mmm... Applebee's

[Homerboy]

Granted, but chains have their benefits too. i.e. consistent quality, fairly consistent menu. And hot waitresses. Seems like I always get more attractive waitresses at chains. 😉

Oh, btw, I mostly go to Applebee's because they have half priced appetizers after 10 p.m. Wife and I occassionally go there for a late dinner/snack on Friday nights. We can get a decent meal for ~$10+tip between the two of us.

you don't go to enough greek restaurants then....

 

[Homerboy]

The problem is that I don't feel like wasting my hard earned money trying to find these local places.

I go to chains like Applebees because I know they'll have at least one or two things I'll be interested in actually eating, and I know my wife will be able to do the same.

trying to find? huh? so you were ASSURED a great meal when you first went to Applebee's or the like? I understand that NOW you know you will get something you like (that I question in its own right but thats a different arguement). Point being is the first time you stepped into one of those joints you had no idea what you were getting. It was gamble, just as the 1st time you'd try a local joint would be.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Homerboy

The problem is that I don't feel like wasting my hard earned money trying to find these local places.

I go to chains like Applebees because I know they'll have at least one or two things I'll be interested in actually eating, and I know my wife will be able to do the same.

trying to find? huh? so you were ASSURED a great meal when you first went to Applebee's or the like? I understand that NOW you know you will get something you like (that I question in its own right but thats a different arguement). Point being is the first time you stepped into one of those joints you had no idea what you were getting. It was gamble, just as the 1st time you'd try a local joint would be.

Well, the fact that it's one of the top casual dining chains in the country is an indication that the food must be half decent, or they wouldn't have grown so large (this is one of the main reasons why it boggles my mind that so many people love to hate on Applebee's/Friday's/Olive Garden/what have you). Local restaurants definitely can be hit or miss.

And regarding greek restaurants, no I don't eat at greek restaurants. 🙂 We have a ton of Itallian places around here and they're sometimes hot, but usually not.

 

[49erinnc]

Of those types of restaurants, I'd definitely rank Applebee's near the bottom. I definitely prefer Chili's and TGIF's. I may put Applebee's ahead of Annabelle's but I've never been impressed with anything I've had there. Not bad but just not anything I care to go back for.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Homerboy

The problem is that I don't feel like wasting my hard earned money trying to find these local places.

I go to chains like Applebees because I know they'll have at least one or two things I'll be interested in actually eating, and I know my wife will be able to do the same.

trying to find? huh? so you were ASSURED a great meal when you first went to Applebee's or the like? I understand that NOW you know you will get something you like (that I question in its own right but thats a different arguement). Point being is the first time you stepped into one of those joints you had no idea what you were getting. It was gamble, just as the 1st time you'd try a local joint would be.

Well, the fact that it's one of the top casual dining chains in the country is an indication that the food must be half decent, or they wouldn't have grown so large (this is one of the main reasons why it boggles my mind that so many people love to hate on Applebee's/Friday's/Olive Garden/what have you).

Oh come on, you know that's crap reasoning.

Local restaurants definitely can be hit or miss.

All restaurants are hit or miss.

And regarding greek restaurants, no I don't eat at greek restaurants. 🙂 We have a ton of Itallian places around here and they're sometimes hot, but usually not.

Why don't you eat at Greek restaurants?

 

[Homerboy]

1 word... marketing. Human beings are zombies. They see the commercial enough, hear the jungle enough they will be drawn to the place (using the same mentality you just demonstrated... "Well there's so many, and they have so many commercials, it HAS to be good!") You go, you get adequate, exceptable food and you think "hey this is OK... I'll come back." and so the disease spreads 🙂

We can agree to disagree... it'll keep my corner restaurants less cramped and your chain's prices down 🙂

 

[Mayfriday0529]

Applebees is good, I think the worse of all the chains is TGIF Fridays. Bennigans and Chillis are great. Two for 1 drink specials...

 

[QED]

Originally posted by: Homerboy

The problem is that I don't feel like wasting my hard earned money trying to find these local places.

I go to chains like Applebees because I know they'll have at least one or two things I'll be interested in actually eating, and I know my wife will be able to do the same.

trying to find? huh? so you were ASSURED a great meal when you first went to Applebee's or the like?

Come now... you don't have to exaggerate or put words in my mouth to make your point.

I understand that NOW you know you will get something you like (that I question in its own right but thats a different arguement). Point being is the first time you stepped into one of those joints you had no idea what you were getting. It was gamble, just as the 1st time you'd try a local joint would be.

That's true... but honestly I usually don't try any new restaurant (chain or not) on my own dime unless it gets rave reviews from someone I trust. A couple years ago, some friends of ours took us to Applebee's for our first time-- we liked the food (we weren't expecting 5-star cuisine), and so now we go back from time to time.

 

[Homerboy]

Come now... you don't have to exaggerate or put words in my mouth to make your point.

I don't think I put words in your mouth (if I did they'd taste better than TGIFs and the ilk. 😛)

As I said to Mugs, we can agree to disagree, you have yours and I have mine and we techincally should both benefit (unless your chains drive my joints out of business).

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: mugs

Well, the fact that it's one of the top casual dining chains in the country is an indication that the food must be half decent, or they wouldn't have grown so large (this is one of the main reasons why it boggles my mind that so many people love to hate on Applebee's/Friday's/Olive Garden/what have you).

Oh come on, you know that's crap reasoning.

How so? 😕 Do you think enough people go to crappy restaurants to justify expanding to multiple locations, then to start franchising, then to expand to a national chain? All the while people are just going to these restaurants eating and paying for crappy food for what reason? In my experience the food is comparable in quality to locally owned casual dining restaurants. I do eat at both.

Local restaurants definitely can be hit or miss.

All restaurants are hit or miss.

There is more consistency among restaurants that are all part of a national chain than there is between unaffiliated restaurants under different ownership.

Why don't you eat at Greek restaurants?

Because they tend to serve greek food at greek restaurants, and I do not eat greek food. I also do not know of any greek restaurants in my area. My area has a LOT of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai restaurants, because my area has a lot of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai people.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: mugs

Well, the fact that it's one of the top casual dining chains in the country is an indication that the food must be half decent, or they wouldn't have grown so large (this is one of the main reasons why it boggles my mind that so many people love to hate on Applebee's/Friday's/Olive Garden/what have you).

Oh come on, you know that's crap reasoning.

How so? 😕 Do you think enough people go to crappy restaurants to justify expanding to multiple locations, then to start franchising, then to expand to a national chain? All the while people are just going to these restaurants eating and paying for crappy food for what reason? In my experience the food is comparable in quality to locally owned casual dining restaurants. I do eat at both.

You must be a big fan of all the wonderful music that's topping the charts these days as well.

Local restaurants definitely can be hit or miss.

All restaurants are hit or miss.

There is more consistency among restaurants that are all part of a national chain than there is between unaffiliated restaurants under different ownership.

Why would I want consistency between Mama Mia's Italian Joint and Mario's Pasta House? Also, the only way to ensure uniform levels of "quality" through a nationwide chain is with pre-packaged, pre-cooked and overpreserved ingredients. No thanks.

Why don't you eat at Greek restaurants?

Because they tend to serve greek food at greek restaurants, and I do not eat greek food. I also do not know of any greek restaurants in my area. My area has a LOT of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai restaurants, because my area has a lot of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai people.

Well then I have to say you're missing out on some damn good food! 😛

 

[Homerboy]

Because they tend to serve greek food at greek restaurants, and I do not eat greek food. I also do not know of any greek restaurants in my area. My area has a LOT of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai restaurants, because my area has a lot of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai people.

actually around here there are lots of "Greek Restaurants" that are simply Greek in ownership and serve TONS of styles of food (from burgers and ribs to pancakes and eggs... with the occasional Gyro special). They tend to server you TONS of food too and reasonable prices.... and they employ their greek daughters, neices etc... EVERYTHING there tends to be delicious 😛

 

[Homerboy]

Why would I want consistency between Mama Mia's Italian joint and Mario's Pasta house? Also, the only way to ensure uniform levels of "quality" through a nationwide chain is with pre-packaged, pre-cooked and overpreserved ingredients. No thanks.

bingo

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Lord Zado
I don't hate chain restaurants in general. I think Ruby Tuesday's and TGI Fridays are alright...I even love the Outback, but I must agree, Applebee's is terrible. Well, at least the 2 I have been to.

Really? Both Applebees I've been to in Connecticut have been really good. Their Apple Chimichanga dessert is teh awesome :thumbsup: Also be sure to try their artichoke dip that comes with their appetizer sampler (don't order just the artichoke chip appetizer, it's not as good when they make a big bowl of it).

Edit: Best meal evar = Chicken fried chicken (not country fried chicken). Mashed potatoes + breaded chicken...sooo good!

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: Homerboy

Because they tend to serve greek food at greek restaurants, and I do not eat greek food. I also do not know of any greek restaurants in my area. My area has a LOT of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai restaurants, because my area has a lot of Itallian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai people.

actually around here there are lots of "Greek Restaurants" that are simply Greek in ownership and serve TONS of styles of food (from burgers and ribs to pancakes and eggs... with the occasional Gyro special). They tend to server you TONS of food too and reasonable prices.... and they employ their greek daughters, neices etc... EVERYTHING there tends to be delicious 😛

Greek Diners FTW.

 

[Homerboy]

Greek Diners FTW.

my wife's good friend's dad owns one. Its fun 🙂

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: jhayx7
Yuk, but their Blondie is oh so mmmmmmmm.........

Blondie ownZ (with a capital Z even)!!!

 

[QED]

Originally posted by: loup garou

You must be a big fan of all the wonderful music that's topping the charts these days as well.

You're comparing apples and orangles. What's popular in music is generally driven by the 14 to 24-year old demographic. Which is why when I was between 14 and 24, I thought most of what I heard on the radio was great.

The growth in popularity of many chain restaurants (such as Applebee's) has been occuring over a much longer period so it's better representative of what people like.

Why would I want consistency between Mama Mia's Italian Joint and Mario's Pasta House? Also, the only way to ensure uniform levels of "quality" through a nationwide chain is with pre-packaged, pre-cooked and overpreserved ingredients. No thanks.

Why wouldn't you want consistency everywhere? Consistency just means that if the place had good food and prices and service yesterday, it will have good food and prices and services tomorrow.

I am not assured of that any local owned place-- especially for casual dining. The owner is nowhere to be found, and the people who work there are drawn from the same pool of workers that work for the chains. So where is the benefit?

Furthermore, if you think most locally owned CASUAL places don't use pre-package or pre-cooked or overpreserved ingredients simply because they are local you are probably sorely mistaken. Most probably get their food from the same bulk distributors. I'm sure there are a few local, casual dining restaurants that use nothing but the best fresh ingredients made from scratch with good prices and good service... I just haven't found them or heard about them as of yet.

 

[mugs]

I'm going to agree to disagree as well, because disgreeing on this is really pointless. Although I think it's kind of silly to belittle someone's taste in food because they choose to eat at a chain. I eat at both chains and locally owned restaurants. I like both. I don't see why people think the food is so terrible at chains, but whatever. 🙂

 

[ponyo]

Best thing you can say for Applebee's is that food prices are dirt cheap.

But it shows up in the poor food quality.

 

[DrPizza]

Perkins/Friendlies + more crap on the walls + louder music + televisions on the wall + 2 dollars more per meal (for the exact same food) = Applebees.

 

[PinmasterJay]

Originally posted by: DannyLove
the fettucini / chicken bowl is great

This is probably the only thing at Applebees I do like