Applebee's is not gluten free.

Generic restaurant store front.

Aside from their idiotic political rants and decisions on the labor force based on the last election, the restaurant chain Applebee's is a member in the long list of restaurants that pretend to have a gluten free menu, yet do nothing to prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen.

Recently we went to an Applebee's restaurant and I asked for a gluten-free menu. Since they didn't have one on hand, the manager went online and printed the Applebee's Gluten Allergy Information menu for me.

The have a couple of nice disclaimers that let me know how much their legal team cares:

While efforts are made to keep this information current, it is possible that ingredient changes and substitutions may occur due to the differences in regional suppliers, product changes, preparation techniques, and/or the season. We recommend that our guests with food allergies or special dietary needs consult with a restaurant manager prior to placing an order to review the posted information for accuracy and availability at that particular location. Because this information changes, please make sure you are referencing the most current version (see box below). Due to the individualized nature of allergies and food sensitivities, Applebee’s cannot make recommendations that are suitable for your dietary needs. Please consult your physician. 

Also at the top of the sheet:

Our commitment to you is to provide the most current allergen information available from our food suppliers. The menu items listed on this page are not prepared with gluten or made with ingredients that contain gluten when prepared according to the standard recipe. Please be aware that during normal kitchen operations involving shared cooking and preparation areas, including common fryer oil, the possibility exists for food items to come in contact with other food products. Due to these circumstances, we are unable to guarantee that any menu item can be completely free of allergens. 

For appetizers they list two: Chips and Salsa, and Queso Blanco. When the chips arrived at the table wet, dripping with hot fryer oil, I asked the waiter what was used in that same oil... he said "I think it's everything we fry because we [only] have one fryer." So based on that there is no chance of [me] trying those chips.

For the steaks they list two highly priced steaks, a New York Strip and a Ribeye. I can safely say that my wife and I have become accustomed to calling the steak "chicken steak" since it tastes like it is flavored with Chicken stock, not just simply grilled on the same grill. This is non-restaurant specific. We have tried several locations and they use the same practices. I also have not had a meal at Applebee's where I did not get dosed with wheat gluten. The only things I have tried to consume have been steak and baked potato. I don't dare try the chicken because it is overpriced for what you're getting and it is more than likely flavored with whatever is on the steak.

Remember if you're eating something that contains shredded cheese that some of the anti-bonding agents used to prevent the cheese from sticking can contain wheat starch and yeast extract (from wheat). Also most chicken stocks and chicken bullion that we've researched have some form of yeast extract or wheat gluten in them, including MSG. Synthetic gluten alternatives can in some cases also trigger the immune response.

Salads can (and usually are) tossed in the same bowl. Some salad dressings contain wheat and MSG. I've had waiters try to pull croutons from a salad and reserve it to me. If this happens be sure to tell the management why you can't trust their kitchen and post the feedback in online reviews and forums. No sense in contributing to other people sick.

When I go out to eat I always ask for a take-away box for my food to put in from the moment it leaves the grill. Restaurant plates are NOT clean. Also silverware in restaurants is dirty as well (maybe the reason for the low lighting?), so I bring my own silverware. The cheap take-out silverware in the restaurants doesn't cut well. I have to mandate NO BREAD because the occasional slip up by kitchen staff and servers causes the garlic bread that comes with a meal to contaminate the rest of it since they forget and put it on my plate anyhow. I can't expect them to take responsibility for their own actions... after all it's my illness that is the inconvenience right?

Good Luck,
-Chris