Do You Need a Membership to Eat at the Costco Food Court?
Yes. Costco has always said the food court is for members, and since April 2024 it has enforced that at warehouses with outdoor food courts by asking to see an active membership card.
Why Costco started enforcing the rule
Costco’s food court prices are famously low. The $1.50 hot dog and soda combo has not changed since 1985, and a slice of pizza is $1.99. Those prices exist as a reward for members, and Costco sees them as part of what the membership fee pays for. As more non-members used outdoor food courts as a cheap lunch stop, Costco began enforcing its long standing members-only policy, much as it tightened membership checks at store entrances around the same time.
Food court access at a glance
| Situation | Can you buy food? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Costco member with card | Yes | Show your card or the digital card in the Costco app |
| Non-member with a member | Yes | The member pays, and guests can eat at the tables |
| Non-member alone, indoor food court | Usually no | The entrance membership check comes first |
| Non-member alone, outdoor food court | No, since 2024 | Staff are asked to check membership cards |
| Costco Shop Card only | Varies | Some warehouses may still ask for a membership card |
How much a Costco membership costs
| Membership | Price per year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | $65 | Basic individual membership, includes a free household card |
| Business | $65 | For business owners, includes a household card |
| Executive | $130 | Adds 2 percent annual reward on eligible purchases |
What you can buy
The Costco food court menu includes the $1.50 hot dog and soda, $1.99 pizza slices, whole 18 inch pizzas, the Chicken Bake, sandwiches, chicken strips, frozen yogurt, sundaes, smoothies and, for a limited time in fall 2026, the returning Twisted Churro at $1.49. See every price on the Costco Food Court menu, and read why the hot dog is still $1.50.
Related Questions
Can non-members eat at the Costco food court?
Only with a member. A member can buy food for guests, but non-members cannot buy food on their own.
When did Costco start checking cards at the food court?
In April 2024, starting with warehouses that have outdoor food courts.
Can I use the Costco app instead of my card?
Yes. The digital membership card in the Costco app is accepted.
How much is a Costco membership?
A Gold Star membership is $65 a year, and Executive is $130 a year.
Can I use a Costco Shop Card at the food court?
Policies vary by warehouse, and some may still ask for a membership card.
Is the Costco food court inside or outside?
It depends on the warehouse. Some food courts are inside past the registers and some have outdoor counters.
More on Costco
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Costco Wholesale. Membership prices and policies can change and may vary by warehouse. See current food court prices on the Costco Food Court menu.
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