Planning a Culver's run and wondering what it will cost? This guide breaks down Culver's menu prices for 2026 category by category — burgers, chicken, seafood, frozen custard, sides, drinks, and kids' meals — so you can plan your order before you arrive. One important note up front: prices vary by location and can change over time, so treat every figure here as an approximation. Prices and nutrition information may vary by location. This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Culver's.
How Culver's Pricing Works
Before diving into categories, it helps to understand the general pricing philosophy. Culver's sits in the "better burger" tier of fast food — priced above the dollar-menu chains but below full-service restaurants. You're paying for fresh, never frozen beef, made-to-order cooking, and real frozen custard, and the prices reflect that positioning.
Most locations are independently owned and operated franchises, which is why prices differ from one restaurant to another. A Culver's in a major metro area will typically charge more than one in a smaller town, and prices tend to creep upward over time like everything else. The ranges below are meant to give you a realistic ballpark, not a binding quote.
Another thing to know: Culver's sells most mains both à la carte (just the sandwich or item) and as a basket or meal (with fries and a drink). Baskets usually offer better value than buying everything separately, so they're the default choice for most diners.
Burgers: The ButterBurger Lineup
The ButterBurger is the headliner, and its pricing reflects its flagship status. A single ButterBurger typically runs around $6 to $8 à la carte, while a double usually lands around $8 to $10. The Deluxe versions, which add the full topping lineup, tend to cost a little more than the standard builds.
Cheese adds a modest upcharge in most cases, though some builds include it. Specialty burgers — think bacon-topped or mushroom-and-Swiss style options when available — generally sit at the higher end of the burger range, roughly around $9 to $11 for a double.
As a basket with fries and a drink, expect to add roughly $4 to $6 to the sandwich price. For most people, the basket is the way to go: it's the classic Culver's meal, and the per-item savings are real.
Chicken: Sandwiches, Tenders, and More
The chicken side of the menu is broader than many people expect. Crispy chicken sandwiches typically fall in the around $6 to $8 range à la carte, putting them roughly in line with the burgers. Grilled chicken options, for those looking for something lighter, are usually priced similarly.
Chicken tenders are a fan favorite and are generally sold in multi-piece counts. A smaller order often lands around $6 to $8, while larger counts for sharing climb from there. Tenders pair naturally with the dipping sauces, and they're one of the better values on the menu when you consider how filling they are.
Like the burgers, chicken sandwiches can be ordered as baskets with fries and a drink for a few dollars more than the sandwich alone.
Seafood: A Surprising Standout
Seafood is where Culver's quietly distinguishes itself from typical burger chains. The North Atlantic cod sandwich and the butterfly jumbo shrimp are legitimate menu anchors, not afterthoughts, and they're priced accordingly — typically around $7 to $9 for a sandwich à la carte.
What makes the seafood section interesting from a value perspective is the dinner-style baskets. A cod or shrimp basket with sides often represents one of the heartier meals on the menu, and while it costs more than a burger basket, the portion sizes tend to justify it. During certain times of year, particularly around Lent, seafood gets extra attention with special offerings.
If you've never tried Culver's seafood, the cod sandwich is the classic entry point. It's one of those menu items that surprises first-timers who assumed this was strictly a burger-and-custard operation.
Frozen Custard: Cones, Dishes, Sundaes, and Mixers
Frozen custard is the soul of the dessert menu, and the pricing is refreshingly reasonable. A basic cone or dish of vanilla or chocolate custard typically starts around $3 to $5 depending on size, making it one of the most affordable treats in fast food.
Sundaes with toppings like hot fudge, caramel, or fruit generally run around $5 to $7. Concrete mixers — the thick, blended custard treats with mix-ins — usually land around $5 to $8 depending on size and the number of mix-ins. Shakes and malts fall in a similar range.
The Flavor of the Day, which is a rotating daily custard flavor made fresh in-restaurant, is typically priced the same as the standard custard offerings. That makes it an easy yes whenever the day's flavor catches your eye — you're not paying a premium for the special.
For the full breakdown of custard options, sizes, and what each treat actually is, our frozen custard guide is worth a read before you order.
Sides: More Than Just Fries
Sides at Culver's go well beyond the standard fry. Crinkle-cut fries are the classic — typically around $3 to $5 depending on size — with their ridged shape giving them extra crispiness and salt-gripping power.
Wisconsin cheese curds are the signature side and the one first-timers ask about most. An order usually runs around $5 to $7, which reflects the fact that these are real cheese curds, breaded and fried to order. They're a must-try at least once.
Onion rings, coleslaw, mashed potatoes with gravy, and other regional-style sides generally fall in the around $3 to $5 range. Side salads and soup are available for lighter appetites, typically priced similarly to the fry range.
Drinks and Shakes
Fountain drinks follow standard fast-food pricing — usually around $2 to $4 depending on size. Lemonade, iced tea, and the usual soft drink lineup are all available.
Where drinks get interesting is the custard-based lineup: shakes and malts made with fresh frozen custard. These typically run around $5 to $7 and are substantially thicker and richer than a standard fast-food shake. The root beer float, made with custard instead of ice cream, is a particular standout and usually priced in the same range.
Kids' Meals
The kids' menu keeps things simple and affordable. Kids' meals — typically a smaller burger, chicken tenders, or a similar main with a side and a drink — generally run around $6 to $8. Many locations include a small scoop of custard or a similar treat with kids' meals, which makes them a genuinely good deal for families.
For parents, the kids' menu is also a useful option for lighter appetites. There's no rule that says adults can't order from it, and it's a reasonable way to enjoy the Culver's experience without overdoing it.
Getting the Best Value
A few strategies can stretch your dollar further. First, the baskets are almost always better value than ordering items separately — the bundled fries and drink cost less than they would à la carte.
Second, consider sharing. A large order of cheese curds or a big basket of fries split between two people is often more satisfying (and cheaper per person) than two separate side orders.
Third, keep an eye on the custard pricing relative to portion size. The jump from a small to a regular concrete mixer is often modest in price but meaningful in custard, making the larger size the better value if you have the appetite.
Finally, remember that prices vary by location. If you're traveling, don't be surprised if the numbers differ from your hometown Culver's. When in doubt, check the menu board or ask — the staff deals with price questions all day and won't think twice about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ButterBurger cost in 2026?
A single ButterBurger typically costs around $6 to $8 à la carte, while a double usually runs around $8 to $10. Deluxe versions and specialty builds cost a bit more. Prices vary by location, so your local restaurant's menu board is the final word.
Are Culver’s baskets a good value?
Yes, baskets are generally the best value on the menu. A basket bundles the sandwich with fries and a drink for a few dollars more than the sandwich alone — noticeably less than buying all three items separately.
How much is frozen custard at Culver’s?
A basic cone or dish typically starts around $3 to $5, sundaes run around $5 to $7, and concrete mixers usually land around $5 to $8 depending on size and mix-ins. The daily Flavor of the Day is typically priced the same as standard custard.
Why do Culver’s prices vary by location?
Most Culver's restaurants are independently owned franchises that set their own prices based on local costs like rent, labor, and ingredients. That's why a restaurant in a big city often charges more than one in a smaller town.
Does Culver’s have a value or dollar menu?
Culver's doesn't really do a traditional dollar menu. Its positioning is closer to "better fast food," with pricing to match. The best value plays are the baskets, kids' meals, and sharing larger sides like cheese curds or fries.
Are the prices on this page exact?
No — every price here is an approximation. Prices change over time and differ between locations, so use these ranges for planning and check your local restaurant's current menu for exact figures. Prices and nutrition information may vary by location.
Conclusion
Culver's menu prices in 2026 reflect what the chain actually is: a step above standard fast food, with fresh ingredients and made-to-order cooking that justify the modest premium. Most diners can expect to spend roughly $10 to $15 per person for a full meal with a drink, and a few dollars more if frozen custard is involved — which it should be. Plan around the baskets for the best value, leave room for dessert, and check your local menu board for exact pricing. Ready to put your plan into action? Order now and build your perfect Culver's meal.
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