Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Virginia

Below is my original review. Im updating because im feel like i wasted 50 dollars. We have always loved this Applebee's but that changed today. The place has 4 or 5 tables in use when we walked in. The host seemed stoned or just not all there. He told us it would be 20 minutes for a table, the place was basically empty. We sat down to wait the host walked off then quickly back, and told us it would be 10 minutes do we want to sit at the bar? No I'm not here to drink. He walked off puzzled looking, came back about 2 minutes later and seated us. We both ordered half a rack ribs. I told the waitress i wanted fries and green beans instead of the coleslaw. We were told sorry they only come with one side now. Well the menu stated different. I pointed it out and was told the coleslaw is a garnish not a side. Well then no coleslaw then. Less food number 1 for me to eat. Well the food arrives and my half rack of ribs is the size of 4 fingers on an average size hand. Pinky size bones except for the first 2. There was no meat on them. The sauce covered the bones. A tiny thin layer of meat between each rib. When i say tiny think of a slice of lunch meat thick. I had one section that had a chunk of meat between the ribs that was about the size of a pinky. That was number 2 of less food. $20.00 a pop for us to eat there and we left hungry. I can not even believe Applebee's would serve basically bones to their customers. My better half got mashed potatoes as a side and they gave her basically 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes, max 3 tablespoons. Its sad that as you are paying your lunch/dinner bill you are discussing stopping at McDonald's to get something to eat. I feel like i was cheated, screwed, and just not welcomed. 500% change since the below review was given. Beware, you will leave hungry. We will not be back.

---original---

We were happy to see any restuarant open. But we stop here because we wanted a steak. Both of our steaks were cooked how we requested. Service was very good, they set up away from others and handled the covid 19 very well. Only problem my shrimp was grilled far to long. They were chewy like leather. They did offer to replace them. But I declined because I did not want to hold up others who might have been...

On a trip to meet up some family members- we decided to dine at this location. Immediately upon entering I could feel the vibe - like a burst of positive energy & enthusiasm music was playing and thumping - from the hostess to the managers to the server- just a Cracker Jack experience- there were a crowd of people- several at the bar - others at tables. The hostess recognized we were a bit accessibly challenged- seated us very close to the front door without us requesting which is not always the case at other establishments. There were a couple steps to our booth but there were handrails to assist & she watched to make sure none of us fell. I was really impressed- the managers were equally friendly- attentive. Our server gave us plenty time to select from a very versatile menu. We had mozzarella sticks as an appetizer- they were fresh hot the cheese oozing at first bite. I had the ribeye steak with broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes- very mouth watering- steak tender- cooked to my specifications. Another person had the full rack rib entree with mashed potatoes & string beans - very generous portions - enough for another meal- the ribs had soaked up the sauce and the sauce was dripping off the ribs - little packs for hand cleaning after completion of the meal. Another person had a chicken meal- the plate was loaded- no take home here- she cleaned the plate - stated how delicious the selection was. All throughout our meal the server and managers checked on us.I was told on Friday nights people be standing outside waiting to be seated.Accessible free parking and wheelchair accessible as this a ground location. There are a couple benches outside for convenience. As it was dark when we finished our meal- notably the restaurant lit out - different colors- different- brilliant- made it stand out from other restaurants in the area. I would absolutely visit this location again...

EDIT: 6/8/24 We were invited back to see if Applebee's could redeem themselves. Service was Awesome Josh was amazing touched the table multiple times his meal suggestions were good and he even suggested cocktails or drinks which we tried. Food wasn't cooked correctly steak supposed to be rare came out well done. Josh quickly noticed and fixed the problem. Second time it came out it was definitely rare almost blue but tastes good. The drinks were weak to say the least The flavor was correct muddled right but still almost have to ask for another shot/ side car. Appetizer was perfect. My wife asked for mashed potatoes ended up getting broccoli but Josh again fixed it quickly. The atmosphere is the same as it was back in the 1990s and the ceiling in the vents that they haven't been clean since then Large amounts of dust. I do appreciate them redeeming themselves Josh was above and beyond Food was okay drinks were drinkable it is an improvement from one star.

My food was absolutely disgusting The mac and cheese was just horrible had no flavor and then the waitress jokingly said yeah that's what everybody says well then why in the world would you suggest that to begin with.... She's more interested in chatting with her boyfriend sitting at the table flirting and eating his french fries. We sat there forever for her to notice that the mac and cheese was bad and she gave us a salad instead and then up charge just another $15.99 on top of that. Only came over one time to refill my water never refilled my wife's water overall horrible experience horrible customer service horrible manager he was sitting back there not paying attention and he came over to the address the table and she stopped him and then came over and just handed some tickets and have a good night and walked off. Don't go here if you want good food or good service or nice...