Everyone loves going to Costco for industrial-sized toilet paper at 6-roll prices, but not as many know that Costco is a fine food destination. Let me clear that up now – if you’re looking for value, Costco’s food court may be the best place to go.

Costco food courts share the same design principles as the rest of Costco – large, plain and practical. You check out the huge, simple menus overhead, complete with large, colorful pictures, and step into line to order from one of many service windows. It’s a lot like going to a bank teller, but just one that smells like pizza and only takes your money.

Your reward for accepting the no-frills service is unparalleled food value for your dollar. A buck fifty buys you a hot dog & soft drink, and a ten-dollar pizza can easily feed four (or two Menuism founders).

I’ve tried pretty much everything at Costco food courts, and I’ve always been satisfied with the food quality for the price. I’d pick this over any “fast food” chain anyday.

While I occasionally will call a Costco trip “lunch”, it’s usually too far from where I am at lunchtime to justify a trip, and ends up being just a snack on the way out. The Costco snack items are incredibly satisfying, and even cause cravings when it’s been too long. When I’ve got enough pocket change, I’ll stop by on my way out to enjoy a little something for the road.