Applebee's Grill + Bar in Bangor, Maine

Applebee's in Bangor is the casual spot where families, groups, and thrifters looking for a break from local spots land on a weeknight. You'll find the usual lineup of ribs, steaks, and chicken paired with appetizers meant for sharing. Service tends to be friendly and unhurried. Come for the half-price wings on certain nights, the two-for-twenty-five deals, or just because you want burgers and a beer without pretension.

• Half-price wings and deals keep regulars coming back.
• Service-forward staff who pace meals for actual socializing.
• Family-friendly with enough menu variety for different ages.
• TVs, cocktails, and a room that feels unpretentious.

The ultimate trio appetizer (chicken wonton tacos and pretzel sticks with beer cheese) is a solid starting point. Garlic butter steak from the two-for-twenty-five menu gets consistent praise. Chicken Parm fettuccine has fans. Wings can be hit-or-miss depending on the night, but half-price specials make them worth trying. Mozzarella sticks work if you've got picky eaters at the table.

Bustling and informal, with sports on multiple screens. Noise level picks up when the place is full, which is often.

Guests praise the pacing of service and servers who go the extra mile. The two-for-twenty-five menu makes it easy to feed a table of mixed appetites. One recent visitor called the garlic butter steak cooked to perfection. Some dishes are more reliable than others, and one diner noted wings can arrive overcooked.