Here’s the thing nobody tells you upfront Applebee’s isn’t really a breakfast place. Most people find that out the hard way, standing outside a locked door at 8 AM wondering why the lights are off. The chain built its name on lunch and dinner, so morning food only pops up in certain spots, usually hotels, airports, or highway travel centers where people need something quick before they hit the road.
So if you’re hoping for a full-blown breakfast menu at your regular neighborhood location, don’t count on it. But it’s not a dead end either you just need to know where to look.
Where You’ll Actually Find It
| Location Type | Breakfast Offered? | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Regular neighborhood location | Rarely | Opens closer to 11 AM |
| Hotel-attached restaurant | Often | Full or partial breakfast spread |
| Airport location | Sometimes | Smaller, faster menu |
| Travel plaza | Occasionally | Basic, no-frills options |
If you’re traveling and staying somewhere with an Applebee’s inside, your odds go up quite a bit. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a gamble.
What’s On the Menu When It’s Available
Nothing here reinvents breakfast. It’s the stuff people actually want in the morning — eggs, pancakes, something with cheese melted into it.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Egg plates | Eggs, toast, a side |
| Sweet stuff | Pancakes, French toast |
| Omelets | Cheese, veggies, meat fillings |
| Skillets | Everything in one hot pan |
| Sides | Bacon, sausage, hash browns |
| Drinks | Coffee, juice, milk |
Prices You Can Expect
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic breakfast plate | $9.99 |
| Pancakes | $7.99 |
| Omelet | $9.49 |
| French toast | $8.49 |
| Skillet | $10.99 |
| Combos | $10.99–$12.49 |
Prices move a little depending on the state and whether it’s a hotel property, but nothing here will shock your wallet.
Combos Are Usually Worth It
Ordering separate items adds up fast. Combos tend to save you a couple bucks and give you more on the plate.
| Combo | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pancake combo | Pancakes, eggs, bacon | $10.99 |
| Omelet combo | Omelet, toast, potatoes | $11.49 |
| French toast combo | French toast, sausage | $10.49 |
| Skillet combo | Skillet, drink | $12.49 |
Add a Side If You’re Still Hungry
| Side | Price |
|---|---|
| Bacon | $2.99 |
| Sausage | $2.99 |
| Hash browns | $2.49 |
| Toast | $1.99 |
| Two eggs | $2.49 |
| Fresh fruit | $3.49 |
Drinks
Coffee wins, no surprise there. Juice and milk show up too, but coffee’s the one people actually order.
| Drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | $2.49 |
| Orange juice | $3.49 |
| Apple juice | $2.99 |
| Milk | $2.49 |
| Iced coffee | $3.49 |
How It Compares to Lunch and Dinner
Breakfast is clearly the smaller sibling here. Lunch and dinner menus are much bigger, with way more choices.
| Meal | Menu Size | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Small | Pancakes, eggs |
| Lunch | Full | Burgers, sandwiches |
| Dinner | Full | Steaks, combos |
Rough Budget
| Group | Cost |
|---|---|
| One person | $8–$12 |
| Couple | $18–$25 |
| Family of four | $35–$50 |
Quick Advice Before You Go
- Call ahead. Seriously, it saves the disappointment.
- Combos beat ordering piece by piece.
- Skillets fill you up the most.
- After 11 AM, breakfast items usually vanish from the menu entirely.
Questions People Actually Ask
Question: Does every Applebee’s serve breakfast?
Answer: No. Only certain hotel, airport, or travel-center locations do.
Question: What time do they usually open?
Answer: Around 11 AM for most regular locations.
Question: Can I get breakfast in the afternoon?
Answer: No, it’s only available during the early morning window, wherever it exists.
Question: What’s the biggest breakfast item?
Answer: The skillet, by a wide margin.
Question: Is takeout an option?
Answer: Yes, if that location happens to serve breakfast at all.
Bottom Line
Applebee’s isn’t chasing the breakfast crowd, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. Lunch and dinner are where it shines. But if you’re near a hotel or airport location early in the day, you can still land a decent plate of eggs or pancakes without spending much. Just don’t assume it’ll be there a quick call before you leave the house saves the trip.