Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Dr. Phillips

I went with my family yesterday around 10:00 pm to dinner and I have to say the overall experience was awkward. Here's what happened:

After waiting a couple of minutes for the host to arrive, we were finally seated at our table. A waiter approached us, and since he looked Hispanic, I asked if he spoke Spanish. He responded, "No Spanish." I assured him that it was not a problem. To clarify, I did not intend to stereotype him; I am proficient in English but have heard a lot of people speaking Spanish in the area. I simply wanted to ask questions about the menu, and it would have been easier for us to communicate in Spanish.

A few minutes later, I overheard the same waiter conversing in Spanish with another waitress. Interestingly, this waitress came to assist us because we couldn't find him to request a sauce. This situation felt unusual. While I can understand that he might not be fluent in Spanish, it would have been nicer if he had said something like, "Sorry, I don't speak Spanish very well," and I would have understood. His attitude came across as somewhat unkind.

The food was decent, but nothing too special. The "Fish & Chips" plate had a confusing name. We expected the dish to come with "chips," but it only included fried fish, fries, and coleslaw. I can understand how the Applebee's menu might be misleading in this case. Additionally, the tartar sauce was not very good.

I encountered an extremely awkward situation involving the employees in the kitchen, and I feel it’s important to bring this to the attention of the corporate managers at Applebee's. While we were eating, I heard a commotion in the back. Employees were yelling at each other, and one of them shouted something about calling the police, which was quite alarming.

Afterward, the woman returned to the front and loudly recounted the story to another waitress, and this all unfolded in front of customers. This behavior, especially her outburst, is disrespectful and unacceptable to the customers.

I took the time to write this because I hope the manager will address the issue. I understand how businesses value feedback from...

I rarely write reviews, but the extraordinary customer service I experienced at this Applebee's location absolutely demands recognition. From the moment I walked in, I was treated like family by an incredible team that truly understands hospitality. It started with Camille at the host station. When I asked if they had any bananas for my oatmeal, she didn't hesitate for a second - she immediately went to the back kitchen and brought me one with a smile. That level of genuine care and willingness to go above and beyond set the tone for the entire experience. The teamwork I witnessed was nothing short of remarkable. Keith, Jessica, Bree, Josh, and Paul all worked together seamlessly to ensure I had everything I needed for my meal. Each team member contributed something special - Keith brought the fun and energy, while Jessica, Bree, and Josh assisted in their own thoughtful ways. When I decided to dine in, Paul provided absolutely outstanding table service, waiting on me hand and foot with genuine care and attention. What impressed me most was watching this team operate like a loving family. The collaboration and mutual support between staff members created an atmosphere that made my dining experience truly memorable. I had to speak with Eddie, the manager, to let him know what an exceptional team he leads. It was clear from our conversation that he genuinely values his staff, and more importantly, you can see that they value him in return. That kind of mutual respect and appreciation creates the foundation for the outstanding service I experienced. This isn't just a restaurant with good food - it's a place where genuine hospitality and teamwork create something special. Every single team member I encountered went above and beyond, and it shows what's possible when great leadership meets dedicated staff. If you're staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista or just in the area, do yourself a favor and visit this Applebee's. You'll experience service that reminds you what true hospitality looks like. Highly recommended - this team deserves all the recognition...

We ate here this past weekend due to staying at the Holiday Inn and this was their restaurant on-site but we were very disappointed in the service. The first evening we came in, we came in an hour prior to closing and were told we could only order appetizers if we were dining in.. or whole menu if takeout. That made no sense and we wanted to sit and eat since we drove all day so we agreed and ordered the appetizers. In doing so, that eliminated us being able to take advantage of the kids eat free vouchers since we couldn't order actual entrees. Not to mention, the cheesy waffle fries we ordered had a long hair in it which they offered no type of compensation for.

Second time we came to dine-in we also came in hour prior to closing and was told it would be a 20-minute wait to dine in (when there was clearly only 3 tables in the restaurant) or we could just order take out. Host then proceeds to tell us that if we wait to dine in it would be the appetizers only but we could order full menu if we do takeout.. at this point I questioned this and mentioned we wanted to use the kids eat free vouchers so need to order an actual entree so he ended up seating us and were able to order off the full menu.

Both times we dined in, the atmosphere was as if they did not want us in there. Took awhile for host to even greet us (same middle aged male host both times who was very pushy and not welcoming at all). Majority of tables/chair already put up, staff mopping with disgusting smelly mop water, etc. The server we had both evenings however was amazing. He was younger and had longer hair. We appreciate his professionalism and awesome service.

We did order the Applebees food from the Pool Tiki Hut at the Holiday Inn and no complaints on the...