Applebees Restaurant Review - Indianapolis, IN

From the Viewpoint of an Experienced Mystery Shopper

Before I became a Mystery Shopper, I approached restaurants with a different viewpoint. Sometimes I'd sit there and simmer, wondering where my server was. Other times I'd flee the bathroom in horror. But once I actually Mystery Shopped, I learned what was expected of restaurants and so I can say, unequivocably, that the Indianapolis Applebees, 1436 W. 86th St, has much room for improvement.

Things started out very positively when we walked in the door. The hostess greeted us quickly with a smile, gave us her name, seated us and asked if we wanted drinks. So far, so good. Then our server came, also noting her name, a requirement, and took our drink orders. They came quickly. We ordered our entrees, including the Weight Watchers shrimp and beef kabobs for me. My friend and I relaxed and began to talk, noting that the decor was clean and fresh. There was a problem, though. The music was way too loud. Maybe they want their patrons to yell, adding to the general noise. But we didn't appreciate that.

This is when things started to go downhill. Although the food arrived quickly, my beef was tough and chewy and I nearly hit a neighboring diner when one of my beef pieces flew across the room. I couldn't chew them very easily and nearly choked on one as I struggled to swallow it. On the plus side, the rice, broccoli and shrimp were delicious.

Then I went to the restroom and I am glad I waited till after the meal. The lock on the bathroom stall was broken, no toilet paper in sight and, to top things off, the left sink was completely broken. No water there. Luckily, the right sink worked but I had to take a paper towel to open the door because it was so clearly filthy and I'm not the nervous type, so this was way beyond the pale. Smudges, fingerprints and suspicious materials. Totally disgusting.