Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Chula Vista

The moment I walked through the doors of this chain establishment, I couldn't help but temper my expectations. After all, when you find yourself in the domain of a ubiquitous brand like Applebee's, you don't anticipate culinary revelations or epiphanies. It's the kind of place where mediocrity often thrives, and yet, every now and then, a flicker of surprise manages to break through the familiar haze.

What struck me most during my recent visit were the unsung heroes of this culinary outpost: the staff. In a world plagued by indifferent service and lackluster hospitality, encountering an exceptional team was a breath of fresh air. They possessed the uncanny ability to anticipate our needs without ever encroaching upon our personal space or turning a blind eye to our presence. A rare balancing act indeed. With their quickness, politeness, and unwavering efficiency, they elevated our dining experience to a level seldom seen within the realm of chain dining.

Surrounded by a convivial company, the atmosphere buzzed with a palpable energy that added to the overall appeal of the place. It possessed that elusive "cool factor" that could easily be dismissed as mere ambiance, but for those in search of a relaxed and enjoyable evening, it proved to be a winning combination. While I must confess that Applebee's is not my typical haunt, and chain restaurants generally don't spark joy within my culinary soul, this particular outing left a surprisingly positive impression.

There's not much more to elaborate on, really. The food, as expected, didn't transport me to culinary nirvana, but it also didn't plunge me into despair. It existed comfortably within the realm of acceptable sustenance. However, it is worth noting that the charismatic and considerate staff played an integral role in making our evening enjoyable. They exuded genuine warmth, efficiently delivering our orders while discreetly gauging if we required anything more. In an age where true attentiveness is becoming a rarity, their presence was a reassuring reminder of the power of sincere service.

So, as I reflect upon my evening at Applebee's, I can't help but acknowledge the pleasant surprise that unfolded. Despite my reservations and natural inclination to shy away from the embrace of chains, this unassuming visit turned out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable affair. Sometimes, in the most unassuming of places, we find pockets of respite, brief moments of solace, and that, my friends, is a taste...

So I’m writing this review because after patronizing 100’s of Applebees nationwide, and over my entire lifetime, I’ve never experienced what happened last night!

So I came in around 11pm and ordered the bourbon street sirloin, I ONLY order my steaks RARE, so I was ready to enjoy after a long night at work because if we all know Applebees for one thing, it’s consistency!

Well tonight was an absolute failure of that! So here’s what happened: the steak came out on the black hot skillet per always, I immediately cut into the middle to check if it was red and bloody, to my shock and disappointment, it was medium. So I simply asked Jennifer the bartender, and instead of immediately apologizing and offering to refire a new one quickly, which I initially suggested as that shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to grill a fresh rare steak, she instead said that the hot black skillet always cooks the steak more, but this steak has literally just came out and was clearly already overcooked! She actually argued with me about it, as if to imply that it’s literally impossible to get a rare steak due to the hot skillet! As if to also suggest that if I’d had the wherewithal to order it on a normal plate, it would’ve come out rare. I thought that I’d she would’ve responded with that suggestion as I was initially ordering it, then this whole issue could’ve been avoided. But no, I instead had to endure eating an over cooked steak, because she said it would take 10-15 minutes to grill a new one, and I was too hungry to wait that long! Now keep in mind, this is the first and only Applebees in history to imply that the skillet will overcook ur steak no matter how you order it!

So after being so disappointed, I decided it was my patron duty to inform the manager, as I assumed he’d apologize and actually agree with me as this was a first ever occurrence for me! Shockingly he not only did not agree with my points, he agreed with the bartender, and I repeatedly said that sir, you understand that what ur saying is that a rare order is basically impossible to come out if your location right? And nothing was truly resolved!

I’m aware that this location is likely 99% of the time a 5 star rated one, but this first impression of this location was at best 2 stars due to this food failure, and employees that are trying to convince a customer that rare is impossible, absolutely ridiculous lol.

Photos below...

just nowUnfortunately this area appears to be a hit or miss out on experience. We are new to the location from an additional state. Simply moving below November 19th so my husband can pursue a job possibility. We ordered here for the vacations being we don't actually know anybody yet and also over heard the guy "Abraham" taking our order complaining that orders food for Christmas when he thought he placed my hubby on hold. We over looked it. Got residence only to understand our order was incorrect. Repossessed the order because we get on an unique diet plan. Determined to report the individual that took the order because possibly if he had not been grumbling the order could have been placed in. The supervisor was comprehending and had our order reprise. Still got house and our steak was not cooked as asked for. Following disappointment, we ordered food online. Which claimed they open at 10am on Sunday. Mosted likely to grab, order wasn't made and also was told they open at 11 yet they started cooking our order early. Okay, so we waited for our order, not a problem. Got residence and also the chicken was difficult outside and also so completely dry as if it had actually been reheated in a stove or microwave or possibly they prepared it iced up without thawing out. I do not understand what gave it that hard, extremely completely dry, rubbery structure. The broccoli was shriveled and looked reheated too and had not been also a full serving. When we have had a great experience there is one cook that appears to take pride in what they do and the food is so excellent. Im depressing to state I do not know which prepare this is however it has actually been when we order in the night. This individual needs to get the recognition they are entitled to. I do not intend to believe this same cook served us what we received this morning. If it wasn't I hope this review weeds out the ones that must not be in this business. We are not the kind of individuals that such as to whine so we have actually chosen we will not be doing service right here again. We wont risk an additional negative experience leaving us returning to obtain an...