Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Four Corners

We go to Applebee's in Maitland and Casselberry frequently and for the most part have always enjoyed the food and service.

We stopped off at this location in Kissimmee on our way home from a soccer game and unfortunately this was absolutely not the case.

Upon arrival we were told there would be a 20+ minute wait for a table due to covid restrictions which we were fine with. It turned out we were seated very quickly but there was no social distancing between us and the neighboring/adjoining table directly behind us. The server waiting on the neighboring table was our server as well.

Things started out ok but quickly went down hill. The server greeted us and said she would be back to get our drink order. 12 minutes later she stopped by our table again to say she would be right back for our drink order. Another 5 minutes passes before she finally stops for our drink order. Because it took her so long to get back to us we had already looked at the menu and knew what we wanted to order for dinner. To save time we wanted to place our drink and food order at the same time. The waitress told us she was only taking our drink order at this time. We were a bit shocked at her response but figured we'd place our drink order then our food order when she delivered the drinks.

Another 10 minutes passes from when the drink order was placed when two of the four drinks we ordered arrived. The ice water and unsweetened tea were dropped off at the table. The two beers that were ordered were not ready yet which we found baffling. The delay was blamed on the bar staff. We tried to place our food order when the water and iced tea were dropped off and unbelievably we were told again she would be back to take out order. Another 10 minutes passes before the two beers are delivered to our table. Unbelievably it's taken 37 minutes for us to get four drinks, iced water, iced tea and two beers.

FINALLY we are going to get to place our food order. I went first. I ordered the hamburger and requested that it be cooked medium rare. I was told by our server I can have it Pink or Not Pink. I said again I wanted it medium rare. She told me again there were only two ways the burger can be ordered. I said if I can't get my burger the way I want it we may as well go elsewhere. She didn't seem to care whether we stayed or left. The server went on to tell me that if she sends an order back to the kitchen for a burger to be cooked any way besides Pink or Not Pink she would get in trouble with the manager so I asked to speak to the manager. The server told me the manager was very busy but she would try to find her. I was with my husband and two of our sons. I said something about going elsewhere once they finished their beers. One of my sons said we should just go now. He didn't feel talking to the manager was going to change how everyone was feeling at this point in time.

As we were existing the restaurant I stopped by the hostess stand, before I could speak to the hostess the manager came up. By now my frustration level was at a max. I gave the manager a condensed version of what transpired and why we were leaving. I couldn't believe all we had dealt with and how totally unprofessional the server was. We had been in the restaurant close to 45 minutes and had yet to place a food order.

I did give the restaurant one Star only because of the manager. She listened to my complaint and did offer some sort of compensation which I turned down. We weren't there for a freebie. We went for a good meal and decent service. We ended up at a Mexican restaurant across the street from Applebee's and got from them what we had hoped to get from Applebee's, a good meal and decent service.

We will still visit the Applebee's on our side of town but it's highly unlikely we'll ever be back to...

If I could give a 0 out of 5 stars, I would. Absolute horrible service. I understand that this is just another food chain and definitely not expecting excellent service, but I have never been so annoyed while trying to enjoy a meal. My husband and I went here for the half price apps (again not expecting amazing service). As soon as we sat down, a food runner came to our table twice with food we clearly did not order (we haven’t even seen our own server) and the same food runner questioned us the second time and then contemplated at our table before deciding where to go next.

It almost seemed that our own server,Judy B, made it her goal to speak as little as possible to us. I could barley finish a sentence with out her beginning to walk away from the table. What upset me the most is at one point our server decided to eat food at a couple tables down from us carelessly and then wondered around the restaurant with her food, eating at multiple tables that I’m sure will not be cleaned up after her. What shocked me even more is one of your kitchen staff came out to the dinning area and sat at one of the booths playing on his phone for a good 20 minutes.

When we received our bill our server tried to say that she was doing us a favor because you must order a fountain drink in order to get the perks of half price apps. As if that was suppose to “wow” us? Instead of her doing her job in the beginning by telling us we need to order a fountain drink, she kept quite letting us order water and apps with out saying anything and then proceeded to act like she did us a favor.

I was in such shock at how horrible this staff is that I knew if I asked for a manager (who I did not see once on the floor), a careless apology would be given with some sort of discount. I know this because I’ve been a server for 6 years. I’ve served from chain restaurants to banquet serving to serving at Walt Disney World. I know what it takes to provide just basic caring service (and much more) and not once did I receive that tonight. I do not ask for much when I go to restaurants. In fact, I only expect 3 things. My drink to be full, food to come out on time, and a friendly server. The food coming out on time was the only good thing I experienced tonight.

I rather drive another 25 minutes to the Apple Bees on 535 then ever...

This night was definitely a night to remember ! We were here with a group of 6 celebrating a birthday. Before we got there we called ahead and spoke with Debbie who was able to seat us in minutes. That was a relief seeing that we had to leave another restaurant due to it being full. We got in and when I went to the restroom before I even could order my drink(water) the Awesom-azing waitress Judy had already brought us all waters!! (Way to go Judy). Throughout the night we had many laughs and stories but Judy definitely made every part of being there so worth it. She was serving a few tables and kept apologizing to us but she was really great and we enjoyed seeing her run back and forth. She got us our food in timely manner and even gave me her GIANT HEART PEN😍 She was very nice and relatable in all aspects. On the other hand we had a special visit from Bruce who I like to call “Bruce Almighty”! He was phenomenal when it came to making different ballon characters and even showed us balloons he’d made at other events including costume balloons! He shared a piece of his testimony of life with our group and little did he know we were Christians who knew the Lord just as he did. When I made a remark that I would be praying for him he actually asked me did I mind praying right then and there. I was honored and he definitely felt the prayer as when he looked up we saw tears. We were grateful for him and his time with us. Eric who the manager on duty even came out at one point to assist with us and we just saw him getting work done around the restaurant. He wasn’t just sitting or watching he was actually working and I respect that 💯%. Overall our experience was great the food was amazing and the wonderful guest service we received was unbeatable! We told them we’d be back and I don’t doubt it will be too soon before we’re hanging out with those guys again! Also please make sure Bruce is there so he sarinade us with his voice again.

Thanks to Debbie, Judy, Bruce, and Eric for making our experience 1 2 remember 🤩 You guys...