Applebee's vs Waffle House: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Waffle House is the cheaper of the two. Of the 3 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Waffle House is cheaper on 3 of them, by an average of $5.01 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.
Waffle House
- The All-Star Special at $12.55 includes a waffle, eggs, meat, toast and a side — ordering those items separately costs roughly $5 more.
- Coffee is bottomless at about $2.95, which matters on a long stop.
- Hash brown toppings are $0.95 each; three of them cost less than the pre-named combinations at some locations, so order by the modifier.
Applebee's vs Waffle House — FAQ
Is Applebee's cheaper than Waffle House in 2026?
Waffle House is cheaper on most matched items — 3 of 3. Across the whole menu Waffle House is the lower-priced of the two, at $6.55 for a typical item against $15.49 at Applebee's.
What is the price difference between Applebee's and Waffle House?
On matched items the average difference is $5.01, or about 49% overall. Applebee's averages $14.56 across 42 priced items; Waffle House averages $7.46 across 42.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Applebee's or Waffle House?
Applebee's starts at $1.00 (Dollarita (limited promotion)) and Waffle House at $2.45 (Toast).
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.