What time does Applebee’s happy hour start and end?

Applebee’s has earned its place as one of America’s most beloved casual dining restaurants, known for its approachable menu, affordable prices, and welcoming atmosphere. While many people visit for its classic entrées, hearty burgers, and refreshing cocktails, there’s one feature that keeps guests coming back time and time again: Applebee’s Happy Hour.

Happy hour at Applebee’s is more than just discounted food and drinks—it’s a tradition for friends, families, coworkers, and even late-night diners who want to enjoy quality meals without overspending. The happy hour schedule, however, isn’t always the same at every location, which leads many guests to wonder: What time does Applebee’s happy hour start and end?

Afternoon Happy Hour

At most Applebee’s locations, the first round of happy hour takes place in the afternoon, typically between 3 PM and 6 PM. This window is perfect for guests looking to grab a late lunch, enjoy an early dinner, or take a break after work with coworkers.

During this time, guests can take advantage of Applebee’s famous “half apps”—a wide selection of appetizers offered at half price. Popular picks include mozzarella sticks, boneless wings, spinach artichoke dip, and chicken wonton tacos. These crowd-pleasers pair perfectly with the discounted drink specials that are also available during happy hour.

This mid-day window appeals to a wide audience—professionals stopping by after a long workday, students grabbing a bite before evening classes, or families looking to enjoy a budget-friendly early meal. The combination of variety, quality, and savings makes afternoon happy hour a go-to for many loyal customers.

Late-Night Happy Hour

What sets Applebee’s apart from many other casual dining chains is that it doesn’t limit happy hour to the afternoon. At most locations, happy hour makes a second appearance late at night, usually running from 9 PM until close.

This late-night happy hour is especially popular with young adults, night-shift workers, and anyone looking for a casual spot to relax after evening plans. The same half-priced appetizers are back on the menu, along with affordable drink specials like domestic beers, well drinks, and signature cocktails.

The energy during late-night happy hour is often different from the afternoon crowd. While the earlier happy hour is family- and work-friendly, the nighttime vibe is livelier, often with groups of friends catching up, couples enjoying a laid-back date, or students looking for a social hangout spot.

Drinks and Food Specials

One of the reasons Applebee’s happy hour is so popular is the combination of food and drink discounts. While the exact drink specials vary by location (due to local laws and regulations), most restaurants offer reduced prices on domestic beers, house wines, margaritas, and cocktails.

Guests can sip on fan favorites like the Perfect Margarita, Bahama Mama, or Long Island Iced Tea—all at a fraction of their regular cost. The affordability of these drinks makes them the perfect pairing with appetizers, ensuring guests can enjoy a complete experience without breaking the bank.

Meanwhile, the “half apps” menu is a star in itself. Items like Boneless Wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Mozzarella Sticks, and Spinach Artichoke Dip are consistently among the bestsellers. These options provide enough variety for both small and large groups to share, making happy hour perfect for social dining.

Why Guests Love Applebee’s Happy Hour

Happy hour at Applebee’s has become more than just a promotional deal—it’s a cultural staple. Here are a few reasons why guests love it so much:

• Twice a Day Savings: Many restaurants only offer one happy hour window, but Applebee’s doubles the opportunity, giving guests more flexibility.

• Affordable Group Dining: Whether it’s coworkers celebrating after work or friends catching up at night, happy hour allows groups to enjoy great food and drinks without overspending.

• Consistency and Variety: Guests know they can rely on half apps and discounted drinks, yet the variety of choices keeps it interesting.

• Welcoming Atmosphere: Applebee’s casual and friendly vibe makes it appealing to a wide range of guests—from families to college students.

Variations by Location

It’s important to note that while the typical hours are 3 PM to 6 PM and 9 PM to close, they may vary depending on the location. Some Applebee’s locations adjust their happy hour schedule based on state laws, local demand, or restaurant management decisions. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your local Applebee’s before planning your visit.

Additionally, not every location offers the same drink specials. Alcohol laws differ from state to state, meaning the discounted beverages available in one location may not be offered in another. However, one thing that remains consistent across all Applebee’s restaurants is the half-priced appetizers—a fan-favorite deal that continues to draw in customers nationwide.

Conclusion

Applebee’s happy hour is a beloved tradition that brings people together over great food, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable prices. With two windows of opportunity—afternoon from 3 PM to 6 PM and late-night from 9 PM to close—guests can enjoy flexibility, affordability, and fun no matter what their schedule looks like.

From half-priced appetizers to drink specials that make evenings even more enjoyable, Applebee’s happy hour has earned its reputation as one of the best in casual dining. Whether you’re stopping by after work, meeting friends for a night out, or just craving some late-night boneless wings, Applebee’s makes sure that happy hour is always worth the visit.