Cafe Express operates on a simple principle: fresh, fast food without the guesswork, and their price list keeps your lunch break both quick and affordable. If you are looking for the Cafe Express Menu with Prices, you have come to the right place. This guide breaks down every section of their offering so you can order with confidence, knowing exactly what you will pay before you step up to the counter.
Whether you are a regular visitor or a first-timer, understanding the cost structure helps you make better choices. The chain is known for its made-to-order salads, hot sandwiches, and signature pastas. But prices can shift slightly by location, so we have provided a reliable baseline based on current data.
Cafe Express Menu With Prices
Below you will find a comprehensive breakdown of the standard menu items. We have organized this by category to make navigation easy. Remember that these are average prices, and your local store might have a slight variance due to regional supply costs.
Salads And Greens
Salads are the heart of Cafe Express. They chop everything fresh to order, which means you wait a few extra minutes, but the crunch is worth it. You can get most salads as a half or full portion.
- Caesar Salad – Half $6.49 / Full $8.99
- House Salad – Half $5.79 / Full $7.99
- Grilled Chicken Cobb – Half $8.29 / Full $10.79
- Spinach & Strawberry – Half $7.99 / Full $10.49
- Mediterranean Tuna – Half $8.49 / Full $11.29
- Thai Steak Salad – Full Only $12.99
- Quinoa Power Bowl – Half $7.49 / Full $9.99
You can add extra protein to any salad. Grilled chicken runs about $3.49, while shrimp or steak will set you back $4.99. They also offer avocado slices for $1.79, which is a good deal compared to most fast-casual spots.
Hot Sandwiches And Paninis
The grill team works fast here. Sandwiches come with a pickle spear and your choice of chips or a small side salad. If you upgrade to a full salad or soup, it costs an extra $2.50.
- Classic Turkey Club – $8.99
- Grilled Chicken Pesto – $9.49
- Italian Combo – $9.29
- Caprese Panini – $8.79
- Steak & Cheddar Melt – $10.99
- Veggie Hummus Wrap – $8.49
- BBQ Bacon Burger – $10.29
All sandwiches are served on fresh bakery bread. You can swap the bread for a lettuce wrap at no extra charge, which is a nice option for low-carb dieters. They do not charge extra for toasting, which is unusual these days.
Signature Pastas And Hot Dishes
Pasta bowls are hearty and filling. They are served piping hot and come with a breadstick. The portions are generous, so you might want to share or save half for later.
- Chicken Penne Alfredo – $9.99
- Spaghetti with Meatballs – $10.49
- Shrimp Scampi – $12.79
- Vegetable Lasagna – $9.49
- Mac & Cheese (Kids or Side) – $4.99
- Chicken Tortilla Soup (Cup) – $4.29 / (Bowl) – $5.79
The soups change daily. You can ask for a sample before committing, and the staff is usually happy to oblige. The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a crowd favorite, but the Tomato Basil is also solid.
Kids Menu
If you have little ones, the kids menu is affordable and includes a small drink and a cookie. Portions are sized for children under 12.
- Grilled Cheese – $4.99
- Buttered Noodles – $3.99
- Chicken Tenders (2 pc) – $5.49
- Mini Cheese Pizza – $5.29
You can add a fruit cup to any kids meal for $1.50. The drinks are self-serve, so refills are free while you are in the restaurant.
Beverages And Sides
Drinks are reasonably priced. They have a full espresso bar, which is unusual for this type of establishment. You can get a decent latte for less than you would at a dedicated coffee shop.
- Soft Drinks (Unlimited Refills) – $2.79
- Fresh Brewed Iced Tea – $2.99
- Bottled Water – $2.29
- Latte (12 oz) – $3.99
- Cappuccino – $3.79
- Fresh Lemonade – $3.29
- Side of Fries – $2.99
- Sweet Potato Fries – $3.49
- Fruit Cup – $2.79
They also have a small selection of bottled juices and kombucha, but those are priced higher at around $4.50. Stick to the fresh lemonade if you want value.
Desserts And Bakery Items
Desserts are displayed at the counter. You can see what you are getting, which helps avoid disappointment. The cookies are baked in-house daily.
- Chocolate Chunk Cookie – $2.49
- Brownie – $3.29
- Cheesecake Slice – $4.99
- Carrot Cake Slice – $5.29
- Rice Krispy Treat – $1.99
If you are watching your budget, the cookies are the best value. They are large and chewy, and they pair well with a black coffee.
Breakfast Service
Many locations serve breakfast until 11:00 AM. The breakfast menu is shorter but still hits the spot. You can order these items all day at some stores, but it is best to go early.
- Bacon Egg & Cheese Croissant – $5.99
- Breakfast Tacos (2 pc) – $4.79
- Oatmeal with Berries – $4.49
- Greek Yogurt Parfait – $4.29
- Avocado Toast – $6.49
Breakfast combos include a small coffee. Upgrading to a large drink costs an extra $0.60, which is a fair price.
How To Save Money At Cafe Express
You do not have to pay full price every time. There are a few tricks to keep your total lower. First, sign up for their email list. They send out a welcome coupon for a free entree with any drink purchase.
Second, look for the daily specials board. On Tuesdays, they often run a special on pasta bowls. On Thursdays, salads are sometimes discounted. These specials are not always advertised online, so you have to look at the physical board in the store.
Third, consider the half portion. The half salads are still quite large. Most people find that a half salad with a cup of soup is more than enough food. This combo will cost you around $10, which is a great deal for the quality.
Finally, check if your location participates in loyalty apps. Some franchises link with third-party apps like Ritual or Toast. You can earn points on every purchase and redeem them for free items.
Online Ordering And Delivery Fees
If you order through the Cafe Express website, the prices are the same as in-store. However, third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats will mark up the items by about 15-20%. You also have to pay service fees and delivery tips.
To avoid this, use their curbside pickup option. You order online, park in a designated spot, and they bring the food out to you. There is no markup for this service, and you skip the line. It is the best way to stick to the menu prices listed above.
Nutritional Information And Allergens
Cafe Express provides a full allergen guide on their website. If you have celiac disease, they have gluten-free bread options, but cross-contamination is possible in the shared toaster. You should inform the staff of any severe allergies.
Most salads are naturally gluten-free if you skip the croutons. The dressings are made in-house, and they are clearly labeled. The vinaigrettes are usually safe, but the creamy dressings contain dairy.
For those counting calories, the lighter options are the grilled chicken salads. The Thai Steak Salad is also relatively low in calories if you ask for the dressing on the side. The pasta dishes are heavier, ranging from 700 to 1,100 calories per bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cafe Express have a secret menu?
No official secret menu exists, but you can customize almost anything. Ask for a “chopped” salad, and they will dice all the ingredients smaller for you. You can also request any sandwich as a wrap for free.
Are the prices on the Cafe Express menu with prices the same for delivery?
No. In-store and curbside pickup prices match the official menu. Third-party delivery apps add a surcharge of roughly $2 to $4 per item, plus their own service fees.
Can I get a refill on the fresh lemonade?
No, the fresh lemonade is not self-serve. It is a premium beverage, so refills are not included. You can buy a second glass at a reduced price of $1.50 if you show your original cup.
Is there a discount for students or seniors?
Some locations offer a 10% discount for students with a valid ID and for seniors over 65. This is not a corporate policy, so you have to ask at the register. It never hurts to ask politely.
Do they offer catering or party platters?
Yes, they have a catering menu separate from the regular menu. You can order large trays of salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Prices for catering are per person and start around $12 per head for a basic boxed lunch.
Final Thoughts On Value
Cafe Express sits in a sweet spot between fast food and casual dining. The quality of ingredients is noticeably higher than a typical burger joint, but the prices are not outrageous. A filling meal with a drink will usually run you between $10 and $14.
Compared to other fast-casual chains like Panera or Chipotle, Cafe Express offers similar pricing but with a more diverse menu. The ability to get a proper pasta bowl or a fresh grilled panini gives you more variety during the work week.
One tip: always check the receipt before you leave the counter. Occasionally, the cashier might ring up an extra side or a larger portion by mistake. Catching it right away saves you the hassle of a dispute later.
If you are watching your spending, stick to the half salads and the daily soup special. If you are splurging, the Thai Steak Salad and a slice of carrot cake are worth the extra cash. The menu is broad enough that you can eat here three times a week without getting bored.
Remember that prices are subject to change based on the cost of ingredients. The figures in this article reflect the current standard, but you should verify at your local branch. The staff is generally friendly and will tell you the exact total before you pay.
So next time you are in a hurry and hungry, skip the drive-thru and give Cafe Express a try. You will get a hot, fresh meal that does not break the bank. And now that you know the full Cafe Express Menu with Prices, you can walk in with a plan and get out fast.
Enjoy your meal, and do not forget to grab a loyalty card on your way out. It takes ten punches to get a free entree, and the card is free to ask for. That is one free lunch you have earned just by reading this far.