I've been twice now in the last couple month, and both times found the service to be good. I know what to expect in an Applebee's and that's what I go for. I sat at the tables around the bar one time and in a far back booth the second time.
I much enjoyed the appetizers, the meals, and desserts.
As a comment to other low star reviews. My experience is probably different because I go during non peak times. Middle of the afternoon before dinner crowd or later in the evening after the rush.