Updated Carl’s Jr. Menu Prices + Deals (2023)

Whether you’re craving their iconic Western Bacon Cheeseburger, hand-breaded chicken sandwich or combo meal, the familiar Star at Carl’s Jr. has got you covered. Check out the latest menu prices at Carl’s Jr. in 2023 below. I also share how to get your hands on a free sandwich during your next visit.

Meals

Chicken

Value Meals

Sides

Desserts

Drinks

Red Burrito Meals

$5.55 Big Bag

Breakfast

Ways to Save at Carl’s Jr.

Spend $20 and save $4 as a My Rewards member. It’s like getting a 20% bonus just for joining.

Here are my favorite ways to save on dining at Carl’s Jr.: 

Join Carl’s Jr. My Rewards Program

One of the best ways to save at Carl’s Jr. is by joining the My Rewards program. When you sign up, you can get a free sandwich with a $1 minimum purchase. You can choose from more than just a boring hamburger too. You can get a FREE Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Famous Star, Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich or other burger. This is a value between $5 – $7 just for joining the loyalty program.

This loyalty program allows you to earn 10 points for every dollar you spend at participating locations. You can then redeem these points for free food and drinks when you reach the 150, 300, and 500 Star milestones. To sign up, visit the official Carl’s Jr. website at carlsjr.com/myrewards or download the Carl’s Jr. mobile app.

But a free sandwich and rewards points aren’t the only benefit of joining this program. Here is a summarized list of the benefits and offers when joining My Rewards: 

1. 4 Off $20 Purchase: Save $4 when spending $20 or more using the Carl’s Jr. app or online ordering platform.
2. Free Cinnamon Roll with Large Breakfast Burger Combo: Get a complimentary Cinnamon Roll with the purchase of a Large Breakfast Burger Combo.
3. Free 6 Piece Chicken Stars with $20 Purchase: Receive a free 6-piece Chicken Stars with a minimum purchase of $20.
4. $3 Fried Zucchini or Onion Rings: Order crispy Fried Zucchini or Onion Rings for only $3.
5. $6.66 El Diablo Burger: Get the spicy El Diablo Burger for a disturbing price of $6.66.
6. Super Star Sunday – $5 Super Stars: Every Sunday, grab a Super Star burger for only $5.
7. Super Star Sunday – $8 Small Super Star Combos: Enjoy a Small Super Star combo, including a drink and fries, for just $8.
8. National Fry Day Qualifying Terms: On July 13, 2023, purchase French Fries and get an offer for a free small fry with a minimum $1 purchase to be used through December 31, 2023.
9. National Fry Day Offer Terms: Celebrate National Fry Day all year with a free small fry on any purchase of at least $1, valid for those who availed the promotion on July 13, 2023.

Earn Stars to get Free Food.

Sign Up for Email or Text Alerts

Another way to stay informed about Carl’s Jr. deals and savings is by signing up for their email or text alerts. By subscribing to their newsletter or opting in to receive text messages, you’ll receive notifications about exclusive offers, coupons, and upcoming promotions directly to your inbox or phone.

Related Reading: Wendy’s Menu Items & 35% Price Increases

Utilize Printable Coupons

Carl’s Jr. occasionally offers printable coupons on their website or through third-party coupon websites. These coupons typically provide discounts on specific menu items or offer buy-one-get-one-free deals. You can print the coupons and present them at the restaurant to redeem the savings. It’s important to note that availability and terms of these coupons may vary, so check the source regularly for new offers.

Here are a few examples of coupons that you may find for Carl’s Jr.:

a. Buy One, Get One Free. This coupon allows you to purchase one item, such as a burger or sandwich, and get another item of equal or lesser value for free.

b. Discounted Combo Meal. This coupon provides a discounted price on a specific combo meal, allowing you to enjoy a burger, fries, and a drink at a reduced cost.

c. Dollar-Off Coupons. These coupons offer a specific dollar amount off your total purchase when you spend a certain minimum amount.

Remember to read the terms and conditions of each coupon carefully, as they may have restrictions on the specific menu items or locations where they can be redeemed.

By utilizing these strategies and keeping an eye out for the latest deals and promotions, you can enjoy your favorite meals at Carl’s Jr. while saving money. Whether it’s through the My Rewards program, email alerts, or printable coupons, there are plenty of opportunities to score great discounts and maximize savings at Carl’s Jr.

What is the 2 for $5 Deal at Carl’s Jr?

Do You Know about the 2 for $5 Deal?

The “2 for $5 Deal” typically refers to a value menu promotion offered by Carl’s Jr., where customers can choose two items from a selection of menu items for a total price of $5. This deal is often aimed at providing customers with an affordable way to enjoy a meal or snack by combining two items at a discounted price.

The specific items included in the “2 for $5 Deal” can vary, but they usually allow you to pick from two of the items listed below:

1. Classic Cheeseburger – A traditional cheeseburger featuring a beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and special sauce on a sesame seed bun.

2. Spicy Chicken Sandwich – A crispy chicken patty with a spicy seasoning, served with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a bun.

3. Famous Star with Cheese – A signature burger with a charbroiled beef patty, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and special sauce on a seeded bun.

4. CrissCut Fries – A unique side item consisting of crispy, seasoned potato cuts shaped like crisscrosses.

5. Onion Rings – Breaded and deep-fried rings of onion, providing a crunchy and flavorful side option.

What is Carl’s Jr. VS Hardees? What’s the Difference?

The Complicated History of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are fast food restaurant chains that were originally founded as separate entities but eventually came under the same ownership and menus. While they have some differences in branding and regional presence, for the most part they are the same restaurant and maintain the same management.

Origins and History

• Carl’s Jr.: Carl’s Jr. was founded in 1941 by Carl Karcher in Los Angeles, California. It started as a hot dog cart and later expanded into a chain of drive-in restaurants.
• Hardee’s: Hardee’s was founded in 1960 by Wilber Hardee in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. It initially focused on charbroiled hamburgers and expanded rapidly across the United States.

Menu and Food

• Both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are known for their burgers, which are charbroiled and made with premium ingredients.
• Both chains also serve chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, salads, sides like fries and onion rings, and various beverages.
• While the core menus are similar, there might be slight variations in specific items or promotions depending on the region.

Branding and Regional Presence

• Carl’s Jr. primarily operates on the West Coast of the United States and has a reputation for its provocative and edgy advertising campaigns. It often targets a younger demographic and emphasizes its burgers’ size and indulgence.
• Hardee’s, on the other hand, has a stronger presence in the Midwest and Eastern parts of the United States. It is known for its “Made from Scratch” biscuits and tends to target a broader demographic, including families and breakfast customers.

Ownership and Merger

• In 1997, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Carl’s Jr., acquired Hardee’s. Following the merger, both brands continued to operate independently under the same ownership.
• The merger allowed for shared resources, operational efficiencies, and increased market presence while preserving each brand’s distinct identity and regional associations.
• Although the ownership and management are the same, there might still be some variations in menu items, marketing, and branding strategies to cater to the regional preferences and identities of each brand.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s have not split or separated. Both brands are still owned and operated by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. They continue to operate as separate entities, serving distinct regions with some overlapping menu items.

In summary, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are fast food chains with similar menus and food offerings. While they have distinct regional associations, they both operate under the same ownership and share many similarities in terms of food quality and overall concept. The merger of the two chains allowed for shared resources and increased market presence while maintaining their separate branding and regional identities.

Does Carl’s Jr. Have a Secret Menu?

Carl’s Jr. has menu hacks.

Does Carl’s Jr. have a secret menu? Unlike some other fast-food chains like In-N-Out Burger or McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr. has not publicly acknowledged the existence of a secret menu. If you visit their restaurants or browse their website, you will find a menu consisting of their regular items, such as the Famous Star burger, Western Bacon Cheeseburger, and CrissCut Fries.

However, it’s worth noting that despite the absence of an official secret menu, Carl’s Jr. still offers some flexibility for customization and menu hacks. For example, you can request additional toppings, substitute ingredients, or ask for special sauce combinations. The extent of customization may vary depending on the location and the staff’s willingness to accommodate your requests.

Here are some of the most popular off-menu items and customization options customers have discovered over time.

1. Low Carb It: This option allows you to order any burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, which is a popular choice for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.

2. All-Star Meal: This is a combination meal that includes a Famous Star burger, a Spicy Chicken Sandwich, fries, and a drink. It offers a variety of flavors in one convenient meal.

3. The Double Loaded Omelet Biscuit: This is a hearty breakfast item that consists of a biscuit sandwich with two folded omelets, sausage, bacon, ham, and cheese. It’s a substantial option for breakfast lovers.

4. The 4×4 Burger: This is a secret menu item that features four beef patties and four slices of cheese stacked on a bun. It’s a massive burger for those with a big appetite.

5. The Super Bacon Cheeseburger: This burger is similar to the regular Bacon Cheeseburger but comes with six strips of bacon instead of the usual three. It’s a treat for bacon enthusiasts.

It’s important to note that availability may vary by location, and some items may be discontinued or replaced with new items over time. The secret menu items are usually not prominently displayed or advertised, so you may need to ask the cashier or the staff about them.

Are Carl’s Jr. Burgers Fresh or Frozen?

According to an ex-manager at Carl’s Jr., he confirmed the use of frozen meat for the burgers. The ex-manager allegedly stated that the patties were delivered to the restaurant frozen and then cooked on the charbroiler. This suggests that while the burgers may start as frozen patties, they are cooked fresh on-site.

It’s worth noting that the use of frozen meat in fast-food restaurants is not uncommon. Many chains rely on frozen patties due to benefits such as extended shelf life, consistent quality, and improved food safety. Freezing the meat can help maintain freshness and minimize the risk of bacterial growth.

Does Carl’s Jr. Have Baked Potatoes?

Carl’s Jr. does not offer baked potatoes on their regular menu. If this ever changes, I’ll let you know about it. Carl’s Jr. is primarily known for its burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries.

Does Carl’s Jr. Have Spicy Food?

Order a spicy La Cura.

When it comes to spicy food, Carl’s Jr. offers a variety of options that cater to customers who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. If you like it hot, here are the best menu options.

• Spicy Chicken Sandwiches: Carl’s Jr. offers a range of spicy chicken sandwiches that are sure to satisfy heat enthusiasts. One of their notable offerings is the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, featuring a crispy chicken fillet topped with spicy sauce, lettuce, and mayonnaise. The spicy sauce adds a tangy and fiery flavor to the sandwich.
• Spicy Burgers: Carl’s Jr. also serves spicy burgers for those who prefer beef. The famous Western Bacon Cheeseburger is available in a spicy version called the Western Spicy Jalapeno Burger. It consists of a charbroiled beef patty topped with melted pepper jack cheese, crispy onion rings, jalapenos, and spicy barbecue sauce.
• Spicy Chicken Tenders: If you’re a fan of chicken tenders, Carl’s Jr. has a spicy option for you. Their Spicy Chicken Tenders are made with tender, juicy chicken strips coated in a flavorful spicy breading. These spicy chicken tenders are served with dipping sauces such as ranch or buffalo sauce, providing an extra kick of heat.
• Spicy Sauces and Dips: In addition to the specific spicy menu items, Carl’s Jr. offers a selection of sauces and dips that can add heat to any meal. They have options like Buffalo Sauce, which is a tangy and spicy sauce perfect for dipping chicken tenders or adding to burgers. The Spicy Jalapeno Sauce is another option that adds a fiery kick to any item on the menu.
• Limited-Time Spicy Promotions: Carl’s Jr. occasionally introduces limited-time promotional items that are spicy flavors.

Overall, Carl’s Jr. provides plenty of options for those seeking spicy food. Whether you’re a fan of spicy chicken sandwiches, burgers with a kick, or flavorful sauces, Carl’s Jr. will satisfy the craving.

What Oil Does Carl’s Jr. Use to Cook?

Carl’s Jr., primarily uses a vegetable oil blend for cooking. The specific details regarding the ingredients of the oil blend are not publicly disclosed by the company. Like most fast-food restaurants, they use cooking oil to prepare their menu items. The type of oil they use can significantly impact the taste, texture, and nutritional content of the food they serve.

In the fast-food industry, vegetable oil blends are commonly used for frying and cooking due to their high smoke point, which means they can be heated to a relatively high temperature before reaching their smoke point. This property is essential for deep-frying food items like French fries, chicken tenders, and other crispy items.

Related Reading: Whataburger’s Menu Prices + Free Burger Offer 

Vegetable oil blends typically consist of a mix of different vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, canola oil, corn oil, or sunflower oil. Each oil type brings specific characteristics to the blend, including flavor, stability, and nutritional content. The combination of oils in the blend helps achieve a balanced cooking oil with a neutral taste and optimal frying performance.

The fast-food industry has been gradually transitioning to healthier cooking oils with lower saturated fat content and higher levels of unsaturated fats. This change is driven by consumer demands for healthier food options and increasing awareness of the impact of dietary choices on health.

What is a Premium Bun at Carl’s Jr.?

In 2013, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s introduced a new addition to their burger offerings called the “Premium Bun.” These buns were specially crafted to enhance the overall burger experience and elevate the taste and quality of their 100% Black Angus beef burgers. Here’s what makes the Premium Bun so special.

Carl’s Jr. Menu Poster

1. Freshly Baked. The buns are baked fresh, ensuring a soft and delicious texture that perfectly complements the burger.

2. High-Quality Ingredients. Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s take pride in using premium ingredients, and the Premium Bun is no exception. The buns are made with carefully selected ingredients to achieve the best taste and quality possible.

3. Perfectly Soft. The buns are designed to be soft, providing a delightful contrast to the savory and juicy Black Angus beef patties they cradle.

4. Enhanced Burger Experience. The Premium Bun aims to elevate the overall burger experience for customers, making each bite a memorable and satisfying one.

The introduction of the Premium Bun demonstrates Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s commitment to continually innovate and improve their menu. By focusing on the quality of the ingredients, including the bun, they aim to differentiate themselves from other fast-food chains and provide a more premium and enjoyable dining experience for their customers.