Since its beginnings as a humble hot dog cart in 1941, Carl’s Jr. has grown into a global fast-food giant, famous for its charbroiled burgers. Founded by Carl Karcher, the brand has built a reputation for quality ingredients and bold flavors.
While many know the iconic Happy Star logo, the menu offers a surprisingly diverse range of options that cater to different tastes, dietary needs, and budgets.
What Makes Carl’s Jr. Stand Out?
Carl’s Jr. differentiates itself with a focus on premium ingredients and made-to-order meals. Here are a few things that set them apart:
- Charbroiled Patties: The signature cooking method involves grilling burgers over an open flame, which sears the outside and locks in the juices for a smoky, rich flavor.
- 100% Angus Beef: Many of their premium burgers feature 100% Angus beef patties, offering a higher quality of meat than standard fast-food fare.
- Ingredient Sourcing: The company prioritizes quality, with details like freshly made guacamole and applewood-smoked bacon in certain locations.
- Menu Customization: Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Carl’s Jr. offers extensive customization, from swapping your bun for a lettuce wrap to adding extra toppings like jalapeños or guacamole.
The Full Carl’s Jr. Menu: Burgers, Sides, and More
Beef Burgers
From the iconic Famous Star to the premium Big Angus lineup, Carl’s Jr. ‘s beef burgers are the main attraction. All beef patties are 100% grilled.
| Item Name | Description | Price Range | Nutritional Info (per serving) | Allergens |
| Famous Star® with Cheese | 100% grilled beef, American cheese, special sauce, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a seeded bun. | $5 – $7 | Calories: 670, Fat: 37g, Carbs: 57g, Protein: 28g | Egg, Wheat |
| Super Star® with Cheese | Double the beef and cheese of the Famous Star, with all the same classic toppings. | $7 – $9 | Calories: 920, Fat: 56g, Carbs: 59g, Protein: 48g | Egg, Wheat |
| Western Bacon Cheeseburger® | 100% grilled beef, applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, crispy onion rings, and tangy BBQ sauce. | $6 – $8 | Calories: 750+, Fat: 38g, Carbs: 70g, Protein: 33g | Wheat, Milk |
| The Big Carl™ | Two grilled beef patties, classic sauce, two slices of American cheese, and crisp lettuce on a seeded bun. | $6 – $8 | Calories: 920, Fat: 58g, Carbs: 56g, Protein: 47g | Egg, Wheat, Milk |
| Guacamole Bacon Big Angus Burger® | 1/3 lb. 100% Angus beef patty, freshly made guacamole, bacon, Pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and Santa Fe sauce on a brioche bun. | $8 – $10 | Calories: 950, Fat: 67g, Carbs: 50g, Protein: 39g | Egg, Milk, Soy |
| Low Carb Big Angus Burger® | 100% Black Angus beef, American cheese, mayo, ketchup, pickles, and red onion wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. | $7 – $9 | Calories: 420, Fat: 33g, Carbs: 9g, Protein: 25g | Egg |
Chicken & Veggie Burgers
Whether you prefer crispy, grilled, or plant-based, there are plenty of options to satisfy your craving.
| Item Name | Description | Price Range | Nutritional Info (per serving) | Allergens |
| Bacon Swiss Big Chicken Fillet | Crispy breaded chicken breast, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing. | $7 – $9 | Calories: 770, Fat: 41g, Carbs: 58g, Protein: 42g | Egg, Milk, Soy, Wheat |
| Charbroiled BBQ Chicken™ | Grilled chicken breast, BBQ sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a whole wheat bun. | $6 – $8 | Calories: 390, Fat: 7g, Carbs: 50g, Protein: 30g | Soy, Wheat |
| Moving Mountains Famous Star® (Spain) | A 100% plant-based Moving Mountains patty with cheese, tomato, pickles, onion, mayo, and special sauce. | €8 – €10 | Varies | Wheat, Soy (check locally) |
Sides and Desserts
No burger meal is complete without the perfect side and a sweet treat to finish.
| Item Name | Description | Price Range |
| CrissCut® Fries | Crispy, seasoned waffle-cut fries. A fan favorite. | $3 – $5 |
| Onion Rings | Beer-battered and fried until golden brown. | $3 – $5 |
| Chili Cheese Fries | French fries topped with hearty chili and shredded cheese. | $4 – $6 |
| Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes | Made with real ice cream. Available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. | $4 – $6 |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie | A classic, soft-baked chocolate chip cookie. | $1 – $2 |
Customizing Your Order
One of the best parts about Carl’s Jr. is the ability to tailor your order. If you have dietary restrictions or just want to try something new, here are some popular customizations:
- Go Low-Carb: Swap any burger bun for a lettuce wrap. The Low Carb Big Angus Burger® already comes this way.
- Pick Your Cheese: Ask for cheddar, Swiss, or Pepper Jack cheese instead of the standard American cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or Santa Fe sauce for an extra kick.
- Load It Up: Add bacon, guacamole, or an extra patty to any burger.
- Fries Your Way: Choose between classic fries, CrissCut® fries, or onion rings for your combo meal.
Regional Menus and Limited-Time Offers
The Carl’s Jr. menu isn’t the same everywhere. You’ll find unique items and promotions depending on your location.
- In Mexico: Look for exciting promotions like “¡Grita Quiero mi Western!” and the “Loaded CheeseBurger.” The menu also features partnerships with local sports teams like Chivas Femenil.
- In Spain: The “Gran Angus” series is a major highlight, featuring burgers like the Texas Bacon Gran Angus (with pulled pork) and the Portobello Gran Angus. They also offer the plant-based Moving Mountains Famous Star for vegetarian customers.
Keep an eye out for Limited-Time Offers (LTOs), which introduce new and exciting flavors for a short period. These are often seasonal and provide a great reason to visit.
Making the Right Choice for You
Carl’s Jr. offers a wide array of choices, from indulgent, high-calorie burgers to lighter, healthier options. By using the nutritional information and customization tips in this guide, you can build a meal that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Whether you stick with a classic or create a new combination, you’re in for a delicious, high-quality meal.
Ready to explore the options for yourself? Check out your local restaurant to see what’s cooking.
James Jhon is a food writer and menu researcher at [Chefwhatsgood.com] with over 5 years of experience exploring restaurant menus and recipe trends. He focuses on delivering accurate, up-to-date food and drink insights that help readers make informed dining choices.
