All-American Fare That’s Priced Just Right

Whisky Bacon Burger (Two for $25 entree option; $14.49 a la carte)

Local diners love great value meals, especially when they’re at an eatery that’s still fairly new to the Islands. Excited customers lined up to eat at Applebee’s Grill & Bar when the famously delicious mainland franchise opened last November in Ewa, and they did the same when the second location debuted in April at Ka Makana Alii in Kapolei.

Since then, Applebee’s has been an instant hit in the local food scene. People are loving the food — think all-American, comforting fare like steaks, burgers, salads and ribs. And, if you find it hard to pick just one dish out of the extensive menu, the eatery’s two-for-$25 or twofor-$35 value meals might just be the way to go.

6-ounce USDA Choice Top Sirloin (Two for $35 entree option; $16.49 a la carte)

Both deals offers a choice of two entrees and one appetizer. The appetizer choices for both value specials are a salad (house with bacon or Caesar); Spinach and Artichoke Dip; Crunchy Onion Rings; Boneless Wings; or Mozzarella Sticks.

For the $25 value, entree choices include: Whisky Bacon Burger; Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp; Grilled Chicken Breast with Bacon Beer Cheese Topper; and Chicken Tenders Basket.

Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders (Two for $35 entree option; $15.99 a la carte)

For the $35 value, the entrees options are a 6-ounce USDA Choice Top Sirloin; Sirloin Stir-fry; Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders; and Firecracker Shrimp Cavatappi.

Gladys Duenez, general manager of the Kapolei location, says that “the Whisky Bacon Burger is an all-time favorite. Honestly, it’s just a great choice anytime.” The all-beef patty is elevated with a tangy Fireball Whisky steak sauce, and seared with fried caramelized onions and applewood smoked bacon. And — if that’s not enough bacon — the patty’s topped with more smoked bacon, crispy onions and flavorful pepper jack cheese.

Duenez also says that the Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is the No. 1 seller. The chicken breast has character and flavor with Cajun seasoning, and goes perfectly with blackened seasoned shrimp with garlic and thyme. Served with mushrooms, onions and fried red potatoes, the whole feast arrives on a sizzling hot skillet.

Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp (Two for $25 entree option; $16.49 a la carte)

Luckily for island diners, the $25 and $35 promotions are here to stay and have been on Hawaii menus since opening day. You can also look for these tasty deals at Applebee’s third location, which is scheduled to open this November in Pearlridge Center.

“There’s a lot of excitement about the upcoming Applebee’s,” says Duenez, who will also be the general manager of the soon-to-open location. “People are ready for a third Applebee’s to open, and we’re very proud to be able to open the doors to the public. I know we will exceed their expectations and am looking forward to serving the great food that we have to offer.”