The Deal That Can Make Applebee's A Great Late-Night Snack Option

In recent years, it seems like everyone is feeling the burn when it comes to food costs — even the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is trying to save money on groceries. Eating out, in particular, is a guaranteed way to blow your budget in the 2020s. Chipotle, for instance, has in the past increased its prices by 2% under the guise of offsetting inflation. That's why, when you can save some real money on a great restaurant deal, it makes sense to do so.

Applebee's has long advertised eating good in the neighborhood, but many folks don't know that it regularly has a pretty sweet deal under the radar: half-priced late-night appetizers. Any night of the week, as long as you are okay waiting until after 9:00 p.m. to eat and will do so in-restaurant, you can order select starters off Applebee's menu for 50% off. 

Be aware that this isn't a consistent promotion, however. The chain has offered this deal on and off for years, delighting fans of cheap eats ... so long as it's in effect. Check in with your local Applebee's to see if it's offering half-off appetizers, as the chain notes that participation (along with prices and specific menu items) varies by location. Otherwise, you may wish to wait for the next time this promo comes back around. If you can snag it, this is a great way to save some cash when eating out with friends — assuming you're all night owls with an appetite.

The latest round of Applebee's discounted late-night appetizers is running for a vaguely-defined limited time. Yet, given its seemingly cyclical nature, if you don't see it on offer right now, your chances of accessing those half-price apps soon are decently good. Applebee's is fond of bringing this popular deal back on the regular. Not all appetizers are included, although classics like the wonton tacos, boneless Buffalo wings, and mozzarella sticks are likely candidates and can be definitely enough to please a crowd.

The special is almost always dine-in only, meaning you can't take advantage of this deal if you want takeout. That's okay — your local Applebee's definitely has regular drink specials and plenty of TVs available to make for a good time, even if you sit down and eat at the restaurant. In a day and age where "shrinkflation" rules and it seems like genuine deals are hard to find, it's rare to see worthwhile bargains in the restaurant industry. Sure, Applebee's isn't winning any awards for ambience or elevated fare, but if your budget is currently too tight for regular date nights or girls' nights out, it could be a great destination for fun and yummy food on a shoestring budget.