Applebees Riblets 2026: Platter Price, Calories and What Comes on the Plate
Everything you need to know before ordering the Classic Riblet Platter at $19.99
Applebees riblets are still on the menu in 2026. The Classic Riblet Platter costs $19.99 at most locations, comes sauced and slow-cooked with two sides, and packs 1,100 calories per plate. Riblets are a long-time guest favorite that have been on the Applebees menu for years, a lighter and cheaper alternative to the Baby Back Ribs.
What Are Applebees Riblets?
Riblets are pork. They are small, flat pieces cut from the spine section of the pig, not from the rib cage where baby back ribs come from. Because they come from a different part of the animal, riblets are smaller, have less meat per piece, and contain more bone and cartilage than baby back ribs.
Applebees prepares its riblets by slow-cooking them until tender, then coating them generously in barbecue sauce and serving them hot on a platter. The result is a sticky, slightly chewy piece of pork with a strong barbecue flavor and a texture that is different from the fall-off-the-bone experience of baby back ribs. If you have had both, you know the difference immediately.
Sauce options vary by location. The most commonly available sauces are honey BBQ and smoky BBQ glaze. Some locations may offer additional flavors like a spicier or sweeter option. Ask your server what is available when you order since seasonal and regional variations can change the lineup.
Applebees Riblet Platter | What Comes on the Plate?
The Applebees riblet platter includes a portion of sauced riblets served with two sides of your choice. At most locations, you pick from standard sides like classic fries, steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, coleslaw, onion rings, or a side salad. Premium sides like loaded mashed potatoes or four-cheese mac and cheese may be available for a small upcharge.
The riblet plate at $19.99 is a single-serving entree. It is not a shareable platter in the way that the Classic Combo appetizer is shareable. One person, one plate. The portion size fills most diners well, especially with two sides on the plate. Based on customer reports, most plates include approximately 6 to 8 riblet pieces, though the exact count varies by location and the restaurant does not publish an official per-plate number.
Applebees Riblets Price and Calories
The Classic Riblet Platter costs $19.99 at most Applebees locations and contains 1,100 calories for the standard preparation. Prices may vary by location since individual franchise restaurants set their own pricing within corporate guidelines.
Here is how the riblet platter compares in price to the other rib options on the Applebees menu:
| Item | Price | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Riblet Platter | $19.99 | 1,100 cal | Lower budget, lighter appetite |
| Half Rack Baby Back Ribs | $18.99 | 730 cal | Best value — more meat per dollar |
| Full Rack Baby Back Ribs | $22.99 | 1,170 cal | Biggest portion, serious appetite |
Prices are typical US averages. Individual location pricing may vary.
Are Applebees Riblets Still on the Menu in 2026?
Yes. Applebees riblets are still on the menu in 2026. There have been rumors over the years about riblets being discontinued or removed in certain regions, and those rumors resurface periodically, but the Classic Riblet Platter remains a listed item on the publicly available Applebees menu as of mid-2026.
That said, menu availability can vary by location. Individual franchise owners have some discretion over which items they carry, and a small number of locations may choose not to offer riblets. Seasonal supply issues can also affect availability at individual restaurants. If you are specifically going to Applebees for riblets, check the Applebees app or call your location ahead to confirm they are serving them that day.
Riblets vs Baby Back Ribs | Which Should You Order?
If you are standing at the Applebees table trying to decide between the riblets and the baby backs, here is the honest breakdown.
Baby back ribs have significantly more meat per bone. Each bone carries a generous strip of pork that pulls clean with a fork when cooked right. Riblets, by contrast, are flatter, bonnier, and have less meat per piece. You work a little harder for the same amount of food. The tradeoff is that riblets are often saucier and have a different texture, more chewy than the melt-off-the-bone baby backs.
In terms of value, the half rack of Baby Back Ribs at $18.99 is actually cheaper than the riblet platter at $19.99 and gives you more meat. If you are ordering on price alone, the half rack of baby backs wins. If you prefer the saucier, chewier texture of riblets or just want to try something different from the standard ribs everyone orders, the riblet platter is the pick.
| Feature | Riblets | Baby Back Ribs |
|---|---|---|
| Meat per piece | Less | More |
| Texture | Chewier, bonnier | Tender, fall-off-bone |
| Sauce level | Heavily sauced | Double-glazed |
| Best value | $19.99 for platter | $18.99 for half rack (more meat) |
| Who it is for | Lighter appetite, lower budget | Full meal, serious rib craving |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Applebees riblets pork or beef?
Pork. Riblets are small pork pieces cut from the spine, not beef. Every rib dish on the Applebees menu, including the Classic Riblet Platter and the Baby Back Ribs, is pork-based.
What sauces come with Applebees riblets?
Sauce options vary by location. The most common choices are honey BBQ and smoky BBQ glaze. Confirm the available sauce options with your server when you order, since seasonal or regional variations may change what is offered.
How many riblets come in the Applebees riblet platter?
Portion size varies by location. Based on publicly reported customer experiences, most plates include approximately 6 to 8 riblet pieces, but Applebees does not publish an official count per plate. Confirm with your restaurant if portion size is a deciding factor.
Are Applebees riblets gluten free?
No. Riblets are sauced and the sauces likely contain gluten. Applebees kitchens are not gluten-free environments and cross-contamination is possible. Check the gluten-sensitive menu and confirm with your server before ordering if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Can you order riblets during happy hour?
Riblets are a full entree, not an appetizer, so they are not part of the half-price apps happy hour deal. Happy hour at Applebees applies to select appetizers and bar drinks, not entrees.
What sides come with the riblet platter?
The riblet platter comes with two sides at most locations. Standard side options include classic fries, steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, coleslaw, onion rings, and a side salad. Premium sides like loaded mashed potatoes or four-cheese mac and cheese may involve a small upcharge.
Related Guides
Steaks and Ribs Menu | Happy Hour Times | Full Sides Menu | Gluten-Sensitive Menu | Full Menu with Prices
For current availability and location-specific pricing, visit the official Applebees menu (external link).
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Applebees International, Inc. Prices, availability and menu items vary by location and may have changed since publication. For the most current information, visit applebees.com or contact your local restaurant.