Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Flowood

We like to sit at the bar and relax, even chat between ourselves our our neighbors. Alas, that's a thing of the past - - between cell phones and the infinite collection of TV's, the bar is just 15 independent 'loaners' each doing their thing. Even the couples aren't talking - - each engaged with their respective phone. But that everywhere.

We still go to Applebees because we like their Oriental Chicken salad and something referred to as ab Southwest Chicken (Arista?) Bowl. We give 5 stars to this portion of Applebee's menu.

But, this time, we were tired of staring at 7 television screens all playing the same college (probably re-run) basket ball game between, for us, unknown teams. Indeed they probably were "unknowns" as none of our fellow bar patrons were paying any attention either. So we asked the bar tender if she could select something different, maybe a national network world news broadcast? NO! Did she say no???? Clearly aware of our surprise, she continued, "It's policy, it must be sports." This isn't the first restaurant where we've been treated to the "all sports" policy - - and many argue that in today's confrontational society, virtually anything they put on will meet with complaints. Well, guess what, forcing someone to watch second-hand sports also meets with complaints.

But apparently we were a little too vociferous in our discontent. A local, we assume, jumped to the bar tender's defense, "Sir, you have no right to complain, it was you who decided to come in here in the first place." Interesting logic. But doesn't it assume we had advance notice of the disagreeable TV content? In any event, you are correct, we have the right not to return.

One bit of humor. The bar handed us her personal phone AFTER she had downloaded a network AP and let us watch, on her phone, a network news program. And since you weren't responsible for this "all sports" policy, we'll give you 4 stars overall.

Let's face it, Applebee's is a chain . . . and chains are managed and staffed by locals who generally have little financial ownership of the restaurant. Applebee's is an ok restaurant as chains go . . . but we'll continue looking for dining opportunities that have variety and personality (and properly attenuated music so we can chat) . . . in the meantime, we'll have a few less Oriental...

I had the most amazing experience at this Applebee's both times I went there on a recent business trip to Jackson!

The first time I went for dinner and for drinks because all of my co-workers were raving about their $2.99 GIANT house margaritas which come in a variety of flavors (margarita, strawberry, raspberry, peach and a few others I believe). The margaritas are AMAZING and HUGE. I really couldn't believe what a great deal we got on them and they made the perfect happy hour accompaniement for my friends and I as we unwound from the work day.

On top of that was the incredible service at this location, I have no idea why others have complained but maybe this location has improved their service based on feedback? I was so blown away by the service I actually wrote an e-mail to their corporate office! Our waiter was Jertorious who was so fun and attentive without being in-your-face. Our drinks were never empty, we never needed something and couldn't find him, and it was overall just such a great dining experience.

They also have great teamwork here, another waitress named Hannah checked on us too and was so sweet. Any time we had to step outside the host opened the door for us with a smile, the manager came and checked on us once (a very nice older woman) to make sure everything was good. We stayed for hours and just had a blast talking and enjoying ourselves.

When I came back again for happy hour we sat at the bar and Ivy took care of us. She was HILARIOUS and had us laughing while also hustling to make sure we all got our drinks quickly so we could enjoy them before we had to head to the airport.

I am really impressed with this location and will definitely be back next month when I'm in Jackson again, and my co-workers have already claimed it as their go-to...

Walked in and sat at the bar area directly in front of the bartendar who basically looked at us and walked off to engage in a conversation with who we later discovered was the manager... she took a bite of the meal they were suppose to be sharing... Yelled for more tequila and walked the small bar area twice before speaking or giving us menus...

After sitting there for 12 min she finally asked if we wanted any drinks... We were 2 of the 7 people at the bar We sat eating our burgers we ordered and luckily the food was not touched or delivered by her because we watched this female run her hands down inside the back of her tights while she was engaged in a conversation with two of the female guest and the manager about the most inappropriate things... but guessing she forgot she could be seen she continued to touch and rub her backside area vigorously DID NOT wash her hands....

Will not revisit here ever btwn the unpleasant atmosphere and the over friendly manager with her crew members and the scratch fest no...

The food was overcooked we ordered the burgers...almost like they were precooked and then warmed up... Thankfully this isnt the only place to go...