Fast-food value menus rarely get more stacked than Carl’s Jr., where double cheeseburgers and hand-breaded chicken tenders compete for your dollar. If you are trying to figure out what to order without breaking the bank, you need a clear look at the Carl’s Jr. Menu with Prices before you hit the drive-thru. Prices do shift by location, but this guide gives you the real-world averages so you can plan your meal like a pro.
You don’t want to be the person fumbling with cash at the window. You want to know exactly what a Famous Star costs, or if the Spicy Chicken Sandwich is worth the upgrade. We broke down the entire lineup, from breakfast to late-night snacks, so you can order with confidence.
Carl’s Jr. Menu With Prices
This is your complete cheat sheet for the current Carl’s Jr. lineup. We have organized everything by category, using standard pricing from franchise locations across the US. Remember that urban areas or airport locations might tack on a few extra cents, but these numbers are your baseline.
Burgers And Sandwiches
The burger is the king here. Carl’s Jr. is famous for the charbroiled flavor, and they do not skimp on the sauce. Here is what you can expect to pay for the main event.
- Famous Star with Cheese: $5.49 (Single) / $7.49 (Double)
- Big Carl: $6.29 (Single) / $8.29 (Double)
- Western Bacon Cheeseburger: $5.99 (Single) / $7.99 (Double)
- Guacamole Bacon Burger: $6.49 (Single)
- Bacon Swiss Burger: $5.79 (Single)
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich: $5.29
- Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders (3pc): $4.99
- Charbroiled Chicken Sandwich: $5.49
You can usually add a combo for about $3.50 more. That gets you fries and a drink. If you are really hungry, the Double Big Carl is a monster that weighs in at nearly half a pound of beef.
Breakfast Menu
Breakfast is served all day at most locations. That is a huge win if you wake up late or work the night shift. The breakfast burritos are the hidden gem on this menu.
- Breakfast Burger: $4.29 (This is a burger patty with egg and bacon)
- Loaded Breakfast Burrito: $5.99
- Sunrise Sandwich: $3.49
- Frisco Breakfast Sandwich: $4.79
- Hash Browns: $1.99
- Mini Pancakes (4pc): $2.49
The Loaded Burrito is huge. It comes with scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage. It is easily two meals for most people.
Value Menu And Deals
If you are on a budget, the value menu is where you need to look. These items rotate, but the core lineup stays pretty consistent. You can often get two items for around five bucks.
- Jalapeno Burger: $2.19
- Famous Star (No Cheese): $3.99 (Often part of the 2 for $5 deal)
- Chicken Tenders (2pc): $2.99
- Small Fries: $1.79
- Small Drink: $1.49
- Cookies: $1.29
Check the app before you go. Carl’s Jr. frequently drops a “Buy One Get One Free” coupon for the Famous Star. That makes the price per burger drop to about two bucks, which is unbeatable.
Sides And Extras
You need sides to round out the meal. The crisscut fries are the signature here. They are seasoned and crispy, and they hold up better than standard fries when you are driving.
- Crisscut Fries (Medium): $2.49
- Crisscut Fries (Large): $2.99
- Onion Rings: $2.99
- Side Salad: $3.29
- Mozzarella Sticks (4pc): $3.49
- Chili Cheese Fries: $3.99
Pro tip: Ask for extra crisscut seasoning. It is free, and it makes the fries taste like they just came out of the fryer even if you are eating them cold.
Desserts And Shakes
Do not skip dessert. The hand-scooped shakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in. They use real ice cream, not that powdered mix you find at other places.
- Chocolate Shake: $3.79
- Vanilla Shake: $3.79
- Strawberry Shake: $3.79
- Oreo Shake: $4.29
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: $1.29
- Churros (2pc): $2.49
You can add a shot of espresso to any shake for about 50 cents. It turns the vanilla shake into a makeshift coffee dessert that is surprisingly good.
How To Save Money On Your Order
Nobody wants to pay full price. The Carl’s Jr. menu is already cheaper than most sit-down places, but you can shave off a few more dollars with these tricks.
Use The App For Exclusive Deals
The mobile app is where the real discounts live. You will often see a “Free Fries with Any Purchase” or a “2 for $5 Mix and Match” deal that is not advertised in the store.
- Download the app from your app store.
- Create an account with your email.
- Check the “Offers” tab before you order.
- Apply the coupon at checkout.
You also earn points for every dollar you spend. Those points add up to free burgers pretty quickly. If you eat there once a week, you will probably get a free Famous Star within a month.
Order The Double, Not The Single
Here is a weird pricing quirk. The Double Famous Star is only about $2 more than the single. If you are hungry, the double is a better value per ounce of meat. You get double the patty for a fraction of the cost.
Same goes for the Big Carl. The jump from single to double is usually around $1.50 to $2.00. That is a steal when you consider how much extra beef you are getting.
Skip The Combo, Buy A La Carte
Sometimes the combo is not the best deal. If you do not want a drink, or you prefer water, buy the burger alone and grab a small fries. You will save about a dollar compared to the full combo price.
You can also ask for a cup of water instead of a soda. That instantly saves you $2.50 on the combo price. The fries are the only essential side, anyway.
Limited Time Offers And Seasonal Items
Carl’s Jr. likes to rotate limited time offers (LTOs) throughout the year. These are usually regional, so you might not see them everywhere. However, the most common ones include the following.
Spicy Double Western Bacon
This is a fan favorite that pops up every few months. It takes the classic Western Bacon and adds jalapenos and a spicy sauce. It usually runs about $6.99 for the single. It sells out fast, so grab it when you see it.
Beyond Meat Burger
For the plant-based crowd, Carl’s Jr. offers the Beyond Famous Star. It is priced higher than the beef version, usually around $6.99. It is a solid option if you are avoiding meat but still want that charbroiled taste.
Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders
These are not always on the menu. Some locations only carry them during certain seasons. When they are available, the 5-piece box is about $7.49. They are thick, juicy, and come with a honey mustard sauce that is addictive.
Nutritional Information And Allergens
If you are watching your waistline, you need to know what is in your food. The Famous Star with Cheese clocks in at around 660 calories. That is not terrible, but the sauce and cheese add up.
- Famous Star: 590 calories
- Big Carl: 920 calories
- Spicy Chicken: 530 calories
- Crisscut Fries (Medium): 430 calories
- Chocolate Shake: 680 calories
If you have allergies, the buns contain wheat and soy. The fries are cooked in shared oil with breaded items, so there is a cross-contamination risk for gluten. Check the full allergen guide on their website before ordering if you have severe reactions.
Breakfast Vs. Lunch Pricing
There is a noticable price difference between the breakfast and lunch menus. Breakfast items are generally cheaper because they use less meat. However, the breakfast burger is a great crossover item.
You can order the Breakfast Burger at 10 AM or 10 PM. It is just a regular beef patty with a fried egg, bacon, and cheese on a brioche bun. It is cheaper than the Big Carl but fills you up just the same.
Late Night Menu
Most Carl’s Jr. locations are open until midnight or later. The full menu is available during late night hours, which is rare. You do not have to settle for a limited late night menu like you do at other chains.
If you are ordering at 11 PM, the value menu is your best friend. The Jalapeno Burger and a small fry will cost you under $5. It is the perfect drunk food that won’t destroy your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people ask about the pricing and menu at Carl’s Jr.
Does Carl’s Jr. Have A Dollar Menu?
Not exactly. The value menu items start at $1.49 for a small drink. The cheapest food item is usually the Jalapeno Burger at $2.19. You will not find a true dollar menu anymore, but the value items are still affordable.
Why Are Prices Different At Each Location?
Franchise owners set their own prices. A location in downtown Los Angeles will charge more than a rural location in Ohio. Also, airport and highway rest stop locations always have inflated prices. Your best bet is to check the app for the specific pricing at your local store.
Is The Spicy Chicken Sandwich Actually Spicy?
Yes, it has a decent kick. It is not blow-your-head-off spicy, but it has a cayenne pepper breading that lingers. If you like heat, add jalapenos for an extra 50 cents. If you are sensitive to spice, stick to the charbroiled chicken.
Can I Order Off The Breakfast Menu All Day?
Most locations serve breakfast all day. However, some franchise owners stop serving breakfast at 10:30 AM to speed up the lunch rush. Call ahead or check the app to see if your location offers all-day breakfast.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Feed A Family Of Four?
The best strategy is to order two 2-for-$5 deals if they are available. That gives you four burgers for $10. Add two large fries and a couple of waters, and you are out the door for about $15. That is hard to beat for a fast food dinner.
Now you have the full picture of the Carl’s Jr. Menu with Prices. You know what to order, what to skip, and how to save a few bucks. The next time you pull up to the drive-thru, you will already know exactly what you want. No more staring at the menu board and holding up the line. Go get that Famous Star and enjoy every bite.