Applebee’s. You know, that restaurant with the giant baskets of fries and that delightful chicken parm you can’t stop eating. Well, you’re about to discover 35 restaurants like Applebee’s.
What? No, I’m not making this up. There are actual Applebee’s copycats in America. That’s right. However, some of them do not have exactly the same menu as Applebee’s but there are always better alternatives.
Make no mistake. I’m not here to rate or give restaurants ranks.
The purpose of this article is to help you with the list of restaurants like Applebee’s so you know what to look out for if you find yourself in a city that has no Applebee’s restaurant.
So, let’s get to it.
1. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is known for its wide selection of tasty appetizers and entrees, as well as a variety of specialty cocktails. It has a full bar with a variety of drinks.
If you’re looking for something sweet after dinner, try one of the restaurant’s many desserts.
SEE: Texas Roadhouse Drinks Menu
2. Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s Grill & Bar has more than 1,500 locations across the United States, with a menu featuring high-quality steaks, seafood, chicken, and ribs. The restaurant also offers many appetizer options that go well with their quality drinks.
SEE: Complete Updated Chili’s Menu
3. LongHorn Steakhouse
Known for its great steaks and seafood options, LongHorn Steakhouse is one of the restaurants like Applebee’s. The restaurant serves up hearty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can enjoy them whenever you want.
4. Olive Garden
Olive Garden offers traditional American-Italian foods at affordable prices to customers nationwide. Its menu includes fresh salads made with fresh ingredients and pasta dishes that taste great.
SEE: Stand a Chance to Win a $100 Gift Card at Olive Garden
5. Hardee’s
Hardee’s is a fast-food chain that specializes in burgers and fries. There are Hardee’s locations all over the US. You can get a burger or a cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, along with French fries or onion rings.
6. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
Serving some of the best Asian food available in the United States today, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is another one of the restaurants like Applebee’s.
In addition to traditional favorites, they also have an extensive menu of seafood dishes such as lobster tail, shrimp scampi, and shrimp in garlic sauce.
SEE: Full PF Changs Allergen Menu
7. Carl’s Jr.
A subsidiary of the same company (CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.) that owns Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu offers a variety of “Value Meals” that include fries and drinks as well as milkshakes.
SEE: How to Eat for Free at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Restaurants
8. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is known for its eclectic menu — think lobster pasta and shrimp tacos — and a sense of humor that’s been called “hipster-friendly.”
If you’re looking for something a little different from normal chain fare, Bonefish Grill is worth checking out.
9. Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is a casual dining steakhouse chain that originated in Florida. The restaurant offers unlimited soup and salads for lunch and buffet with many different options including appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. Outback’s signature dish is blooming onion.
10. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores is a chain of restaurants specializing in country cooking favorites such as country fried steak and chicken fried steak.
The menu features traditional American fare including burgers, chicken tenders, ribs, and more along with specialties like fried chicken salad sandwiches or banana cream pie slices with ice cream.
SEE: McDonald’s Ice Cream Menu
11. TGI Friday’s
While you can find a good burger and fries at TGI Friday’s, it’s the endless appetizers that make this chain so popular. Try the crab cakes or nachos with guacamole for a hearty meal. TGI Friday’s also offers a full bar with wine, beer, and spirits.
12. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s has been around since 1978, and it has expanded to more than 210 locations in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Its menu features steaks and chicken along with salads and sandwiches, as well as seafood dishes. The restaurant also offers breakfast all day long.
SEE: What is Available On BJ’s Brewhouse Happy Hour Menu
13. Uncle Julio’s
Uncle Julio’s serves Mexican food like tacos and burritos, but it also offers burgers and other favorites like chicken tenders, fish and shrimp sandwiches, or steak tips with mashed potatoes and green beans.
The menu also features margaritas made with fresh lime juice instead of bottled mixes.
14. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is known for its signature cheesecake dessert. This popular chain of dessert shops serves cakes and pies alongside other sweets like cheesecakes and gelatos as well as sorbets and shakes made fresh daily at each location.
SEE: Cheesecake Factory Happy Hour: Great Discount Deal For You
15. Red Lobster
Red Lobster is a seafood chain that prides itself on fresh, never-frozen, never-prepared ingredients. It is one of the few restaurants that sourced its ingredient locally. You can also choose from other fresh seafood like shrimp, scallops, and clams.
16. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is a restaurant chain that serves classic American food in casual settings with a menu that includes steaks, burgers, and chicken wings.
The food here is always fresh and delicious, and the service is top-notch. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing, which makes it perfect for date nights or family gatherings alike.
17. Benihana
Benihana specializes in serving Japanese cuisine to customers at its upscale restaurants throughout the country. The menu includes sushi rolls made with fresh fish, vegetable tempura, and teriyaki bowls.
You can also order sashimi or plates filled with rice topped with chicken teriyaki sauce or tofu sauce served over white rice
SEE: Benihana Happy Hour: Food and Drink For Lesser Price
18. Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Bahama Breeze Island Grille is a Caribbean-themed restaurant featuring authentic island cuisine. It offers a light menu of dishes including salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.
The restaurant has a tropical vibe with its tiki theme, beach decor, and palm trees lining the walls. There’s also a bar for those who want to enjoy a frozen drink or specialty cocktail.
19. Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its extensive wings menu, but it also features burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. The restaurant has a sports theme on TV screens so you can watch as you eat your wings or other dishes.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, Buffalo Wild Wings also has an expanded menu with pasta entrees and steaks.
20. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews is another one of the casual restaurants like Applebee’s.
The burgers at Red Robin are made fresh to order and come with toppings like bacon, avocado, and cheese as well as side dishes like potato skins or onion rings.
SEE: Red Robin Happy Hour Offer
21. Maggiano’s Little Italy
This casual Italian spot is the perfect spot to go with a group of friends. The menu includes everything from signature pizzas and pasta dishes to salads, sandwiches, and more. The decor is simple, but it’s a comfortable place to dine.
SEE: Maggiano’s Happy Hour: Italian Dishes For Lesser Prices
22. Hooters
Hooters restaurant serves up a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and more. There’s also an extensive list of appetizers that include nachos, wings, and more.
Diners can get their meals delivered via on-site delivery service or take them home in one of Hooters’ funky baskets.
23. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Romano’s offers a variety of pasta dishes made with fresh ingredients. Pasta dishes include homemade fettuccine alfredo, linguine with clams, penne with chicken, and spicy eggplant parmesan.
Diners can also choose from other entrees such as chicken cacciatore, veal marsala, and more.
SEE: Enjoy Happy Hour At Macaroni Grill For $4
24. Bar Louie
Bar Louie is a casual American restaurant that’s been around for 20 years. You’ll find all kinds of dishes on the menu, from salads and burgers to seafood and pasta.
One of the most popular items at Bar Louie is the crab cake sandwich. It’s got crab salad, celery, and mayonnaise on bread; then topped with a slice of lemon and served on a bed of lettuce.
25. Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen is known for its amazing seafood dishes. So, if you’re looking for a seafood restaurant that isn’t too flashy but also delivers on quality ingredients then this is the place you want to go.
SEE: Pappadeaux Happy Hour: Tasty Seafood for Less Price
26. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Lazy Dog is known as a great place to grab a drink after work — but it also serves some pretty good food. The menu features everything from Chicago-style hot dogs to burgers and sandwiches.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try one of Lazy Dog’s burgers: they come with different toppings, plus fries if you want something crunchy with your mouthful of meat.
27. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
A unique, yet familiar, Mexican restaurant that has been around for over 36 years. The menu is filled with a variety of fresh dishes as well as traditional favorites like fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas.
On the Border’s margaritas are one of their most popular drinks, but they also have other specialty drinks such as sangria.
28. Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s is a barbecue restaurant chain that started in 1994 with one location in Hayward, Wisconsin, United States.
They offer barbecue ribs, chicken and pork ribs as well as chicken wings. Fans also rave about their appetizers such as mozzarella sticks or nachos with cheese sauce.
29. Ruby Tuesday
This casual sit-down restaurant offers American classics like steak fajitas and burgers alongside Mexican specialties like grilled shrimp tacos or grilled steak burritos.
You can also order from their kids’ menu if you’re dining with children at your table. Kids can eat for free on Tuesdays from 5 pm till closing.
SEE: Ruby Tuesday Happy Hour: Eat More For Less
30. Logan’s Roadhouse
Logan’s Roadhouse is a chain steakhouse that offers classic American fare. Their menu features a variety of steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes as well as chicken and vegetarian entrees.
The restaurant also offers appetizers, sides, and salads for customers to choose from. You can also enjoy live music at Logan’s Roadhouse, which makes it a very unique restaurant.
SEE: Happy Hour at Logan’s: Save Money on Food and Drink Orders
31. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is known for its fresh seafood and steaks cooked over smoky hickory wood grills. The menu at Bonefish Grill offers something for everyone — from fish tacos to steaks and burgers — so there’s something for everyone at this restaurant.
32. O’Charley’s
O’Charley’s is an upscale casual dining restaurant with a southern flair that serves up some of the best southern food around. The menu features everything from fried chicken to burgers to seafood platters, all served up with a side of friendly service.
33. Saltgrass Steak House
Saltgrass Steak House offers gourmet steaks as well as other items on its menu that are sure to satisfy any palate. They also have an extensive bar menu that includes many delicious items such as salads and appetizers.
34. Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom is a modern, casual-dining restaurant with an emphasis on quality fresh, sustainable ingredients. The menu features delicious pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and pasta made with locally sourced ingredients.
SEE: Mellow Mushroom Happy Hour
35. Golden Corral
Another one of the restaurants like Applebee’s, Golden Corral is a steakhouse with locations across the United States.
It is a popular casual dining brand known for its affordable prices, family-friendly atmosphere, and extensive menu.
FAQs
What is the most popular chain restaurant?
McDonald’s is the most popular chain restaurant with 38,000 locations worldwide.
Which casual dining chains are Applebee’s closest competitors?
Applebee’s closest competitors include Chili’s, TGI Friday’s, and Outback Steakhouse.
Conclusion
Applebee’s is one of the best-known casual dining restaurants in the United States. They’re also one of the most popular chains of restaurants in America, with more than 1,509 locations.
Applebee’s isn’t just popular because they serve food or have fun waiters and waitresses. Their popularity is also due to their menu.
Nevertheless, If you’re looking for a restaurant like Applebee’s but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, then check in with any of the 35 restaurants above.
I hope you found this article helpful. If so, check this list of restaurants that serves blooming onion.
Thanks for reading.
