Menu for Culver’s: What to Order and Prices (2026)

If you are standing in line at Culver’s, or checking the menu before you drive over, you probably want one thing: a clear picture of what they serve and what is actually worth ordering. Culver’s is not a burger place with a short menu. It is a Wisconsin-born fast-food chain built around a few signatures — the ButterBurger, Wisconsin cheese curds, and frozen custard made fresh in the restaurant — with a much wider menu wrapped around them.

The bottom line: if it is your first visit, order a ButterBurger, a side of cheese curds, and a concrete or a scoop of frozen custard. That trio is the whole point of Culver’s, and it is what regulars come back for. Everything else on the menu is solid, but those three items are the reason the chain has a following.

This guide walks through the full menu for Culver’s, category by category, so you can decide before you order. Prices are not listed here as fixed numbers, because Culver’s is a franchise chain and prices vary by location and change over time. The notes below explain how pricing works and how to check the exact price at your nearest restaurant.

What Is Culver’s?

Culver’s started in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984, and it still leans hard on its Midwestern roots. The menu reads like a Wisconsin supper club crossed with a fast-food restaurant: buttered buns, dairy from Wisconsin, fried fish on Fridays, and custard instead of soft serve.

The chain has grown across much of the United States, especially the Midwest and the South, but the menu has stayed fairly consistent. Most locations serve the same core items, with a few regional or seasonal additions. If you have eaten at one Culver’s, the next one will feel familiar, which is part of the appeal.

Ordering works the way it does at most counter-service restaurants. You order at the counter or through the drive-thru, get a number, and your food is cooked to order. That last part matters: ButterBurgers are not sitting under a heat lamp. They are cooked after you order, so a busy lunch rush can mean a slightly longer wait than at a typical burger chain. Most regulars consider that a fair trade.

ButterBurgers: The Main Event

The ButterBurger is the item Culver’s is known for, and it anchors the whole menu. The name comes from the bun, which is buttered and toasted, not from butter mixed into the beef. The patty itself is fresh, never frozen, beef, pressed and seared on the grill.

The standard build is simple: a beef patty on a buttered bun with your choice of toppings. What makes it different from a typical fast-food burger is the texture. The toasted bun holds up to the juicy patty, and the whole thing tastes closer to a diner burger than a drive-thru one.

ButterBurger Varieties Worth Knowing

You do not have to order the plain version. Culver’s offers several set builds, and they cover the usual burger preferences without getting gimmicky.

The Original ButterBurger is the baseline: beef, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard on a buttered bun. It is the best choice if you want to judge the burger on its own merits, and it is the one to order if you are trying Culver’s for the first time.

The Cheddar ButterBurger adds a slice of real Wisconsin cheddar. It is a small change that makes a noticeable difference, because the cheese is sharp enough to stand up to the beef instead of disappearing into it.

The Mushroom and Swiss ButterBurger is the richer option. Sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese give it a savoury, slightly earthy flavour that works well if you like a heavier burger. It is a good pick in colder weather, when a lighter burger can feel a bit thin.

The Bacon Deluxe ButterBurger is the fully loaded version: bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and mayonnaise. It is the most filling of the standard builds, and the one most likely to need two hands.

There are usually other seasonal or limited-time ButterBurger builds on the menu as well. These rotate, and they are worth a look, but they tend to be variations on the same theme rather than something entirely new.

Single, Double, or Triple?

ButterBurgers come in single, double, and triple patty versions. The bottom line: a single is enough for most people, especially if you are ordering cheese curds or custard as well. A double is the sweet spot for a big appetite. A triple is a lot of food, and it is best saved for a day when you are genuinely very hungry and skipping the sides.

You can also customise. Adding or removing toppings is free and easy, and the staff are used to it. If you do not like raw onion, say so. If you want extra pickles, ask. The burger is cooked to order, so small changes do not slow things down much.

Chicken: Sandwiches, Tenders, and More

Chicken is the second pillar of the Culver’s menu, and it is stronger than the chicken offering at most burger chains. There are two main directions: crispy and grilled.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

The crispy chicken sandwich is a breaded chicken fillet on a buttered bun, with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise as the standard build. It is crunchy without being greasy, and the fillet is a proper piece of chicken rather than a pressed patty. If you like a classic chicken sandwich, this is a safe and satisfying order.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

The grilled version is the lighter option. It is a grilled chicken breast with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, and it suits anyone who wants the sandwich experience without the fried coating. It is also a reasonable choice if you are ordering cheese curds on the side and want to keep the meal from getting too heavy.

Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are one of the most popular items on the menu, and they are a good choice for kids, for sharing, or for anyone who wants chicken without a bun. They come in a few different portion sizes, usually as a basket with a side, and they are served with a choice of dipping sauces.

The tenders are breaded in-house style and fried to order, so they arrive hot and crisp. The bottom line: if you cannot decide between a burger and chicken, the tenders are a good middle ground, and they pair well with almost any side on the menu.

Fish and Seafood

Culver’s fish offering is more serious than most fast-food chains attempt, and it has a lot to do with the chain’s Wisconsin roots. Friday fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin, and Culver’s leans into that.

The main item is the North Atlantic cod fillet sandwich, made with cod that is battered and fried. It is flaky rather than rubbery, and it comes on a bun with lettuce and tartar sauce. There is also a cod dinner option, with a larger portion of fish and sides, for people who want a full meal rather than a sandwich.

Availability can vary. Fish is a permanent part of the menu, but some locations promote it more heavily during Lent and on Fridays. If fish is the reason you are visiting, it is worth checking that your local restaurant has it in stock before you make the trip.

Sides: Cheese Curds, Fries, and Onion Rings

Sides are where Culver’s separates itself from other fast-food chains. The burgers and chicken are good, but the sides are what people talk about afterwards.

Wisconsin Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are the signature side, and they are the one item you should not skip. They are small nuggets of Wisconsin cheddar, battered and fried until the outside is crisp and the inside is soft and slightly melted. They are served hot, with a choice of dipping sauces.

If you have never had cheese curds before, expect something different from mozzarella sticks. The cheese is cheddar, so the flavour is sharper, and the curds have a satisfying squeak and pull when they are fresh. They are best eaten straight away, while they are still hot, because they lose their texture as they cool.

Cheese curds come in a few sizes, including a small order that works as a side and a larger order that works for sharing. Ordering a large to share between two people is a common move, and it is a good one.

Crinkle Cut Fries

The fries are crinkle cut, which gives them more surface area and a better crunch than thin fries. They are salted and served hot, and they hold up well to dipping. They are a solid, reliable side, and they pair with everything on the menu.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are the third main side. They are beer-battered, with a thick, crisp coating and sweet onion inside. They are a good alternative if you want something different from fries, and they work particularly well with a ButterBurger.

Other Sides

Most locations also offer coleslaw, mashed potatoes with gravy, steamed broccoli, and a side salad. These are worth knowing about if you want a lighter side, or if you are ordering for someone who does not want fried food. The coleslaw is a particularly good match for the fish sandwich.

Salads, Soups, and Lighter Options

Culver’s is not a health-food restaurant, but the menu does include lighter options for people who want them.

Salads are available with grilled chicken, crispy chicken, or as a garden salad. They are made to order, and the portions are generous. The grilled chicken salad is the most practical lighter meal on the menu, because it is filling without being heavy.

Soup is also on the menu at many locations, with options that rotate. Broccoli cheese soup is a regular, and it fits the Wisconsin dairy theme. Soups are a good choice on a cold day, or as a smaller meal paired with a sandwich.

The bottom line: if you are watching what you eat, a grilled chicken sandwich or a grilled chicken salad with a side of steamed broccoli is the easiest way to keep a Culver’s meal on the lighter side. You do not have to give up the visit entirely.

Frozen Custard: What Makes Culver’s Different

Frozen custard is the other half of the Culver’s identity, and it is the reason many people go in the first place. Custard is not the same as ice cream. It is made with egg yolk as well as cream and sugar, which gives it a denser, smoother, richer texture. Culver’s makes its custard fresh in each restaurant throughout the day, in small batches, rather than shipping in tubs.

The result is noticeably different from soft serve. It is thicker, creamier, and it holds its shape. If you have only ever had soft serve, a scoop of Culver’s custard will be a pleasant surprise.

Flavours of the Day

Every Culver’s has a flavour of the day, which changes daily, alongside the standard vanilla and chocolate. The flavour of the day might be something like mint, caramel, butter pecan, or a seasonal fruit flavour. Many locations post the flavour on a board near the counter, and regulars often plan their visit around it.

If you are a first-timer, vanilla is the honest starting point. It is the base for almost everything else, and it is very good on its own. Chocolate is the other classic. After that, try the flavour of the day.

Concretes, Sundaes, Shakes, and Malts

Custard comes in several formats, and they are worth understanding before you order.

A concrete is custard blended with mix-ins: candy pieces, nuts, fruit, cookie crumbles, or sauces. It is thick enough that it is served with a spoon, and it is the most popular custard order. You can pick from set concrete recipes or build your own from the mix-in list. Building your own is the best option if you have a specific combination in mind, because the set recipes do not cover every taste.

A sundae is scoops of custard with toppings and sauces, served in a cup. It is simpler than a concrete, and it is a good choice if you want to taste the custard itself without a lot of mix-ins getting in the way.

Shakes and malts are custard blended with milk until drinkable. A malt adds malt powder, which gives it a toasty, old-fashioned flavour. Shakes are a good option if you want custard to go, or if you are ordering it alongside a burger and do not want to juggle a spoon and a sandwich.

A float is custard served in a glass of root beer or another soda. It is a classic combination, and it works well on a hot day.

Custard Cakes and Take-Home Options

Many locations also sell custard cakes and pints to take home. A custard cake is a good option for a birthday or a small gathering, and it is worth ordering ahead if you need a specific size or flavour. Pints let you take the custard home, although custard is best eaten fresh, so do not expect a pint from the freezer to taste exactly like a scoop served in the restaurant.

Kids’ Meals

Culver’s has a kids’ menu with smaller portions of the main items: a mini ButterBurger, chicken tenders, or a grilled cheese sandwich, served with a side and a drink. The portions are sized for children, and the meal comes in a format that is easy for a family to manage.

Custard is available as part of a kids’ meal or as a small scoop on its own, which makes Culver’s a practical choice for a family outing. The restaurant is counter service, so there is no waiting for a server, and the dining room is usually casual and family friendly.

Drinks

The drink menu covers the usual soft drinks, with free refills on fountain drinks in most dining rooms, as well as lemonade, iced tea, milk, and bottled water. Lemonade is a popular choice, and it pairs well with the salty, fried food on the menu.

Shakes and malts can also work as a drink with a meal, although they are filling enough to count as a dessert on their own. If you order a shake with a ButterBurger and cheese curds, expect to be full for a while.

How Much Does Culver’s Cost?

This is the question most people ask after looking at the menu, and the honest answer is that it depends on where you are. Culver’s is a franchise chain, so each restaurant sets its own prices within a range, and prices change over time with food costs.

In general terms, Culver’s sits in the middle of the fast-food price range. It is usually a little more expensive than the cheapest burger chains, and a little less expensive than a sit-down restaurant. A ButterBurger basket with a side and a drink is a full meal, and it is priced like one. A single sandwich on its own is cheaper, and custard is priced as a dessert.

A few things affect what you will pay:

• Location. Prices in a big city or a high-rent area are usually higher than in a small town.
• Basket or sandwich only. A basket, which includes a side and a drink, costs more than the sandwich alone, but it is better value if you want the full meal.
• Double or triple patties. Extra patties add to the price, so a double costs more than a single.
• Custard format. A concrete with several mix-ins costs more than a plain scoop, and a large shake costs more than a small one.

The bottom line: the best way to check exact prices is to look at the menu for your nearest restaurant on the official Culver’s website or in the app before you order. Prices are listed there, and they reflect the location you have selected.

How to Order at Culver’s

If you have never been, the ordering process is simple, but a few tips make it smoother.

Order at the counter or in the drive-thru. Counter ordering is the norm. You place your order, pay, and take a number to your table. Your food is brought to you when it is ready. The drive-thru works the same way, with the food handed to you at the window.

Use the app if you want to skip the line. Culver’s has an app that lets you order ahead and earn rewards. Ordering ahead is useful at lunch, when the line can be long. The app also shows the flavour of the day and the menu for your chosen location.

Say your toppings clearly. Because burgers are cooked to order, it is easy to customise. Say what you do not want as well as what you do want, so the kitchen gets it right the first time.

Order custard last if you are eating in. Custard melts, and a concrete left on the table while you eat a burger will not be at its best. Many people order their meal first, then order custard afterwards as a separate trip to the counter. That is normal at Culver’s, and nobody will mind.

Culver’s Menu at a Glance

The table below gives a quick summary of the main categories, so you can scan the menu in one place.

What to Order on Your First Visit

If you want a simple plan for a first visit, here is one that works for most people.

1. Start with a single Original ButterBurger or a Cheddar ButterBurger. It is the clearest introduction to what Culver’s does best, and it leaves room for the rest of the meal.
2. Add a small order of Wisconsin cheese curds. Eat them while they are hot. They are the side people remember.
3. Finish with a concrete or a scoop of custard. Pick the flavour of the day if it sounds good to you, or build your own concrete with one or two mix-ins. Keep it simple on the first visit so you can taste the custard itself.
4. If you are very hungry, make it a basket. A basket adds fries and a drink, and it turns the sandwich into a full meal.

If you do not eat beef, the crispy chicken sandwich with cheese curds is the closest equivalent, and it is a strong order in its own right. If you want fish, the cod fillet sandwich with coleslaw is the best combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small mistakes can take the edge off a Culver’s visit, and they are all easy to avoid.

Ordering a triple on your first visit. It is a lot of food, and it can leave you too full to enjoy the custard, which is half the point. Start with a single or a double.

Letting the cheese curds go cold. Cheese curds are at their best in the first few minutes. Eat them first, while the burger is still settling, rather than saving them for last.

Ordering custard at the same time as a hot meal. Custard melts fast, especially in a warm dining room. Order it after you have finished your burger, or take it to go.

Skipping the flavour of the day. The standard vanilla and chocolate are excellent, but the flavour of the day is often the most interesting thing on the custard menu. It changes daily, so it is worth at least asking what it is.

Assuming prices are the same everywhere. Because Culver’s is a franchise chain, prices vary by location. If you are budgeting, check the menu for your specific restaurant rather than relying on a price you saw at another location.

Is Culver’s Worth It?

Culver’s is not the cheapest fast-food option, and it is not the fastest. What it offers instead is food that is cooked to order, with a few items that are genuinely hard to find elsewhere: a buttered-bun burger, fried Wisconsin cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard.

For a casual meal, a family dinner, or a first visit to a town with a Culver’s, it is an easy recommendation. The menu is wide enough that most people will find something they like, and the signatures are strong enough that the visit feels worthwhile rather than interchangeable with any other burger chain.

The bottom line: go for the ButterBurger, the cheese curds, and the custard. Order the rest of the menu as you explore it over repeat visits, and check the flavour of the day each time, because that is where the menu keeps changing.

FAQs

What is on the Culver’s menu?

The Culver’s menu includes ButterBurgers, crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, a North Atlantic cod fillet sandwich, Wisconsin cheese curds, crinkle cut fries, onion rings, salads, soups, and frozen custard in several formats, including concretes, sundaes, shakes, and malts.

What should I order at Culver’s for the first time?

Order a single Original or Cheddar ButterBurger, a small order of Wisconsin cheese curds, and a concrete or a scoop of frozen custard. That combination covers the three items Culver’s is best known for.

Does Culver’s have cheese curds?

Yes. Wisconsin cheese curds are a signature side at Culver’s. They are battered and fried cheddar curds, served hot with dipping sauces, and they are available in small and large sizes.

How much does Culver’s cost?

Prices vary by location because Culver’s is a franchise chain, so there is no single national price list. In general, it sits in the middle of the fast-food price range, a little above the cheapest burger chains. Check the menu for your nearest restaurant on the official Culver’s website or in the app for exact prices.

Does Culver’s have frozen custard?

Yes. Culver’s makes frozen custard fresh in each restaurant, in vanilla, chocolate, and a flavour of the day that changes daily. It is served as scoops, sundaes, concretes with mix-ins, shakes, malts, and floats.

Conclusion

The menu for Culver’s is built around three signatures: the ButterBurger, Wisconsin cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard. Around them sits a wide menu of chicken, fish, salads, soups, and sides that covers most tastes, including lighter options and kids’ meals.

If you are visiting for the first time, keep it simple. Order a ButterBurger, try the cheese curds while they are hot, and finish with custard. Check the flavour of the day, and check prices for your local restaurant before you go, because they vary by location. That is the whole menu in one visit, and it is the best way to decide what to order next time.

Read Also: Men’s Designer Dress Shoes on Sale: Best Deals 2026

9bio