Applebee's vs LongHorn Steakhouse: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Applebee's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 5 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Applebee's is cheaper on 3 of them, by an average of $1.10 per item.
Make Applebee's and LongHorn Steakhouse at Home
Whichever of the two wins on price, cooking the favorites at home beats both. These are the sauces, mixes and kitchen tools that get closest to the real thing.
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.
LongHorn Steakhouse
- The weekday lunch sirloin at about $13.99 is the cheapest way to eat a steak at LongHorn.
- LongHorn's eClub sends a free appetizer or dessert offer on sign-up and on your birthday.
- Steaks include two sides, so skipping the appetizer and sharing a dessert keeps dinner for two under $50.
Applebee's vs LongHorn Steakhouse — FAQ
Is Applebee's cheaper than LongHorn Steakhouse in 2026?
Applebee's is cheaper on most matched items — 3 of 5. Across the whole menu LongHorn Steakhouse is the lower-priced of the two, at $14.49 for a typical item against $15.49 at Applebee's.
What is the price difference between Applebee's and LongHorn Steakhouse?
On matched items the average difference is $1.10, or about 17% overall. Applebee's averages $14.56 across 42 priced items; LongHorn Steakhouse averages $17.53 across 32.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Applebee's or LongHorn Steakhouse?
Applebee's starts at $1.00 (Dollarita (limited promotion)) and LongHorn Steakhouse at $3.69 (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.