This place has gotten much better and I have given worse reviews for Applebees in the past. Decided tonight to give them another try and the staff was very accommodating. The steaks were cooked perfect. And the food all had good flavor. Not upscale but surprisingly had a nice ambiance. Not loud but good choice in music playing and several TV's playing sports. Overall nice date night. Melissa was our server and she was great . read more

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Food was pretty mid and service wasn't fast enough the waiter Gali was nice but took to long and forgot to bring straws for us so after 5-10 minutes I just awkwardly asked a different waiter for some unfortunate enough to say we will not come back to this location not a good place to dine read more

Haven't been to this Applebee's for 17 years. My husband and I came today too celebrate our anniversary. This is the exact place we meet 17 years ago. We walked in, was seated right away, and our waiter was not too attentive. He seemed to be in a rush. He asked us what we would like to drink and take our order and we had just sat down. This Applebee's has changed. The atmosphere changed not for the worse but it changed. There menu also changed and the selection was a nice array of items. We decided on the 2 for $22.00 and got the Spinach and Artichoke Dip and Chips, and I got the 6oz sirloin and my husband got the Oriental Chicken Salad. We started to eat and here is where it went downhill. Are sever never asked us for refills, nor did he check to see if we needed anything. Then we aren't even halfway through dinner and he brings the check and asks us if we planned on ordering anything else. We didn't know we were still eating, so the dessert we were going to get turned us off. New servers or not need to learn and take lessons from seasoned servers. Otherwise things were good. read more

This is my second time calling in for a to go order and it hasn't been correct. I ordered wings with extra ranch twice and they never gave me the extra ranch I paid for either time. Such a bummer to come home to. read more

Awesome customer service and amazing food at a good price. Love the manager she is really great, and if we have any questions, she is always so helpful, supportive, and willing to answer.The restaurant is always so clean and the staff is welcoming. I give them the highest stars and would highly recommend it read more

Never again. Blech. Not sure what I was expecting but service lagged- quality of food was rough. Nostalgic ambiance did not cover for what's happening on the plates. Wish I would have heeded the advice of the other bad reviews but...they are not lying. I'll take my money elsewhere. read more

Shit service. Trash customer service. Just lost 14 people like idiots. Empty restaurant doesn't accept to seat us for happy hour because we are a lot of people. read more

Food could be be better. But it's better than heating up the house on a hot day. Service was good, we were greeted and seated fairly quickly which is a plus. read more

Same food no different all the way across country. Everything tastes the same! Mostly boring and frozen

I was very disappointed with my experience at Applebee's. When my party walked in the two women at the front looked at my party (5 people present 2 more coming) like we didn't belong there. We wanted to take part in happy hour which had to be done in the bar area, which was no problem. There was a table that worked for our group size but again when the spot was inquired about the hostess looked at us as if it was a problem. So we were sat at that the table and looked at the menu. We sat for about 15 minutes and no one came to greet us and see if we needed anything such as drinks. Finally someone came and we ordered. The waiter was great which is why it's a 2 stars and not 1. The food was not very good. We had boneless wings (buffalo and honey pepper), spinach artichoke dip, kids meal cheese burger w/ fries and Alfredo pasta w/ fries, wonton tacos, and mozzarella sticks . The honey pepper wings were ok at best. The mozzarella stick were ok as well. The spinach artichoke dip had a strange after taste and the chips that came with it were not very good and broken up. The kids Alfredo with pasta came out cold not warming but actually cold. As well as the food in general not being very hot. A lemon drop drink was spilled on the chips for the spinach artichoke dip by a server. He was going to only replace the chips until I said and the drink since that was no longer full like it was before he bumped it. Overall food wasn't great, it wasn't even good to be honest the service as a whole was poor aside from the server who was a little scattered. Needless to say I will not be going to any more Applebee's. read more

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Daniel D and Anna are amazing bartender/host they made my experience amazing. Definitely coming again. Employees like them make me want to become a regular. I'm definitely coming back. read more

Daniel was a great server! Not only did we not have to wait for drinks but he went along with our jokes. The mood is defiantly set by the workers and Daniel did a great job at that! Shout out to Daniel and Anna! read more

This place is terrible the staff was yelling at me and my drink was 95% ice don't go. The tables are sticky.

Ordered take out.. 8oz. top sirloin, sauteed mushrooms and the 12 Blackened shrimp for an extra dollar. My wife ordered the chicken tender platter which she said was very good. However, the stake was dry, the sauteed mushrooms totally sucked (no flavor at all). If I was at Golden Corral, I might have expected this level of food, but Applebee's??? And for the shrimp, I never got them. I've always had a very good opinion of Applebee's, but this was the first and the LAST time I will go to the one in El Cajon.. read more

I have been dining here for at least 25 years and have enjoyed the food and service up until a few years ago. Unfortunately I have noticed a definite drop in food quality and portions while a spike in prices. My last to visits were very disappointing. Both my wife and I ordered their steaks on the last two visits just to be served over cooked, petite steaks that were like leather. We order drinks from the bar that were weak at best. I Honestly hope that they pull it together but for now I guess I'm going to skip visiting here for a while. read more

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

I came for the Veteran's dinner. The check in process went well. I didn't catch the gals name that was doing it but she was friendly and nice. I was seated rather quickly. My server was nice. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger. It came out quickly . It was well made, nice and juicy, it seemed closer to medium rare than medium which turned out perfect for me. Wasn't burned overcooked or dry which is all too common these days. My server wasn't the most attentive in the world. I actually left without finishing the last bite or two of my burger and left a handful of fries because I had nothing to wash them down with. The fries came out warmish given how busy they were it was understandable. Perhaps they underestimated how much extra staff was needed Maybe my server tried to be attentive behind me. If that's true I couldn't hear her as I only have one good ear. I didn't see her as I have no eyes in the back of my head. I wanted to buy gift card but she brought me back my bill all totaled so I decided on waiting on it read more

We spend a great time at this place and Tayler took a very good care of us she was really awesome, helpful. Also, she has a Great customer service. read more

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

My fiancée and I came in tonight 03/12/24, we got sat down with a woman server, didn't get her name but she was older with blonde hair. She took our drink order and as we waited we looked at the appetizer menu. I'm looking around for the server as 10 minutes pass by and I see her attending another table. I waited patiently but as more time passed I kept checking on what she was doing and she served beers to other tables and people who had just sat down! We ended up leaving because we never received our drinks after 30 minutes!! Unbelievably bad service, makes me not want to try this location again. read more

I don't know how places like this are still around. I remember being excited to go to Applebees when I was a broke college student, but now, it's just so bizarre. Just the giant footprint of restaurants like this seems inefficient, granted we went on a Wednesday. There were about 5 tables being served when we got there, the waiter was nice enough, forgot a few things, realized he forgot them, but didn't end up bringing them out, lol. The food was below average, I ordered the grilled chicken, broccoli, and mashed potatoes. I think the chicken was like the microwave kind, broccoli was SO salty, but the potatoes were okay. My kids ordered standard kid's meal stuff, freezer to table stuff, the ice cream sundae was the highlight of the night. The cost of the dinner was actually agreeable, especially now, for 3 kids and 1 adult, it was about $50, basically the same for drive-thru stuff. I don't think we will be back though, I'd rather hit up a local mom&pop place, but it was cool to re-live my college days. read more

My husband and I went to have dinner at this location on Saturday the 27th of this month. The food was horrible and the server savennah was so rude to us we order two ribeyes and two salad one of the steaks were not cook the way we ask it was over cook it took 45 min to get the steak ( med rare ) and my husband was already done eating but the worst part was the she kept coming to the table asking us if we were going to pay cash or card the entire time we were there it was so uncomfortable and we kept telling her the we don't know yet so she stand infront of us staring at us for like 5 mins. I didn't like my dinner we were there probably and hour and half because she kept making us so uncomfortable I probably not coming back to this location at all. read more

Tasty food and great service. Kat was our server and she was attentive and very sweet. My wife and I felt she deserved a shout out. I had a new burger with mushrooms and it was full of flavor. read more

Service was great, our server flora was so helpful with recommendations and we had a nice dinner!

Here at this location out to eat and the employees are pretty cool and respectable. I had a mini entourage with me but hey we were seated within ten minutes heck I think 6 if I'm not mistaken and I ordered some bone in wings buffalo hot flavor and some rock bahama alcoholic beverage I can't remember the name. I can't wait to dig in I had a taste for wings anyways. Gerardo & I Think Tayler Greeted Us With Alysha Or Elisha. Pretty Chill Restaurant Not So Much Traffic But Hey It's Clean And Located In The Rancho San Diego Location.... Waiting on the food now... If anybody happens to know what the blue alcoholic drink is called please let me know in the comments. Here on a Wednesday around 7:00PM... read more

I'm a frequent visitor at the Rancho San Diego Applebee's and I love the place! The food is great and the service is excellent! The manager, Cynthia, always makes a point to stop by and greet us. Andrew is an awesome bartender! Donna S. read more

So to me AppleBee's is ok to me. The last couple of times I have been in there for the they want me to get food before I can order a drink. Now I get it why they do that, but I can't order a drink and food at the same?. The service is great they are all ways coming up and asking if there is anything we need or if the food is ok. The restrooms are clean but sometimes I go in there the toilet paper will be out, they are clean and well kept up but that is the only thing I have on it. The tables are spread apart nicely and clean the food is great I love the appetizers they have. My favorite appetizer is BREADSTICKS WITH ALFREDO SAUCE I love getting this every time. The other thing a see some times is that there will be food o the ground that sometimes that to me is a hands down do not go there again, but I do anyway. The drinks there are nice a strong full of flavor and not weak at all they where on par with TGI Friday's when they where around, but now they are number one to me. read more

Wanted to give praise to a certain employee, DAVID at the bar!!! Thank you for the speedy and courteous service. Keep up the great work! (: not to mention the pina colada he made was super good! Best I've had in a while! Friendly face and amazing service. Mahalo! read more

Came here while waiting for my little senior to finish her salon appointment at Petco! They offered outdoor seating and there was no wait. Our server today was Alexa and she was amazing! Super friendly, personable, patient, attentive, and always had a smile even through her mask! Lol thanks for your service today, you made the experience a great one. read more

There Nacho Appetizer was a disgrace. The worst I ever had. The beef was overcooked. And little of anything else on the chips. The Riblet Platter. The meat was hard and overcooked. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone! read more

Came in this time to get some endless boneless wings man it took so long to get the next batch you could almost fell asleep waiting but we came in early I don't see why and it was not that busy read more

It is the only place at the nearest plaza that works late night. Went there with my wife and were surprised with slow and inattentive service, even though the place is almost empty. Like, you wait to be seated, then you wait even more to make an order while waiters take care of the empty tables where guests already left. Then after you ordered a cocktail and it was spilled on the table I have to go and ask for a napkin cause no one offered one. After you done with your plate, it stays where it is. Even though the waiter saw that I am done after taking the order she is going back empty handed, and my empty plate stays on the table. Finally, their charged us full price of Happy Hours meals and drinks because we were sitting in the wrong place. I mean, the whole place were empty, and we were there second time, how I supposed to know this if no one told us. They just asked where we want to seat and didn't explain anything, and the waiter saw that we only ordered items from Happy hours menu and she didn't say a word. And then I got bill 2x what I was expecting the waiter said: "Oh, they didn't tell ya? I am sorry". If you want to feel like a fool on April 1st, please visit this place. read more

" Adina Is The Best ! " My wife and I went to Applebee's in Rancho San Diego and had Dinner. We were so nicely greeted by our server Adina. Adina was so nice and friendly as she took care of all of our restaurant needs. My wife and I both had the Asian Chicken Salads with a bread sticks. We started our meal with some delicious crispy Onion Rings. As usual the Chicken in the salad was cooked perfectly, and tasted very good. We had the 2 salads and the shared appetizer for only $22.00. Great Deal, Great Meal, served by the Great Adina ! read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Crispy Onion Rings - American Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Came in at 10pm for dinner with my friend. Was seated immediately at a high table close to the bar. Sidney or Sid came over at rattled off drink specials like he was in a fastest auctioneer competition. We ordered an appetizer and non alcoholic beverages. Drinks came... appetizer came... and 20 minutes passed without anyone taking our order. I even pressed the button to "call server" on the little device on the table. It took our server who was also the bartender a full 5 minutes to come over and act surprised that our appetizer had already been consumed. (Note that at this time it had already been 35 minutes since we had ordered our appetizer) Ordered ribs. They were good. Fries on side. On the old side and not hot enough. Please get your act together applebees. read more

Been coming here since I was maybe 6? 35 now and it's still an excellent spot. Emily is my favorite bartender and the Taco Wontons are yummy! read more

Service not the best Waited a long time for drinks order At least 14 min. Water, beer took another 5 more. Server not the best. Food order was wrong too. Wrong wing order. Never asks for another beer. Don't go here and waste your time. 30 minutes no food yet read more

Typical chain restaurant. Food was pleasant. Can't really complain about a cheap steak with two sides and another dish for $22. I ordered my steak medium well, and that's how it came. Perfectly cooked, wasn't like last night. Mashed potatoes were dank and the ribs were good too. Out server, Kyla, was really cool. Very chill, patient and herself. read more

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

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Tonight we received some of the worst service ever at a restaurant. We were a party of 5 with a toddler, sat at the rear of the restaurant in a booth. Our drink order was taken, it was 15-20 mins before we received anything. Our waitress was no where to be seen, and when she would come into the area she would stop half way and leave. Once we received our drinks it was another 20-25 mins before our appetizers came. The wings were cold and looked like they were old. The food came shortly after that, everything was cold. We never received silverware and had to ask for condiments/silverware. Never asked if we wanted more drinks or refills on water/soda. This is the second time at the Applebees. For the record the restaurant wasn't busy at all, half or less capacity. Pretty sad! This will be our last time at the restaurant, please train your waitresses to do better. Stop leaving the floor and disappearing from view to avoid doing your job. It's sucks cause we enjoy Applebees and the environment. read more

Service was great we had Evangelina Food was hot and fresh. Nice to see a busy restaurant. The staff working as a team alongside the the manager. Nice to see management help clean tables and run food. Thank you read more

Don't come here if you have a cute date at the bar. The manager and staff feel less...then kick ya out. Good looking big spenders go up north! read more

Just had a crazy experience here and so much happened in such a short period of time. We showed up to a 40 minute wait for a table which wasn't too bad. When we got seated it took around an hour and a half for the food to arrive. They didn't bring us napkins and forgot my wife's water. They forgot my wife's salad, brought my steak completely cold and undercooked which I had to send back, the mac n cheese was gross and also cold. Waitress was not attentive and was borderline rude. It was Veterans Day today and my wife is a vet. They repaid her by forgetting to give us a receipt at the end of the night, forgetting to give us the vet deal, and shorted us $15 of our change. If I hadn't said anything the waitress would have kept the $15, not sure if was intentional, very sketchy though. Long story short, don't come here... felt like we were on an episode of Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey! read more

We have been going to this location for years and have even ordered pick up several times without issues. Tonight however, our pick up order, one of the entrees is cold, looks like it was made and sat for awhile. The noodles look hard and overcooked, the melted cheese hardened and there is hardly any broccoli. I have ordered this and it has never been bad....so disappointed! read more

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