I tried Applebee's for the first time, and quickly saw how the chain is winning over so many customers

Jena BrownJun 25, 2024, 03:35 IST

Applebee's is one of the most popular casual dining chains in the US, and it's having a moment right now.Jena Brown

I tried Applebee's for the first time to see which menu items were the tastiest.
The chicken-tortilla soup was delicious but I wish I got a bigger portion for the price.

As fast-food prices increase, casual sit-down restaurant chains are swooping in to target budget-conscious diners with deals and special menu items.

Among them is Applebee's, a chain with over 1,500 locations worldwide that's best known for its classic American dishes, such as burgers, pasta, and ribs, and discounted seasonal cocktails.

And, as the CEO of Applebee's parent company told CNN earlier this year, why eat a $10 burger from a bag in your car when you can enjoy it at a restaurant for the same price?

So, I visited Applebee's for the first time to see what value I could find. Here's what my experience was like.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on February 16, 2023, and most recently updated on June 24, 2024. Menu items, limited-time offers, and prices may vary by location.

The atmosphere was warm and friendly.

The interior of Applebee's looked inviting.Jena Brown

The game tablet confused me a little bit.

The tablet featured a variety of games.Jena Brown

Once we realized we'd been charged, we decided to play the trivia game.

We got to see our scores against other Applebee's customers.Jena Brown

I started off with a cocktail, which I thought was a great deal.

I managed to get the gummy to sit on top of the ice for a few minutes for the full holiday effect.Jena Brown

I devoured the quesadilla burger with fries.

The quesadilla burger looked delicious.Jena Brown

The three-cheese chicken penne was creamy and delicious.

I liked that the three-cheese penne came with bruschetta tomatoes.Jena Brown

Unfortunately, one thing about the dish let me down a bit.

The chicken that came with the three-cheese penne was kind of bland to me.Jena Brown

Applebee's riblets platter with honey-BBQ sauce was underwhelming to me.

My platter came with four riblets.Jena Brown

I loved the chicken-tortilla soup but it was tiny.

I wish I got a bigger portion of the chicken-tortilla soup.Jena Brown

The classic Buffalo boneless wings were perfect.

I loved the flavor of the Buffalo wings.Jena Brown

The triple-chocolate meltdown cake was spectacular.

I loved the fudge swirls and the rest of the presentation.Jena Brown

Overall, dining at Applebee's was an enjoyable experience.

My favorites included the quesadilla burger and the chocolate meltdown cake.Jena Brown

I tried Il Mulino's prix-fixe weeknight dinner for $60. The upscale Italian chain's meal was delicious with a few downsides.

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