Gate-side Applebee's option in Terminal D
Terminal D’s Applebee's sits airside, past security, so this is an easy sit-down option if your international flight departs from gates D6–D40. It runs typical early-to-late hours that match most DFW departures, often opening around 6:00 a.m. and staying open into the late evening bank of flights. Expect a full bar, TVs tuned to ESPN, and standard Applebee's branding, so it feels familiar if you’ve eaten at one off-airport.
Menu is the usual chain lineup: burgers, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks, quesadillas, and salads. Entrees like the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger or Fiesta Lime Chicken generally land in the $15–$20 range before tax and tip, with appetizers around $9–$14. Portions run big by airport standards, which helps if you’re trying to make one meal cover a long-haul out of DFW. Kids’ options are available if you’re heading out on a family trip to Europe or South America.
The bar carries the standard domestic taps (think Bud Light and Miller Lite) plus a few mid-tier drafts and basic cocktails. A house margarita or well drink usually runs in the low teens, $11–$14 depending on the pour size. Wine is basic chain-restaurant stuff by the glass. If you want a quick drink before boarding from D15 or D18, sitting at the bar can be faster than waiting on a table, especially in the evening departure wave.
Seating is standard tables and booths, with some spots facing into the terminal concourse near the D gates. At peak times around the 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. bank, waits can hit 20–30 minutes, so plan ahead if you board a widebody around D20. Service pace is typical airport-chain: fine if you have 60–90 minutes, tight if you’re under 40.
Tip: If your connection into Terminal D gets you less than 45 minutes before boarding, skip a full entree here and just order apps or a burger at the bar so you’re not sprinting to your gate with half a rib plate to-go.