Best Culver’s Orders for Every Budget: Value Baskets, ButterBurgers and Sides
I know it’s really hard to decide what to order when the Culver’s Menu has ButterBurgers, chicken, seafood, sides, custard and a long list of value baskets, and every location prices things a little differently. You want a filling meal, you do not want to overspend, and nobody tells you which order gives the most for the money. That is exactly why We put this guide together, where you get the best Culver’s orders at every budget, with real Prices from reported examples, simple hacks and honest tips on what to skip. Let’s Start Finding Your Best Culver’s Order Today.
Last updated: 6 November 2026. Prices come from reported examples at specific restaurants and vary by location, so check the Culver’s app or menu board before you order.
How Culver’s Pricing Works
Culver’s is a franchise, so each owner sets the Menu Item prices at their own restaurant. A kids’ meal that costs $6.39 in one city may cost $6.99 in another. That is why I use price examples as a guide and focus on the cheapest way to build a meal, which works the same everywhere.
Budget Pick 1: The Kids’ Meal (Lowest Cost)
The cheapest complete meal at Culver’s is usually the kids’ meal, and adults can order it too. Each kids’ meal includes a main, a side of fries or applesauce, a drink, and a scoop of custard or a token for later.
- At a Charlotte, North Carolina restaurant, Chowhound found the kids’ ButterBurger meal at $6.39, compared with $11.49 for the ButterBurger value basket, a saving of $5.10. The grilled cheese and corn dog kids’ meals were also $6.39 there.
- The Takeout reported the Single ButterBurger with Cheese Kids’ Meal at $6.99 versus $8.89 for the same burger in a basket, which saves $2.00 and adds a scoop of custard.
The catch is portion size. Chicken strips in a kids’ meal are capped at two pieces, while value baskets come in larger counts. If you are very hungry, a basket is the better pick. The cheapest snack on the menu in that example was applesauce at $2.39, though some restaurants charge the same as a small fry.
Budget Pick 2: Value Baskets (Best Balance)
On the official Culver’s page, a value basket is any entree plus fries and a drink, or you can upgrade to a premium side and a handcrafted beverage. There are 21 baskets listed, so there is something for most tastes:
- Burgers: ButterBurger, ButterBurger Cheese, The Culver’s Deluxe, The Culver’s Bacon Deluxe, Mushroom & Swiss, Harvest Veggie Burger
- Melts: Sourdough Melt, Wisconsin Swiss Melt, Grilled Reuben Melt
- Chicken: Original Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Crispy Chicken, Grilled Chicken
- Other: Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp, North Atlantic Cod Sandwich, Beef Pot Roast, Pork Loin, Grilled Cheese, Corn Dog
- Limited time: the Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger Value Basket
The cheapest non-kids combo in Chowhound’s Charlotte example was the Pork Loin Value Basket at $9.59. If you do not mind a lower-key sandwich, that is where the savings are. For a classic order, the ButterBurger basket gives you the signature burger with fries and a drink.
Budget Pick 3: Splurge Orders Worth the Money
When you want something special, these picks come up again and again. Chef Dennis Littley’s top five Culver’s orders, as listed by Eat This, are:
- The Culver’s Deluxe: a ButterBurger with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion on a lightly buttered bun.
- Spicy Crispy Chicken: a crunchy chicken sandwich with a seasoning that does not overpower.
- Wisconsin Cheese Curds: real Wisconsin cheddar, fried golden.
- George’s Chili Supreme: a filling bowl, especially good in cooler months.
- Concrete Mixer: frozen custard blended with candy, fruit, cookies or sauces.
If you are spending a little more, put the extra money into one of these instead of piling on several add-ons.
Sides Worth Adding
A side can turn a basic burger into a full meal, but it also adds to the bill, so pick one or two.
- Cheese curds: a Wisconsin favorite and a good one to share.
- Onion rings: ask for them well done for extra crunch.
- Mashed potatoes: a simple, filling side that can be loaded up with toppings.
- Sweet pretzel bites: a good dessert-style side to split.
Ordering Hacks That Save Money or Add Flavor
The Takeout collected a few ordering tips from fans:
- Ask for extra crispy fries: this helps avoid soggy fries.
- Make your own poutine: combine cheese curds, fries and gravy. It is not on the Menu, so describe what you want.
- Go half and half on tenders: in larger orders, swap some Original tenders for Buffalo. The source does not say whether this costs extra.
- Try an off-season CurderBurger: ask for cheese curds on a regular burger.
- Think before you swap the bun: a fan said adding mushrooms to the Sourdough Melt may cost less than swapping the bun on a Mushroom & Swiss ButterBurger.
Staff may not know every hack by name, so keep the request simple and polite.
What Is New at Culver’s in 2026
Culver’s announced its 2026 plans in a February press release. The company promised four pub burger releases through the year, two new Flavors of the Day to add to its rotation of 30, pumpkin-inspired desserts in the fall, and a new take on a classic dish inspired by Wisconsin supper clubs. It is also rolling out new Delicious Rewards features, such as saving preferences, getting notified about your favorite flavors and sharing points with friends and family. Limited-time items change the value math, so check the app before you order.
Best Time to Order and Culver’s Hours
Most Culver’s restaurants open at 10:30 AM every day. They typically close at 10:00 PM from Sunday through Thursday and at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Hours can change by location, and holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Easter often have different schedules, so check the Culver’s Hours page or your nearest restaurant before you go. Some locations keep the drive-thru open after the dining room closes.
Quick Picks by Budget
| Budget | Best Order | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest | Single ButterBurger kids’ meal | Burger, fries, drink and custard, reported at $6.39 to $6.99 |
| Mid-range | ButterBurger or Pork Loin value basket | Full meal with fries and a drink, reported at $8.89 to $11.49 |
| Treat yourself | Deluxe, Spicy Crispy Chicken or a Concrete Mixer | Chef-picked favorites |
| Sharing | Cheese curds and onion rings | Easy to split between two or more |
FAQs
What is the cheapest meal at Culver’s?
The kids’ meal is usually the cheapest full meal. It includes a main, a side, a drink and a scoop of custard, and adults can order it too.
How many value baskets does Culver’s have?
The official Culver’s page lists 21 value baskets, including a limited-time Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger Value Basket.
What comes in a Culver’s value basket?
Any entree plus fries and a drink. You can also upgrade to a premium side and a handcrafted beverage.
Do Culver’s prices change by location?
Yes. Each restaurant sets its own prices, so always check the menu board or app.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to spend a lot to eat well at Culver’s. A kids’ meal is the cheapest full meal, a value basket is the best balance, and a Deluxe or a Concrete Mixer is a good treat. Pick the budget that fits your day, add one smart side and use the app for the latest Prices. Now that you know the best orders, Open The Culver’s App And Place Your Order Today.
