Mozzarella Sticks (Applebee’s)

No gimmick required. It’s fried cheese, a marinara dunk, and that first pull when the mozzarella stretches exactly as far as you hoped. Applebee’s Mozzarella Sticks are the bracket’s argument for keeping things simple. While the Bloomin’ Onion tries to own the table and Chili’s Southwestern Eggrolls pack in more ingredients, mozzarella sticks know exactly what they’re here to do. That simplicity could make them dangerous—or expose them when they run into one of the league’s signature restaurant rituals. Would you really take a mozzarella stick over a Cheddar Bay Biscuit? Over Texas Roadhouse Rolls? Over the Bloomin’ Onion? Start making the uncomfortable choices.