Nothing beats the joy of sharing a big platter of appetizers with friends at your favorite chain restaurant. These combo platters let you sample multiple flavors without committing to just one dish.
From soggy onion rings to perfectly crispy chicken tenders, customers have strong opinions about which restaurant serves up the best appetizer sampler.
1. Applebee’s Triple Appetizer Sampler
Customers consistently rank this platter at the bottom due to its underwhelming portions and inconsistent quality. The mozzarella sticks often arrive lukewarm with congealed cheese.
The boneless wings lack flavor punch, while the spinach artichoke dip frequently sports an unappetizing skin on top. A disappointing start to any meal.
2. Ruby Tuesday’s Classic Sampler
Ruby Tuesday’s attempt at an appetizer medley falls flat with its dragon wings that often arrive either too dry or swimming in sauce. The potato skins typically disappoint with skimpy toppings and a soggy texture.
Mozzarella sticks complete this underwhelming trio, frequently suffering from either being overcooked or having barely melted centers.
3. Olive Garden’s Sampler Italiano
Unlimited breadsticks can’t save this lackluster platter. The fried mozzarella triangles often arrive greasy, while the stuffed mushrooms frequently suffer from watery filling.
The calamari rounds out this trio, typically rubbery and under-seasoned. Customers note the marinara sauce is the best part.
4. Red Robin’s Towering Onion Rings
While technically not a traditional combo, this tower counts as it combines various onion ring sizes served with multiple dipping sauces. The concept sounds promising but execution often disappoints.
Customers frequently complain about inconsistent battering and greasiness. The bottom rings tend to become soggy under the weight of the tower.
5. Denny’s Zesty Nachos
A mountain of tortilla chips that promises more than it delivers. The toppings cluster in the center, leaving bare chips around the edges – a common complaint among customers.
The cheese sauce cools and congeals quickly, creating an unappetizing texture. While technically a shareable platter, the uneven distribution of toppings leads to disappointed diners around the table.
6. Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie Signature Sampler
The Bloomin’ Onion steals the spotlight, but its supporting cast members – cheese fries and chicken quesadillas – often fall short. Customers report the fries arrive soggy under the weight of cheese.
The quesadillas typically contain minimal filling and lack flavor punch. For the price point, diners expect more from this Australian-themed steakhouse’s signature appetizer platter.
7. Chili’s Triple Dipper
Moving into middle-of-the-road territory, Chili’s customizable sampler allows diners to select three items from a list of options. The southwestern eggrolls typically earn praise, while the wings often receive mixed reviews.
Customers appreciate the ability to choose their favorites but note inconsistent quality between locations. The dipping sauces rescue some otherwise mediocre offerings.
8. Fridays Signature Whiskey-Glazed Sampler
TGI Fridays’ whiskey-glazed sampler earns points for its signature sauce but loses some for execution. The sesame chicken strips usually arrive crispy and flavorful – a consistent customer favorite.
The ribs and shrimp portions tend to be skimpy, however. Diners appreciate the distinctive whiskey glaze flavor profile.
9. Buffalo Wild Wings’ Ultimate Nachos
Buffalo Wild Wings might be known for its wings, but these loaded nachos earn solid marks as a shareable starter. Tortilla chips come generously topped with pulled chicken, queso, and all the fixings.
The portion size impresses even hungry groups. A surprisingly strong offering from a wing-focused establishment.
10. Yard House’s House Sampler
Yard House earns points for its upscale take on the appetizer platter. Their sampler typically includes chicken nachos, spinach dip, chicken strips, and fried calamari – an ambitious combination that mostly succeeds.
Customers particularly praise the fresh-tasting spinach dip. The chicken strips could use more seasoning, but overall, this platter delivers a satisfying start to the meal.
11. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Appetizer Sampler
BJ’s sampler stands out with its variety and quality execution. The mozzarella sticks actually contain stretchy cheese, while the avocado egg rolls arrive crispy with flavorful filling.
Santa Fe spring rolls round out this trio with a pleasant kick of spice. Customers appreciate that each item tastes distinct rather than like variations of the same fried food.
12. Dave & Buster’s Appetizer Sampler
Gaming works up an appetite, and D&B’s sampler satisfies with its bar food classics done right. The pretzel dogs earn particular praise for their soft pretzel coating and juicy franks.
Mozzarella sticks and chicken strips complete the trio – simple but well-executed. Customers note the generous portion size makes this platter perfect for sharing while taking a break from arcade games.
13. P.F. Chang’s Chang’s Spare Ribs & Dynamite Shrimp Combo
P.F. Chang’s elevates the appetizer platter concept with this Asian-inspired duo. The spare ribs arrive tender and glazed with a sweet-savory sauce that earns rave reviews.
The real star, however, is the Dynamite Shrimp – crispy, spicy, and creamy all at once. Customers frequently report ordering this combo specifically for the addictive shrimp, with the ribs as a welcome bonus.
14. The Cheesecake Factory’s Factory Nachos
Don’t let the simple name fool you – these nachos earn their high ranking through sheer abundance and quality ingredients. Crispy corn tortilla chips come loaded with multiple cheeses, guacamole, sour cream, and your choice of protein.
Customers rave about the fresh-tasting guacamole and the even distribution of toppings. The Cheesecake Factory’s famously large portions apply here – even hungry groups struggle to finish.
15. Texas Roadhouse’s Rattlesnake Bites & Ribs Combo
This Texas-sized starter combines two customer favorites into one impressive platter. The Rattlesnake Bites – spicy pepper jack cheese balls – provide a kick that keeps diners coming back for more.
The fall-off-the-bone ribs complement the spicy bites perfectly with their sweet BBQ glaze. Nearly perfect appetizer experience.
16. Claim Jumper’s Appetizer Platter
Taking the crown as customer favorite, Claim Jumper’s massive appetizer platter delivers on all fronts. The loaded potato skins arrive crispy yet tender, while the fried zucchini maintains a light, non-greasy coating.
Chicken strips and mozzarella sticks round out this gold-rush of flavors. For groups seeking the ultimate shareable starter, this platter strikes gold.