A quick stop for a burger and root beer is better when you know the cost. Checking a & w menu prices before you order helps you plan your meal and your budget. This guide breaks down the full menu with current costs, so you can decide what to get without any surprises at the drive-thru.
A&W is known for its classic root beer floats and hand-breaded chicken tenders. But the menu has changed over the years, and prices vary by location. We have gathered the most common prices from restaurants across the country to give you a reliable estimate.
Let us start with the main event: the burgers. A&W offers several burger options, from the simple Teen Burger to the more loaded Papa Burger. Each comes with a specific set of toppings, and you can usually add extras for a small fee.
BURGER MENU PRICES
The burger lineup is the heart of the A&W menu. Here are the typical prices you can expect for each burger, based on a single patty unless noted.
- Teen Burger – $4.99 to $5.49. This classic has a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mayo on a sesame seed bun.
- Papa Burger – $5.49 to $5.99. Similar to the Teen but with two beef patties and extra sauce.
- Mama Burger – $5.29 to $5.79. This one has one beef patty with bacon, cheese, and special sauce.
- Bacon & Cheese Papa Burger – $6.49 to $6.99. Two patties with bacon, cheese, and all the fixings.
- Whistle Dog – $3.99 to $4.49. A hot dog with chili, cheese, and onions.
- Chili Cheese Dog – $4.29 to $4.79. A hot dog topped with chili and melted cheese.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – $5.99 to $6.49. A grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomato.
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich – $5.79 to $6.29. A breaded and fried chicken fillet with pickles and mayo.
Prices for burgers can go up if you order a combo meal. A combo usually includes fries and a drink, adding about $2.50 to $3.00 to the burger price. Some locations also offer a double patty upgrade for around $1.00 extra.
If you are watching your budget, the Teen Burger is often the most affordable option. It is a solid choice that does not skimp on flavor. The Papa Burger is better for bigger appetites, but it costs a bit more.
CHICKEN TENDERS &Amp; SIDES
A&W is famous for its hand-breaded chicken tenders. They come in different portion sizes, and you can order them as a meal or on their own.
CHICKEN TENDER PRICES
- 3-Piece Chicken Tenders – $5.49 to $5.99
- 5-Piece Chicken Tenders – $7.49 to $7.99
- 8-Piece Chicken Tenders – $9.99 to $10.49
- 12-Piece Chicken Tenders – $12.99 to $13.49
Each order of tenders comes with your choice of dipping sauce. Popular sauces include honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, and sweet chili. You can get extra sauces for about $0.50 each.
SIDE ITEMS
- Small Fries – $2.29 to $2.59
- Medium Fries – $2.79 to $3.09
- Large Fries – $3.29 to $3.59
- Onion Rings (Small) – $2.99 to $3.29
- Onion Rings (Large) – $4.29 to $4.59
- Coleslaw – $1.99 to $2.29
- Side Salad – $2.49 to $2.79
Onion rings are a fan favorite at A&W. They are thick-cut and battered, giving them a crispy outside and a soft inside. If you want to save money, skip the combo and order a side of fries or rings separately.
Some locations also offer a “Fry Lover” option, which is a large fry with cheese and bacon bits. This can cost around $4.49 to $4.99.
ROOT BEER &Amp; BEVERAGES
You cannot visit A&W without trying their root beer. It is made with real cane sugar and has a smooth, creamy taste. The root beer is available in several sizes, and you can also get it as a float.
ROOT BEER PRICES
- Small Root Beer – $1.99 to $2.29
- Medium Root Beer – $2.49 to $2.79
- Large Root Beer – $2.99 to $3.29
- Root Beer Float (Small) – $3.49 to $3.79
- Root Beer Float (Medium) – $3.99 to $4.29
- Root Beer Float (Large) – $4.49 to $4.79
The root beer float is a classic treat. It is made with vanilla soft serve and root beer. You can also order a float with other sodas, like Coke or Sprite, for the same price.
OTHER BEVERAGES
- Soft Drinks (Small) – $1.79 to $2.09
- Soft Drinks (Medium) – $2.29 to $2.59
- Soft Drinks (Large) – $2.79 to $3.09
- Iced Tea – $1.99 to $2.29
- Lemonade – $2.29 to $2.59
- Bottled Water – $1.49 to $1.79
- Milkshakes (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry) – $3.99 to $4.49
Milkshakes are thick and creamy, made with real ice cream. They are a good dessert option if you do not want a float. Some locations also offer seasonal flavors like pumpkin or peppermint.
If you are bringing kids, A&W has a kids’ meal that includes a small burger or chicken tenders, a small fry, a small drink, and a toy. The kids’ meal price ranges from $4.49 to $4.99.
BREAKFAST MENU PRICES
Many A&W locations serve breakfast until 11:00 AM. The breakfast menu includes classic items like eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
BREAKFAST ITEMS
- Bacon & Egger – $4.49 to $4.79. A breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese on a bun.
- Sausage & Egger – $4.29 to $4.59. Same as above but with sausage patty.
- Ham & Egger – $4.49 to $4.79. Ham, egg, and cheese on a bun.
- Pancake Breakfast – $5.49 to $5.99. Two pancakes with butter and syrup, plus two eggs and bacon or sausage.
- Scrambled Egg Platter – $5.99 to $6.49. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, and your choice of meat.
- French Toast Sticks – $3.49 to $3.79. Served with syrup for dipping.
- Hash Browns – $1.99 to $2.29
Breakfast combos are available, which include a coffee or juice for an extra $1.00 to $1.50. The Bacon & Egger is a popular choice because it is simple and filling.
Note that breakfast hours vary by location. Some stores serve breakfast all day, while others stop at 11:00 AM sharp. It is best to call ahead if you are going for breakfast.
DESSERTS &Amp; TREATS
After your meal, you might want something sweet. A&W has a few dessert options beyond the root beer float.
DESSERT MENU
- Soft Serve Cone – $1.49 to $1.79
- Soft Serve Sundae – $2.49 to $2.79. Available with chocolate, strawberry, or caramel topping.
- Apple Pie – $1.99 to $2.29. A fried pie with apple filling.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie – $1.29 to $1.49
- Brownie – $1.79 to $2.09
The soft serve is the same vanilla ice cream used in the floats. It is smooth and not too sweet. The apple pie is a warm, crispy treat that goes well with a root beer.
Some locations also offer a “Pie Float” which is a root beer float with a slice of apple pie on top. This is a limited-time item and costs around $4.99 to $5.49.
COMBO MEALS &Amp; VALUE OPTIONS
If you want a full meal, combo deals are the way to go. Most combos include a main item, fries, and a drink. Here are typical combo prices.
COMBO PRICES
- Teen Burger Combo – $7.49 to $7.99
- Papa Burger Combo – $7.99 to $8.49
- Mama Burger Combo – $7.79 to $8.29
- Bacon & Cheese Papa Burger Combo – $8.99 to $9.49
- 3-Piece Chicken Tenders Combo – $7.99 to $8.49
- 5-Piece Chicken Tenders Combo – $9.99 to $10.49
- Whistle Dog Combo – $6.49 to $6.99
- Chili Cheese Dog Combo – $6.79 to $7.29
Combo meals save you about $1.50 to $2.00 compared to buying each item separately. If you are hungry, the Papa Burger Combo is a good value because it comes with two patties and a large portion of fries.
A&W also offers a “Value Menu” at some locations. This includes smaller items like a Jr. Burger, small fries, and a small drink for around $3.99 to $4.49. The Value Menu is not available everywhere, so check your local store.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRICES
Prices at A&W are not the same everywhere. Several factors can cause the cost to vary.
- Location – Restaurants in big cities or high-cost areas tend to charge more. Rural locations may have lower prices.
- Franchise Ownership – Each A&W is independently owned. Owners set their own prices within a certain range.
- Time of Day – Breakfast prices are usually lower than lunch and dinner prices.
- Promotions – A&W runs specials like “2 for $5” on certain burgers or “Free Root Beer with Purchase” deals.
- Tax – Prices listed here do not include tax. Sales tax varies by state and city.
To get the most accurate prices, use the A&W app or website. The app often has exclusive coupons and deals that can save you money.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY AT A&W
Eating out can add up, but there are ways to keep your bill low at A&W.
- Use the App – Download the A&W app for digital coupons and rewards points. You can earn a free root beer after a certain number of visits.
- Order a Combo – Combos are cheaper than buying items separately. If you want fries and a drink, always get the combo.
- Skip the Large Size – A medium root beer is usually enough. Upgrading to large adds $0.50 to $0.70 for just a few more ounces.
- Share a Meal – The 8-piece chicken tenders combo is large enough for two people. Split it and save money.
- Look for Specials – A&W often has “Burger of the Month” or “Tender Tuesday” deals. These can cut the cost by $1.00 to $2.00.
- Bring Your Own Cup – Some locations offer a discount if you bring a reusable cup for your drink. This is rare but worth asking about.
Another tip is to order water instead of a soft drink. Water is free, and you can still enjoy the meal without spending extra on a beverage.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Knowing the calories and ingredients can help you make healthier choices. Here are some basic nutrition facts for popular items.
- Teen Burger – 540 calories, 28g fat, 45g carbs
- Papa Burger – 720 calories, 40g fat, 48g carbs
- 3-Piece Chicken Tenders – 480 calories, 22g fat, 38g carbs
- Small Fries – 310 calories, 15g fat, 40g carbs
- Small Root Beer – 210 calories, 0g fat, 54g carbs
- Root Beer Float (Small) – 340 calories, 10g fat, 58g carbs
If you are watching your sodium intake, note that the Papa Burger has about 1,200 mg of sodium. The chicken tenders are also high in sodium, around 1,000 mg per 3-piece serving.
A&W provides full nutritional information on their website. You can also ask for a printed guide at the restaurant.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the cheapest item on the A&W menu?
The cheapest item is usually the soft serve cone at $1.49 to $1.79. Among burgers, the Teen Burger is the most affordable at around $4.99.
Does A&W have a senior discount?
Some locations offer a senior discount, typically 10% off the total order. This is not a national policy, so ask at your local store.
Are A&W menu prices higher than McDonald’s?
Generally, A&W prices are slightly higher than McDonald’s for similar items. A quarter pounder at McDonald’s is about $4.50, while the Teen Burger at A&W is around $5.00.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like my food?
A&W has a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your order, most locations will replace it or give you a refund. Just speak to the manager.
Do A&W prices include tax?
No, the prices listed on the menu do not include sales tax. The final total will be higher depending on your local tax rate.
FINAL TIPS FOR ORDERING
Before you go to A&W, check the app or website for current prices. They can change without notice. Also, consider the time of day. Lunch rush can mean longer wait times, so order ahead if possible.