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Dairy Queen Grill & Chill: What to Order and Where to Find Them in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Dairy Queen Grill & Chill serves

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill locations serve the full Dairy Queen menu—burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and sides—plus the chain's signature soft-serve ice cream and blended treats. Unlike smaller DQ stands that focus mainly on ice cream, a Grill & Chill has a full kitchen with a grill and fryer, so you can order a meal and dessert under one roof. The burger options include the classic DQ burger, the Flamethrower (topped with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese), and the Mushroom Swiss, along with combo meals that pair a sandwich with fries and a drink.

The chicken menu features the Crispy Chicken sandwich and the Grilled Chicken sandwich, both available as singles or combos. You can also order chicken tenders, which come in portions of three, five, or eight pieces. Hot dogs, including the classic and specialty versions like the Chili Cheese Dog, round out the savory side. Sides include crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, and cheese curds, and most locations offer salads as well.

The ice cream and frozen treats are where DQ stands apart: Blizzards (soft-serve mixed with mix-ins like candy, cookies, or fruit), Dilly Bars, Buster Bars, and the Peanut Buster Parfait. You can also order a simple cone or cup of soft-serve, or a shake. Many locations have seasonal offerings that rotate through the year.

Key Takeaways

  • Dairy Queen Grill & Chill locations have a full kitchen and serve burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and sides alongside ice cream and frozen treats.
  • Combo meals pair a sandwich with fries and a drink at a set price, and most locations offer them for both food and dessert items.
  • Blizzards and other soft-serve treats are mixed fresh to order, so you can customize them with different mix-ins.
  • Many South Carolina Grill & Chill locations are independently owned and operated, so hours, pricing, and menu details can vary by location.
  • Most locations accept cash and card, and many now offer online ordering and delivery through third-party apps.

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill locations across South Carolina

South Carolina has Dairy Queen Grill & Chill restaurants in most major cities and towns, including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Spartanburg. The chain also has locations in smaller communities throughout the state. Because most DQ locations in South Carolina are franchises, each restaurant is independently owned and operated, which means hours, pricing, and specific menu offerings can differ from one location to another.

To find the nearest Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, use the store locator on the Dairy Queen website (dairyqueen.com) or search "Dairy Queen near me" on Google Maps. The locator shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location, and many listings include customer reviews. You can also call ahead to confirm that a specific menu item is available or to ask about current promotions.

Parking is typically available at each location, though busy times—especially lunch and dinner hours on weekends—can mean a wait. Many Grill & Chill locations have a drive-through window, which is faster if you know what you want to order.

Pricing and what to expect

Burger prices at Dairy Queen Grill & Chill typically range from around $5 to $9 for a single sandwich, depending on the type and toppings. Combo meals—which include a sandwich, fries, and a drink—usually cost $2 to $4 more than the sandwich alone. Chicken sandwiches and hot dogs fall in a similar price range. Sides like fries and onion rings cost $2 to $4, and cheese curds are usually in the $4 to $6 range.

Ice cream treats vary by type: a basic cone or cup of soft-serve runs $2 to $4, while Blizzards and specialty treats cost $4 to $7 depending on size and mix-ins. Shakes and malts are priced similarly. Prices can vary by location and change seasonally, so it is worth checking the menu board or asking when you arrive.

Most locations offer a rewards program through the DQ app, which lets you earn points on purchases and redeem them for free items or discounts. Signing up is free, and you can track your rewards on your phone.

Ordering options and timing

You can order at the counter, through the drive-through, or online via the Dairy Queen app or website. Online ordering lets you place your order ahead and pick it up at a set time, which cuts down on wait time during busy periods. Many South Carolina locations also partner with delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, so you can have food delivered to your home or office.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner hours (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) tend to be busiest, especially on weekends. The drive-through is usually faster than the counter during peak times, but the line can still be long. If you are ordering ice cream on a warm day or during summer, expect a longer wait at the counter.

Most locations are open seven days a week, though hours vary. Many open around 10 or 11 a.m. and close between 9 and 11 p.m., but some close earlier or stay open later. Check the store locator or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

What makes Grill & Chill different from other burger spots

The main difference between a Dairy Queen Grill & Chill and a standalone ice cream shop or a smaller DQ stand is the full kitchen. A Grill & Chill can cook burgers, chicken, and fried items fresh to order, whereas a smaller DQ location might only serve pre-made items or ice cream. This means you get a wider range of hot food options and can order a complete meal in one place.

Compared to other burger chains in South Carolina, Dairy Queen emphasizes soft-serve ice cream and frozen treats as part of the experience. You can get a burger and a Blizzard in the same visit without going to two different restaurants. The menu is also simpler and more limited than chains like McDonald's or Burger King, which some people prefer if they want fewer choices.

The independently owned franchise model also means that individual locations can have their own personality and local touches. Some locations may feature regional items or partner with local suppliers, though the core menu remains consistent across the chain.

Tips for your visit

If you are ordering a Blizzard, know that DQ mixes them upside down to blend the soft-serve and mix-ins thoroughly. This is intentional and part of the process. If you want to customize your burger or sandwich, most locations will make changes—add or remove toppings, swap the bun, or adjust the cooking level. Just ask at the counter or through the speaker at the drive-through.

During summer months, ice cream and frozen treats are extremely popular, so expect longer waits if you visit in the afternoon or early evening. If you want to avoid crowds, go early in the morning or late at night. On hot days, the soft-serve machine occasionally needs cleaning, which can take 15 to 20 minutes—if the machine is down when you arrive, ask when it will be back up.

Many locations have seating inside, though some are drive-through only or have limited indoor space. If you plan to eat there, call ahead to confirm seating is available. Outdoor seating is rare at most DQ locations in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my burger at Dairy Queen Grill & Chill?

Yes. You can add or remove toppings, change the type of cheese, swap the bun, or request other modifications. Most locations will make these changes without extra charge if the swap is simple (like removing onions). Ask at the counter or through the drive-through speaker.

Do all Dairy Queen locations in South Carolina have the same menu?

The core menu is the same across all Dairy Queen locations, but individual franchises may add local items or run different promotions. Pricing can also vary by location. Call ahead or check the app if you are looking for a specific item.

Is there a vegetarian option at Dairy Queen Grill & Chill?

Yes. You can order a grilled cheese sandwich, a veggie burger (at some locations), or a salad. Sides like fries, onion rings, and cheese curds are also vegetarian. Ask your location what options they have available.

How long does it usually take to get food at the drive-through?

During slow times, you can expect 5 to 10 minutes from ordering to receiving your food. During lunch or dinner rush, it can take 15 to 30 minutes or longer. Using the app to order ahead can reduce your wait time significantly.

What is the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Early morning (before 11 a.m.) and late evening (after 8 p.m.) are typically slower. Weekday afternoons are usually quieter than weekends. Avoid lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner hours (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) if you want a quick visit.