Top 10 Best Items on the Applebee`s Menu You Need to Try

When it comes to casual dining restaurants, few names are as recognizable as Applebee's. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices, and wide variety of food choices, Applebee’s has become a favorite destination for families, friends, and food lovers across the United States. One of the biggest reasons for its popularity is the Applebee`s menu, which offers everything from juicy burgers and sizzling steaks to flavorful pasta dishes, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts.

With so many options available, choosing what to order can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. To help you make the most of your dining experience, we've ranked the Top 10 Best Items on the Applebee`s Menu You Need to Try. These dishes are customer favorites that consistently receive praise for their flavor, portion size, and value.

Why the Applebee`s Menu Stands Out

Before diving into the rankings, it's worth understanding why the Applebee`s menu continues to attract millions of customers each year.

Applebee’s focuses on:

Diverse menu options
Affordable dining
Generous portions
Family-friendly meals
Seasonal specials
Consistent quality

Whether you're craving comfort food, lighter fare, or something indulgent, there’s something for everyone.

1. Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp

Why It's a Fan Favorite

Few items on the Applebee`s menu are as popular as Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp. Inspired by the bold flavors of New Orleans, this sizzling entrée combines seasoned chicken breast and blackened shrimp served with sautéed onions and mushrooms.

What Makes It Special

Served on a hot skillet
Bold Cajun-inspired seasoning
Excellent protein combination
Generous portion size

The sizzling presentation alone makes this dish memorable, but it’s the flavor that keeps customers ordering it again and again.

Best Side Pairings

Garlic mashed potatoes
Steamed broccoli
House salad

For many regular guests, this is the ultimate Applebee’s entrée.

2. Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders

Comfort Food at Its Finest

This dish has become one of the most talked-about items on the Applebee`s menu, and for good reason.

It combines:

Creamy four-cheese macaroni
Crispy chicken tenders
Honey pepper sauce
Bacon pieces

The combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy textures creates a truly satisfying meal.

Why Customers Love It

Rich flavor profile
Large portion size
Great comfort food
Instagram-worthy presentation

If you enjoy indulgent meals, this dish belongs at the top of your must-try list.

3. Whisky Bacon Burger

One of the Best Burgers on the Applebee`s Menu

Burger lovers frequently rank the Whisky Bacon Burger among the best items available.

This burger features:

Juicy beef patty
Crispy bacon
Pepper jack cheese
Crispy onions
Whisky-infused steak sauce

Flavor Highlights

The smoky bacon and sweet whisky sauce create a perfect balance that elevates the entire burger experience.

Why It Stands Out

Thick, flavorful beef patty
Premium toppings
Excellent value
Filling portion

Served with fries, it’s one of the most satisfying meals Applebee’s offers.

4. Boneless Wings

The Ultimate Appetizer

When discussing customer favorites on the Applebee`s menu, Boneless Wings deserve a place near the top.

Available in multiple flavors, including:

Classic Buffalo
Honey BBQ
Sweet Asian Chile
Garlic Parmesan

These wings are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Reasons They're Popular

Crispy exterior
Tender chicken inside
Variety of sauces
Great for groups

Many guests visit Applebee’s specifically for the wings and appetizer specials.

5. Fiesta Lime Chicken

A Longtime Customer Favorite

Fiesta Lime Chicken has been a staple on the Applebee`s menu for years.

This dish includes:

Grilled chicken breast
Mexi-ranch sauce
Melted cheese
Tortilla strips
Spanish rice

Why Customers Keep Ordering It

Zesty flavors
Balanced ingredients
Affordable price
Unique taste profile

The combination of creamy sauce and fresh lime flavors creates a memorable dining experience.

6. Riblet Platter

A Signature Applebee’s Classic

The Riblet Platter remains one of the restaurant’s most iconic offerings.

This hearty meal includes:

Slow-cooked pork riblets
Signature barbecue sauce
French fries
Coleslaw

What Makes It Special

Tender meat
Rich barbecue flavor
Large portions
Excellent value

For customers craving classic American comfort food, this dish delivers every time.

Best For

Meat lovers
Large appetites
Barbecue enthusiasts

7. Triple Chocolate Meltdown

The Dessert You Can’t Miss

No list of the best Applebee`s menu items would be complete without dessert.

The Triple Chocolate Meltdown remains one of the restaurant’s most popular sweet treats.

What's Inside?

Warm chocolate cake
Molten chocolate center
Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate drizzle

Why It's So Popular

Rich chocolate flavor
Beautiful presentation
Perfect for sharing
Memorable finish to any meal

Chocolate lovers often consider this dessert a must-order item.

8. Blackened Cajun Salmon

A Healthier Yet Flavorful Option

Not every top menu item needs to be indulgent.

The Blackened Cajun Salmon offers:

Fresh salmon filet
Cajun seasoning
Healthy protein
Flavorful vegetables

Why It Deserves a Spot

Balanced nutrition
Bold seasoning
Fresh ingredients
Lighter dining choice

Customers looking for healthier options appreciate that Applebee’s offers dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor.

Great Side Options

Steamed broccoli
Garlic mashed potatoes
House salad

9. Spinach & Artichoke Dip

The Perfect Starter

Among Applebee’s appetizers, few have achieved the popularity of Spinach & Artichoke Dip.

Served warm with tortilla chips, this appetizer combines:

Creamy cheese blend
Spinach
Artichokes
Savory seasonings

Why Diners Love It

Shareable size
Rich flavor
Smooth texture
Great for groups

It's often one of the first dishes ordered at the table.

10. Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

A Pasta Lover’s Dream

Rounding out our list is Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.

This popular entrée features:

Grilled chicken breast
Penne pasta
Alfredo sauce
Three-cheese blend
Bruschetta tomatoes

Why It's a Top Seller

Creamy texture
Generous serving size
Family-friendly flavor
Excellent value

The combination of creamy sauce and grilled chicken makes this one of the most satisfying pasta dishes on the Applebee`s menu.

Honorable Mentions

While these dishes didn't make the top ten, they remain customer favorites.

Mozzarella Sticks

A crispy, cheesy appetizer that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce.

Chicken Tenders Plate

Simple, delicious, and loved by guests of all ages.

Neighborhood Nachos

Perfect for sharing with large groups.

Classic Bacon Cheeseburger

A straightforward but highly satisfying burger option.

Oriental Chicken Salad

One of Applebee’s most popular salad choices.

Best Applebee’s Menu Items for Different Cravings

Best Burger

Whisky Bacon Burger

Best Chicken Dish

Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp

Best Pasta

Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders

Best Appetizer

Boneless Wings

Best Seafood Option

Blackened Cajun Salmon

Best Dessert

Triple Chocolate Meltdown

Best Comfort Food

Riblet Platter

Why Customers Love These Top-Rated Menu Items

Several factors contribute to the popularity of these dishes.

Flavor

Each item offers bold and memorable flavors.

Portion Size

Applebee’s is known for generous servings.

Value

Customers receive quality meals at affordable prices.

Consistency

Popular dishes maintain reliable quality across locations.

Variety

The menu offers something for every taste preference.

Tips for First-Time Applebee’s Visitors

If you're visiting Applebee’s for the first time, consider these recommendations:

Start with an Appetizer

Boneless Wings or Spinach & Artichoke Dip are excellent choices.

Try a Signature Entrée

Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp is one of the restaurant’s standout dishes.

Save Room for Dessert

The Triple Chocolate Meltdown is worth the extra calories.

Explore Seasonal Specials

Limited-time menu items often introduce exciting new flavors.

How the Applebee`s Menu Continues to Evolve

The popularity of the Applebee`s menu isn't just based on tradition.

Applebee’s continues to innovate by:

Introducing new menu items
Updating recipes
Expanding healthier options
Adding seasonal specials
Improving customer value

This commitment to improvement helps maintain customer interest year after year.

Final Thoughts

The Applebee`s menu offers one of the most diverse and satisfying dining experiences in the casual restaurant industry. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, sizzling chicken, creamy pasta, flavorful seafood, or a decadent dessert, there’s a dish waiting to become your new favorite.

Among all the available options, the Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders, Whisky Bacon Burger, Boneless Wings, and Triple Chocolate Meltdown consistently rank among the most-loved items by customers. Their combination of flavor, value, and generous portions makes them stand out from the rest of the menu.

The next time you visit Applebee’s, use this list as your guide and discover why these ten menu items continue to earn rave reviews from diners across the country. From appetizers to desserts, these customer favorites showcase the very best that the Applebee`s menu has to offer.