Applebee's vs BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Applebee's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 4 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Applebee's is cheaper on 4 of them, by an average of $2.25 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Applebee's
- The 2 for $25 menu — an appetizer plus two entrees — is roughly $10 below ordering the same three items separately and covers most of the popular dishes.
- The $9.99 weekday lunch combo pairs a half sandwich or salad with soup or fries and is the cheapest sit-down lunch at any national casual chain.
- Applebee's runs $1 and $5 cocktail promotions several times a year; the Dollarita in particular is the cheapest drink at any chain restaurant.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
- The weekday Pizookie Meal Deal, about $13 for a lunch entrée plus a personal Pizookie, is the cheapest full meal on the menu.
- A personal build-your-own deep dish at about $12.59 costs less than any burger, and the shareable size at about $21.99 feeds two.
- The Pasta Feast at about $50 feeds up to six — under $9 a person.
Applebee's vs BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse — FAQ
Is Applebee's cheaper than BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in 2026?
Applebee's is cheaper on most matched items — 4 of 4. Across the whole menu Applebee's is the lower-priced of the two, at $15.49 for a typical item against $17.99 at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse.
What is the price difference between Applebee's and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse?
On matched items the average difference is $2.25, or about 36% overall. Applebee's averages $14.56 across 42 priced items; BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse averages $22.61 across 28.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Applebee's or BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse?
Applebee's starts at $1.00 (Dollarita (limited promotion)) and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse at $3.49 (Fountain Soda).
Are these prices the same at every location?
No. Both chains let franchise owners set prices, so figures move by a dollar or more between markets and run highest at airport, stadium and highway locations. Treat these as the typical U.S. price, not a quote.