Hell yeah we’re talkin’ about Applebee’s today. You know why? Because we love eatin’ good in the neighborhood here at the SoBros Network. Sure, Nashville is emerging as one of the most fun and exciting food cities in the entire galaxy. But, y’all STAY sleepin’ on one of the classics – Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been going to Applebee’s. I grew up in Mount Juliet (long before the arrival of Providence and the million casual dining chains it brought with it), and back in the day, we’d hit up that Hermitage Applebee’s (R.I.P.) almost every Friday night.
When I became a teenager, and they opened those doors at Opry Mills, guess where we went on Friday nights? That’s right – fuck your fancy mall food. We’re going to The Radisson, and we’re going to eat in the Applebee’s that’s attached to it.
When I went to college, guess what was right across the street from my apartment. That’s right. APPLEBEE’S! I’m not saying I did that on purpose – that would be crazy – I’m just pointing it out. Some folks have pets that they grew up with. I have Applebee’s.
I joke about a lot of things, but I will never joke about something as serious as this. Applebee’s is apart of the backbone of my entire life. When they write my biography, they will say “this guy LOVED Applebee’s.” You can put that on my tombstone.
It’s a shame, really – there are only two locations near the Nashville area these days. The ones in Lebanon and Rivergate closed down. The one in Hermitage caught on fire and they never reopened it (again…R.I.P.). So, your only option is over in the hundred oaks area unless you wanna drive to Murfreesboro. It’s worth it, though. 100%.
For more on the legendary Applebee’s, check out their website here.
Pics
Ratings
Food: 6.43/10 – That’s right. You can make your jokes about Applebee’s, but this meal is as satisfying as they come. I left that Saturday afternoon, and I felt that Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp in my soul. It came out on a skillet that was sizzling, so you know all the girls were looking my way (taken ladies, sorry). The chicken was a prime cut. I don’t know what it is about that Bourbon Street flavor – maybe like a zesty pesto kinda vibe? I don’t know but it’s great.
The mashed potatoes were smooth as hell, and you can call me a fat fuck, but I love swirling ’em around in the Bourbon Street juices (not usually something desirable). They have solid onion rings to start with some of the best barbecue sauce in the game. Absolutely no complaints about this meal whatsoever. It was hearty and tasty.
Booze: 7.2/10 – ELITE level beer prices. Where else can you get a Sam Adams Oktoberfest draft for like $3?!?! Please, someone tell me. Applebee’s is killing the beer tap game. I would put them up against any brewery in Nashville – okay that’s going too far, but forgive me for being so high on life for Applebee’s.
Value: 7.5/10 – Two entrees and an app for $27 – throw in a cold beer and I spent a whopping total of $38 with a tip. Where on Earth…in Nashville, Tennessee…
Atmosphere: 4/10 – Brandon and I were talking about it and I think I’m going to have my bachelor party at Applebee’s. That’s how cool the environment was – no doubt we can see some tiddies up in there too.
Overall: 6.28/10 – Laugh all you want. You don’t have to go to Applebee’s if it’s not cool enough for you hipsters, but I FUCKING LOVE IT! More Applebee’s for me (and Brandon).
CURRENT NASHVILLE RESTAURANT RANKINGS
- Butcher & Bee (8.5/10)
- Nectar: Urban Cantina (8.44/10)
- Von Elrod’s (8.17/10)
- Catch 22 (Mount Juliet) (7.125/10)
- Red’s 615 Kitchen (7/10)
*Keep in mind, we’re just starting out. This list is only 38 deep at this point. Stay tuned as we continue to build our anthology of Nashville reviews.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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