Applebee’s has a secret menu that many customers don’t know about. As a popular restaurant chain, it’s known for its appetizers and great drink deals, but there’s more to discover. You can customize certain dishes in ways that aren’t listed on the regular menu, making your meal a bit more special. 

Although Applebee’s isn’t typically seen as a place for healthy meals, some of these hidden options can be turned into nutritious choices with a few adjustments. If you’re interested in exploring these secret items, read on to find out more!

Bacondown Epic Bacon Burger

This secret menu item was a limited release at Applebee’s a few years ago, but some employees might still know how to make it. It’s a regular bacon cheeseburger with five extra strips of bacon on top. If your server isn’t familiar with it, just order a bacon cheeseburger and ask for a side of extra bacon to build it yourself.

Pro Tip: Ask for the bacon to be extra crispy to add a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Customization Idea: Try adding different cheeses like pepper jack or blue cheese for a flavor twist.

Bacondown Epic Bacon Burger

Garlic Steak

This Applebee’s secret item takes their steak to a new level. To enjoy this flavorful dish, ask your server to add a drizzle of garlic sauce from the garlic fries on your steak before it’s taken off the grill. Not all Applebee’s locations may accommodate this request, but if you find one that does, you’ll be in for a delicious experience.

Pro Tip: If they can’t add the sauce while cooking, ask for a side of garlic sauce to drizzle over your steak at the table.

Customization Idea: Pair this with a side of sautéed mushrooms for an extra umami boost.

Garlic Steak

Unlimited Boneless Wings

If you’re a fan of boneless wings, Applebee’s secret menu has an all-you-can-eat option you’ll love. For less than $13, you can enjoy endless wings with six different sauces and unlimited fries. It’s perfect for when you’re really hungry or hanging out with friends.

Pro Tip: Ask about the availability of this deal, as it may vary by location or be offered only on specific days. Some locations might allow you to mix and match sauces for a varied flavor experience.

Customization Idea: If you’re watching your carbs, ask if you can substitute the fries for a side salad or vegetable.

Unlimited Boneless Wings

Beer Cheese Chicken Wings

The secret menu at Applebee’s offers a simple yet delicious option. To enjoy this hidden menu item, order a serving of pretzels with beer cheese along with your favorite wings. Once you have your food, dip the wings in the beer cheese for a cheesy treat. You might want to get an extra order of beer cheese for this, but it’s definitely worth it!

Pro Tip: Ask if they can toss the wings in the beer cheese sauce for a more evenly coated experience.

Customization Idea: Try this with different wing flavors – the tanginess of BBQ wings pairs particularly well with the beer cheese.

Beer Cheese Chicken Wings

Vegan Burger

While Applebee’s menu is mostly meat-focused, vegans and vegetarians can now enjoy their burgers with the addition of the Impossible Burger. The basic Impossible Burger is quite simple, but some locations allow you to substitute any burger with the Impossible patty for a delicious plant-based option.

Pro Tip: Make sure to specify that you want a fully vegan preparation, as some locations might use non-vegan buns or condiments by default.

Customization Idea: Add avocado, grilled mushrooms, or vegan cheese (if available) to create a more gourmet vegan burger experience.

Vegan Burger

Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cheeseburger

This tasty secret menu item lets you enjoy two favorites in one. Just order a bacon cheeseburger and a side of mac ‘n cheese. Then, put some of the cheesy noodles on top of the burger and enjoy. It’s just as good as it sounds!

Pro Tip: Ask for the mac ‘n cheese to be extra hot so it doesn’t cool down your burger too much when you add it.

Customization Idea: Try adding some crispy onion strings or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.

Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cheeseburger

Grilled Chicken Breast

Hidden among the fried options on Applebee’s menu is the grilled chicken breast, a great pick for a healthier meal. This secret menu item comes with two sides, making it a hearty choice for lunch or dinner. To make it more flavorful, you can ask for a side of your favorite sauce.

Pro Tip: Ask for the chicken to be seasoned with lemon pepper or herb seasoning for extra flavor without added calories.

Customization Idea: Create a low-carb meal by pairing the grilled chicken with steamed broccoli and a side salad.

Grilled Chicken Breast

Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

You can turn Applebee’s popular spinach and artichoke dip into a pizza with this secret menu hack. Simply order the dip and a side of flatbread from the kids’ menu. Spread the dip on the flatbread and enjoy a unique and delicious treat. This is what Applebee’s hidden menu is all about!

Pro Tip: Ask if they can heat the flatbread and dip together in the oven for a melty, pizza-like texture.

Customization Idea: Add some grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits on top for extra protein.

Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

Shrimp ‘N Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

This hidden menu item features a delicious combination of creamy lemon butter Parmesan sauce with a side of mashed potatoes. You can order the shrimp ‘n Parmesan sirloin steak and ask for extra sauce to pour over the potatoes, or simply request a small dish of the sauce to go with your meal.

Pro Tip: Ask if they can add some roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for an extra flavor boost.

Customization Idea: Try substituting the mashed potatoes with their loaded baked potato for a heartier option.

Shrimp ‘N Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Taco Meltdown

This secret item is a cheesy, crunchy delight. The Taco Meltdown features chicken wonton tacos topped with a generous drizzle of nacho cheese, creating a deliciously indulgent dish. It’s a perfect example of the fun options available on this menu.

Pro Tip: Ask for some fresh pico de gallo or jalapeños on the side to add a fresh, spicy kick.

Customization Idea: Try substituting the chicken with steak or shrimp for a different protein option.

Taco Meltdown

Side Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

One of the simplest and healthiest secret menu options at Applebee’s is a side Caesar salad with grilled chicken. Just order them together for a lighter entrée, especially if you’ve already had a big appetizer. It’s a fresh and satisfying choice after enjoying heavier starters!

Pro Tip: Ask for the dressing on the side to control the amount and keep the salad crisp.

Customization Idea: Add some avocado or a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for healthy fats and extra crunch.

Side Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

Strawberry Daiquiri & Piña Colada Swirl

This frozen drink is a refreshing choice from Applebee’s secret item. To enjoy it, order a strawberry daiquiri layered over a piña colada and give it a gentle swirl when it arrives. Be sure to request the drink layered instead of mixed to get the best experience.

Pro Tip: Ask for an extra shot of rum on the side if you prefer a stronger drink.

Customization Idea: Try adding a splash of blue curaçao for a fun color twist and extra citrus flavor.

Strawberry Daiquiri & Piña Colada Swirl

How to Order from the Secret Menu

When ordering from secret menu, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Be patient and polite when explaining your order to the server.
  2. If the server isn’t familiar with the item, be prepared to explain how it’s made.
  3. Be flexible – not all locations may be able to accommodate every secret menu request.
  4. Consider busy times – complex orders might be harder to fulfill during peak hours.

Nutritional Considerations

While many secret menu items are indulgent, there are ways to make healthier choices:

  • Opt for grilled instead of fried options when available.
  • Ask for sauces and dressings on the side to control portions.
  • Consider sharing larger items or taking half home for later.

Final Words

Exploring Applebee’s hidden menu can add excitement to your dining experience and allow you to customize your meal to your liking. Remember, availability may vary by location, so don’t be disappointed if a particular item isn’t available. The fun is in the experimentation and discovering new flavor combinations!