There are few people out there that haven’t heard of Applebee’s. But does Applebee’s have a gluten-free menu? If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, be sure to check out this post before heading out.
Applebee’s has a large menu, and while they do not claim to be gluten-free, they do have a range of gluten-free options.
Remember, menus change often, so this is not guaranteed to be accurate. Always check with your server.
It should be noted that they conditionally state that their food may come into contact with other gluten-containing items due to the shared food and preparation environment.
However, if you’re headed there with friends and family and want to know what you could enjoy safely, read on for the full guide to Applebee’s gluten free menu. I’ll share everything that’s gluten free and also mentions tips to eat gluten free items there safely.
History of Applebee’s
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, commonly known as Applebee's, is a popular American restaurant chain that has been serving communities across the globe for over four decades.
The story of Applebee's started in 1980 when Bill and TJ Palmer opened the very first restaurant in Decatur, Georgia. Their vision was to provide a casual, friendly dining place that served high-quality food at an affordable price.
The Palmers' concept was a hit, and within two years, they began franchising. In 1983, the fledgling chain was purchased by W.R. Grace and Company, but Bill Palmer stayed on as president of the Applebee's Division.
He continued to guide the company's growth until it was bought by Abe Gustin and John Hamra in 1988. Under their leadership, Applebee's expanded rapidly across the United States and later internationally.
Today, Applebee's operates over 1,700 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world. Despite its growth, the brand has stayed true to its roots, continuing to offer a wide variety of delicious meals.
Is There Gluten-Free Food at Applebee’s?
Yes, Applebee’s has different options if you’re looking to avoid gluten. But it’s important to note that they clearly state that there may be a risk of cross-contamination due to the shared food spaces.
For this reason, if you have severe gluten intolerance, I would recommend being careful and avoiding it.
Applebee’s Gluten Free Menu 2024 (Latest)
Here are all the gluten-free items on Applebee’s menu according to their official allergen menu:
Appetizers
- Chips and Salsa
- Double Crunch Bone-In Wings
- Salsa Verde Pulled Pork Nachos
- Salsa Verde Shredded Brisket Nachos
Note: Applebee’s uses shared fryers, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Ribs
- Applebee’s Riblets Platter
- Applebee’s Riblet Basket
- Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Full & Half
Steaks
- 12 oz. New York Strip
- 12 oz. Ribeye
Chicken
- Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
Pub Diet
- Savory Cedar Salmon
Pasta, Seafood & More
- Blackened Tilapia
- Savory Cedar Salmon
Salads & Dressings
- Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad
- Grilled Shrimp ‘N Spinach Salad
- Spinach Salad, Lunch Combo
- Bleu Cheese Dressing
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- Chili Lime Vinaigrette
- Dijon Honey Mustard Dressing
- Garlic Caesar Dressing
- Goddess Dressing
- Honey French Dressing
- Italian Dressing, Fat-Free
- Jalapeno Dressing
- Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette
- Mexi Ranch Dressing
- Oriental Dressing
Sides
- BBQ Spiced Fries
- French Fries
- House Chips
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Baked Potato
Note: Applebee’s uses shared fryers, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Kids Menu
- Chicken Griller
- Apple Dippers with Yogurt
- Baby Carrots with Ranch
- Broccoli
- French Fries
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- GoGo squeeZ Applesauce
Tips for Placing an Order for Gluten Free Items at Applebee’s
Check Their Latest Menu Online
Before heading out, check their online menu, and once there, click on ‘Nutrition & Allergens.’ You’ll be taken to their gluten-friendly menu and can check what they have available and if there are any updates.
Speak Up About Your Dietary Needs
It's important to communicate your dietary restrictions to your server. This will alert them to take extra precautions when preparing and serving your food. Applebee's staff are trained and aware of the different dietary needs and will do their best to accommodate you.
Be Aware of Cross-Contamination
Even though an item may be listed as gluten-free, there's always a risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen. If you're extremely sensitive to gluten, it's crucial to inform your server so they can relay this information to the kitchen staff.
Consider Customizations
If you're not finding an item that suits your needs, consider customizations. Applebee's is generally accommodating to modifications. For instance, you can request to have a burger without the bun or a salad without croutons.
Double-Check Your Order
Before you dig in, double-check your order to ensure it's gluten-free. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask your server to confirm.
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