Applebee's vs Texas Roadhouse: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Texas Roadhouse is the cheaper of the two. Of the 10 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Texas Roadhouse is cheaper on 5 of them, by an average of $1.25 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.
Texas Roadhouse
- Early Dine takes about $5 off a 6 oz sirloin dinner and runs until 6:00 PM on weekdays — the single largest discount at any casual-dining chain.
- Unlimited peanuts and fresh-baked rolls with cinnamon butter come free with every meal and arrive before you order.
- Every entree includes two sides, so the menu price is closer to a complete meal than at Applebee's or Chili's where sides are often extra.
Applebee's vs Texas Roadhouse — FAQ
Is Applebee's cheaper than Texas Roadhouse in 2026?
Texas Roadhouse is cheaper on most matched items — 5 of 10. Across the whole menu Texas Roadhouse is the lower-priced of the two, at $12.99 for a typical item against $15.49 at Applebee's.
What is the price difference between Applebee's and Texas Roadhouse?
On matched items the average difference is $1.25, or about 3% overall. Applebee's averages $14.56 across 42 priced items; Texas Roadhouse averages $14.99 across 47.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Applebee's or Texas Roadhouse?
Applebee's starts at $1.00 (Dollarita (limited promotion)) and Texas Roadhouse at $3.49 (Soft Drink (free refills)).
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.