Costco and Sam's Club both have food courts with pizza and hot dogs. This is why Costco is the better choice. (2024)

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Costco is well known for its famous food court, beloved by members.

Sam's Club, Costco's biggest competitor, has a very similar food court with roughly the same prices.

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I visited both food courts to see how they stack up.

First up, I went to Costco.

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I really appreciate the convenience of ordering at one of the many kiosks near the counter, which is especially useful as lines start to get long around meal time

I ordered a hot dog and soda combo, a slice of pizza, and a churro for $5.38.

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The busy food court is very efficient, calling each order number as it's ready.

I picked up my food just a few minutes later and joined many other Costco customers to sit down and eat, though I typically take it with me to go.

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The pepperoni pizza was large and smelled absolutely delicious.

Holding it up to see the full size, it looks like nearly a quarter of a full-size pizza.

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Though it was a bit greasier than I'd prefer, I'd order it again any time.

The pepperoni was perfectly crispy.

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I also ordered my first churro from Costco, which was temporarily removed from menus during the pandemic.

It was also quite large.

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The churro was warm, sweet, and slightly cinnamon flavored. It's now going to be part of my regular order.

Costco is most famous for its $1.50 hot dog and soda combination, so I had to try that, too.

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Even though I've had Costco hot dogs before, I was still shocked at how hearty it was. It comes wrapped in a paper bag.

The bun was soft and warm, substantial enough to stand up to the hot dog without getting soggy.

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The condiment section was less impressive. There was mustard, ketchup, and relish, but it was messy.

Even though it wasn't pretty, a little ketchup was just what the hot dog needed.

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Costco used to have onions out as a topping too, before the pandemic, but they haven't returned yet at my location.

The hot dog is already so flavorful, though, it doesn't need more than the condiments Costco has available.

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I was especially impressed by the texture of the hot dog, which wasn't too wet or mushy.

Costco's hot dogs are 100% beef, made in the company's Kirkland Signature hot dog factories in Los Angeles and Chicago. The hot dog was a great deal, more than enough for a meal.

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The drink selection wasn't especially extensive, but it was enough to get the job done.

Since my visit, Costco has raised the price of sodas and chicken bakes.

Source: Insider

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Even with the higher prices, I found Costco's food court to be basic but well done. It isn't fancy, but everything it sells is high quality and affordable.

Next up was Sam's Club, which has a small food counter near a corner of the store.

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Though I visited at lunch time, it wasn't busy at all and I was able to quickly order at the counter.

While I waited for my food, I watched pizzas being prepared.

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I got the hot dog and pizza combos.

Sam's Club recently cut the price of the combo from $1.50 to $1.38, undercutting Costco.

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My food was ready quickly, and I went to sit at one of the cafeteria style tables near the counter. They're the same type as at Costco.

Sam's Club branded disinfectant wipes on each table were a nice touch.

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The pizza slice came on a paper plate while the hot dog was wrapped in paper.

The cashier also handed me an empty soda cup branded with Sam's Club's private label, Member's Mark, which I could fill myself.

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The soda fountain was large and impressive, with plenty of choices...

...including lemonade, iced tea, and different sodas. It was much larger than Costco's.

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I was especially drawn to this berry lime Mountain Dew flavor.

The slice of pizza I was served was massive.

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Here it is next to my head for scale.

It was delicious and not too greasy, definitely worth the $2.50 I paid.

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I'm not sure I could distinguish between Costco and Sam's Club pizza, so they were roughly on par.

At first glance it looked similar to the Costco hot dog and came in the same paper bag, though it seemed a bit smaller.

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The bun was more plain and softer than the Costco bun.

However, I was impressed by the variety of condiments, like these large sauerkraut packets.

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There was also ketchup, mustard, red pepper flakes, and parmesan.

The hot dog wasn't bad, but it was much better topped with sauerkraut, ketchup, and cheese.

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The hot dog itself was bland compared to Costco's, and slightly soggy, not worth the 12 cents of savings over Costco.

For just $1.38, the Sam's Club hot dog is definitely a great deal, but it doesn't compare to Costco's. Costco's hot dog is so impressive that it doesn't need them. It's great with nothing but ketchup.

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Sam's Club and Costco have very similar food courts, but Costco wins thanks to a superior hot dog, more convenient ordering and service, and delicious churros.

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter atmmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.