Introduction
Craving a casual dining experience with plenty of options? Applebee’s is a familiar name in American casual dining, and for good reason. It provides a comfortable atmosphere and a diverse array of dishes to satisfy practically any craving. But how well do you really know the Applebee’s food menu? From sizzling steaks to flavorful appetizers and sweet desserts, the choices can be overwhelming.
Founded with the goal of providing a neighborhood gathering place, Applebee’s has grown into a national chain while attempting to maintain that local feel. This article provides a detailed overview of the Applebee’s food menu, covering popular items, healthier selections, value options, and the latest additions to help you make the most of your next visit. We’ll navigate the appetizers, explore the main courses, highlight lighter choices, delve into desserts, consider drink options, and discuss ways to get the best value.
Appetizers and Starters: Sharing is Caring (Maybe)
Applebee’s is known for its generous appetizer portions, making them perfect for sharing… or indulging in on your own. The appetizer section of the Applebee’s food menu is a great place to start your dining experience, offering a range of flavors and textures designed to whet your appetite.
Among the most popular choices are the Boneless Wings. These juicy, breaded wings come in a variety of flavors, from classic buffalo to sweet Asian chili, offering something for every taste preference. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip is another perennial favorite. This creamy, cheesy dip, served with tortilla chips, is a classic for a reason, though its richness means it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Quesadillas are also a staple, available with chicken or steak, and loaded with cheese and toppings.
Other notable appetizers on the Applebee’s food menu include the Brew Pub Pretzels and Beer Cheese Dip, a savory and satisfying combination, and the ever-reliable Mozzarella Sticks, served with marinara sauce for dipping.
When considering appetizers, it’s wise to be mindful of the calorie count. Many appetizers are high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it’s a good idea to balance them with lighter main courses. Think about sharing a smaller portion or opting for a salad as your main meal if you’re indulging in a particularly rich appetizer. The Applebee’s food menu often indicates calorie counts to help you make informed decisions. If you are dining with a group, appetizers are definitely the way to go. It’s a great way to sample several different items and find something everyone enjoys.
Burgers, Sandwiches, and Handhelds: Casual Comfort
Moving onto the main courses, the Applebee’s food menu offers a wide array of burgers, sandwiches, and handhelds, perfect for a casual and satisfying meal. These options provide a comfortable and familiar dining experience, whether you’re looking for a classic burger or something a bit more adventurous.
Burger highlights include The Classic Burger, a simple yet satisfying option with all the standard toppings. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the Whisky Bacon Burger is a popular choice, featuring a smoky whisky glaze and crispy bacon. Other notable burgers on the Applebee’s food menu include specialty creations, often reflecting seasonal or limited-time offerings. Keep an eye out for unique combinations and flavor profiles.
The sandwich and handheld selection is equally diverse. Chicken sandwiches are a mainstay, available in both grilled and crispy versions, often with a variety of toppings and sauces. Wraps and other handheld items provide lighter alternatives, filled with fresh ingredients and flavorful dressings.
A great thing about the burgers and sandwiches on the Applebee’s food menu is the ability to customize them to your liking. You can add bacon, change the cheese, remove toppings, or request substitutions to create your perfect meal.
These handheld options typically come with a choice of side dish, such as fries, coleslaw, or other seasonal selections. The fries are a consistently popular choice, offering a satisfying crunch and salty flavor.
Steaks, Chicken, Pasta, and Ribs: Hearty and Satisfying
For those seeking a more substantial main course, the Applebee’s food menu offers a selection of steaks, chicken, pasta, and ribs, providing hearty and satisfying options for a fulfilling meal. These dishes showcase a range of flavors and cooking styles, catering to diverse preferences.
Steak selections typically include different cuts of steak, such as sirloin and ribeye. The Applebee’s food menu usually indicates the weight and preparation style of each steak. It’s important to specify your desired cooking temperature when ordering to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking. Common steak pairings include sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, and garlic bread.
Chicken dishes are another prominent feature of the Applebee’s food menu. Grilled chicken breast options are available with a variety of sauces and toppings, providing a healthier alternative to fried options. Chicken tenders and fried chicken options offer a classic comfort food experience. Chicken pasta dishes combine the best of both worlds, featuring tender chicken paired with flavorful pasta sauces.
Pasta dishes on the Applebee’s food menu often include popular options like Shrimp Scampi, featuring succulent shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, and Chicken Alfredo, a creamy and indulgent classic. These pasta dishes are often served with garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
The ribs on the Applebee’s food menu are often a standout, typically featuring Baby Back Ribs. These ribs are known for their tender meat and flavorful sauce. Different sauce options are typically available, such as barbecue or honey-mustard, allowing you to customize the flavor to your preference.
Salads and Lighter Fare: Healthier Choices
For those seeking lighter and healthier choices, the Applebee’s food menu offers a selection of salads and lighter fare options. These dishes provide a refreshing and nutritious alternative to heavier meals, without sacrificing flavor.
Salad highlights include the Grilled Chicken Salad, featuring grilled chicken breast on a bed of fresh greens with a variety of vegetables and toppings. The Oriental Chicken Salad is another popular choice, offering a sweet and savory combination of flavors. Dressing options are plentiful, allowing you to customize your salad to your liking. Be mindful that salad dressings can significantly impact the calorie count, so consider asking for dressing on the side.
Lighter options on the Applebee’s food menu may include Weight Watchers or “Under 600 Calories” menu items, designed to provide satisfying meals with reduced calorie counts. Soup and salad combinations offer a comforting and balanced meal, especially during colder months.
If you’re looking to make your meal even healthier, consider modifications such as asking for dressing on the side, opting for grilled instead of fried options, and requesting extra vegetables. The Applebee’s food menu often provides information on ingredients and preparation methods to help you make informed choices.
Sides and Extras: Completing the Meal
The sides and extras on the Applebee’s food menu are essential for completing your meal, offering a variety of flavors and textures to complement your main course.
Popular sides include various types of fries, such as classic fries, sweet potato fries, and curly fries. Mashed potatoes offer a creamy and comforting side dish. Vegetables, such as broccoli and green beans, provide a healthier option. Other sides specific to Applebee’s may include coleslaw, mac and cheese, or onion rings.
Be aware that some sides may incur an extra charge, depending on the menu and location. Check the Applebee’s food menu carefully to understand the pricing of different side options.
Desserts: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
No meal is complete without dessert, and the Applebee’s food menu offers a tempting array of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.
Dessert highlights include the Brownie Bites, warm and gooey chocolate brownies served with ice cream and toppings. The Oreo Shake is a classic milkshake with a rich Oreo flavor. The Apple Chimicheesecake offers a unique combination of apple pie and cheesecake, wrapped in a crispy tortilla. The Hot Fudge Sundae is a timeless favorite, featuring ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
Many desserts on the Applebee’s food menu are large enough to share, making them perfect for enjoying with friends or family. However, it’s important to acknowledge the high calorie content of most desserts, so indulge in moderation.
Drinks and Beverages: Quench Your Thirst
The Applebee’s food menu includes a wide selection of drinks and beverages to quench your thirst and complement your meal.
Non-alcoholic options include sodas, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee or tea. These classic beverages provide a refreshing and familiar choice.
Alcoholic options include cocktails, beer, and wine. Applebee’s often features signature cocktails that are unique to the restaurant. Beer selections typically include both domestic and imported options. Wine selections include red, white, and rosé varieties.
If applicable, check the Applebee’s food menu for happy hour deals on drinks. Happy hour specials can offer great value on alcoholic beverages.
Value and Deals: Saving Money
The Applebee’s food menu often includes value and deals to help you save money on your meal.
Lunch specials, if available, offer discounted prices on select menu items during lunchtime hours. The popular “Two for $25” (or similar) deals allow you to choose two entrees for a set price, providing great value for couples or friends.
Check the Applebee’s website or app for coupons and discounts. These promotions can help you save even more money on your meal. The kids’ menu offers affordable options for children, making Applebee’s a family-friendly dining destination.
New Menu Items and Seasonal Offerings: Fresh and Exciting
Keep an eye out for new menu items and seasonal offerings on the Applebee’s food menu. These limited-time items often feature innovative flavors and ingredients, providing a fresh and exciting dining experience. Applebee’s regularly updates its menu to reflect current culinary trends and seasonal availability.
Ordering Options and Convenience: Your Way
Applebee’s offers a variety of ordering options to suit your preferences and convenience.
The dine-in experience provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for enjoying your meal. Takeout or to-go orders allow you to enjoy Applebee’s food at home or on the go. Delivery services, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, provide a convenient way to have your meal delivered directly to your door. Online ordering through the Applebee’s website or app allows you to place your order quickly and easily.
Conclusion
The Applebee’s food menu offers a diverse array of options to satisfy a wide range of cravings and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, a hearty steak, a lighter salad, or a sweet dessert, Applebee’s has something for everyone. Remember to check out their latest deals and seasonal offerings for even more value. Consider sharing appetizers with friends, customizing your burgers and sandwiches to your liking, and exploring the healthier choices available. So next time you’re looking for a casual and satisfying dining experience, explore the Applebee’s food menu and discover your new favorite dish. Remember to check their website for the most up-to-date information, as menus and prices can change.
