Applebee's vs Portillo's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Portillo's is the cheaper of the two. Of the 4 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Portillo's is cheaper on 4 of them, by an average of $4.45 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.
Portillo's
- Ordering the beef dipped, wet or dry costs nothing extra — the preparation is free, so ask for what you actually want.
- Italian Beef family packs at $59.99 feed four to six for roughly the price of five individual sandwiches with sides.
- Portillo's ships nationwide, so the chocolate cake and Italian beef kits are available outside the chain's footprint.
Applebee's vs Portillo's — FAQ
Is Applebee's cheaper than Portillo's in 2026?
Portillo's is cheaper on most matched items — 4 of 4. Across the whole menu Portillo's is the lower-priced of the two, at $9.29 for a typical item against $15.49 at Applebee's.
What is the price difference between Applebee's and Portillo's?
On matched items the average difference is $4.45, or about 3% overall. Applebee's averages $14.56 across 42 priced items; Portillo's averages $14.10 across 40.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Applebee's or Portillo's?
Applebee's starts at $1.00 (Dollarita (limited promotion)) and Portillo's at $3.79 (Fries (regular)).
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.