The Applebee's Ultimate Trio is a build-your-own appetizer sampler: pick three appetizers and three dipping sauces from 10 of each. Our reference price is $16.99, up from $14.99 when it launched in August 2025, and a trio runs about 1,850 calories. It's $2 cheaper than the fixed Classic Combo, and it's the better order unless you specifically want the Spinach & Artichoke Dip.
Ultimate Trio vs Classic Combo
| Ultimate Trio | Classic Combo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16.99 | $18.99 |
| Calories | About 1,850 | 2,200 |
| Appetizers | 3, your choice | 4, fixed |
| Sauces | 3, your choice | Set |
The Classic Combo is Boneless Wings, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Chicken Quesadilla and Mozzarella Sticks. Three of those four are Trio choices anyway, so the extra $2 mostly buys you the dip. Trio calories depend on what you pick. Prices are reference figures, and your restaurant sets its own.
Every Ultimate Trio Choice
Applebee's launched the Trio with these 10 appetizers and 10 sauces. Crispy Pickle Fries joined the appetizer list later in 2025, and restaurants don't all carry every option, so check your menu.
Appetizers:
- Boneless Wings
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Chicken Quesadilla
- Crunchy Onion Rings
- Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Brew Pub Pretzels
- Applebee's Riblets
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Waffle Fries
- Classic Fries
- Crispy Pickle Fries (added fall 2025)
Sauces:
- Classic Buffalo
- Honey BBQ
- Sweet Asian Chile
- House-Made Ranch
- Bleu Cheese
- Honey Dijon Mustard
- Marinara
- Chipotle Lime Salsa
- Cocktail Sauce
- BLUE MOON White Cheddar Beer Cheese
The Best Ultimate Trio to Order
Don't spend a pick on fries. Classic Fries and Waffle Fries are on the list, and they're the worst value on it, since you can get fries with almost any entrée. Use all three picks on things you can't get as a side.
For the table: Boneless Wings with Classic Buffalo, Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara, and Brew Pub Pretzels with the Beer Cheese. That's three different textures and three sauces that each belong to their app.
For something different: Chicken Wonton Tacos with Sweet Asian Chile, Double Crunch Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce, and Crispy Pickle Fries, which come tossed in TAJÍN and chile lime seasoning with Mexi-ranch.
No meat at the table: Mozzarella Sticks, Brew Pub Pretzels and Crunchy Onion Rings.
Is the Ultimate Trio Half Price at Happy Hour?
It depends on your restaurant. Half price appetizers at happy hour cover a set list, and whether a sampler is on it is a local decision. Ask your server before you order. If it isn't included, add up three half price apps from the appetizers list before ordering the Trio at full price.
Ultimate Trio To Go
It's available for dine-in, To Go and delivery. Fried items suffer most in a box: the onion rings and pickle fries soften fastest. For takeout, pick the quesadilla, the pretzels and the riblets, which hold up. More on Carside To Go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Ultimate Trio at Applebee's?
About $16.99. It launched at $14.99 in August 2025, and prices vary by restaurant.
What can you get in the Applebee's Ultimate Trio?
Any three appetizers and three sauces from the Trio list, including Boneless Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, Chicken Quesadilla, Brew Pub Pretzels, Riblets, Double Crunch Shrimp and Crispy Pickle Fries.
How many calories are in the Ultimate Trio?
About 1,850, depending on which appetizers you choose.
What's the difference between the Ultimate Trio and the Classic Combo?
The Trio is three appetizers you choose for $16.99. The Classic Combo is four fixed appetizers, including Spinach & Artichoke Dip, for $18.99 and 2,200 calories.
How many combinations are there in the Ultimate Trio?
More than 80,000.
Can you get the Ultimate Trio To Go?
Yes, for To Go and delivery as well as dine-in.
Are Crispy Pickle Fries in the Ultimate Trio?
Yes. They were added to the Trio choices in fall 2025 and come with Mexi-ranch.
Each Appetizer Priced on Its Own
To see each appetizer on its own with price and calories, go to appetizers. For half price times, see happy hour. If you're sharing an entrée too, the 2 for $25 includes an appetizer.