For me, Applebee's and its kind represent the same level of mediocrity, no matter where you are, right down to the memorabilia on the wall. In most places where Applebee's exists, you can go to a nearby local restaurant, spend the same amount of money, and eat something new and different that is likely to taste better.

On the other hand, if the people you're with aren't as gastronomically adventurous as you (this happens to me a lot), there are worse lowest common denominators

I made the mistake of eating at the Times Square Applebee's once. Paid far more than the usual prices and the food was even worse.