Costco’s food court is a haven for shoppers seeking quick, affordable, and delicious meals after tackling the warehouse’s sprawling aisles. Renowned for its inflation-resistant prices and generous portions, the food court has become a cultural staple, serving millions annually with classics like the $1.50 hot dog combo and innovative additions that keep the menu fresh. In 2025, Costco’s food court continues to balance tradition with new offerings, all while maintaining its commitment to value. After analyzing expert reviews from sources like Tasting Table and Eat This, Not That!, customer feedback on platforms like Reddit, and nutritional data, we’ve curated the top 3 best food items at Costco’s food court in 2025. These selections excel in taste, value, and popularity, making them must-tries for your next Costco visit. Whether you’re a member grabbing a quick bite or a non-member at an outdoor food court, these items deliver satisfaction at unbeatable prices.
Why Costco’s Food Court is a Shopper’s Paradise
Costco’s food court isn’t just about cheap eats—it’s a cornerstone of the warehouse experience. With over 600 U.S. locations and 229 million hot dog combos sold globally in 2024, the food court’s appeal is undeniable. Here’s why it’s a must-visit:
- Unmatched Value: Most items cost under $5, with the iconic $1.50 hot dog combo unchanged since 1985.
- Hearty Portions: Oversized servings, like 18-inch pizzas and 12-ounce chicken bakes, ensure you’re full.
- Consistency: Standardized recipes mean you get the same quality nationwide.
- Accessibility: Some outdoor food courts allow non-members to order, though a membership is typically required.
- Innovation: New items like the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie and returning favorites like the Hot Turkey and Provolone Sandwich keep the menu exciting.
With self-service kiosks streamlining orders and a switch to Coca-Cola products in 2025, the food court is more appealing than ever. Below, we highlight the top three food court items for 2025, ranked for their flavor, value, and fan appeal.
1. Hot Dog and Soda Combo – Best Value and Timeless Classic
Overview
The Kirkland Signature 1/4 Pound Plus All-Beef Hot Dog and 20 oz. Soda Combo is the crown jewel of Costco’s food court, priced at an inflation-proof $1.50 since 1985. This legendary combo features a massive quarter-pound all-beef hot dog in a sesame seed bun, paired with a 20-ounce fountain drink (now Coca-Cola products in 2025) with free refills. Selling nearly 200 million units in 2023, it’s Costco’s most iconic offering and a benchmark for value in fast food.
Key Features
Price: $1.50
- Nutrition (Per Combo): 570 calories (hot dog), 260 calories (Pepsi/Coca-Cola), 25g fat, 1,520mg sodium, 46g carbs, 24g protein
- Toppings: Diced onions and relish available; sauerkraut discontinued
- Drink Options: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, and more
- Availability: Nationwide at all Costco food courts
Why It Stands Out
The hot dog combo is the epitome of value and simplicity. The quarter-pound all-beef frank delivers a juicy, flavorful bite with a satisfying snap, while the soft sesame seed bun complements it perfectly. Reddit users call it “the most delicious and well-priced thing on Earth,” praising its colossal size and consistent quality. The free soda refills, now featuring Coca-Cola products after a 2025 switch from Pepsi, enhance the deal’s appeal. Costco’s CFO has vowed to keep the price at $1.50 “forever,” making it a loss leader that drives customer loyalty.
Its versatility is another draw—customize it with onions and relish or enjoy it plain. The hot dog’s portability makes it ideal for a quick lunch or post-shopping snack, and its size ensures satisfaction. Tasting Table notes its role as a “hallowed tradition,” cementing its status as a must-have. The switch to Coca-Cola addresses past complaints about soda quality, making this combo even more irresistible in 2025.
Who It’s For
- Budget-conscious shoppers seeking maximum value.
- Families needing a quick, kid-friendly meal.
- Fans of classic American fast food.
Pros
- Unbeatable $1.50 price for a large hot dog and soda.
- High-quality all-beef frank with great flavor.
- Free soda refills boost value.
- Available nationwide with consistent quality.
Cons
- Limited toppings (no sauerkraut).
- High sodium may not suit all diets.
Where to Buy
Available at all Costco food courts for $1.50, with some outdoor locations accessible to non-members.
2. Chicken Bake – Best Savory Meal
Overview
The Chicken Bake is a handheld masterpiece, often likened to a “gourmet Hot Pocket” or “chicken Caesar calzone.” Priced at $3.99, it features a golden-brown pizza dough crust stuffed with rotisserie chicken breast, bacon, mozzarella, parmesan, and Caesar dressing. A fan favorite since its return post-pandemic, it’s a top seller for its hearty portion and rich, comforting flavor, despite a 2022 price hike from $2.99.
Key Features
Price: $3.99
- Nutrition (Per Bake): 920 calories, 45g fat, 2,490mg sodium, 79g carbs, 50g protein
- Weight: Approximately 12 ounces
- Availability: Nationwide, also available frozen in a 6-pack for $13.99
- Ingredients: Rotisserie chicken, bacon, mozzarella, parmesan, Caesar dressing, pizza dough
Why It Stands Out
The Chicken Bake is a savory delight, blending tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Caesar dressing in a cheesy, crispy crust. Tasting Table ranks it as the top food court item, calling it a “saucy and cheesy medley” that’s “like a gourmet hot pocket, but much larger.” At $3.99, it’s a filling meal that rivals fast-food options at a lower cost. Its portability makes it perfect for eating on the go, and its size allows some to split it into two meals.
While some customers, per Reddit, note the post-pandemic version is slightly drier with less filling, it remains a top pick for its unique flavor profile. Eat This, Not That! praises its iconic status, noting its return post-COVID as a sign of Costco’s commitment to fan favorites. For home enjoyment, Costco sells a frozen 6-pack for $13.99, though it includes green onions not found in the food court version. The Chicken Bake’s combination of value, taste, and convenience makes it a standout in 2025.
Who It’s For
- Shoppers craving a hearty, portable meal.
- Fans of cheesy, savory comfort food.
- Those seeking a filling option under $5.
Pros
- Rich, satisfying flavor with a pizza-like crust.
- Generous portion for the price.
- Available frozen for home preparation.
- Consistent across locations.
Cons
- High in calories and sodium.
- Some report reduced filling post-pandemic.
Where to Buy
Available at all Costco food courts for $3.99, or as a frozen 6-pack in-store for $13.99.
3. Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie – Best Dessert Option
Overview
Introduced in January 2024, the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie has become a dessert sensation, replacing the fan-favorite churro. Priced at $2.49, this 5.5-ounce warm, gooey cookie is packed with bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate chunks, offering a bakery-quality treat that’s large enough to share. Its rapid rise in popularity makes it a top pick for 2025.
Key Features
Price: $2.49
- Nutrition (Per Cookie): Approximately 750 calories, 36g fat, 85g carbs, 10g protein (estimated)
- Weight: 5.5 ounces
- Availability: Nationwide at Costco food courts
- Ingredients: All-butter chocolate dough, bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Why It Stands Out
The Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie is a chocolate lover’s dream, with a warm, soft texture and intense flavor. At $0.45 per ounce, it’s a better value than premium bakery cookies from Crumbl or Insomnia, as noted by The Krazy Coupon Lady. Reddit users praise its shareable size and rich taste, though some suggest pairing it with milk to balance the sweetness. Tasting Table highlights its successful replacement of the churro, filling a dessert gap in the menu.
Served fresh from the oven, the cookie’s gooey center and slightly crisp edges rival high-end bakeries. Its affordability and freshness set it apart from pre-packaged desserts at other fast-food chains. While not a health-conscious choice, its indulgent quality makes it a perfect post-shopping treat. The cookie’s meteoric rise in 2024 and continued popularity in 2025 solidify its place among Costco’s best food court items.
Who It’s For
- Dessert enthusiasts seeking a warm, indulgent treat.
- Shoppers wanting a shareable, budget-friendly dessert.
- Those open to new menu items after the churro’s discontinuation.
Pros
- Warm, gooey, and packed with chocolate.
- Large enough to share, offering great value.
- Freshly baked for a premium experience.
- Affordable at $2.49 compared to bakery cookies.
Cons
- Very sweet, may require a drink to balance.
- Replaced the beloved churro, disappointing some.
Where to Buy
Available at all Costco food courts for $2.49.
How We Chose These Top Picks
Our selection process combined rigorous analysis of expert reviews, customer feedback, and nutritional data to ensure an objective ranking. Key sources included:
- Expert Reviews: Tasting Table, Eat This, Not That!, and The Krazy Coupon Lady provided detailed taste tests and rankings.
- Customer Feedback: Reddit threads and social media discussions revealed real-world preferences and trends.
- Sales Data: Costco’s reported 229 million hot dog combo sales in 2024 underscored popularity.
- Nutritional Analysis: We considered calories, sodium, and protein to provide transparency for health-conscious readers.
- Value Assessment: Price-to-portion ratios were evaluated to highlight the best deals.
We prioritized items available nationwide in 2025, excluding regional or discontinued offerings like the combo pizza or churro. Taste, value, and replay value were the core criteria, ensuring our picks resonate with a wide audience.
What to Look for in Costco Food Court Items
When choosing the best food court items, consider these factors to maximize your experience:
- Price vs. Portion: Opt for high-value items like the hot dog combo ($1.50) or chicken bake ($3.99) that offer substantial servings.
- Portability: Handheld options like the chicken bake or hot dog are ideal for quick meals on the go.
- Flavor Balance: Look for items with complementary flavors, such as the Caesar dressing in the chicken bake or chocolate intensity in the cookie.
- Dietary Needs: While limited, healthier options like the Strawberry Banana Smoothie ($2.99) or Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad ($6.99) cater to lighter preferences.
- Freshness: Items like the cookie and chicken bake shine when served hot and fresh, so time your visit during peak hours for the best quality.
FAQs About Costco’s Food Court
Do I Need a Membership to Eat at Costco’s Food Court?
Typically, yes, but some outdoor food courts allow non-members to order. Policies vary by location, so check with your local Costco. A basic membership costs $60 annually, offering access to the food court and warehouse deals.
How Do I Order at the Food Court?
Most locations use self-service kiosks with touchscreen interfaces. Select your items, pay, and wait for your number to be called. Kiosks make browsing the menu easy and are kid-friendly.
What’s New on the Menu in 2025?
New additions include the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie ($2.49), Strawberry Banana Smoothie ($2.99), and the returning Hot Turkey and Provolone Sandwich ($6.99). Costco also switched to Coca-Cola products for fountain drinks.
How Often Should I Expect Menu Changes?
Costco tweaks its menu periodically, often annually or seasonally. Recent changes include the churro’s replacement with the cookie in 2024 and the combo pizza’s reintroduction as a calzone in 2025. Core items like the hot dog and chicken bake remain stable.
Are There Healthier Options?
Yes, but they’re limited. The Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad ($6.99) and Strawberry Banana Smoothie ($2.99) are lighter choices, though the salad is high in sodium (2,650mg). Check nutritional info at the food court or online.
When Are Food Courts Less Busy?
Avoid peak times like weekends from 12–2 PM. Early mornings (10–11 AM) or late afternoons (4–6 PM) are quieter, ensuring fresher food and shorter lines.
Conclusion
Costco’s food court in 2025 is a testament to value, flavor, and convenience, offering something for every shopper. The Hot Dog and Soda Combo ($1.50) remains the ultimate deal, delivering a classic, satisfying meal at an unbeatable price. The Chicken Bake ($3.99) is a savory standout, perfect for those craving comfort food on the go. And the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie ($2.49) satisfies sweet tooths with its warm, gooey decadence. These top picks, backed by expert reviews and customer love, make Costco’s food court a must-visit after your next warehouse haul. Grab your membership card, hit the self-service kiosk, and indulge in these iconic items—you won’t be disappointed!
