I don’t know about you, but I ate at Applebee’s a LOT as a child in the 90s.
It was the place to go – all about “eatin’ good in the neighborhood” as their old catchphrase went.
But let’s face it – there are a ton more chain restaurants today, and Applebee’s is facing stiffer competition.
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In fact, plenty of people would say at this point that Applebee’s has been solidly lapped by a ton of other major chains.
Are they right?
Well, that’s up to you to decide.
Starting with one of my personal favorites…
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Where you’ll find them: Outback is in 49 states – sorry North Dakota – so chances are good there’s one near you.
All about the food: From the Bloomin’ Onion to the coconut shrimp to the steaks and barbecue sauce…everything is great!
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Where you’ll find them: Red Robin is nationwide in over 40 states, mostly in suburbs of big cities or just off the highway.
All about the food: Great burgers, big meals (bottomless fries), solid prices. Try the Banzai burger for something different (teriyaki pineapple on a burger?!) or their milkshakes if you’re feeling indulgent.
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Where you’ll find them: Maggiano’s only has a little over 50 locations nationwide, but they’re in 23 states, sprinkled across the country. Generally speaking, look for Maggiano’s in the biggest city in the state – Phoenix, Las Vegas, Kansas City and St. Louis, Chicago, Richmond, Atlanta – you get the idea.
All about the food: Great Italian food, generous portions, not too expensive. For a really filling option, try dining “Family Style” to get unlimited refills on all the food!
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Where you’ll find them: Cracker Barrel is in 44 states, with several hundred locations nationwide.
All about the food: Great Southern cooking, and breakfast all day! You’ll love Cracker Barrel’s warm hospitality, great prices, and filling fare. Get the biscuits and gravy if you’ve got a hankering.
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Where you’ll find them: Like Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster is also in 44 states and not DC. There are over 700 Red Lobsters worldwide.
All about the food: The seafood is solid – and the flavors aren’t too “out there” if you’re used to American food. Make sure to get extra Cheddar Bay biscuits – you’re gonna need them!
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Where you’ll find them: Chili’s is in every state and DC – there’s always one nearby!
All about the food: It’s not just fajitas – Chili’s is really good about delivering American food, kicked up a notch. Try the Nashville hot mozz (fried dough pockets filled with mozzarella). The buffalo chicken ranch sandwich is an old favorite of mine.
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Where you’ll find them: Olive Garden has over 900 locations across the US, with outposts in every state.
All about the food: It’s not just about the breadsticks and salad – although those are good! Olive Garden has a great lineup of pastas (try their chicken alfredo), traditional mains (salmon, stuffed chicken marsala, chicken scampi), and fantastic desserts (the tiramisu is a favorite).
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Where you’ll find them: Texas Roadhouse is in all 50 states and has well over 600 locations.
All about the food: Great steak, great prices! Try their cactus blossom for a good Bloomin’ Onion knockoff.
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• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
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Where you’ll find them: You can find Friday’s in 25 states, with over 100 locations nationally.
All about the food: TGI Friday’s is an old favorite of mine, mostly because their wings and appetizers were always excellent. Get the classic Friday’s combo for their best apps all in one place.
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Where you’ll find them: Applebee’s has over 1,500 locations in all 50 states.
All about the food: Solid, straightforward American fare. Great burgers, solid steaks and ribs, and if you’re really hungry…the four-cheese mac & cheese with honey pepper chicken tenders will take good care of you.
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So there you have it – nine restaurants whose fans would absolutely claim they’ve lapped Applebee’s.
And they all have a reasonable argument!
But here’s the real question:
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What do YOU think?
Has Applebee’s been lapped by the competition?
Or is it still your favorite chain restaurant?
Let us know in the comments!
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