How To Eat At Applebee’s For Cheap (Or Free)

Applebee’s is known for its meal deals and cocktails. Their fun and innovative menu items have gained loyal customers. Although their menu remains mostly the same, they occasionally introduce new appetizers. If you love Applebee’s and want to save money, we’ve got a list of ways you can eat at Applebee’s for cheap or free.

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Key Takeaways

• Use the 2 for $20 menu to save money when eating at Applebee’s.
• Ordering from the breakfast menu and during happy hour is a great way to eat for cheap at Applebee’s.
• Sign up to the Applebee’s mailing list for coupons and other great deals.
• Applebee’s have discounts for seniors and veterans.
• Take advantage of the regular promotions at Applebee’s.
• Go to Applebee’s for the $5 drink special.
• Use Applebee’s to-go delivery service instead of third-party delivery companies like Uber Eats.
• Take advantage of the kid’s specials at Applebee’s, where kids eat free.
• Seniors and veterans get discounted offers.
• Free dessert on your birthday at Applebee’s.
• Purchase Applebee’s gift cards from Raise to pay less.
• Use employee benefits to get 50% off of a meal during working hours.

Eating At Applebee’s For Cheap Or Free

Applebee’s is one of the more affordable restaurant chains, offering regular promotions and meal deals. This being said, there are always ways you can save when dining out. So if you’re a big family, a student, or just want to save money but still enjoy dining out, our list of ways to eat cheap or free at Applebee’s can help save you money!

There are many ways to save when eating at Applebee’s. These include taking advantage of the 2 for $20 deal, coupons, and the Applebee’s app. In addition, if you have kids, some Applebee’s offer kids eat free night for every dining adult.

1. 2 For $20

Applebee’s 2 for $20 includes 2 entrees and 1 appetizer for $20. These items may only be limited to specific menu items but are still an excellent deal. Typically, entrees can cost $15 each. So when eating with a group of friends or with family, you can order different entrees and appetizers, get to try them all, and still save money.

2. Happy Hour

During the day, Applebee’s runs two specials: the late night special and the afternoon happy hour. For most Applebee’s, the happy hour is between 3 and 6pm daily. The happy hour specials are not limited to drinks but also include appetizers.

The Applebee’s late-night deals run from 9pm in most Applebee’s locations. The discounted late-night deals are usually the same as the happy hour deals. You can use their store locator to check if your local Applebee’s offers these deals.

3. Drink Specials

Applebee’s runs regular promotions on their drinks menu. Every few months, you’ll be able to get amazing discounts off their drinks menu on drinks like the Cranberry Martini and Melon Liquor for around $5 each. Not only will you pay 50% less on drinks, but most of their drink specials have unique flavors worth trying.

4. Breakfast Menu

At some Applebee’s locations, there’s a breakfast menu that you can order from between 7am and 12. The breakfast menu items are reasonably priced, ranging from just over $8 to $12 for most breakfast menu items. So, avoid ordering off the regular menu, order off the breakfast menu to save money, and eat at Applebee’s for cheap.

5. Birthday Dessert

If you love getting freebies for your birthday, Applebee’s offers you a coupon for a free dessert when you sign up to their mailing list. Simply enter your email address on Applebee’s website to join their mailing list and qualify for your free birthday dessert.

Once you receive your free dessert coupon, take it with you to Applebee’s on your birthday to qualify for your free dessert.

6. To Go Pickup

Most third-party delivery services charge much more than Applebee’s ordering. If you select Applebee’s pick-up delivery option, you can save between 13-16%, which is what delivery services usually charge on the menu items and delivery.

The to-go pick-up delivery is easy to use and convenient. You can place your order via the Applebee’s website or the Applebee’s app.

7. Gift Card

You can use Applebee’s gift cards to save on your next meal at Applebee’s. If you don’t have a gift card, the best time to purchase a gift card is during the holidays. When purchased during this period, you’ll get another gift card to the value of $10, which you can use towards your next meal at Applebee’s.

You could purchase an Applebee’s gift card for a loved one and use the $10 bonus gift card to save on your meal at Applebee’s.

8. Coupons

When signing up to the Applebee’s mailing list, you’ll receive coupons monthly and a free appetizer. Most coupon deals in your inbox include $10 or $30 off your next Applebee’s meal. Besides access to coupons, you’ll also receive the latest updates on the current promotions at Applebee’s.

You can use your coupons and an Applebee’s gift card to save even more money when eating at Applebee’s.

9. Download The App

Although Applebee’s app doesn’t offer many rewards, it’s much cheaper than ordering through third-party delivery services. The Applebee’s app is available on the Google Play Store and the App store for iPhones.

You’ll receive $5 off a $25 order through the Applebee’s to-go delivery service by downloading the app. This is a one-time offer for new Applebee’s customers and for your first download of Applebee’s to-go app.

10. Mailing List

You’ll receive monthly coupons and special offers when you join Applebee’s mailing list. For example, when joining their mailing list, you’ll also receive a free appetizer on your next visit to Applebee’s. You’ll need to spend $15 on your next visit to Applebee’s to qualify for the free appetizer. Ensure you read the coupons and email offers carefully, as these offers are usually valid for a specific time.

11. Veteran’s Day

On Veteran’s Day, veterans will receive an entrée for free and a gift card for $5 to use at Applebee’s. The veterans’ day offering varies yearly and may differ depending on location. It’s best to check with your local Applebee’s to see what discounts they are running for Veteran’s Day.

12. Kid’s Menu Special

Some Applebee’s restaurants offer special discounted offers on the kid’s menu items, while others provide a kids eat-free discount on certain days of the week. Generally, one child eats for free per dining adult on a Tuesday night, but this does depend on your nearest Applebee’s and their promotional offerings.

There may be other discounts for kids’ menu items, where the kid’s menu options are discounted to just under $2 for any kids’ meal. This does vary depending on your location, so it’s best to check with your nearest Applebee’s what promotional offers they have for kids.

13. Rewards Credit Card

Having a credit card isn’t always a bad thing. For example, some credit cards offer excellent incentives where you get cash back for gas and groceries when using your credit card to pay for a meal at Applebee’s. Some credit cards also allow you to earn rewards to purchase items on Amazon.

14. Discounts For Seniors

The Applebee’s seniors discounts rewards seniors aged 60 years and older. Seniors will receive 10-15% off their meal at specific Applebee’s branches when they show any form of identification showing their age. This discount is usually available throughout the week. Still, it’s best to check with your local Applebee’s if they offer this discount.

15. Raise

You’ll pay less when you purchase Applebee’s gift cards from Raise. For example, if you buy a $50 gift card, you’ll save 11.40%. As a new member on Raise, you’ll receive an additional 15% discount on your first purchase. In addition, you can use your gift card bought through Raise when dining at Applebee’s and combine it with a coupon to make your meal cheaper.

16. Employee Benefits

If you’re looking for employment that offers numerous benefits, you may want to consider working at Applebee’s. As an Applebee’s employee, you get 50% off the menu items while working. This is an excellent way to save money on eating at Applebee’s but may not be for everyone. If you have friends that work at Applebee’s, they may be willing to share a plate with you, and you could split the bill.

17. Offers

Applebee’s has regular promotions advertised at the restaurant and online. Some of these promotions include offers like 12 double crunch shrimp for $1 with a steak entrée. Most deals are available for a limited period but are great when you want to save money and keep the leftovers for the next day!

Related Questions

We’ve listed all the ways you can save when eating at Applebee’s and how to eat for free or cheap at Applebee’s. You may have a few more questions, like when is the best time to go to Applebee’s to eat for cheap? And if the Applebee’s appetizer deals run daily.

Are you thinking about an Applebee’s rewards program, and if Applebee’s gift cards expire? We’ve answered these questions below.

When Is The Best Time To Eat At Applebee’s For Cheap?

The best time to go to Applebee’s to eat for cheap is during happy hour. During the happy hour between 3pm-6pm, and then again from 9pm until they close. You can get up to 50% off of selected appetizers during happy hour at some Applebee’s locations. Some of these include:

• Mozzarella sticks
• Boneless wings
• Chicken wonton tacos
• Spinach and artichoke dip
• Chicken Quesadilla
• Brewpub pretzels and beer cheese dip
• Breadsticks with alfredo sauce

The happy hour specials are not limited to food but also include drinks. You can usually get drinks from $2-$6 each.

Does Applebee’s Have A Rewards Program?

Applebee’s does not have a rewards program. However, Applebee’s has a mailing list for which you can sign up to receive discounts and coupons, and a free appetizer. If you love Applebee’s and eat there regularly, you may want to check out My Points. My Points is a site that allows you to earn gift cards for shopping at selected stores.

You also get paid to answer surveys on My Points. You’ll receive a $10 welcome bonus if you become a member. Members get up to 40% back on purchases made through retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon.

When you’ve earned enough rewards, you can redeem them for an Applebee’s gift card to eat at Applebee’s.

Do Applebee’s Gift Cards Expire?

Applebee’s gift cards never expire and never decrease in value. If you’re a fan of Applebee’s, you can ask your friends and family members to purchase Applebee’s gift cards for you for your birthday and the holidays. You can put a few of the gift cards together and basically eat at Applebee’s for free.

Applebee’s has digital gift cards that can be printed, and physical gift cards, when bought as gifts, are shipped to the receiver’s mailing address. However, there are some restrictions on Applebee’s gift cards. For instance, you cannot use an Applebee’s gift card to purchase another gift card.

Applebee’s gift cards cannot be bought over the phone, and their gift cards can’t be topped up. If you want to increase your gift card’s value, you’ll need to purchase another one. Applebee’s gift cards can only be used to make purchases from Applebee’s and cannot be used anywhere else.

To purchase an Applebee’s gift card, simply visit their card page and select the type of gift card you want.