I feel compelled to update this from three stars to four stars for a few reasons because I don't see the food ever becoming any better or any worse. You're at Applebee's, what really do you expect? Here's what I didn't expect... the badass bartender. I didn't get her name and figured it would be on my receipt but I somehow managed to allow that to disappear into a black hole. Black hole or not, knowing her name or not, doesn't change things. She's personable, she quick, and carries on the right amount of conversation. Not too much, not too little. Applebee's: come for the cheap food, stay for the sweet bartender. read more

The high rating is because it was such an enjoyable experience. The food is reasonable if not somewhat expected for this category of restaurant. Now was our server and he was patient, helpful, attentive and remained calm even as business picked up. The manager, Scott, actually made a point of coming by to check in on every table which was impressive. Parents took advantage of the 2 for $25 deal. They had the cheeseburgers which were extra cheese! Spivey honey sauce on the side was a smart call as it was very spicy. Mom loves fries and these did not disappointed. Even dad was satisfied which is high praise - he said a good meal overall! I had chicken quesadilla which was ok - chicken seemed a little rubbery to me - perhaps processed but standard for this category. Portion was large enough I'll have lunch tomorrow. We ordered a triple chocolate meltdown which I'll write about at home. read more

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As far as Applebee's goes, it was a great experience! The hostess opened the door for us and seated us promptly. Our waitress was friendly and knowledable about the menu. We got the 2 for $25 with upgraded entrees to the whiskey bacon burger and side salads as our appetizer. Our waitress recommended getting the whiskey sauce on the side which was appreciated because the sauce was not it. The food was what you would expect at Applebee's when it's done right. Overall, it was great as far as Applebee's goes. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Whiskey bacon burger - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Walked in on a Saturday. It was not to busy, but also busy? They seemed short staffed. We walked in and wait a few minutes to be attended by the host. She walked up after a few minutes and a blank stare the entire time. She sat us and left. She was the same with everyone else that walked in behind us. The restaurant looked clean and looks like they updated some of the furniture. It took a while for our server to attend to us. As she was the server for the entire restaurant is seemed. Between her and the manager they were moving back and forth through the restaurant assisting everyone. Maricela was wonderful at attending to us and getting us anything we needed when she was able to get to us. Feel bad for her as she was running back and forth throughout the restaurant. The service from her was over all great. We ordered mozzarella sticks a classic cheeseburger and broccoli and chicken fettuccine alfredo. But they ran out of broccoli which was a bummer for me. My niece enjoy the burger like always. And the mozzarella sticks you can never go wrong here. Probably top-tier of mozzarella sticks anywhere. The fettuccine alfredo was definitely lacking a lot of flavor. But that's what I get ordering pasta at Applebee's. Applebee's is never my choice to come to. But it was my niece's birthday and she loves Applebee's. I would definitely recommend go anywhere else but here. The food is decent but nothing to write home about either. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Broccoli chicken Alfredo with no broccoli because they ran out. - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Matt was our server and he was so polite and patient! The food came warm and the atmosphere felt warm .... Thanks Matt!! read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - 2 for 25 meal - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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It's Applebee's. It's precisely what you think it is. If you ever liked anything you ate at any Applebee's, anywhere else, you'll be exactly as happy with this Applebee's as you were at the other one, that other time. Unless, like me, you were a fan of Applebee's Potato Twisters: thinly sliced, spiral-cut potatoes that were deep-fried and seasoned. Applebee's discontinued Potato Twisters ten years ago, in 2015, and since then, trips to the restaurant with my wife (who likes the place) have been unpleasant and disappointing. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Salsa Verde Shredded Brisket Nachos - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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25-Oct-2025 We stopped by Applebees for a quick meal on the run and it was worth it! The manager sat us quickly, Leala was our server and the food was great! The best part was this was this is Saturday at 4pm and there was not a wait. We were happy with the 2 for $25, but we also order an additional appetizer. We recommend this Applebees. Very nice experience. We forgot to take photos before we devoured our food. Thanks, Ashley & Lindsey read more

Happy Hour!!!! Love a good happy hour this is your place. Choose from chicken quesadillas, mozzarella sticks, spinach artichoke dip, beer pub pretzels with beer cheese, boneless wings, chicken wontons, onion rings, and brew pub loaded waffle fries. As seen below the hubby and I chose the wontons, wings, and artichoke dip/chips which were yummy. The service was ok not the best but hey it's happy hour so let's be happy lol. The atmosphere was pretty chill. Would definitely love another happy hour here. read more

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Cinthia was our waitress she did a good job. Stopped here with my sister and nice and her friend for dinner. Had the 15.99 all you can eat deal. Ribs shrimp and chicken figures.food was good. Staff was friendly and polite. I highly recommend Applebee's. I be back. Berry mt dew is amazing. 5 stars for food staff and good. Thank you Applebee's read more

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Went there for lunch today and they only had 1 waitress working on the tables. Finally a manager who was able to bring plates of food out to the people that had already ordered . Flag him down to order the lunch along with a cold beer. Food came out and it wasn't what I ordered? 15 minutes later he came back with the food and it was pretty good. Came with soup, no soup spoon in the silverware package? Had to ask for a soup. Bill came, charge me 10 dollars for a beer? I don't be going back there. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Applebees bill.! - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

The chicken strips were really bad. The perfect margarita was so sour. We appreciate is open late but.... read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - This is our order of chicken strips. - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

Well the place is clean and plenty of parking looks like they remodeled recently. Plenty of tvs with sports. However today they seemed short on staff. Only had one side of restaurant opened for guests. It did take time for servers. But when they came very nice and understanding. The food was ok nothing great. Fries could have been hot versus warm and seemed like they been sitting under a lamp. I got fish and chips which came with Cole slaw and fries. Fish was fine Cole slaw a little dry and fries just warm. But the service was good. read more

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Service was ok because managers stepped up to help the waitress who was a bit overwhelmed. The food was so so and was way overpriced. There should be senior prices. Would I go back not sure read more

I first tried the Pretzels and the Mountain Dew Dark Berry before from Uber Eats, I really enjoyed it. The Mtn Dew Dark Berry tastes almost like Voltage Mtn Dew but with a hint of Blackberry. I had a brain freeze, lol. Ok, I was joking but it's still good. The service was nice and my dad and I liked it. The Ambiance looks nice, it's nice and calm and it feels good too. The shake we got is SO Good, that I feel like I'm in heaven. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Oreo Cookie Shake Mountain Dew Dark Berry Bash Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip NEW Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger House Side Salad - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

Ordered from here last night. A pick up order. Got home and my order wasn't right. Called and got credit. First time ordering what I ordered from there. Next time hope it goes better for me. read more

EXCELLENT dining experiece!! We had "Chris" as our waiter EXCELLENT JOB with customer service GRADE: A Our meal was EXCELLENT GRADE A Our portion sizes EXCELLENT GRADE A Overall dining experience GRADE A Of course we will be back and will continue to tell our friends read more

Thank you for being always awesome, i love this place been coming here since 2008 and cant be more thankful the team is awesome they just need to smile more often lol. The food is good prices are fair. The store is clean and on point every time i walk int here. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Boneless Wings - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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The bartender was a machine she worked so hard and gave great service (Anna) she's the reason I'm coming back

This Applebees has an awesome bartender, fairly priced drinks at the bar and a very eclectic mix of business men, politicians, labor, families and more! I had a fascinating conversation about local politics at the bar while enjoying a vodka red bull and talking to a few business owners in SD! The bartender's hat gave tropical island vibes and a guy I was talking to bought rounds of drinks for a birthday party at the end of the bar! Total Cheers vibes, this was my first time in an Applebees since college (20+ yrs ago) and ..I was pretty impressed! read more

I ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger and asked them to do it as a Quesadilla Burger instead of a regular bun and they nailed it!!!! It was so big and thick and juicy and delicious!!! I used 5 napkins and I was in Heaven! The french fries were cooked perfectly. I could not have been happier!!! It has been quite some time since I cleaned my plate, but I'll tell you what, I did today! And I was glad to do it!!! Our server, Maricela A. was very attentive and provided excellent service!!! I would definitely request her section when we go back next time!!! read more

We entered hungry and excited we sat down and ordered, they brought out the appetizer with no plates. It took a bit to find someone to ask for plates! Then when our entrees came out they were COLD! We decided to just pay and go wanting to heat it up at home, it then took forever for us to find someone for to-go boxes. I doubt I'll come again. read more

First time at Applebees and had an excellent experience. Our server Maria was lovely and attentive. The food was also good for the price point. An appetizer and 2 entrees for $25 is great deal. Adding to the rotation of restaurants. read more

I would have to say that this was not a pleasant experience. Six of us went there after attending a trunk o treat in the area . We all ordered our food and out came some of it . One persons food never came out until we were all finished . I also ordered a coffee.. never received it either . The server was nice , never rude but overall service not great . Maybe it was a fluke , maybe short staffed . However my daughter received her lemonade drink and after a few sips realized the cup on the inside was dirty . Definitely won't be back to this location anytime soon if ever again .. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Dirty cup - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

Had a nice dinner, good food, good drinks and fast service. Place was clean. Would go back.

Tried the All You Can Eat at Applebee's and everything was fresh and tasty--especially the ribs and shrimp. Our server, Cynthia, was fantastic! Super friendly, attentive, and made sure we were always taken care of. Great food and great service. We'll definitely be back! read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Half Rack Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs Double Crunch Shrimp - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

Food is good but everything else is really bad. 9 pm at night and the A/C is blasting like we live in the desert with 110 degrees in the shade. This isn't the first time we have had to deal with this issue. Last time another guest demanded A/C off and it was turned off. We walk in and the place is empty and freezing inside! We asked the hostess for a warm spot and she puts us under a vent . What the hell is wrong with her? When I complained she said goodbye. Rude!! Never coming back and that employee needs to be fired!! read more

Love love love Maricela main reason we keep coming back. Don't believe me stop by and ask to sit in her section you won't be disappointed!

Came here as an Applebee's fan and left questioning coming back. Sat at the bar, with "Jennifer C." As our server/bartender. There were a total of 5 people at the bar, me and my partner included. Worst service I've recieved in a very long time if not ever, at the chain. Bartender was quite obviously paying attention to her friends at the bar. read more

Love visiting this location. The hostess is so nice when I come in. The bartender is always friendly and outgoing. I love visiting during happy hour and getting an appetizer or two with the happy hour drinks. And depending on when you go, it can be very calm or very busy. Especially with football season here. read more

Excellent service and a great food selection our waiter David went above and beyond to make sure me and my family's experience was a great one... read more

The waitress was horrible. I had to ask for my son extra ranch 3 times. The restroom was horrible. After we paid our bill, we notice they mixed up our bill. We had to go back to get reimbursed. I will definitely not be going back. I rather go to The Texas Roadhouse instead. read more

Yeah. Sorry. This is going to be short and sweet. Sunday afternoon. Not busy. Horrible service. Inexperienced servers with no knowledge of menu items. Every item on the table has the last person's finger grease on it. Beer was warm and flat. Food was dull and lukewarm. Don't go here. Ever. Wait the 45 minutes for a table at Texas Road House next door. read more

The food was okay. We were hungry from running around all day and didn't want to wait 2 hours for a table at Texas Roadhouse. Our server didn't put in the correct order for my husband, but we just let it go and made sure we weren't charged for it. Parking can be difficult on a Friday night. read more

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Well... what can I really say. It's an Applebees! You don't come here for the best meal ever, you come for happy hour with the half-priced apps after 9 pm and the cheap watered down drinks. And that's all you can really ask for. However, I have to note that this Applebees was extremely dirty-- the table we were sat at was not cleaned beforehand (with crumbs on it!) and under the table was food that looked like people had thrown on the floor. Looking at other tables, this dirtiness was a pattern throughout the Applebees. It also was weird however to note that everything tasted like oil. No matter what you got. Everyone at my table agreed there was no distinct taste between everyone's food. Probably not the best Applebees in San Diego. Mira Mesa location is a lot better (: read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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great food and great prices. the new menu items were phenomenal. our waiter david was also fantastic. the service was fantastic. he was super friendly and helpful. give this man a raise. i couldnt be happier me & wife had such a great time all thanks to david & applebees. we will back again. read more

i came on a sunday with my family for my fiancés birthday and we had 9 people sit down first it started with the hostess she had an attitude and kept sitting other people and would give us attitude then our server was good but service was horrible the food came out three plates had to be sent back my brother in laws food got sent back twice and then my step dad honestly just asked to have it boxed up and his check out server was amazing he did everything but the food was not the greatest today to be honest i don't think we won't be back i'm sorry i'm just happy he commped some stuff read more

Pasta was amazing but I never got a refill on my soda. I might come back here, I'll see.

The bast microwaved and dry chicken Alfredo with broccoli you will get from Applebee's Fletcher Parkway. Not to mention the best hard as a rock chicken. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Dry pasta - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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DAVID was a very attentive server. It was rush hour and we were greeted in a timely manner he got out drinks quickly and the food was out in a jiffy. David was awesome great energy and the service was superb. I always enjoy coming to this establishment. Always a pleasant experience here. Thanks David! read more

Came to eat and pubic hair in my boneless wings remade them nothing off the bill won't be back yuck!!!