Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Littleton

On the evening of July 14, 2025, I descended upon this town for a business sojourn, my appetite set on a hearty steak dinner at the local Applebee’s. The fare, while not destined for culinary legend, was passably pleasant—hardly a surprise, given the modest expectations one harbors for a chain of such pedestrian repute. Yet, what elevated this experience to a minor triumph was the staff’s impeccable service: a whirlwind of efficiency that saw a menu and drink materialize before me with the speed of a well-rehearsed vaudeville act.

Contrast this with the abject farce I endured at the Ninety Nine down the road on July 15, 2025. The staff there, apparently auditioning for a community theater production of “Idle Gossip: The Musical,” were so engrossed in chattering with their coterie of regulars that they treated new patrons like invisible specters. After ten minutes of being snubbed with the enthusiasm of a sloth on holiday, I fled in a huff, leaving a blistering review on their Google page that I daresay rivals the wit of a Restoration comedy. For a chuckle, do peruse the Ninety Nine’s reviews for July 15, 2025—you’ll find my screed among the chorus of discontent. Returning to Applebee’s, I was once again greeted with a promptness that bordered on sorcery; my drink and meal arrived faster than you can say “Ninety Nine neglect.”

If you’re not a card-carrying member of the Ninety Nine’s local fan club, spare yourself the indignity and head straight to Applebee’s. The cuisine and ambiance may not dazzle, but the service is a masterclass in courtesy and haste—qualities that leave the Ninety Nine’s lackadaisical crew...

I came here with my partner a few days ago. We are plant-based and had the hardest time 0finding anything to eat. We knew there is an Impossible Whopper, which is only ok if it is cooked SEPARATELY (in a microwave) away from the grill, which is contaminated (for us) by the meat, etc. residues on the common grill. We asked, and the waiter said that the manager refused to accommodate us!! No reason was given, nor did he/she do the right thing by coming out and apologizing to us (the customers) for the lousy service. Our waiter was ok, and it was good of him to try to ask for us, although it did no good. So we moved on, hoping that we might get some form of potato that would be suitable for vegans. We asked for fries. The waiter said nope, they fry them with the same oil that non-vegans have. Why couldn't they accommodate us?? Then we asked for baked. Nope, they don't serve baked. We asked for mashed. Nope, the mashed is laced with butter!! So we couldn't even get a potato in any form!!!

We wound up settling for pasta with marinara sauce and some salad. We wasted $36 and left hungry!! We do NOT recommend this establishment to other hungry plant-based vegans!!!

P.S. C'mon Applebees, keep up with the changing times. One can find plenty of plant-based foods in any decent-sized supermarket, meaning the...

After waiting over 30 minutes beyond my curbside pickup time, I went inside and was greeted by a hostess with the personality of a TSA screener on rubber glove duty. I got my food after an additional 6-7 minutes of waiting in the lobby. The hostess never chatted, smiled, or even made eye contact. I asked the staff member who brought the food why the long wait. I guess she thought I was genuinely curious about Applebee's logistical problems and not subtly hinting at my own irritation, and I was told how busy it was, followed by a an apology that felt more like, "omg just please leave already." I looked around the less than ½-full restaurant and remembered that during the entire 35 minute wait, there were only 2 of us in curbside parking. 3 groups had walked into the restaurant since my arrival, and 5 groups had left... Busy? I left without feeling as though anybody really cared. Yes, the words 'I'm sorry' were indeed spoken by the staff, but it was hollow. I finally got home to find the full rack of ribs were charred, the quesedillas were soggy, and they forgot the straws. Not only was it a full hour after placing my order, 40 minutes after pickup time, but I didnt get a genuine attempt at an apology, a warm greeting, or even a complimentary ketchup packet as a gesture. I'm probably hitting up The 99...