TripAdvisor reviews are travelers opinions. Same as what traveler opinions get posted here.
Just as the survey is the opinion of the person making the selection. One thing I find with TripAdvisor, many establishments really push patrons/customers to make a positive review. When I see Applebee's as one of the top rated restaurants in a given area, I know something is amiss. Just like with any review, not everyone shares the same opinion.