Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

Applebee’s Bar & Grill is finally in Eastwood City! Applebee’s is a restaurant franchise from the U.S. that specializes in mainstream American dishes such as salads, shrimp, chicken, pasta, ribs, tasty premium cocktails, spirits, soothing libations, as  well  as  opulent  desserts  for  the  perfect  endings  to  your  meal. If a team lunch or dinner needs to happen, you know the drill. At Applebee’s, where there’s always a  reason  to  celebrate, throwing a fiesta and inviting your friends to enthusiastically attend won’t be a problem. The food is good and portions are great for sharing.

Applebee’s Bar & Grill in Eastwood (second branch in the Philippines) opened last July 4, 2016, which incidentally happens to be U.S.’ Independence Day. This restaurant brings  together a lively bar and grill with bold flavors of food made with fresh ingredients. It’s best to come with at least three or four people so you can try lots of things…then decide which entrees are worthy of obsessing over. But remember also to pace yourself! 😛 I came in hungry and left super full.

Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

Ambiance:

Applebee’s does have a fun energy and the dining areas are spacious enough to get big groups of families and friends together and not be constantly elbowing people side by side. From the stairs facing Eastwood Citywalk’s main plaza, guests will be greeted by the bar area in al fresco setting. There are more tables in the air-conditioned area, and this means you’re more likely to get one without too long of a wait.

The interior was decorated with exclusive taste of style. Refined brick walls and the illuminated atmosphere create an utterly urban and modern appearance which looked vibrant and dashingly cool. Modern artwork with catchy labels and inspiring reminders were adorable. This casual chain also has the open kitchen at the center where open fire cooking can double as entertainment.

Service:

The thing that would probably bring you back at Applebee’s is that it’s the kind of place that really feels like it’s run by the kitchen. With the aforementioned decor and kind service, this is certainly not the usual bar around the corner. Staff’s efficiency and warm welcome lend a certain cred that’s tough to fake.

Food:

Exploding with unique flavors, each dish was iconic. You may not like everything, but for sure you won’t be bored. 😉 We started dinner with the Appetizer Sampler 1 – Wonton Taco + Chili and Salsa + double Crunch Bone-in Wings (PhP 495). The spicy chicken-stuffed wonton shells was so good and the buffalo wings were appetizing indeed. This set was a fine example of three different things combined and elevated without sacrificing their individual character.

The colorful Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad (PhP 325) looked like the ultimate salad for summer. Rounding out the flavor profile were chopped lettuce tossed with black bean corn salsa, roasted red pepers and onions, tortilla strips, white cheddar, and spicy jalapeno dressing, mounded nicely with chimichurri glazed grilled chicken. It was hearty but I’m not mad about it.

Quesadilla Burger (PhP 525) was presented with a juicy burger patty sandwiched between two tortillas, Applebee’s signature Mexi-rank sauce, pico de galo and shredded lettuce served in a unique Jack and cheddar quesadilla. I would have preferred it to have less sauce for a first-bite crunch of a more toasted tortilla. Anyway, Applebee’s sauce tasted bright and pleasant and the whole thing turned out to be an interesting option.

If you love steak, the Bourbon Street Steak (PhP 995) served on a sizzling platter may be a must-order. Served with sauteed onions and mushrooms and crispy potatoes, the Cajun-seasoned 7 oz. steak is fit as the star of a celebratory meal at Applebee’s. The steak was richly marbled and immensely beefy. Ask for salt and pepper if you find seasoning is not enough.

The glistening sheen of the Pork Ribs (PhP 650 Half, PHP 950 Full) alone can pull you in. Adding even more to the lure was the aromatic smell with a faint hint of caramelized sugar. Oh, ethereal! Marinated in Applebee’s special house blend, the pork ribs had the complex melange of sensations including a silky mouth feel, springy texture, and succulent juiciness kissed by seductive smoke. It was grilled to perfection and hugged by sauciness that was sweet, tart, and a little bit of spice. Corn on the cob, French fries and coleslaw were on the side.

For desserts, the Churros S’Mores (PhP 245) churro twists, toasted marshmallow and chocolate dip was fun to eat. It wasn’t exactly a winning contender against La Lola’s churro but it was a nice treat, a little soft inside and not too doughy.

As the sun comes down, Applebee’s Grill & Bar boasts of their Happy Hour menu with beer and specialty cocktails at only PhP 89. For sweet endings, swoon over their luscious selection of signature desserts: Butter Pecan Blondie, Triple Chocolate Meltdown, Black Forest, and Fluffer Nutter.

Price for Value:

In the mood for elaborate steak, ribs, and snazzy starters? Applebee’s Bar & Grill in Eastwood is the spot. It is a great venue where you can definitely be onboard with dropping some cash for your Western food fix. Prices are not so cheap but pretty decent given the artistic execution of dishes and drinks. Here you can expect explosions of tastes that will set your tongue aquiver. 🙂

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/ApplebeesPH/” name=”Applebee’s Bar & Grill” description=”Unit 1 Eastwood City Walk 1, 188 E. Rodriguez Avenue Jr. Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 8019662″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-03″ ]

Operating hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11AM to 12MN
Friday to Saturday: 11AM to 1AM