Restaurant Review: Applebee's in Farmville, VA

While I was in Farmville with a friend of mine, we decided to eat at Applebee's. Applebee's is one of my favorite restaurants. We didn't have to wait for a table, which was nice since I was thirsty from having walked around the Longwood University campus. I told the waiter when he came over that I needed something to drink as soon as possible. However, he took his time bringing us our beverages. I guess he found it funny that I was practically dying of thirst.

Looking at the menu, I remembered how I had ordered more than once before the sirloin topped with cheese and shrimp. It was really good. And it had come with mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes. So, I ordered that since it had been so good before.

My friend ordered the angus bacon cheeseburger and the loaded mashed potatoes. The picture of the potatoes looked really good. However, I didn't order mine that way. I didn't want all of that cheese since my steak came with cheese.

When the waiter brought us our entrees, I took one look at the steamed broccoli and then turned to the waiter. I told him that I had ordered this entree before and that it came with mixed vegetables. He attempted to argue that they had changed it on the menu. I told him that even the picture on the menu showed the mixed vegetables and that if they had really changed the side dish, that he should have told me when I ordered it. He seemed angry about this, and offered no substitute. I told him that I wanted some mixed vegetables, and if he couldn't do that, then to bring me a free salad to make up for it. I'm not usually this demanding, but he made me angry.

My friend told me that his loaded potatoes weren't very good. They didn't even look like the picture. I was too hot to eat and didn't really want my food. I gave him the cheese and shrimp off my steak and the broccoli. Since the waiter was angry about the free salad, the salad didn't come until I had finished my steak. I didn't want the salad anymore. So, I gave it to my friend too. Poor him, he really ate too much since I kept giving him my food.

I stayed thirsty the whole time I was there since the waiter seemed to think that refills were a privilege not a right. If my friend wasn't so against complaining to a manager, I would have. It is wrong not to tell someone that what they are ordering isn't what they will get. And besides that, the waiter's attitude was completely unnecessary.

I have eaten at other Applebee's locations many times. I highly recommend the entree I ordered. It is a great meal for only $12.50. Their cheeseburgers are about the same as any other sit down restaurant at $7.50. But be warned about those loaded mashed potatoes, they aren't worth the additional fee of a dollar. I also recommend the Maple Butter Blondie dessert. I didn't order one on this trip to Applebee's, but I have had it before at their other locations. Their entire menu and prices can be viewed on their website.