Why Locals Love Applebee's Grill + Bar
Nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City at 234 W 42nd St, Applebee's Grill + Bar stands out as a welcoming beacon for lovers of classic American cuisine. This well-loved restaurant artfully blends a traditional diner and steakhouse ambiance with the casual comfort of a neighborhood bar & grill, making it an ideal spot for everything from family dinners to lively gatherings with friends.
Applebee’s menu offers a tempting array of flavors that celebrate the diversity and richness of American fare. Highlights from their Irresist-A-Bowls® menu, such as the Southwest Chicken Bowl, delight the palate with grilled chipotle lime chicken set atop fresh greens and vibrant cilantro rice, accented by housemade pico de gallo, black bean corn salsa, and creamy guacamole. The finishing touch of chimichurri, crunchy tortilla strips, and a fresh lime wedge elevates each bite into a fiesta of textures and tastes. Seafood lovers will find the TexMex Shrimp Bowl equally irresistible, featuring grilled chipotle lime shrimp paired with the same fresh, zesty accompaniments.
For younger diners, Applebee’s thoughtfully crafted Kids Menu is a comforting treasure trove of classic favorites: crispy chicken tenders, perfectly fried chicken corn dogs, creamy Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese, and a cheeseburger with all the traditional fixings. Each comes with a choice of side and drink, ensuring that even the youngest guests leave with full bellies and happy hearts.
Applebee’s dedication to providing a full dining experience extends beyond the table with their catering options. Whether it’s their Boneless Wings tossed in your choice of sauce or the Double Crunch Bone-In Wings—crispy outside and tender inside—served with rich Bleu cheese or housemade ranch, they offer crowd-pleasers perfect for any gathering. Fresh house salads round out their catering menu, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
The atmosphere at Applebee’s on West 42nd couldn’t be more inviting. From the moment guests step inside, they are enveloped in an energetic yet relaxed vibe that matches the lively pulse of the city outside. Diners often praise the warm, attentive service that perfectly complements the vibrant buzz of the space. Patrons like Gwen have noted the "great vibes" and seamless harmony between the ambiance and the food. Kevin Clarke highlighted how the staff’s efficiency made for swift service without sacrificing quality, while Amy Ony appreciated the friendly attention and the fresh, flavorful dishes that arrived in generous portions.
Memorable moments are crafted by Applebee’s attentive team. Servers like Alex and Anifa have made lasting impressions, skillfully managing busy evenings with professionalism and genuine kindness. From handling large birthday parties with grace to ensuring every order is perfectly remembered, these personal touches make dining at Applebee’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
Whether you’re seeking a hearty American meal, an upbeat place to unwind with a drink, or a family-friendly setting with something for everyone, Applebee's Grill + Bar in New York City delivers on all fronts. Its flavorful cuisine, inviting atmosphere, and dedicated service come together to create a dining destination that feels both authentically local and comfortably familiar.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
- Sport
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 2, 2026
From the moment I walked into Applebee’s in New York, the vibes were great. The atmosphere matched the food, making it an all-around solid dining experience.
- Feb 8, 2026
Great spot to eat and our waiter Dane was awesome. Time between ordering and receiving our food was very quick. Drinks were great as well!
- Feb 4, 2026
I had an amazing experience at Applebee’s! The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure everything came out quickly and exactly as ordered. The food was delicious and fresh, with generous portions and great flavor. You can really tell they care about their customers and the overall dining experience. I’ll definitely be coming back again soon!
- Jan 14, 2026
Alex at Applebee’s gave us an amazing experience. From the moment we were seated, he was respectful, attentive, and professional. We happened to be seated right next to a birthday party with about 30 people, which could have easily made service chaotic, but Alex handled the situation incredibly well. Despite being busy, he remembered our entire order perfectly — even my girlfriend’s complicated order — without missing a beat. He checked in with us regularly to make sure everything was good and if we needed anything. On top of that, he gave a great drink recommendation to my friend who doesn’t drink much, which he ended up really enjoying. It’s not easy to keep that level of service with such a busy section, but Alex made us feel like we were his priority the whole time. If you come to this location, do yourself a favor and walk in and say, “Can I be seated with Alex?” You won’t regret it.
- Jan 11, 2026
Honestly, I was really impressed. The food tasted amazing, especially considering it was Valentine’s Day on February 14th and the place was packed. Even though it was super busy, everything ran smoothly. Our server, Anifa, was incredibly polite and attentive. She handled everything with such a positive attitude and made sure we were well taken care of. The manager was also very friendly and professional. It ended up being a really great experience overall.
- Jan 9, 2026
What a surpise. I gave my wife a hard time about going yo americama franchises instead of an all in restaurant, but boy was she on spot. The location half a block away from Times Square is perfect, close, but not that clpse, if you know what I mean. The ambiance is so chill, TVs showing the MLB playpoffs all around, great modern theme related decor. Very comfortable. The food was great. We had the sirloin and the blackened salmon and both were delicious. Same with the sides, perfect (mashed potatos and green beans). My kids chicken fingers and fries were great too, a cant fail. The service was top notch. As soon as we walked in everyone was very friendly and welcoming, but I do have to mention Khan who was our server. Khan is a superstar, such a nice down to earth guy. Made our visit even better, thank you!
- Dec 23, 2025
I don’t usually drink much, so I never really know what to order when it comes to drinks. Alex at Applebee’s made that super easy for me. He took the time to ask what kind of flavors I like and gave me a recommendation that ended up being perfect. It was exactly what I was looking for, and I probably wouldn’t have picked it on my own. What stood out the most was how patient and helpful he was, even though the restaurant was really busy with a big birthday party going on nearby. He still checked in on us, made sure everything was good, and kept a great attitude the whole time. Great service like that makes a big difference. If you come to this location, I definitely recommend asking to sit with Alex. He’ll take care of you.
- Dec 16, 2025
Applebee’s in Times Square offers casual American fare, including burgers, chicken, and riblets, in a convenient and familiar setting. The restaurant is known for its frequent meal and cocktail deals, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious diners. Drinks, particularly the margaritas, are well-made and offer excellent value. While the food and atmosphere deliver a consistent but average dining experience, it remains a reliable option for those seeking comfort and familiarity.
