Brian Nagele
You’ve probably heard of Applebee’s if you enjoy eating at casual restaurants. This American restaurant chain has more than 1,800 outlets across the globe and has been in business since the 1980s. Even so, there are a few things you should be aware of before visiting an Applebee’s restaurant.
The caliber of Applebee’s food is one of the biggest complaints. Some clients have complained that the food is overdone, uninteresting, or just not worth the price.
The menu is additionally frequently criticized for being excessively broad and unfocused, with an abundance of subpar choices.
It may be challenging to select an activity you’ll genuinely appreciate as a result.
The nutritional content of Applebee’s menu items is another problem. A challenge for people wanting to eat properly is that many of the dishes are rich in calories, fat, and sodium.
The Oriental Chicken Salad Wrap, for instance, has a whopping 1,810 calories and 2,690 mg of salt, which is higher than the average person’s recommended daily intake.
You might want to stay away from particular menu items if you’re attempting to maintain a healthy weight or consume a balanced diet.
The Menu at Applebee’s
The menu at Applebee’s is stocked with traditional American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and steaks.
The menu does, however, also provide some less-than-healthy options. The following considerations should be made while placing an order at Applebee’s:
- Calorie counts can be high: Some menu items at Applebee’s can be quite high in calories, fat, and sodium. For example, the Oriental Chicken Salad Wrap contains 1,810 calories, 109 g of fat, and 2,690 mg of sodium. The Quesadilla Burger is another high-calorie option, with 1,650 calories and 108 g of fat.
- Fried foods are common: Many of the appetizers and entrees at Applebee’s are fried, which can add a lot of calories and fat to your meal. For example, the Classic Wings contain 1,020 calories and 82 g of fat, while the Boneless Wings have 1,130 calories and 84 g of fat.
- Healthy options are available: While there are certainly some less-than-healthy items on the menu at Applebee’s, there are also some healthier options. For example, the Grilled Chicken Breast has just 200 calories and 4 g of fat, while the Cedar Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze has 470 calories and 22 g of fat.
- Special deals can be tempting: Applebee’s often runs special deals on certain menu items, such as all-you-can-eat riblets or endless appetizers. While these deals can be tempting, they can also lead you to overeat and consume more calories than you intended.
In general, it’s crucial to pay attention to what you order at Applebee’s. There are several delicious alternatives on the menu, but many of them are also quite calorie, fat, and sodium-rich.
You can still eat at Applebee’s without going overboard if you stick to healthier alternatives and moderate portion sizes.
Applebee’s Service
Customers have generally had unfavorable things to say about the service at Applebee’s.
Many people have complained about the delayed service, the staff’s lack of professionalism, and the errors in their orders.
The food taking too long to get to the table is one of the most typical complaints.
Others may find this frustrating, especially if they are in a rush or have other arrangements after their dinner, even though other customers may be happy to wait longer for their meal.
Customers have also complained about staff workers acting in an unprofessional or unpleasant manner.
This can involve encountering unhelpful or unresponsive staff members as well as being ignored or handled unfairly by servers.
Additionally, some customers have claimed receiving the incorrect food or having their food prepared improperly when they placed their orders.
Even though errors can occur in any restaurant, patrons with special dietary needs or expectations may find it upsetting.
Overall, while some customers have enjoyed their interactions with Applebee’s staff, others have had problems with delayed service, rude conduct, and incorrect orders.
It may be beneficial to keep these potential problems in mind and make plans appropriately if you are thinking about having dinner at Applebee’s.
Ambiance and Environment
You’ll note that an Applebee’s restaurant’s decor is intended to be cozy and welcoming with dim lighting, dark wood paneling, and plush seats when you come in.
However, some customers have complained that the atmosphere can occasionally be too frantic and loud, particularly during busy hours.
Conversations can be challenging due to the noise level, which can ruin the dining experience.
Customers have also mentioned that the surroundings can appear neglected and unclean. There could be sticky tables, soiled floors, and poorly maintained restrooms.
Even if this might not always be the case, it’s vital to remember that the cleanliness of the restaurant can greatly affect your dining experience.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Applebee’s is a chain restaurant, so the atmosphere and décor are intended to be the same at every location.
When seeking for a familiar dining experience, this might be comforting, but it can also make the restaurant seem impersonal and generic.
Overall, depending on the location and time of day, Applebee’s atmosphere and surroundings might be good or bad.
Although the style is meant to be welcoming, some guests may have problems with the noise level and cleanliness.
Price and Value
Price and value are always top-of-mind considerations while dining out. Since Applebee’s pricing have just gone up, you might be unsure if it’s worthwhile to eat there.
Understanding the value you receive for your money is crucial, though.
Let’s start by looking at the menu. From appetizers to meals to desserts, Applebee’s menu is diverse.
While some may complain that the selection is small, it’s crucial to remember that the chain recently reduced the size of its menu to concentrate on its best-selling dishes.
This implies that the food you do order will probably be more consistently and of greater quality.
Let’s move on to talking about portion amounts. You receive more food for your money at Applebee’s because of its reputation for large quantities.
If you’re not careful, this could also result in overeating and food waste.
The complete dining experience is a different consideration. Since Applebee’s is a franchise of casual restaurants, you won’t be paying for upscale ambiance or service.
The franchise does, however, provide a cozy and laid-back ambiance, which makes it a fantastic choice for a casual night out with friends or family.
Overall, Applebee’s offers value for your money even though it may not be the cheapest option available.
It’s a great option for a casual eating experience thanks to its large portion sizes, concentrated cuisine, and welcoming setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Applebee’s food healthy?
Applebee’s offers a variety of dishes, but not all of them are healthy. Some of the menu items are high in calories, sodium, and fat. For example, the Prime Rib Dipper contains 1,370 calories, 71g of fat, and 4,060mg of sodium. This dish alone exceeds the recommended daily intake of calories, fat, and sodium for an adult. If you’re looking for healthier options, Applebee’s does offer a “Lighter Fare” menu that includes dishes with fewer calories and less fat.
Can I get a discount at Applebee’s?
Applebee’s occasionally offers discounts and promotions, such as happy hour specials or discounted gift cards. However, be cautious of websites or ads that offer free or heavily discounted gift cards, as they may be scams. Applebee’s gift cards are not free, and you should never give out your gift card information to strangers who claim to be in need.
Is Applebee’s family-friendly?
Applebee’s used to be known as a family-friendly restaurant, but in recent years, the chain has shifted its focus to appeal to a younger, more adult crowd. While Applebee’s still welcomes families, the atmosphere may not be as kid-friendly as it once was. If you’re looking for a restaurant that caters specifically to families, there may be other options that better suit your needs.
Can I customize my order at Applebee’s?
Yes, Applebee’s allows you to customize your order to meet your dietary restrictions or preferences. You can ask for substitutions or modifications to dishes, such as removing cheese or swapping out a side dish. However, keep in mind that some modifications may come with an additional cost, and not all requests may be accommodated.
Is Applebee’s a good value?
The value of a meal at Applebee’s depends on your personal preferences and budget. Some menu items may be more expensive than others, and the quality of the food may vary depending on location. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal, you may want to consider the “2 for $20” menu or other promotions that offer a lower-priced meal for two people.
Conclusion
In general, Applebee’s has had difficulty in recent years as a result of a number of causes, including shifting consumer preferences, heightened competition, and blunders in the company’s menu and marketing plans.
The chain has tried to rebrand itself and target a younger audience, but it has struggled to do so without losing its core clientele.
It’s vital to evaluate some of the potential downsides if you’re thinking of eating at Applebee’s. These consist of:
- Inconsistent quality: Some customers have reported that the food and service at Applebee’s can be hit or miss, with some locations providing a better experience than others.
- High calorie and sodium content: Many of the menu items at Applebee’s are high in calories, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. If you are watching your diet, you may want to be cautious about what you order.
- Limited vegetarian and vegan options: While Applebee’s has made some efforts to include more plant-based options on its menu, there are still relatively few choices for those who do not eat meat or dairy.
- Lack of uniqueness: Some critics have argued that Applebee’s lacks a distinct identity or personality, and that its menu and atmosphere are too generic to stand out from other casual dining chains.
we love Applebee’s in Palmhurst, Tx. Not far from our RV park, good food and awesome waiters. ????
Most of what I read, you already know if you have visited Applebee’s before. However, my chief complaint is that my children purchased me numerous gift cards for that restaurant, as they know we have one close by. However, our Applebee’s repeatedly states that their computers are down and they are not accepting gift cards. Come on!!! Computers down every time you go in????? I will no longer patronize unless I initially ask if they are accepting the cards. Covid only exasperated the problem. Cash flow is apparently a problem!
We went to McKinley Applebees one month ago. The table was so sticky that I had to take my other hand to lift the menu off. I told the waitress at the time and she said, “ Must be the new cleaner
we purchased”. That was it. As she was bringing over our coffee, I said before you put the cups down, “Would you please wipe off our table”? She proceeded to wipe our table with a nasty look. It was still
very sticky after she wiped it.
The food was ok, but waitress got busy and never asked us for refills or if we wanted anything else.
We were very disappointed at the service.
If we don’t return, I hope you understand.