Applebee’s in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Applebee’s is a familiar choice when you want casual American and international-inspired dishes without spending a lot of time planning. In Atlanta, Applebee’s fits into a busy lifestyle: it’s easy to find, family-friendly, and predictable whether you live here or are just visiting.

This guide walks through what Applebee’s is like in Atlanta, where you’ll typically find locations, what to expect from the menu, and practical tips for takeout, delivery, late-night visits, and group meals.

What Applebee’s Offers Atlanta Diners

Applebee’s is best known as a neighborhood grill and bar with a mix of:

• American comfort food (burgers, steaks, ribs, wings)
• Tex-Mex and Latin-inspired dishes (fajitas, quesadillas, tacos)
• Asian-inspired items (stir-fry–style bowls, sweet-and-spicy sauces)
• Italian-American favorites (pasta dishes, crispy chicken with pasta)

So while it’s not a traditional “international restaurant” in the sense of deeply authentic regional cooking, the menu pulls in global-inspired flavors in a casual, accessible way.

In Atlanta, this makes Applebee’s a practical pick if:

• Your group wants a little bit of everything on one menu.
• You need a spot that works for kids, teens, and adults.
• You want something familiar near hotels, malls, or major roads.

Where You’ll Usually Find Applebee’s in Atlanta

Applebee’s locations tend to cluster around:

• Busy commercial corridors and major roads
• Shopping centers and strip malls
• Areas convenient to suburban neighborhoods and interstates

While specific openings and closures change over time, you’ll commonly find Applebee’s:

• In or near metro Atlanta suburbs like Decatur, Tucker, Smyrna, Marietta, and College Park
• Along I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20 corridors, often near big retail centers or hotel clusters
• In shopping plazas with grocery stores, big-box retailers, or movie theaters

If you’re staying in a hotel around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, near Cumberland, or around popular suburban retail areas, there’s a good chance an Applebee’s is a short drive away.

Because locations and hours can change, most Atlanta diners use:

• A map app (search “Applebee’s near me” in Atlanta)
• Applebee’s official app or phone line for the specific restaurant

What the Menu Looks Like in Atlanta

Applebee’s uses a standard national menu, with occasional regional pricing or limited-time items. You can reliably expect:

Core Menu Categories

Starters and Shareables

• Boneless and traditional wings with different sauces
• Mozzarella sticks, spinach-artichoke dip, and sampler platters
• Nachos or Tex-Mex–style appetizers in some locations

Burgers and Sandwiches

• Classic and specialty burgers (cheese, bacon, loaded toppings)
• Chicken sandwiches (grilled, crispy, or spicy)
• Club sandwiches and wraps

International-Inspired Mains

• Fajitas with steak, chicken, or shrimp
• Quesadillas and Tex-Mex–style bowls
• Asian-inspired bowls with stir-fried vegetables and sweet or spicy sauces
• Pasta dishes with Italian-American style sauces and toppings

Steaks, Ribs, and Chicken

• Budget-friendly steaks with sides
• Baby back ribs with barbecue sauce
• Grilled or crispy chicken entrees

Salads and Lighter Choices

• Entrée salads with grilled chicken or shrimp
• Lighter grilled options and bowls, depending on promotions

Kids’ Meals

• Smaller portions of chicken, pasta, burgers, or grilled options
• Typically come with a side and drink option

International Cuisine at Applebee’s: What That Really Means

If you’re looking for global flavors in a casual, mainstream format, Applebee’s can work well. Examples of “international cuisine” on the menu include:

• Mexican/Tex-Mex–inspired: fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, salsas
• Asian-inspired: sweet-and-spicy chicken bowls, stir-fry–style dishes with rice or noodles
• Italian-American: pasta with creamy or tomato-based sauces, parmesan-style chicken

If you want deeply authentic global dining in Atlanta, you’ll likely look beyond Applebee’s to neighborhoods like Buford Highway, Doraville, Chamblee, or Decatur for dedicated Mexican, Korean, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Indian, or other regional cuisines.

But if your group wants familiar American food with some international-style options on the same menu, Applebee’s is built around that kind of compromise.

Applebee’s in the Atlanta Dining Routine

For Local Residents

Atlanta locals often use Applebee’s for:

• Weeknight dinners when you don’t want to cook
• Casual meetups after work or school
• Family meals that are predictable and kid-friendly
• Takeout or delivery when you want mainstream, familiar food

It’s especially common around suburban neighborhoods, where the combination of parking, bar area, and kid-friendly menus fits everyday needs.

For Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re in town for a conference, tournament, or layover, Applebee’s offers:

• A known quantity if you’re unsure about local spots
• A menu that works for large, mixed-age groups
• Often late hours compared with some smaller local restaurants

Many visitors staying near the airport, Perimeter Center, Cumberland, or Galleria areas will find Applebee’s among the more recognizable options.

Typical Hours, Seating, and Atmosphere

Hours vary by location, but in Atlanta, Applebee’s generally offers:

• Lunch and dinner service every day
• Later hours on Friday and Saturday nights at many locations
• Bar service into the evening, subject to local alcohol regulations

Inside, the layout usually includes:

• A bar area with high-top seating and TVs (popular on game days)
• Booths and tables for families and groups
• Background music and a casual, moderately busy atmosphere

If you’re planning a post-event meal after a game, movie, or concert, checking the hours for a specific Atlanta location before you head over is wise, especially late at night.

Takeout, Delivery, and Online Ordering in Atlanta

Applebee’s is widely used for takeout and delivery in the Atlanta area.

How Atlantans Commonly Order

• Restaurant website or app: For direct takeout and sometimes delivery
• Third-party delivery apps: Often available throughout the metro area
• Call-in orders: Still common in some neighborhoods

You’ll typically be able to choose:

• Car-side pickup: Park in a designated spot and have food brought to your car
• In-store pickup: Walk in, grab your bag at the counter
• Delivery: Check your specific address; availability is usually good in most of metro Atlanta

🍽 Tip: In busier areas (near shopping centers or during big local events), allow extra time for peak dinner hours, especially Friday and Saturday nights.

Groups, Teams, and Special Gatherings

Atlanta families and teams often use Applebee’s for:

• Youth sports gatherings after games
• School or church group dinners
• Traveling teams and event groups staying in suburban hotels

Planning for Bigger Groups

For medium to large groups in Atlanta:

• Call ahead to the specific location and ask:
  • If they can accommodate your group size
  • Whether they can push tables together or reserve an area
  • What times are less busy
• Ask about separate checks policies for large parties
• Check whether a gratuity is added automatically for big groups

Applebee’s doesn’t typically operate like a full banquet facility, but many Atlanta locations are accustomed to teams and community groups coming in together.

Dietary Preferences and Considerations

Applebee’s menus usually include symbols or notes for certain dietary needs. While options may be limited compared with dedicated health-focused restaurants, you can often find:

• Grilled proteins (chicken, shrimp) instead of fried
• Salads with dressing on the side
• Simple items like baked or mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables as sides

If you have strict dietary needs or allergies:

• Ask for a printed allergen guide or assistance from staff
• Request ingredient information for sauces and marinades
• Clearly explain what you must avoid

For plant-based or vegan diners, choices may be more constrained; sides and salads with customizations may be the most workable options.

Cost Expectations in Atlanta

Prices at Applebee’s in Atlanta are generally in the budget- to mid-range for sit-down dining. You can usually expect:

• Appetizers: Lower to mid price range per plate
• Burgers and sandwiches: Mid-range, often including a side
• Steaks and ribs: Higher end of the menu, but often less than upscale steakhouses
• Kids’ meals: Lower-priced, typically bundled
• Soft drinks and iced tea: Standard casual-dining pricing; often refillable

Applebee’s frequently offers daily or time-limited deals or bundles, but these change, so it’s best to check the most current offerings at the specific Atlanta-area location.

Quick Reference: Is Applebee’s a Good Fit for Your Atlanta Plans?

How to Choose the Right Applebee’s Location Around Atlanta

Because the metro area is large and traffic can be heavy, it’s worth picking the location that best fits your plans:

• Near home: Choose the location closest to your neighborhood for takeout and quick dinners.
• Near the airport: Look for Applebee’s close to major airport hotels if you’re on a layover.
• Near shopping areas: If you’re at a mall or retail center, search “Applebee’s” in your maps app to find the closest option along with real-time travel estimates.
• Near event venues: For games or concerts, pick a location away from the most congested roads immediately around the stadium or arena to avoid longer waits.

Calling the specific restaurant ahead of time can help you:

• Confirm current hours
• Ask about wait times
• Check if they can handle your group size
• Clarify takeout and curbside pickup options

If you’re in Atlanta and want familiar, casual food with some international-inspired dishes under one roof, Applebee’s can be a practical, predictable option—especially for families, groups, and visitors who need something straightforward and easy to reach.