Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Lakewood

I live in Missouri, but I was visiting my daughter in California. The last 2 orders I had at Applebee's was delivered to my home. On a scale from 1-5, I rated the food 3. The giblets weren't tender enough and seemed old or overcooked. The broccoli tasted like I had picked it out of my own garden. Dry and briefly thrown in boiling water and that's it. Very crunchy. Me no like! I used to go to Applebee's all the time while I was still working and met up with co-workers for lunch 30-35 years ago. I've been retired for a while. We started noticing the quality of the food and service declined. I stop going all together. Around 2022, I decided to eat there with friends. Not too much had changed. So, I never went back. My daughter suggested Applebee's and I told her about my experiences. She said, "take a chance!" I'm happy I did. Very pleasant atmosphere! Our waitress, Monique, talked like a part-time comedian!😅 Very funny, and sweet as can be! I wanted hot chocolate, which I didn't see on the menu. She said she would check if there was any. About 5 minutes later, she returned with a steaming mug! She mentioned the sides to go with my riblets and (assured me that they would be tender) I wanted broccoli 🥦 and I mentioned my past experience on them. She said she would tell the cook to steam it longer so it would be softer. The broccoli was perfect! Usually, I get cold butter with broccoli and not much of it. It looked like someone used an ice cream scoop to put the butter in a dish and warmed it up! Perfect! The broccoli was so good that I could have eaten more! I asked about the slaw because I was a little hesitant about getting it. She said she would bring out a little for me to sample. That was FAR from being "little". It was a nice size dish. I was very surprised. The slaw was very good as well. She didn't charge us for that. We ordered a chocolate overload cake. I took mine home. Excellent! Monique was very attentive the whole time and we made sure we tipped her well. We, the people, need a few thousand more waitresses/waiters like her. An absolutely wonderful experience...

Me and my 3 sisters took my 92yr young Dad to lunch. We spent close 250 dollars or so... The food was good. I had the steak and shrimps. The service, waitresses were nice, fun and personable. We all took extra plates home because of the 2 for 30 or so deal and ordered other add on's, plus drinks. There was a frozen drink that we enjoyed. It was a very hot that day. We enjoyed lunch. I took my frozen drink with me. 2stars because, I went into the mall and left my drink in the car, it cost 3 dollars. Fyi. My family came from Los Angeles to this location. It was my mistake for leaving the drink in the car. I get it. It was a warm mess. I called to speak to the manager to let them know that my drink was left in the car and wanted to know if as a courtesy, if I could get a 3dollar frozen drink that I barely tasted, (but really liked it) since mine was ruined. I knew it was a long shot. But I thought maybe they would be nice and willing to oblige me, especially since my family spent close to 250.00 or so... and I only wanted a 3 dollar drink... No, they did not have to, but they isn't the point. The manager was kinda rude and dismissive. I was disappointed. But ok... I could be writing a different review and raving that the manager was very nice and the drink was amazing and I would've been saying I got to enjoy a nice frozen drink on my way home on that hot day. 3dollars vs 250.00 dollars. 🤔🤔🤔🤷🏽‍♀️ I don't know if I'll be going back. Overall it was a pleasant time with our Dad. Not so...

If I could give 10 stars, I would. Let’s talk about how this Applebee’s location is secretly a five-star experience disguised as casual dining. I’m convinced the heart and soul of this restaurant are Diana and Lydia — two absolute icons in the game.

First of all, Diana isn’t just a manager — she’s a queen in command. You can feel the difference when a true leader runs the show. Her energy? Immaculate. Her attention to detail? Next level. Her presence alone makes the entire restaurant feel like a well-oiled machine of joy and flavor. She deserves a promotion immediately. Not tomorrow. Not next week. NOW. Applebee’s, if you’re listening: this woman is executive material.

And then there’s Lydia, my server — aka the MVP of the evening. Warm, funny, insanely attentive, and somehow always one step ahead. You know how some people just get it? That’s Lydia. My drink? Always full. My order? Perfectly timed. Her vibe? Like catching up with a best friend who also happens to be a service industry legend.

By the end of the night, I genuinely didn’t know if I was at Applebee’s or some elite VIP experience. This location has cracked the code, and it’s because of the incredible people behind it.

So yes — come for the food, but stay for Diana the destined-to-be-GM and Lydia the legendary server you’ll be requesting by name. Applebee’s, protect them...