Zap Squad review: Applebees

Applebees, a chain restaurant that’s popular with the Merritt Island locals because of its beer pong and karaoke

Where: 100 Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island; 321-455-9898; www.applebees.com, off State Road 520, near Steak 'n Shake and Hooters

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday

Entertainment: On the weekends, there’s a band at the tiki bar. Wednesday nights is karaoke, starting at 10 p.m. Beer pong is on Monday, which is from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Happy hour: For drinks, it’s happy hour all day everyday. Get two-for-one drafts, wines and cocktails. We’re told pretty much everything is two-for-one. For food, if you sit at the bar, get half-off of appetizers and baskets of chicken and riblets starting at 4 p.m.

Food and drink: Take your time perusing Applebees’ menu, because it consists of burgers, chicken, sandwiches, soup, salads, steaks, shrimp and more. There’s a kids menu as well and curbside to-go. The restaurant is promoting its two-for-$20 deal, which features an appetizer and two full entrees (excluding drinks). You can get that deal to-go. The restaurant has a full liquor bar. You can get martinis there, too.

Recommended dish: Shrimp Parmesan Steak

Most popular drink: Applebees’ margaritas, which are two-for-one, all-day everyday. Order them frozen, on the rocks or flavored.

Atmosphere: Lunchtime is good if you’re in a hurry and need to get some good food quick. Dinnertime is relaxing, but on some nights, there’s a crowd that comes in to play beer pong or sing. We can’t complain about the drink specials, and the restaurant and bar are open late. The tiki bar is right on Sykes Creek, so you get a great view. You can order food and drinks. It’s a great spot for shuttle launches. We hear karaoke night is the busiest night. 

Crowd: We went on karaoke night. The majority of the crowd was in their 20s and 30s. Many patrons took to the mic, entertaining others with their singing. The staff and patrons were friendly and eager to be Zapped. The atmosphere was upbeat and fun. The music was at a comfortable volume, making it easy to carry on a conversation. On this night, Applebee’s had a real nightlife feel.

Cover charge: Never

Smoking: Outside at the tiki bar only

Ages: All ages, family-friendly

Dress code: Anything goes, shirts and shoes required.

Parking: On site

Contact Sangalang at 321-242-3630 or jsangalang@metromix.com.

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