Applebee's Philippines recently opened its second branch in Eastwood City. It was only a little while back when Applebee's hit the Philippine restaurant scene when they opened their first ever branch located at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Now they are ready to take on another side of the Metro with their all-American food and then some.
A lively grill and bar experience brought by the recent opening of Applebee's Eastwood is expected to add to the already colorful food scene in the area. Being one of the world's largest casual dining brands, diners can expect nothing less than world-class quality food and service.
It was only recently that I get to visit Eastwood again. Comparing to the time when I was still working for Dell International Services way back, Eastwood has really evolved in terms of dining scene. And I must say that Applebee's is one delightful addition.
Applebee's believes that there is always a reason to celebrate. That belief is made obvious by the beautiful word art plastered on the wall that enumerates many reasons to celebrate from mundane stuff to the gigantic milestones.
I haven't set foot at their first branch as of yet but the vibe and feel they got at Applebee's Eastwood - I am certainly loving to the core. The color palette for one is one of my favorites as it gives off a cozy, almost gentleman-like bar feel to it. The place is big and almost every corner is a good seat.
The bar is stationed outside by the al fresco dining area. Equally impressive and well-decorated as the main dining hall inside, the bar area is perfect for those who wants to enjoy great drinks and grub while watching the world pass by the surrounding area.
First on our table was the Pot Stickers (Php325) Crisp wontons filled with pork and shrimp. As simple as it seems, these wontons are very addictive. I love its crispness and the generous filling with tremendous flavor that gives off the fact that they didn't scrimp on it. Best eaten with the Thai peanut and soy dumpling sauces, but it can also do without it because it is already flavorful as it is.
The Wonton Taco (Php225) was one of my favorites among the dishes I have tried by far at Applebee's. Wonton shells instead of the usual shells made with corn flour was an impressive idea. It's crispness was outstanding that it works really well with the spicy chicken, coleslaw, and cilantro filling it comes with.
The Double Crunch Bone In Wings (Php395) was a perfect grub to go with beer or any cocktail drinks they offer at Applebee's. Diners have the option to choose from Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet and Spicy, or Korean BBQ Sauce. I opted for the Korean BBQ Sauce which made me a happy camper.
I would usually skip soup dish as a starter when dining out as it fills me up quickly, unless the soup offering is something spectacular. And this French Onion Soup (Php195) I tell you was spectacular. The base with its sweet savory onions plus the generous melted cheese on top were amazing. It warms the heart and satisfy the tummy.
The Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad (Php325) can be a great option for those who wants to have their healthy greens. It is essentially made up with chopped lettuce, tossed with black bean corn salsa, roasted bell peppers and onions, tortilla strips, white cheddar and spicy Jalapeno dressing. It is also topped with chopped chimichuri glazed grilled chicken. It was basically a refreshing salad with spicy kick.
The fork-tender Applebee's Pork Ribs (Php650/half, Php950/full) was another of my favorites. Served with corn on the cob, French fries, coleslaw, these ribs are marinated with the Applebee's special sauce that gives it its distinct smoky delicious flavor. For the sauce, diners have the option to go for Honey BBQ Sauce, Smoky Chipotle, Spicy Sweet Asian Chili, and Korean BBQ Sauce.
The Fiesta Lime Chicken (Php395) can be perfect for those who loves spicy chicken bursting with flavor. It is made festive with the addition of zesty lime sauce, Mexi-ranch, and Jack cheddar. It comes with equally impressive Mexi-rice, strips of crisp tortilla, and pico de gallo.
One of the highly recommended dishes by some friends who have been to Applebee's before was the Quesadilla Burger (Php525). Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is without a bun and served as it name implies - quesadilla style. The dish is basically comprised of beef patty, Applebee's signature Mexi-ranch sauce, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and Jack and Cheddar quesadilla.
As a kid-friendly restaurant, Applebee's offers dishes that kids will surely enjoy like the Cookie Monster shake and the kiddie size burgers with fries.
There are several dessert items on Applebee's menu but the one that won me over was the Butter Pecan Blondie (Php325). It is basically a piece of nutty blondie topped with ice cream, glazed pecans, and get this - cream cheese sauce! I love that it is served on a sizzling plate because it does not just adds to the theatrics of the presentation but it also lends a distinct flavor as the cheese sauce melts.
Applebee's is also known for their hand crafted drinks. On the menu there are modern mixology option, sangrias, margaritas, pep tonics, tropical cocktail, sweet adventures, cold brews, by the shots, and wines. I got to try the Coronarita (Php395/single, Pp435/double) because I love Corona. It was good, something I wouldn't mind having the next time I come by.
Sure there are numbers of different restaurants within Eastwood City Libis area but I must say that Applebee's Grill and Bar is one of those I will visit again and again. The ambiance is something I really really like about it but it was the seamless service and outstanding food which impressed me the most.
Applebee's Grill and Bar Eastwood
Unit 1 Eastwood City Walk 1
188 E. Rodriguez Avenue Jr.
Bagumbayan Quezon City
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday - 11am to 12mn
Friday and Saturday - 11am to 1am
Facebook: /ApplebeesPH
Instagram: @applebeesph