd. On a Tuesday night, you’ll see local lacrosse coaches grabbing a quick bite, couples on a low-key date, and multi-generational families celebrating a random birthday. It feels more like a "neighborhood" spot than a corporate chain link.
Service here tends to be the deciding factor. Long Islanders are notoriously tough critics. If the bread doesn't come out warm or the steak is overcooked by a hair, the servers are going to hear about it. From what locals say, the staff at the Merrick branch generally handles the "South Shore intensity" pretty well. They’re fast. They’re usually friendly. Sometimes they’re slammed, especially during the Friday night rush when the wait times can crawl up to forty-five minutes.
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
Let's talk about the food without the marketing fluff.
The Bloomin' Onion is the undisputed king. It’s 1,600 calories of regret and glory. If you’re going to Outback Steakhouse Merrick New York, you're probably starting with this. Pro tip: ask for extra Bloom sauce. They usually give you one little cup, but you need at least two to get through the center of that thing.
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- The Victoria’s Filet Mignon: This is usually the safest bet. It’s tender. It’s consistent. If you want a steak that won’t give your jaw a workout, this is it.
- The Ribeye: Now, if you want flavor, you go ribeye. Just know that Outback’s "marbling" can be hit or miss. Sometimes it’s a perfect cut; other times, you’re fighting a bit of gristle.
- The Bread: It’s free. It’s brown. It’s slightly sweet. Honestly, most of us are just there for the honey butter.
Don't bother with the salads as a main. You're at a steakhouse. Getting a Caesar salad here is like going to a concert just to listen to the soundcheck. It’s fine, but it’s not why you paid the cover charge. Also, the "Aussie Fries" are great if you eat them within the first four minutes. After that, the cheese congeals into a sort of yellow plasticky blanket. Eat fast.
Navigating the Logistics of Sunrise Highway
Parking in Merrick is a sport. The Hewlett Shopping Center—where Outback is located at 2124 Sunrise Hwy—can be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours. You’ve got people darting into the other shops, and the layout isn't exactly generous. If you're heading there for dinner on a weekend, give yourself an extra ten minutes just to find a spot that isn't a mile away.
Accessibility is standard. It's all ground level, so wheelchairs and strollers aren't an issue.
One thing people get wrong about Outback Steakhouse Merrick New York is thinking they can just walk in at 7:00 PM on a Saturday. Use the app. Use the "Join the Waitlist" feature before you even leave your house. It saves you from standing in that cramped entryway staring at the kitchen doors like a hungry ghost.
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The Economics of Dining in Nassau County
Eating out isn't cheap anymore. A dinner for two in Merrick can easily cross the $100 mark once you add a couple of drinks and a dessert. However, compared to the high-end steakhouses in Garden City or Roslyn, Outback remains a "budget-friendly" luxury.
They do a lot of promotions. The "Walkabout Wednesday" or the seasonal steak-and-lobster specials are usually where the value is. If you're a veteran or a first responder, they offer a 10% discount through their "Heroes" program. It’s a small gesture, but in an expensive town like Merrick, every little bit helps.
Why Consistency Matters
There’s a comfort in knowing exactly what your food will taste like. Whether you're in Merrick, NY, or Sydney, Australia (well, maybe not Sydney, they actually have real food there), a center-cut sirloin seasoned with those "17 secret spices" is going to hit the same notes. For families with picky kids, this is a lifesaver. You know the mac and cheese won't have "weird green bits" in it.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head over to the Merrick Outback anytime soon, here is how to make the most of it without the headache.
- Download the App: Seriously. The loyalty program actually pays off after a few visits, and the remote check-in is mandatory for weekends.
- Check the Hours: They typically open at 11:00 AM or noon and close around 10:00 PM (11:00 PM on weekends). Don't show up at 9:55 PM; the kitchen staff wants to go home, and your steak will show that.
- Order the "Bold" Seasoning: If you find their food a bit salty, ask for "light seasoning." If you want the full experience, stick with the classic Outback style.
- Curbside Pickup: If the parking lot is a mess, their curbside takeaway is actually one of the better-organized systems in the area. They have designated spots and usually get the bag to your window pretty quickly.
The Outback Steakhouse Merrick New York isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a place for a solid meal, a loud laugh with friends, and a Bloomin' Onion that you'll definitely talk about tomorrow morning at the gym. It’s reliable, and in a world that’s constantly changing, sometimes "reliable" is exactly what you need for dinner.