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Would you like to take “a ride down flavor lane?” If so, one Austin, Texas couple has a restaurant recommendation for you: Applebee’s.
That’s right, Applebee’s.
Newlywed and TikTok influencer Julsey (@atxjulsey) is on a mission to take her husband to every chain restaurant before their first wedding anniversary. A few weeks ago, she and Michael went to Applebee’s.
Michael wasn’t the only one getting a fresh perspective of the neighborhood grill.
“Now I’m not gonna lie, I haven’t been to an Applebee’s in 20 years. So I am excited,” Julsey says in a TikTok restaurant review.
Michael chimes in, “This is your first time too.”
The couple proceeds to order practically half the menu, as any serious restaurant reviewer should.
They made some jokes at the 45-year-old chain’s expense. But overall, they left with a good impression.
Now, for their order
The pair start with specialty drinks: the Poppin Shirley for her; the Shark Bowl for him.
Julsey’s drink comes with Pop Rocks, a treat for any ’80s or ’90s kid. Michael’s features Captain Morgan and gummy shark candies.
Of hers, Julsey says, “Oh, it’s got red dye 40. Yum.” Then she takes a sip. “Honestly, it’s very good.”
Next, Michael samples his frozen blue concoction. “Mmm,” he says, adding, “I love my sweet drinks.”
For appetizers, they order a sampler platter that includes spinach and artichoke dip, mozzarella sticks, chicken quesadilla, and boneless wings in addition to Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Both agree that the spinach and artichoke that’s ubiquitous to American chain restaurants, and often referred to simply as “spin dip,” is a standout.
Julsey describes the triangular tacos’ appearance as “like when you first learned to draw and you drew your first taco.”
Fans of Walker Hayes’ 2022 smash hit “Fancy Like” will appreciate that they ordered the Bourbon Street Steak. Though they may be disappointed that the newlyweds declined to add an Oreo Shake to complete their date night.
They both give the streak entree a positive review. “Honestly, pretty dang good,” Julsey says.
Their entrees also include Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp and the Quesadilla Burger.
Michael comes away a big fan of the Quesadilla Burger. Julsey simply says, “It tastes like a Big Mac.”
And for their final course, the pair decides they have no choice but to order something in a skillet, as the cast-iron staple of American kitchens is all over the menu. They select an Applebee’s classic: Sizzlin’ Butter Pecan Blondie.
They are both blown away by the dish.
Julsey says, “Oh man, that’s good. I think Applebee’s just won best chain dessert.”
“Ooh, take me for a ride down flavor lane,” Michael raves after taking a bite.
Step aside, haters
Julsey’s TikTok, which has 311,000 views as of this writing, had people feeling nostalgic about “eatin’ good in the neighborhood.”
Some of the top comments blasted the national chain’s many critics. Seven years ago, a Redditor described Applebee’s thusly: “We’re the only predictable thing open for 40 miles, and your wife is hangry. Is quality really your top priority here?”
More recently, another said people hate Applebee’s “because it’s mostly just microwaved food. Pre-packaged, pre-portioned microwave food.”
An Applebee’s defender who commented on Julsey’s post had this counterpoint: “The Applebees hate is forced. Always good.”
Another agreed, writing, “The hate against Applebee’s and Arbys is so forced. I loooooove some Applebee’s.”
Julsey responded to one, “Honestly our entrees SLAPPED.”
A third commenter described the experience in revelatory terms: “Went to Applebee’s for the first time and my life changed.”
At the end of the TikTok, Julsey summed up the experience thusly, “Applebee’s renewed my love for two things: cast iron skillets and red dye 40.”
She did not immediately respond to an email sent Thursday morning.
@atxjulsey Husband tries Applebees for the first time Their cast iron stockpile must be crazyyyyyy #applebees #chainrestaurant #whatiate #husband ♬ original sound – Julsey
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