Applebee’s. It’s practically an American institution. That familiar neon apple beckons from countless corners across the nation, promising a casual dining experience with a menu as vast as the open road. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after work, catching up with friends, or simply looking for a reliable meal on a budget, Applebee’s is often the go-to choice. But with such a sprawling menu, navigating the options can feel overwhelming. Are those boneless wings really as good as everyone says? Is the steak worth the splurge? And what about that dessert sampler?
This article aims to be your definitive guide to the Applebee’s experience. We’re diving deep into the menu, offering honest and comprehensive Applebee’s food reviews, to help you make informed decisions and maximize your next visit. Consider this your cheat sheet, your trusted companion in the land of casual dining.
While Applebee’s boasts a diverse and appealing array of dishes, quality can sometimes be inconsistent. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide, meticulously examining a wide range of menu items, from appetizers to entrees to desserts. We’ll spotlight the standout dishes that are consistently delicious and worth your hard-earned dollars, and we’ll also point out the items that might be best left on the menu. This isn’t about bashing a beloved restaurant; it’s about providing helpful and honest insights, so you can enjoy the best that Applebee’s has to offer.
How These Applebee’s Food Reviews Were Compiled
To ensure a balanced and comprehensive assessment, these Applebee’s food reviews draw upon a variety of sources. We’ve incorporated personal experiences from numerous visits to different Applebee’s locations, as well as aggregated data from online reviews across multiple platforms, including Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews. We’ve also considered feedback from informal surveys conducted with regular Applebee’s patrons.
The criteria for judging each dish were based on several key factors: taste (obviously!), quality of ingredients, presentation, value for money, and overall enjoyment. We considered whether the dish lived up to its description, whether the flavors were balanced and appealing, and whether the portion size justified the price.
It’s important to acknowledge that taste is subjective, and experiences can vary depending on location and preparation. While we’ve strived for objectivity, these Applebee’s food reviews represent our best effort to provide accurate and helpful guidance. We encourage you to consider these reviews as a starting point for your own culinary exploration of the Applebee’s menu.
The Best of Applebee’s: Menu Winners That Shine
Let’s start with the stars of the show – the dishes that consistently earn rave reviews and are practically guaranteed to satisfy. These are the menu items that keep people coming back to Applebee’s time and time again.
Boneless Wings: A Classic for a Reason
Applebee’s boneless wings are a quintessential appetizer for sharing (or not!). These tender, bite-sized pieces of breaded chicken are available in a variety of sauces, from classic honey BBQ to fiery buffalo. The key to their appeal lies in the crispy coating and the flavorful sauces. The honey BBQ is a crowd-pleaser, offering a sweet and smoky balance, while the buffalo sauce delivers a satisfying kick.
- Pros: Crispy, flavorful, and available in a wide range of sauces. Perfect for sharing and a great value.
- Cons: Can sometimes be slightly greasy.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Anyone who enjoys wings, whether you prefer sweet or spicy flavors.
- Recommendation: Highly recommended. A must-try appetizer.
Chicken Fajita Rollup: Portable and Packed with Flavor
This handheld delight is a hidden gem on the Applebee’s menu. Grilled chicken, melted cheese, and a vibrant mix of sautéed vegetables are wrapped in a warm tortilla and grilled to perfection. The result is a portable and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. The fajita seasoning adds a smoky depth, and the creamy sauce provides a welcome richness.
- Pros: Convenient, flavorful, and well-balanced. A great option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Cons: Can be slightly messy to eat.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those looking for a lighter but flavorful meal. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
- Recommendation: Highly recommended.
Bourbon Street Chicken + Shrimp: A Symphony of Sweet and Savory
This entree is a long-time favorite for a reason. Grilled chicken and shrimp are glazed with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce and served atop a bed of crispy fried potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The bourbon sauce adds a touch of sophistication, while the potatoes provide a satisfying crunch.
- Pros: Flavorful, well-balanced, and satisfying. A great value for the price.
- Cons: Can be a bit heavy on the sauce.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those who enjoy sweet and savory flavor combinations.
- Recommendation: Highly recommended. A reliable and delicious choice.
Oriental Chicken Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Option
For a lighter and more refreshing option, the Oriental Chicken Salad is a solid choice. Crispy fried chicken, shredded cabbage, lettuce, almonds, and crispy noodles are tossed in a tangy oriental dressing. The combination of textures and flavors is surprisingly addictive.
- Pros: Light, refreshing, and flavorful. A great option for a lighter meal.
- Cons: Can be a bit high in calories depending on the dressing.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those looking for a lighter and more refreshing meal option.
- Recommendation: Recommended. A good choice for a satisfying salad.
Brew Pub Pretzels and Beer Cheese Dip: The Perfect Pairing
Soft, warm pretzel sticks served with a creamy and flavorful beer cheese dip. Need we say more? This appetizer is the perfect comfort food and a great way to start your meal. The pretzels are soft and chewy, and the beer cheese dip is rich and savory.
- Pros: Delicious, shareable, and comforting. A great appetizer for any occasion.
- Cons: Can be a bit heavy.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Anyone who enjoys pretzels and cheese.
- Recommendation: Highly Recommended. A classic appetizer that never disappoints.
The Middle Ground: Dishes That Are Okay (But Not Amazing)
These dishes are perfectly acceptable and won’t leave you feeling disappointed, but they don’t quite reach the heights of the “Best Of” category. They’re reliable options when you’re not feeling adventurous, but don’t expect to be blown away.
Classic Cheeseburger: A Standard Burger Experience
The Classic Cheeseburger is exactly what it sounds like: a standard cheeseburger with all the usual fixings. It’s a decent burger, but it lacks the wow factor of some of the other menu items. The patty is typically cooked to order, and the toppings are fresh, but the overall experience is just average.
- Pros: Reliable, customizable, and generally well-prepared.
- Cons: Lacks excitement and can be somewhat bland.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those who are craving a simple and straightforward burger.
- Recommendation: Recommended. A decent option if you’re not looking for anything fancy.
Fiesta Lime Chicken: A Decent but Not Dazzling Dish
Grilled chicken breast topped with a zesty lime sauce, rice, and pico de gallo. The flavors are there, but the execution can sometimes be inconsistent. The chicken can be dry, and the lime sauce can be overpowering.
- Pros: Flavorful and relatively healthy.
- Cons: Can be dry and the sauce can be too strong.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those looking for a slightly healthier option with a zesty flavor profile.
- Recommendation: Recommended with reservations. Order with extra sauce on the side.
Chicken Tenders Basket: A Simple and Satisfying Option
Crispy chicken tenders served with fries and your choice of dipping sauce. A simple and satisfying meal, but nothing particularly special. The tenders are typically well-cooked and the fries are decent, but the overall experience is fairly unremarkable.
- Pros: Crispy, satisfying, and a good value.
- Cons: Nothing special and can be a bit bland.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those who enjoy classic comfort food. A good option for kids.
- Recommendation: Recommended. A safe bet for a quick and easy meal.
Shrimp Wonton Stir-Fry: An Interesting But Not Amazing Stir-Fry
This stir-fry features shrimp, vegetables, and wonton noodles tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. While the ingredients are fresh and the presentation is appealing, the overall flavor profile can be somewhat underwhelming.
- Pros: Fresh ingredients and an interesting flavor combination.
- Cons: Can be bland and the sauce can be too sweet.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those looking for a unique stir-fry experience.
- Recommendation: Recommended with reservations.
The Misses: Dishes to Potentially Avoid
These are the dishes that have consistently received negative feedback and are best avoided, or at least approached with caution. These are the menu items that are more likely to disappoint than delight.
Steaks: A Gamble That’s Often Not Worth It
While Applebee’s offers a selection of steaks, the quality can be incredibly inconsistent. Some customers report receiving perfectly cooked and flavorful steaks, while others complain of tough, overcooked, or under-seasoned cuts of meat. Ordering a steak at Applebee’s is often a gamble that’s not worth taking, especially considering the price.
- Pros: Potential for a decent steak at a reasonable price.
- Cons: Inconsistent quality, often overcooked or under-seasoned.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those who are feeling lucky and are willing to take a risk.
- Recommendation: Not Recommended. Choose a different entree.
Some Pasta Dishes: Often Bland and Uninspired
Some of Applebee’s pasta dishes tend to suffer from a lack of flavor and inspiration. Overcooked noodles, bland sauces, and a general lack of attention to detail can leave you feeling unsatisfied. There are far better options on the menu.
- Pros: Affordable and filling.
- Cons: Often bland, overcooked, and uninspired.
- Who This Dish Is Good For: Those on a very tight budget and aren’t concerned about flavor.
- Recommendation: Not Recommended. Choose a different entree.
Appetizers, Sides, and Desserts: A Quick Look
The Mozzarella sticks are a passable appetizer. The best side item is the garlic mashed potatoes. Avoid the dry coleslaw. For dessert, the brownie bite is a good choice.
Drinks
Applebee’s offers a wide array of cocktails, including their signature Long Island Iced Tea. They also have non-alcoholic options such as lemonade and sodas.
Value and Overall Experience
Applebee’s typically offers good value, especially with their regular deals and promotions. The ambiance is casual and family-friendly, and the service is generally attentive.
In Conclusion
Navigating the Applebee’s menu can be a bit of a challenge, but with this guide, you’re now equipped to make informed choices and enjoy the best that this American institution has to offer. Remember to stick with the crowd-pleasing appetizers like the Boneless Wings, and classics like the Bourbon Street Chicken + Shrimp, and maybe skip the steaks.
What are your favorite Applebee’s dishes? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.
