When it comes to affordable dining, few places can rival the Costco food court. Known for unbeatable prices and big portions, this food court has become a staple for quick, low-cost meals. But keep in mind, you will need to be a card carrying Costco member to take advantage of these deals. In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Updated of menu prices at the Costco food court.
• Pizza ordering hacks and the best value items on the menu.
• Rate the food court based on four key factors: Family-Friendly Score, Speed and Convenience, Menu Variety, and Overall Value for the Money.

Costco Menu Prices

Hot dog, pizza, and a side of onions at Costco is my go to.

Costco Pizza Menu

A slice of cheese pizza at Costco.

Salad Menu Prices

The Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad at Costco features flavorful rotisserie chicken on a bed of fresh romaine lettuce, topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons. This entree comes with Caesar dressing on the side.

Drink Menu

At the Costco food court, the soda fountain offers a variety of Pepsi products, as well as water, soda water, and ice. The following drinks are available at most locations: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Mug Root Beer.

Ice Cream Menu

Cookies

Ways to Save at Costco’s Food Court

For value seekers, the 1/4 pound Hot Dog and Soda Combo for $1.50 is the ultimate symbol of Costco’s commitment to delivering customer value. In fact, the price is so low that Costco doesn’t make money off it. That’s right—this iconic combo has been priced at $1.50 since 1985, and despite inflation and rising costs Costco continues offering the meal at a loss. Why? The co-founder of Costco, John Sinegal has explained “We’re known for that hotdog. That’s something you don’t mess with.”

The Whole 18” Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza for $9.95 is another excellent value, especially if you’re buying for a group. Six individual slices of pizza (at $1.99 each) would cost you $11.94, meaning you save $1.99 or 16.67% by ordering the whole pie instead of by the slice. If you want to save time, order the pizza ahead of time so it’s ready for pickup by ordering through the local pizza hotline that’s usually posted near the food court menu. You can also grab a few paper plates, napkins, and utensils from the staff to get even more value out of your pizza order.

The “Pizza Hotline” at my local Costco.

For dessert, the Double Chocolate Chip Chunk Cookie at $2.49 gives you a bakery-quality treat for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. The cookie is big enough to share between 2 or 3 people based on my experience. Some Costco’s also brought back the Twisted Churro for only $1.49 post pandemic. Sadly, I can’t find this favorite at any of my local Costco locations.

To order food at the Costco Food Court there’s no waiting in line. Instead you swipe your membership card and pay at a kiosk. Then listen for your assigned order number and show your receipt at the food court window to pick up the food.

Placing an order at the Costco kiosk.

Are there any special discounts you can claim at Costco?

Costco Food Court does not have any discounts for seniors or students. As an Executive Member at Costco myself, I’ve never seen any limited time discounts at the food court. And that’s okay in my book. The prices are already super low.

Overall Costco Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Improvement Feedback:  Finding a place to sit can be a challenge in the food court, especially during lunch or dinner. Parents with little kids understand the struggle to secure seats, make an order, and find a place to park the shopping cart while you dine. More seating would make the food court easier for parents in addition to more soft drink and condiment stations so the lines don’t get as backed up during rush time periods.

Members know seating can be hard to find.

How is the Costco Food Court Menu So Cheap?

Many people wonder how Costco can offer food court staples like the Hot Dog and Soda Combo for just $1.50. The truth is, Costco isn’t making money from these low-priced items. Instead, it all comes down to Costco’s business model of selling memberships.

In 2021, Costco generated $3.9 billion from membership fees alone. With options ranging from $60 per year for standard Gold Star or Business memberships to $120 per year for the Executive level, membership sales are a key driver of revenue. What keeps customers renewing? Benefits like cheap gas, free samples, and exclusive access to the food court. These perks help maintain Costco’s impressive 91% renewal rate in the U.S. and Canada.

As an Executive level Costco shopper myself, I’d never allow my membership expire. I shop there for groceries, fill up on gas, and always know I’m getting a good value. Like millions of other members, I rely on Costco for everyday essentials and easy weeknight meal.

Methodology

Our scoring methodology evaluates four key aspects of a restaurant (Family-Friendly Score, Speed and Convenience, Menu Variety, and Overall Value for the Money) using a simple 1-5 scale. Each category is designed to provide a clear assessment of how well the restaurant meets customer needs.

+ Family-friendly considerations focus on kids’ meals, family promotions, and affordability.

+ Speed and convenience assess service times, online ordering, and delivery options.

+ Menu variety measures healthy options, range of flavors and customization possibilities.

+ Overall value combines price, portion size, quality, and promotional offers into a final assessment.

The 1-5 scoring system provides readers with a quick snapshot of each category, allowing readers to compare restaurants easily. A higher score indicates a restaurant that excels in that particular area, making it easier for families, health-conscious diners, or budget-savvy consumers to make informed dining decisions. This methodology ensures a consistent evaluation across different restaurants and menus.