Applebees FAQ 2026: Reservations, Payments, Carside and More

This page answers the most common practical questions about visiting Applebees that are not about the menu itself. From reservations and payment methods to takeout containers and WiFi, these are the things people search for before they walk through the door.

Does Applebees Take Reservations?

Applebees does not take traditional reservations at most US locations. It is a walk-in casual dining restaurant. You arrive, give your name at the host stand, and wait for the next available table.

Some locations do offer waitlist management through the Applebees app. You can check estimated wait times and join the waitlist before you arrive. This is not the same as a reservation but it can reduce your time standing in the lobby.

For groups of 8 or more, calling ahead is a practical move. The manager cannot guarantee a table at an exact time but they can often set aside a section or at least have tables ready when you arrive. This is especially helpful on weekends, during holidays, or for team dinners and birthday parties.

If reservations are a must for your group, check out sit-down steakhouses or fine dining spots in your area. Applebees is built for casual walk-in convenience and the system works well for parties of 2 to 6 during normal hours.

Does Applebees Take Apple Pay?

Most Applebees locations now accept Apple Pay and Google Pay at the pay-at-table terminals and at the standard cashier counter. The pay-at-table terminals make it easy to tap your phone and go without waiting for the server to bring a check.

Not every location has pay-at-table terminals installed yet. Some older or smaller franchise locations may only have traditional card readers at the register. If contactless payment is your only option, call ahead and ask if your specific location supports Apple Pay.

The safest approach is to carry a backup physical credit or debit card. That way you are covered whether the terminal accepts contactless or not.

How Does Applebees Carside To Go Work?

Carside To Go is Applebees curbside pickup service. It works in five simple steps:

1. Order through the Applebees app or website. Browse the full menu, customize items, and pay online.
2. Select Carside To Go at checkout. Choose this option instead of delivery or in-store pickup.
3. Pull into a designated Carside spot. Drive to the restaurant and park in a marked Carside To Go spot near the entrance.
4. Check in through the app or call the number on the sign. Let the restaurant know you have arrived and which spot you are in.
5. A server brings your order to the car. They will confirm your name and hand you your food, condiments, napkins, and utensils.

There is no extra charge for Carside To Go. You pay the menu price plus tax, same as dining in. Tipping the runner is standard practice, especially for large orders or bad weather.

Does Applebees Have WiFi?

Most Applebees locations offer free guest WiFi for dine-in customers. There is usually no login required and no password. Your device should see an open Applebees WiFi network after you are seated.

Quality varies by location and time of day. During busy dinner hours the WiFi can be slow. If you need a stable connection for a video call or remote work session, restaurant WiFi is a backup option at best. Coffee shops and libraries are usually more reliable for that kind of use.

Does Applebees Have Soup?

Applebees has historically served French Onion Soup as a menu staple. It is a traditional preparation with caramelized onions in beef broth, topped with croutons and melted cheese. Some locations also offer seasonal soups like Tomato Basil or Chicken Tortilla during colder months.

Soup availability is not consistent across all locations. Some franchises keep French Onion Soup on the menu year-round while others drop it during summer. Check the current menu through the Applebees app or call your local restaurant to confirm before visiting.

If soup is a priority for your meal, calling ahead takes 30 seconds and saves you from finding out at the table that soup is not available at that location.

Are Applebees Ribs Beef or Pork?

Applebees Baby Back Ribs and Riblets are pork, not beef. The Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs and the Classic Riblet Platter are both pork-based entrees. Applebees does not serve beef ribs as a standard menu item anywhere on the current menu.

If you are looking for a beef option, the Applebees steaks menu has several cuts including a 6 oz and 8 oz USDA Select Top Sirloin, plus the Bourbon Street Steak. For a full breakdown, see the Applebees Steaks and Ribs menu page.

Are Applebees Containers Microwavable?

Applebees standard to-go containers are generally microwave-safe. The plastic clamshell containers and black base trays used for most takeout orders are made from microwave-safe polypropylene, which can handle reheating without warping or leaching.

You should always check the bottom of the container for the microwave-safe symbol before heating. The symbol looks like a box with wavy lines. If you do not see the symbol, transfer your food to a microwave-safe plate or bowl instead.

For the best reheating results, transfer food to a plate even if the container is labeled microwave-safe. A plate spreads the food out more evenly and gives you better texture than a deep container. Sauces and dressings should be reheated separately whenever possible.

Related Guides

Takeout & Carside To Go | All Locations | Menu With Prices | Steaks & Ribs Menu