Outback Steakhouse

[missceliac2010]

Hey all. I am new to gluten-free, as most know. I finally had the guts to go out to eat today, not once, but twice! Well, the first time was "cheating" because it was a gluten-free specialty bakery here in Oakland, CA. But the second place was more of a fluke than anything. We were meeting a friend for drinks at another chain restaurant, and I saw the Outback in the same parking lot. I knew they had a gluten free menu from posts on here, so I suggested we go there instead. My bf and friend agreed, and we went in. I asked for the gluten-free menu, and they didn't bat an eye! She handed it to me, and our waitress knew exactly what gluten-free was! I was impressed!

The menu is extensive, and even includes warnings like "don't use the sauce, order without sauce, don't order this kind of dressing...etc." I was impressed! We were mainly there for drinks, so I was pleased to see a gluten-free drink menu on there too! I ordered the margarita, on the rocks (thinking the blender might be CC'd). Our waitress said "you don't want the salt on the glass rim, that could be CC'd!" Again, impressed!

I had 2 margaritas successfully! Then my bf was hungry, so we decided to order the Ahi from the appetizer menu. It came and looked yummy! Seared ahi is very close to sushi, but they cook it breifly, just long enough to brown the outside and leave the inside raw. The outside was covered in a delicious peppered rub, which they claimed was gluten-free. I was hesitant, but I dove in! I had 2 pieces of Ahi tuna and it was yum! It's been hours, and I still feel great, so I did not get glutened! I am very excited! It's been a big day for me! And I still feel great.

I'm so happy my first experience with eating out was a good one. I don't think it will always be that way, but I wanted to make sure I gave props to the Outback Steakhouse in Pinole, CA. They know their stuff!

[jerseyangel]

I'm glad you had such a positive experience there. I have never had a problem at Outback--the 3 locations that I have been to (in 3 different states) were all very Celiac savvy.

[GlutenFreeManna]

I'm so glad you had a great experience! The restaurants with the gluten free menus are almost always easier and safer. I've heard many good stories about Outback but I haven't been to one yet. Just be sure you still ask questions at other places because they may not train their employees as well as that Outback does.

[Skylark]

I love Outback. It's the only place I feel safe eating barbecue sauce.

[Takala]

Mariposa's on Telegraph in Oakland. Lemon bars to die for. Bagels.

good thing it's a bit of a drive.....

[CeliacAndCfsCrusader]

Outback is still my favorite "go to" restaurant. Never an issue, probably 12 times eating there since diagnosis.

Love PF Chang's and Pei Wei.

Chipotle is still my favorite, never cc'd, have eaten there 2x week for 3 years (CO locations are very clean, maybe not as clean elsewhere).

Congrat's on being adventurous! It's a learning process, but you'll adjust.

[missceliac2010]

Mariposa's on Telegraph in Oakland. Lemon bars to die for. Bagels.

good thing it's a bit of a drive.....

Thank you so much!! We will go there this weekend! It's close for me...ut o!

((hugs)) to my fellow bay area Celiac Gal!

[BethM55]

The Outback in Daly City on Gellert has been a successful dining out experience for me twice. I would feel comfortable eating there again.

We had dinner tonight at BJ's at the Tanforan shopping center in Colma? Daly City? Not sure what city it's in! So far so good. My dinner, a stuffed baked potato ordered from their gluten free menu, was quite tasty, and was placed on top of waxed paper on the plate. They have gluten-free beer, but I didn't want it tonight.