Culver’s value baskets combine their famous ButterBurger with fresh sides at prices that reward your loyalty. Understanding Culver’s Menu Prices Value Baskets helps you get the best deal every time you visit.
These baskets are the heart of the menu. They pair a main item with crinkle-cut fries and a drink. The prices stay fair even as costs rise elsewhere.
Let’s break down every basket, its cost, and how to save more. You’ll know exactly what to order.
What Are Culver’s Value Baskets?
A value basket at Culver’s includes three things: a sandwich or entree, a side of fries, and a medium soft drink. You can upgrade the drink or side for a small extra charge.
The name “value basket” is no joke. Compared to buying each item separately, you save around $1.50 to $2.00 per meal. That adds up fast if you eat here often.
Each basket is built around Culver’s signature ButterBurger. The beef is fresh, never frozen, and pressed on a flat-top grill. The bun is buttered and toasted.
You can choose from single, double, or triple patties. The cheese options include American, Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack. Add bacon for a small upcharge.
Value Basket Components Explained
Every basket comes standard with:
- Your choice of ButterBurger (single, double, or triple)
- Crinkle-cut french fries (regular size)
- A medium fountain drink (Coke products or lemonade)
You can swap the fries for cheese curds, onion rings, or a side salad. You can upgrade the drink to a large or choose a shake or malt. Each swap costs extra.
The base price for a single ButterBurger value basket is around $8.49. A double is about $9.79. A triple runs close to $10.99. Prices vary by location.
Culver’s Menu Prices Value Baskets: Full Breakdown
Here is the complete list of value baskets and their current prices. These are averages from mid-2024. Your local store may differ slightly.
ButterBurger Value Baskets
The classic choice. Fresh beef patty, toasted bun, your choice of toppings.
- Single ButterBurger Basket: $8.49
- Double ButterBurger Basket: $9.79
- Triple ButterBurger Basket: $10.99
- Single ButterBurger with Cheese Basket: $8.79
- Double ButterBurger with Cheese Basket: $10.09
- Triple ButterBurger with Cheese Basket: $11.29
Add bacon for $0.99 to any burger. Add extra cheese for $0.50.
Chicken Sandwich Value Baskets
Culver’s offers two chicken sandwiches. Both come in basket form.
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich Basket: $8.99
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich Basket: $9.29
The crispy version is breaded and fried. The grilled version is marinated and cooked on the flat-top. Both come with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a toasted bun.
Fish Value Baskets
Available year-round, but popular during Lent.
- North Atlantic Cod Fillet Basket: $10.49
- Walleye Dinner Basket (seasonal): $11.99
The cod is beer-battered and fried. The walleye is lightly breaded. Both come with tartar sauce and a lemon wedge.
Kids’ Value Baskets
For children under 12. Includes a smaller burger or chicken, fries, and a small drink.
- Kids ButterBurger Basket: $5.49
- Kids Chicken Tenders Basket: $5.99
- Kids Grilled Cheese Basket: $4.99
Each kids basket comes with a toy or a scoop of frozen custard.
How To Save Money On Culver’s Value Baskets
You don’t have to pay full price. Here are proven ways to cut costs.
Use The Culver’s App
The app has exclusive deals. You can get a free basket after a certain number of visits. Sometimes they offer a buy-one-get-one deal.
Download the app, create an account, and check the offers tab before ordering. You can also pay through the app to earn points faster.
Order The Single Patty
The single ButterBurger is plenty for most people. It has a 1/4-pound patty. The double is 1/2 pound. The triple is 3/4 pound.
If you’re not extremely hungry, stick with the single. You save about $1.30 compared to the double. The taste is the same.
Skip The Drink
If you have water at home or in your car, order the basket without a drink. Some locations let you substitute a water cup for free. You save about $0.50 to $0.75.
Alternatively, order a small drink instead of medium. The price difference is small, but every penny counts.
Share A Basket
Two people can split a double ButterBurger basket. Order an extra side of fries for $2.49. Total cost is around $12.28 for two meals. That’s about $6.14 per person.
This works best if you’re not starving. The double burger is big enough to share.
Look For Coupons
Culver’s sends paper coupons in the mail sometimes. You can also find them on their website or social media pages. Common deals include $1 off a basket or a free scoop of custard.
Ask at the counter if they have any current promotions. Sometimes they have unadvertised deals.
Value Basket Vs. Ala Carte: Which Is Cheaper?
Let’s do the math. A single ButterBurger ala carte costs about $5.29. A medium fries is $2.79. A medium drink is $1.99. Total if bought separately: $10.07.
The value basket for the same items is $8.49. You save $1.58. That’s a 15% discount.
For a double ButterBurger, ala carte is $6.59 plus sides. Total: $11.37. Basket price: $9.79. Savings: $1.58 again.
The savings are consistent across all baskets. Always order the basket if you want fries and a drink.
When Ala Carte Makes Sense
If you don’t want fries or a drink, order ala carte. If you want only the burger, you pay less. But if you want any side or drink, the basket is better.
Some people order a single burger ala carte and a small fries. That’s $5.29 plus $2.79 = $8.08. Still cheaper than the basket? No, because the basket includes a drink. If you don’t want a drink, ala carte wins.
But if you want a drink, the basket is always cheaper.
Customizing Your Value Basket
Culver’s lets you customize almost everything. Here are popular swaps and their costs.
Fry Substitutions
- Cheese curds: add $1.49
- Onion rings: add $1.29
- Side salad: add $0.99
- Coleslaw: add $0.79
- Apple slices (kids only): no charge
The cheese curds are a fan favorite. They’re white cheddar, breaded, and fried. They come with marinara sauce. Worth the extra money.
Drink Upgrades
- Large drink: add $0.30
- Milkshake or malt: add $1.99
- Float: add $1.79
- Bottled water: same price as medium drink
The milkshake is thick and creamy. Made with Culver’s frozen custard. You can choose chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or a flavor of the day.
Topping Add-Ons
- Bacon: $0.99
- Extra cheese: $0.50
- Grilled onions: $0.49
- Jalapenos: $0.49
- Mushrooms: $0.79
Grilled onions add sweetness. Jalapenos add heat. Mushrooms add earthiness. All are worth trying.
Nutritional Information For Value Baskets
Here are approximate calories for common baskets. These numbers are for the basket as served (burger, fries, medium drink).
- Single ButterBurger Basket: 1,050 calories
- Double ButterBurger Basket: 1,350 calories
- Triple ButterBurger Basket: 1,650 calories
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich Basket: 1,100 calories
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich Basket: 850 calories
- Cod Fillet Basket: 1,200 calories
If you’re watching calories, choose the grilled chicken basket. Swap fries for a side salad. Drink water instead of soda. That brings the total to around 600 calories.
Culver’s provides full nutrition info on their website. You can also ask for a printed sheet at the restaurant.
Regional Price Variations
Culver’s prices vary by location. A single ButterBurger basket in Wisconsin might cost $7.99. The same basket in California might cost $9.49.
Factors that affect price:
- Cost of living in the area
- Local minimum wage
- Rent for the restaurant space
- Supply chain costs
You can check prices on the Culver’s app or website before you go. Enter your zip code to see local menu prices.
If you travel, expect differences. A basket in a small town might be cheaper than one in a big city.
Comparing Culver’s Value Baskets To Competitors
How does Culver’s stack up against other fast-food chains? Let’s compare.
Vs. McDonald’s
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal costs about $8.99. That includes fries and a drink. Culver’s single ButterBurger basket is $8.49. Culver’s is cheaper and uses fresh beef.
McDonald’s has more locations and faster service. But Culver’s quality is higher.
Vs. Five Guys
Five Guys burger meal costs about $12.99. That’s for a single patty, fries, and a drink. Culver’s is $4.50 cheaper. Five Guys gives more fries, but Culver’s is better value.
Five Guys also uses fresh beef. But their prices have risen faster than Culver’s.
Vs. Shake Shack
Shake Shack ShackBurger meal is around $11.49. Culver’s is $3 cheaper. Shake Shack has a more upscale vibe, but Culver’s is more affordable.
Both use fresh, never-frozen beef. Both have loyal followings.
Vs. Dairy Queen
DQ’s FlameThrower meal is about $9.29. Culver’s is cheaper and has a wider menu. DQ is known for blizzards, but Culver’s frozen custard is also excellent.
If you want a burger and a shake, Culver’s is a better deal.
Best Times To Visit For Deals
Culver’s doesn’t have a standard happy hour. But there are times when you can save.
Lunch Rush
Some locations offer a lunch special. This might be a smaller basket at a lower price. Ask at the counter if they have a lunch menu.
Typically, lunch specials run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays.
Senior Discounts
Many Culver’s locations offer a senior discount. This is usually 10% off for customers over 55 or 60. You have to ask. It’s not advertised.
Bring your ID if you look young for your age.
Military Discounts
Active duty and veterans often get 10% off. Show your military ID. Some locations also offer a free drink with a meal.
This varies by franchise. Call ahead to confirm.
Student Discounts
A few locations near colleges offer student discounts. Show your student ID. The discount is usually 10% off.
Not all locations participate. Ask at the register.
Frequently Asked Questions About Culver’s Value Baskets
Can I Get A Value Basket With A Chicken Tender Instead Of A Burger?
Yes. Culver’s offers a chicken tender basket. It comes with four tenders, fries, and a drink. The price is about $9.49. You can also get a kids version with two tenders.
Are Value Baskets Available All Day?
Yes. You can order a value basket any time the restaurant is open. Breakfast baskets are also available during breakfast hours (until 10:30 AM).
Can I Substitute A Salad For Fries In A Value Basket?
Yes. You can swap fries for a side salad. There is a small upcharge of about $0.99. The salad comes with your choice of dressing.
Do Value Baskets Include Tax?
No. The prices listed are before tax. Sales tax varies by state and city. Your total will be higher than the menu price.
Can I Order A Value Basket Through The Drive-thru?
Yes. All value baskets are available at the drive-thru. You can also order through the app for pickup or delivery.
Final Tips For Ordering Culver’s Value Baskets
Here are quick reminders to get the most for your money.
- Always check the app for deals before ordering.
- Stick with the single patty unless you’re very hungry.
- Skip the drink if you have water at home.
- Share a double basket with a friend.
- Ask about senior, military, or student discounts.
- Customize your toppings for free (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles).
- Try the cheese curds as a side upgrade at least once.
Culver’s value baskets are a smart choice for a filling, tasty meal. The prices are fair, the quality is high, and the customization options are endless. Next time you visit, you’ll know exactly what to order and how to save.
Remember, the key to getting the best deal is knowing the menu and using available discounts. With this guide, you’re ready to order like a pro.