What to Eat at Culver's in South Carolina

Culver's serves fresh beef burgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard at locations across South Carolina

Culver's is a Midwestern chain that has expanded into South Carolina with restaurants in the Upstate and Lowcountry. The menu centers on three signature items: ButterBurgers (beef patties on lightly buttered buns), Wisconsin cheese curds (fried cheese curds, not fries), and fresh frozen custard made daily on-site. Unlike most fast-food chains, Culver's does not use a freezer for its custard—each location makes it fresh and rotates flavors daily, with a "Flavor of the Day" posted on the menu board and website.

The chain positions itself between quick-service fast food and casual dining. Prices run higher than McDonald's or Burger King but lower than a sit-down restaurant. Most South Carolina locations have drive-through windows, indoor seating, and outdoor patios. The atmosphere tends toward family-friendly, with a focus on local sourcing and made-to-order preparation.

Key Takeaways

• Culver's signature items are ButterBurgers, Wisconsin cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard made daily at each location.
• The "Flavor of the Day" rotates daily and is different at each restaurant, so check the website or menu board before ordering custard.
• South Carolina locations are concentrated in Greenville, Charleston, and surrounding areas, with new restaurants opening regularly.
• Culver's beef is sourced fresh (never frozen) and burgers are made to order, which means slightly longer wait times than typical fast food.
• The chain offers kids' meals, salads, chicken sandwiches, and fish (on Fridays) alongside the core burger and custard menu.

The ButterBurger and what makes it different

The ButterBurger is Culver's core product. The beef patty itself is fresh, never frozen, and cooked to order. What sets it apart is the bun: a lightly buttered and toasted split-top bun that gives the burger a richer flavor than standard fast-food buns. You can order single or double patties, add cheese (including Wisconsin cheddar), bacon, mushrooms, onions, or pickles, and customize toppings the way you would at a casual restaurant.

The butter on the bun is not heavy or greasy—it is a thin layer applied during toasting. Culver's markets this as a signature difference from competitors, and the bun does hold up better to toppings than a standard bun. If you are used to McDonald's or Wendy's burgers, the ButterBurger will taste noticeably fresher and less processed, though it also costs more and takes a few minutes longer to prepare.

Wisconsin cheese curds and why they matter

Cheese curds are a Wisconsin staple—fresh cheese that squeaks slightly when you bite it, fried until golden and served hot. Culver's brought this regional specialty to South Carolina, and it has become a draw for customers curious about Midwestern food culture. The curds are breaded, fried to order, and served with a choice of dipping sauce: ranch, marinara, or cheese sauce.

If you have never had cheese curds, they are closer to mozzarella sticks than to French fries, but with a different texture and flavor. They are filling and rich, so many people order them as a side rather than a main item. Culver's also offers "Cheese Curd Burgers"—ButterBurgers topped with fried cheese curds instead of sliced cheese—for customers who want to combine both signatures.

Fresh frozen custard and the Flavor of the Day

Culver's frozen custard is made fresh daily at each location using a recipe that includes egg yolks, cream, and milk. It is denser and richer than soft-serve ice cream and has a smoother texture. The chain rotates flavors daily, meaning the custard available on Monday may not be available on Tuesday. Each location posts its "Flavor of the Day" schedule on its website and in-restaurant menu board.

Custard comes in cups or cones, and you can order it plain or blended with mix-ins like brownie pieces, cookie crumbles, or fruit. Popular permanent flavors include Turtle (pecans, caramel, and chocolate) and Raspberry Cheesecake. The daily rotation is part of Culver's brand identity—it encourages repeat visits and gives the chain a reason to post on social media. If you have a favorite flavor, check the schedule before you visit, because it may not be available that day.

Other menu items beyond burgers and custard

Culver's menu extends beyond its three signatures. Chicken sandwiches include a breaded chicken breast sandwich and a grilled chicken option. On Fridays, the chain serves beer-battered fish as a limited-time item, a nod to Wisconsin's Friday fish fry tradition. Salads, including a Wisconsin cheese curd salad, are available for customers looking for lighter options.

Kids' meals come with a choice of entree (burger, chicken, or hot dog), a side, and a drink. Dessert options beyond custard include brownies and cookies. The menu also includes breakfast items at some locations, though hours and offerings vary by restaurant. Culver's does not serve alcohol at most South Carolina locations, though some markets have beer and wine licenses.

Where to find Culver's in South Carolina

Culver's has opened multiple locations across South Carolina, with the largest concentration in the Greenville area and expanding presence in Charleston and surrounding suburbs. New restaurants continue to open as the chain grows its footprint in the state. The easiest way to find a current location is to use the restaurant locator on Culver's website, which shows addresses, hours, and phone numbers.

Most South Carolina locations are in suburban areas rather than downtown cores, and many sit in shopping centers or along major roads. Drive-through service is standard, though indoor and outdoor seating are also available. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, with some locations open for breakfast. Call ahead or check the website if you are planning a visit, because hours and services vary by location.

Pricing and what to expect when you order

A ButterBurger typically costs between $6 and $10 depending on size and toppings. Cheese curds run $5 to $8 for a regular or large order. Frozen custard cups or cones range from $4 to $7. A combo meal (burger, side, and drink) usually totals $12 to $16. These prices are higher than McDonald's or Burger King but comparable to other fast-casual chains like Chipotle or Panera.

Because burgers are made to order, expect a wait of 5 to 10 minutes during busy times, even at the drive-through. This is longer than typical fast food but shorter than a sit-down restaurant. During peak hours (lunch and dinner), lines can be substantial, so consider visiting during off-peak times if you are in a hurry. The made-to-order approach means you can customize your burger without extra charge, which many customers see as worth the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Culver's and other burger chains?

Culver's uses fresh beef (never frozen), butters and toasts the bun, and makes frozen custard fresh daily on-site. Most competitors use frozen beef patties and standard buns. The custard is a major differentiator—it is denser and richer than soft-serve ice cream and rotates flavors daily, which is unusual in fast food.

Are cheese curds the same as fried cheese?

Cheese curds are a specific type of fresh cheese product from Wisconsin, not the same as mozzarella sticks or fried cheese. They have a squeaky texture when fresh and are typically served hot with dipping sauce. If you have never tried them, Culver's is one of the few places in South Carolina where you can order them.

Can I find out what the Flavor of the Day is before I visit?

Yes. Each Culver's location posts its daily custard flavor schedule on the restaurant's page on Culver's website. You can also call the restaurant directly or check their social media. The schedule is usually posted a week or more in advance, so you can plan your visit around a flavor you want to try.

How long does it take to get food at Culver's?

Because burgers are made to order, expect 5 to 10 minutes during normal times and longer during lunch or dinner rush. This is slower than McDonald's but faster than a sit-down restaurant. If you are in a hurry, order during off-peak hours or use the drive-through, which sometimes moves faster than the counter line.

Does Culver's have options for people with dietary restrictions?

Culver's website lists nutritional information and ingredients for most menu items, which can help you identify options if you have allergies or dietary needs. The chain can make substitutions (like lettuce wraps instead of buns) and customize orders. Call your local restaurant to discuss specific restrictions, as staff can explain what modifications are possible.