Applebee’s is a popular casual dining restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty portions, and wide variety of flavorful dishes. From crispy appetizers to juicy burgers, cheesy pastas, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks, the menu has something for everyone. Many items have become signature favourites, loved by both first-time visitors and regulars. Whether you’re visiting for a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a fun night out, this guide will help you discover the best dishes to try at Applebee’s, covering everything from starters to desserts, drinks, and kid-friendly meals.
Appetizers You Can’t Miss
Applebee’s appetisers are the perfect start to any meal, offering bold flavours and generous portions. Crispy boneless wings are tossed in signature sauces, while spinach and artichoke dip delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction. Mozzarella sticks are crunchy on the outside and gooey inside, while chicken quesadillas and neighbourhood nachos provide a flavorful kick. Brew Pub Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip are perfect for salty, savoury cravings, and other favourites like Texas cheese fries and potato skins round out the selection. These appetizers are ideal for sharing, pairing with drinks, or enjoying as a starter before the main course.
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Wings | 1,040 cal | $13.79 |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | 990 cal | $10.99 |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 860 cal | $9.79 |
| Chicken Quesadilla | 1,180 cal | $11.99 |
| Neighborhood Nachos | 1,200 cal | $12.99 |
| Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip | 1,050 cal | $9.99 |
| Texas Cheese Fries | 1,150 cal | $8.99 |
| Potato Skins | 930 cal | $9.49 |
Best Main Courses at Applebee’s
Applebee’s main courses are hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp combines Cajun-seasoned chicken and shrimp with garlic butter. The Classic Bacon Cheeseburger is always a crowd favourite, topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies. Fiesta Lime Chicken is grilled and served with zesty lime sauce and pico de gallo. Other standout dishes include Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad, Blackened Cajun Salmon, and Hand-Battered Fish and Chips, each offering generous portions and bold flavours. These mains provide plenty of variety and are perfect for a filling, delicious meal.
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | 930 cal | $13.99 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | 1,170 cal | $14.99 |
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | 920 cal | $18.99 |
| Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad | 560 cal | $12.99 |
| Blackened Cajun Salmon | 600 cal | $16.99 |
| Hand-Battered Fish and Chips | 1,100 cal | $14.49 |
| Oriental Chicken Bowl | 650 cal | $13.49 |
| Chicken Fajita Rollup | 1,030 cal | $12.99 |
Signature Steaks & Ribs
For meat lovers, Applebee’s steaks and ribs are a must. The 8-oz Top Sirloin is juicy and tender, cooked to your preference. Bourbon Street Steak is sizzling and packed with flavour, while Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs are coated in sweet, smoky glaze. Other options like Half Rack Ribs with Fries and the Riblet Platter are ideal for sharing or pairing with hearty sides. These signature dishes are satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for anyone craving classic steakhouse-style comfort food.
More Items – Steaks & Ribs
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 oz Top Sirloin | 700 cal | $20.59 |
| Bourbon Street Steak | 850 cal | $19.79 |
| Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs | 1,390 cal | $21.99 |
| Half Rack Ribs with Fries | 1,150 cal | $18.99 |
| Riblet Platter | 1,220 cal | $17.99 |
| 12 oz Ribeye | 1,050 cal | $23.99 |
| Sirloin & Shrimp Combo | 1,100 cal | $22.99 |
Comfort Food & Pasta Favorites
Applebee’s pasta and comfort food dishes are rich, creamy, and satisfying. Three-Cheese Chicken Penne combines tender chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce. Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders pairs crispy chicken with cheesy pasta. Other favourites like Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo and Breaded Chicken Pasta Bowl are perfect for diners seeking hearty, indulgent flavours. These dishes are filling, flavorful, and a great choice if you’re craving comfort food with generous portions.
More Items – Comfort Food & Pasta
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Cheese Chicken Penne | 1,290 cal | $14.99 |
| Four Cheese Mac & Cheese | 1,220 cal | $15.99 |
| Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo | 1,100 cal | $13.99 |
| Breaded Chicken Pasta Bowl | 1,150 cal | $13.49 |
| Chicken Parmesan Pasta | 1,180 cal | $14.49 |
| Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese | 1,050 cal | $12.99 |
Burgers and Sandwiches to Try
Applebee’s burgers and sandwiches are always a hit. Whisky Bacon Burger combines bold whisky-glazed flavour with crispy bacon. Classic Cheeseburger is timeless and satisfying. The Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich and the Clubhouse Grille Sandwich offer tasty handheld options. These dishes are typically served with sides and are great for satisfying cravings quickly, making them ideal for both solo diners and families.
More Items – Burgers & Sandwiches
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Whisky Bacon Burger | 1,210 cal | $15.99 |
| Classic Cheeseburger | 810 cal | $13.79 |
| Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich | 920 cal | $14.29 |
| Clubhouse Grille Sandwich | 980 cal | $13.99 |
| Buffalo Chicken Sandwich | 870 cal | $12.99 |
| Quesadilla Burger | 1,050 cal | $14.49 |
Desserts Worth the Calories
Applebee’s desserts are rich and indulgent. Blue Ribbon Brownie features a warm brownie topped with ice cream and a chocolate drizzle. Triple Chocolate Meltdown is a molten chocolate cake. Sizzlin’ Butter Pecan Blondie and Brownie Bites for Sharing are ideal for sharing with friends or family. These treats provide a sweet ending to your meal, perfect for celebrations or just a little indulgence.
More Items – Desserts
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Ribbon Brownie | 1,420 cal | $7.99 |
| Triple Chocolate Meltdown | 840 cal | $8.29 |
| Sizzlin’ Butter Pecan Blondie | 960 cal | $7.79 |
| Brownie Bites for Sharing | 1,050 cal | $6.99 |
| Cheesecake Bites | 750 cal | $7.49 |
| Mini Sundae | 520 cal | $5.99 |
Best Drinks to Pair with Your Meal
Applebee’s beverages include cocktails, mocktails, and classic drinks. Perfect Margarita is tangy and refreshing. Strawberry Lemonade is sweet and fruity. Other popular options are Shark Bowl, Lemon Lime Fizz, and classic Iced Tea. Pairing drinks with your meal enhances flavours and adds to the overall dining experience.
More Items – Drinks
| Item Name | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Perfect Margarita | $10.50 |
| Strawberry Lemonade | $4.50 |
| Shark Bowl | $8.50 |
| Lemon Lime Fizz | $4.00 |
| Iced Tea | $2.99 |
| Mojito | $9.99 |
| Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri | $8.99 |
Kid-Friendly Meals
Applebee’s offers a variety of kid-friendly meals that are smaller in portion but big on flavour. Options include Chicken Tenders, Mini Cheeseburgers, and Mac & Cheese, which are designed to appeal to younger diners. These meals often come with sides like apples, fries, or veggies and include a drink to keep kids happy and satisfied. The kids’ menu is perfect for families looking for quick, delicious options that children will enjoy without being too heavy. These meals balance fun flavours with child-friendly portion sizes, making Applebee’s a great family dining spot.
More Items – Kid-Friendly Meals
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | 540 cal | $6.99 |
| Mini Cheeseburgers | 430 cal | $5.99 |
| Mac & Cheese | 390 cal | $4.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 280 cal | $6.49 |
| Kraft Mac & Cheese Bites | 450 cal | $5.49 |
Healthier Options
Applebee’s also caters to those seeking lighter or healthier meals without sacrificing flavour. Grilled items like Grilled Chicken Salad, Blackened Cajun Salmon, and Grilled Shrimp Skewers provide protein-packed meals with fewer calories. Pair these with steamed vegetables or side salads for a balanced dining experience. These healthier options are perfect for fitness-conscious diners, calorie trackers, or anyone looking to enjoy Applebee’s menu with a lighter touch.
More Items – Healthier Options
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Salad | 350 cal | $12.99 |
| Blackened Cajun Salmon | 600 cal | $16.99 |
| Grilled Shrimp Skewers | 320 cal | $14.99 |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | 480 cal | $11.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 420 cal | $12.49 |
Seasonal Specials
Applebee’s frequently introduces seasonal specials that feature limited-time flavours and ingredients. These dishes might include Summer BBQ Ribs, Holiday Turkey Dinner, or Pumpkin Spice Desserts, depending on the season. Seasonal items are a great way to try something unique and experience flavours you won’t find on the regular menu. They are often popular among regular visitors and provide a fresh twist to classic favourites.
More Items – Seasonal Specials
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Summer BBQ Ribs | 1,250 cal | $19.99 |
| Holiday Turkey Dinner | 980 cal | $17.99 |
| Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake | 620 cal | $7.49 |
| Winter Chili & Cornbread | 680 cal | $8.99 |
| Apple Cinnamon Crisp | 540 cal | $6.99 |
Family Combos
Applebee’s offers combo meals that are perfect for families or groups. Family combos often include a mix of appetizers, mains, and sides designed for sharing. Options like Ribs & Wings Combo, Burger & Fries Platter, and Chicken & Pasta Combo offer variety and value. These combos make ordering easier for groups and ensure everyone can find something they enjoy. They are a smart choice for larger parties or family dining nights.
More Items – Family Combos
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ribs & Wings Combo | 2,350 cal | $34.99 |
| Burger & Fries Platter | 1,950 cal | $29.99 |
| Chicken & Pasta Combo | 2,100 cal | $32.99 |
| Appetizer Sampler Platter | 1,800 cal | $27.99 |
| BBQ Feast Combo | 2,400 cal | $36.99 |
Tips for Choosing the Best Dish
Choosing the best dish at Applebee’s can make your meal more enjoyable. Consider sharing high-calorie or large portion items with friends or family. For lighter dining, choose grilled options or items marked as “lighter fare.” Ask your server about current specials and limited-time items for variety. Pairing your main with the right appetizer, side, or drink can enhance your experience. Planning and checking the nutrition info can help you balance taste with your personal dietary goals.
Customer Favorites
Some Applebee’s dishes are consistently loved by diners. Fan favourites include Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, and Blue Ribbon Brownie. These items are widely praised for their flavours, portion sizes, and overall satisfaction. Trying these popular dishes is a safe bet for first-time visitors or anyone looking to enjoy the most celebrated menu items.
| Item Name | Calories (approx.) | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | 920 cal | $18.99 |
| Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs | 1,390 cal | $21.99 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | 1,170 cal | $14.99 |
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | 930 cal | $13.99 |
| Blue Ribbon Brownie | 1,420 cal | $7.99 |
| Triple Chocolate Meltdown | 840 cal | $8.29 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s offers something for everyone, from hearty steaks and flavorful burgers to indulgent desserts and lighter salads. The dishes highlighted above are the best dishes to try, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a loyal fan. With a menu that caters to families, kids, and adults alike, Applebee’s provides a well-rounded dining experience. Keep in mind portion sizes, try popular favourites, and explore seasonal specials to get the most out of your visit.