Ever found yourself stuck in a lunch rut, craving something beyond the usual sandwich or salad? Look no further than Applebee’s, where lunch isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From sizzling steaks to crisp salads, and wallet-friendly deals to indulgent desserts, Applebee’s lunch menu offers a smorgasbord of options to satisfy any midday hunger. Let’s dive fork-first into what makes Applebee’s a lunchtime haven for food lovers across America.
Intro: Applebee’s Lunch – More Than Just a Midday Meal
Applebee’s journey from a single eatery to a nationwide phenomenon is as American as apple pie. Founded in 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Bill and T.J. Palmer, Applebee’s has grown into a behemoth of casual dining with over 1,700 locations across the United States. But what sets Applebee’s apart in the bustling world of chain restaurants?
It’s simple: Applebee’s combines the comfort of your neighborhood pub with the consistency of a national brand. Their lunch menu exemplifies this blend, offering familiar favorites alongside innovative dishes that keep regulars coming back and newcomers intrigued.
When Can You Grab Lunch at Applebee’s?
Typical Lunch Hours
Most Applebee’s locations start serving lunch at 11:00 AM, right when that midday hunger starts to kick in. But here’s the kicker—lunch isn’t just a midday affair at Applebee’s.
All-Day Lunch Options
Who says you can’t have a burger at 4 PM? Applebee’s gets it. That’s why many of their lunch items are available all day long. So whether you’re an early bird or a late luncher, Applebee’s has got you covered.
“At Applebee’s, we believe lunch is a state of mind, not just a time of day,” says an Applebee’s spokesperson.
Appetizers: Kick Off Your Lunch Right
Starting your meal with an appetizer isn’t just tasty—it’s a power move. Applebee’s appetizer menu is designed to tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for the main event.
Fan Favorites
- Boneless Wings: A crowd-pleaser, these bite-sized beauties come in various flavors including Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, and Sweet Asian Chile.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Golden-brown on the outside, gooey on the inside—perfect for cheese lovers.
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip served with crispy tortilla chips.
Pricing Breakdown
Appetizer | Solo Serving | Shareable Platter |
---|---|---|
Boneless Wings | $10.99 | $14.99 |
Mozzarella Sticks | $8.99 | $11.99 |
Spinach & Artichoke Dip | $9.99 | N/A |
Prices may vary by location
Salads: Green Goodness with a Twist
For those looking to keep it light (or at least start that way), Applebee’s salads offer a refreshing blend of flavors and textures.
Salad Selections
- Grilled Chicken Caesar: A classic reimagined with grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine, and house-made croutons.
- Oriental Chicken Salad: A fan favorite featuring crispy chicken tenders over fresh Asian greens.
- Southwest Steak Salad: Grilled chipotle lime sirloin atop crisp greens with black bean corn salsa.
Customize Your Green
- Protein Add-ons: Grilled chicken (+$3.99), Grilled shrimp (+$4.99), Salmon (+$5.99)
- Dressing Options: Ranch, Blue Cheese, Honey Dijon, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and more
Price Range
- Half Salads: $7.99 – $9.99
- Full Salads: $11.99 – $14.99
Handhelds: When You Need a Meal in Your Mitts
Sometimes, you just need a meal you can grab and go. Applebee’s handheld options deliver big flavors in convenient packages.
Burger Bonanza
Applebee’s burgers are a cut above, featuring hand-smashed patties cooked to order.
- Classic Burger: Sometimes, simple is best. Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a Brioche bun.
- Quesadilla Burger: A unique fusion of Tex-Mex and classic American, featuring pepper jack cheese, bacon, and house-made pico de gallo.
- Whisky Bacon Burger: For those who like a little kick, topped with whisky sauce and crispy onions.
Sandwiches and Wraps
- Clubhouse Grille: A triple-decker packed with turkey, ham, and bacon.
- Oriental Chicken Wrap: The salad favorite, now in a portable form.
- Bacon Cheddar Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Because everything’s better with bacon and cheese.
Side Dish Pairings
Every handheld comes with classic fries, but you can upgrade to:
- Onion rings (+$1.99)
- Sweet potato fries (+$1.49)
- Side salad (+$1.99)
Pricing
Handhelds range from $10.99 to $14.99, depending on complexity and ingredients.
Heartier Fare: When You’re Really Hungry
Sometimes, a light lunch just won’t cut it. For those days, Applebee’s offers a range of hearty options to satisfy even the most ravenous appetite.
Steak Selections
Applebee’s takes pride in their USDA Choice steaks, hand-cut and cooked to perfection.
- 8 oz. Top Sirloin: Lean and flavorful, perfect for lunch.
- 12 oz. Ribeye: For when you’re really treating yourself.
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin with Shrimp Scampi: The best of land and sea.
Doneness Options: Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, Medium Well, Well Done
Prices:
- 8 oz. Top Sirloin: $16.99
- 12 oz. Ribeye: $22.99
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin with Shrimp Scampi: $19.99
Chicken Dishes That’ll Make You Cluck with Joy
- Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp: Cajun-seasoned chicken and shrimp with garlic butter.
- Fiesta Lime Chicken: Grilled chicken glazed with lime sauce and topped with Mexi-ranch.
- Chicken Tenders Platter: Hand-battered tenders served with honey Dijon mustard.
Seafood Options for the Landlocked Sailor
- Hand-Battered Fish & Chips: Golden-fried cod with fries and coleslaw.
- Blackened Cajun Salmon: A spicy, flavorful fillet served with garlic mashed potatoes.
Pasta Dishes: From Comfort Food to Fancy Twirls
- Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo: Creamy Alfredo sauce with grilled chicken and steamed broccoli.
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne: A blend of Italian cheeses, grilled chicken, and bruschetta tomatoes.
Lighter Options: Tasty Doesn’t Mean Heavy
For those watching their waistlines or just preferring a lighter meal, Applebee’s offers several options under 600 calories.
Low-Calorie Alternatives
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Served with seasonal vegetables (550 calories)
- Shrimp Wonton Stir-Fry: Asian-inspired dish with edamame (520 calories)
- Cedar Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze: Served with seasonal vegetables (540 calories)
Catering to Dietary Needs
Applebee’s provides options for various dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-sensitive: Look for items marked with a “GS” on the menu
- Vegetarian: Several salads and appetizers can be modified to be vegetarian-friendly
- Low-carb: Steaks and grilled chicken options can be paired with vegetable sides
Price Comparison
Light options are competitively priced, usually ranging from $11.99 to $15.99, comparable to regular menu items.
Kids’ Menu: Little Eats for Little Feet
Applebee’s hasn’t forgotten about its youngest diners. The kids’ menu offers smaller portions of favorite dishes, ensuring that even picky eaters find something to enjoy.
Kid-Friendly Options
- Chicken Tenders
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese
- Mini Cheeseburger
Pricing and Inclusions
Kids’ meals are typically priced between $5.99 and $7.99, including:
- Choice of side (fries, applesauce, or steamed broccoli)
- Drink (milk, juice, or soft drink)
Sweet Endings: Desserts Worth Saving Room For
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Applebee’s dessert menu doesn’t disappoint.
Signature Desserts
- Triple Chocolate Meltdown®: A chocolate lover’s dream, featuring a warm, dark chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream.
- Butter Pecan Blondie: A warm blondie topped with vanilla ice cream and glazed pecans.
- Blue Ribbon Brownie: A warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge.
Seasonal Offerings
Applebee’s often introduces limited-time desserts to celebrate seasons or holidays. Past offerings have included:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Valentine (February)
- Cinnamon Apple Turnover (Fall)
Dessert Pricing
Most desserts range from $6.99 to $8.99, perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
Drink Up: Beverage Options to Wash It All Down
What’s a great meal without the perfect drink to accompany it?
Non-Alcoholic Choices
- Fountain drinks (free refills)
- Flavored lemonades
- Iced tea (sweetened and unsweetened)
- Bottled water
Lunchtime Cocktail Specials
Where local laws permit, Applebee’s offers a selection of cocktails, including:
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Mucho Margaritas
- Bahama Mama
Note: Drink responsibly. Applebee’s promotes safe alcohol consumption and offers designated driver programs in many locations.
Pricing for Drinks vs. Combos
- Soft drinks: $2.99 (free refills)
- Flavored lemonades: $3.99
- Cocktails: Starting at $5 during happy hour (times vary by location)
Many combo meals include a soft drink, offering savings compared to ordering à la carte.
Applebee’s Lunch Specials: More Bang for Your Buck
Applebee’s is known for its value-packed deals, making it a go-to spot for budget-conscious diners.
The Famous “2 for $20” Deal
This popular offer includes:
- One appetizer to share
- Two full-size entrées
Choices may include select appetizers, salads, and main courses, offering significant savings compared to ordering items separately.
Daily Specials
Many Applebee’s locations offer daily lunch specials, such as:
- Burger Mondays: Discounted prices on select burgers
- Wing Wednesdays: Reduced prices on bone-in and boneless wings
App-Exclusive Offers
Download the Applebee’s mobile app for exclusive deals:
- First-time app users often receive a welcome offer
- Regular promotions like $5 off $25 or free appetizer with entrée purchase
Customization Nation: Make Your Meal Yours
Applebee’s understands that sometimes you need to tweak a dish to make it perfect for you.
How to Customize
- Swap side dishes
- Adjust cooking preferences (e.g., steak doneness)
- Add or remove toppings
Additional Costs
While minor modifications are often free, some changes may incur extra charges:
- Protein upgrades (e.g., adding shrimp to a steak): $3.99 – $5.99
- Premium side substitutions: $1.49 – $1.99
Applebee’s To-Go: Lunch on the Run
Can’t make it to the restaurant? Applebee’s has you covered with convenient to-go options.
How to Order
- Online: Visit Applebees.com or use the mobile app
- Phone: Call your local Applebee’s directly
- In-person: Place a to-go order at the restaurant
Pricing and Availability
- To-go menu largely mirrors the dine-in menu
- Some locations offer family-style meals for takeout, perfect for feeding a group
Pro tip: Check for online-only specials when ordering through the website or app!
The Applebee’s Experience: More Than Just the Food
While the food is the star, the overall experience at Applebee’s contributes to its popularity as a lunch spot.
Ambiance
- Casual, welcoming atmosphere
- Sports on TV (great for catching a game during lunch)
- Local decor that varies by location, giving each restaurant a unique feel
Service Standards
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Goal to have food served within 10-15 minutes of ordering
- Refills offered regularly
Tipping Etiquette
- Standard tipping is 15-20% for dine-in service
- For to-go orders, tipping is appreciated but not expected (5-10% is common for large or complex orders)
FAQs: Quick Bites of Info
Q: Does Applebee’s offer vegetarian options?
A: Yes, Applebee’s has several vegetarian-friendly options, including salads, appetizers, and some pasta dishes that can be modified. Always inform your server about your dietary preferences.
Q: Can I make reservations for lunch?
A: While Applebee’s typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, some locations may accept reservations for larger groups. It’s best to call your local Applebee’s directly for their specific policy.
Q: Are nutritional facts available for menu items?
A: Yes, Applebee’s provides nutritional information for all menu items on their website. You can also ask for a nutrition guide at the restaurant.
Q: Does Applebee’s offer any lunch-specific promotions?
A: Many Applebee’s locations offer lunch combos or specials during weekdays. These can vary by location, so check with your local restaurant or the Applebee’s app for current promotions.
Q: Is the lunch menu available for delivery?
A: Yes, most items on the lunch menu are available for delivery through Applebee’s own delivery service or third-party delivery apps, depending on your location.
Conclusion: Why Applebee’s Should Be Your Next Lunch Stop
Applebee’s lunch menu offers something for everyone, from hearty steaks to light salads, and from budget-friendly deals to indulgent desserts. With its combination of variety, value, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder Applebee’s remains a popular choice for lunch across America.
Whether you’re meeting friends, grabbing a quick bite during your work break, or treating yourself to a solo lunch date, Applebee’s provides the perfect backdrop for your midday meal. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!