SR
I’m not sure what’s going on at the Dubuque, IA Applebee’s, but something needs to change. We ended up visiting two nights in a row since our hotel was within walking distance — hoping the first night was just an off one. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.
Night 1:
They were out of broccoli, which was fine, but the service was very slow despite the restaurant not being overly busy. The bartender was friendly but admitted she didn’t know how to make most of the specialty cocktails — even after three months on the job. That said, the drinks we did get (the Blue Hawaiian Long Island Iced Tea and Henny Punch) were delicious, and our Classic Combo appetizer was great, especially the spinach artichoke dip.
However, our to-go meals were disappointing. The steak and mashed potatoes were solid, but the rest was so bland it went uneaten.
Night 2:
The bar was quieter, but service was even more frazzled. The bartender kept complaining in front of customers and a second bartender had to constantly step in to help. The team also seemed frustrated with equipment issues, which made for a tense atmosphere.
They were still out of broccoli and also out of pretzels for the Brew Pub Pretzel & Beer Cheese appetizer. Our second Classic Combo was much lower quality — no artichoke chunks, just congealed cheese that broke the chips. Several cocktails weren’t available because they were missing ingredients like espresso vodka or pink lemonade vodka. Strangely, we later saw another bartender serve one of those same “unavailable” drinks to another guest.
Our to-go order was packed with ice cream sitting directly on top of hot food, so it melted completely. They also forgot our garlic mashed potatoes, and when we went back to get them, they were completely flavorless – no garlic.
After two nights, we left disappointed both times. Between product shortages, inconsistent food quality, and overwhelmed bartenders, this location just isn’t up to Applebee’s usual standards. I love the brand, but I can’t recommend this location right now.
… morePete Pearson
Thank you Nicole our server today and all staff including Cal! Thanks also to general manager John “Digger” Digman for the hospitality and fellowship! Wishing all a happy new year in 2026! Highly recommend “Trio” appetizer with 3 dips! YOU CAN’T DO WRONG HERE!!! Priced right and you get a lot!!! Thank you all! Robin and Pete
… moreComic Lover
Food was good and the place was clean but the staff weren’t the best. You could tell from the get go they wanted us gone to close up. When we asked about a desert to take with us we could literally see the shift of frustration in the server. The food was the only good part of restaurant the service…..not so much. I would’ve rather just have eaten somewhere else or done takeout. Do not really recommend in dining.
… moreEma M
My server was Nicole. She was very nice and quick. and the new server named Caleb who Nicole was training. He was also very nice. Food was delicious. And quick service. 10 out of 10 for both Nicole and Caleb. I definitely will be coming back again soon.
… moreDavid Lange
Well I ordered a 8oz steak but I’m not sure if I even got a 6oz lol really pathetic in the food department. The service and atmosphere was good with decent music playing.
… morePaula Iburg
The service was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had! 4 tables that were seated after us got their food before us- even left before we got our wait staff to bring us our bill. Never got the condiments we requested several times! Never got any drink refills that we requested atleast 3 times. Our food came out very sporadic. Food was good! Service unacceptable! Then wanted to pay our bills. The wait staff couldn’t figure out how to separate it! Left us for over 10-15 minutes then came back and still didn’t know how to do it! Please! Help out your employees and your colleagues. It was not really busy at all! And for others to get their food after being seated after us? And leave? We weren’t a huge group-5. Other tables were ranging from 2-4. Do better Applebees!
… moreSam
Very good place to stop for lunch. The club house was Very good! The wife had the chicken wild rice. The staff was pleasant. We would definitely eat there again.
… moreValerie Rasmussen
Horrible atmosphere, service, Sat at the bar got ignored for over 10mins. I had to get my own menu because the bartender wouldnt even acknowledge that I was there. Treated like I was a inconvenience, she was frazzled constantly complaining, rude, unfriendly, shouldn’t be bartending. My drink was made terrible and watered down.
… moreSarahlee Miller
Not friendly … when we asked about my tea she acted like it was a problem and didn’t offer to get me something else to drink … the silverware was nasty looking… would suggest to go somewhere else
… moreJordan Campbell
HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND. Worst dining experience I have ever had by far waitress was very unattending and as a group of 4 we arrived maybe a hour before they close ordered apps with our meals which took at least 20 or so minutes to get an it was cold an old like it had been sittin and the restaurant was not busy at all so there’s no excuse to make food for a 4 top poor quality as I have cooked and served in plenty of restaurants. Truly unacceptable that I had to pay $50 for food that was barely touched and was disgusting manager offered a 10%off discount after trying to get us to take more food home we’re not taking more food when you couldn’t even prepare what we ordered correctly my steak was rare medium rare at best and I ordered it medium well. Do not go to this Applebees worst service and food I’ve ever experienced. Ps stomaches feeling pretty gross after it thanks for making me pay for raw food.
… more