A Dinner at Applebee's Left Us Unimpressed; Teens Long for Chili's

While chain restaurants were never my husband and my go-to, our children seem to have a fondness for them. This has led us to explore a handful of these eateries over the years.

Some have pleasantly surprised us—places as diverse as high-end options like Ruth’s Chris to more budget-friendly establishments such as Waffle House.

We occasionally find enjoyment in visiting various chains, especially during our double dates with our son and his girlfriend.

Typically, after catching a movie, we head to dine at a nearby restaurant. Chili's is the usual favorite, but I recently proposed we give Applebee's a shot since it wasn't far.

Seamless Seating and a Quick Meal

Arriving at our local Applebee's at around 6:30 p.m. on a Friday, we found it surprisingly uncrowded.

We received our table promptly, and our dining experience was wrapped up in under 45 minutes.

The ambiance reminded us of a sports bar, with vibrant music and numerous TVs. Not quite our style, but others might enjoy it.

Exploring the '2 for $25' Offer

Applebee's menu offered an assortment that included pasta, quesadillas, and salads—ideal for groups with varied tastes.

We each chose from the '2 for $25' deal. Initially appearing cost-effective, this deal provided an appetizer and two main courses for $25.

Yet, certain choices included extra charges of $1 to $5. My chicken entree and my son's girlfriend's chicken tenders both incurred an additional $1, turning them into $26 meals.

This showed how easily costs could escalate if you didn't scrutinize closely.

A Less Than Stellar Start: The Appetizer

My husband and I split a spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips and salsa.

It seemed watery and lacked creaminess, reminiscent of generic store-bought dips.

The Disappointing Mozzarella Sticks

Our teenagers shared mozzarella sticks for their starter. The cheese pull was satisfactory, yet they were small in size.

Previously, they’d had larger, more value-for-money mozzarella sticks at Chili's, which made these seem paltry in comparison.

The Burger Verdict

My husband and son, both choosing the Big Bangin’ Burger, found it lackluster. It came with American cheese and a spicy bacon sauce.

While my son, a burger enthusiast, opted for a simple cheese-only version, he rated it as average.

Even My Husband Found the Burger Unmemorable

With all the traditional toppings, my husband did praise the sauce but still deemed the burger 'forgettable.'

Both agreed it was overcooked, a tad dry, and the bun was not fresh.

Chicken Tenders That Didn't Quite Hit the Mark

My son's girlfriend and I, fans of Chili's tenders, noticed Applebee’s version lacked crunch and moisture.

She could have opted for a platter upgrade, which wasn't enticing enough when compared to Chili’s well-liked tenders.

An Unremarkable Grilled Chicken

My grilled chicken breast, which came with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, was satisfactory yet nonspectacular.

Though the smoky taste was pleasant, it didn’t match up to other restaurant versions I had enjoyed.

The potatoes were a highlight, but the broccoli was just an ordinary side.

Reflections on a $65 Meal

Concluding our Applebee’s visit left us pondering whether we would return. While the $65 meal was adequate, it wasn’t impressive.

The appetizers didn’t stand out, and the burgers didn’t impress either. Our teens wished for Chili's instead, which I understood.

For future outings, I’m likely to consider other options nearby that might offer more satisfying meals.