When asking yourself about something to do near me in Sunnyvale with a group of friends or family, consider
Costco Food Court
Why Costco Food Court is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Costco Food Court offers a fantastic and budget-friendly spot for friends to gather and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal together. With a menu focusing on simplicity and value, it has become a go-to destination for shoppers looking to refuel without breaking the bank. Staples like the famous quarter-pound all-beef hot dog with a 20-ounce soda combo priced at just $1.50—a price that has remained unchanged since 1985—make this food court exceptional in affordability. Pizza enthusiasts will also find delight in the large slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza, each costing under $2, while an entire 18-inch pizza is available for just under $10, perfect for sharing among friends.
The food court atmosphere is casual and designed for convenience, ideal for quick meetups before or after shopping trips. Alongside these classic favorites, the 2025 menu includes the notable chicken and bacon sandwich featuring roasted chicken breast, cheddar cheese, bacon jam, and a mayo-mustard blend, adding a modern twist to the offerings. The food court recently transitioned to Coca-Cola products for its sodas, complementing its meal combos. While the environment may sometimes be busy, the focus remains on delivering generous portions at a great value, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied after catching up and sharing a meal at this communal space.
Here's what people think of Costco Food Court
As of recent, Costco Food Court holds a 3.7-star rating based on 136 reviews.
User reviews of the Costco Food Court present a mixed but generally positive picture. Many customers appreciate the excellent value for money, especially highlighting the hot dog and soda combo as nearly unbeatable in quality and price. Positive feedback often praises the generous portion sizes and affordability of staple items like pizza slices and the chicken and bacon sandwich. The food court is viewed as a convenient and reliable place to enjoy classic fast-food items without spending much, attracting shoppers with its consistent menu and nostalgic favorites. The quality of the hot dog bun and the taste of the hot dog itself receive particular praise, often described as best-in-class.
However, some negative reviews point to the food court’s limitations in taste and variety. While the value remains undeniable, certain customers find that the taste of some items like pizza does not always meet expectations, describing it as less flavorful or not their preferred texture. The simplicity of the menu is sometimes seen as a shortcoming, with fewer options than typical fast-food chains. Additionally, the food court can become busy and somewhat stressful, especially for staff, which occasionally reflects in customer service experiences.
In conclusion, the Costco Food Court is widely regarded as a great value destination for meeting up with friends and enjoying classic American fast food at budget prices, with some trade-offs in menu variety and gourmet quality. Its affordability and portion sizes remain its strongest appeals, making it a popular choice despite its few criticisms.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Noah Rouleau
Love the dining experience at this exclusive club. The chefs are very efficient. I do recommend eating before shopping, because you won't shop hungry, and nothing melts while you eat.
Ali Nikan
My wife recently purchased some sandwiches from Costco. At first, I thought the burnt bottom was just an isolated incident, but when it happened again, it seemed to be a recurring issue. I'm a bit surprised that this hasn't been addressed. I hope you’ll take a moment to look at the photos showing both the top and bottom of the sandwiches.
Kara T
The server really played in my face with this sundae. The lid he added made it really difficult to eat as well. Spoons do not fit through the mouth hole :)
Tristan C.
This is by far the worst Costco food court experience I’ve ever had. I ordered two strawberry smoothies and had to wait 30 minutes in line. And d even after that, I still had to wait longer. What happened to calling out order numbers when food is ready? Instead, everyone just stands around in a pointless line after ordering. It’s incredibly frustrating and makes no sense
miguel rodriguez
Jazmin from the food court treats you and talks to you like you're from the hood. Pretty disrespectful from her. No more smoothie apparently. Other than that it's good
How to reach Costco Food Court
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Why Costco Food Court may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Costco Food Court with your friends? Costco Food Court offers a uniquely affordable, casual, and fun environment that makes it an excellent destination to gather with friends or family. The food court has a loyal following owing to its simple yet satisfying menu, featuring iconic items like its famously affordable hot dog and soda combo, which has remained at $1.50 since 1984. This long-standing price consistency is a testament to the value and nostalgia Costco brings to its food court experience. Moreover, the environment is relaxed and spacious, perfect for groups who want to grab a tasty, budget-friendly bite without the fuss of more formal dining. The communal tables and easy self-service style encourage mingling and socializing, creating a natural vibe for connecting over food. For groups looking for hassle-free, quick, and filling meals paired with Costco’s quality assurance, the food court is an excellent rally point. Plus, its location inside Costco warehouses means you can combine a fun shopping trip with a casual meal, turning a regular outing into an engaging group experience.
What activities can you enjoy at Costco Food Court that make it ideal for a meetup?
First and foremost, sharing food is the central activity, and the Costco Food Court menu is designed for group enjoyment. Their large pizzas can be shared easily among friends or family, making it a perfect option for casual group dining. You can call ahead to order pizzas and pick them up for your group, ensuring minimal wait times and more quality time together. In addition to pizza, other staple menu items such as chicken bakes, hot dogs, and soft drinks provide easy, crowd-pleasing options at very affordable prices. The iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo itself is a famous draw that sparks conversations and nostalgia among visitors, making it an icebreaker for groups who may be meeting for the first time or catching up after a while.
Second, shopping together at Costco complements the food court experience. While some members of your group grab a bite, others can explore Costco’s vast selection of bulk items, electronics, beauty products, or travel deals. This shared activity of finding deals and browsing interesting Costco merchandise can add a fun secondary dimension to your meetup. The combination of casual dining and shopping means your gathering can extend rather than be limited to sitting down for a meal.
Third, the value-driven atmosphere lends itself to hosting informal, spontaneous meetups. Because the food court remains affordable and no reservations are needed, it's easy to plan last-minute get-togethers without financial strain or complicated arrangements. The casual vibe encourages conversation and laughter around shared affordable food. The space is also generally roomy enough to accommodate larger groups without overcrowding, which is often a hurdle in traditional restaurants.
Why is Costco Food Court perfect for a group meetup?
One key reason Costco Food Court excels as a meetup spot is its mix of affordability and quality. Groups can indulge without worrying about breaking the bank, thanks to Costco’s pricing strategy, which is often described as legendary. The value for your money is exceptional, especially considering the volume of food offered. For families or groups with many members, this cost-efficiency is a significant advantage, making it accessible to all budgets.
Another advantage is the speed and convenience of service. Unlike many restaurants where group orders can lead to long waits, Costco’s food court serves items quickly due to its fast food counter setup. This makes it easy to accommodate groups with diverse schedules where some people may need to eat early or leave early.
Additionally, the communal nature of Costco’s seating encourages social interaction. Large tables and open seating areas allow for mingling and the flexibility to join or break into smaller groups without feeling isolated. The friendly and unpretentious environment helps everyone feel comfortable, whether it’s old friends reminiscing or new acquaintances meeting for the first time.
Furthermore, Costco’s food court operates within the warehouse itself, which means you can combine your meal with group shopping adventures afterward. You might turn your casual meetup into a fun day of exploring Costco’s wide-ranging products — from gourmet foods to travel deals — adding shared activities beyond just eating that can strengthen bonds and make the outing feel fuller and more memorable.
How does the menu support group dynamics at Costco Food Court?
Costco’s menu is intentionally simple but effective, with items that lend themselves well to sharing. Large pizzas are a crowd favorite because they’re meant for slicing and sharing, making meal planning for groups straightforward. The cost of a whole pizza is budget-friendly, and calling ahead ensures it’s ready on arrival, minimizing downtime for hungry groups. For those looking for easy handheld food, chicken bakes offer a savory, filling option that’s also convenient for eating on the go or at communal tables.
The all-time classic hot dog and soda combo is not just affordable but a conversation starter, especially since the price has famously stayed the same since the 1980s. It’s a shared piece of nostalgia for many visitors, and purchasing this classic combo becomes a lighthearted group ritual that lends an element of fun and history to your meetup.
Quick snacks like churros and frozen yogurt also add variety, allowing groups with diverse tastes to find something satisfying. The menu’s focus on popular, uncomplicated options means everyone can find something they like easily and without fuss.
What makes the Costco Food Court atmosphere unique for meetups?
The atmosphere is a balance of casual comfort and community energy. Unlike fine dining or crowded bustling cafes, Costco Food Court offers a no-pressure environment where you aren’t rushed and can socialize freely. The open seating plan provides flexibility, whether your group is large or small. There’s a sense of camaraderie shared amongst visitors due to the loyalty to Costco’s well-loved food items and pricing, adding a friendly vibe.
Although ratings hover around a moderate 3.7 out of 5, reflecting some variability in experiences, many patrons highlight the combination of value and taste as compelling reasons to keep returning. The straightforwardness of the food court aligns with a low-key hangout spot where the focus is on friends and food rather than ambiance or formality.
The location inside a Costco warehouse also means you reap the benefits of ample parking and easy accessibility. There are usually no issues finding seats, especially during off-peak hours, which is great for less stressed, more relaxed group gatherings.
In summary, Costco Food Court is an excellent choice for group meetups because it offers iconic, tasty food at unbeatable prices in a relaxed, spacious setting. Its simplicity and efficiency allow friends and families to connect over shared plates and then explore Costco’s larger stores together, turning a simple meal into a memorable social experience. Whether you want to reminisce over a hot dog combo, share a giant pizza, or combine your gathering with bargain hunting, Costco provides a welcoming, affordable, and fun setting perfect for rallying with your friends.