Carl's Jr. serves flame-grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, and sides at more than 1,000 locations across the United States

Carl's Jr. is a fast-food chain owned by CKE Restaurants that focuses on customizable burgers made with flame-grilled beef. The menu also includes chicken sandwiches, salads, breakfast items, and sides like fries and onion rings. Most locations are in the western and central United States, though the chain has expanded eastward in recent years. You can order at the counter, through a drive-through, or via their mobile app for pickup or delivery in some areas.

The chain positions itself around made-to-order customization — you can add or remove toppings, choose your bread type, and adjust portion sizes at most locations. Prices vary by region and location, but a basic burger typically costs between $5 and $9, with combo meals running $8 to $15 depending on what you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Carl's Jr. publishes full nutrition information for all menu items on their website and in-restaurant, including calories, sodium, fat, and protein content.
  • You can customize nearly every burger and sandwich by choosing your bread, protein, and toppings, which changes the nutritional profile of what you order.
  • The chain offers salads, grilled chicken options, and breakfast items if you want lower-calorie or lower-fat choices than their signature burgers.
  • Delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats is available at many locations, though prices may be higher than ordering directly.

How to find nutrition information for specific menu items

Carl's Jr. displays nutrition facts on their official website under a searchable menu tool. You can filter by item type — burgers, chicken, salads, sides — and see calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and protein for each item. The information reflects the item as served standard, before any customization.

If you customize an item by adding bacon, removing cheese, or switching to a different bread, the nutrition numbers will change. Some locations have printed nutrition guides at the counter, and you can also call ahead to ask about specific items or modifications. The mobile app shows nutrition information for items you add to your cart, updating as you customize.

Customization options and how they affect what you order

Most Carl's Jr. locations allow you to modify burgers and sandwiches without extra charge for basic swaps — choosing lettuce wrap instead of a bun, removing mayo, adding extra pickles or onions. Adding premium toppings like bacon, extra cheese, or guacamole typically costs $0.50 to $1.50 per item depending on location.

The bread choices usually include a standard sesame seed bun, a whole wheat bun (where available), and sometimes a lettuce wrap. Protein options on burgers are typically limited to the beef patty size — single, double, or triple — though some locations offer grilled chicken as a substitute. Sauce customization is common: you can request no sauce, light sauce, or ask for sauces on the side.

Breakfast, salads, and lower-calorie menu choices

Carl's Jr. breakfast runs from opening until mid-morning (usually 10 or 11 a.m., varying by location) and includes breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, and breakfast burritos. These items typically range from 300 to 600 calories depending on what you choose. The chain also offers oatmeal at some locations, which is a lower-calorie breakfast option.

Salads are available year-round and come with your choice of grilled or crispy chicken, or no protein. A grilled chicken salad typically contains 200 to 400 calories before dressing, while the dressing itself adds 100 to 300 calories depending on type. Side salads are smaller and lower in calories if you want something lighter. Grilled chicken sandwiches without mayo or with light mayo are another option if you want protein without the higher calorie count of a burger.

Ordering through the app, website, or third-party delivery services

The Carl's Jr. mobile app lets you browse the menu, customize items, and pay before you arrive for pickup. You can also order through their website for pickup at participating locations. Some Carl's Jr. restaurants partner with DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and other delivery services, though not all locations use all platforms. Check which services are available at your nearest restaurant before ordering.

Delivery through third-party apps typically adds a delivery fee ($2 to $5), a service fee (usually a percentage of your order), and sometimes a small order minimum. Prices on delivery apps are sometimes higher than the restaurant's direct prices. Pickup through the app or website usually has no extra fees beyond the menu price, and you can often pick it up within 15 to 20 minutes of ordering.

Allergen information and dietary restrictions

Carl's Jr. provides allergen information on their website for all menu items. Common allergens in their food include wheat (in buns and breading), soy (in sauces and dressings), dairy (in cheese and sauces), and tree nuts (in some dressings). Items are prepared in shared kitchens, so cross-contamination is possible even if you order something without a specific allergen.

If you have a severe allergy, call the location directly before ordering to discuss preparation and cross-contamination risk. The chain does not currently offer a certified gluten-free menu, though some items like salads and grilled chicken without breading may be naturally lower in gluten. Vegetarian options are limited to salads, sides, and breakfast items — the chain does not offer a plant-based burger at most locations.

Pricing, combo meals, and value options

Carl's Jr. prices vary significantly by location and region. A basic single burger costs roughly $5 to $7, while specialty burgers (like those with multiple patties or premium toppings) run $8 to $12. Combo meals, which include a burger or sandwich, fries, and a drink, typically cost $2 to $4 more than the sandwich alone.

The chain periodically runs promotions — limited-time offers, combo deals, or discounts for app users. Signing up for their rewards program through the app can earn you points on purchases that convert to free items or discounts. Prices at drive-through and in-restaurant ordering are usually the same, though delivery apps charge more due to their own fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Carl's Jr. have a vegetarian menu?

Carl's Jr. does not have a dedicated vegetarian menu, but you can order salads without meat, sides like fries and onion rings, and some breakfast items. Most locations do not offer a plant-based burger. Call ahead if you want to confirm what vegetarian options are available at your specific location.

Can I see the full nutrition information before I order?

Yes. The Carl's Jr. website has a searchable menu with complete nutrition facts for every item. The mobile app also shows nutrition information as you build your order. If you customize an item, the app updates the numbers to reflect your changes.

What's the difference between Carl's Jr. and Hardee's?

Both chains are owned by CKE Restaurants and serve similar flame-grilled burgers and menu items. Carl's Jr. locations are primarily in the western and central United States, while Hardee's locations are mostly in the eastern and southern United States. Menus and pricing are largely the same, though some regional items may differ.

Do all Carl's Jr. locations deliver?

Not all locations offer delivery. Check the Carl's Jr. website or app by entering your address to see which delivery services are available at your nearest restaurant. Pickup through the app is available at most locations.

Can I order modifications online or through the app?

Yes. Both the website and mobile app let you customize burgers and sandwiches — removing toppings, changing bread, adding bacon, and more — before you pay. The app updates nutrition information as you make changes.