Gate-side Applebee's in Terminal 1 actually has real tables
Terminal 1’s post-security Applebee's sits in the main concourse, so you’re eating 5–10 minutes from most gates instead of hovering at a snack cart. It’s the only full-service, casual American spot past security here, so think burgers, salads, and wraps instead of grab-and-go sandwiches. Pricing hits the mid-range $$ mark: burgers and chicken plates often land around $14–$18, with non-alcoholic drinks a few bucks more.
Hours run 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, then 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, so breakfast is a weekday-only play. Morning options lean into basic eggs, bacon, and pancakes instead of anything fancy, but it still beats trying to build a meal from packaged snacks at 8:15 a.m. If your flight leaves after 7:30 p.m., plan on eating before security because the kitchen closes right at 7:00.
Menu is standard Applebee's: boneless wings, mozzarella sticks, quesadillas, big salads, burgers, and the usual chicken and rib plates. Expect the same national-chain taste profile here as in town; nothing unique to RIC, and portions still skew on the larger side. If you’re short on time, stick with appetizers, burgers, or salads that tend to hit the table faster than heavier entrées like ribs or pasta. Ask for fries or a salad swap if you need something more predictable than seasonal sides.
Because it’s post-security in Terminal 1, Applebee's doubles as a place to sit with power and regroup before a regional hop to, say, CLT or ATL. The bar pours standard domestic beers and chain cocktails; figure on paying airport markup over your usual neighborhood location. Service speed at airports always flexes with flight banks, so build in 45 minutes if you’re ordering a full meal between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. The practical move: grab a table near the front, tell your server your boarding time at order, and prepay so you can bolt when your gate changes.