Applebee's

I visit this restaurant once every few months and consistently enjoy their food.  Of course I always order the same thing, Fiesta Lime Chicken, and I'm never disappointed.  The food comes out reasonably quick, hot, and as ordered.  The waitstaff is generally courteous also.

Every time I go in for lunch I think to myself oh here we go again, blowing another $12.00 (without tip) on a salad or a crappy hamburger. It's just not worth it. I think the only reason they are busy at lunch is there are so few restaurants in Crosby that are not either Mexican or BBQ.

I'm hating myself for giving Applebee's 3 stars.  Its a chain notoriously known for their awful menu items and their attempt for originality.  Its sad.  This particular Applebees is packed full of ex-Crosby HS graduates as their staff and this usually shows.  I have gone here time and time again, trying to give these guys second chances and thirds and fourths...Im too forgiving I imagine.  Oh well, I digress...

My friend Keith and I decide to head up there after our fire meeting this past Tuesday night only due to the fact that it is the only place open in Crosby past 9.  We walk in and sit at the bar (don't worry I was off duty) and order a beer and queso (Dinner of champions). After much deliberating and second guessing myself we both decide on the Top Sirloin Medium Rare, with Parmesean Cheese and Shrimp Topping.  Sides of Veggies and a Baked Potato to accompany.  Now I have had their steaks before and take this piece of advice to the bank. DO NOT ORDER THE RIBEYE or NY STRIP!  They do not know how to cook it correctly and their selection is not exactly up to par.  I knew I was taking a risk when I ordered the lean cow, but for some reason The Applebee God told me to do it.  

So about 8 minutes into my queso and my 2nd large order of Miller Lite (not light as per the "Commish") we get our orders out.  I take one slice into the beef and Im like great...those bastards overcooked my steak.  I then heard Keith say those bastards undercooked my steak.  Luckily for Applebees we just switched steaks so I didnt have to unleash all HELL on the cook (whom I graduated with in HS).  My God, the steak was perfect!  Its weird to say that about food from the Bee but hey, I was honestly suprised.  The steak was gone in about 3 minutes and immediately I hated myself for not slowly enjoying it like I should have.  Honestly, when will I get another steak like that from the Bee?  When's the next comet coming? We might have better luck with the economy getting back to normal before I get another 8 oz. of cooked cow that good.  

As we left me and Keith looked at the Crosby Fire Dept. Memorabilia near the front door.  They have a CVFD bunked coat with all the firemen's signatures on it.  Its always good to see how a community appreciates the small things that we do, and we absolutely appreciate everything our community has done for us!