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 vary a little by restaurant.
Whichever sampler you pick, compare it against the rest of Applebee's deals and specials first — a bundle or a half price appetizer window sometimes beats the Trio for the same table.
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.
What Three Appetizers Cost on Their Own
The Trio only looks like a deal until you price the picks separately. Five of the Trio choices also appear as standalone appetizers in our menu data, and their individual prices add up fast:
| Appetizer | On its own | Calories on its own |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Wings | $12.99 | 1,080 |
| Chicken Quesadilla | $11.99 | 1,170 |
| Chicken Wonton Tacos | $11.49 | 590 |
| Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip | $10.99 | 1,160 |
| Mozzarella Sticks | $9.99 | 860 |
Take the "for the table" trio from above: Boneless Wings ($12.99) + Mozzarella Sticks ($9.99) + Brew Pub Pretzels ($10.99) would cost $33.97 ordered separately, against $16.99 for the Trio. That gap is the whole point of the sampler — but it comes with a caveat worth stating plainly. Trio portions are sampler-sized, not three full appetizers, so $33.97 is not what the same amount of food would cost; it is a ceiling that shows why the Trio exists. The honest comparison is against the Classic Combo: for $2 less you choose your own three apps and three sauces instead of taking the fixed four, and the only thing you give up is the Spinach & Artichoke Dip.
The same math is why the fries warning matters. A side of Classic Fries is $3.99 on the sides menu, so spending one of your three Trio picks on fries trades a slot that could hold a $12.99 wings pick for something you can add to almost any entrée for a few dollars. The cheapest picks on the list are the ones to skip; the most expensive standalone apps are the ones to take.
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.
Is the Ultimate Trio good value?
Yes, with one caveat. Three standalone appetizers from the Trio list cost $32.47 to $36.47 at menu prices (for example, wings, mozzarella sticks and pretzels total $33.97), against $16.99 for the Trio — but Trio portions are sampler-sized, not full appetizers. Compared with the fixed $18.99 Classic Combo, the Trio is $2 cheaper and lets you choose, giving up only the Spinach & Artichoke Dip.
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.