Customers Say This California-Based Burger Chain Is Overpriced And They're Totally Done (Don't Worry, It's Not In-N-Out)

Skyrocketing costs across the board have made dining out at some fast food chains untenable. Fans have voiced their displeasure about the steady and unyielding price increases from their favorite spots, with one California-based burger chain counted among the worst of the bunch, and it's not In-N-Out. Founded in Los Angeles, Carl's Jr. is one of the overpriced fast food chains budget-conscious consumers are avoiding in 2026.

Customer complaints about Carl's Jr. center around a decrease in quality and a simultaneous increase in prices. One Reddit user queries, "When did Carl's Jr. get so expensive??" alongside a picture of their order, which displays a 5 Piece Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Combo for nearly $20. A Redditor replies, "Remember when their spicy chicken sandwich was like $1.29-$1.49 around 2019? It's now $5.49-$6.00 by itself. For one sandwich." Carl's Jr. is listed in Tasting Table's roundup of the most expensive burger chains in the U.S., and many diners are done.

Another Reddit commenter shares, "I was on the way home after a night out and Carls was the only thing open. I remember literally thinking 'wow that was too expensive, probably my last time eating Carls.' And it was, haven't been to one in over 4 years."

Some Carl's Jr. fans maintain that using the app can provide relief from overpriced meals. Others claim that these deals aren't nearly as good as they used to be. A commenter on Reddit says, "I've watched their coupons and deals get worse and worse over the last couple of years," calling Jack in the Box and In-N-Out "the last bastions of relatively cheap fast food."

A Reddit user based in California notes, "I haven't seen a line at Carl's drive thru in years, and no matter the time of day, their parking lots are always empty. Been this way for about five years now. Honestly wonder how they're still open here in SoCal." There are a number of conflicting opinions regarding the food at the burger chain, with some calling the burgers "awesome" though noting they are the only items worth ordering. One Reddit commenter states, "The food is actually pretty tasty. Best tasting fast food patties. But yes waaaaaaay overpriced."

Interestingly, Tasting Table deemed the absolute best Carl's Jr. menu item to be a basic side of onion rings. Comparing Carl's Jr. to In-N-Out, a Redditor says of the two California-based chains, "The one advantage of Carl's is you don't have to wait in the long line at In-N-Out." With outrageous price hikes seemingly the new norm, finding a new favorite fast food spot might just be your best bet.