When it comes to popular casual dining chains in America, two big names come to mind – Applebee’s and Chili’s. Both restaurants are staples across the country, serving up hearty portions of classic American fare in a lively and family-friendly environment.
But if you had to choose just one for your next night out, which would it be?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Applebee’s and Chili’s to help you decide which chain offers the best overall dining experience. We’ll compare the menus, atmosphere, prices, and key features so you know what to expect. Whether you’re looking for tasty pub fare or sizzling Tex-Mex, read on to see how Applebee’s and Chili’s stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Applebee’s | Chili’s |
| Type of Cuisine | American, pub fare | Tex-Mex, Southwestern |
| Signature Items | Boneless wings, riblets, whiskey bacon burgers, skillet queso, fajitas, Baby Back Ribs, margaritas | – |
| Avg. Entree Price | $12-$20 | $12-$20 |
| Atmosphere | Lively, buzzy, sports bar vibe | Fun, energetic, bar/Southwest vibe |
| Good For | Groups, sports fans, families, late night dining | Tex-Mex lovers, couples, margarita/tequila fans |
| Appetizer Variety | Extensive – wings, skins, mozzarella sticks, sampler platters | Tex-Mex focused – queso, eggrolls, nachos, tacos |
| Happy Hour/Drink Deals | Dollar ‘Ritas, $1 drink deals, half priced apps | $5 draft beers & margaritas |
| Kid’s Menu | Burgers, chicken tenders, pasta | Nachos, quesadillas, burgers |
| Loyalty Program | Yes | Chili’s Rewards program |
| # of Locations | ~1,900 locations | ~1,200 locations |
Overview Of Applebee’s
Applebee’s opened its first location back in 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, the casual dining chain has expanded to over 1,900 locations across the United States and worldwide. Known for its extensive menu of American classics, signature drinks, and lively neighborhood vibes, Applebee’s aim to provide an easy dining experience the whole family can enjoy. Some defining features include:
- Classic American comfort food like burgers, ribs, steaks, and pasta dishes
- Signature appetizers like Boneless Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, and Appetizer Sampler Platters
- Specialty cocktails like the Absolute Perfect Margarita and Strawberry Dollarita
- Family-friendly atmosphere with booth seating and a bar area for adults
- TVs. throughout playing sports and contemporary music playing
- Main entrees priced $7 to $20 on average
- Kids’ menu with favorites like Chicken Tenders, Cheeseburger, and Mac & Cheese
With affordable shareables and drinks, Applebee’s provides a dependable spot for casual group dinners and family meals. The wide selection aims to have something for everyone.
Overview Of Chili’s
Chili’s opened its first restaurant in Dallas, Texas in 1975, bringing Tex-Mex inspired fare to the masses. Since then, Chili’s has grown to over 1,200 locations worldwide while staying true to its roots. Signature menu items include sizzling fajitas, ribs, margaritas and more. Some defining features of Chili’s include:
- Tex-Mex favorites like fajitas, quesadillas, bowls, and tacos
- Specials like “3 for $10” meal deals and endless chips & salsa
- Signature margaritas made with fresh ingredients and available in a variety of fruit flavors
- Full bar with beers and cocktails in a lively, bar-style setting
- Ranging from standard burgers and sandwiches to ribs, steaks, and grilled seafood
- Main entrees priced $10 to $20 on average
- Kids’ menu with Chile’s originals like Chili Cheese Nachos and Chicken Crispers
With a southwestern flair, Chili’s provides a more lively dinner spot with shareable appetizers, margaritas, and sizzling entrees. The menu aims to deliver an experience of big Tex-Mex flavors.
Menu Comparison
Both Applebee’s and Chili’s feature expansive menus with all your American favorites covered. However, there are some notable differences when it comes to the cuisine, signature items, and variety available.
Applebee’s Menu Highlights
- Wide selection of appetizers and pub fare like wings, potato skins, and mozzarella sticks
- Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, and tacos
- Signature entrees like riblets, bourbon steak, and shrimp & broccoli alfredo
- Homestyle sides like fries, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, and steamed veggies
- Salads, soups, and a lite menu for healthier options
- Kids’ menu with favorites like mac & cheese, chicken tenders, grilled cheese
Chili’s Menu Highlights
- Tex-Mex inspired appetizers like skillet queso, nachos, crispers, and chili con queso
- Fajitas available in steak, chicken and carnitas with fixings like peppers and onions
- Chili’s originals like the Oldtimer with Cheese, Big Mouth Burgers, and ribs
- Specialty tacos, burritos, bowls, sandwiches, and seafood options
- House salad, margarita grilled chicken salad, and southwestern Caesar salad
- Kids’ menu with nachos, cheeseburger, quesadilla, and more
While both serve up classics like burgers, ribs, and fried appetizers, Applebee’s excels with pub food while Chili’s is known for its southwestern flair and sizzling fajitas. When it comes to signature drinks, Applebee’s has a wider variety of cocktail offerings while Chili’s has perfected its famous margaritas.
Price Comparison
As fellow casual dining chains, Applebee’s and Chili’s are reasonably close when it comes to average check totals for a meal. Here’s an overview of how pricing shakes out at each:
Applebee’s Pricing
- Appetizers & Sides: $3 – $12
- Soups & Salads: $5 – $12
- Burgers & Sandwiches: $9 – $14
- Entrees: $12 – $20
- Desserts: $7 – $9
Chili’s Pricing
- Appetizers: $8 – $12
- Soups & Salads: $6 – $15
- Tacos & Sandwiches: $9 – $15
- Fajitas & Entrees: $12 – $20
- Desserts: $7 – $9
While prices are pretty evenly matched, Applebee’s tends to have lower prices on its appetizers while Chili’s wings and nachos cost a bit more. For entrees, you’ll pay about the same for burgers, ribs, pasta dishes, and fajitas at both chains. One advantage of Chili’s is they regularly offer discounts like “3 for $10” meal deals and $5 margaritas during happy hour.
Overall, you can expect to pay around the same total at both restaurants for an appetizer or two, a couple of entrees, and drinks. The average per person bill often lands between $15-$25. With generous portions, it’s easy to take home leftovers and get your money’s worth at either spot.
Atmosphere
Both Applebee’s and Chili’s aim to provide lively neighborhood vibes with a casual setting for meals with family and friends. Here’s an overview of the dining experience at each chain:
Applebee’s Atmosphere
- Vibrant, friendly atmosphere with upbeat music playing
- Booths, high tops, and bar seating throughout restaurant
- Sports playing on TVs. throughout dining area
- Main dining room plus bar area for drinks
- Decor with mementos like license plates, sports gear, neon signs
- Buzzing vibe great for large groups and families
Chili’s Atmosphere
- Lively southwest-inspired setting with music playing
- Bar area with stools and high tops in front of large bar
- Booths and tables in the main dining room
- Hanging lights, colorful textiles, and warm wood tones
- Open kitchen adds energy to the dining room
- Fun vibe perfect for drinks and group dinners
Both restaurants aim to provide a high-energy dining experience with a fun bar area to grab drinks. Applebee’s has more of a traditional sports bar meets family dining vibe, while Chili’s leans into its southwest inspiration. Ultimately, they offer very similar lively atmospheres for casual meals out.
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Key Features Comparison
Let’s take a look at some of the standout features of both brands:
Applebee’s Key Features
- Dollar drink deals – Offers discounted drinks and cocktails, especially the $1 Strawberry Dollaritas
- 2 for $20 – Popular meal deal mixing and matching entrees and apps
- Curbside to-go – Convenient curbside pickup for taking food to-go
- Delivery – Delivery now available through DoorDash and Applebee’s website/app
- Late night dining – Open extra late with full menu till midnight or later
Chili’s Key Features
- Margaritas – Specialty margaritas made fresh with Patron tequila
- $5 drink deals – Discount drink specials like draft beers and margaritas
- 3 for $10 meal deal – Choose an appetizer and two entrees for $10 total
- Free chips & salsa – Complimentary bottomless tortilla chips and salsa
- Fajitas for two – Sizzling fajitas served on a skillet for sharing
Both chains aim to provide value with drink specials, meal deals, happy hour pricing, and convenient to-go options. Applebee’s edges out when it comes to late night food and dining. Chili’s highlights its margaritas and Tex-Mex inspired offerings like complimentary chips and salsas and shareable fajitas.
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Kid’s Menu Comparison
When dining out with the whole family, having solid kids’ options is a must. Here’s an overview of the kid’s menus at Applebee’s Vs. Chili’s:
Applebee’s Kids
- Main entrees like cheeseburger, chicken tenders, grilled cheese
- Sides like fries, broccoli, applesauce, rice
- Drink included – milk, juice, soda
- Dessert included – ice cream sundae bar
- Pricing from $5.99 – $7.99
Chili’s Kids
- Chili’s originals like nachos, cheeseburger, crispers, quesadilla
- Sides like chips, grapes, carrot sticks, celery sticks
- Drink included – milk, juice, soda
- Ice cream sundae included
- Pricing from $6.79 – $7.79
The kid’s menus are pretty comparable at both chains. One advantage of Chili’s is the Chili’s original options like nachos and crispers which you won’t find at most places. Both provide well-rounded meals with healthy sides and dessert included at affordable prices.
Which Has Better Food?
With each chain putting its own spin on appetizers, burgers, ribs, and other American classics, deciding which has the better food ultimately comes down to personal taste preferences.
Some key considerations for Applebee’s:
- Broader menu with more pub fare like wings, skins, and mozzarella sticks
- Signature dishes like riblets, steak dinners, shrimp Alfredo
- Burgers and sandwiches with fun topping options
- Freshly made salads with crunchy toppings
Some key considerations for Chili’s:
- Specializes in Tex-Mex like fajitas, tacos, nachos
- Big portions and shareable options for groups
- Chile’s originals like Oldtimer burger, crispers, baby back ribs
- Fresh guacamole, house-made salsa, bottomless tortilla chips
While it’s hard to go wrong with classics like burgers, ribs, or wings – Applebee’s offers greater variety while Chili’s excels at bringing bold, Tex-Mex flavors. Ultimately, it depends on whether you’re in the mood for more pub fare or sizzling fajitas.
Which Restaurant Is More Popular?
Based on total number of locations, Applebee’s appears to be the more popular nationwide chain – with nearly 1,900 Applebee’s restaurants compared to around 1,200 Chili’s locations.
However, Chili’s continues to thrive and expand its footprint, especially internationally with over 100 locations in Mexico and Canada. Both chains have a solid following but Applebee’s takes the edge when it comes to total brand awareness and popularity across America. It’s one of the few spots where you can find an Applebee’s in just about any town.
That said, Chili’s has cultivated a very loyal customer base that keeps coming back for its signature Tex-Mex dishes, frosty margaritas, and lively atmosphere. When looking nationally, Applebee’s comes out as the slightly more popular choice for American diners looking for a familiar casual meal.
Which Is Better For Families?
Both Applebee’s and Chili’s provide solid options for family dining, with affordable kids’ menus, hearty portions, and casual settings. A few key things to consider:
Applebee’s
- Wide variety on the menu appeals to picky eaters
- Kids’ menu with classics like chicken tenders and pasta
- Family meal deals like “2 for $20” or “2 for $25”
- Booth seating and comfortable vibe for kids
- Crayons and activity placemats to keep kids engaged
Chili’s
- Menu caters well to Tex-Mex lovers of all ages
- Kids’ meals featuring Chili’s originals like nachos
- Free chips and salsa – an instant kid pleaser!
- Lively atmosphere with meals, drinks for parents
- Great value on meal deals like “3 for $10”
While both are solid family choices, Applebee’s may appeal to more traditional eaters thanks to its comfort food classics. Chili’s excels for families who want to enjoy some southwestern flavor together.
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Which Restaurant Is More Couple Friendly?
Whether you’re on a casual date night or grabbing a bite with friends, both Chili’s and Applebee’s can make for a fun night out for couples. A few differences stand out:
Applebee’s
- Variety of apps, meals, drinks for sharing and pairing
- Cocktail offerings like dollar ‘Ritas and beer towers
- Late night menu available until midnight or later
- Half priced apps and drinks during happy hour
- Lively vibe with sports on TV for easygoing nights
Chili’s
- Shareable appetizers like skillet queso, southwestern eggrolls
- Signature margaritas available in a variety of flavors
- Chilihead rewards program for regular customers
- Chili’s original offerings ideal for couples who love Tex-Mex
- Upbeat atmosphere with bar seating
Applebee’s provides greater variety for groups and late night offerings, while Chili’s margaritas, queso, and loyalty program give it an edge for southwestern food fans. Ultimately both pick up the pace at night with a fun bar crowd.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Applebee’s and Chili’s have very similar pricing, with most entrees ranging from $12-$20. Appetizers and sides tend to be a little cheaper at Applebee’s, in the $3-$12 range, while Chili’s are $8-$12. Overall, you can expect to pay right around the same total per person at both chains.
Yes, Applebee’s and Chili’s are direct competitors as casual dining chains specializing in American fare. They compete for the same customer segments like families, couples, and budget-conscious diners seeking an affordable sit-down meal.
Both chains also try to differentiate with signature items like Chili’s fajitas or Applebee’s late night options.
Some reasons why Applebee’s has become so hugely popular nationwide include:
Broad menu with American classics like burgers, steak, ribs
Affordable prices appeal to budget-conscious diners
Fun vibe with sports, music creates lively setting
Discount deals like $1 drink specials and half priced apps
Familiar brand with locations conveniently everywhere
No, Applebee’s and Chili’s are completely separate restaurant chains and competitors. Applebee’s is owned by Dine Brands while Chili’s parent company is Brinker International. They have no shared ownership or brand affiliations.
The Verdict
When it comes down to making a choice between dining at Chili’s Vs. Applebee’s, it really depends on whether you’re craving more of a traditional American menu or bold Tex-Mex flavors. Both chains execute their cuisine styles well and provide solid value.
Applebee’s shines with its extensive appetizer menu, dollar drink deals, late night options, and familiar American dishes. It’s a lively spot for sports fans, groups, and families seeking a varied menu. Chili’s excels at bringing Tex-Mex inspired cuisine to the masses with sizzling fajitas, house-made margaritas, and southwestern favorites. It’s a great pick for spicy food fans, couples, and informal group dinners.
No matter your occasion, you’re sure to walk away satisfied from a meal at either casual dining favorite. While the menus differ, both Applebee’s and Chili’s offer excellent service, generous portions, and fun vibes perfect for everything from date nights to family meals. Based on your taste preferences, budget, and cravings, you can feel good choosing either restaurant for your next night out.