6 Unwritten Rules To Know Before Visiting Applebee's

You may think that once you've visited one casual dining chain, you've seen everything there is to see. But there are tips and tricks for every restaurant. You might plan to walk into Applebee's for a casual meal and unexpectedly leave three hours later after a seemingly endless number of appetizers and drinks, or stumble into the late-night crowd. The restaurant's name may be random, but what isn't random is why the place is so popular. Applebee's has created its own little ecosystem revolving around its promotions, perks, and friendly, low-key atmosphere.

There are very few real, hard-and-fast "rules" when it comes to dining at Applebee's, but there are plenty of unspoken pointers that will help you get the most out of your experience. Sometimes it comes down to simply knowing where to check for deals or making sure you double-check your receipt at the end of the night. Whether you're a long-time customer or brand-new to the chain, here's everything worth knowing before your next trip.

The Applebee's app allows you to view the current menu or customize a to-go order, but it also offers more advanced features that are worth exploring. For example, you can pay your in-restaurant check through the app without waiting for your server to come by and collect your card. You can also select Carside pickup anytime if you order in the app, allowing you to conveniently pick up your meal without ever leaving the driver's seat. Promotions at Applebee's are known to change fairly frequently, and the app holds every deal in one place, so you'll never miss a discount. 

You can also join Club Applebee's through the app, where you can receive rewards, including a free appetizer after joining. You'll receive a free treat on your birthday, along with other promotions exclusive to Club members throughout the year. Even if you only go to the restaurant occasionally, you won't want to make the mistake of missing out on Applebee's rewards.

In late 2015, Dine Brands (which also owns Applebee's sister chain, IHOP) decided to remove fountain soda as a beverage option from the kids' menu. Craig Hoffman, a spokesman for the group, said in a statement to ABC News, "Parents are in the best position to determine the appropriate food and beverage choices for their children." This decision followed years of discussions about children's health and the long-term effects of consuming high-sugar foods such as soda. 

Of course, soda isn't completely unavailable to children. Adults can still order a soft drink for their child if they really want to, but removing the option from this section of the menu does make a difference in how often people order sodas for their little ones. Applebee's made the call following restaurants like McDonald's and Wendy's, which made the same decision.

Many Applebee's tables have a standard tablet where you can browse the menu and order your food. There are also games on the tablet, but they aren't free. That detail has caught plenty of diners off guard over the years, especially because the tablet sits right there in front of you and the game can look like a harmless way to keep children occupied while everyone waits for food. A pop-up will explain that the games aren't free, but if you're like most tech users, you may click right past it without reading.

Before letting little ones (or anyone at the table) start clicking through the games, make sure you're aware that there will be a charge on the bottom of your receipt for the games. Even if you try out a level or two, you'll still see the charge on your bill, which is usually between $1.99 and $3.99. Pricing and games will vary based on location, but make sure you read each notice on the tablet if you're going to play games to kill some time.

One of Applebee's most famous promotions is half-priced appetizers. Get boneless wings, mozzarella sticks, the famous spinach artichoke dip (my personal favorite), and a selection of other full-sized appetizers for half off during the chain's late-night hours. If you aren't into a late-night snack, select Applebee's locations also offer happy hour discounted appetizers from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. This promotion is great for a younger crowd out with friends, as well as those coming in after work, as it lets people sample the menu without paying full price. The discount on an entire section of the menu is a bold choice for the restaurant, but it's been a standing promotion in many locations for years, so people have come to expect and look forward to it.

Be careful not to assume that every restaurant has the same policy regarding discounted apps, though. Some restaurants feature different offerings, hours, or availability, so you should always check with your local restaurant to know exactly what the deal at your nearest location is.

Applebee's is constantly introducing new drink specials and promotions. Some recent seasonal favorites include the Mucho Beach Break drink specials and spooky Halloween cocktails, but the most famous cocktail of all is the Dollarita. The chain's $1 margaritas have been brought back to the menu on several occasions, most notably during the summer months. I find the Dollaritas to be pretty strong and very sweet, but they're a fun treat every once in a while.

While it's not common advice to simply order the cheapest drink on the menu, it is good advice to check out the full scope of the cocktail list before you settle on your usual. Not only is there almost always something new to try, but if you venture out into a new choice, you very well could be getting a deal on your beverage. These drinks are doubly exciting because they're often not on the menu for long, so grabbing one can be a fairly exclusive experience. These sips are even better than a lot of other big chains' offerings (and it's one thing it does better than Chili's), and they're all worth trying.

The most popular Applebee's dishes, which our taster tried and ranked, tend to be the most straightforward ones. Customers love the classic pub items such as burgers, boneless wings, and appetizers like mozzarella sticks. These recognizable foods have become staples that stick around year-round, while more elaborate creations come and go. Customers find that more elaborate dishes, like certain pasta entrées, are not worth ordering, and you're much better off sticking to what you know. Commentary about Applebee's menus concludes that when you stray too far from the standards, you could be left disappointed.

Applebee's also carries a few salads, but I think that they leave much to be desired. This isn't to say there aren't new dishes worth trying; rather, if you're new to the chain and looking for consistent crowd-pleasers, basic is best.