What to Expect at DQ Grill & Chill in South Carolina

DQ Grill & Chill serves flame-grilled burgers and chicken sandwiches at locations across South Carolina

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill is the full-service restaurant format of Dairy Queen, distinct from the smaller DQ locations you might find in gas stations or strip malls. At a Grill & Chill, you order at a counter or table, and the kitchen prepares food to order rather than from a warming case. The menu centers on flame-grilled burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and hot food—not the soft-serve ice cream that defines the brand's image, though that's available too.

South Carolina has DQ Grill & Chill locations in cities including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, though the exact number and addresses change. Each location operates independently, so hours, pricing, and menu specials vary by restaurant. Most are open for lunch and dinner, with some serving breakfast.

Key Takeaways

• DQ Grill & Chill locations flame-grill burgers and chicken to order, making them different from smaller Dairy Queen stands that serve pre-made food.
• You can customize burgers with toppings, cheese options, and cooking temperature, and most locations accommodate dietary requests like no bun or lettuce wraps.
• Prices for burgers typically range from budget-friendly single patties to premium double or triple options, with combo meals including fries and a drink.
• Seating is table service or counter service depending on the location, and many South Carolina Grill & Chill restaurants have drive-through windows.
• Dairy Queen's Blizzard desserts and soft-serve ice cream are available at Grill & Chill locations, often as part of combo deals or standalone purchases.

Flame-grilled burgers and customization options

The signature item at DQ Grill & Chill is the flame-grilled burger. Unlike fast-food chains that use flat-top griddles, Dairy Queen uses an open flame, which creates a charred exterior and a different texture than you get from a griddle. Burgers come in single, double, and triple patty options, and you can add or remove toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, mayo, and bacon are standard choices at most locations.

Cheese options usually include American, cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack, though this varies by restaurant. If you have dietary restrictions, many locations will make a burger without a bun, wrap it in lettuce, or prepare it with no condiments. The kitchen staff can also adjust cooking temperature—ask for rare, medium, or well-done when you order. Prices for a single burger typically start around $5 to $7, with doubles and triples costing more.

Grilled chicken and sandwich alternatives

Beyond burgers, DQ Grill & Chill serves grilled chicken sandwiches, usually available as a plain grilled breast or with toppings like bacon, cheese, and sautéed mushrooms. These sandwiches are flame-grilled like the burgers and cost slightly less than premium burger options. The menu also includes hot dogs, chicken tenders, and sometimes fish sandwiches, though offerings depend on the specific location.

Combo meals bundle a sandwich with fries and a drink, and the drink size is usually medium or large. Most South Carolina locations offer both regular and diet sodas, iced tea, lemonade, and bottled water. Fries come in regular or seasoned varieties at some locations.

Dairy Queen desserts and ice cream

Dairy Queen is known for its soft-serve ice cream and Blizzard desserts—ice cream blended with mix-ins like candy, cookies, or fruit. At a Grill & Chill, these are available as standalone purchases or as part of combo deals. A Blizzard typically costs $4 to $6 depending on size and toppings, and soft-serve cones or cups are cheaper. Many locations also serve Dilly Bars, Buster Bars, and other frozen treats.

If you're ordering a combo meal, you may be able to swap the drink for a small ice cream or Blizzard at some locations, though this varies by restaurant and promotion. Seasonal flavors and limited-time Blizzard varieties rotate throughout the year.

Seating, service style, and drive-through options

DQ Grill & Chill locations in South Carolina typically offer counter service, table seating, or both. Some have a small dining room with booths or tables; others are primarily counter-order with limited seating. Many locations have a drive-through window, which is convenient if you're picking up food to eat elsewhere. A few larger locations in urban areas may have more extensive seating and table service, but this is less common.

Hours vary widely. Most locations open around 10 or 11 a.m. and close between 9 and 11 p.m., but some open earlier for breakfast or stay open later, especially in tourist areas like Myrtle Beach. It's worth checking the specific location's hours before you visit, as they can change seasonally or by day of the week.

Finding a DQ Grill & Chill location near you

The Dairy Queen website has a location finder where you can search by city or zip code to find Grill & Chill restaurants in South Carolina. Not every Dairy Queen is a Grill & Chill format—some are smaller stands or kiosks—so the finder lets you filter by restaurant type. You can also call ahead to confirm hours, ask about current specials, or check whether they have a particular menu item in stock.

Many DQ Grill & Chill locations participate in Dairy Queen's loyalty program, which you can join through the DQ app or website. The program tracks purchases and offers rewards like free items or discounts on future orders. Promotions and limited-time menu items are often announced through the app or on the DQ website.

Pricing and value considerations

A single flame-grilled burger at DQ Grill & Chill typically costs $5 to $8, depending on toppings and location. A combo meal with a burger, fries, and drink usually runs $9 to $14. Double and triple burgers cost more, and premium toppings like bacon or extra cheese add $1 to $2. Grilled chicken sandwiches are often priced similarly to single burgers or slightly less.

Combo meals offer better value than ordering items separately, and many locations run specials on certain days or times. Checking the DQ app or calling ahead can reveal current deals. If you're a frequent visitor, the loyalty program rewards can add up over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a burger without a bun at DQ Grill & Chill?

Yes. Most locations will prepare a burger without a bun or wrap it in lettuce if you request it. Tell the staff when you order, and they can accommodate this. Some locations may charge the same price; others might offer a small discount since you're not using a bun.

Do all DQ locations in South Carolina have the Grill & Chill format?

No. Some Dairy Queen locations are smaller stands or kiosks that serve ice cream and pre-made food, not flame-grilled burgers. Use the Dairy Queen location finder on their website and filter by "Grill & Chill" to find the full-service restaurants near you.

What's the difference between a DQ Grill & Chill burger and a regular fast-food burger?

DQ Grill & Chill uses an open flame to grill burgers, which creates a charred crust and a different taste than a flat-top griddle. The burgers are made to order, so you can customize toppings and cooking temperature. The flame-grilled method takes a bit longer but produces a burger closer to what you'd get at a traditional steakhouse or diner.

Are there vegetarian options at DQ Grill & Chill?

Most locations offer a grilled cheese sandwich or can make a veggie burger if they have one in stock, though this varies by restaurant. Call ahead to ask what vegetarian options are available at your nearest location, as the menu is not standardized across all restaurants.

Can I use the DQ app to order at a Grill & Chill location?

Many DQ Grill & Chill locations accept orders through the DQ app for pickup, though not all do. Check the app or call the specific location to confirm whether mobile ordering is available. The app also shows current promotions and lets you track loyalty rewards.