Applebee's vs Texas Roadhouse
Steak prices, deals, and family value compared for 2026.
Short answer:Texas Roadhouse is the better pick when steak itself is the point — hand-cut steaks are its whole menu, and the rolls are free. Applebee's is the better pick for mixed tables and deal hunting: a broader menu (burgers from $12.49, skillets, bowls, pasta), the 2 for $25 bundle, and a real happy hour that Texas Roadhouse does not match.
Side by Side
| Category | Applebee's | Texas Roadhouse | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry steak | 6 oz Top Sirloin $15.49, two sides | 6 oz sirloin at a similar price, two sides + rolls | Texas Roadhouse |
| Steak range | Sirloins, Bourbon Street Steak $21.49 | Hand-cut sirloin, ribeye, filet, T-bone, prime rib | Texas Roadhouse |
| Menu breadth | 115+ items across 15 categories | Steak-centred, smaller spread | Applebee's |
| 2-person deal | 2 for $25 (app + two entrees) | No direct equivalent; Early Dine weekday windows | Applebee's |
| Happy hour | Mon–Fri, half-price apps + drink specials | No comparable national program | Applebee's |
| Free extras | — | Unlimited fresh rolls with cinnamon butter | Texas Roadhouse |
| Kids meals | $6.99–$7.49 with side and drink | Ranger Meals at similar prices | Tie |
| Bar | Full bar at nearly every location | Full bar, margaritas a signature | Tie |
| Reservations | Walk-in; call-ahead at some locations | Walk-in with waitlist app; waits run long | Applebee's (shorter waits) |
When Texas Roadhouse Wins
Choose Texas Roadhouse when the table is there to eat steak. Every cut is hand-trimmed in house, the price-per-ounce on sirloins usually undercuts casual-dining rivals, and the free rolls and peanuts stretch the value further. It is also the more energetic room — line dancing included — which is either a feature or a dealbreaker depending on the night you want.
When Applebee's Wins
Choose Applebee's when not everyone wants steak. The menu spans 10 handcrafted burgers from $12.49, sizzling skillets, bowls, pasta, and seafood, so a mixed group all finds something. Add the 2 for $25 deal, weekday happy hour, and late-night half-price appetizers at many locations, and Applebee's is the stronger value play outside of pure steak.
Price Reality Check
Applebee's figures here come from our tracked menu data: steaks from $15.49, burgers from $12.49, appetizers from $9.49. Texas Roadhouse prices vary more by market and are shown as typical ranges — check its official local menu before you go. Both chains are franchise or market-priced, so the same dish can cost differently one town over.
Applebee's vs Texas Roadhouse FAQ
Is Applebee's or Texas Roadhouse cheaper for steak?
Entry steak prices are close: Applebee's 6 oz Top Sirloin is $15.49 with two sides, while Texas Roadhouse's 6 oz sirloin typically runs a similar price with two sides plus unlimited rolls. Texas Roadhouse usually wins on steak value per dollar because steaks are its core business; Applebee's wins when your table wants variety beyond steak or the 2 for $25 bundle.
Does Texas Roadhouse have a deal like Applebee's 2 for $25?
Not a direct equivalent. Applebee's 2 for $25 gives two entrees plus a shared appetizer. Texas Roadhouse's main value program is Early Dine — reduced-price entrees on weekday afternoons at participating locations — plus family packs to go. For two people eating at normal dinner hours, 2 for $25 is usually the stronger bundle.
Does Texas Roadhouse have happy hour like Applebee's?
Applebee's runs happy hour Monday through Friday (commonly 3PM to 7PM) with half-price appetizers and drink specials, and many locations add late-night specials. Texas Roadhouse generally does not run a comparable national happy hour — bar pricing varies by location. If discounted appetizers and drinks matter, Applebee's is the clear pick.
Which is better for families, Applebee's or Texas Roadhouse?
Both are family-friendly. Applebee's kids meals run $6.99 to $7.49 with a main, side, and drink. Texas Roadhouse offers Ranger Meals for kids at similar prices and free peanuts and rolls while you wait. Texas Roadhouse is louder by design; Applebee's is usually the quieter room.
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Read More →Applebee's prices are from this guide's tracked menu data, verified against the official Applebee's menu. Texas Roadhouse details reflect its publicly listed menu and programs at texasroadhouse.com and are stated as typical ranges because its pricing varies by market. Found something outdated? Tell us.