Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Menu & Prices 2025
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu represents the brand’s evolution from a dessert-focused chain into a full-service fast-food restaurant offering flame-grilled burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, sides, and the complete lineup of iconic frozen treats. Unlike traditional treat-only DQ locations, Grill & Chill restaurants provide comprehensive dining experiences suitable for lunch, dinner, and dessert under one roof. Understanding the full scope of the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu helps customers maximize their ordering experience whether seeking hearty meals, quick snacks, or indulgent desserts.
Understanding the Grill & Chill Concept
Dairy Queen introduced the Grill & Chill format in the early 2000s to compete more effectively with traditional fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s. This concept transformed DQ from purely dessert destinations into legitimate meal options by adding flame-grilled food to the existing treat menu.
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu distinguishes itself through several key features: flame-grilled burgers rather than flat-top griddle cooking, made-to-order preparation that ensures freshness, and the unique combination of quality hot food with premium frozen desserts. This dual focus appeals to families and groups with diverse preferences—some members can order meals while others opt for treats, all at the same location.
Not all Dairy Queen locations operate as Grill & Chill restaurants. Smaller treat-only DQ locations focus exclusively on ice cream and desserts without food service. Before visiting expecting the full menu, confirm your local DQ operates as a Grill & Chill through the location finder on DQ’s website or by calling ahead.
Burgers: The Heart of the Grill & Chill Menu
Burgers form the centerpiece of the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu, featuring flame-grilled 100% beef patties that create distinctive charred flavor profiles.
Original Cheeseburger provides the foundational burger experience. This straightforward option features a flame-grilled beef patty with American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a toasted bun. The simplicity appeals to customers seeking classic burger flavor without elaborate toppings.
Bacon Two Cheese Deluxe elevates the standard cheeseburger through dual cheese types and crispy bacon strips. This burger includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayo alongside the cheese and bacon, creating a more complex flavor profile with textural variety from the crisp bacon.
Signature Stackburgers represent the premium tier of the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu. These multi-patty creations feature two flame-grilled beef patties with generous topping portions. The Original Stackburger includes American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayo. The FlameThrower Stackburger substitutes pepper jack cheese and adds spicy FlameThrower sauce for customers seeking heat.
Both Stackburger varieties come in two sizes: 1/4 lb versions with two standard patties, and 1/2 lb versions with four patties stacked high for extreme appetites or sharing opportunities.
| Burger Type | Patty Count | Price Range | Calories | Combo Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Cheeseburger | 1 | $4.29 – $4.79 | 400-450 | $7.49 – $8.49 |
| Bacon Two Cheese Deluxe | 1 | $5.49 – $5.99 | 600-650 | $8.99 – $9.99 |
| 1/4 lb Original Stackburger | 2 | $6.49 – $6.99 | 740-790 | $9.99 – $10.99 |
| 1/4 lb FlameThrower | 2 | $6.99 – $7.49 | 850-900 | $10.49 – $11.49 |
| 1/2 lb FlameThrower | 4 | $8.49 – $8.99 | 1100-1200 | $12.49 – $13.49 |
Combo meals include regular fries and regular drink. Prices vary by location.
The flame-grilling process distinguishes DQ burgers from competitors using flat-top griddles. This cooking method creates distinctive char marks, smoky flavor notes, and textural contrast between the crispy exterior and juicy interior. However, flame-grilling requires longer preparation times—typically 5-7 minutes compared to 3-4 minutes for griddle cooking.
Chicken Options on the Grill & Chill Menu
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu provides multiple chicken preparations appealing to customers avoiding beef or seeking protein variety.
Chicken Strip Baskets serve as the most popular chicken option. These feature crispy, breaded white meat chicken strips in 4-piece or 6-piece configurations. Each basket includes french fries, Texas toast, and choice of dipping sauce (ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, buffalo, or sweet and sour). The chicken strips receive consistent positive reviews for their crispy coating, tender interior, and generous sizing compared to competitor offerings.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich features a breaded chicken breast fillet on a toasted bun with lettuce and mayo. This straightforward sandwich appeals to customers seeking handheld chicken options rather than basket presentations. Some locations offer spicy chicken sandwich variations with pepper jack cheese and spicy mayo.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich provides a lighter alternative for health-conscious customers. This option features a flame-grilled chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, and light mayo, containing approximately 200 fewer calories than the crispy version. The grilled preparation delivers authentic flame-cooked flavor similar to DQ’s burgers.
Chicken Salads appear on select Grill & Chill menus, featuring crispy or grilled chicken atop mixed greens with vegetables and choice of dressing. These options suit customers seeking lower-carb meals or lighter fare, though availability varies by location.
| Chicken Item | Price Range | Calories | Protein Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Piece Strip Basket | $7.99 – $8.99 | 1000-1100 | 40-45g |
| 6-Piece Strip Basket | $9.99 – $10.99 | 1400-1500 | 60-65g |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | $5.49 – $5.99 | 520-570 | 28-32g |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $5.49 – $5.99 | 320-370 | 32-36g |
Hot Dogs and Specialty Sandwiches
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu includes several non-burger, non-chicken options that provide variety for customers with different preferences.
Hot Dogs come in two primary varieties. The regular hot dog features a grilled all-beef frank on a warm bun with customer’s choice of condiments. The chili cheese dog adds beef chili and shredded cheese, creating a heartier, more indulgent option. Hot dogs appeal to children, customers seeking lighter meals, or those preferring simpler food without elaborate preparations.
Pretzel Sticks with Zesty Queso appear on many Grill & Chill menus as shareable appetizers or side alternatives. These soft pretzel sticks come with warm cheese dipping sauce, providing salty, satisfying options particularly popular with younger customers.
Corn Dogs serve as kid-friendly alternatives available at some locations. These feature hot dogs coated in cornmeal batter and deep-fried, appealing to children and nostalgic adults seeking carnival-style food.
Availability of specialty items varies significantly by location and franchise owner decisions. Some Grill & Chill restaurants maintain extensive menus with multiple specialty options, while others focus primarily on burgers and chicken to streamline operations and reduce inventory complexity.
Sides and Accompaniments
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu offers multiple side options beyond standard french fries, allowing customers to customize their meal experiences.
French Fries represent the default side included in combo meals. DQ fries feature thin-cut style with crispy exteriors, though customer reviews remain mixed compared to competitor fries. Some customers appreciate the crispiness while others find them too thin or inconsistent. Fries come in regular and large sizes, with seasoned salt available upon request at most locations.
Onion Rings provide popular alternatives for customers who dislike fries or want variety. DQ onion rings feature thick-cut onions in crispy batter, receiving generally positive customer feedback. These typically cost $0.50-1.00 more than fries when substituting in combo meals.
Side Salad offers lighter options for health-conscious customers. These include mixed greens, tomatoes, carrots, and choice of dressing (ranch, Italian, honey mustard, or fat-free Italian). Side salads can replace fries in combo meals, usually without upcharge.
Cheese Curds appear on menus in certain regions, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota where cheese curds enjoy cultural significance. These deep-fried cheese pieces provide indulgent, shareable sides popular with customers seeking authentic regional specialties.
Apple Slices serve as healthy alternatives primarily marketed toward children’s meals but available to all customers. These provide fresh fruit options for customers seeking nutritional balance.
Value Menu and Budget Options
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu includes several value-focused offerings that appeal to budget-conscious customers without sacrificing satisfaction.
$5 Buck Lunch (pricing may vary by location) typically includes a choice of small burger or chicken sandwich, small fries, small drink, and small sundae. This comprehensive combo provides complete meal value targeting lunch crowds seeking affordable options. The inclusion of dessert distinguishes this meal deal from competitor value menus that rarely include sweet treats.
2 for $4 or 2 for $5 promotions allow customers to mix and match two items from a limited selection including cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, small fries, or small treats. These deals suit couples sharing meals, individuals with light appetites, or families on tight budgets.
Kids’ Meals range from $4.99-6.99 depending on entrée selection. Each includes a main item (cheeseburger, hot dog, or chicken strips), side (fries or apple slices), drink, and small treat (cone or sundae). The inclusion of dessert makes DQ kids’ meals particularly appealing to children and parents alike.
Value Basket Meals package main items with sides and drinks at discounted rates compared to à la carte pricing. These typically save $1-2 compared to purchasing components separately.
Beverages on the Grill & Chill Menu
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu beverage section includes both standard fountain drinks and specialty options that complement food offerings.
Fountain Drinks feature Coca-Cola products in small, medium, and large sizes. Most Grill & Chill locations offer free refills on fountain beverages for dine-in customers, though policies vary by franchise ownership. Available sodas typically include Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, and fruit punch or lemonade.
Misty Slush and Arctic Rush provide frozen beverage alternatives. These icy, flavored drinks come in multiple varieties including cherry, blue raspberry, lemon-lime, and seasonal flavors. The frozen format appeals to customers seeking refreshing beverages during hot weather.
Bottled Water and Juice Boxes serve customers preferring non-carbonated options, particularly parents ordering for children.
Coffee and Hot Chocolate appear on many Grill & Chill menus, with availability varying by location. Some restaurants offer comprehensive coffee programs including espresso drinks and MooLattes (frozen coffee blends), while others provide only basic brewed coffee.
The Treat Side: Ice Cream and Desserts
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu includes the complete DQ treat lineup that built the brand’s reputation, allowing customers to end meals with premium frozen desserts.
Blizzard Treats dominate dessert sales with thick, blended soft-serve combined with candy, cookies, brownies, or fruit mix-ins. Popular permanent flavors include Oreo, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Brownie. Seasonal varieties rotate quarterly, creating urgency and encouraging repeat visits. Blizzards come in mini, small, medium, and large sizes ranging from $3.49-7.29.
Classic Ice Cream Items include cones (regular and chocolate-dipped), cups, and sundaes in multiple topping varieties (chocolate, strawberry, caramel, hot fudge, pineapple). These foundational treats appeal to customers seeking straightforward ice cream experiences without elaborate mix-ins.
Specialty Treats encompass the Peanut Buster Parfait (layered sundae with peanuts and fudge), Banana Splits, Royal Blizzards (enhanced Blizzards with topping crowns and center cores), and novelty items like Dilly Bars and DQ Sandwiches.
The integration of premium desserts with flame-grilled food distinguishes the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu from competitors. Customers can enjoy complete dining experiences—appetizers, entrées, and desserts—all at one location with consistent quality.
Combo Meals and Meal Deals
Understanding combo meal structures helps customers maximize value when ordering from the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu.
Standard Combos pair any main item (burger, chicken sandwich, or hot dog) with regular fries and regular drink. Upgrading to large fries or large drinks typically costs $0.50-0.80 extra. Substituting onion rings or side salads for fries usually incurs $0.50-1.00 upcharges.
Basket Meals include chicken strip baskets with fries, Texas toast, and drink. These represent complete meals without requiring separate combo designation.
Value Combos offer predetermined pairings at discount prices. The $5 Buck Lunch and similar promotions package specific items at set prices lower than à la carte totals.
Family Meals bundle multiple entrées, sides, and drinks at discounted rates for groups. These typically include 4-6 burgers or chicken items with large fries and drinks, saving $3-5 compared to individual ordering.
| Combo Type | Typical Contents | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Burger Combo | Burger + Reg Fries + Reg Drink | $7.49 – $8.99 | Individual meals |
| Premium Combo | Stackburger + Large Fries + Large Drink | $10.49 – $12.99 | Hearty appetites |
| Chicken Strip Basket | 4 or 6 strips + Fries + Toast + Drink | $7.99 – $10.99 | Chicken preference |
| Value Combo | Select burger/sandwich + Sides + Drink + Treat | $5.99 – $7.99 | Budget-conscious |
Nutritional Information and Healthy Options
Health-conscious customers benefit from understanding nutritional profiles when ordering from the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu.
Lower-Calorie Food Choices include:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 320-370 calories
- Original Cheeseburger (no mayo): 350-380 calories
- Side Salad with light dressing: 150-200 calories
- Hot Dog (plain, no bun): 170-200 calories
Higher-Calorie Items requiring portion awareness:
- 1/2 lb FlameThrower Stackburger: 1100-1200 calories
- 6-Piece Chicken Strip Basket: 1400-1500 calories
- Large fries: 480-520 calories
- Large Blizzards: 900-1200 calories
Protein Content Comparison:
| Menu Item | Protein | Calories | Protein-to-Calorie Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 32-36g | 320-370 | Good (9-11%) |
| 1/4 lb Stackburger | 38-42g | 740-790 | Moderate (5-6%) |
| 6-Piece Chicken Strips | 60-65g | 1400-1500 | Good (4-5%) |
| Original Cheeseburger | 22-26g | 400-450 | Moderate (5-6%) |
Customers managing specific dietary needs can access complete nutritional information through the DQ website or mobile app, including detailed breakdowns of calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, sugar, and allergen information for every menu item.
Sodium Considerations: Many Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu items contain high sodium levels. The 1/2 lb FlameThrower Stackburger contains approximately 2100-2300mg sodium—nearly the entire daily recommended limit. Customers monitoring sodium should request no salt on fries, avoid processed cheese, and skip high-sodium sauces.
Customization and Special Requests
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu accommodates extensive customization, allowing customers to modify items according to preferences and dietary restrictions.
Burger Modifications include:
- Adding or removing toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles)
- Substituting cheese types (American, Swiss, pepper jack, cheddar)
- Requesting no bun for low-carb diets
- Adding bacon, extra cheese, or jalapeños for upcharges
- Changing sauces (mayo, mustard, ketchup, FlameThrower sauce)
Chicken Customizations allow:
- Grilled chicken substitution for crispy in any sandwich
- Sauce modifications or additions
- Extra pickles or vegetables
- Bunless preparation for low-carb preferences
Allergy Accommodations: DQ can prepare items using clean equipment and separate utensils for customers with allergies, though cross-contamination risks exist in shared kitchen environments. Always inform staff about severe allergies before ordering. Bunless burgers eliminate gluten-containing buns, though other menu components may contain gluten.
Most basic modifications process without additional charges, though premium add-ons like extra bacon ($0.75-1.50), additional cheese ($0.50-1.00), or substituting onion rings for fries ($0.50-1.00) incur upcharges.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu evolves throughout the year with rotating seasonal items that create excitement and encourage repeat visits.
Seasonal Food Items include:
- BBQ Bacon Stackburger (summer): Enhanced burger with BBQ sauce and onion rings
- Buffalo Chicken offerings (football season): Spicy chicken sandwiches or wraps
- Pretzel bun burgers (limited periods): Premium burgers on soft pretzel buns
- Fish sandwich (Lenten season): Crispy fish fillet for customers observing religious dietary practices
Seasonal Treats rotate quarterly:
- Spring: Mint, berry, and fruity Blizzard flavors
- Summer: S’mores, tropical, and refreshing varieties
- Fall: Pumpkin pie, apple, caramel apple Blizzards
- Winter: Peppermint, gingerbread, hot cocoa flavors
Promotional Bundles appear during specific periods:
- Back-to-school family meal deals (August-September)
- Game day bundles during football season (September-February)
- Holiday-themed treats and meals (November-December)
Limited-time offerings typically run 6-12 weeks before rotation. DQ announces new items through mobile app notifications, email newsletters, social media, and in-store promotional materials.
Ordering Methods and Convenience Features
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu becomes accessible through multiple ordering channels designed for customer convenience.
In-Store Ordering allows customers to view menu boards, ask questions, and observe food preparation. This traditional method works well for first-time visitors, customers with extensive customization requests, or those wanting to see actual product presentations before ordering.
Drive-Through Service provides faster service for customers ordering standard items without complex modifications. Most Grill & Chill locations feature drive-through windows, though wait times increase during peak hours: lunch (11:30 AM-1:30 PM), dinner (5:30-7:30 PM), and late evening dessert rush (8:00 PM-close).
Mobile App Ordering through the DQ app enables customers to browse the complete menu, customize items, place orders ahead, and skip lines. The app also provides access to exclusive digital coupons, tracks DQ Rewards points, and displays nutritional information for informed decision-making.
Delivery Services including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub partner with most Grill & Chill locations. Food items generally tolerate delivery better than ice cream treats, though both are available. During warm weather, ice cream quality may diminish during transport despite insulated packaging.
Comparing Grill & Chill to Competitors
Understanding how the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu compares to alternatives helps customers make informed dining decisions.
Versus McDonald’s: DQ offers flame-grilled burgers compared to McDonald’s griddle-cooked patties, creating different flavor profiles. DQ burgers receive praise for charred taste but require longer preparation times. McDonald’s provides faster service and more consistent french fries. DQ’s advantage lies in premium ice cream treats that far exceed McDonald’s soft-serve quality.
Versus Burger King: Both chains flame-grill burgers, creating similar taste characteristics. Burger King generally offers faster service and lower prices, while DQ provides superior chicken strips and significantly better dessert options. Choice often depends on whether customers prioritize food speed or dessert quality.
Versus Wendy’s: Wendy’s burgers use fresh (never frozen) beef, while DQ uses frozen patties. Wendy’s fries generally receive better reviews than DQ’s thin-cut versions. However, DQ’s Blizzards vastly outperform Wendy’s Frosty in variety and flavor complexity. Both chains occupy similar price points and quality tiers.
Versus Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A specializes in chicken with superior quality and service compared to DQ’s chicken offerings. However, DQ provides burger options and extensive dessert menus that Chick-fil-A lacks. Customers seeking specifically chicken should choose Chick-fil-A, while those wanting meal and dessert variety prefer DQ.
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu’s unique selling proposition lies in combining flame-grilled food with premium frozen treats under one roof, allowing families and groups to satisfy diverse preferences simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Dairy Queen and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill?
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill locations are full-service restaurants offering complete food menus including flame-grilled burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, sides, beverages, and the complete lineup of DQ ice cream treats. Traditional DQ locations operate as “treat-only” shops focusing exclusively on ice cream, Blizzards, and frozen desserts without hot food service. Grill & Chill restaurants feature larger footprints, full kitchens, and dining areas suitable for meals, while treat-only locations emphasize quick dessert service. Check the DQ website location finder to determine which format your local restaurant uses.
Are Dairy Queen burgers really flame-grilled?
Yes, authentic Dairy Queen Grill & Chill locations use flame-grilling equipment to cook burger patties, creating distinctive char marks and smoky flavors. This cooking method differs from flat-top griddles used by many competitors like McDonald’s. Flame-grilling takes longer—typically 5-7 minutes compared to 3-4 minutes for griddle cooking—but creates more complex flavor profiles through the Maillard reaction and caramelization. The flame-grilled preparation represents a key differentiator for DQ’s burger program.
Can I customize burgers and other food items at Grill & Chill?
Yes, the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu accommodates extensive customization. You can add or remove toppings, substitute cheese types, request bunless preparation for low-carb diets, change sauces, add bacon or jalapeños, or modify chicken preparations. Basic modifications like removing pickles or adding extra lettuce typically don’t incur charges, while premium additions like extra bacon ($0.75-1.50) or substituting onion rings for fries ($0.50-1.00) cost extra. Staff can accommodate allergy requests using clean equipment, though cross-contamination risks exist in shared kitchens.
Does the Grill & Chill menu include healthy options?
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu includes several lower-calorie options for health-conscious customers. The grilled chicken sandwich contains 320-370 calories with 32-36g protein. Side salads with light dressing provide vegetable servings for 150-200 calories. Plain hot dogs without buns contain 170-200 calories. Customers can request modifications like no mayo, bunless burgers, or grilled chicken substitutions to reduce calories. However, many popular items like Stackburgers and chicken strip baskets contain high calories, sodium, and fat. The DQ website and mobile app provide complete nutritional information for informed ordering.
Can I order food and treats together in one transaction?
Absolutely—this represents one of the primary advantages of the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu. You can order burgers, chicken strips, sides, and beverages alongside Blizzards, sundaes, cones, or any other treats in a single transaction. Many customers order complete meals and add mini Blizzards or small sundaes as desserts. Some value meals like the $5 Buck Lunch actually include small treats as part of the combo. The ability to satisfy both meal and dessert needs in one stop makes Grill & Chill locations particularly appealing to families and groups with diverse preferences.
Conclusion
The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill menu delivers comprehensive dining experiences that extend far beyond the brand’s ice cream origins, combining flame-grilled burgers, crispy chicken strips, and diverse sides with the complete DQ treat lineup. This dual focus on quality hot food and premium frozen desserts creates unique value propositions that traditional fast-food chains and treat-only ice cream shops cannot match. Understanding the full menu scope—from value combos to premium Stackburgers, chicken baskets to seasonal Blizzards—empowers customers to make informed decisions aligned with preferences, dietary needs, and budget constraints.
The flame-grilling process distinguishes DQ burgers through distinctive charred flavors, while chicken strips and customization options provide variety for diverse tastes. Whether seeking quick lunch solutions, family dinner destinations, or dessert-focused visits, Grill & Chill locations accommodate multiple occasions through flexible menu structures. Download the DQ mobile app to access exclusive deals, place orders ahead, track rewards, and discover limited-time offerings before they disappear. Next time you visit a Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, explore beyond your usual favorites—the combination of flame-grilled food and frozen treats offers discovery opportunities that reward adventurous ordering.