20 Things Applebee's Employees Want You To Know

Applebee's has been a staple chain restaurant for almost 40 years. Specializing in American comfort classics such as ribs, burgers and quesadillas, Applebee's is a cornerstone in semi-fine dining, joined by other cult classics like Red Lobster, Olive Garden and, probably their fiercest competition, Chili's. To give you the insider info you deserve, we did some browsing on Reddit and found all the hits and misses, as told by current and former Applebee's employees.

Applebuddy219 reports that the grilled chicken entrees are a definite go-to, as well as some of the delicious salad offerings.

One Applebee's employee notes that of all the offerings on the Under 550 Calorie Menu, only half the items are actually 550 calories. The rest are scored using the Weight Watchers point system, so they have higher calorie content. Pro tip: Just get the ribs.

But don't fret! Most of the entrees are prepared morning-of to ensure freshness for the franchise, this employee tells us, and the microwaves are only used for certain menu items such as dips and the molten chocolate lava cake.

One IRL Applebee's employee confirmed, chances are if you're not satisfied with the service, Applebee's will make it up to you by either comping your meal or adding on a few freebies. And free is our favorite word, is it not?

This probably comes as no surprise, but one Redditor and former Applebee's employee explains the popular $1 drink special goes a little easy on the actual booze. Fair, since college kids are probably knocking back $10 worth of these guys on the cheap.

Carside service is a popular route for to-go patrons who want to get their Applebee's fix in the comfort of their own home, but just like with table service, it's courteous to tip your server.

While Applebee's is also known for their riblets, most employees would direct you to one of the many burger offerings on the menu. Topcoatsandhats recommends the triple bacon burger. Nom....truly.

Burgers are definitely king, but one of the top appetizers for consumers and employees alike are the pretzel sticks, served with white cheddar beer cheese and honey mustard.

What do senior patrons, teens and toddlers all have in common? This former employee tells us, they'll all dine on the greatest appetizer ever: Chicken tenders. Thank goodness their all-you-can-eat offer is back.

Being nice pays off! As one Applebee's employee mentions, Booths are coveted areas, and you just may snag one if you simply ask nicely. Who knew manners were so effective?!

You can find some of Applebee's best copycat recipes here! A huge deal considering they used to keep them under lock & key.

This Applebee's employee reports one of the most peevish things a host and/or server can deal with is someone who wants to switch seats after being seated, especially if an entree has already arrived. But that's a given, right?

Delish hacked the beloved quesadilla burger, plus more famed menu items. You can thank us later.

People come in droves for Applebee's infamous 2 for $20 deal, and yes, the employees know you love it. No need to tell them, they hear it all the time.

Albeit, Applebee's isn't a health chain, but there a few options that keep the calorie count under wraps, like the soups and sirloin steaks.

If you're creative, you can come up with your own entrées, like this hack for pepper encrusted steak.

One former employee would "cringe" hearing customers order the Oriental Chicken Salad, as it contains roughly 1,500 calories. Just do yourself a favor and grab a burger instead.

The 370-calorie salad is a fave among health nuts. If you want to save on some extra caloric intake, ask for the dressing on the side or opt for olive oil instead.

It's not all Dollaritas, all the time! To celebrate Mardi Gras, the chain is offering $1 Hurricanes instead of the usual for the entire month of February.

The franchise recipe for their former $1 Long Island Ice Tea was leaked, and you can find it here!