What to Eat at Costco's Food Court

Costco's food court serves pizza, hot dogs, chicken bakes, and sandwiches at prices that have barely moved in decades

Costco's food court is open to anyone—you don't need a membership to buy food there. The menu stays small by design: pepperoni and cheese pizza by the slice or whole pie, a quarter-pound hot dog with soda for $1.50 (a price Costco has kept since 1983), rotisserie chicken, chicken bakes, sandwiches, salads, and frozen yogurt. Most locations also serve acai bowls and churros. Prices run $2 to $12 depending on what you order, making it one of the cheapest places to eat in South Carolina if you're near a warehouse.

The food court sits near the warehouse exit, so you can grab something without navigating the sales floor. Hours match the warehouse hours at each location—typically 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, with shorter hours on Sunday. A few Costco locations in South Carolina don't have food courts; call ahead if you're making a trip specifically for food.

Key Takeaways

• You do not need a Costco membership to order from the food court; membership is only required to shop the warehouse.
• The hot dog combo (quarter-pound hot dog plus soda) costs $1.50 and has stayed that price since 1983.
• Pizza, chicken bakes, and rotisserie chicken are the most popular items and are available at all South Carolina locations with food courts.
• Food court hours match warehouse hours, which vary by location but typically run 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays.

The Menu and What to Order

Pizza comes by the slice or whole pie. A slice of pepperoni or cheese runs about $2 to $3, and a whole 18-inch pie costs around $10. The dough is made fresh daily at most locations. Slices are large enough that one or two can be a full meal.

The chicken bake is a Costco food court signature—a folded flatbread filled with shredded chicken, bacon, and cheese. It costs around $3.99 and is filling enough for lunch. The rotisserie chicken, sold whole for about $5 to $7, is a common choice for people taking food home to cook with or eat cold later.

Sandwiches include turkey, roast beef, and chicken options, typically $5 to $8. Salads and acai bowls round out the menu for people looking for something lighter. Frozen yogurt and churros are popular desserts, each under $5.

Where to Find Costco Food Courts in South Carolina

Costco has warehouses in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and the Lowcountry, but not all of them have food courts. The Charleston location on Meeting Street and the Greenville warehouse both have active food courts. The Columbia location on Farrow Road also operates a food court. Before driving to a specific warehouse for food, call the location directly to confirm the food court is open—staffing changes and occasional closures do happen.

If you're in a smaller town without a Costco, you won't have access to the food court. The nearest warehouse may be an hour or more away, so it's worth checking the Costco website for locations and hours before you go.

Pricing and Value

Costco's food court prices are intentionally low. The $1.50 hot dog combo is famous in retail circles because Costco has refused to raise it despite inflation. A whole rotisserie chicken for $5 to $7 is cheaper than buying the same thing at most grocery stores. Pizza by the slice at $2 to $3 is competitive with fast-casual pizza chains.

The trade-off is portion size and customization. You get what's on the menu, with limited ability to modify orders. Portions are generous, so most people find one or two items enough for a meal. If you're feeding a family, a whole pizza and a rotisserie chicken can cost less than $20 and feed four to six people.

Payment and Ordering

The food court accepts cash and card. You order at the counter and pick up your food when it's ready—there's no table service. Most locations have seating inside the warehouse or just outside the exit. During lunch and dinner hours (noon to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), lines can get long, especially on weekends.

If you're ordering a whole pizza, ask how long it will take; some locations make them to order and may need 10 to 15 minutes. Hot dogs and pre-made items like rotisserie chicken are usually ready immediately.

Dietary Restrictions and Allergens

The food court menu is limited, which can make it harder to find options if you have dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options include cheese pizza, salads, and acai bowls. Gluten-free bread is not typically available, though some locations may have alternatives—ask at the counter.

If you have allergies, ask to speak with a manager. They can tell you about ingredients and preparation. The kitchen handles multiple allergens, so cross-contamination is possible if you have severe allergies. Costco's website lists some nutritional information, but calling your local warehouse is the most reliable way to get details about specific items.

Membership vs. Non-Member Access

You do not need a Costco membership to buy food from the food court. This is one of the few Costco perks available to non-members. However, you do need a membership to shop the warehouse itself. Some locations have a separate entrance for the food court, while others require you to walk through the warehouse exit to reach it.

If you're a member, you can use your membership card to pay, or you can pay with cash or card. Non-members should bring cash or a card, as membership cards are not required at the register.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to eat at the food court?

No. The food court is open to anyone, member or not. You can walk in and order without a membership card. Some warehouses have a separate entrance for the food court, while others require you to exit through the warehouse to reach it.

Why is the hot dog combo so cheap?

Costco has kept the hot dog combo at $1.50 since 1983 as a company policy and a point of pride. The CEO has said the company will raise the price only if absolutely necessary. It's a loss leader—Costco makes little or no profit on it but uses it to draw customers in.

Can I order a custom pizza?

The menu offers pepperoni and cheese pizza. Custom toppings are not typically available at the food court. If you want a custom pizza, you can order one from the warehouse deli counter during shopping hours, though this requires a membership and advance notice at some locations.

What are the food court hours?

Food court hours match the warehouse hours at each location, usually 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends. Call your local Costco to confirm, as hours vary by location and may change seasonally.

Is the food court cash only?

No. The food court accepts both cash and card. You order at the counter and pay when you order, not after eating.