What Are Applebee’s Riblets?
Riblets are short pieces of pork rib cut from the end of the rack, where the bones are smaller and the meat has more connective tissue. Applebee’s slow-cooks them until tender, then finishes them on the grill with sauce. The result is smaller, saucier and chewier than a baby back rib, with more bites per plate. They have been on the menu for decades and are one of the dishes Applebee’s is best known for.
Riblets are not boneless. Expect small bones and cartilage, which is part of the appeal for fans and the main complaint from people who expected a boneless rib.
Riblets Plate vs. Riblets Platter
| Riblets Plate | Riblets Platter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | $15.99 | $17.99 |
| Portion | Standard | Larger portion of riblets |
| Sides | Fries and coleslaw | Fries and coleslaw |
| Calories (approx.) | Lower | About 1,340 |
| Best for | One hungry person | Very hungry, or sharing as a starter |
Prices vary by location. For a family meal, the Riblets Family Bundle on the catering menu is better value than several platters.
Riblets vs. Baby Back Ribs
The Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs are meatier, more tender and more expensive. Riblets are the budget-friendly, saucier option. If you want to eat with a knife and fork, choose baby backs; if you like gnawing on saucy bones, riblets win. Both are pork.
- Value: riblets.
- Tenderness: baby back ribs.
- Sauce lovers: riblets, because there is more surface for glaze.
Ordering Tips
- Ask for extra sauce on the side if you like them very saucy, especially for To Go.
- Swap coleslaw for another side if you prefer; most restaurants allow it, sometimes for a small upcharge.
- Watch for All You Can Eat, when riblets become unlimited for one price.
- Craving wings too? Compare with our Applebee’s wings guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Applebee’s ribs pork or beef?
Pork. Applebee’s riblets and baby back ribs are both pork ribs. Riblets come from the end of the rib rack, while baby backs come from higher up near the loin.
What are Applebee’s riblets made of?
Riblets are pork rib pieces cut from the end of the rack. Applebee’s slow-cooks them, then grills them with a Honey BBQ glaze or another sauce.
Are Applebee’s riblets boneless?
No. Riblets contain small bones and some cartilage. If you want boneless, order boneless wings or the chicken tenders instead.
Are Applebee’s ribs gluten-free?
Applebee’s does not list its ribs as gluten-free, and sauces and shared cooking surfaces can contain gluten. Check the allergen menu and talk to your server before ordering.
Final Take
Riblets are the classic Applebee’s order for good reason: cheap, saucy and filling. Get the Plate if you are eating alone, the Platter if you are very hungry, and the baby backs if tenderness matters more than price. For the full ribs and steak lineup, see the Applebee’s steaks and ribs menu.
