The Really BIG Meal Deal costs $9.99. You get one of three entrées, Classic Fries and a fountain drink. The entrées are the Big Cluckin' Chicken Sandwich, the BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and the Big Bangin' Burger. Eat in and the fries and drink refill. For one person, nothing else on the Applebee's menu gets you a full meal for less.
What You Get for $9.99
Three things, and no choices beyond the entrée.
- One entrée. A chicken sandwich or one of two burgers, each a bigger build than its regular-menu cousin.
- Classic Fries. A basket is 400 calories. Dine in and it refills.
- A fountain drink. Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Starry or iced tea. Also refills when you dine in.
That last detail changes where you should eat it. Take it to go and you get one basket and one cup. Sit down and you can have three of each for the same $9.99. This is the one deal on the menu where dining in is plainly worth more money, not just more comfortable.
The Three Entrées
Big Cluckin' Chicken Sandwich
A hand-breaded chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo on a brioche bun. It launched with the deal in November 2024. It's the only chicken on the deal and roughly 1,100 calories.
BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
An all-beef patty with two slices of American cheese and two strips of Applewood-smoked bacon, plus lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. The regular-menu Classic Bacon Cheeseburger costs $14.49. This one is bigger and costs $4.50 less with a drink thrown in. About 1,150 calories.
Big Bangin' Burger
The one to order if you want something you can't get elsewhere on the menu. Two slices of American cheese and a sweet, spicy sauce made with jalapeños and bacon. It's the newest of the three and the heaviest, at about 1,200 calories.
Is It Actually Cheaper? The Math
Yes, by about $7.
Order a Classic Bacon Cheeseburger from the regular menu at $14.49, which already comes with fries, and add a fountain drink at $2.29 to $2.99. That's $16.78 to $17.48. The Really BIG Meal Deal gets you a larger burger, the same fries and the drink for $9.99.
| Order | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger + drink, regular menu | $16.78–$17.48 | Burger, fries, one drink |
| Really BIG Meal Deal | $9.99 | Bigger burger, fries, drink, refills when dining in |
| Two Really BIG Meal Deals | $19.98 | Two entrées, fries and drinks for two |
| 2 for $25 | $25.00 | One appetizer, two entrées, no drinks |
| National Cheeseburger Day (Sept 18, 2026 only) | $8.99 | Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries, no drink |
Two people who don't want an appetizer should order two of these. It's $5.02 cheaper than the 2 for $25 and the drinks are included, which on the 2 for $25 would add another $4.58 or more. The 2 for $25 only wins if you want a starter or an entrée that isn't a sandwich.
The one day it isn't the cheapest burger
On September 18, 2026, National Cheeseburger Day, Applebee's is selling a Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $8.99, dine-in or To Go through the app or site. That's a dollar under the Really BIG Meal Deal. It doesn't include a drink, though, so if you'd buy one anyway, the $9.99 deal still comes out ahead by at least $1.29.
Who Should Order It
Eating alone: Order it. It's the cheapest complete meal on the menu, full stop.
Two people, no starter: Order two. You'll save $5.02 against the 2 for $25 and skip the drink charge.
A big appetite: The refills make it a better deal the hungrier you are, but only at a table.
Anyone who wants steak, pasta, seafood or a salad: Skip it. All three entrées are sandwiches, and the rest of the full menu is regular price.
Calories
Each entrée plate is listed at roughly 1,100 to 1,200 calories. Refills are where it climbs. Another basket of Classic Fries adds 400 calories, and a regular fountain soda can add up to 200 per glass.
The easy fix is the drink. Diet Pepsi, unsweetened iced tea and water refill at zero, so choosing one of them keeps the refills from counting. For the per-item figures, see handcrafted burgers and the nutrition guide.
Is It Still Available?
Yes. It's been $9.99 since November 2024 and was still $9.99 in August 2026. Applebee's has never made it a permanent menu item, so it runs as an extended promotion that could end, and each franchise decides whether to take part. Check your restaurant through the location finder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Really BIG Meal Deal at Applebee's?
$9.99 for one entrée, Classic Fries and a fountain drink, before tax and tip. Franchisees set their own prices, so a restaurant can charge a little more.
What comes with the Applebee's $9.99 meal deal?
One of three entrées (the Big Cluckin' Chicken Sandwich, the BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger or the Big Bangin' Burger), Classic Fries and a fountain drink.
Does the Really BIG Meal Deal come with endless fries?
Yes, when you dine in. The fries and the fountain drink both refill at the table. To go, you get one of each.
Is the Really BIG Meal Deal better than 2 for $25?
For two people who don't want an appetizer, yes. Two deals cost $19.98 with drinks included, against $25.00 plus drinks for the 2 for $25.
What is the Big Bangin' Burger?
The newest entrée on the deal: an all-beef patty with two slices of American cheese and a sweet and spicy jalapeño bacon sauce, with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles on a brioche bun.
Can I get the Really BIG Meal Deal to go?
Yes, for Carside To Go and delivery. You won't get refills on the fries or the drink.
Is there an Applebee's burger deal on National Cheeseburger Day 2026?
Yes. On September 18, 2026 only, a Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries is $8.99 for dine-in or To Go through the Applebee's app or website.
How many calories are in the Really BIG Meal Deal?
The entrée plates run about 1,100 to 1,200 calories. Each extra basket of fries adds 400, and a regular soda refill adds up to 200.
More Applebee's Deals
Sharing with someone and want a starter? The 2 for $25 fits better. Eating between 3:00 and 6:00 PM? Half price apps at happy hour start at $5.00. Every running offer is on the specials and deals page.