- Costco’s food court is home to a number of cheap and tasty menu options that members and food critics love.
- Costco employees themselves have some favorites, too.
- Business Insider reached out to 49 Costco workers and scoured the web to figure out what meals and Kirkland Signature brand items in the store are considered standout hits.
Costco food courts are a prime attraction at the warehouse company.
And so are many of the delicacies put forward by its in-house brand: Kirkland Signature.
Whether you’re looking to grab the chain’s classic $1.50 hot dog-and-beverage combo, visiting international Costcos on a globe-trotting adventure, or grocery shop for your family’s weekly meals, it’s a good idea to gather intel on what tastes good at Costco.
Business Insider spoke to 49 current and former Costco employees about their favorite food offerings at the company. We also trawled the internet for items that members found especially praiseworthy. Keep in mind, prices and food court menus vary between warehouses.
Here are the food options employees and members love at Costco:
Costco's giant muffins are a good pick, despite the calories
Foto: Muffins at Costco.sourceYelp
Members love the croissants — and recommend popping them in the oven to make them even better
Foto: Costco's croissants.sourceYelp
The company's maple syrup is a 'steal' — it's an easy way to sweeten up your pancakes without feeling sour about spending
Foto: Kirkland Signature maple syrup.sourceYelp
Kirkland coffee can be quite a pick-me-up for some
Foto: Kirkland Signature coffee.sourceWorldOfRandomStuff / Youtube
The massive quantities of blueberries are perfect for some members — many members find the large quantity of fruits and vegetables just right
Foto: Blueberries at Costco.sourceYelp
One member praised the chain's almond milk — it was considered "just as good as Blue Diamond"
Foto: sourceYelp
Variations on the turkey provolone sandwich got a thumbs up from employees
Foto: sourceYelp
The chicken bake is a well-liked guilty pleasure. One Costco member wrote, "I get the chicken bake the most because it's delicious — and I enjoy the self-loathing after I eat it."
Foto: sourceHollis Johnson
The cheese pizza at Costco's food court is a popular pick among employees — and Costco is technically the 14th largest pizza chain in the US
Foto: Costco cheese pizza.sourceHollis Johnson
... but a number of people also sprang for Costco's combo pizza...
Foto: Costco combo pizza.sourceYelp
... while others opted for the pepperoni slices
Foto: Costco pepperoni pizza.sourceYelp
If you don't have time for the food court, there's always Kirkland's frozen pizza
Foto: The freezer aisle of a Costco.sourceYelp
The classic hot-dog-and-soda combo has been a hit for decades
Foto: A Costco hot dog.sourceHollis Johnson
The food court's bratwurst may be on its way out, much to the disappointment of some Costco employees and members
Foto: A bratwurst from a Costco food court.sourceYelp
Italian sausage sandwiches are also a flavorful option at the food court
Foto: An Italian sausage sandwich from a Costco food court.sourceYelp
Costco's outgoing Polish dog will be missed by many...
Foto: Costco's Polish hot dog.sourceYelp
... but the food court's relatively new chili option has received praise
Foto: Costco's chili.sourceYelp
Costco's poutine options are a big draw for Canadian members...
Foto: Costco's poutine.sourceGoToVan/Flickr
... and the chain's French fries are also an international hit...
Foto: Costco's French fries.sourceYelp
... as are the bulgogi bakes
Foto: A bulgogi bake from a Japanese Costco.sourceEricsurf6/Youtube
The chicken Caesar salad is a good option for salad-lovers
Foto: A chicken Caesar salad from Costco.sourceYelp
Kirkland's olive oil is a boon to many members
Foto: Kirkland Signature Pure Olive Oil.sourceYelp
And Costco's quinoa options allow shoppers to make healthier choices
Foto: A quinoa salad from Costco.sourceYelp
A number of members rely on the company's chicken stock...
Foto: Kirkland Organic Chicken Stock.sourceDr. Ann Wellness/Youtube
... while the warehouse's chicken noodle soup is also a favorite...
Foto: Chicken noodle soup from Costco.sourceYelp
... and, of course, the chain's famous rotisserie chickens are a classic meal
Foto: Costco's rotisserie chickens.sourcePaul Sakuma/AP Images
One shopper praised the 'gigantic pork loins'...
Foto: Pork loins from Costco.sourceYelp
... while others swear by Costco when it comes to bringing home the bacon
Foto: Bacon from Costco.sourceYelp
Some members always make sure to pick up some pulled pork
Foto: Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork.sourceYelp
Some members like to live on the briny side and spring for Costco's seafood ...
Foto: Seafood at Costco.sourceYelp
... specifically the salmon
Foto: A salmon milano dish prepared with basil pesto from Costco.sourceYelp
And others said that the basil pesto makes everything better
Foto: Basil pesto at Costco.sourceYelp
Kirkland's dried blueberries are a healthy snack beloved by at least one member
Foto: Kirkland-branded dried blueberries.sourceYelp
The beef jerky has been described as both 'worthwhile' and 'tender'
Foto: Beef jerky from Costco.sourceYelp
Kirkland granola bars are worth biting into
Foto: A Kirkland Signature Soft and Chewy Granola Bar.sourcefamoso AQM/Youtube
According to some members, Costco makes a mean Irish cream...
Foto: sourceAnjelikaGr/Shutterstock
... a party-worthy margarita mix...
Foto: Kirkland Signature Margarita Mix.sourceYelp
... standout vodka ...
Foto: Kirkland Signature Vodka.sourceYelp
... 'shockingly good' Scotch ...
Foto: Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky.sourceWhiskyWhistle/Youtube
... and their gin is 'good stuff,' too
Foto: sourcep_ponomareva/Shutterstock
According to one critic, Costco's wines are also worth a toast...
Foto: Wines at Costco.sourceYelp
... as is their Prosecco
Foto: Kirkland Signature Prosecco.sourceYelp
The chain's sheet cakes are a big deal for some members
Foto: A cake from Costco.sourceAnoka County Library/Flickr
Costco's pumpkin pies are more than just a holiday go-to for some families
Foto: Costco's pumpkin pie.sourceYelp
The chocolate chunk cookie is a mouthwatering treat for some members
Foto: One of Costco's cookie offerings.sourceYelp
Three employees find the mocha freeze yummy
Foto: A mocha freeze from Costco.sourceYelp
Gelato is a refreshingly icy treat for many food court denizens...
Foto: Gelato from Costco.sourceYelp
... while some opt for the frozen yogurt...
Foto: Vanilla frozen yogurt from Costco.sourceYelp
... and others go for berry smoothies instead
Foto: A berry smoothie from Costco.sourceYelp
And when it comes to dessert, churros are always a fan favorite
Foto: A churro from Costco's food court.sourceHollis Johnson