Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Orem

I should preface this review with the fact that I've only had Applebee's three times in my 42 years on this Earth. All three times happen to be at the Orem location, the first time being approximately 20 years ago, with the second time being about 10 years ago.

Both of those previous times I had a not great experiences with the food and so have avoided it for roughly a decade at a time.

We had a church group meeting right down the street, and after that, we were just looking for a close place to stop in for a quick dinner on a Tuesday night. It was dead inside, maybe 3 other tables with people at them, which should have been a sign of things to come...

The hostess sat us quickly and was friendly, but definitely how to look on her face like you should turn around now...

The server came and greeted us, took the order quickly, and seemed a little distracted because she forgot my order and came back to verify it. But mostly polite.

My friends soda came out taking flat, like the carbonated water was out, however my water was as expected haha...

About 10 minutes later, the appetizer (mozzarella sticks) came out with a microwaved feel to them. They were hot and decent enough, but no better than the kind you'd buy in a freezer and cook at home.

After another 10 or so minutes, the food arrived (Bacon Ranch Chrispy chicken sandwich and the Riblets Plate)

On first arrival, the Riblets looked so nasty, like something that happens hours later after you've eaten... well looks matched the taste, after only a single bite the food was clearly as bad as it looked, my date couldn't take another bite, then she tried the French fries, they were very crispy, almost like they had been cook a couple times already, and again the flavor was like those kid cuisine meals... It's not very tasty.

My bacon ranch crispy chicken sandwich actually looked pretty good. Although the french fries tasted exactly like my dates did, my first bite of the sandwich was a pretty big surprise. What looked like it might be pretty tasty ended up leaving me a little bit surprised at the texture. Biting into the chicken, it snapped, like again as if they had been cooked maybe several days before and then put back in the refrigerator and then deep-fried it again... it was hot like it came out of the fryer however it was about as dry as a napkin and lacked even the remotest hint of a good flavor, I was a little braver and continued to take a few more bites before I had had enough and thought maybe I would become sick from eating it. It didn't have a foul taste or smell. It completely lacked any flavor at all, and the texture was the most off-putting thing. I've never had chicken that made an actual audible snapping sound as you bite into it.

My date suggested that we ask the server to take it back and have it recooked, but my experience with that is that the food never comes out quite right if you catch my drift...

The server seemed to understand and already knew that we wouldn't need to-go boxes, she simply brought the check and said "I hope you have a better night."

So in the 20 years of trying to eat at Applebee's I have decided it's on the forever band list at this point, and with so many other options so close I can't imagine why I would ever give it another try.

Not so good in the...

Restaurant Review: Applebee's Grill and Bar - Orem, UT

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Located at 290 W 1300 S, Orem, UT, Applebee's Grill and Bar is a delightful gem that never fails to impress. Whether you're in the mood for a casual dinner with friends or a family outing, this location offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the perfect stage for a memorable dining experience.

Ambiance and Service: From the moment you walk in, the welcoming decor and friendly staff make you feel right at home. The restaurant is spacious yet cozy, with comfortable seating arrangements that encourage relaxation. The service here is top-notch; the staff is attentive without being intrusive, always ready with recommendations and quick to address any needs.

Food Quality: Now, let’s talk about the food! Applebee's menu is a diverse mix of classic American dishes, from hearty burgers to fresh salads. I highly recommend the Triple Chocolate Meltdown for dessert—it's a chocolate lover's dream! The Quesadilla Burger is another must-try, perfectly blending flavors in a way that will leave you craving more. And don’t skip the Boneless Wings; they’re crispy and come with a variety of sauces to satisfy any palate.

Drinks: The drink menu is equally impressive, featuring a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. The Margarita is refreshing and just the right balance of sweet and tart—perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Value for Money: Applebee's offers great value for your money, with generous portion sizes and frequent promotions. The happy hour deals are especially worth mentioning; you can enjoy delicious bites and drinks at unbeatable prices.

Final Thoughts: Overall, Applebee's Grill and Bar in Orem is a fantastic spot for anyone looking for a delicious meal in a friendly environment. With its excellent service, mouthwatering food, and inviting atmosphere, it’s no wonder this place has become a local favorite. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a good meal, Applebee's will not disappoint!

🏷️ #ApplebeesOrem #FoodieParadise #AmericanDining #DeliciousEats #OremRestaurants

Spread the word and make your way to Applebee's—you won’t...

So, interesting take on this one.

My wife and I haven't been to an Applebees in almost a decade. We had a bad experience (horrendous really) and just... haven't gone since.

However, I am an absolute Mountain Dew fanatic.

Lo and behold: they have a flavor you can -only- get at Applebees right now: Mtn Dew Dark Berry Bash.

So, I bugged my wife incessantly until she caved and we took my 5 year old son over.

I even called ahead to ensure they had the syrup in stock beforehand.

We got there at 4:55 (the old people hour - so we wouldn't have to wait), and were promptly seated. It was not busy, many tables were open.

We sat for 5 minutes. No one came. Another 5. Watched as other tables seated after us had their orders taken. Another 5.

Finally we decided to leave, as after 15 minutes we weren't certain what was going on, but if other tables were being served and having their drinks delivered we clearly weren't worth their time (?). We didn't want to make a scene, but we also didn't know what else to do.

It just seemed like no one cared that we were there.

They asked us to come back inside and we did.

After this, the experience was pleasant and excellent.

The food was great, the burgers we ordered were actually --BETTER-- quality than the ones we have gotten from Red Robin (though the fries could use a bit more seasoning).

That was really impressive.

The soda was really good, and I was very happy about that, as this is the only place you can get it, and they were very gracious about the to-go cup when I asked for that.

I realize I could have just ordered the soda as a to go item, and not gotten meals, but I wanted to give the restaurant a chance.

I am not sure what was going on with the initial being ignored. They didn't seem short-staffed, which right now, I totally and completely would have understood, to be clear.

As noted in other reviews, the manager is also extremely nice and gracious.

If they get that whole 'being ignored' thing under...