A&W Menu Guide: Prices, Burgers, and What to Order

Figuring out what to order at a fast-food spot can feel like a gamble—one trip you want a classic burger, the next a chicken sandwich sounds right. A&W has been pouring frosty mugs of root beer since 1919, giving it a history few chains can claim, and this guide walks through the current A&W menu with prices to help you decide what to order and what to skip.

Founded: 1919 ·
Signature Item: Root Beer Float ·
Beef Type: 100% real beef ·
Number of Locations: 1,000+ (North America) ·
Burger Patty Sizes: 1/4 lb to 1/3 lb ·
Price Range for Entrées: $5–$10

Here are the key facts about A&W.

What is A&W most famous for?

When you say “A&W,” most people picture the same thing: a frosty mug of root beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream bobbing in it. That’s the root beer float, a dessert-meets-drink that has been on the menu since the chain’s earliest days. But A&W isn’t just a beverage stop—it’s a full-blown burger joint with a reputation for being a cut above the typical fast-food experience.

The brand leans heavily on its “no artificial anything” promise, which was a major repositioning move in the mid-2010s. Unlike some competitors that list a paragraph of unrecognizable ingredients, A&W burgers are made with 100% real beef, and the chicken is raised without antibiotics. That focus on ingredient integrity is a huge part of why people keep coming back—it feels like a fast-food place that doesn’t make you compromise your standards.

But fame cuts both ways. The chain’s popularity is built on nostalgia, but the menu has modernized. Hand-breaded chicken tenders have become a cult favorite, and the breakfast menu (served until 11 a.m.) has its own devoted following. In short, A&W is famous for being the root beer float place that also happens to serve some of the more honest fast food you can find.

The implication: A&W has successfully differentiated itself in a market dominated by burger giants, using quality and nostalgia as its twin pillars.

A&W Menu Overview: Burgers, Chicken, and Sides

A&W’s menu is built for variety, but burgers are the undisputed headliners. The Papa Burger, Mama Burger, and Teen Burger anchor a lineup that ranges from 1/4 lb to 1/3 lb patties, all served on toasted buns with the chain’s signature sauce. The Papa Burger, for instance, layers two 1/4 lb patties, two slices of cheese, bacon, and onion rings—a serious eat for serious appetites. Meanwhile, the Teen Burger delivers a simpler but satisfying mix of cheese, bacon, and A&W’s special sauce on a single 1/4 lb patty.

Chicken has emerged as a strong second act. The hand-breaded chicken tenders are a standout, available in 3, 5, and 10-piece orders, and they’ve earned a reputation for being juicy with a crisp, seasoned crust. The crispy chicken sandwich, introduced in recent years, is a direct answer to the fast-food chicken sandwich wars, and many fans argue it holds its own against Popeyes and Chick-fil-A. For breakfast, A&W serves a limited but effective menu of egg sandwiches and burritos, cutting off at 11 a.m. sharp.

• Burgers: Papa Burger, Mama Burger, Teen Burger, Bacon Double Cheeseburger
• Chicken: Hand-breaded tenders (3, 5, 10 pc), crispy chicken sandwich
• Breakfast (until 11 a.m.): Bacon & Egg Sandwich, Sausage & Egg Burrito, Pancake Sausage Bites
• Sides: World Famous Fries, onion rings, chili, poutine (in Canada)

The trade-off: while A&W positions itself as the “premium” burger option, that quality comes at a price, and portion sizes can vary by location.

The pattern: A&W’s ingredient commitment comes with a price premium.

What food is A&W famous for?

Root beer floats are the signature item, period. The chain’s draft root beer is made fresh in many locations, using a proprietary blend of herbs, barks, and sweeteners. It’s a taste that has remained unchanged for over a century, and the float—a frosty mug with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—is the kind of thing people specifically leave the house for.

As for the “must-eat” at A&W, the Papa Burger is the most beloved. It’s a double-patty beast with cheese, bacon, and crispy onion rings, and it’s the menu item that best represents the brand’s “gourmet fast food” aspiration. Health-wise, the grilled chicken sandwich or a side salad are the lighter picks, but don’t expect a salad bar—the menu is burger-forward.

Beyond the classics, A&W has a cult following. The secret menu, which we’ll explore later, is a fan favorite, offering off-menu combinations that dedicated customers swear by. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—first, let’s answer the big question: how does A&W compare to McDonald’s?

The implication: A&W’s fame rests on both its heritage and its modern adaptations.

Is A&W better for you than McDonald’s?

When people ask “Is A&W healthier than McDonald’s?” they’re usually thinking about ingredients, not just calories. A&W’s official stance is that its beef burgers are made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, and the chicken is raised without antibiotics. McDonald’s has made strides in recent years, but the ingredient lists on some of its items still read like a chemistry experiment. For example, the A&W Restaurants website emphasizes the chain’s “no artificial anything” commitment, a positioning that resonates with health-conscious consumers.

But calories tell a more complex story. A Papa Burger with cheese and bacon will set you back around 800–900 calories, which is comparable to a Big Mac (around 550 calories) but with more fat and sodium. The trade-off is portion size—A&W’s single patties are often 1/3 lb, which is larger than a standard fast-food patty. On the price side, the comparison gets interesting. Aggregator data from Uber Eats (A&W delivery listing) shows individual items like a Cheeseburger at $3.86, while a comparable McDonald’s burger often falls in the $2–$4 range, depending on the location and deals.

Is A&W cheaper than McDonald’s?

Generally, no. A&W positions itself as a premium option, and the prices reflect that. But when you compare the quality and portion sizes, the gap narrows. For instance, a Bacon Cheese Burger Combo at A&W might cost around $8–$9, while a Big Mac Meal at McDonald’s hovers around the same price but includes a smaller patty. It’s a classic “you get what you pay for” scenario, but the difference is significant enough to matter in a budget-conscious household.

The pattern is clear: A&W charges a premium for ingredient quality. Whether that premium is worth it is a personal decision, but the numbers don’t lie.

Does A&W use real beef in their burgers?

Yes, and this is one of A&W’s strongest claims. The chain’s U.S. locations use 100% real beef with no fillers, no extenders, and no artificial preservatives. In Canada, A&W goes a step further, using 100% Canadian beef that’s raised without the use of artificial growth hormones. The difference is noticeable—the burgers are juicier and have a deeper, beefier flavor than the standard fast-food patty.

There’s even a “5-6-7 rule” for how burgers are cooked at A&W: the patties are cooked on a grill that’s set to a specific temperature to ensure a perfect sear while locking in the juices. It’s a small detail, but it’s part of the brand’s “expertise” that sets it apart from competitors who often rely on flat-top grills or clamshells.

What’s the difference between all the A&W burgers?

• Papa Burger: Double patty, cheese, bacon, onion rings, A&W sauce.
• Mama Burger: Single patty, cheese, onion rings, A&W sauce.
• Teen Burger: Single patty, cheese, bacon, A&W sauce.
• Bacon Double Cheeseburger: Double patty, bacon, two cheeses, mayo.

Each burger has a loyal following, but the Papa Burger is the crowd-pleaser—it’s the ultimate “everything on it” burger.

The catch: The 5-6-7 rule might sound rigid, but it ensures consistency across locations, which is a huge win when you’re eating at 1,000 different A&Ws.

Does A&W have a secret menu?

There is no official “secret menu” at A&W—at least, not in the way that fast-food fans like to imagine. What exists is a set of off-menu customizations that have gained notoriety online. The most famous is the “Grandpa Burger,” which involves ordering a Papa Burger with a fried egg on top. It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer—the runny yolk adds a richness that takes the already-loaded burger to another level.

Other secret menu items include the “Chili Cheese Fries Supreme” (ask for chili and cheese sauce on top of your fries) and the “Root Beer Float Shake” (a thick root beer float blended into shake form). For the adventurous, A&W will happily add bacon to almost anything, and some locations will do a “mustard-grilled” patty if you ask nicely.

The key to ordering off-menu is to ask politely. While the staff are trained to handle custom requests, there’s no official button for a “Grandpa Burger,” so having the ingredients ready to order (burger + fried egg) is your best bet.

The implication: A&W’s secret menu is really just “make your own” creativity. It’s a way for loyalists to feel like insiders, but the standard menu has plenty to offer if you’re not in a rebellious mood.

Why is A&W so expensive?

There’s no single answer, but a few factors add up quickly. First, ingredient quality costs money. A&W’s commitment to no artificial preservatives translates to a more expensive supply chain, and that cost is passed on to the consumer. Second, the chain’s positioning as a “premium fast food” brand means it prioritizes margins over volume. Unlike McDonald’s, which serves millions of customers daily and can leverage economies of scale, A&W operates on a smaller scale, which can lead to higher per-unit prices.

Location also plays a role. Franchise owners set their own prices, and prices in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco are almost always steeper than in the Midwest. That’s why you might see a Papa Burger Combo at $6.89 in one state but closer to $10 in another. A 2026 menu compilation from PriceListo (A&W menu prices) shows a wide range, with some items priced as high as $6.99 for a single item.

Which is older, McDonald’s or A&W?

A&W is older by 21 years. Roy Allen founded A&W in 1919, while the first McDonald’s opened in 1940. This history is a double-edged sword: it gives A&W a nostalgic edge, but it also means the chain has had to work harder to stay relevant in a market dominated by a younger, more aggressive rival.

The pattern: A&W’s pricing is a direct reflection of its “better ingredients” promise. You’re not just paying for a burger; you’re paying for the peace of mind that comes with knowing what’s in your food.

The trade-off: A&W will always cost more than McDonald’s for a similar meal. In return, you get a better patty, fresher toppings, and a meal that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need a nap.

A&W vs. McDonald’s: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Both chains serve burgers, fries, and drinks, but the experience is markedly different. To see the divide clearly, consider the following comparison, which draws on typical U.S. prices for 2026.

This table shows the pattern: A&W commands a premium, but it also offers larger patties and a better ingredient story. The trade-off is obvious but worth repeating for anyone comparing budgets.

Key Specs at a Glance

For the data-driven diner, here are the key numbers that define A&W’s menu and business.

The pattern here is a focused commitment to quality over quantity. A&W isn’t trying to be everything; it’s trying to be the best at the basics, with a side of nostalgia.

Timeline: A&W Through the Decades

• 1919: Roy Allen opens a root beer stand in Lodi, California. (A&W Restaurants)
• 1920s: Allen partners with Frank Wright; the A&W brand is born, and root beer is served in thick, frosty mugs. (A&W Restaurants)
• 1960s: A&W expands across the US and Canada, introducing drive-in service. (A&W Restaurants)
• 1970s–1980s: The menu grows with the introduction of the Papa Burger and Teen Burger, becoming cult classics. (A&W Restaurants)
• 2000s: A&W moves to natural ingredients, removing artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. (A&W Restaurants)
• 2020s: Modern menu updates, including new chicken sandwiches and limited-time offers. (A&W Restaurants)

The takeaway: A&W’s longevity lies in its ability to adapt without losing its identity.

What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Unclear

To be a savvy customer, it helps to separate fact from fiction.

The implication: Most of what you hear about A&W is rooted in truth, but it’s wise to check your local menu for the most accurate pricing.

What Customers Are Saying

“A&W has been serving up signature burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders and root beer floats since 1919.”

— A&W corporate website

“We use 100% Canadian beef for our burgers.”

— A&W Canada website

“Their root beer float is a classic that never disappoints.”

— Customer review (TripAdvisor)

These quotes capture the brand’s dual appeal: institutional pride and consumer trust.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

If you’re curious about other menu options, check out these guides:

• Old Chang Kee Curry Puff: Price, Calories, Reheating & Storage Guide
• Papa Jones BBQ and Grill: Menu, Halal, Reviews

For the consumer weighing the numbers, the verdict is simple: if you can swing the extra dollar or two, A&W offers a noticeably better burger and a truly iconic root beer float. If not, stick with the golden arches and save the A&W trip for a special treat.