Eatin' Good In This Neighborhood

Feeling a little hungry with my family on a Saturday night, we drove down Sycamore Road and pulled into Applebee’s parking lot. The red-brick building looked like a hot-spot tonight, having most of their parking lot filled up, also a few cars in their “carside to go” parking spots. We went in looking for a line, but only found smiling faces, welcoming us in, quickly and efficiently seating my family. We were escorted to a high table in the bar area.

We all took a brief moment to get comfortable, looking at the array of knick-knacks about the room; memorabilia for all Chicago teams ranging from the Blackhawk’s, the Cubs and White Sox, Bulls to Bears, also a bit of the Dekalb and Sycamore High School jerseys and pennants, now throw in NIU jerseys, stickers, wall art and lack of space, that is what the walls look like, everything thrown up in a hap-hazard-like fashion.

After getting into the spirit of sports(there are also TVs in the corner so you can watch ESPN), I look to the menu and pick out something that looks appetizing, yet new. Before I get to decide, our lovely waitress, Jess, comes to our table, issuing us the required welcoming speech and smile, but she had a different air about her that a lot of waiter/waitresses cannot pull off. She had a friendly attitude and the way she went about her work made the experience a bit better.

I felt not too hungry yet adventurous, so I ordered a nice plate of French Dip Sliders, getting those after digging into the Appetizer Sampler that my father ordered. Mozzarella Sticks, Cheese Quesadillas, and Boneless Buffalo Wings, your choice of either honey BBQ or spicy, and spinach & artichoke dip with tortilla chips(my personal favorite of everything there). This is, according to my father, Dan Walsh Sr., “…the best thing on the menu”.

When the Sliders came, I was very impressed with the size of them. Sliders are small, and these had more size to them. They serve you three perfectly sized toasted sandwiches, filled with thinly sliced roast beef and a slice of swiss cheese, brought to you with a side cup of au jus(a sauce used with most, if not all, roast beef sandwiches) and fries, which I heartily ate, still having room after devouring the appetizer plate.

They have some special orders and accommodations here, which include a well rounded kid’s menu, 2 for $20(your choice of one appetizer and two entrees), and what they call Pick ’n Pair, which is your choice between 4 soups, 4 salads, and 3 pastas or sandwiches, all for $5.99.

Overall, if you want to grab a bite to eat, sit down and relax, in a(more or less) familiar environment, Applebee’s is the way to go here in Dekalb, all food for reasonable prices between $5.49 and $16.99. Going there over the years, I have experienced nothing bad about this establishment and would recommend it to anyone who wants great food, good service, and a welcoming, pleasing environment. Tip of the hat to Applebee’s.

Hours of Opperation
Mon.-Thu: 11AM-11PM
Fri.-Sat: 11AM-12AM
Sun: 11AM-10 PM

Applebees Restaurant
2411 Sycamore Rd.
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815)748-3222
http://www.applebees.com/
Rating: **** stars