Quick Answer
The Applebee's $9.99 daily specials are part of the "Really Big Meal Deal" program: a premium burger or large chicken sandwich, classic fries, and (for dine in) a beverage, all bundled together for one price. The current rotation in 2026 includes the Big Bangin' Burger, the Whole Lotta Bacon Burger, and the Big Cluckin' Chicken Sandwich.
On Tuesdays, many locations run a separate "$9.99 Any Burger" deal that lets you swap into almost any burger on the menu, served with classic fries. The price does not include tax or tip and is rarely honored on third party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
How the $9.99 Meal Deal Works
Casual dining has spent the last two years trying to claw back guests who left for fast food during peak inflation. Applebee's response was simple and effective: take a few premium burgers and chicken sandwiches, anchor them to a low, predictable price point, and let value do the marketing. The $9.99 Really Big Meal Deal is the most aggressive version of that strategy and it has worked. Foot traffic data through 2025 showed lunch and dinner mix shifting toward the $9.99 tier, especially on weeknights.
The Burgers and Sandwiches in the $9.99 Lineup
The exact rotation changes a few times a year, but the three anchor items below have been on the menu through most of 2026.
- The Big Bangin' Burger. A juicy all beef patty topped with two slices of American cheese and a sweet and spicy secret sauce made with jalapeños and bacon. Served on a brioche bun with the usual lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion. Around 950 to 1,050 calories depending on add ons. This is the one I order most often.
- The Whole Lotta Bacon Burger. Bacon is cooked directly into the patty (the kitchen calls it bacon seared), and the bun is brushed with a tangy bacon sauce. Three extra crispy bacon strips ride on top. Around 1,100 to 1,250 calories. Order this when you are extremely hungry.
- The Big Cluckin' Chicken Sandwich. A hand breaded crispy chicken breast with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, mayo, and pickles on a toasted potato bun. A great alternative if you do not want beef.
What $9.99 Actually Includes
The price covers more than just the sandwich, and the exact bundle depends on whether you dine in or take out.
- The main entree. One of the qualifying burgers or chicken sandwiches.
- The side. Classic fries. Many locations include unlimited refills if you dine in during the promo window.
- The beverage. Specific promotions (like the Big Bangin' Burger deal) include an endless soda for dine in guests. Always confirm with your server before ordering, since this varies.
The Tuesday "$9.99 Any Burger" Deal
Tuesdays are the secret weapon of the Applebee's value menu. At most participating locations you can order any burger from the full menu and get it for $9.99 with classic fries. That includes premium options like the Whisky Bacon Burger, the Quesadilla Burger, and the Bourbon Black and Bleu, which normally run $13.99 to $15.99. The deal is dine in or carry out direct (not through third party delivery), and a few locations restrict it to certain hours, so it is worth a quick phone call if you have a specific burger in mind.
Nutrition at a Glance
| Menu Item | Key Ingredients | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bangin' Burger | Beef patty, jalapeño bacon sauce, American cheese | 950 to 1,050 |
| Whole Lotta Bacon Burger | Bacon seared patty, bacon strips, bacon sauce | 1,100 to 1,250 |
| Big Cluckin' Chicken Sandwich | Hand breaded chicken breast, mayo, pickles | 880 to 980 |
| Classic Fries (side) | Potatoes, salt | 400 (refills extra) |
How I Get the Most Out of the $9.99 Deal
A few habits make this offer go further. First, dine in whenever you can, because that is when the unlimited fries and endless soda pieces actually unlock. Carry out usually charges the same $9.99 but skips the refills. Second, do not try to substitute a premium side like onion rings or waffle fries without expecting an upcharge: the $9.99 price is built around classic fries on purpose. Third, sign up for Club Applebee's so you get a heads up the moment a new $9.99 burger drops, since the rotation is often announced first by email.
Finally, ignore the deal if you see it advertised at $9.99 on DoorDash or Uber Eats: those prices are rarely the same as what Applebee's offers directly, and third party fees and markups can push the same burger over $20 by the time it reaches your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the $9.99 specials available every day?
The core Really Big Meal Deal (Big Bangin' Burger, Whole Lotta Bacon, Big Cluckin') is offered as a limited time daily promotion through most of 2026. The "Any Burger for $9.99" deal is strictly a Tuesday only special at most participating restaurants.
Does the $9.99 price include tax and tip?
No. The $9.99 price tag covers food only. Sales tax and gratuity are added on top, so the actual bill for a single $9.99 burger lands around $12 to $14 after tip in most US markets.
Can I order the $9.99 specials through DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Generally no. The $9.99 promotional price is honored on dine in and on direct To Go orders placed via the Applebee's website or app. Third party delivery platforms usually charge the regular menu price plus fees.
Can I swap fries for a salad or onion rings?
You can usually swap to onion rings, waffle fries, or a side salad, but expect a small upcharge of $1 to $2 because the $9.99 bundle is built around classic fries.
Are kids meals included in the $9.99 deal?
No. The $9.99 Really Big Meal Deal is an adult menu promotion. Kids meals have their own separate pricing, and many locations run a "Kids Eat Free" night midweek that is worth asking about.
The Takeaway
The Applebee's $9.99 daily specials are one of the strongest casual dining values in 2026. Premium burgers, hand breaded chicken sandwiches, classic fries, and (when you dine in) endless soda for under ten dollars is hard to beat. Use Tuesday's "Any Burger" deal for variety, dine in for the unlimited perks, and order direct so the price stays at the advertised $9.99.
