Brian Nagele
Have you grown weary of frequenting the same chain restaurants? Do you wish to experience something new while still taking pleasure in an establishment like Applebee’s comfortable ambiance and menu? Fortunately, there are several eateries out there that provide a comparable experience with a distinctive twist.
Chili’s is one eatery that frequently receives comparisons to Applebee’s. Chili’s is a wonderful choice for people searching for a casual dining experience because their menu features traditional American fare like burgers, ribs, and fajitas.
To go along with your dinner, they also provide a range of margaritas and other cocktails.
TGI Fridays is a well-known restaurant franchise that is comparable to Applebee’s.
TGI Fridays is a terrific place for a night out with friends or family because of their famous Jack Daniel’s sauce and limitless appetizers.
LongHorn Steakhouse is a fantastic choice if you’re searching for a more sophisticated dining experience that nevertheless has a well-known cuisine.
LongHorn specializes in steak and seafood but also serves a variety of other foods, such as their Parmesan coated chicken and classic sirloin.
There are a ton of eateries like Applebee’s out there to pick from, no matter what kind of eating experience you’re looking for.
Similarities to Applebees
If you enjoy Applebee’s, you’ll be glad to know that there are lots of other eateries that provide comparable menus, settings, and experiences.
The following are some important similarities you might anticipate at these restaurants:
- Casual atmosphere: Like Applebee’s, many of these restaurants offer a casual, comfortable atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family. You won’t need to dress up or worry about being too formal.
- Affordable prices: One of the things that makes Applebee’s so popular is its affordable prices. You can expect to find similar prices at many of the other restaurants on this list, making them a great option for budget-conscious diners.
- American comfort food: If you’re looking for classic American comfort food, you’ll find plenty of options at these restaurants. From burgers and fries to chicken tenders and mac and cheese, you can expect to find all your favorite dishes.
- Variety of menu items: Another thing that sets Applebee’s apart is its wide variety of menu items. You’ll find the same level of variety at many of these other restaurants, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Family-friendly: Like Applebee’s, many of these restaurants are also family-friendly. You’ll find kid’s menus, high chairs, and other amenities to make dining with children easier.
Overall, if you enjoy Applebee’s, you’ll enjoy these other establishments just as much.
You’re sure to find a restaurant on our list that meets your needs, whether you’re searching for a spot to celebrate a special occasion, a casual supper, or a quick lunch.
Differences from Applebee’s
There are several choices if you’re seeking for a place similar to Applebee’s but want to try something different.
For your reference, the following are some significant distinctions between Applebee’s and other casual dining establishments:
Menu Options
Other casual dining establishments, like Chili’s, provide a larger variety of alternatives, including Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine, but Applebee’s is known for its American grill-style menu.
Fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas are just a few of Chili’s alternatives if you’re craving something new.
TGI Fridays, on the other hand, is renowned for its burgers and sandwiches, and Ruby Tuesday provides a variety of salads and seafood meals.
Happy Hour Deals
Many casual eating establishments offer happy hour promotions if you’re looking for a great deal on beverages and appetizers.
For instance, Chili’s offers reduced beverages and appetizers every day during happy hour. Additionally, TGI Fridays offers a happy hour with reduced-priced alcoholic beverages and appetizers.
But Applebee’s is well-known for their “Late Night” happy hour, which begins at 9 p.m. and lasts until the restaurant closes.
Atmosphere
Other restaurants, such as Red Robin and Buffalo Wild Wings, have a more sports bar-like vibe than Applebee’s, which has a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
Buffalo Wild Wings is a terrific choice if you’re searching for a location to watch the game and eat some wings.
In contrast, Red Robin provides a more upmarket setting along with gourmet burgers and a full bar.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs might help you save money and receive rewards if you frequent restaurants.
While Applebee’s offers a dedicated loyalty program, other eateries like TGI Fridays and Chili’s provide rewards systems that may be redeemed at other restaurant chains.
In comparison to Chili’s “My Chili’s Rewards” program, TGI Fridays’ “Fridays Rewards” program offers points for every dollar spent that can be exchanged for free appetizers and entrees.
Popular Alternatives to Applebees
There are lots of well-liked options if you’re seeking eateries similar to Applebee’s.
Here are a few places with comparable menus and settings:
- Chili’s: Chili’s is a casual dining restaurant that offers a wide variety of American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and Tex-Mex dishes. Like Applebee’s, Chili’s has a full bar and often runs specials on drinks and appetizers.
- TGI Fridays: TGI Fridays is a chain restaurant that offers a fun, casual atmosphere and a menu of American favorites, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also offer a variety of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
- Ruby Tuesday: Ruby Tuesday is a casual dining restaurant that offers a menu of American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood dishes. They also have a salad bar and a full bar with a variety of drinks.
- Red Robin: Red Robin is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in burgers and offers a variety of other American dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, and soups. They also have a full bar and offer bottomless fries with their burgers.
- Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed chain that serves a menu of American favorites, such as steaks, seafood, and burgers. They also offer a variety of appetizers, salads, and sides, as well as a full bar.
Each of these eateries features a menu of American classics and provides a comparable casual dining experience to Applebee’s.
You’re guaranteed to find something you’ll like at these well-liked substitutes, whether you’re craving a burger, salad, or sandwich.
Lesser Known Alternatives to Applebees
There are lots of lesser-known options to try out if you’re sick of the same old Applebee’s menu.
Here are some options to think about:
1. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
A casual dining establishment that takes pride in making everything from scratch is called Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Burgers, sandwiches, and steaks are among the many items they serve.
The Monte Cristo sandwich, a traditional French sandwich with an American twist, is one of their signature meals.
2. Red Robin
Red Robin is a burger-centric restaurant with a wide selection of unusual burger choices. Additionally, they offer a huge variety of starters, salads, and entrees.
The Royal Red Robin Burger, which includes a fried egg and bacon, is one of their most well-liked menu items.
3. TGI Fridays
Burgers, sandwiches, and salads are just a few of the many options available at the traditional American eatery TGI Fridays. Additionally, they offer a well-liked happy hour with reduced drinks and small plates.
The Jack Daniel’s Grill, which includes a range of meats marinated in a Jack Daniel’s sauce, is one of their most well-liked menu items.
4. Ruby Tuesday
Burgers, salads, and seafood are just a few of the meals available at Ruby Tuesday, a restaurant that specializes in casual eating. Along with their famed salad bar, several of their entrees come with it.
The Hickory Bourbon Salmon, a grilled salmon fillet with a sweet and delicious bourbon coating, is one of their highlight menu offerings.
5. LongHorn Steakhouse
A restaurant that specializes in serving steak, LongHorn Steakhouse also serves other foods including burgers and salads.
They also feature a well-liked lunch menu with several reasonably priced choices. The Outlaw Ribeye, a 20-ounce bone-in ribeye seasoned with their special spice blend, is one of their highlight menu offerings.
Choosing the Right Restaurant
It’s crucial to take into account a few elements that will guide your decision-making while selecting the greatest restaurant.
The following advice will help you select a restaurant that will suit your needs:
Consider the Cuisine
Consider the cuisine you’re in the mood for before selecting a restaurant. You might want to take other chain eateries like Chili’s or TGI Fridays into consideration if you’re craving American food similar to that served at Applebee’s.
A steakhouse or seafood restaurant can be a good option if you’re searching for something more premium.
Check the Menu
Look through the restaurant’s menu after deciding on the cuisine style you prefer. You may then get a better understanding of the kinds of dishes they serve and whether they have any options that suit your dietary requirements.
For instance, you might want to see whether they have any plant-based options if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
Look at the Atmosphere
Your dining experience can be significantly impacted by the restaurant’s atmosphere. Consider going to a restaurant with a relaxed ambiance if you prefer a casual dining experience.
Choose a restaurant with a more upmarket setting if you’re searching for a more formal dining experience.
Check the Reviews
It’s a good idea to read the reviews of the restaurant you’re thinking about before making a selection.
This will give you a sense of what other diners have had to say about the restaurant and whether they would recommend it. On websites like Yelp or TripAdvisor, you may read reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some restaurants like Applebee’s?
There are several restaurants like Applebee’s that you might enjoy. Some of the most popular options include:
Chili’s
TGI Fridays
Ruby Tuesday
Red Robin
Buffalo Wild Wings
Each of these restaurants offers a similar casual dining experience and a menu with a variety of options, from burgers and sandwiches to salads and appetizers.
Are there any restaurants that are exact copies of Applebee’s?
While there are no exact copies of Applebee’s, there are some restaurants that are very similar in terms of their menu and atmosphere. For example, some people might consider Chili’s to be a close cousin of Applebee’s, as both restaurants offer similar dishes and a similar casual dining experience.
Can I use my Applebee’s gift card at other restaurants?
No, Applebee’s gift cards can only be used at Applebee’s restaurants, on the Applebee’s website, or on the Applebee’s mobile app. If you’re looking for a gift card that can be used at multiple restaurants, you might consider purchasing a gift card from a company like Restaurant.com, which offers gift cards that can be used at a variety of different restaurants.
Are there any restaurants like Applebee’s that offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, many restaurants like Applebee’s offer vegetarian and vegan options. For example, TGI Fridays has a Beyond Burger that is vegan, while Ruby Tuesday offers a Garden Bar that includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. If you’re looking for restaurants with specific dietary options, it’s always a good idea to check the menu ahead of time or ask your server for recommendations.
Conclusion
You now know about some of the top eateries, including Applebee’s. These eateries offer a variety of menu choices that are sure to satisfy everyone while providing a similar informal dining experience.
LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are excellent options if you’re searching for a restaurant with an atmosphere similar to that of Applebee’s.
While Olive Garden serves amazing meals with an Italian influence, LongHorn Steakhouse is well-known for its excellent steaks and seafood selections.
Check out Red Robin or Buffalo Wild Wings if you’re searching for a more distinctive eating experience.
The gourmet burger restaurant Red Robin has a lively environment, and the sports bar Buffalo Wild Wings serves a variety of wings and other pub fare.
