The Applebee’s lunch menu offers a tasty variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and combo deals perfect for a quick midday meal. With flavorful options and affordable prices, the Applebee’s lunch menu makes it easy to enjoy a satisfying, convenient, and delicious lunch in a relaxed, casual setting.
Applebee’s has spent more than four decades perfecting the art of the casual midday meal. Founded in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia originally as “T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs” the chain now operates over 1,600 restaurants across the United States and more than 15 countries. Since Dine Brands Global (formerly IHOP Corp.) acquired the brand in 2007 for $2.1 billion, Applebee’s has doubled down on what it does best: honest American food at honest prices, served in a neighborhood setting.
The Applebee’s lunch menu is built for real life for the 45-minute work break, the mom meeting a friend between school runs, and the couple looking for a proper sit-down without a full dinner bill. Lunch at Applebee’s checks three boxes: it’s fast enough, filling enough, and affordable enough that you’ll come back next week.
In 2026, the lunch lineup spans burgers, grilled chicken platters, fresh salads, pasta, sizzling skillets, soups, and shareable appetizers. Most items are available both dine-in and as Carside To Go® Applebee’s signature curbside pickup and on delivery through the Applebee’s app, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. The menu is designed to feel less overwhelming than the full dinner card, with portion sizes calibrated for midday hunger rather than an end-of-day feast.
Typically 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Mon–Fri at most locations
$5.99 budget bites up to $14.99 for fuller entrées
Burgers, chicken, salads, pasta, bowls, soups, and kids' meals
Dine-in, Carside To-Go, app, website, DoorDash, Uber Eats
📌 Important Note on Pricing: Applebee’s is a franchise chain, meaning individual restaurant owners set their own prices within a national range. The prices listed throughout this guide reflect typical national averages for 2026. Your local Applebee’s may charge slightly more or less. Always confirm with your nearest location for exact pricing.
Knowing the right time to arrive matters lunch specials and combo deals at Applebee’s are often time-gated, meaning you need to be seated (or have your order placed) within the lunch window to unlock the best pricing.
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Full lunch specials available
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (varies)
Limited specials; check locally
~11:00 AM – Midnight
Main menu available all day
~3:00 PM (overlaps lunch)
Half-price apps + drink deals
The $5.99 and $7.99 lunch specials are generally available Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 2 PM. The full menu including burgers, pasta, steaks, and salads is available all day at standard pricing. Weekend lunch service varies by location, so calling ahead is always wise.
Pro Tip: Arriving just before the lunch-to-dinner transition (around 3 PM) lets you snag the tail end of lunch pricing AND potentially overlap with happy hour appetizer discounts the best of both worlds.
Deals are where Applebee’s really shines at lunch. The chain has structured its midday value around several tiers, so whether you’re a solo diner on a tight budget or a duo looking for a proper meal, there’s a structured offer that fits.
Choose two full-size entrées plus one shareable appetizer (or two side salads) for just $25. In 2026, new additions to this deal include the Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger — a towering all-beef patty with four slices of American cheese and sweet-&-savory bacon jam on toasted potato bread, served with tomato basil soup — and the Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine. Fan favorites like the Oriental Chicken Salad remain on the lineup.
One of the most accessible price points in casual dining. Available Monday–Friday, 11 AM–2 PM, this deal covers a rotating selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and pasta. Ideal for the solo diner who wants a real meal without a real bill. Items vary by location and season.
Step up from the entry-level special with a proper entrée-plus-side pairing. Typical combos include a burger or chicken sandwich with your choice of seasoned fries, a side salad, or a cup of soup. A dine-in exclusive in most locations, this tier is the sweet spot for weekday lunch.
For a heartier midday meal, the $9.99 tier brings out crowd-pleasers like Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp. Some locations offer this as a dine-in burger or chicken sandwich combo with fries and a bottomless soda — a near-complete meal for under $10.
Applebee's periodically runs a burger or chicken sandwich combo starting at $9.99 includes the entrée, a side, and a drink. Check the official specials page or ask your server, as this offer rotates in and out throughout the year.
The combo structure at Applebee’s is designed to let you build a complete meal at a predictable price. Here’s a breakdown of the main combo formats available during lunch hours in 2026:
A light and balanced pairing — a cup of the day’s soup alongside a fresh side salad. Perfect for calorie-conscious diners or anyone who wants something warm without the weight of a full entrée. Typically available Monday–Friday during lunch hours.
A deli-style half sandwich think Classic Turkey Breast, Triple Bacon Burger, or Honey Pepper Chicken & Bacon Sandwich paired with your choice of a cup of soup, a side salad, or fries. Clean, filling, and lighter than a full-plate order.
| Combo Name | What's Included | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Lunch Combo (Entry) | Sandwich / wrap / salad | $5.99 |
| Burger or Sandwich + Side | Main + fries or salad | $7.99 |
| Hearty Lunch Special | Entrée (chicken/shrimp) + side | $9.99 |
| BIG Meal Deal (LTO) | Burger/chicken sandwich + fries + drink | $9.99+ |
| Soup & Salad Combo | Cup of soup + side salad | ~$7.99 |
| Half Sandwich Combo | Half sandwich + soup/salad/fries | ~$8.99 |
| 2 for $25 Meal Deal | 2 full entrées + 1 appetizer | $25.00 |
Handcrafted burgers are the cornerstone of the Applebee’s lunch experience. Every patty is grilled to order and loaded with real toppings no shortcuts. In 2026, the lineup includes several new additions alongside the perennial crowd-pleasers.
| Item | Description | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger NEW 2026 | All-beef patty, 4 slices American cheese, bacon jam, potato bread, tomato basil soup for dipping | ~1,080 cal | $13.99 |
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | Juicy beef patty, smoky bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles, brioche bun + fries | ~1,020 cal | $12.49 |
| Whiskey Bacon Burger | Beef patty, fried onions, pepper jack, whiskey-bacon sauce, lettuce, tomato, brioche + fries | ~1,150 cal | $13.49 |
| Quesadilla Burger | Beef patty in flour tortilla, cheddar, Monterey Jack, pico, lettuce, tortilla strips, ranch | ~1,200 cal | $13.49 |
| BIG Bangin' Burger | Double beef patties, American cheese, garlic mayo, shredded lettuce, pickles, brioche + fries | ~1,320 cal | $13.99 |
| Honey Pepper Chicken & Bacon Sandwich | Crispy chicken, honey-pepper glaze, bacon, brioche bun + fries | ~990 cal | $12.99 |
| Big Cluckin' Crispy Chicken Sandwich | Golden fried chicken breast, creamy mayo, lettuce, tomato, brioche + fries | ~950 cal | $12.49 |
| Clubhouse Grille | Grilled chicken or turkey, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo on toasted bread | ~820 cal | $11.99 |
Pro Tip: Arriving just before the lunch-to-dinner transition (around 3 PM) lets you snag the tail end of lunch pricing AND potentially overlap with happy hour appetizer discounts the best of both worlds.
Chicken is perhaps the most versatile protein on the Applebee’s menu, appearing in everything from sizzling skillets to fresh salads. The lunch version of these dishes leans toward approachable portion sizes while keeping the bold Applebee’s flavors intact.
| Item | Description | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | Sizzling Cajun chicken and shrimp on a cast-iron skillet, with seasoned rice and veggies | ~620 cal | $13.99 |
| Hot Honey Glazed Chicken & Bacon Skillet NEW 2026 | Chicken breast in sweet-spicy honey glaze, crispy bacon, served sizzling with classic sides | ~780 cal | $14.49 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | Seasoned chicken, mexi-ranch, pico, cheddar, and tortilla chips on a fresh bed of greens | ~700 cal | $12.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | Simple seasoned grilled chicken with two classic side choices — a lighter lunch staple | ~390 cal | $11.99 |
| Chicken Wonton Tacos | Crispy wonton shells, Asian-style chicken, coleslaw, fresh herbs — a fan-favorite starter/light lunch | ~660 cal | $12.49 |
| Bacon Cheddar Crispy Chicken Sandwich | Crispy fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mayo + fries | ~1,020 cal | $12.99 |
For anyone who wants a proper meal that won’t slow them down for the afternoon, Applebee’s salads deliver freshness, protein, and genuine flavor — not just wilted lettuce and a packet of dressing. These are among the most popular lunch choices, especially for regular visitors watching their calorie intake.
| Salad | What's In It | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oriental Chicken Salad | Crispy chicken tenders, Asian greens, crunchy noodles, almonds, Oriental vinaigrette + breadstick | ~1,390 cal | $13.49 |
| Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad | Romaine, parmesan, croutons, house Caesar dressing with grilled chicken breast | ~600 cal | $12.49 |
| Quesadilla Chicken Salad | Grilled chicken, cheese quesadilla strips, black beans, corn, pico, mexi-ranch dressing | ~730 cal | $12.99 |
| Southwest Chicken Bowl | Chipotle lime chicken, greens, pico, guacamole, black beans, corn, cilantro rice, SW dressing | ~750 cal | $13.49 |
| Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowl | Chipotle lime shrimp, greens, pico, guacamole, black beans, corn, cilantro rice | ~680 cal | $13.99 |
| House Side Salad | Fresh mixed greens, tomatoes, croutons, shredded cheese, choice of dressing | ~160 cal | $3.99 |
Lower-Calorie Swap: Requesting dressing on the side, swapping croutons for extra veggies, or choosing grilled instead of crispy chicken can easily shave 200–400 calories off any salad without losing the flavor profile.
Applebee’s pasta dishes bring Italian-American comfort to the casual dining table, while the iconic sizzling skillet format turns the meal into an event. Both categories are deeply satisfying for midday hunger and surprisingly diverse.
| Item | Description | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine NEW 2026 | Grilled chicken, penne in three-cheese Alfredo, tomatoes, basil + signature breadstick | ~1,180 cal | $13.99 |
| Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo | Grilled chicken, broccoli, fettuccine in creamy Alfredo sauce, parmesan + breadstick | ~1,220 cal | $13.49 |
| Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese | Shells with cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone in a rich cheese sauce | ~1,050 cal | $11.99 |
| Blackened Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Penne NEW | Spicy blackened shrimp, Andouille sausage, penne, creamy Cajun sauce, parmesan + breadstick | ~1,100 cal | $14.49 |
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Andouille Sausage Penne NEW | Cajun-spiced chicken, Andouille sausage, penne, smoky Bourbon Street sauce | ~1,150 cal | $14.49 |
Few things are more satisfying than a cast-iron skillet arriving at the table still crackling. Applebee’s skillet dishes are built for drama and flavor in equal measure.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Honey Glazed Chicken & Bacon Skillet | Sweet-spicy glazed chicken, crispy bacon, sizzled on cast iron with classic sides | $14.49 |
| Garlic Sirloin Skillet | Sirloin strips, garlic butter, peppers, onions, served sizzling over seasoned sides | $15.99 |
| Sizzlin' Caramel Apple Pie Skillet Dessert | Warm apple pie served hot in a skillet with vanilla ice cream — a lunch dessert worth saving room for | $7.99 |
Pro Tip: Two full skillet entrées (e.g., Hot Honey Glazed Chicken & Bacon Skillet or Garlic Sirloin Skillet) plus a full-size shareable appetizer or swap the app for two side salads all for $25. Available at participating locations.
Lunch appetizers at Applebee’s work beautifully as light standalone meals, sharing starters for the table, or add-ons to a combo deal. The appetizer menu during lunch hours mirrors the full menu, so nothing is off the table.
| Appetizer | Description | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella Sticks | Golden fried mozzarella with marinara dipping sauce — the Applebee's crowd-pleaser since forever | 860 cal | $10.99 |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | Creamy blended dip with warm tortilla chips and pita — ideal for sharing | ~980 cal | $11.49 |
| Boneless Wings | Crispy breaded chicken breast pieces tossed in your choice of sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, Garlic Parmesan) | ~1,100 cal | $12.99 |
| Bone-In Wings | Classic chicken wings with your choice of sauce — great for a shareable lunch centerpiece | ~960 cal | $13.99 |
| Chicken Wonton Tacos | Crispy wonton shell tacos with Asian-style chicken, slaw, sesame-ginger drizzle | ~660 cal | $12.49 |
| Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip | Warm soft pretzels with creamy craft beer cheese dipping sauce | ~1,340 cal | $11.49 |
| Crispy Pickle Fries | Breaded dill pickle slices, golden fried, served with house ranch | ~760 cal | $10.99 |
| Classic Combo (Sampler) | Mix of mozzarella sticks, boneless wings, and spinach-artichoke dip for the whole table | ~2,100 cal | $16.99 |
| Ultimate Trio | Choose 3 appetizers from a selection — great value for a group | Varies | ~$17.99 |
Every entrée at Applebee’s comes with a side (or two, for larger plates), but the sides menu is worth knowing independently especially when building a combo or customizing your order.
| Side Item | Description | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasoned Fries | Crispy golden fries with seasoning salt | ~400 cal | $3.99 |
| Waffle Fries | Thick-cut waffle fries, golden and crisp | ~440 cal | $4.49 |
| Onion Rings | Beer-battered onion slices, crispy fried | ~430 cal | $4.49 |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy potatoes blended with roasted garlic and butter | ~300 cal | $3.99 |
| Loaded Mashed Potatoes | Mashed with cheddar, bacon, and green onions | ~420 cal | $4.49 |
| Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese (Side) | Mini portion of the four-cheese pasta dish | ~510 cal | $4.49 |
| Steamed Broccoli | Fresh broccoli tossed with butter and herbs | ~90 cal | $3.49 |
| Cheesy Broccoli | Steamed broccoli topped with creamy cheddar sauce | ~190 cal | $3.99 |
| Green Beans | Steamed green beans sautéed with garlic | ~80 cal | $3.49 |
| Garlic Breadstick | Warm breadstick brushed with garlic butter and parmesan | ~310 cal | $2.99 |
| Coleslaw | Classic creamy coleslaw — great alongside sandwiches and wings | ~180 cal | $2.99 |
Applebee’s kids’ menu is designed for diners 12 and under. Every kids’ meal comes with a choice of side and a beverage, making it a genuinely complete and good-value meal for smaller appetites.
| Kids' Item | Description | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Crispy breaded chicken tenders, dipping sauce, + side + beverage | ~580 cal | $6.99 |
| Mini Cheeseburger | Mini beef patty with American cheese on a small bun + side + drink | ~640 cal | $6.99 |
| Cheesy Pizza | Personal crispy pizza topped with melted cheese + side + drink | ~520 cal | $6.49 |
| Chicken Quesadilla | Grilled chicken and melted cheese in a flour tortilla + side + drink | ~550 cal | $6.99 |
| Mini Corn Dog | Golden-fried mini corn dog + side + drink | ~480 cal | $5.99 |
| Kids' Grilled Chicken Alfredo | Grilled chicken over fettuccine in creamy Alfredo sauce + side + drink | ~510 cal | $6.99 |
Kids’ sides include seasoned fries, steamed broccoli, applesauce, and coleslaw. Drinks typically include milk, apple juice, or a soft drink. You can find detail about further dishes here.
Applebee’s doesn’t market itself as a health-food chain, but the menu has more genuinely lower-calorie options than most people realize especially at lunch. The restaurant provides full calorie counts on every item and offers an allergen guide covering nine common allergens, all accessible through the official nutrition portal.
Applebee’s maintains an interactive allergen guide covering egg, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat — plus flags for gluten and sulfites. A gluten-sensitive menu is available with clearly labeled items, though Applebee’s notes that cross-contact with gluten-containing ingredients is possible. For guests with serious allergies, speaking with the manager before ordering is always recommended.
Vegetarian guests will find options in the salad section, the Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese, and various sides. The plant-based burger option also appears in some locations. For specifics, the Applebee’s nutrition guide at applebees.com provides filterable search by allergen.
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