Culver's in South Carolina: Where to Find Fresh Burgers and Cheese Curds

What Culver's offers and where to find it in South Carolina

Culver's is a Midwest-based chain known for fresh, never-frozen beef burgers and Wisconsin cheese curds. The chain has expanded into South Carolina with locations in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. Each restaurant serves burgers made to order with toppings you choose, alongside their signature fried cheese curds—breaded cheddar curds that arrive hot and squeaky.

The burger menu centers on customization: you pick your protein (beef, chicken, or plant-based), your toppings from a full list, and your bun style. Culver's also rotates a "Flavor of the Day" burger each day of the week, a limited-time creation that changes the base recipe. Prices fall in the mid-range for casual dining, comparable to other burger chains but with portion sizes that tend toward generous.

Beyond burgers, Culver's serves chicken sandwiches, fish (usually wild-caught Alaskan pollock on Fridays), and salads. The frozen custard dessert program is substantial—hand-scooped daily and mixed with mix-ins you select, from brownie chunks to candy. Most locations have both indoor seating and drive-through service.

Key Takeaways

• Culver's burgers are made fresh to order with never-frozen beef, and you can customize toppings at most locations.
• Wisconsin cheese curds are the signature side—fried cheddar curds that come hot and are meant to be eaten immediately.
• The Flavor of the Day rotates daily and offers a different burger recipe each day of the week.
• Frozen custard is hand-scooped fresh daily and mixed with your choice of mix-ins, making it different from soft-serve ice cream.
• South Carolina locations are concentrated in the Columbia area and Charleston region, with drive-through and dine-in options at most sites.

South Carolina Culver's locations and hours

Culver's has opened locations in Columbia and the surrounding Midlands, as well as in the Charleston area. The chain has been expanding in the state, so the number and exact addresses of open restaurants can change. Your best approach is to check the Culver's website location finder or call ahead before visiting, since hours vary by restaurant and some locations may be newer or have adjusted their schedules.

Most Culver's locations operate seven days a week, typically opening mid-morning and closing in the evening. Drive-through hours sometimes extend past dine-in closing time. If you are planning a visit during a holiday or special event, confirming hours by phone or online prevents a wasted trip.

The Flavor of the Day system and how it works

Each Culver's location features a different limited-time burger every day of the week, called the Flavor of the Day. Monday through Sunday each have an assigned burger—for example, one location might feature a mushroom-Swiss burger on Mondays and a bacon-cheddar burger on Tuesdays. The specific flavors vary by location, so the Monday burger at a Columbia restaurant may differ from the Monday burger in Charleston.

These burgers are not on the regular menu; they are only available on their assigned day. If you want to try a particular Flavor of the Day, you can ask staff which day it appears, or check the restaurant's website or social media, where many locations post their weekly rotation. The Flavor of the Day is priced the same as a regular customized burger.

Cheese curds: what they are and how to eat them

Cheese curds are chunks of cheddar cheese that have been breaded and deep-fried until the outside is golden and crispy while the inside stays soft. Culver's version uses Wisconsin cheddar. The curds arrive hot from the fryer and are meant to be eaten immediately—the longer they sit, the more the cheese inside cools and firms up, changing the texture.

The signature eating experience is the "squeak"—when you bite into a fresh cheese curd, the warm cheese inside sometimes squeaks against your teeth. This happens most reliably in the first few minutes after frying. Cheese curds come as a side dish and are often ordered alongside a burger. They are saltier and richer than french fries and much more filling, so many people share an order or eat them as a standalone snack.

If you have never had cheese curds before, order a small or medium size your first visit. They are an acquired taste for some people—the richness and the texture are quite different from other fried sides—but they are central to the Culver's experience and worth trying.

Frozen custard versus ice cream: the difference

Culver's frozen custard is not the same as soft-serve ice cream. Custard is made fresh daily at each location and contains egg yolks, which give it a richer, denser texture and a deeper flavor. It is hand-scooped rather than dispensed from a machine, and it is served at a slightly warmer temperature than hard ice cream, making it creamier on the tongue.

The menu rotates flavors daily, similar to the burger Flavor of the Day system. A location might serve vanilla and chocolate every day, but the third flavor changes—one day it could be turtle (pecans, caramel, and chocolate), another day salted caramel. You can order custard plain or ask for a mix-in: brownie pieces, cookie crumbles, fruit, candy, or nuts are stirred into your custard while it is being scooped.

Frozen custard costs more than typical ice cream but less than a full meal. Most people order a small or medium as a dessert after eating. If you are lactose-sensitive, ask whether the location offers a dairy-free custard option, as availability varies.

Customizing your burger and other menu options

When you order a burger at Culver's, you start with a protein choice: beef, grilled chicken, or a plant-based patty. From there, you can add or remove toppings from a standard list that includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mushrooms, jalapeños, and various cheeses. You also choose your bun—sesame seed, Wisconsin cheddar bun, or sometimes a specialty option.

Beyond burgers, Culver's menu includes chicken sandwiches (fried or grilled), a Friday fish fry featuring wild-caught Alaskan pollock, salads, and sides like french fries and onion rings. Beverages include soft drinks, shakes (made with the daily frozen custard), and coffee. Many locations offer kids' meals with smaller portions and toy options.

Dietary restrictions are accommodated to some degree—the plant-based burger is available at most locations, and staff can usually modify sandwiches to avoid certain ingredients. If you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with a manager about preparation and cross-contamination risks.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

A single burger at Culver's typically costs between $6 and $9, depending on toppings and whether you order a Flavor of the Day. Combo meals that include a burger, fries or cheese curds, and a drink run roughly $12 to $16. Cheese curds alone cost $4 to $7 depending on size. Frozen custard runs $3 to $6 for a small to medium.

A meal for one person—burger, cheese curds, and a drink—usually totals $15 to $20 before tax. Culver's accepts cash and cards, and most locations have online ordering for pickup if you want to skip the line. Some locations may offer loyalty programs or mobile app discounts, so ask when you visit or check the Culver's website for current promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Culver's burgers really never frozen?

Yes. Culver's sources fresh beef daily and grinds it in-house at each location. The patties are cooked to order, not pre-made. This is a core part of the brand's identity and is consistent across all U.S. locations, including those in South Carolina.

What time should I go to avoid a long wait?

Lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) are typically the busiest times. Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and late evening after 8 p.m. tend to be slower. Drive-through lines can be long even during off-peak dine-in hours, so arriving just before opening or later in the evening may be faster.

Can I order Culver's online or through a delivery app?

Most South Carolina locations offer online ordering for pickup through the Culver's website or app. Third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats may service some locations, though delivery can affect food quality—cheese curds and frozen custard especially do not travel well. Pickup is usually the better option.

Do Culver's locations have seating for large groups?

Most locations have dine-in seating, but capacity varies. If you are planning to bring a large group, call ahead to confirm they can accommodate you. Some newer or smaller locations may have limited seating, making drive-through or pickup a better option.

Is there a kids' menu, and are there healthier options?

Yes, Culver's offers kids' meals with smaller portions. For lighter options, grilled chicken sandwiches and salads are available on the regular menu. You can also customize any burger to reduce calories—skip the cheese, use a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, or load up on vegetables instead of fried sides.