After Labor Day Weekend, I felt all itchy and unkempt and disjointed like nothing really fit and nothing made sense and everything had this bitter washed-out pallor and sticky oily residue.  Then my car broke down in front of Applebee’s at the Lakewood Towne Center, and once again, booze was a hop, skip and flop away. I walked into the noisy joint, zigzagged my way to the patio and introduced myself to their Long Island Iced Tea. Late summer just isn’t complete without spending at least one afternoon sitting on a patio, making fun of awful Lakewood drivers through the shrubs. Downing a few Long Island Iced Teas helped fuel my laughter. Made with everything but the kitchen sink — gin, tequila, Bacardi Light rum, vodka, Triple Sec, sweet-and-sour and a splash of Coke — Applebee’s serves its version of this potent brew in a tall glass for $6.45 during the 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close happy hour.

Ha ha ha, a grandpa with a poodle on his lap just ran up on the sidewalk. 

Classic!  

[Applebee’s, 10407 Gravelly Lake Dr. S.W., Lakewood, 253.983. 8884]