Showmars menu prices showcase Southern hospitality through generous portions and affordable family-style meals. If you are looking for a restaurant that combines homestyle cooking with reasonable costs, Showmars is a solid choice across the Carolinas. This guide breaks down the full menu, pricing details, and tips to get the best value for your money.
Showmars has been serving up comfort food since 1979, with locations mostly in North and South Carolina. Their menu is built around classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and fresh vegetables. The prices stay budget-friendly, making it a popular spot for families and workers alike.
Showmars Menu Prices Overview
Before we get into specific items, let’s look at the general price range. Most entrees fall between $7 and $14, depending on the protein and sides you choose. Combos and platters offer the best value, often including two sides and a drink for under $12.
Here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect to pay:
- Sandwiches and burgers: $5.50 to $9.00
- Fried chicken plates: $8.00 to $12.50
- Seafood options: $9.50 to $14.00
- Salads and lighter fare: $6.00 to $10.00
- Kids meals: $4.50 to $6.50
- Beverages: $1.50 to $2.50
Prices can vary slightly by location, so always check the local menu board. But overall, Showmars menu prices stay consistent across the chain.
Fried Chicken And Southern Classics
Fried chicken is the star at Showmars. You can get it in several forms, from bone-in pieces to tenders. The chicken is seasoned well and cooked crispy on the outside, juicy inside.
Popular chicken items include:
- 3-piece dark meat plate: around $8.50
- 4-piece mixed plate: around $10.00
- Chicken tender platter (4 tenders): $9.00
- Chicken sandwich: $6.50
Each plate comes with your choice of two sides and a roll. The sides are made fresh daily and include mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and more.
Meatloaf is another classic. It is made from ground beef with a sweet tomato glaze on top. A meatloaf plate runs about $8.00. It is simple but satisfying, especially with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Seafood Options At Showmars
Seafood is a bit pricier but still reasonable. The fried fish plate features white fish fillets, battered and fried golden. It costs around $11.00 for a two-fillet plate with sides.
Shrimp plates are also available. You can get fried shrimp or grilled shrimp. A shrimp platter with about 8-10 pieces costs roughly $12.50. The shrimp are plump and seasoned well.
For a lighter option, try the grilled salmon. It is seasoned with herbs and served with rice or vegetables. The price is around $13.00, making it one of the higher-end items on the menu.
Showmars Menu Prices For Sides And Extras
Sides are a big part of the Showmars experience. You can order them individually or as part of a plate. Individual sides cost between $1.50 and $3.00 each.
Here are the most popular sides and their typical prices:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy: $2.00
- Green beans: $1.75
- Macaroni and cheese: $2.50
- Coleslaw: $1.50
- Corn on the cob: $2.00
- Baked beans: $1.75
- French fries: $2.00
- Hushpuppies: $1.50 for 3 pieces
You can also add extras like a dinner roll for $0.75 or a side salad for $2.50. These small additions can round out your meal without breaking the bank.
Combos And Family Meals
Showmars offers combo meals that bundle an entree with two sides and a drink. These combos are designed to save you money compared to buying items separately.
Typical combo prices:
- Chicken tender combo: $9.50
- Fried fish combo: $11.00
- Burger combo: $8.00
- Meatloaf combo: $8.50
Family meals are available for groups of 4 or more. These include a large portion of an entree, several sides, and rolls. A family fried chicken meal with 8 pieces and 3 large sides costs about $25.00. That feeds 4 people comfortably.
For larger families, you can order the 12-piece chicken meal with 4 sides for around $32.00. These family deals are a great way to feed everyone without spending a lot.
Showmars Menu Prices For Breakfast
Some Showmars locations serve breakfast. The breakfast menu is simple and affordable. Most items are under $7.00.
Breakfast options include:
- Biscuit sandwich with egg and cheese: $2.50
- Biscuit with sausage or bacon: $3.00
- Breakfast platter with eggs, meat, and grits: $5.50
- Pancakes with syrup: $4.00
Breakfast is served until 11:00 AM at most locations. The prices are very reasonable, making it a good spot for a quick morning meal.
Beverages And Desserts
Drinks at Showmars are standard. Soft drinks, iced tea, and lemonade cost around $1.50 to $2.00. Sweet tea is a Southern staple here, and it is refillable.
Desserts include banana pudding, chocolate cake, and cobblers. A slice of cake or a bowl of pudding costs about $2.50. The banana pudding is a favorite, made with vanilla wafers and fresh bananas.
If you want a dessert with your meal, you can add it to a combo for an extra $1.00. That is a good deal if you have a sweet tooth.
Showmars Menu Prices Comparison
How do Showmars menu prices compare to other Southern-style restaurants? Let’s look at a few competitors.
Compared to Cracker Barrel, Showmars is generally cheaper. A typical entree at Cracker Barrel runs $10 to $15, while Showmars is $7 to $12. Sides at Cracker Barrel cost around $3 each, while Showmars sides are $1.50 to $2.50.
Compared to KFC, Showmars offers more variety and fresher sides. KFC’s chicken plates are similar in price, but Showmars gives you more sides to choose from and a homier atmosphere.
Local diners and meat-and-three restaurants in the South often have similar pricing. Showmars is competitive, especially with its combo deals and family meals.
Tips For Saving Money At Showmars
If you want to stretch your dollar further, here are some practical tips:
- Order combos instead of individual items. Combos include a drink, which saves you $1.50 to $2.00.
- Share a family meal if you are with 2 or 3 people. The portions are large enough to split.
- Stick with water instead of a soft drink. Water is free and healthier.
- Check for daily specials. Some locations have a lunch special for around $6.00.
- Skip the dessert if you are full. You can always come back for banana pudding another day.
These small choices can reduce your total bill by 10% to 20%.
Showmars Menu Prices For Kids
Kids meals are designed for children under 12. They include a smaller portion of an entree, one side, and a drink. Prices range from $4.50 to $6.50.
Kids meal options:
- Chicken tender kids meal: $5.00
- Grilled cheese kids meal: $4.50
- Mini burger kids meal: $5.50
- Fried fish kids meal: $6.00
Each kids meal comes with a small side like fries or apple slices. The drink is usually a small soda or juice. These meals are filling enough for most children.
Nutritional Information
Showmars does not widely publish nutritional data, but you can ask at the counter. Generally, the food is hearty and calorie-dense. Fried items and sides like mac and cheese are higher in calories and fat.
If you are watching your intake, choose grilled options and vegetable sides. The grilled chicken salad is a lighter choice at around $8.00. You can also ask for dressing on the side.
Portion sizes are generous, so you might want to share a plate or take half home. That can help with both budget and health.
Showmars Menu Prices By Location
Prices can vary by location, especially in different states. In South Carolina, prices tend to be slightly lower than in North Carolina. Urban locations like Charlotte or Raleigh may have prices 5% to 10% higher than rural ones.
For example, a chicken tender combo in Spartanburg, SC might cost $9.00, while the same combo in Charlotte, NC could be $9.75. The difference is small but worth noting if you travel.
Always check the menu board at the specific location you visit. Some franchise-owned stores have their own pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most affordable items on the Showmars menu?
The cheapest items are the biscuit sandwiches at $2.50 and kids meals starting at $4.50. Sides like coleslaw or green beans are also under $2.00.
2. Does Showmars offer any discounts or coupons?
Showmars sometimes runs promotions through their app or social media. You can also find coupons in local newspapers or mailers. Ask at the counter if they have any current deals.
3. Are Showmars menu prices the same for takeout and dine-in?
Generally, yes. Takeout and dine-in prices are the same. However, some locations may charge a small fee for large takeout orders.
4. Can I get a refund if I don’t like my food?
Showmars has a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your meal, let the manager know. They will usually replace it or refund your money.
5. How often do Showmars menu prices change?
Prices are reviewed periodically, usually once or twice a year. Increases are typically small, around $0.25 to $0.50 per item. The menu itself stays mostly the same.
Showmars Menu Prices For Catering
Showmars offers catering for events and parties. You can order large trays of fried chicken, sides, and desserts. Catering prices are based on per-person costs.
Typical catering prices:
- Fried chicken tray (20 pieces): $30.00
- Large side tray (serves 10-12): $15.00
- Dessert tray (serves 12): $12.00
- Beverage dispenser (serves 20): $10.00
Catering orders need to be placed 24 hours in advance. This is a good option for office lunches, family reunions, or church events.
Seasonal And Limited-Time Offers
Showmars sometimes introduces seasonal items. For example, during summer, they might offer a fried green tomato BLT. In fall, you might see pumpkin pie or sweet potato casserole.
These limited-time items are usually priced similarly to regular menu items. They add variety without increasing costs much. Keep an eye on the specials board when you visit.
Showmars Menu Prices And Value
When you consider portion sizes and quality, Showmars menu prices offer good value. The food is made from scratch daily, using fresh ingredients. The portions are large enough that you often have leftovers.
Compared to fast food, Showmars is slightly more expensive but much better quality. A fast food combo meal costs around $7 to $9, but the food is processed and smaller. At Showmars, you get real home cooking for a similar price.
For a family of four, a meal at Showmars costs around $30 to $40. That includes entrees, sides, and drinks. At a sit-down restaurant, the same meal could cost $50 or more.
Customer Favorites And Reviews
Regular customers often recommend the fried chicken and banana pudding. The meatloaf and mac and cheese also get high marks. Many people appreciate the friendly service and clean dining rooms.
Some reviews mention that the wait can be long during peak hours, especially at lunch. But the food is worth the wait for most people. The prices are seen as fair for the quality.
One common complaint is that some locations run out of popular sides late in the day. If you have a favorite side, try to visit earlier.
Showmars Menu Prices For Large Groups
If you are feeding a large group, consider the family meals or catering options. For 8 people, you might order two family meals. That gives you variety and enough food for everyone.
Another option is to let everyone order individually. But that can be slower and more expensive. Family meals streamline the process and save money.
Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing for large groups. Some locations require a minimum order for catering.
Payment Methods
Showmars accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some locations also accept mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Gift cards are available for purchase at the restaurant or online.
There is no charge for using a credit card. Tipping is not required, but you can leave a tip in the jar at the counter if you want.
Showmars Menu Prices And Dietary Restrictions
Showmars does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, but some items are naturally gluten-free. Grilled chicken, vegetables, and salads are safe options. Fried items contain gluten, so avoid those if you have celiac disease.
For vegetarians, there are sides like green beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. However, the mac and cheese may contain eggs. Ask the staff for ingredient details.
Vegan options are limited. The green beans and corn on the cob are usually vegan. You can also get a side salad without cheese or croutons.
Final Thoughts On Showmars Menu Prices
Showmars menu prices are a great fit for anyone who wants Southern food without spending too much. The portions are big, the quality is consistent, and the atmosphere is casual. Whether you are eating alone or with a group, you can find something affordable.
Remember to check for combos and family meals to get the best deals. And don’t forget to try the banana pudding for dessert. It is a simple but satisfying end to your meal.
If you are new to Showmars, start with the fried chicken plate. It is the most popular item for a reason. Pair it with mac and cheese and green beans for a classic Southern meal.
Overall, Showmars delivers on its promise of Southern hospitality through generous portions and affordable prices. It is a reliable choice for comfort food that won’t empty your wallet.