Applebee's Consumer Reviews - Page 4

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK -- On Sunday, July 11, my friend and I decided to eat at Applebee's. One of the reasons that I like Applebee's is that you can request to watch sports and other programs and have a sound machine to listen. I frequent Applebee's in New Rochelle weekly and have enjoyed the food, the service and being able to watch either a game or a show that I and others are interested in.

When we were being seated I requested to be seated in the bar so that we could watch the Yankee game which began at 4:00 pm. The waitress informed me that she could not have the channel changed even though on the ten or more TV screens was the same soccer game. I requested to speak to the manager. When the manager came over to the table, I requested to watch the Yankee game. The manager responded that since it was the Final World Soccer game and that all the customers were watching the game he could not honor my request.

I asked again, he then said he would put the game on a TV that was to my back. I would have to turn around in the booth and kneel if I wanted to see the game. Again I asked to see the game on one of the other TVs. I told him that I had no interest to watch the soccer game, and that I didn't care if it was the soccer final. He held his hands tightly to his stomach and again responded to me as in reprimand that he was not changing to the Yankee Game. I gestured the same, the manager then asked me why I was mimicking him. I guess it is OK for him but not for the customer to do display this type of behavior. His behavior to me was demeaning and condescending.

I find it odd that every person sitting at the bar was only interested in watching the soccer game. I am positive that there were other people who would have preferred to watch the baseball game. Perhaps if there was a flier or an ad announcing that the Soccer game was being shown exclusively at Applebee's- no other games etc - Do Not Ask! This exclusive program will be shown until one team wins signed "The Management." I guess I was unaware that Applebee's is not open to diversity or different interest.

I then understood that my request would not be honored, the only remedy was for me to view the game on the TV facing my back. Unacceptable! My friend and I agreed that we could go to another sports restaurant to have dinner and watch the game. I requested the manager's name.

As we leaving the manager handed me a card with his name - unfortunately his name was scribbled - I could not read it. He then in a loud annoyed voice called out that I had previously been at Applebee's was rude and caused a scene. He made sure that the wait staff as well as the patron's heard him. It was offensive that he tried to belittle in front of others. What was he trying to prove - he wasn't acting professional representing Applebee's.

But the bright side of the day - My friend and I went to New Rochelle -Buffalo Wild Wings, they also have 10 or more TVs. Yes many were showing the soccer game but others displayed Yankee, golf, tennis, etc. My friend and I had a delicious, hot, spicy wing and rib dinner, had a few laughs watched the Yankee game, played a little Texas hold'em. We even yelled excitedly with the crowd when Spain won the final. I am so glad that Buffalo Wild Wings is moving right next door to the Applebee's in White Plains, it will always be my recommended favorite. Good-bye Applebee's I really don't like to be treated like a "soccer." Professionally yours, A Devoted NY Yankee Fan.

HUDSON, NEW YORK -- First, let me say, the food is excellent! For that I will not complain. I went to this Applebee's to have a quiet dinner and get out of the house. First, they pack you in like sardines. Uncomfortable, but not too bad. The wait isn't bad at all (well, at least it's never been for me).

However, the waitresses act as if they were prostitutes, liars and thieves. I do not believe they have every been taught manners. The waitresses are absolutely terrible. After they have ruined your day they will then expect a tip. Got one for ya hunny, tip: don't drink and drive! They were waiting on my party and, as I stationed my teenage children in another location with their friends so they could socialize privately. I, as a food critic, could get a good idea on the waiters and waitresses and the types they had.

They decided that behind my back they would try to flirt with my husband by caressing and touching each other as to allow him to see this and not me. The waitresses, keeping eye contact with him as to allow him to know it was him they were performing for. This was just the waitress for my section. The waitress for my kids section were trying to rush them out.

After rushing them out brought their check to me (as was asked). She then proceeded to ask me to pay for it in the middle of my meal, to take care of it now because she didn't want to wait. (Okay!!!) I was nice enough to do this for her and when I asked her how well they had tipped her she then thought it was time to lie to me.

My children were given $10 to give to this woman for a $54 meal. (I felt this was a more than a gracious tip). To my dismay she responded by telling me they had only given her $3.50 for a tip. Me feeling mortified that maybe my children did do this I then proceeded to give her $7 more with my apologies. Well, before I left I found out from the kids that not only did they leave her the $10 tip, but other kids from around the table also left her money totaling a $22 tip from all the kids and myself. As I said liars and thieves.

After I left I contacted the manager to tell him of this, told him of what she had done, he did nothing about it. To ensure he had done his job, I returned to Applebee's the next day and specially requested her table and bingo, she was there. No reprimand had even been made. She acted as if nothing ever happened then tried to nail me again. She didn't receive a tip this time. (No go sister!) If you plan on eating in this Applebee's make sure to ask for a waiter.

The waiters on the other hand are excellent. Very good indeed! They were attentive to every detail. They took my order without writing it down (the order came back perfect, may I add). They smiled and greeted everyone in my party. They never allowed a glass to be empty. They didn't rush anyone and asked all appropriate questions and waited for a response. Never felt rushed or asked any rude questions. (They never made a pass at me either.) :)

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA -- Seated between two tables with crying babies, next to noisy kitchen door area. Hostess had to move cleaning equipment out of the way before we could sit down. Thoroughly unenjoyable experience. Food tasted like it had been under the heat lamp for a long time. We have eaten here before because it is near home, but every time there is some annoyance or disappointment. Will not go back.

WESTMINSTER, COLORADO -- I have no photos, but we are a group of elderly ladies and were treated like queens. We walked out of the restaurant with the biggest smiles and will soon be back. Thanks for hiring such capable and knowledgeable employees.

Linda

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI -- Completely Negative Experience! Yesterday was my son's birthday. Day before we did a reservation for 12 people. Could you imagine our feeling when whole family came in restaurant to celebrate birthday and girl from the desk tells you"nothing ready, you need to wait when another group pf people finished, sometimes is happened!"? We called in KATO Japanese Restaurant across the street and whole 12 people was greeted and served in 5 minutes WITHOUT any reservation! Guys from Applebee's 6530 NW Barry Road Kansas City MO ! Yesterday you LOST good customers forever!

PORTLAND, OREGON -- I've only been to Applebee's a handful of times, and each time we had a great waiter or waitress. I feel like if you're nice, they'll be nice. I know being nice is their job, but it does get very stressful working with customers sometimes. Applebee's do a good job.

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA -- Salty fries. Used napkin to make them edible. Steak was grisly. Tough. Added tip on their kiosk. Didn't ask how to change. Won't be back.

COLORADO -- I have been going to the Applebee's in Broomfield Co for the past two and a half years. They, by far have the best training of any restaurant in the world. Usually there's a favorite server I like, but at this store, they all are so good it's hard to choose which one's the best. Even if I get a new server, they always do a fantastic job.

TAMPA, FLORIDA -- We went to Applebee's. Was seated promptly, but had to wait over an hour for our food. Ordered an appetizer which came out 45 minutes which I canceled, then we had to ask another waitress on the status of our food. Waited additional 15 minutes before our food came out. It was cold. Requested to speak to the manager. Said he said our food would be no charge. Received a bill for $19 for the drinks… I will never go to another Applebee's ever. They suck.

Went to dinner with partner and got ignored by wait staff. After 15 minutes, we had words with staff and left, never to return, plain and simple