Applebee’s Lunch Menu Prices

Applebee’s lunch menu prices allow you to enjoy a full meal, including an appetizer and entree, for under ten dollars. If you are looking for a quick, affordable lunch that still feels like a treat, Applebee’s has you covered with their Lunch Combos and daily specials. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the current menu, pricing, and best value picks.

You can walk in, order, and eat without worrying about your budget. The lunch menu is designed for speed and savings. Let’s look at what you get for your money.

The core of Applebee’s lunch value is the Lunch Combo. You pick one appetizer and one entree from a select list. The price is a flat rate, usually around $8.99 to $9.99 depending on your location. This price has remained stable for years, making it a reliable choice for a filling midday meal.

Here is a breakdown of the standard Lunch Combo structure:

Choose Your Appetizer: Options include classic items like a cup of soup, a side salad, or their famous Spinach & Artichoke Dip.
Choose Your Entree: You can pick from smaller portions of popular dishes like the Classic Chicken Tenders, the Quesadilla, or the Oriental Chicken Salad.
Drink Not Included: The combo price covers the food. Soft drinks, iced tea, or lemonade are extra (around $2.50 to $3.00).

Many locations also offer a “2 for $20” or “2 for $22” deal that runs all day. This is not strictly a lunch menu item, but it works well for two people sharing a meal. For a single diner, the Lunch Combo is the best deal.

Current Lunch Combo Menu Items And Prices

As of 2024, the specific items in the Lunch Combo can vary slightly by franchise. However, the core lineup is consistent. Below is a typical list you can expect to see.

Appetizer Choices (Pick One)

Classic Caesar Salad (side)
House Salad (side)
Soup of the Day (cup)
Spinach & Artichoke Dip (small portion)
Chicken Tortilla Soup (cup)

Entree Choices (Pick One)

Classic Chicken Tenders (4 pieces)
Grilled Chicken Quesadilla
Oriental Chicken Salad (smaller portion)
Double Crunch Shrimp (smaller portion)
Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp (smaller portion)
Three-Cheese Chicken Penne (smaller portion)

The total for this combo is usually $9.49. Some locations charge $8.99 for the simpler options like the chicken tenders. The Bourbon Street option might be $9.99. Always check the menu board or your server for the exact price at your local Applebee’s.

Individual Lunch Menu Items (Not Combos)

If you do not want the full combo, you can order individual items from the lunch menu. These are smaller portions than the dinner menu, and the prices reflect that. Here are some common individual lunch items and their approximate prices:

Lunch Portion Oriental Chicken Salad: $8.49
Lunch Portion Classic Chicken Tenders (5 pieces): $7.99
Lunch Portion Quesadilla: $7.49
Cup of Soup: $3.99
Side Salad: $3.49
Applebee’s Riblets Basket (lunch portion): $9.99

These prices are a bit higher than the combo, but you get a larger portion of the entree. For example, the lunch portion of chicken tenders gives you 5 pieces, while the combo gives you 4. It is a trade-off between value and quantity.

How To Get The Best Value At Applebee’s For Lunch

Getting the best deal requires a little strategy. The Lunch Combo is almost always the cheapest way to get a full meal. But there are other tricks to save money.

Always order the Lunch Combo. It is the cheapest way to get an appetizer and an entree. Even if you are not hungry for an appetizer, you can take it home.
Check for online coupons. Applebee’s website and app often have a “Lunch Combo for $8.99” coupon. This saves you an extra dollar or two.
Use the “2 for $20” deal for two people. If you are eating with a friend, this deal gives you two full entrees and an appetizer to share. It is often cheaper than two Lunch Combos.
Skip the drink. Water is free. A soft drink adds $2.50 to your total. If you are on a strict budget, water is the way to go.
Ask about senior discounts. Some Applebee’s locations offer a 10% discount for seniors (usually 55+). This applies to lunch items too.

One common mistake is ordering the full dinner portion by accident. The lunch menu is only available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. If you order after 3 PM, you will be charged dinner prices. Make sure you are ordering from the correct menu.

Comparing Lunch Combo To Dinner Prices

To understand the value, compare the Lunch Combo to dinner prices. A dinner entree alone at Applebee’s costs between $12 and $18. An appetizer adds another $6 to $10. So a full dinner meal for one person can easily cost $18 to $28.

The Lunch Combo gives you a similar experience for under $10. You get a smaller portion, but you save more than half the cost. This makes it one of the best lunch deals in casual dining.

Here is a quick price comparison:

Lunch Combo: Appetizer + Entree = $8.99 – $9.99
Dinner Appetizer + Entree: $18.00 – $28.00
Savings: 50% to 65%

That is a significant difference. If you eat lunch out regularly, choosing the Lunch Combo can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Applebee’s Lunch Menu Hours And Availability

The lunch menu is not available all day. You need to know the exact hours to get the lower prices. Here are the standard times:

Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Lunch menu is not typically available. You will be charged regular menu prices all day.

Some locations may offer the lunch menu on Saturdays, but this is rare. Always call ahead or check the Applebee’s website for your local store’s hours. If you arrive at 2:45 PM, you can still order from the lunch menu. But if you arrive at 3:01 PM, you will have to order from the dinner menu.

One tip: If you are running late, you can place a to-go order before 3:00 PM. The lunch prices will be honored for the order. This is a good way to get the deal even if you cannot eat until later.

What If You Have Dietary Restrictions?

Applebee’s lunch menu has options for different diets, but it is not the most accommodating. Here are some tips for common restrictions:

Gluten-Free: The Grilled Chicken Quesadilla can be made with a gluten-free tortilla (ask your server). The Oriental Chicken Salad is also gluten-free if you skip the crispy noodles.
Low-Carb/Keto: Choose the Grilled Chicken Quesadilla without the tortilla (ask for a lettuce wrap). The side salad is a good appetizer option.
Vegetarian: The Spinach & Artichoke Dip is vegetarian. The Quesadilla can be made with just cheese and vegetables. The House Salad is also a safe choice.
Vegan: Options are very limited. You can order a side salad with no cheese or croutons. The French fries are vegan (check with your server).

Always inform your server about your dietary needs. They can often modify dishes to fit your requirements. The lunch menu is flexible, but not every item can be changed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applebee’s Lunch Menu Prices

Here are answers to common questions about the lunch menu and its costs.

Is the Lunch Combo available for takeout?

Yes, you can order the Lunch Combo for takeout. The prices are the same as dining in. Just call ahead or use the app to place your order. Make sure you order before 3:00 PM to get the lunch price.

Can I get a refill on my drink with the Lunch Combo?

If you purchase a soft drink, iced tea, or lemonade, refills are free. This applies to both dine-in and takeout (if you get a cup). Water is always free and refillable.

Does Applebee’s have a lunch menu on weekends?

Generally, no. The lunch menu is only available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM. On weekends, you will pay dinner prices for all items. Some locations may offer a brunch menu on weekends, but it is not the same as the lunch combo.

Are the prices the same at every Applebee’s location?

No, prices can vary by location. Franchise owners set their own prices. The Lunch Combo price typically ranges from $8.99 to $10.99. You can check the Applebee’s website for your local store’s menu and prices.

Can I substitute items in the Lunch Combo?

Substitutions are limited. You can swap the side salad for soup or vice versa. You cannot swap the entree for a different one outside the list. If you want a different entree, you will have to order it separately at the regular lunch price.

Tips For Ordering The Best Lunch At Applebee’s

To make the most of your visit, follow these simple steps:

Arrive early. The lunch rush is between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. If you come at 11:30 AM, you will get faster service.
Know your order before you sit. The menu is simple. Decide on your appetizer and entree before the server comes.
Ask about daily specials. Some locations have a “Soup of the Day” that is not on the regular menu. It might be cheaper or better than the standard options.
Use the Applebee’s app. You can order ahead and earn rewards points. The app often has exclusive coupons for lunch items.
Share if you are not very hungry. The Lunch Combo is a lot of food for one person. If you have a small appetite, share it with a friend. You can split the appetizer and entree.

One more tip: Do not forget to tip. The Lunch Combo is cheap, but your server still works hard. A standard tip is 15-20% of the total bill before discounts. For a $9.99 meal, a $2 tip is fair.

What About The “2 For $20” Deal?

This is a popular all-day deal at Applebee’s. It includes two full-sized entrees and one appetizer to share. The price is $20.99 or $22.99 depending on your location. This is a great deal for two people, but it is not a lunch-specific offer.

If you are eating alone, the Lunch Combo is still cheaper. But if you are with a friend, the “2 for $20” can be a better value. You get larger portions and a shared appetizer. Compare the costs:

Two Lunch Combos: $17.98 – $19.98 (plus drinks)
One “2 for $20”: $20.99 – $22.99 (includes appetizer)

If you both want a full appetizer, the “2 for $20” is slightly more expensive but gives you more food. If you are okay with small appetizers, the Lunch Combos are cheaper.

Final Thoughts On Applebee’s Lunch Menu Prices

Applebee’s lunch menu prices are some of the best in casual dining. You get a full meal for under ten dollars, which is hard to beat. The Lunch Combo is the star of the menu, offering a simple choice of appetizer and entree at a flat rate.

Remember to check the hours, use coupons when possible, and skip the drink to save even more. The menu is not huge, but it covers the basics well. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, the lunch menu is a reliable choice for a quick, affordable meal.

If you are looking for a filling lunch that does not break the bank, Applebee’s is a solid option. Just show up between 11 AM and 3 PM on a weekday, order the combo, and enjoy your meal. The prices are consistent, the food is decent, and the service is usually fast.

One last thing: the menu can change. Applebee’s sometimes updates their lunch offerings. Always check the latest menu on their website or app before you go. This ensures you get the current prices and items.

Now you know everything about Applebee’s lunch menu prices. Go ahead and plan your next lunch visit. You will save money and eat well.