Picture this: you walk into Applebee’s feeling pretty hungry, and those appetizers on the menu look absolutely amazing. You figure you’ll start with some loaded nachos and maybe some mozzarella sticks to share while you wait for your main course. Sound familiar? Well, you’re about to make the same mistake that countless Applebee’s customers make every single day – and it’s probably going to leave you disappointed, overfull, and wasting money.
Loading up on appetizers before your main dish arrives
This is the big one – the mistake that probably affects more Applebee’s customers than any other. Those appetizers look tempting, and when you’re sitting there with friends or family, it seems like the perfect way to start the meal. The problem is that Applebee’s appetizers are massive. We’re talking about portions that could easily serve as a light meal for most people.
The classic combo platter alone comes with enough food to satisfy two people, but most tables order it thinking it’s just a starter. Then your actual meal shows up, and you’re already stuffed from the apps. You end up taking home expensive leftovers or, worse yet, letting perfectly good food go to waste. Restaurant experts suggest choosing just one appetizer if you’re definitely ordering entrees, or skip them entirely if you’re really hungry for your main course.
Ordering pasta thinking it’s a safe choice
When in doubt, order pasta, right? It’s hard to mess up, and most restaurants do a decent job with basic noodle dishes. Well, Applebee’s is the exception to that rule. Their pasta dishes consistently rank among the worst items on the menu, and customer complaints about soggy noodles and bland sauces are incredibly common.
The three cheese chicken penne, in particular, has developed a reputation as one of the most disappointing pasta dishes you can find at any major chain restaurant. People regularly post photos online showing sad-looking noodles swimming in watery sauce that looks nothing like the menu photos. When you have so many other options at Applebee’s that they actually do well – like their burgers and chicken dishes – why risk ordering something that’s almost guaranteed to disappoint?
Missing out on those Two for $2X deals
Date night at most restaurants can easily cost $80 to $100 once you add up two entrees, an appetizer, and drinks. But Applebee’s has this ongoing promotion called Two for $2X (the X varies by location, but it’s usually under $30) that gives you two full entrees plus a shared appetizer for one low price.
The catch is that drinks aren’t included, so you’ll pay separately for those. But even adding two sodas or beers, you’re still looking at a complete dinner for two people for around $40-45. The entree selection for these deals isn’t limited to the cheapest items either – you can often get things like sirloin steak or chicken dishes that would normally cost $15-18 each. Many couples walk right past these deals and end up spending twice as much for essentially the same meal.
Avoiding chicken tenders because they seem too basic
There’s this weird stigma around ordering chicken tenders as an adult, like it’s somehow childish or unsophisticated. But here’s the thing about Applebee’s: their chicken tenders are actually one of the best items on the entire menu. They’re made from real white meat chicken, breaded and fried to order, and they come out crispy and hot every single time.
Compare that to some of their more “adult” menu items that sit under heat lamps or get reheated in microwaves, and the chicken tenders start looking pretty appealing. They come with fries and coleslaw, making it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and reliable. Sometimes the simplest option is the best option, especially at a casual chain restaurant where consistency matters more than creativity.
Skipping the Club Applebee’s rewards program completely
Here’s something that might surprise you: Applebee’s has one of the better rewards programs among casual dining chains, and most people completely ignore it. Club Applebee’s is totally free to join, and you get a free appetizer just for signing up. That’s literally free food for entering your email address and phone number.
Beyond that initial freebie, members get access to special deals that aren’t available to regular customers, plus a free dessert on their birthday. Even if you only eat at Applebee’s a few times a year, the program pays for itself immediately. The special deals alone can save you $10 or more on a typical visit, and the birthday dessert is actually a decent-sized slice of cake or pie, not some tiny sample.
Expecting fine dining when it’s clearly casual
Some people walk into Applebee’s with completely unrealistic expectations about what they’re going to get. They expect craft cocktails, gourmet presentations, and service that rivals upscale restaurants. But Applebee’s never pretended to be anything other than a casual neighborhood spot where you can get a decent meal without breaking the bank.
The atmosphere is sports bar meets family restaurant, the cocktails are made with standard liquors and mixers, and the food is designed to be consistent and affordable rather than innovative. When you go in with appropriate expectations – think of it as a step up from fast food rather than a step down from fine dining – you’re much more likely to have a good time. The restaurant’s whole appeal is being a comfortable, unpretentious place where families can eat together without anyone feeling out of place.
Assuming salads are automatically the healthy option
This one catches people off guard all the time. You decide to be good and order a salad instead of a burger, thinking you’re making the healthier choice. But many of Applebee’s salads pack more calories and sodium than their burger and fries combinations. The Oriental chicken salad with crispy chicken contains 1,560 calories – that’s more than some people should eat in an entire day.
The crispy chicken tender salad is even worse in some ways, with over 2,000 milligrams of sodium. That’s nearly a full day’s worth of salt in one dish. The problem is all the extras – fried chicken, heavy dressings, cheese, croutons, and other toppings that turn what should be a light meal into a calorie bomb. If you’re genuinely trying to eat lighter, check the nutrition information before assuming the salad is your best bet.
Paying full price for all-you-can-eat deals
Applebee’s brings back their all-you-can-eat promotions several times a year, but the pricing has become a real sore spot for customers. What used to cost $9.99 now runs $15.99 or more, and people are not happy about it. The deal includes unlimited chicken tenders, shrimp, riblets, and fries, which sounds great in theory.
But here’s what actually happens: you order your first round, eat it, then wait 15-20 minutes for the next batch. By the time you get your second helping, you’re not as hungry anymore. Most people end up eating what amounts to maybe two regular portions, which means they’re not really getting much value from the “unlimited” aspect. Customer complaints about the higher prices and slower service during these promotions suggest you might be better off just ordering regular menu items unless you’re absolutely certain you can eat three full portions.
Not checking what’s actually included in combo deals
Applebee’s menu is packed with different combo deals, promotional offers, and package deals that can save you money – if you read the fine print. Too many people glance at a deal, see an attractive price, and order without really understanding what they’re getting. Some combos include drinks, others don’t. Some come with dessert, others charge extra.
The worst feeling is thinking you’re getting a great deal, then having your server explain that drinks, appetizers, or sides cost extra after you’ve already committed to the meal. Take two minutes to ask your server exactly what’s included in any promotional deal before you order. It’s much better to know upfront than to get surprised by a higher bill at the end. Most servers are happy to explain the deals clearly if you just ask – they’d rather have a satisfied customer than deal with complaints about unexpected charges.
The next time you find yourself at Applebee’s, remember that a little planning goes a long way. Skip the appetizer overload, sign up for those rewards, and don’t be afraid to order something simple like chicken tenders if that’s what sounds good. Most importantly, go in knowing it’s casual dining, not fine dining, and you’ll probably have a much better experience than all those people complaining on social media.
