Applebee's vs Denny's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Denny's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 6 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Denny's is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $3.28 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.
Denny's
- The $5.99 Everyday Value Slam is the cheapest sit-down breakfast at any national chain — two pancakes, an egg and meat.
- Build Your Own Grand Slam at $12.49 gives four items; ordering the same four à la carte typically costs $4 to $6 more.
- The 55+ menu takes roughly $2 to $3 off the standard versions of the same dishes for guests 55 and older.
Applebee's vs Denny's — FAQ
Is Applebee's cheaper than Denny's in 2026?
Denny's is cheaper on most matched items — 5 of 6. Across the whole menu Denny's is the lower-priced of the two, at $13.29 for a typical item against $15.49 at Applebee's.
What is the price difference between Applebee's and Denny's?
On matched items the average difference is $3.28, or about 16% overall. Applebee's averages $14.56 across 42 priced items; Denny's averages $12.28 across 41.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Applebee's or Denny's?
Applebee's starts at $1.00 (Dollarita (limited promotion)) and Denny's at $3.49 (Coffee (bottomless)).
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.