This Outback Sister Restaurant Offers A More Refined Steakhouse Experience

There's definitely something to be said about an affordable night out at a casual steakhouse; but sometimes, you crave an elevated experience and superior product. Outback Steakhouse is a favorite with casual diners, and we were intrigued when we discovered that Bloomin' Brands, Outback's parent company, also owns Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Per the company's own branding page, Fleming's is a contemporary steakhouse with a focus on wine, presentation, and high-quality beef.

Scouring the internet for reviews on Fleming's, we see that customers from coast to coast claim to be impressed by the restaurant's panache. "Flemings is our favorite restaurant for celebrations, like my 50th anniversary of passing the bar. From the moment we walked in, this steakhouse delivered a masterclass in culinary excellence and hospitality," stated one patron of a Colorado location on TripAdvisor. 

"I'm a cook so I'm kinda hard on restaurants but this place got an A++ from me," raved one Virginia customer on Facebook, going on to praise the filet and caviar service. On Yelp, a customer had similar kind words for the vibe at a Florida outlet of Fleming's: "Absolutely 5 stars! Service, food and ambiance were fantastic! [...] Everything was cooked to perfection and great flavor. Highly recommend!"

While the origin story of Outback Steakhouse starts in Tampa, Florida, Fleming's came to be way across the country — in Newport Beach, California. Nowadays, the chain sports over 65 locations, but maintains its Golden State roots with a focus on Napa Valley wines and the same warm hospitality emphasized by its founders, Paul Fleming and Bill Allen. 

Those who are lucky enough to dine frequently at high-end steakhouses may know why steak tastes better at a restaurant than at home. Premium cuts of beef, dry-aged to perfection; superior cooking equipment; and, of course, professional cooking techniques. Not to mention white-glove service, and the little extras like warm bread. To listen to the press that Fleming's puts out, its big selling point is the ambiance. Customers, however, frequently mention the fact that, while the Fleming's menu is not long on surprises, it executes classic steakhouse fare surpassingly well.

A look at the menu reveals that steak lovers will be spoiled for choice with the wide array of quality beef on display. Wagyu beef gets its own section, while the parade of USDA Prime steaks is nothing to sniff at, either — the beloved tomahawk cut is featured, along with ribeye and filet mignon choices both boneless and bone-in. And that's barely scratching the surface. It sounds to us like Fleming's is the kind of steakhouse where you can be useful to your server, and let them guide you through the menu.