Applebee's Grill + Bar

The food was disappointing: the chicken breast tasted terrible, like it had been cooked the day before.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

The best steak, forget to take a picture until we finished eating, I ordered medium rare, it was delicious, and the bartender was very friendly and effective.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Quelyn is a spectacular server.

You get what you expect out of an Applebee's (said without any shade), but Quelyn really helps make the experience. Great suggestions to ensure your meal is customized the way you want it, great banter with customers, just all around awesome.

We don't live in town or we might become regulars just to sit in his section. 😅

Food: 4

Service: 5

Our waitress was amazing the Manager too. Food was awful. Restaurant was dirty. Will never eat here again.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 3

Applebee’s Waterloo has become our go to Monday lunch spot for a few months now & we cannot say enough about the excellent food, service & great conversations with the manager Eric!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our server, Q, was very attentive and eager to di his job. He was conversational, funny and a pleasure to have as our server. Thanks Q!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good O rings, bad burger.

Applebee’s at 2780 Crossroads Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50702 delivered a true 5 star plus experience and reminded me why simple comfort food, done right, still wins.

I ordered the 6 ounce sirloin and it came out looking like it actually mattered to somebody in the kitchen. The steak was cooked just right, juicy, and full of that clean, grilled flavor that hits you on the first bite. Not over salted, not drowned in sauce, just a solid, well seasoned sirloin with a nice sear that gave it that little edge of char you want. For a 6 ounce portion, it felt generous because it was thick, tender, and did not taste like it had been sitting under a heat lamp.

The sides were the real surprise in the best way. The broccoli was bright green, fresh, and cooked to that perfect point where it is still crisp but not raw. It tasted clean and lightly seasoned, like it was meant to balance the plate instead of being an afterthought. The mac and cheese was straight comfort. Creamy, rich, and smooth, with that warm cheesy bite that makes you slow down and enjoy it. The portion was more than enough, and it held its texture instead of turning into a greasy mess.

Then there was the salad, which honestly tied the whole meal together. Fresh greens, crisp toppings, and everything tasted like it had just been prepped. Nothing wilted, nothing soggy. It added that cool, clean crunch that made the plate feel complete.

Overall, the flavor, freshness, and portions were outstanding. This meal felt filling without feeling heavy, and every part of the plate tasted like it was made with care. If you are in Waterloo and you want a reliable, satisfying meal that tastes better than you expect, this Applebee’s absolutely earns a strong recommendation.

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our server Q and the rest of the staff were phenomenal. The best service we have had anywhere is a long time thanks so much?!!!!! And compliments to the kitchen staff all the food was on point and especially delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Q was the best server in there everytime very respectful and he shure does know his sweet tea

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Usually we love Applebees, but I decided to try something new this time and it was awful. I would not recommend the chicken parm, as it looks nothing like the picture. When the waitress asked if I wanted a box I told her no thank you, she asked if I liked it I said I just wasn’t expecting all the seasoning on top and said it didn’t show that on the menu picture. She just said “Oh yeah” and nothing was done about it. Super disappointed in the service we received. We had drinks, an appetizer, and two meals so we spent over $70 and weren’t even offered a small discount.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

OUTSTANDING SERVICE..we REALLY enjoyed Quelyn!!

Had our best experience at Applebees tonight. Our server Q went above and beyond and was super nice and helpful. Our food was fantastic and came out in a timely manner and Q was on top of it checking in with us. Best server we have ever had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Q and Emma are amazing!!!

One of the best there is.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5