Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Philadelphia

So this it the most disappointing review that I have EVER had to do. So let me paint the picture. My Father,my two sisters,my brother,his girlfriend,and I all went to this Apple bees hoping to have a nice family night out seeing how we don't get to see each other often with our schedules. We walked in the door to four other parties waiting for tables. Each party had between three to five people and of course we were a party of six. My Father who has been in the restaurant business for over 28years (manger) asked the wait time. A young man named Darr with an additude that has no place in the server or hostess industry,said it would be up to a 30min wait,mind you there are seven empty tables sitting. So my father asked why was those tables not being used,to which Darr said "I have to ask my manager before seating. He just stood there looking at us like we were crazy. My dad asked him to go get the manager,a female hostess went and got the manager because Darr would not move.the manager came and told him to seat everyone waiting after my father spoke to him. Darr was even combative with the Manager showing no respect for this man as well. At this point we did not want any part of this Darr character,but he seemed pressed to put his self with us. My father and my brother went out side to avoid any problems, Darr then called on our group of six, I stepped forward and he ignores my sisters and I still calling for group of six. I tell him that we are ready and he says no I can't seat you because he( my father) asked for the table. I've never heard of this before. Even after my dad came in he ignores my dad and when he just stood there we asked him where were we sitting and just says "oh you sit there if you want".pointing to a table, He then glares my dad up and down, and at this point he was about two seconds away from getting the heal of my shoe up his a$$ . We ended up complaining to the Manager again,who I hope will do something about the problem. We did not eat we only ordered drinks,where the people behind the bar need to learn how to pour tap beer so there not shorting people on there beer. We left hungry and angrily disappointed from this experience. We had a better and more pleasant meal at the Wendy's...

I love Applebee's; they never disappoint I always have a good meal when I come here especially to this particular establishment. The service is always pleasant and accommodating and the food always comes out hot and good. My last visit which was almost a week ago had just one or two snags that annoyed me. I always end up going with my family: Mom, Dad and brother and as usual this is who I was with my last visit. When we got there a slew of people were seated in the lobby area so we assumed we were in for a long wait. There was a guy in front of us waiting as well but there was no hostess. What perturbed me was that the place was generally empty so why were so many people waiting to be seated? I noticed a few employees seemingly doing nothing. Finally, who i assume was the manager came to take care of us but looked as if another employee had to bring to her attention we were standng there. When we were finally seated our waitress was very nice. She checked up on us periodically, constantly explained everything and made sure we were good the entire time. The only other thing that made me upset was they don't serve baked potatoes until 4p and it was 1:30p and I REALLY wanted a baked potatoe. When i go out and eat I want what I want and I don't like being told I can't have it. That's just how I am about food. Other than that, i had a good time and the food was...

Went at about 9pm for a quick meal. It was a 20 minute wait while there was visible seating, a server came after about 15 minutes to let us know her table was being cleaned. Finally the host came to seat us in another section and explained he was the only host and apologized but still no explanation of why the wait was so long to be seated. The waitress was pleasant but seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. A 5 minute wait to order drinks. Waited another 10 minutes for soggy lemons for water. The food was mediocre at best and overly salted. They also no longer have a veggie burger. We stuck to basics like classic burger, house salad, chicken tenders and Alfredo. Ordered a drink( long island) which did not come out until after the check and was made to go because the bartender "cut himself" and she had to find the backup bartender. This was honestly one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. Food definitely not photo worthy.

Edit: Returned to visit on 7/23 and could tell the difference. Staff was very friendly and was quickly informed of the wait time. Drinks and apps came so fast and the waitress Taquana was awesome!!! Food was pretty decent. I was so pleased I decided to give them another try. I am glad to have a much better dining experience...