Applebee’s has been a go-to for casual dining for decades, but these days, a huge chunk of orders never even touch a dine-in table. People are picking up burgers on their way home from work, grabbing appetizers for Sunday football, or just skipping the whole “wait for a table” thing entirely. If you’re wondering what’s actually on the takeout menu and what it’ll run you, here’s the breakdown.
Why People Skip the Table
Honestly, it comes down to time. Nobody wants to sit around on a Friday night waiting for a booth to open up. Order ahead, swing by, and you’re done. A lot of locations also do curbside pickup now, so you don’t even have to walk in someone brings it straight to your car.
The takeout menu isn’t some stripped-down version either. Most of what you’d order sitting at a table is available to go, which matters if you’ve got a family where everyone wants something different. Add the app into the mix, and you can browse the whole menu, tweak your order, and rack up rewards points while you’re at it.
Appetizers
These are the easiest things to order for a group, and they go fast.
Appetizer Price Mozzarella Sticks $9.99 Boneless Wings $11.99 Spinach & Artichoke Dip $10.99 Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip $10.49 Chicken Quesadilla $11.49 Classic Combo $16.99
Mozzarella sticks and boneless wings are the two you’ll see ordered together constantly they’re the default game-night pairing at this point.
Burgers
Applebee’s burgers are still one of the bigger sellers on the takeout side, and most come with fries unless you ask for something else.
Burger Price Classic Cheeseburger $11.99 Bacon Cheeseburger $13.49 Whiskey Bacon Burger $14.49 Impossible Cheeseburger $13.99 Quesadilla Burger $14.99
The Whiskey Bacon Burger tends to be the one people mention most in reviews if you’re trying to figure out what to order.
Chicken and Sandwiches
Somewhere between a burger and a salad, this is where you land if you want something filling but not quite as heavy.
Item Price Chicken Tenders Plate $12.99 Grilled Chicken Breast $13.49 Chicken Fajita Rollup $11.99 Clubhouse Grille $12.99 Bacon Cheddar Grilled Chicken Sandwich $13.49
Steak and Seafood
This is the pricier end of the menu, but the portions include sides, so you’re not paying extra to round out the plate.
Entrée Price 6 oz Sirloin $15.99 8 oz Sirloin $18.99 Ribeye Steak $23.99 Blackened Cajun Salmon $18.99 Double Crunch Shrimp $16.99
Pasta
If you like leftovers, pasta is probably your best bet — the portions are big enough that lunch the next day is basically guaranteed.
Pasta Dish Price Three Cheese Chicken Penne $15.99 Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken $16.99 Classic Alfredo $14.99 Shrimp Alfredo $17.99
Family Meals
Once you’re feeding four or more people, ordering separately stops making sense. The bundles cost less per person and come pre-portioned for a group.
Family Meal Estimated Price Family Chicken Meal $30–$40 Family Pasta Bundle $35–$45 Family Burger Meal $40–$50 Appetizer Party Pack $25–$45
Deals to Watch For
Prices and promos shift by location, but these show up often enough to be worth checking before you order:
- 2 for $25
- 2 for $30
- Appetizer combo deals, roughly $12 to $18
- Lunch combos, roughly $10 to $15
Lighter Picks
Not everyone’s after a burger and fries. A few things stay under 500 calories if you’re keeping an eye on that:
- Chicken Tortilla Soup – 280 calories
- House Salad – 210 calories
- Steamed Broccoli -120 calories
- Grilled Chicken Salad – 420 calories
How to Actually Order
You’ve got four options: the website, the app, calling in, or just walking up to the counter. Most regulars stick with the app since it lets you browse, customize, and track rewards all in one place it’s just faster.
A Few Tips
Order ahead if you’re going during dinner rush, especially on a weekend lines get long fast. Check the app before you check out; there’s usually some deal running that isn’t advertised anywhere else. And if you’re substituting sides for something lighter, just double-check the order summary before you pay, since it’s easy to miss a swap that didn’t go through.
Quick FAQ
Does Applebee’s do takeout?
Yes nearly every location offers it, whether you order in person, online, or through the app.
Is takeout priced differently than dine-in?
Not really. Prices are close to identical across the board, with only small variation by location.
Can you customize a takeout order?
Yes, toppings, sides, and a few ingredients can usually be swapped.
Are there family-sized options?
Most locations carry family bundles built for four or more people.