Applebee’s is one of many nostalgic establishments that can leave its guests reminiscing about the good ‘ole days, whether that be the ’90s, the early 2000s, or the 2010s. From the company’s boneless wings to its triple chocolate meltdown, many dishes from the establishment hold a special place in more than a few customers’ hearts. Despite its previous charm, however, one woman is warning guests to stay away from the establishment in 2026.
Val (@valtoldyou) tells her audience to opt out of visiting the restaurant chain following her own visit.
“ Some things need to be left in the past. And I should have left Applebee’s in the past, because when I tell you everything was trash, garbage,” the content creator says.
She says she ordered a drink, and it was “disgusting.” She also says that her quesadilla was also “trash.” Val says she “used to love their spinach artichoke dip,” but she found it entirely unappetizing during her visit.
“Everything was disgusting because my palate has elevated. I don’t eat garbage like that. I don’t eat like that anymore,” the content creator says.
What’s So Bad About Applebee’s?
The restaurant chain has received a fair amount of criticism for allegedly microwaving many of its menu items. Many former and current employees have claimed the chain microwaves a vast amount of menu offerings, or at the very least, reheats them.
Previously, customers have complained about long wait times between offerings when purchasing all-you-can-eat appetizers. One location in Times Square has previously been accused of being a tourist trap and scam. Other locations have been criticized for unsavory food safety and quality control standards. A food reviewer even gave Applebee’s steak a “3.6 out of 10,” which was the second lowest out of multiple casual dining brands.
On the flipside, the chain recently received some praise for its Don Julio “Poolio” cocktails and other summer offerings.
Who Really Goes To Applebee’s In 2026?
So who’s really going to casual sit-down chains in 2026?
For millions of people, dining out doesn’t feel “worth the money,” according to Food & Wine. And while most diners are not pulling back from sit-down restaurants as much as fast-food and drive-thru service, there’s still a consensus that most generations—young or old—are tightening their budgets.
For Gen Z, Food & Wine notes that “If they’re going to leave the house, it’s going to be for something social, something that feels like more than a transaction.” The publication continued, “For Gen X and baby boomers, the decision around dining out has shifted. These are the generations that have dialed back eating out the most — not just ordering less, but rethinking when a restaurant meal is worth it.”
And for millennials? They’re the generation that has cut back the least but that doesn’t mean they haven’t budgeted. Most everyday diners are looking for meaningful, high-quality experiences or exceptional deals when deciding whether to go to an establishment. For many of Val’s viewers, Applebee’s doesn’t reflect what they’re looking for.
What Did Viewers Say?
Val’s viewers had a wide amount of criticism for the restaurant chain.
“I went a few months back and it was HORRIBLE,” one viewer said.
Another viewer added, “I think the quality of chain restaurants has gone way down hill in the past 15 years.”
Then, a third said, “As someone who used to LOVE Applebee’s they’ve been trash for the past 15 years no exxageration.”
Overall, viewers criticized casual sit-down chains. “Everything at most chain restaurants is made by sysco and put in a big microwave,” one viewer added.
BroBible reached out to Val via TikTok direct message and Applebee’s via email for comment. This article will be updated if they respond.