Applebee's vs Chili's Grill & Bar: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Chili's Grill & Bar is the cheaper of the two. Of the 8 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Chili's Grill & Bar is cheaper on 6 of them, by an average of $1.44 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.
Chili's Grill & Bar
- 3 for Me from $10.99 — starter, bottomless drink and an entree — is the cheapest complete sit-down meal at any national casual-dining chain.
- The Triple Dipper at $16.99 gives three full appetizers for less than two ordered separately and is enough food for two people.
- The Margarita of the Month at $6.00 runs continuously and is roughly half the price of the Presidente Margarita.
Applebee's vs Chili's Grill & Bar — FAQ
Is Applebee's cheaper than Chili's Grill & Bar in 2026?
Chili's Grill & Bar is cheaper on most matched items — 6 of 8. Across the whole menu Chili's Grill & Bar is the lower-priced of the two, at $14.99 for a typical item against $15.49 at Applebee's.
What is the price difference between Applebee's and Chili's Grill & Bar?
On matched items the average difference is $1.44, or about 5% overall. Applebee's averages $14.56 across 42 priced items; Chili's Grill & Bar averages $15.31 across 40.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Applebee's or Chili's Grill & Bar?
Applebee's starts at $1.00 (Dollarita (limited promotion)) and Chili's Grill & Bar at $3.79 (Bottomless Soft Drink).
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.