Applebee's vs Olive Garden
Neighborhood grill against unlimited breadsticks — value compared for 2026.
Short answer:these two chains solve different dinners. Olive Garden wins on Italian food and included extras — every entree comes with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad. Applebee's wins on menu breadth, the always-on 2 for $25 deal, a full bar with weekday happy hour, and lighter options like entrees under 600 calories.
Side by Side
| Category | Applebee's | Olive Garden | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisine | American bar & grill, 15 categories | Italian-American | Depends on craving |
| Included extras | — | Unlimited breadsticks + soup/salad with entrees | Olive Garden |
| 2-person value | 2 for $25 year-round | No standing bundle; seasonal promos | Applebee's |
| Pasta depth | 5 dishes | Entire menu | Olive Garden |
| Steaks & burgers | Steaks from $15.49, 10 burgers from $12.49 | Minimal | Applebee's |
| Happy hour | Mon–Fri half-price apps + drinks | None nationally | Applebee's |
| Kids meals | $6.99–$7.49 with side and drink | Similar range with sides | Tie |
| Lighter eating | Under-600-calorie lineup, bowls | Tavola lighter portions vary | Applebee's |
When Olive Garden Wins
Choose Olive Garden when the table wants Italian, when unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks will actually get eaten, or when someone is chasing the Never Ending Pasta Bowl during its seasonal run. The included extras mean big appetites get more food per dollar than almost any casual chain.
When Applebee's Wins
Choose Applebee's for a mixed table: someone wants a burger, someone wants steak or ribs, someone wants a salad, and someone just wants a margarita. It is also the only one of the two with a real bar program — 8 signature cocktails from $7.99 and happy hour pricing on weekdays.
Price Reality Check
Applebee's numbers here are from our tracked data: pasta from $6.99, burgers from $12.49, steaks from $15.49, kids meals $6.99–$7.49. Olive Garden prices are typical ranges — it prices by market, so confirm on its official menu for your location. Applebee's restaurants are franchised and vary too; prices differ by state.
Applebee's vs Olive Garden FAQ
Is Applebee's or Olive Garden cheaper?
For two people, Applebee's 2 for $25 (a shared appetizer plus two entrees) usually comes in under an Olive Garden dinner, where entrees typically run the mid-teens to low twenties before drinks. Olive Garden closes the gap with unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks included with entrees — heavy eaters get more food per dollar there.
Does Olive Garden have a deal like the 2 for $25?
Olive Garden's headline value is bundled into every entree — unlimited breadsticks plus soup or salad — rather than a two-person bundle. Its famous Never Ending Pasta Bowl is seasonal, not year-round. Applebee's 2 for $25 runs continuously, which makes it easier to plan around.
Which has better pasta, Applebee's or Olive Garden?
Olive Garden — pasta is its entire identity, with a far deeper Italian menu. Applebee's carries 5 pasta dishes (from $6.99 breadsticks with Alfredo to entrees around $17.99) that cover the basics well, but nobody picks Applebee's primarily for pasta. Pick Applebee's when the table wants pasta AND burgers AND a full bar.
Does Olive Garden have happy hour?
No national happy hour. Applebee's runs half-price appetizers and drink specials Monday through Friday at most locations, plus late-night specials. For bar value, Applebee's wins by default.
Applebee's prices are from this guide's tracked menu data, verified against the official Applebee's menu. Olive Garden details reflect its publicly listed menu and programs at olivegarden.com and are stated as typical ranges. Found something outdated? Tell us.