Easter Sunday rolls around and suddenly everyone is in a panic about the ham. Maybe you burnt it. Maybe you realized that spending six hours in the kitchen for a fifteen-minute meal isn't actually your idea of a "holiday." Or maybe you just really want a plate of boneless wings and a neon-colored cocktail while the kids hunt for plastic eggs in the backyard.
Whatever the reason, you’re probably staring at your phone wondering: is Applebee's open on Easter?
The short answer is yes. Usually. But honestly, it’s a little more complicated than a simple green light. Since Applebee's operates primarily through franchises, the guy running the location down the street has a lot of say in whether his staff gets to stay home and hunt for eggs or if they’re flipping burgers at noon.
The Reality of Applebee's Easter Hours
If you’re looking for a corporate mandate that says every single door must be open from 11:00 AM to midnight, you won’t find it. Most Applebee's locations do stay open on Easter Sunday, treat it like a normal business day, and keep their regular hours.
However, "regular" is a relative term.
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In smaller towns or areas where the local community strictly observes the holiday, a manager might decide to open an hour late or close two hours early. It's not uncommon to see a 10:00 PM close on Easter even if they usually stay open until 2:00 AM on a typical Sunday.
I’ve seen it happen. You roll up at 10:15 PM expecting a late-night appetizer deal, only to find the "closed" sign mocking you. Don't be that person. Use the store locator on their website or, better yet, just give them a quick call the day before. It takes thirty seconds and saves you a lot of hangry frustration.
Why Some Locations Might Be Closed
While it’s rare for an Applebee's to shut down entirely for Easter—unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, which are the big "lights out" days for the chain—it does happen.
- Staffing shortages: If half the kitchen crew requested the day off months ago for family reunions, a franchisee might just call it.
- Regional demand: If you’re in a deeply religious area where the streets are ghost towns on Easter Sunday, staying open might actually cost the owner more in electricity and labor than they’d make in sales.
- Maintenance: Sometimes they use the "slower" holidays to do deep cleans or repairs.
Basically, if you live in a major city or near a highway, you're almost certainly good to go. If you're out in the sticks, verify first.
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What’s on the Menu for Easter 2026?
Don't expect a formal "Easter Brunch" with white tablecloths and a carving station. That’s just not the Applebee's vibe. You’re going to get the classic menu you know and love.
Currently, they’ve been pushing the O-M-Cheese Burger and those Holiday Combos like the Top Choice Sirloin paired with Double Crunch Shrimp. If you’re lucky, they might have a seasonal "Mucho" drink—usually something bright pink or blue with a sugary rim—that feels festive enough for a spring afternoon.
The 2 for $25 deal (or whatever the price point is at your specific local spot) is usually still active. It’s arguably the most reliable way to feed a family without the "holiday surge pricing" you’ll find at those upscale brunch buffets that charge $60 a head for lukewarm eggs.
Takeout and Delivery Options
If you’d rather eat your Riblets in your pajamas while watching the parade, Applebee’s is usually 100% operational on their app and through third-party delivery like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
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Just a heads up: delivery drivers are humans too. On Easter, there are fewer drivers on the road. Your "30-minute delivery" might turn into sixty. If you’re starving, the Carside To Go option is almost always faster. You drive there, they bring it out, you leave. Easy.
Expert Tips for Easter Dining
If you are planning to head in, keep these few things in mind to make the experience less of a headache:
- Avoid the "Post-Church" Rush: Between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, things get hairy. Every family within a ten-mile radius is hitting the same three restaurants. Go at 11:00 AM when they open or wait until 4:00 PM.
- Check for "Mucho" Specials: Applebee's loves a themed drink. In early 2026, they've been leaning into the "Smoocho Sips" and prickly pear flavors. It’s not exactly a tradition, but it’s fun.
- The App is Your Friend: You can check wait times at many locations directly through the Applebee's app before you even leave your driveway.
Easter doesn't have to be a stressful production involving a twenty-pound bird and a sink full of dishes. Sometimes "eatin' good in the neighborhood" is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Check your local store's specific hours via the Applebee's website or mobile app at least 24 hours in advance. If you have a large party (more than 6 people), call the manager directly to see if they can accommodate a "call-ahead" seating request, as many locations don't take traditional reservations but will help you out if they know you're coming.