I had not been here in two years, and somehow things have managed to go from bad to worse. Service was meh. Somehow history repeated itself: we were seated and then promptly forgotten about. At this point it almost feels like a recurring theme here. We also had to ask for silverware and napkins -- same issue as our last visit. The food itself was decent at best. The spinach artichoke dip was probably the highlight of the meal. The fries were soggy, and the lime chicken was just okay. Nothing terrible, but nothing memorable either. Overall, not a great experience and certainly not an improvement from the last time around. read more

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After we were seated, and our drinks had arrived, the waitress told us they were out of all pasta and ribs. Now I wonder if they were out or it was late enough (We came in at 9:00 but they are open until 11:00.) they didn't want to put In the time to make them. We came in wanting pasta but didn't feel we could leave as our drinks had already arrived. I ordered my steak well done but it wasn't remotely close. I sent it back but when it was returned and I cut into it the waitress rightly observed it looked even more pink, if that is possible. The potatoes were now cold too. The waitress removed the meal from our bill and I went a few doors down to Culver's for a burger.‍ read more

Not happy it was so Cold in the restaurant you had to keep your coat on. Very uncomfortable eating while you are freezin. Not going back! Sad!! read more

My wife, Son and I went for a bite to eat after traveling to Watertown from Seattle, Washington. After being in the air from 6am till 8pm, we were hungry. My wife ordered the 6 oz Sirloin and I got the 8 oz. Sirloin Son got wings. My steak was so full of fat and grissel, after taking one bite and chewing for 10 minutes, I finally swallowed it. Or so I thought! It stuck in my throat! I didn't panic, and went to the bathroom to spit it up. After 4 trips, it would not come up and was stuck pretty tight. I tried everything and it would not break free. My wife told our server, he disappeared and a female manager came. My wife explained the situation and the manager said she would take off 20% of our bill, When I returned, the bill was there and it showed a "delivery20" on the new bill. But, the old bill was $62.97. The new bill, with the "delivery20" discount on it was still $62.97! I told them they lost a customer for life. I plan to contact my card company and dispute the charge. BTW, 20% of $62.97 would be $12.59, not the $3.90 she SAID she took off. She never took anything off! Now, after 2 hours, it is still stuck and will not go down or come up! Guess the E.R. for me. read more

Absolutely dog water,trash,awful, and I had the time to run a marathon before my drinks even came. Water looked like an off brand emenim. Felt like I was gonna get kidnapped walking in here. I rarely leave reviews, but my experience at Applebee's was frustrating enough to warrant one. From the moment we walked in, service was slow and disorganized. It took nearly 15 minutes just to get greeted, and even longer to receive our drinks. When the food finally arrived, it was lukewarm, bland, and didn't match the menu description. One dish was missing sides entirely, and another looked like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for too long. We tried to get a server's attention, but it felt like we were being completely ignored. To make things worse, the restaurant wasn't even that busy -- just poorly managed. No apology, no offer to make things right, just a check slapped on the table and a "have a good one" on the way out. Honestly, I expected better. I won't be returning to this location, and I'd strongly recommend others think twice. read more

Stopped in for lunch and had their chicken tender salad. I sat at the bar and the service was quick and the staff very friendly. No complaints. I'll be back again. read more

If i could give this a zero star I would... worst food i've ever eaten. Mozzarela sticks were undercooked Which was unfortunate because that is the only thing this place seems to do right. Don't even get me started on the service it was just terrible, from the time we sat down to when we got our food was 2 hours. We tried to flag down a server to do their job and serve us but that little brat looked at us scoffed and rolled her eyes. There has never i mean never been a restaurant with this terrible of service and I mean that. The feeling inside of the restaraunt was just weird, awkward, and frankly a little bit scary. Way too loud and despite MULTIPLE complaints the staff didnt do anything about it. This Applebees completely ruined my 3 year olds birthday. I AM SCATHING. read more

Applebee's Grill + Bar - Burgers Near Me - Watertown, South Dakota

We have not been disappointed with our meals. We do not dine out very often but we usually end up here.

Today during the evening I witnessed and incident with a young girl that was seating people she was dark skinned I believe her name started with a G and a waiter was saying awful things to others and I happened to overhear the bullying of this girl. No actions were taken against this waiter her name was Grace or Gracie, you need to train you employees to be respectful and not a complete and utter stuck up brat. I caught the hostess on her way out and she told me what happened and what was going on. She told me and I was in complete shock that no manager or supervisor had intervened between the bully and girl. Shame on Applebees terrible work environment staff and service. Our food was cold and absolutely disgusting. What does this place have to offer? Terrible employees, food that is garbage and slow service. Better eat at the gas station read more

Good food just took a little while for us to get out food but tasted overall very good.

Shockingly very good I've always been weary of Applebees thinking it was a low grade chain restaurant but I was delighted when all my food came out hot and delicious! read more

I know it's a chain but this place definitely felt more of a small town feel. Service was great and timely. Better Applebee's I've ever been to. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. We came here a few weeks back and they wouldn't let us sit at a short table so our son's high chair could reach the table because "that side wasn't open." Needless to say we left. We tried again tonight hoping it was a one time thing. They sat us down at a high table and I asked for a booster seat, they gave us one that was broke. I was waiting for a waitress to ask for a new one. 10 minutes go by of nobody even saying "hi I'll be with you shortly," nobody acknowledged us at all. We ended up leaving again. Not impressed. read more

Service was adequate and friendly but food and drink gave me insight why so many Applebees are closing nationwide. Raspberry tea was 'off'. Just didn't taste right. Entree was meh. The loud family behind me just added to the experience. I visit Watertown 3-4 times a year. There are plenty of other options. read more

Excellent service. The Mozzarella sticks and Prime Rib sandwich with the French dip juice were amazing.

I've been in here a few times in the last month as I'm working in the area and staying in a hotel that's walking distance to the restaurant. Today I went in and got a seat at the bar. Sat there for a little over 10 minutes. 3 employees walked past we a few times but never spoke to me. Nobody ever went behind the bar. I finally just got up and left. This has happened twice in the time I've been here. One other time I came in and there were plenty of open seats at the bar, but it was covered in dirty dishes so I left. Restaurant definitely has staffing and management issues. I need to mention that the couple times I have been served the food was good. There is one woman that works the bar area that has done a great job both times. She's never been there during the times it has sucked. read more

So, we are visiting Watertown, South Dakota and decided to go to Applebees because its familiar. It was about 8 pm and not very busy. We asked to sit outside and the lady said it would be about 10 minutes. We asked to sit inside because we were starving. The hostess and another lady said it would be about the same time frame because they were giving the kitchen staff a breather. What? Since when does a restaurant do that? I think they should have sat us down and took our order and said it would be a few minutes. The local joint wasn't much better. Dave your time and drive to Sioux City read more

Tried to have a late lunch here but preferred NOT to sit in the bar area. Wete told there was no other choice so we walked out. We will never be back read more

Went to Applebees last night and ordered the three cheese chicken pasta which I normally love. When the young man bought out our food I was surprised. It was a plate of pasta with Alfredo sauce. I called the young man over and told him it wasn't what I ordered. I asked for some three cheese sauce. He bought me out more alfredo sauce and said his manager said it the same thing. I was stunned. They really need to make the managers and the cooks learn about what they are selling. I can say it will be quite awhile before I go back. If ever read more

Terrible food and service. Never refilled drinks even after being asked. Food was cold. The typical chain.

Wow, I used to like eating at the Watertown Applebee's, but tonight's experience has me wondering if I'll ever go back. It was great to see no waiting for a table, but didn't realize we'd have to wait 30+ minutes for a wait staff member to get to our table! The host was nice, but after waiting 20 minutes, I went up to the front and let the host know that we were ready to order. . . to no avail. So after another 10 minutes, we asked another staff member, the manager (?) of wanting to place our order. . . again nothing. We weren't in a hurry, but this was getting ridiculous. Could someone have stopped by our table to acknowledge us or possibly take our drink order, maybe ask about an appetizer?? Nada, zip, no sign of life from any staff member. So we finally had to leave, realizing we weren't going to be served. Very disappointing. . . read more

Stopped on our way to Brookings and had a good lunch... Service was fine. Overall experience was just fine.

Drove 2 hours to Watertown to take grandchildren out for birthday's (3 in October!). Food so-so, wait staff we were assigned horrible and needs to be coached/trained in her job better. Took our order, brought drinks and salads and never saw her again until we flagged down 3 other staff to inquire about missing order items, 1 being my 7 year old grandson's meal (no, they were not busy nor understaffed, the adults at our table have worked hospitality/service industry so are USUALLY more compassionate, not this day). These 3 other waitstaff assured us that they'd check on the missing orders, while the rest of us shared items from our orders to feed the 7 year old. Finally when Evelyn graced us with her presence, the rest of the table were finished and she said she was "sorry", no she wasn't, we'd been there appr 45 minutes and she hadn't bothered to check on us (no drink refills, checking on anything). Asked for manager, when he arrived his first words after my husband explained our issues was that Evelyn was "crying/having a break down in the back", obviously our 7 year old grandson's tears weren't as important as the person paid to bring his food! Long story short, tip wasn't as we normally tip (she's lucky my husband paid as she didn't deserve any tip), manager did comp some of the bill, didn't order birthday desserts as we'd planned on, and in the future when we drive to meet our son/daughter-in-law/grandchildren, we WON'T go back to Applebee's in Watertown. Should have gone to McDonalds! read more

Pretty typical Applebee's. Service was fairly decent and food was standard Applebee's fair. Not amazing but not poor either.

Don't expect to be served if you are hungry late! They apparently want to go home more then do their job. Not only did we still have time to order, however, we even wanted, curbside-to-go (no table clean-up) We called twice I was hung up on during my first order. We exchanged greetings, I began my order, requested the two for $20, when I heard in the background "I think were closed" and she said "oh I'm sor...." and the phone hung up. The second time the waitress quoted me , to close to closing time and they were not taking orders. My child was furious with me after finally agreeing to eat "only from Applebee's". Which started a full on war! GEE , THANKS read more

Terrible is the best description I can give The food and the service right up to the daily manager. I will not be back to this establishment ever again!!!!!! I was very disappointed when I wrote this. Let me qualify what I wrote. We wanted to eat at Applebee's, we were told a 10 min wait, 20 mins later we were seated. As we were led to our table I counted 3 clean empty tables like the one we were seated at, and 2 clean empty booths. I ordered the bottomless shrimp ate one order and asked for the ribs, you can mix and match. My wife and daughter had finished their meals and my ribs had yet to arrive. They finally arrived, the first bite was into cold meat. I requested they be warmed more. They came back 10 mins later , burnt to char. I asked for a manager she showed up with an attitude. She offered half off my order. How $ 4.25 off from a$14.99 meal is half off is new math to me. I left hungry and very dissatisfied ! read more

Food was average fair for Applebees. My steak was overcooked. The waiter was quick to resolve the issue and bring a new steak out. The manager came out to insure that I was happy with replacement steak. I would definitely go here again. read more

This place is great. No complaints and it is very compatible with any other Applebees. If you're a fan of the chain, it is great. It has a full bar and dining until very late. I was surprised when I was there until 1:00 AM one morning and people were still ordering food. The sports atmosphere is also entertaining with local and distant teams. read more

The Watertown Applebee's always has excellent service and there steaks and hamburgers have never disappointed.

Service was lousy food was worse, my wife received the wrong order so she returned it got what she ordered and it was stone cold my order seemed like a TV dinner left in the microwave too long dried out half cooked, server really didn't care so we paid for crap we didn't eat and left and won't be back. read more

Service and food are okay. Accommodations are geared for young families. Layout of the facility makes it difficult to navigate for senior citizens, especially one's in a wheelchair. Tables are too close together. read more

My friend and I ate here for dinner and had such a wonderful experience. The manager greeted us promptly and seated us in a booth. When our server took our order we went for the 2 for $20 menu choices. I ate the ribs with rice pilaf and corn and my friend ordered a chicken dish also with two sides. The food was so tasty and fresh and we could not have expected a better tasting meal that night! And the same manager even comped us one dessert which we shared. It was a chocolate cake topped off with ice cream and syrup and so gooey and rich too! We tipped our server and said our goodbyes to the manager who was very accommodating to us. I would definitely recommend this particular location of Applebee's in Watertown, SD and you won't be disappointed at all! read more

I come here about twice a year lately bc of friends choices on where to eat out but I drag my feet! I have to say the food here is so gross.. everything tastes microwaved. My husband and his friend said the steaks were so rubbery and tough. I have been going here for many years and the reviews don't lie.. you can tell it used to be a good place to eat in 2013 and earlier but now it's just a dump! read more

Service was ok, food was awful. Layout very awkward. We were seated in an awkward table after the host marched us past six open booths? Poor management with a lack of training of the staff is obvious here. read more

I've eaten here previously and the service has been great. Last night though, it was the bare minimum. The host and hostess didn't want to seat 5 of us at first even tho I could see seating open in 3 spots. The waitress was rude and sent our orders to another table. Then she didn't know her menu and blamed us when she delivered our orders wrong. All that time the waitress only asked us once if we needed anything. I had to stop her twice to order additional sides and deserts. Then she stopped at the next table over and talked to, who I assume is her friend, for 7 or 8 minutes. I was at the next table and could tell from the conversation (nothing was ordered and gossip about the days events). The manager never stopped by to check on us like they usually do. Lastly, when the bill was brought, she state "Just sign here" and walked off. And I was like, "With What? Grease from the steak? She didn't even bring a pen. The food was decent for the price. I will say that. But I don't go out to restaurants for just the food. If I am paying for service, I expect service. No tip for this waitress. Maybe she should go work at Walmart or take a class in customer service because obviously the management isn't teaching it. read more

My husband and I visited this Applebee's on September 28, 2013 at approximately 8:00 P.M. It was our first time there. When we entered the restaurant, there were around 14 people in the waiting area, as well as the "host" who looked as though he had no idea what he should be doing. After a 20-minute wait, we were finally seated. We placed our order and received our drinks, appetizer, and salads fairly quickly. One problem, though. We had no silverware. We asked the server for silverware and was told he'd take care of it. When the waitress came by about five minutes later, we asked her for silverware. Several more minutes passed before she brought some to us. About two minutes later, before we barely touched anything, our entrees arrived at the table. Needless to say, these were fairly cold by the time we got to them. My Napa Chicken with Portobellos was just a small piece of chicken completely buried under a mound of soggy onions and mushrooms. My husband's Bourbon Street Steak came the same way. The employees we encountered didn't seem to give a care in the world. They spent most of their time talking and flirting with one another. The service was terrible. As for the "host" who was at the front of house when we arrived, he was the only person who wished us a good evening and apologized for the wait. read more