Before you plan your meal, knowing California Dreaming menu with prices helps you budget for appetizers and entrees. This guide breaks down every item on the current menu, so you can decide what to order without surprises when the check arrives. Whether you are visiting for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, having the cost upfront makes your visit smoother.
California Dreaming is a popular chain in the Southeast, known for its relaxed atmosphere and American comfort food. The menu covers a wide range of options, from salads and sandwiches to steaks and seafood. Prices can vary slightly by location, but this guide uses the most common figures available as of early 2025.
Appetizers And Starters Pricing
Starting your meal with an appetizer is a good way to share with the table. The appetizer section has several crowd-pleasers that won’t break your budget.
Classic Appetizer Options
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip – served with tortilla chips, priced at $9.99
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders – six pieces with ranch or blue cheese, $10.49
- Fried Pickles – a half order for $5.99 or full order for $8.49
- Onion Rings – a generous basket for $7.99
- Quesadilla – chicken or cheese, $9.49
Soup And Salad Starters
- Cup of Soup of the Day – $4.29
- Bowl of Soup of the Day – $5.79
- House Salad – small $4.49, large $7.29
- Caesar Salad – small $4.99, large $7.99
If you are dining with a group, consider ordering two or three appetizers to share. The Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a popular choice, but the Fried Pickles offer a tangy alternative that many regulars prefer.
California Dreaming Menu With Prices For Salads
The salad section at California Dreaming is extensive. Many of these salads are large enough to be a full meal, especially if you add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Signature Salads
- California Dreaming Salad – mixed greens, dried cranberries, candied pecans, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. Priced at $11.49
- Grilled Chicken Caesar – romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing. $12.29
- Asian Chicken Salad – shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, crispy noodles, and sesame ginger dressing. $12.79
- Southwest Chicken Salad – black beans, corn, avocado, tortilla strips, and ranch dressing. $13.49
- Cobb Salad – bacon, egg, avocado, tomato, and blue cheese crumbles. $13.29
Add-On Protein Prices
- Grilled Chicken – add $3.49
- Blackened Chicken – add $3.49
- Grilled Shrimp – add $4.99
- Grilled Salmon – add $6.49
The California Dreaming Salad is the namesake dish and is worth trying. It balances sweet and savory flavors well. For a lighter meal, the Asian Chicken Salad is a solid choice with a tangy dressing that isn’t too heavy.
Sandwiches And Burgers
This section of the menu is where you will find the most variety. Sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of side, such as fries, coleslaw, or fruit.
Burger Selection
- Classic Burger – 1/2 pound beef patty with lettuce, tomato, and onion. $10.99
- Cheeseburger – add American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. $11.49
- Bacon Cheeseburger – crispy bacon and your choice of cheese. $12.49
- Mushroom Swiss Burger – sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. $12.29
- Black Bean Burger – vegetarian option with all toppings. $10.49
Specialty Sandwiches
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – marinated chicken breast with lettuce and tomato. $11.29
- Blackened Chicken Sandwich – spicy blackened seasoning, $11.79
- Fish Sandwich – beer-battered cod fillet with tartar sauce. $12.49
- Philly Cheesesteak – shaved ribeye, peppers, onions, and provolone. $13.29
- Turkey Club – sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread. $11.99
Side Choices
- French Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Coleslaw
- Fresh Fruit
- Side Salad
Burgers are cooked to order, so specify your preferred doneness when ordering. The Mushroom Swiss Burger is a favorite among regulars for its rich flavor. If you want something lighter, the Turkey Club is a solid option that doesn’t feel too heavy.
Entrees And Main Courses
The entree section is the heart of the menu. These dishes are more substantial and come with two sides. Prices here reflect the full meal.
Steak And Beef Options
- 8 oz Sirloin – grilled to your liking, $18.49
- 12 oz Ribeye – well-marbled and flavorful, $24.99
- Filet Mignon – 6 oz tender cut, $26.49
- Beef Tips and Rice – tender beef tips in a brown gravy over rice, $15.29
Chicken Dishes
- Grilled Chicken Breast – simple and classic, $14.49
- Chicken Tenders Platter – five tenders with fries and coleslaw, $13.29
- Chicken Marsala – sauteed chicken in a marsala wine sauce, $16.99
- Teriyaki Chicken – grilled chicken with teriyaki glaze, $15.79
Seafood Selections
- Grilled Salmon – 8 oz fillet with lemon butter sauce, $19.49
- Blackened Salmon – cajun-spiced salmon, $19.49
- Fried Shrimp – hand-breaded shrimp, $17.29
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – two skewers with rice and vegetables, $18.99
- Fish and Chips – beer-battered cod with fries, $15.79
Pasta And Other Entrees
- Chicken Alfredo – fettuccine with creamy alfredo sauce, $15.49
- Shrimp Alfredo – add shrimp for $18.99
- Vegetable Stir-Fry – seasonal vegetables over rice, $13.29
- BBQ Ribs – half rack $17.99, full rack $23.49
The Ribeye is the most expensive steak on the menu, but it is worth the price for a special occasion. If you want seafood, the Grilled Salmon is consistently cooked well. The Chicken Marsala is a good mid-range option that pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes.
Sides And Add-Ons
Entrees come with two sides, but you can also order sides separately if you want extras.
Available Side Dishes
- Baked Potato – $3.49
- Mashed Potatoes – $3.29
- Steamed Broccoli – $3.49
- Seasonal Vegetables – $3.49
- French Fries – $3.29
- Sweet Potato Fries – $3.79
- Coleslaw – $2.99
- Rice Pilaf – $3.29
- Side Salad – $4.49
If you are watching your carb intake, the steamed broccoli or seasonal vegetables are good choices. The mashed potatoes are creamy and popular, but they can be heavy if you are already eating a rich entree.
Kids Menu
For younger diners, California Dreaming offers a separate kids menu with smaller portions and lower prices.
Kids Meal Options
- Kids Cheeseburger – with fries or fruit, $7.49
- Chicken Tenders – three pieces with fries, $7.29
- Grilled Cheese – with fries or fruit, $6.99
- Mac and Cheese – creamy and simple, $6.49
- Kids Fish and Chips – smaller portion, $7.79
Each kids meal comes with a drink and a small dessert, like a cookie or ice cream. This makes the kids menu a good value for families.
Desserts
If you have room after your meal, the dessert menu has several classic options.
Dessert Selection
- Chocolate Lava Cake – warm chocolate cake with ice cream, $7.49
- Key Lime Pie – tart and creamy, $6.99
- New York Cheesecake – plain or with strawberry topping, $7.29
- Brownie Sundae – warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and fudge, $7.99
- Apple Crisp – baked apples with a crumb topping, $7.49
The Chocolate Lava Cake is the most popular dessert. It is rich and best shared between two people. The Key Lime Pie is a lighter option if you prefer something less heavy.
Beverages
Drink prices are reasonable, and there is a full bar available at most locations.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Soft Drinks – Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc. $2.99
- Iced Tea – sweet or unsweetened, $2.99
- Lemonade – fresh squeezed, $3.49
- Milk – $2.49
- Juice – orange or cranberry, $2.99
- Coffee – regular or decaf, $2.79
Alcoholic Beverages
- Domestic Beer – $4.49
- Import Beer – $5.49
- Wine by the Glass – $6.49 to $8.99
- House Cocktails – $7.49 to $9.99
- Margaritas – $8.49
Soft drinks come with free refills, which is nice for longer meals. The margaritas are a popular choice among diners, especially during happy hour.
Lunch Specials
If you visit during lunch hours, there are special pricing options that can save you money.
Lunch Menu Highlights
- Lunch Portion of Pasta – smaller portion of Chicken Alfredo for $9.99
- Lunch Salad – half-size California Dreaming Salad for $8.49
- Lunch Sandwich – half sandwich with cup of soup for $9.29
- Lunch Burger – smaller burger patty with fries for $8.99
Lunch specials are available Monday through Friday, typically from 11 AM to 3 PM. These are a good way to try the menu without spending as much.
Happy Hour Deals
Many California Dreaming locations have happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers.
Typical Happy Hour Offerings
- Discounted Appetizers – $2 off select appetizers
- Half-Price Drinks – select beers and well drinks
- Specialty Cocktails – $2 off house margaritas
Happy hour times vary by location, so check with your local restaurant. It is usually from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays.
Seasonal And Limited-Time Items
California Dreaming occasionally introduces seasonal items. These are not always available, but they can be worth trying when they appear.
Recent Seasonal Offerings
- Summer Berry Salad – mixed greens with fresh berries, $12.49
- Pumpkin Cheesecake – fall only, $7.99
- Lobster Roll – limited summer availability, $16.99
- Grilled Peach Salad – summer special, $13.29
If you see a seasonal item on the menu, it is usually fresh and well-prepared. The Lobster Roll is a treat when available, though it is pricier than other sandwiches.
Tips For Saving Money
Eating at California Dreaming does not have to be expensive. Here are some practical tips to keep your bill lower.
Money-Saving Strategies
- Visit during lunch hours for smaller portions at lower prices.
- Share an appetizer or dessert with your dining partner.
- Order water instead of a soft drink to save $2.99.
- Check for online coupons or loyalty program discounts.
- Choose a salad or sandwich instead of a steak entree.
- Skip the add-on protein if your meal already has enough protein.
Using these strategies, you can easily keep your meal under $15 per person. The lunch menu is especially good for budget-conscious diners.
What To Expect For Service
Service at California Dreaming is generally friendly and casual. Servers are knowledgeable about the menu and can help with recommendations.
Service Details
- Average wait time for food is 15 to 20 minutes.
- Refills on soft drinks are free and prompt.
- Split plates are available for a small fee, usually $2.
- Takeout is available for all menu items.
- Reservations are not typically accepted, but wait times are usually short.
If you are in a hurry, consider ordering a salad or sandwich, as these come out faster than steaks or pasta dishes.
Nutritional Information
California Dreaming does not post full nutritional information on their regular menu, but you can ask your server for details. Some items are higher in calories than others.
Lighter Options
- Grilled Chicken Salad – around 450 calories without dressing
- Grilled Salmon with Vegetables – around 500 calories
- Black Bean Burger – around 400 calories
- Vegetable Stir-Fry – around 350 calories
If you are watching your sodium intake, ask for dressings and sauces on the side. The fried items tend to be higher in both calories and sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the California Dreaming menu and pricing.
Does California Dreaming have a senior menu?
Yes, many locations offer a senior menu with smaller portions and lower prices. Ask your server for details.
Can I get a gluten-free meal at California Dreaming?
Yes, several items are gluten-free, including grilled meats, salads without croutons, and steamed vegetables. Inform your server about dietary needs.
Are there vegetarian options on the California Dreaming menu?
Yes, the Black Bean Burger, Vegetable Stir-Fry, and several salads are vegetarian. The Mac and Cheese is also vegetarian.
Does California Dreaming offer gift cards?
Yes, gift cards are available for purchase at the restaurant or online. They can be used at any location.
What is the price range for a typical meal at California Dreaming?
For one person, expect to spend between $12 and $25, depending on what you order. A full meal with a drink and dessert can be around $30.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Having the California Dreaming menu with prices in hand makes ordering easier. You can plan your meal ahead of time and avoid any sticker shock. The menu offers a good balance of affordable options and splurge-worthy dishes.
Whether you go for a simple burger or a full steak dinner, the prices are reasonable for the quality. The chain has a loyal following for good reason – the food is consistent, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Next time you visit, try something new from the menu. The