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The Best Food at TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is one of the most popular chain restaurants best known for its bar food, signature cocktails, and casual, upbeat atmosphere.

The TGI Fridays menu is split into a few categories: Appetizers, Wings/Steak/Chicken, Pasta & Seafood, Burgers, Sandwiches & Salads, Desserts, and Sides.

The appetizers at TGI Fridays are the most popular section on the menu, but the chain also has a steady fanbase for its burgers, ribs, and decadent desserts.

With well over 70 items, TGI Fridays’ menu is daunting at first glance, but I’ve narrowed it down to 25 best items that are not to be missed!

25. Million Dollar Cobb

I’ll admit that a salad isn’t the first dish to come to mind when most people think of TGI Fridays.

But if you’re looking for a delicious salad at a casual restaurant, the Million Dollar Cobb is it.

Salad tends to get a bad rap for being boring and underwhelming, but give this one a try, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

It is made with grilled chicken, mixed greens, carrots, red cabbage, avocado, tomatoes, chopped eggs, bacon, blue cheese, red onions, cucumber, and Jack and cheddar.

It’s served with a side of creamy ranch dressing.

As you can tell from the ingredients, this salad is healthy yet hearty and filling.

Cabbage and carrots give the dish a nice crunch, while tomato, avocado, and red onion bring some freshness.

Lastly, a creamy and rich element is added thanks to the bacon, ranch, and several kinds of cheese.

This salad has a little bit of everything, and each bite is different.

You can switch out the chicken breast for a different protein like salmon or Beyond meat and choose another salad dressing if ranch isn’t your thing.

The Million Dollar Cobb contains 1010 calories.

24. Seasoned Fries

I know what you’re thinking: How did fries get onto the list of TGI Fridays’ best menu items?

These regular-looking fries are actually more interesting than they appear at first glance.

They are seasoned with a secret blend of spices – my best guess is salt, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.

They’re then fried until golden brown and perfectly crispy.

TGI Fridays’ seasoned fries have the perfect crunch-to-potato ratio, so they’re never soggy, and you get some fluffy potato in every bite.

A Seasoned Fries order contains 230 calories and 15g of fat.

23. Carlo’s Bakery Rainbow Cake

If this list ranked the most Instagrammable dishes on the TGI Fridays menu, Carlo’s Bakery Rainbow Cake would be #1.

Each slice contains six layers of vanilla cake, colored like a rainbow and separated by layers of vanilla frosting.

The entire outer layer of the cake is covered in rainbow sprinkles, and each slice is served with a side of vanilla bean ice cream.

This cake is shipped from Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, NJ, best known as the bakery from the hit TLC show Cake Boss.

Despite a large amount of food coloring used to achieve its bright hues, it doesn’t taste artificial.

It’s super sweet, rich, and bursting with vanilla flavor.

A slice of the Rainbow Cake contains 1300 calories.

22. Cheeseburger

TGI Fridays wouldn’t be a true American chain restaurant without a few burgers on its menu.

While some of their burgers are unique, they keep it simple yet well done with their cheeseburger.

This burger features American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and pickles.

Each element adds something special – the burger patty is juicy, the lettuce and onions are fresh and crispy, the pickles are tangy, and the bun is soft and buttery.

TGI Fridays proves that simpler is usually better when it comes to a classic cheeseburger.

One Cheeseburger contains 770 calories and 52g of fat.

21. Bucket of Bones

Two of the most popular menu items at TGI Fridays are undoubtedly the traditional chicken wings and the rack of ribs.

If you can’t decide between the two, the Bucket of Bones is your new best friend.

It comes with an order of ribs, traditional wings, and seasoned fries, all served in a bucket.

Popular wing sauce options include Apple Butter BBQ, Whiskey-Glaze, and Garlic Parmesan.

Rib sauce options include Foxx on the Roxx BBQ, Whiskey-Glaze, and more.

Juicy ribs, crispy wings, and crunchy seasoned fries are a combo that can’t be beaten.

Choose between a single serving for one person or a mega-size, which serves four to six people.

20. Philly Cheesesteak Burger

This is a burger with cheesesteak toppings! Why don’t more restaurants offer this glorious combination?

The Philly Cheesesteak Burger starts with a freshly grilled beef patty piled high with juicy roast beef.

It’s topped with caramelized onions, sauteed red and green bell peppers, and melted cheese.

Finally, it’s topped with a Philly Cheesesteak egg roll.

The sauteed veggies are caramelized and sweet, a perfect contrast to the salty, rich meat and cheese throughout the burger.

Pickle chips keep things from getting too heavy by adding a little tang to each bite.

One Philly Cheesesteak Burger contains 1050 calories and 67g of fat.

19. Giant Onion Rings

Even if you’re Team French Fry, TGI Fridays’ Giant Onion Rings will have you reaching back for just “one” more.

Each order of onion rings is fried until perfectly crispy and golden brown.

The inside of each ring is slightly caramelized and soft, while the outside is super crunchy.

The onion rings are served with a creamy BBQ ranch sauce for dipping.

An order of Onion Rings contains 510 calories and 26g of fat.

18. Pan-Seared Pot Stickers

They might seem misplaced on a menu full of classic American bar food, but the Pan-Seared Pot Stickers are one of the best TGI Fridays menu items.

Each order comes with six pot stickers and is served with a spicy and sweet Szechwan dipping sauce.

The outside of the dumplings is beautifully crisped in some areas and has a classic doughy texture in others.

Each dumpling is filled with a generous helping of juicy pork.

One order of Pot Stickers contains 590 calories and 25g of fat.

17. Brownie Obsession

The Brownie Obsession is the sweetest, richest, and most decadent dish TGI Fridays offers.

They make this dessert by starting with a warm fudgy brownie (emphasis on fudgy), topped with creamy vanilla bean ice cream.

All that is topped with caramel sauce and crunchy caramelized pecans.

The combination of a warm brownie with ice cream is simply irresistible.

Some find this dessert a little too sweet, but in smaller doses, it’s a finale that almost everyone will love.

The Brownie Obsession contains 1180 calories and 58g of fat.

16. Loaded Potato Skins

TGI Fridays claims they invented the iconic Loaded Potato Skin back in 1974.

There’s no denying that this appetizer is pretty much synonymous with the chain nowadays.

The potato skins are topped with melted cheddar cheese and smokey bacon bits.

While reviews can be mixed regarding the potato skins, most people cite them as the highlight of the dish.

They’re crispy and salty on the outside, while the inside is fluffy and moist.

The Loaded Potato Skins contain 2120 calories and 92g of fat.

15. Traditional Wings

One of the most commonly ordered dishes on TGI Fridays’ menu is, unsurprisingly, the chicken wings.

TGI Fridays offers both traditional and boneless wings, but I think the traditional wings are the way to go.

They’re crispy and juicy and have a perfect breading-to-chicken ratio.

TGI Fridays offers eight distinct wing sauces, ranging from mild to fairly spicy.

You can get your wings tossed in your preferred sauce or have it served on the side.

A small order comes with 8 wings, a regular one comes with 12, and a large order comes with 16.

A regular order of wings contains anywhere from 620 to 940 calories, depending on the sauce you choose.

14. Dragon-Glazed Salmon

Looking for a taste of the tropics at TGI Fridays? Believe it or not, you might just be able to find it!

The Dragon-Glazed Salmon starts with grilled salmon topped with a sweet, spicy glaze and fresh mango pico de gallo.

The salmon is served with garlic-butter broccoli and a side of jasmine rice.

The fresh mango pairs beautifully with the salmon’s spicy glaze, while the garlic-butter broccoli and rice provide a light, filling side to accompany the main event.

This dish is one of the most unique, fresh options you’ll find on the entire TGI Fridays menu.

The Dragon-Glazed Salmon contains 810 calories and 31g of fat.

13. Mozzarella Sticks

TGI Fridays’ take on the classic mozzarella stick is crispy, crunchy, and supremely cheesy.

A combination of mozzarella and asiago cheese is fried, sprinkled with Parmesan-Romano, and served with a side of marinara for dipping.

The breading isn’t too thick, allowing the creamy mozzarella to shine through.

Each stick is well-seasoned and fried until perfectly crispy.

Sometimes, a simple appetizer made with cheese and breadcrumbs is all you need, and these mozzarella sticks hit the spot.

Each order comes with 6 sticks and contains 840 calories and 52g of fat.

12. Fridays Signature Whiskey-Glaze Sesame Chicken Strips

The Whiskey-Glaze Sesame Chicken Strips are crusted in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, tossed in Fridays’ Signature Whiskey-Glaze, and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

If you love a sweet-smoky-spicy combo, you’ll love these chicken strips.

They’re super crispy and have a very thin breading, allowing the chicken flavor to shine through.

Fridays’ famous Signature Glaze is smokey and sweet – think of it as an elevated BBQ sauce.

This is the perfect appetizer to share among friends or a meal to have all to yourself.

The Whiskey-Glaze Sesame Chicken Strips contain 810 calories and 22g of fat.

11. Sizzling Chicken & Shrimp

The Sizzling Chicken & Shrimp entree is one of the more flavorful options on Fridays’ menu.

The chicken breast is marinated with garlic, while the shrimp are tossed in a marinara sauce.

The garlic marinade is simple and buttery, which contrasts nicely with the zesty, tomato-based marinara on the shrimp.

The chicken and shrimp are served over mashed potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese.

The mashed potatoes in this dish are well done – they’re fluffy and buttery, making for the perfect companion to your chicken and shrimp.

The veggies are cooked to perfection and are slightly caramelized for a bit of sweetness.

One Sizzling Chicken & Shrimp order contains 1030 calories and 71g fat.

10. Cinnabon Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

This dessert is a combination between cheesecake and regular cake.

The bottom half is a vanilla crunch cake, and the top is a Cinnabon cinnamon cheesecake.

The two textures make for a creamy, fluffy, and indulgent bite.

The cheesecake half of the cake is a little tangy, keeping the dessert from becoming cloyingly sweet.

On top is a layer of Cinnabon’s iconic cream cheese frosting, a drizzle of caramel, and crushed glazed pecans.

It’s served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

This dessert has a lot going on and is one of the most decadent items on TGI Fridays’ menu.

It’s up there with cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Factory, and that’s really saying something.

One Cinnabon Caramel Pecan Cheesecake contains 790 calories and 49g of fat.

9. Fridays Signature Whiskey-Glaze Sliders

While sliders are usually considered a basic bar food staple, Fridays’ Signature Whiskey-Glaze Sliders are much more exciting.

Each slider contains a mini beef patty, roasted onions, pickles, spicy aioli, cheddar, and TGI Fridays’ signature Whiskey-Glaze.

These sliders are for those who love BBQ sauce and are the perfect size to share as an appetizer.

My favorite part of these sliders is the caramelized onions – they’re sweet and add a flavor depth you don’t find in a regular burger.

They are served with a side of seasoned fries. Choose two, three, or four sliders, depending on your hunger and the number of people at your table.

Three sliders with a side of fries contain 1120 calories and 68g of fat.

8. Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta

The Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta is the best pasta dish on the TGI Fridays menu.

It starts with long, flat fettuccine noodles.

The noodles are tossed in a spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce and served with sauteed shrimp, chicken, red bell peppers, and Parmesan-Romano.

This dish doesn’t fall prey to what so many pasta dishes are ruined by – a creamy, overly-heavy sauce.

Instead, the Cajun Alfredo sauce is light with a bit of spice, keeping the overall dish from being too rich.

Each order comes with a garlic breadstick, which is always a welcome bonus.

The Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta dish contains 1390 calories and 60g of fat.

7. Loaded Cheese Fry Burger

The iconic Loaded Cheese Fry Burger is undoubtedly the best burger on the TGI Fridays menu.

As the name suggests, this burger is loaded.

It starts with a beef patty and is stacked with American cheese, poblano queso, loaded bacon-cheese fries, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and pickles.

But that’s not all – it is skewered with TGI Fridays’ most iconic appetizer, the loaded potato skin.

This burger is a cheese lover’s dream. It features cheese of all shapes and sizes, but none is overpowering.

Each flavor in this burger has its moment to shine, and they all complement each other well.

The bacon-cheese fries are perfectly crispy, while the poblano cheese is creamy and adds a tiny spicy kick to the burger.

One Loaded Cheese Fry Burger contains 1450 calories and 93g of fat.

6. Big Ribs

The name of this dish tells you everything you need to know – these ribs are BIG.

You can order a full or half-rack of double-basted pork ribs covered in your choice of sauce.

These ribs are meaty, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Your order comes with a side of seasoned fries and coleslaw.

If you love a rack of smokey, high-quality ribs, you won’t be disappointed by Fridays’ version.

A full rack of Whiskey-Glazed Big Ribs with seasoned fries and coleslaw contains 1620 calories and 81g fat.

5. Oreo Madness – Fully Stuffed

Oreo Madness is the best dessert on the TGI Fridays menu by far.

It is basically a giant Oreo cookie with ice cream inside.

The cookie part is made with crushed Oreo cookies, while the inside is filled with Cookies & Cream ice cream.

The sides of the sandwich are coated in sprinkles, and the entire dish is covered in chocolate sauce.

The bitterness from the chocolate keeps the dessert from becoming too sweet.

This dessert has many great textures, from crunchy Oreos to velvety ice cream.

You can customize it by excluding the chocolate sauce or sprinkles (but why would you?)

The Oreo Madness contains 500 calories and 21g of fat.

4. Whiskey-Glaze Fajitas

This dish features juicy sirloin steak, basted in sweet and spicy Whiskey-Glaze Blaze sauce and topped with fresh parsley and sesame Jack seasoning.

The sirloin is served with grilled bell peppers and onions.

The dish comes with jasmine rice, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapenos, and a side of tortillas, so you can build your own fajitas with whatever you like.

From tender meat to fresh veggies and fluffy rice, the Whiskey-Glaze Fajitas offer plenty of flavors and textures.

3. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip is a universally loved appetizer, and TGI Fridays’ version is as delicious as a homemade dip.

It has a fair amount of spinach and artichoke in it but is a bit heavier on the spinach than the artichoke.

This dip also features sauteed onions and red bell peppers, making it more unique than your basic spinach artichoke appetizer.

The parmesan breadcrumbs on top add a cheesy, savory crunch and contrast beautifully with the thick, creamy base.

The chips add perfect salt and crunch to each bite and don’t crack, even when piled high with the dip.

The Spinach Artichoke Dip contains 760 calories and 55g of fat.

2. Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Typically, you expect cabbage, carrots, pork, or some chicken in your egg roll.

TGI Fridays’ take on the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Roll is unlike any other you’ve tried.

Instead of filling a crispy shell with the usual ingredients, they fill it with all the ingredients you’d find in a Philly cheesesteak.

Even if cheesesteaks aren’t your favorite, this appetizer is still worth trying.

The egg rolls are perfectly crispy and golden brown. Inside, you’ll find tender roast beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and grilled bell peppers.

They are served with a poblano queso sauce on the side, which adds a little heat if you choose to use it (you definitely should).

The contrasting crispy and gooey textures in these egg rolls make them taste and feel like mini cheesesteaks!

Each order comes with five egg rolls and contains 1070 calories and 61g of fat.

1. Loaded Southwest Potato Twists

After much contemplation, I’ve realized that the dish worthy of the “best TGI Fridays menu item” title is the Loaded Southwest Potato Twists.

TGI Fridays is a restaurant chain known for its bar scene and classic bar food.

The Loaded Southwest Potato Twists appetizer is the best representation of the chain itself.

They’re fun and playful and contain all the classic elements of a great bar food – potatoes, multiple types of cheese, and some veggies thrown in for good measure.

This appetizer is a hybrid between nachos and a loaded baked potato.

The spiral-cut fried potatoes are seasoned to perfection. They’re not too salty, not too peppery, and have just a little smokiness to them.

They’re fried just enough to be crispy on the outside but still have some fluffy potato inside.

The potatoes are topped with shredded cheese, melty poblano queso, fresh pico de gallo, and chopped cilantro.

The housemade pico de gallo and cilantro lend fresh brightness to the twists, while the cheese and melty poblano give the appetizer a classic nacho feel.

You can opt to add ranch sour cream, regular ranch, and bacon bits. I recommend adding the ranch sour cream for a little extra tang.

The Loaded Southwest Potato Twists contain 1730 calories and 104g of fat.

Conclusion

There you have it – the best TGI Fridays menu items!

As you can see, TGI Fridays has a lot more on its menu than basic bar foods.

Whether you want a couple of shared appetizers, a hearty meal, or an indulgent dessert, you will surely find a menu item that fits your mood.

For more information about TGI Fridays, check out the articles below.

About the Author

Samantha Jenkins is a food writer and digital marketing manager with a passion for storytelling, perusing grocery store aisles, reading menus, and eating really good food.

In her free time, she enjoys baking, performing in musicals, and cohosting the East Coast Haunts podcast.

March 1, 2023