Before you finalize your budget for a Southern-style feast, here’s what a stop at Cotton Patch actually costs. The Cotton Patch Menu with Prices is something you need to see before you walk in the door, because the portions are huge and the options are many. You don’t want to get caught off guard when the check arrives, so lets break down every category from chicken fried steak to catfish.
Cotton Patch is known for its hand-battered chicken, fresh salads, and those famous yeast rolls that come with every meal. But how much should you plan to spend for a lunch or dinner? I have looked at the current pricing structure so you can order with confidence and know exactly what fits your wallet.
Cotton Patch Menu With Prices
Here is the full breakdown of the current menu items and their associated costs. Keep in mind that prices can shift slightly based on your specific location in Texas, but these figures are accurate as of this month for most corporate stores.
Appetizers And Starters
If you are starting with a shared plate, the appetizer section offers a few solid choices. These are great for the table, but they are also filling enough to be a meal for one person if you are not that hungry.
- Fried Pickles – $7.99
- Onion Rings – $6.49
- Queso & Chips – $7.29
- Chicken Tender Basket (3 pc) – $8.99
- Loaded Potato Skins – $8.49
The fried pickles are a fan favorite. They come with a creamy ranch dipping sauce that balances the tang perfectly. If you are on a budget, the queso is the cheapest way to get something warm and cheesy in your belly fast.
Hand-Battered Chicken Entrees
This is the heart of the menu. The chicken is always fresh, never frozen, and it is marinated for 24 hours before it hits the fryer. You can get it as a whole meal or as a lighter option.
- Chicken Fried Chicken – $11.49
- Chicken Fried Steak – $12.99
- Country Fried Chicken Tenders (4 pc) – $10.99
- Grilled Chicken Plate – $10.49
- Chicken & Waffles – $12.49
Every entree comes with two sides and a homemade yeast roll. That is a lot of food for the price. The chicken fried steak is the most expensive item here, but it is also the biggest portion on the plate.
Build Your Own Combo
You can mix and match if you want a little variety. Choose any two items from the list below for a single price.
- Chicken Tender
- Fried Shrimp
- Catfish Fillet
- Boneless Wings
The combo plate runs you about $12.49. It is a smart pick if you cannot decide between surf and turf. I usually grab the shrimp and a tender just to switch things up.
Fresh Salads And Soups
Cotton Patch does not skimp on the greens. These salads are huge and come with the same hot yeast roll on the side. If you want something lighter, this is the section to look at.
- Grilled Chicken Salad – $9.99
- Crispy Chicken Salad – $9.99
- Caesar Salad (with Chicken) – $9.49
- Side Salad – $3.99
- Bowl of Soup of the Day – $4.49
The soup changes daily, so ask your server what they have. The chicken tortilla soup is usually the best bet if it is available. You can also add a cup of soup to any salad for an extra $2.00.
Catfish And Seafood
For those who prefer the water, the catfish is hand-cut and rolled in a secret cornmeal breading. It is fried to a golden brown and served flaky.
- Catfish Fillet Plate (2 pc) – $12.99
- Catfish Fillet Plate (3 pc) – $14.49
- Fried Shrimp Plate – $13.49
- Shrimp & Catfish Combo – $14.99
All seafood plates come with two sides and hushpuppies. The hushpuppies are a nice bonus that you do not get with the chicken meals. If you are really hungry, go for the 3-piece catfish. It is a massive amount of food.
Burgers And Sandwiches
You can get a hand-pressed burger here too. The beef is never frozen and it is cooked to order. These come with a side of fries or a side salad.
- Classic Cheeseburger – $9.99
- Bacon Swiss Burger – $11.29
- Chicken Club Sandwich – $9.79
- Fried Catfish Po’ Boy – $10.99
- Philly Cheesesteak – $10.49
The Bacon Swiss Burger is the most popular sandwich on the menu. It comes with a sweet and spicy sauce that you will not find anywhere else. You can upgrade your side to onion rings for a dollar more.
Family Meals And Bundles
If you are feeding a crowd, the family meals are the best value on the Cotton Patch Menu with Prices. These are designed for takeout and they feed four to six people easily.
- Family Chicken Meal (12 pc) – $27.99
- Family Tender Meal (16 pc) – $29.99
- Family Catfish Meal (12 pc) – $34.99
- Family Salad Kit – $19.99
Each family meal comes with four large sides and a dozen yeast rolls. That is a full dinner for a family of five for under thirty bucks. You really cannot beat that price for the amount of food you get.
Sides And Extras
You can order sides a la carte if you want to try something different or if you are just adding to your meal. The portions are generous, so do not over order.
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy – $2.99
- Seasoned Green Beans – $2.99
- Mac & Cheese – $3.29
- Corn on the Cob – $2.79
- Cole Slaw – $2.49
- Side Salad – $3.99
- Baked Potato – $3.29
- Fries – $2.99
The mac and cheese is creamy and baked with a breadcrumb topping. It is worth the extra thirty cents over the other sides. The green beans are cooked with bacon, so they have a nice smoky flavor.
Desserts And Sweet Treats
Do not skip dessert. The desserts are made in-house daily and they are huge. You might want to share one with the table.
- Homemade Pie (Slice) – $4.49
- Brownie Sundae – $5.29
- Cookie Skillet – $5.99
- Cheesecake – $5.49
The cookie skillet is a warm chocolate chip cookie baked in a mini skillet and topped with ice cream. It takes about ten minutes to prepare, so order it early if you know you want it.
Drinks And Beverages
Soft drinks, tea, and lemonade are all refillable. You will pay for the first glass and then keep them coming.
- Soft Drinks – $2.99
- Sweet Tea – $2.99
- Unsweet Tea – $2.99
- Fresh Lemonade – $3.29
- Coffee – $2.49
- Milk – $2.79
If you are watching your budget, stick with the water. It is free and they will bring you lemon slices if you ask nicely.
Daily Specials And Deals
Cotton Patch runs daily specials that can save you a few bucks. These are not always advertised on the main menu, so you have to ask or check the board at the counter.
- Monday: Buy One Get One Free Tenders
- Tuesday: $5.99 Lunch Special
- Wednesday: Half-Price Appetizers
- Thursday: Catfish Special – $10.99
- Friday: Family Meal Discount
The Tuesday lunch special is the best deal. You get a smaller portion of chicken fried chicken, one side, and a roll for under six dollars. That is a steal for a sit-down restaurant.
Kids Menu
If you have little ones, the kids menu is affordable and includes a drink and a side. Kids meals come with a small toy or a coloring sheet.
- Chicken Tenders (2 pc) – $5.99
- Grilled Cheese – $4.99
- Mac & Cheese – $4.99
- Mini Corn Dogs – $5.49
Kids under three eat free when you order an adult entree. That is a nice touch for families with toddlers.
Nutritional Info And Allergens
If you have dietary restrictions, you can ask for the full allergen guide at the counter. The fried items are cooked in shared oil, so there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten and shellfish.
Most of the fried chicken items are high in sodium and calories. The grilled chicken salad is the healthiest option on the menu, coming in at around 450 calories with dressing on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and the menu at this restaurant.
Does Cotton Patch Have A Lunch Menu?
Yes, they offer a lunch menu on weekdays from 11 AM to 3 PM. The lunch portions are smaller and the prices are lower. You can get a chicken tender plate with two sides for about $7.99.
Are The Prices The Same At Every Location?
No, prices can vary slightly by location. Franchise owners have some control over pricing based on their local cost of living. The prices listed here are the average for corporate locations in Texas.
Can I Order Online For Pickup?
Yes, you can order through the Cotton Patch website or the mobile app. Online ordering is easy and you can see the exact prices for your specific store before you pay.
Do They Offer A Senior Discount?
Yes, guests over the age of 55 can get 10% off their meal. You just have to ask your server when you are paying. This discount is not valid on alcohol or family meals.
Is There A Gluten Free Menu?
There is no dedicated gluten free menu, but they do have grilled options. The grilled chicken salad and the grilled chicken plate can be prepared without gluten containing marinades if you ask.
Final Thoughts On Budgeting
So, what should you expect to pay? For a single adult with a drink and a tip, you are looking at roughly $15 to $18. If you skip the drink and the appetizer, you can get out of there for about $12.
For a family of four, the total bill will likely be around $45 to $55 if you skip the desserts. If you want the full experience with appetizers and desserts, budget closer to $75.
The best value is clearly the family meal bundle. You get a ton of food for a fraction of what you would pay ordering individually. The yeast rolls alone are worth the trip, and they give you plenty.
One thing to remember is that the prices on the Cotton Patch Menu with Prices are subject to change. The restaurant usually updates their menu twice a year, so check the official website before you go if you are on a very strict budget.
I have been going to Cotton Patch for years and the quality has stayed consistent. The service is usually fast and friendly, even during the lunch rush. The parking lot can get crowded around noon, so try to arrive before 11:45 AM if you want a good seat.
Overall, you get what you pay for here. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are generous, and the Southern hospitality is real. It is not the cheapest fast food option, but it is a step above fast casual in terms of quality and taste.
If you are looking for a hearty meal that does not break the bank, put Cotton Patch on your list. Just make sure you bring your appetite, because the serving sizes are no joke. And do not forget to save room for that cookie skillet.