Carl’s Jr. Menu USA & Updated Prices 2026
Carl’s Jr. burgers run from about $5.59 for a Big Cheeseburger up to $12.29 for a Triple El Diablo, with combo meals landing $8-$18 depending on size. Below is the full menu across every category, the BYOB app deal, and how Carl’s Jr. compares against In-N-Out and Five Guys on charbroiled flavor.
How we built this page: prices below are estimated national averages compiled by cross-checking multiple public menu-price trackers as of 2026, not a single unverified source. Carl’s Jr. is a heavily franchised system, so prices vary by store and region. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Charbroiled Burgers | Breakfast | BYOB Deal | Allergens | FAQ
About Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. traces back to 1941, when Carl Karcher and his wife Margaret started with a single hot dog cart in Los Angeles, California, eventually growing into the charbroiled burger chain known today.
The chain’s signature is char-grilling patties over an open flame rather than griddle-cooking them, a preparation method it has leaned on as its core differentiator for decades. Carl’s Jr. and its sister chain Hardee’s are both owned by CKE Restaurants, and the brand has built a reputation for oversized, indulgent burgers marketed toward a bigger-appetite customer than most competitors target.
See Also: Pizza Hut Menu
Charbroiled Burgers
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Big Cheeseburger | $5.59-$5.99 | 540 |
| Famous Star with Cheese | $5.99-$7.19 | 790 |
| Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger | $8.49-$9.59 | 1,020 |
| Cali XL | $5.99 | 620 |
| Triple El Diablo | $12.29 | 1,340 |
The Famous Star with Cheese has been Carl’s Jr.’s signature burger for decades, and the Western Bacon Cheeseburger — topped with onion rings and BBQ sauce — is one of the chain’s most distinctive builds versus other charbroiled competitors.
Chicken
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Charbroiled Chicken Club Sandwich | $7.49 | 620 |
| Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich | $6.99 | 670 |
| Chicken Stars (6 pc) | $4.99 | 380 |
Breakfast Combos
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Burger Combo | $12.88 | 1,420 |
| Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich Combo | $10.88 | 780 |
| French Toast Dips Combo | $9.68 | 860 |
| Loaded Breakfast Burrito Combo | $11.49 | 1,050 |
Breakfast is typically served from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM at most locations, not all day.
Sides & Desserts
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural-Cut French Fries (medium) | $3.29 | 420 |
| Waffle Fries | $3.79 | 460 |
| Onion Rings | $3.99 | 500 |
| Jalapeño Poppers (Bites) | $4.49 | 440 |
| Hand-Scooped Ice-Cream Shake | $4.99 | 710 |
| Chocolate Cake | $3.49 | 360 |
Beverages
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Fountain Drink (medium) | $2.79 |
StarPals Kids Meals
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| StarPals Kids Meal (burger or nuggets, side, drink) | $6.49 |
BYOB (Build Your Own Bag) Deal
| Deal | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BYOB (app-exclusive, pick multiple items) | $5-$10 range | Choose from a rotating list of burgers, chicken, and sides bundled at a set price |
The BYOB deal is available only through the Carl’s Jr. app and is consistently cited as one of the strongest per-dollar meal deals in fast food.
Carl’s Jr.’s Specialty & Services
Carl’s Jr.’s specialty is charbroiling — cooking patties over an open flame rather than a flat-top griddle, a preparation method the chain has marketed as its core differentiator since the 1940s. Beyond the standard menu:
- Oversized, indulgent burger positioning: items like the Triple El Diablo are deliberately marketed toward bigger appetites than most fast food competitors target
- BYOB app-exclusive deal: one of the strongest per-dollar meal bundles in fast food, only available through mobile ordering
- Shared ownership with Hardee’s: both chains operate under CKE Restaurants, with largely overlapping menus adapted to regional branding (Carl’s Jr. in the West, Hardee’s in the South and Midwest)
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Star with Cheese | Yes | Yes | Bun and cheese both carry declared allergens |
| Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich | Yes | No | Bun and breading both contain wheat |
| Natural-Cut Fries | Possible | No | Shared fryer cross-contact possible |
| Hand-Scooped Shake | No | Yes | Dairy-based |
Carl’s Jr. offers limited gluten-conscious items, such as some salads and sides, but most burgers and sandwiches contain gluten. This is a general reference only — the official allergen guide should be checked directly before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Cheeseburger | ~540 kcal | 26g | 44g | 28g |
| Famous Star with Cheese | ~790 kcal | 32g | 52g | 48g |
| Triple El Diablo | ~1,340 kcal | 68g | 58g | 92g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Famous Star with Cheese | $5.99-$7.19 |
| Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger | $8.49-$9.59 |
| Breakfast Burger Combo | $12.88 |
| Hand-Scooped Ice-Cream Shake | $4.99 |
Carl’s Jr. vs. Other Better-Burger Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Carl’s Jr. | Famous Star with Cheese | $5.99-$7.19 |
| In-N-Out | Double-Double | $5.65-$6.15 |
| Five Guys | Cheeseburger (double patty) | $9.99-$10.99 |
| McDonald’s | Big Mac | $5.99 |
Carl’s Jr. prices close to In-N-Out and McDonald’s on a comparable burger, running well below Five Guys — positioning it as a mid-range charbroiled option rather than the cheapest or most premium choice.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: Chicken Stars (6 pc) — around $4.99
- Cheapest burger: Big Cheeseburger — around $5.59-$5.99
- Most expensive standard item: Triple El Diablo — around $12.29
- Best app-exclusive value: BYOB deal, widely considered one of fast food’s strongest per-dollar bundles
Deals & Ordering Hacks
- The BYOB (Build Your Own Bag) deal, app-exclusive, is consistently cited as one of the best per-dollar meals in fast food
- Combo meals generally save several dollars versus ordering the same items individually
- Watch for limited-time deals and local pricing variations, since Carl’s Jr. is heavily franchised
- The Cali XL offers strong size-to-price value among the standard burger lineup
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, takeout, drive-through, delivery through the app and third-party platforms
- Popular for: lunch, dinner, late-night meals
- Amenities: drive-through at most locations, digital ordering kiosks at newer restaurants
Carl’s Jr. Hours
Most Carl’s Jr. locations are open daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM-midnight, with breakfast typically running until 10:30 AM. Check the app or your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- The Big Cheeseburger is one of the lighter standard burger options on the menu
- The Triple El Diablo, at around 1,340 calories, is among the highest-calorie standard items
- Gluten-conscious options are limited, mostly salads and select sides — most burgers and sandwiches contain gluten
- Carl’s Jr.’s official nutrition guide online covers every item
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Famous Star with Cheese?
It runs about $5.99-$7.19 as an estimated national average, Carl’s Jr.’s longtime signature burger.
What is the cheapest burger at Carl’s Jr.?
The Big Cheeseburger, at an estimated $5.59-$5.99, is typically the least expensive standard burger.
What is the BYOB deal at Carl’s Jr.?
An app-exclusive Build Your Own Bag deal letting customers choose multiple items bundled at a set price, widely considered one of the best per-dollar meals in fast food.
Is Carl’s Jr. the same as Hardee’s?
Both are owned by CKE Restaurants and share largely overlapping menus, with Carl’s Jr. branded in the West and Hardee’s in the South and Midwest.
Does Carl’s Jr. serve breakfast all day?
No — breakfast is typically served from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM at most locations.
Is Carl’s Jr. cheaper than Five Guys?
Yes, significantly — a comparable burger at Carl’s Jr. runs well below Five Guys’ pricing.
Does Carl’s Jr. have gluten-conscious options?
Limited options like some salads and sides are available, though most burgers and sandwiches contain gluten.
What is the Triple El Diablo?
Carl’s Jr.’s most expensive and highest-calorie standard burger, priced around $12.29 with roughly 1,340 calories.
Does Carl’s Jr. have a kids menu?
Yes — StarPals Kids Meals include a burger or nuggets, a side, and a drink, priced around $6.49.
Who founded Carl’s Jr.?
Carl Karcher and his wife Margaret, who started with a single hot dog cart in Los Angeles in 1941.
What Makes Carl’s Jr. Different
Carl’s Jr. built its identity around charbroiling — cooking patties over an open flame rather than a flat-top griddle — a preparation method the chain has marketed as core to its flavor since the 1940s. Combined with deliberately oversized, indulgent burgers like the Triple El Diablo and the strong BYOB app deal, Carl’s Jr. positions itself as a mid-range charbroiled option that leans into bigger portions rather than competing purely on the lowest price.
See Also: Del Taco Menu
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Carl’s Jr. Restaurants LLC or CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: 2026.
