How to Get a Free Appetizer at Applebee’s
Whether you’re drooling over Brew Pub Pretzels or those infamous Boneless Wings, Applebee’s starters set the tone for “Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood.” But why pay out of pocket when you can use a little insider savvy to make that first plate free? All the tactics below follow corporate policy, work nationwide (unless noted), and keep your server smiling—not rolling their eyes.
1. Join “Club Applebee’s” E-Mail List
The fastest win: head to applebees.com and sign up for their email program, sometimes called “Club Applebee’s” or simply “Email Exclusives.” Within 24 hours you’ll receive a coupon for a free appetizer (or dessert) with the purchase of an entrée. Key pointers:
Sign up at least a day before you dine; welcome coupons can lag overnight.
Screenshot the email in case cell reception fizzles inside the restaurant.
Show the barcode before ordering so the server attaches it correctly.
And yes—new email addresses trigger new coupons. Use responsibly.
2. Rack Up Rewards Points in the Applebee’s App
Download the Applebee’s mobile app and enroll in rewards. You earn five points per dollar; 750 points unlock a free appetizer. Big family dinner? A $60 check nets 300 points—halfway to that plate of Neighborhood Nachos.
Tip: Scan receipts from third-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats) into the app within seven days to collect points that don’t auto-post.
3. Complete the Bottom-of-Receipt Survey
Every dine-in or take-out receipt prints a survey invitation (mysurvey123.com or similar URL). Finish the five-minute questionnaire within seven days and jot the validation code on the receipt. Bring it next visit for a free appetizer with any entrée. Most managers accept one survey coupon per table—so stash every receipt.
4. Celebrate Your Birthday—and Half-Birthday
Register your DOB in the app or email club. You’ll get a birthday coupon for a free dessert or appetizer, good for your entire birth month. Many locations also fire a half-birthday perk six months later, effectively doubling your freebies. Bring ID if the coupon doesn’t scan.
5. Leverage Gift-Card Bonuses
During holidays Applebee’s runs promotions like “Buy $50 in gift cards, get a $10 Bonus Card.” Use the bonus on your entrée and apply an email coupon to knock out the appetizer charge—free starter, discounted meal. Bonus cards often work only after the holiday window (e.g., Jan 1-Feb 28), so read the fine print.
6. Cash-Back & Credit-Card Offers
Check Amex Offers or Chase Deals for recurring promos: “Spend $25 at Applebee’s, get $5 back.” Combine that statement credit with a free-app coupon, and your out-of-pocket for both entrée and app can dip under $15. Always activate the offer before you swipe.
7. Military & Teacher Appreciation Days
Applebee’s famously serves free entrées to veterans every November 11. In 2024 they extended the deal to one free appetizer for active-duty friends who bring civilian pals. Teacher Appreciation Week (early May) sometimes features BOGO apps. Follow your local franchise’s Facebook page for region-specific events.
Bonus Hack: Late-Night Half-Price Apps + Coupon Stack
Select stores run “Late-Night” (9 p.m. to close) half-price appetizers Monday-Thursday. Some managers still allow an email free-app coupon on top, effectively gifting two dishes when you and a friend each order an entrée. Policies vary; ask politely.
Etiquette & Fine Print
Tip on the pre-discount value.
One free-app offer per table is standard. Trying to split checks can be denied.
Coupons usually require a full-price adult entrée; $6.99 burger-night specials sometimes count, sometimes don’t.
Specialty Shareables over $12 may be excluded—read each coupon’s small print.
Servers appreciate heads-up: hand over the coupon before you dig into the queso.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free appetizer without buying an entrée?
Almost never. All promotions tie the freebie to entrée purchase.
Do kids’ meals qualify as entrées?
Usually no. Coupons specify adult entrées.
Are Neighborhood Wings included?
If the coupon lists “appetizer of your choice,” wings qualify. Sampler platters often excluded.
Can I combine rewards points and an email coupon?
Yes: redeem points for a free app, then use the email coupon for dessert—or vice versa—one per check.
Does delivery count?
Only promos coded for online use apply to delivery orders. Survey codes and many email coupons are dine-in only.
Final Bite
Scoring a free appetizer at Applebee’s is as simple as 1-2-3: sign up for the email club, keep every receipt for surveys, and work the rewards app like a loyalty ninja. Layer in birthday perks, gift-card bonuses, and strategic credit-card deals, and you’ll snack on Spinach & Artichoke Dip for exactly zero dollars—without side-eye from staff. Next time you crave “Eatin’ Good,” bring this playbook, flash your coupon, and let the free feasting begin. Cheers!
