Everything you need to know about the Applebee’s 2 for $20 Menu in 2026. Full list of appetizers, entrées, calories, prices, best combos, tips, and FAQs. The most complete guide available.
Long before the 2 for $25 became the headline deal, the Applebee’s 2 for $20 Menu started it all. Launched in 2008, this deal quickly became one of the most recognized and loved promotions in casual dining history. It gave Americans something simple and powerful — a complete dinner for two, with an appetizer to share and two full-sized entrées, all for just $20.
And in 2026, the Applebees 2 for $20 Menu is still going strong. While some Applebee’s locations have transitioned to the updated 2 for $25 version, many restaurants still offer the 2 for $20 — making it the most budget-friendly sit-down dinner deal you can find anywhere in the U.S.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Applebee’s 2 for $20 in 2026 — what is included, every appetizer and entrée available, prices, calories, the best combo picks, tips for getting maximum value, how it compares to other deals, and answers to all the most common questions.
If you want an affordable, satisfying, and genuinely enjoyable restaurant dinner for two, the Applebees 2 for $20 Menu is the place to start.
The Applebee’s 2 for $20 is a fixed-price meal deal designed for two diners. Here is exactly what you get:
Beverages, desserts, and taxes are not included. Some premium upgrades may carry a small additional cost depending on the location. The deal is straightforward, easy to order, and delivers remarkable value.
Who is it best for?
Important note for 2026: The 2 for $20 is still available at many Applebee’s locations, but some restaurants have updated this promotion to the 2 for $25 version. Some locations price the deal at $20, others at $22 or even $25, depending on regional pricing and current promotions. Always check with your local Applebee’s or the app before visiting to confirm current pricing.
Every 2 for $25 meal starts with one shared appetizer. Here are all the appetizer options currently available as part of this deal:
Crispy, boneless chicken pieces tossed in your choice of sauce. Available in Classic Hot Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Asian Chile, and more. Served with bleu cheese or ranch dipping sauce and celery. The most popular appetizer pick in the deal.
Golden-fried mozzarella sticks with a shatteringly crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside. Served with warm marinara dipping sauce. A classic crowd-pleaser that pairs well with any entrée.
Warm, creamy dip made with spinach and artichoke hearts, topped with Parmesan and served with fresh tortilla chips. A lighter, more sophisticated starter that is great for sharing.
Thick-cut, golden-fried onion rings with a satisfying crunch. Served with a dipping sauce. A simple, satisfying classic.
A warm flour tortilla filled with melted cheese (and sometimes chicken), served with pico de gallo, sour cream, and house-made salsa. A fun, casual starter that is easy to share.
After choosing your shared appetizer, each person picks their own full-sized entrée from the following list:
The most exciting new burger on the Applebee’s menu. A juicy beef patty stuffed with melted cheese, served inside a golden grilled cheese sandwich instead of a traditional bun. Extra cheddar melted on top, served with crispy fries. Bold, indulgent, and completely unique. This is the entrée everyone is talking about in 2026.
Crispy breaded chicken breast served over a generous portion of fettuccine pasta in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with shaved Parmesan. Comforting, filling, and feels like a proper restaurant pasta dish at combo deal pricing.
A bold, oversized burger with a thick beef patty, loaded toppings, and Applebee’s signature sauces. Served with fries. A great choice for anyone who loves a serious, stacked burger.
Applebee’s most iconic salad. A bed of Asian-style greens topped with crispy or grilled chicken, sliced almonds, crunchy chow mein noodles, and the famous Oriental vinaigrette dressing. Sweet, tangy, and completely satisfying. A great choice if you want something lighter than a burger or pasta.
A longtime fan favorite. Grilled chicken breast glazed with zesty lime sauce and smothered with melted cheddar cheese, served on a bed of crispy tortilla strips with rice. Fresh, flavorful, and a reliable go-to for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired flavors.
Cajun-seasoned grilled chicken and sautéed shrimp served over garlic mashed potatoes with a rich garlic butter sauce. One of Applebee’s most consistently ordered dishes for a reason — bold, filling, and deeply satisfying.
The dependable classic. A juicy all-beef patty with two slices of American cheese and two strips of Applewood-smoked bacon, served on a soft brioche bun with fries. Never disappoints.
Applebee’s famous hand-breaded chicken tenders, crispy and golden, served with fries and your choice of dipping sauce. One of the most reliably popular items on the whole Applebee’s menu — great for people who want something simple, familiar, and delicious.
| Item | Type | Approx. Calories | Included in $25? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boneless Wings | Appetizer | ~720 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Mozzarella Sticks | Appetizer | ~810 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | Appetizer | ~980 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Onion Rings | Appetizer | ~900 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Classic Quessadila | Appetizer | ~550 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger | Entrée | ~1,100 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine | Entrée | ~1,080 cal | ✅ Yes |
| BIG Bangin' Burger | Entrée | ~1,050 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Oriental Chicken Salad (Crispy) | Entrée | ~1,560 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Oriental Chicken Salad (Grilled) | Entrée | ~1,290 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | Entrée | ~1,200 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | Entrée | ~800 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | Entrée | ~1,000 cal | ✅ Yes |
| Chicken Tenders Plate | Entrée | ~1,280 cal | ✅ Yes |
Prices may vary by location. All meals include one side and one beverage.
Here are the best meal combinations to order for different preferences and occasions:
Appetizer: Mozzarella Sticks Person 1: Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Person 2: Fiesta Lime Chicken Why it works: The mozzarella sticks are a fun, familiar shared starter. The two entrées are both flavorful and satisfying without being too heavy — perfect for a relaxed, enjoyable dinner conversation.
Appetizer: Boneless Wings Person 1: Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Person 2: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger Why it works: This is a full-on comfort food spread. Wings, pasta, and a classic cheeseburger — it does not get more satisfying than this.
Appetizer: Spinach & Artichoke Dip Person 1: Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp (~800 cal) Person 2: Bruschetta Chicken (~840 cal) Why it works: Two of the lowest-calorie full entrées on the menu, paired with a dip that can be shared in moderation. A solid choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.
Appetizer: Boneless Wings Person 1: Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Person 2: Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Why it works: These are among the most expensive individual items when ordered separately. Getting them as part of a $20 combo represents some of the best savings available.
Appetizer: Mozzarella Sticks Person 1: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger Person 2: Chicken Tenders Plate Why it works: Classic, safe, universally loved choices that showcase what Applebee's does best — American comfort food done right.
| Ordering Scenario | Regular Menu Price | 2 for $20 Deal | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella Sticks + Classic Burger + Fiesta Lime Chicken | ~$34–$38 | $20 | ~$14–$18 |
| Boneless Wings + Bourbon St. Chicken & Shrimp + Chicken Tenders | ~$38–$42 | $20 | ~$18–$22 |
Ordering the same items separately at Applebee’s regular prices typically costs $34–$42. With the 2 for $20 deal, you pay just $20 — saving between $14 and $22 per meal. That is exceptional value by any standard.
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Eggs | Shellfish | Tree Nuts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella Sticks | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Boneless Wings | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sauce-dep. | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Three-Cheese Chicken Penne | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Chicken Tenders Plate | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
⚠️ Shared kitchen equipment means cross-contact is possible for all items. Always inform your server of allergies.
One of the best things about dining at Applebee’s with kids is the regular deals and promotions designed to save families money.
Some locations have upgraded to the 2 for $25 deal. Call ahead or check the app to confirm whether the 2 for $20 is still available at your nearest Applebee's.
The Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne are among the most expensive items individually. Getting them in the deal maximizes your savings.
The app sometimes has exclusive discounts, loyalty rewards, and add-on deals for app orders. It is always worth checking before you visit.
When you get Boneless Wings as your appetizer, you can usually ask for two different sauces — like one mild Honey BBQ and one spicy Buffalo — so both diners can enjoy their preferred flavor.
The deal does not include dessert, but Applebee's desserts (like the Brownie Bite at ~$6.49) are affordable add-ons. A $20 meal for two plus a shared dessert is still well under $30 total.
Applebee's is typically less crowded during lunch hours (11 AM–2 PM). If the 2 for $20 is available at lunch in your location, you will get faster service and a more relaxed experience.
Yes, at many locations. However, some Applebee's restaurants have transitioned to the 2 for $25 version. Pricing can also vary — some locations price it at $20, others at $22 or $25. Always check your local restaurant's current offerings.
The $20 covers one shared appetizer and two full-sized entrées. Beverages, desserts, and taxes are not included.
Yes. There is no rule requiring each person to pick a different dish.
No. Entrées in the 2 for $20 deal are the same full restaurant-sized portions as ordering individually.
Some locations allow side substitutions or upgrades for a small extra cost. Ask your server what customizations are available.
Most Applebee's locations allow the 2 for $20 deal for Carside To Go (curbside pickup). Delivery availability through the app and third-party platforms varies by location.
The Fiesta Lime Chicken, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, and Chicken Tenders Plate are consistently the most ordered entrées in the 2 for $20 deal.
On average, between $14 and $22 compared to ordering the same appetizer and two entrées at full individual prices.
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