Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Applebee’s is a casual dining chain with a neighborhood bar-and-grill feel and a menu that covers a lot of ground. You will find appetizers, burgers, ribs, pasta, salads, steaks and plenty of drinks. This Applebee’s menu guide lays out the main categories so you can order with more confidence on a first visit.
Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Use this as a general guide, and confirm the current lineup on the official Applebee’s menu.
What Applebee’s Is Known For
Applebee’s is known for approachable, familiar dishes and a relaxed setting suitable for families, groups and casual date nights. Popular items include boneless wings, spinach and artichoke dip, riblets, and a variety of burgers. The restaurant is also recognized for its bar program, which includes seasonal cocktails and margaritas. Combination platters let diners sample multiple items, and many locations feature large screens for sports.
Menu Categories
Appetizers
Appetizers lean toward shareable bar food. Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy dip served with chips. Mozzarella Sticks, Boneless Wings tossed in sauce, Chicken Quesadillas and loaded nachos or potato skins are other typical picks. Wing sauces usually range from mild and sweet to spicy, and some locations offer bone-in versions.
Burgers and Sandwiches
The Classic Bacon Cheeseburger is a staple, built with bacon, cheese and a beef patty on a toasted bun. There are also specialty burgers, such as options with barbecue sauce or other toppings, and chicken sandwiches. Burgers are typically served with fries, and sandwiches may include a choice of side.
Chicken and Ribs
Riblets, which are smaller cuts of pork ribs with barbecue sauce, are a long-running favorite. Full-rack ribs show up at some locations. Chicken tenders, honey-style crispy chicken and grilled chicken platters appear on many menus. Fiesta Lime Chicken, with its citrus marinade and Tex-Mex flavors, is another well-known entree.
Steaks
Steak options, including Bourbon Street Steak and sirloin cuts, are served with vegetables and sides. These dishes are grilled and often paired with a sauce or topping.
Pasta and Seafood
Pasta dishes such as Cajun Shrimp Alfredo and chicken pastas, along with seafood entrees like grilled or fried shrimp, offer a different direction from the burger-and-grill items.
Salads and Lighter Options
Salads include Oriental Chicken Salad, which blends crispy chicken, greens, almonds and a sweet dressing, along with Caesar and house salads with grilled chicken. Some locations list lighter portions or combination items to keep a meal smaller.
Combos and Sharing Platters
Platters that mix several appetizers or combinations of ribs, chicken and shrimp let a table sample a range of items at once. The exact combinations change over time.
Desserts
Dessert choices include Triple Chocolate Meltdown, a warm chocolate dessert with ice cream, as well as blondie-style desserts, cheesecake and seasonal items. Many are made for sharing.
Drinks
The drink menu covers soft drinks, iced tea, coffee, beer, wine and cocktails. Margaritas, long-running favorites such as Long Island Iced Tea and rotating monthly specials are typical. Non-alcoholic options and mocktail-style drinks are also available at many locations.
What First-Timers Might Try
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip. A shareable starter that suits nearly any group.
- Boneless wings. Choose a sauce level that fits your comfort with spice.
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger. A dependable burger to gauge the kitchen.
- Riblets. A distinct item that sets the menu apart from many burger chains.
- Oriental Chicken Salad. A well-known salad with crunchy toppings.
- Triple Chocolate Meltdown. A classic chocolate dessert to split.
Customization Tips
- Choose your wing sauce. Ask your server for flavor and heat suggestions, or request sauce on the side.
- Swap the side. Many entrees allow you to trade fries for another option such as vegetables or a side salad.
- Adjust steak temperature. Tell your server how you like it cooked.
- Build your own platter. Combination items often let you select which appetizers to include.
- Split dishes. Portions can be large. Sharing an appetizer and an entree between two people is a common approach.
- Check limited-time offers. Seasonal menus can add new items and drinks worth looking at.
- Order togo. Many locations offer curbside or carryout options for the same menu, with online ordering.
Quick-Reference Table
| Category | Typical Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Appetizers | Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Mozzarella Sticks, Boneless Wings, Quesadillas | Good for sharing |
| Burgers | Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, specialty burgers | Usually served with fries |
| Ribs and chicken | Riblets, chicken tenders, Fiesta Lime Chicken | Signature comfort plates |
| Steaks | Bourbon Street Steak, sirloin | Cooked to order |
| Pasta and seafood | Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, shrimp entrees | Rotates over time |
| Salads | Oriental Chicken Salad, Caesar, house salads | Lighter choices |
| Desserts | Triple Chocolate Meltdown, blondie, cheesecake | Often shareable |
| Drinks | Cocktails, margaritas, beer, soft drinks | Monthly specials |
Getting the Most from Your Visit
Applebee’s works well for groups with varied tastes since the menu has something for most preferences. If you are unsure, begin with a shared appetizer while everyone looks over entrees. Servers can point out popular dishes and tell you which items are currently running as specials.
Peak times such as Friday and Saturday evenings tend to draw crowds, particularly during major sporting events. If you want a quieter experience, weekday lunch or an early dinner is often easier.
Families often appreciate the kids menu, which keeps familiar favorites like chicken tenders and pasta in smaller portions. Anyone with dietary needs should review the allergen information on the official site and let the server know about restrictions before ordering, since preparation methods can differ between dishes.
FAQ
What are riblets?
Riblets are smaller cuts of pork ribs, usually cooked and coated in barbecue sauce. They are a signature item at Applebee’s and are often served with sides.
Does Applebee’s have lighter options?
Yes. Salads, grilled chicken dishes and some seafood items provide lighter choices. Ask your server about modifications, such as sauce on the side.
Can I order online for pickup?
Many locations offer online or app-based ordering for carryout, and some offer delivery through partner services. Availability depends on the restaurant.
Are all dishes available year-round?
No. Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Confirm what is available on the official Applebee’s menu before ordering.
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