Applebee’s

I have been going to this Applebee’s for many years but since the corporate takeovers not so much. I like to support the local folk. I stopped in yesterday with a friend for a quick bite around shift change 4:15P. We sat at the bar and were met by the server with no personality in my opinion. I chose the chicken breast and «steamed veggies which was squash» and the second side as broccoli. My friend had an appetizer which he said he enjoyed very much. My meal came out with grilled veggies instead of steamed and spinach (with out asking me first that they were out of broccoli). The spinach looked like it had been sitting around for many hours. A server that I have know for many years (Crystal) asked me if I wanted something else not my original server and she suggested green beans. Great. They were horrible tasting and looking. No fault of Crystal One bite and that was it for the green beans. Service was very matter of fact. Return soon unlikely.

Want your Father’s Day ruined? Well then stop in here.
We should have left when we got there but for some reason we didn’t. It took more than 5 minutes to get a table when there were only 3 tables with guests at them. I had to stop one of the several people who walked by without acknowledging us before this happened.
Once we sat down it took 15 minutes to place a drink order (which was water for us due to being in the heat all day). When the waitress finally came back to take our order (which we were clearly ready to do when she took our drink order but walked away before we could do so) we felt rushed and like we were bothering her time. My husband and I chose off of the 2 for $ 25 menu, choosing mozzarella sticks for our appetizer.
Thankfully those only took another 20 minutes. I was so happy when they came in undercooked. You know how cheese bounces? Yea, pretty sure they would have done that. I had to stop someone from walking by to get those replaced. The replacement came out in under 5 minutes.
After another 20 minutes, our waitress came out to inform us that the kitchen had been backed up and our food would be out shortly. Which is amazing considering there was only eight tables that had guests at them, most of them having come in after us and they all had their food.
When our food did arrive, our daughters pizza had clearly been sitting out for some time (the cheese looked fake by this point) and only parts of our meals were warm. Our youngest daughter had no luck as the pizza was cold and her cheese sticks, you guessed it, bounced yet again.
After trying to flag down our server, or anybody who walked by, I decided to page her using the little kiosk. Took her 15 to notice that part, even after walking by us several times. I asked for a manager.
Never in my life have I had such service. However once I met the manager, I understood why his staff acted the way they did. Half way through telling him how upset I was, he looked at my husband and asked him what it was that he (meaning my husband) had called him for. Now my husband is not one to complain and in 10 years I’ve seen it once. He got upset and the managers stopped him to respond with «Well I guess I’ll just have to eat the cost of your meals then won’t I?» And WALKED AWAY.
We waited for several minutes and checked to see if we had a bill before finally leaving. I would give this establishment a negative 5 stars if I could. Sadly, I will never step into any Applebee’s because of this experience again. Happy Father’s Day Daddy.

I live in the area and felt like something for dinner that I don’t go to every week, so I figured I’d try Applebee’s; huge mistake.
Walking toward the door, we were greeted by the door swung open by a tiny Mexican teenage girl welcoming us, and then a Mexican male leading us to our seats. We sat at a table and he assured us that our server would be here shortly. The 2 of us searched the menu and then quickly decided what we wanted. Several minutes passed, and there was no server to be found. There were, however, 2 young female employees cleaning the same table right next to us singing karaōke to the radio over the restaurant speakers like they were on a spring break road trip, so that was pleasant. Glad we got there in time for that.
One server in our section ran food to a nearby table but failed to notice us. Several minutes later, still no initial drink order, so we moved to the bar.
We were greeted at the bar by the bartender asking us if we would like to see food menus or if we’re only there for a drink; typical acceptable bar greeting.
We responded saying yes we’d like dinner, but we already looked at a menu and know what we want to eat. The bartender then stepped away, dealt with other patrons, and then made and delivered our drinks (Which were our second choice because they don’t carry ginger ale, heads up. Disappointing, but able to be overcome). I started to ask him if we were allowed to order food, but he walked away as though his job was done.
Finished our drinks and water over many minutes while staring at the bartender waiting to get his attention; never gone happen. He finally came back over to our area (mind you, there were 3 parties of 2 at the bar… not an overwhelming work load for a bartender) and asked if we would like some more water. We responded with «No thank you, but…» And then the bartender walked away.
Seriously? I specifically told you that I was ready to order food and you ignored me. If i also respond with a no to more water or anything to drink, shouldn’t you at least ask me if I’m ready for my check (which I absolutely was at that point)? So I waited just as long to finally close out my tab which was only for 1 drink when it was supposed to be for several drinks and two meals. As I waited, I also looked around and got to watch 4 teenage girls screw around right by the front entrance in front of their young male manager, acting like it was a school yard and not a place of business. Why hire 4 hostesses to do absolutely nothing (like maybe at least clean the countless dirty tables and carpet around the restaurant) while you have tables of people receiving no service at all?
It was a ridiculous experience. We finally closed out, left zero tip (much earned by all), shoved our way through the school yard just to get out of the building, and went down the street to Chipotle which was slightly more enjoyable, but at least they gave us food.
I usually give these places at least one more shot at making me not furious, but I will never be visiting this place again. It really disappoints me at how shitty people are at their jobs nowadays, and so unaware of their surroundings.

Stopped by this Applebee’s location for an early lunch, we arrived at 11:00 and placed our order by 11:10. Up until that point everything was fine, the server was courteous and prompt… and it was all down hill from there.
We ordered a plate of chicken strips and fries for my GF’s son and we had a sirloin steak and fried shrimp for us off their 2 for 25 $ menu. It took 45 minutes to get our order and the place wasn’t even that busy… I would say average amount of customers.
The fries that came with two of our plates were cold, the green beans that came with the steak were the toughest green beans I’ve ever had… seriously the one’s from the can are much better.
For a lunch for 3 people the bill was almost 50 $ and for that price you would expect hot, fresh, food but sadly it’s not what we got.
Out of all the choices in the area for lunch or dinner I would recommend you try somewhere else, as I will not be returning to this location. This location has all kinds of kitchen and wait staff issues.

Becca is awesome no question down! I came here yesterday and service was not good but come every Monday for happy hour and she made up for the day before probably wouldn’t have come back if she didn’t bar tend on Monday she makes me come back! She represents Applebee’s that makes you want to come back to see her smiling face!
Thanks
Becca

We absolutely love this restaurant! The customer service is off the charts and the food is amazing. Derek is not only the most amazing waiter on planet earth, but he’s become like family to us. He knows our favorite meals, knows each member of our family and we share our life experiences. He’s even got the cook trained to know how to make my husband’s chicken sandwich. I had to call an order on tonight as we had a busy night so I called and asked for Derek. :) He knew my order when I told him my name. He even came out to greet me curb side. You don’t get this kind of customer service anywhere. Keep up the great work guys!

Since I work in the same complex this is so convenient on my way home. Amanda is always amazing and I like to sit at the bar even if I’m not drinking. Haha … Good food, great service and always a smile from friendly staff. Sit at the bar and let Amanda take care of you. Did I mention ½ price appatizers and drink specials? I should mention management is nice as well.

My wife, sister, and I went to Applebee’s for dinner on Saturday night because we had a gift card that given to us. We had to change tables 3 times before we found what we thought was a clean one. It wasn’t, we had to ask the waiter to wipe it off.
There was food and trash all over the carpet and the outside of two of the water glasses were filthy…
Dirtiest Restaurant I’ve been in in a long time… Will not be returning here ever!!!
No excuse for not wiping off the table or vacuuming the rug when food is dropped!
Ed

«All the Food we had was Awesome «
My wife and I went to Applebee’s restaurant in El Cajon CA the other night, and enjoyed a great meal. Our server Jordan was so polite and nice, as he hustled around the restaurant to handle our every need. We ordered the 2 for 20 dinner special. We started with the new Wonton Chicken Tacos which were so delicious. We then had 2 Asian Chicken Salad Bowls. The Chicken was cooked perfectly, and the salad was very fresh and crispy. We then had the Blue Ribbon Brownie Bite for dessert, which was also so yummy ! Great Meal, Great Service, for a very reasonable Price !

I just had a great experience here and I am writing this as I sit at the table so I don’t forget to write it! I got here before the restaurant opened and I had to use the free WIFI so I parked in the pickup spots as no one would be picking up before the restaurant opened. About 10 min before they opened, a manager walked out to see if I was waiting for an order. I told him no, but I needed to use the WIFI until they opened and he invited me in 10 min before they opened. Scott (the manager) was really friendly and I heard him talking to a bunch of customers. You could tell he really cared about them and their opinions. It was refreshing. He pretty much was my waiter once I got in as well. He allowed me to order the Veggie Patch Pizza which is no longer on the menu but it is my favorite. It was wonderful! I also got the sweet potato fries and he told me that they hand make all their sauces. We chatted about sauces and other food things. I finished my lunch with the churro smores (BEST DESSERT EVER) and was surprised to see the dessert it was on the house when I got the bill.
I was having a tough day and Scott made me walk out with a spring in my step. Thanks for your excellent customer service (and great food)!!

Becca and Heather are the two best employees at this Applebee’s. These two employees definitely make the Applebee’s experience one of the best. I always come back to this location because of these two employees. Keep up the great work!!!

To the comment below, I must say it seems that as a quiet observer you were not observing for long. My husband and I have been coming here every Wednesday night since we have been married. We, like yourself, rarely sit at tables. Sitting ourselves at the bar BECAUSE of Heather. We would love to think of ourselves as her favorite customer and receive special service yet she is conversationally engaging to all customers. Her station is always clean. If it gets too crazy she will multitask between cleaning dishes and checking on her guests. If you are looking for a bartender who will put dishes and the station before their customer service, then don’t come back. This isn’t the place for you. For everyone else, this is the spot to be when Tuesday and Wednesday night. You will not regret coming to the bar with Heather.

In the last two years I have been a fan of the service and staff at my local applebees. Solid service at the bar. We rarely sit at the tables. And have enjoyed drinks and burgers that have been consistently delicious. With rare exception, this place is always welcoming and … well, amazing. Get rid of that one bartender heather who for some reason never washes any dishes and allows them to stack up to a quite extraordinary height. Minus that one employee. This place is constantly delicious and friendly and well worth the money.

To be quite honest I tend to avoid chain restaurants and went to this establishment simple because it was one of the only restaurants open at 10 at night.
We were seated right away at a high table and immediately put in our drink orders. Instantly disappointed as I asked for a Coke and was offered Pepsi as an alternative… no thank you. Our waitress returned quickly with our drinks and we placed our orders.
My friend and I ordered the 2 for $ 20 deal that comes with an appetizer. We went for the the spinach artichoke dip which tasted delicious. It was nice and warm and came with a decent amount of thin crispy chips. The only real problem is that when you order an appetizer you tend to expect it to arrive before the main course not with it. Our server disappeared for at least 20 minutes between the time she took our orders and brought our food. Personally I think the trip to drop off our artichoke dip could have been made some time within that timeframe.
For the entrée, I ordered the bbq riblets. The flavors were pretty good, as I tend to be a little picky with my BBQ sauces. My friend ordered the chicken tender plate that she made into a platter for only a surcharge of $ 2. The only difference was she got 2 more chicken tenders than normal which to me does not seem worth it. I had a regular plate and I received more fries than her.
Usually a waiter or waitress checks in on you making sure you are all set with drinks and with the potential appetite for desert but we only saw her for one drink run and post-​payment on the electronic consoles to offer us some boxes. Wish our waitress showed just slightly more interest.

I came here tonight with my fiancé and the service was absolutely amazing! Ashley was our server and she was on top of everything while she waited all the tables around us. Wish we could of tipped her more because she definitely deserved it. The food was fantastic and she was friendly and just really cared about what you wanted and giving you great service! I want to come back soon! Ashley was a great employee! Hope they acknowledge her hospitality.

Came to this location for the first time and definitely will be my last in a long time.
Sat in the bar area, place wasn’t very busy, got my appetizers and drinks fairly quickly, the issue started when my entrée came. I ordered the steak (medium rare) with veggies and mash led potatoes, my mashed potatoes were cold and soggy, my steak was well done and hard. When the bill finally came the bartender/​waiter told me he had removed the steak from the bill! Like he was doing me a favor! What was he thinking? That I was gonna pay for something I didn’t eat because of their mistake? Then the manager came and apologized which was nice and offered me a soup or salad which I happily declined but thanked her for it, after all I figured she’d give me a discount but nope, I had to pay the whole bill and I just think that all this happened due to poor management. I will not be returning to this place. Save yourself a little trouble and go elsewhere, El Cajon and surrounding areas have amazing places to eat.
I wonder why my gf was always disappointed in me when I said I wanted to go eat at Applebee’s… lol

I was very pleased with how great our service was. We were seated right away, greeted very quickly and had drinks just as quick. It wasn’t very busy while we were there, but there have been other times we ate at this location, during busy hours and got served pretty quickly despite the rush. Anyways, our server Jordan was beyond friendly and very attentive. His friendly service and constantly checking on us really made the experience out to dinner so much nicer. The food was delicious, got a good deal with the 2 for $ 25 and overall left feeling very pleased. Thank you, after the rough week we have had, it was nice to have a wonderful night out.

We were on a walk when we had a leftover gift card of $ 5 at Applebee’s. We chose to order something small to go. We chose the sweet potato fries with dips. Paid for it. Waited just under 10mins. Left with the box to go in a bag, walked home, and to our surprise there were NO dips and a small handful of fries!!! Hub called and talked to the manager. He said to come by the next day and he’ll make it correct. That’s a lot of work for busy parents and we ain’t got time fo dat. Thanks for your concern and initiative to get it right but it should have been correct the first time especially since it was such a plain jane simple small order. I don’t plan on dining there could you imagine if they got the food incorrect again? No thanks!

Came here for dinner to meet up with an old co worker I used to work with.
We got seated right away because this place had filled up with people coming in for dinner. We got seated at a booth. The server and the guys who work here looked like models. Such eye candy for my friend and myself! LOL! Nothing wrong with looking even though my husband was there! Haha!
As we got seated, we place our drink orders. I got the mango lemonade. Yum! We go with the 2 for $ 25 meals. You get one appetizer and two meals. We order the spinach artichoke dip. It came with thin chips. It was delicious! For my meal, I got the chicken with shrimp that comes with potatoes. It came on a hot skillet. My potatoes were a little burnt but edible. (See photo) The chicken was cooked throughly. It was dry and could have used some sauce on it. The shrimp was good. My food was just okay. No wow factor. Average food.
My friend got the mild chicken pieces. I didn’t get to try them but she said they were good. You can smell the vinegar from the sauce. Looked good!
I must say that service was excellent. The waiter made sure we were taken care of. He was very nice and polite. We asked for to go boxes for my daughter and my friend. As we left, one of the good looking waiters told us thanks for coming. I didn’t even make eye contact as I was holding my daughter’s hand.
There’s a small parking lot right in front. We were lucky to find a parking spot near the entrance. Overall the food was okay. People who worked here were very nice. Manager even came out to ask us how we were doing.

Omgggg Applebee’s! !! Did you know that Crystal M J works for you!?? She is amazing! !! Applebee’s lost me for a while due to lack of service! ! She just got me back. Never before I had such a good service in any Applebee’s.. she was attentive, patient, and she spoiled us! Will be back! And by the water Triple Hog Dare is an amazing addition to your menu!
P. S. this comes from an area manager in the same industry! !