Some large restaurant chains such as these are over-priced and over-hyped in my opinion. So when I went to Applebee's, I did not expect much compared to the service and food you would get at a family-owned establishment. However, I was quite wrong - the service there was amazing the first time I went. And the second. Amazing in that, with a party of about 15, the waitress was patient enough to treat everyone (including refilling my water, which I down quite rapidly). Also amazing in that, with the unlimited fish & chips, she gave me as many as I asked for (and offered my girlfriend some too). I was scared of the service with the 'unlimited' food portions, but I suppose it was for no reason.
One point off for the quality of their fish and chips, however. I didn't expect too much quality from their fish and chips, but the breading was a bit too heavy. It was alright though.