You've been there. It’s 8:20 p.m. on a Tuesday, and you’re speed-walking past the checkout lanes, dodging a flatbed of Kirkland Signature water, eyes locked on that glowing menu board. You just need one pepperoni slice and a mocha freeze to make the drive home bearable. But then you see it: the metal gate is halfway down, and an employee is already spraying the counters.
Honestly, it’s a heartbreak. Knowing exactly what time does Costco food court close sounds like it should be simple, but since we’re officially into 2026, the rules have gotten a bit "it depends."
Basically, the food court operates on warehouse time—until it doesn't.
The Standard Schedule (and the 2026 Reality)
For the vast majority of locations, the food court is tied to the main warehouse hours. If the store is open, the ovens are theoretically hot. In most U.S. markets, that means your window of opportunity looks like this:
- Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Though some still close at 6:00 p.m.)
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Now, here’s the kicker. Just because the warehouse door stays open until 8:30 p.m. doesn't mean you can stroll up at 8:29 p.m. and expect a whole pizza. Most seasoned Costco veterans—and employees on Reddit—will tell you that the "soft close" happens about 15 to 20 minutes before the official time.
📖 Related: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
If you show up at 8:15 p.m., they might still have slices left in the warmer, but they probably won't drop a fresh chicken bake for you.
Why the Food Court Closes "Early"
It’s not just about the employees wanting to go home (though, who doesn't?). Sanitation at Costco is intense. By the time the clock hits 8:30, the staff has often already started the "breakdown" process. This involves deep-cleaning the yogurt machines and scrubbing the prep surfaces.
If you're wondering why some locations are stricter than others, it usually comes down to local management. I've seen some warehouses in Southern California keep the kiosks active until the very last second, while others in the Midwest start pulling the "sorry, we’re out of dough" card much earlier.
What Time Does Costco Food Court Close on Holidays?
Holiday hours are the ultimate trap. If you’re planning a hot dog run on a day like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, the rules change completely. For 2026, expect the following pattern:
👉 See also: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
- Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve: Most warehouses open early (around 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.) but shut down by 5:00 p.m. The food court usually follows suit, closing exactly when the last shopper is ushered toward the registers.
- The "Big Seven" Closures: Costco remains famously closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. No warehouse, no hot dogs.
- The MLK & Presidents Day Exception: Unlike many banks or government offices, Costco is usually open for business as usual on these Mondays. You can get your $1.50 combo during the standard 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. window.
The Membership Requirement Shake-up
If you haven’t been lately, there's a big change you've gotta know about. For years, people used to sneak in through the exit door to hit the food court without a membership.
In 2024 and 2025, Costco started cracking down hard, and by now in 2026, it's pretty much nationwide: you have to scan your membership card at the outdoor or indoor kiosks just to see the menu.
This has actually impacted the "effective" closing time. Because the kiosks are digital, the system can literally shut off orders at exactly 8:30 p.m. (or whenever the set time is). There’s no more "begging the cashier" if the computer says no.
Pro Tips for the Late-Night Pizza Run
If you're cutting it close, don't just wing it.
✨ Don't miss: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
First, call ahead for whole pizzas. Every food court has a direct phone line (you can find it in the "Warehouse Locator" section of the Costco app). If you place an order for a whole pepperoni pizza at 7:45 p.m., they’ll have it ready for you, and you won't have to worry about whether the kitchen is still taking orders when you walk up.
Second, understand the "Display" vs. "Made-to-Order" distinction.
Around 30 minutes before closing, the kitchen stops making new batches of high-effort items like the roast beef sandwiches or the rotisserie chicken Caesar salads. Your best bet for a successful 8:15 p.m. visit is whatever is already sitting in the window—usually cheese or pepperoni slices.
The Business Center Difference
Don't confuse your local warehouse with a Costco Business Center. Business Centers are great for bulk snacks, but their food courts—if they have them—often have much more restricted hours. Most close by 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and are often closed entirely on weekends.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Check the App: Before you drive, open the Costco app and use the warehouse locator. It won't just give you the store hours; it often lists specific department hours for the pharmacy, tires, and food court.
- The 15-Minute Rule: Aim to be at the food court kiosk at least 15 minutes before the warehouse closes. This ensures the system hasn't timed out and the staff still has enough "ready-to-eat" inventory.
- Bring Your Card: Don't forget your physical or digital membership card. In 2026, the days of the "non-member hot dog" are officially over at most locations.
If you're really in a bind and the food court is closed, your last-ditch effort is the refrigerated section. Most Costcos sell 4-packs of the "take-and-bake" pizzas or even boxes of the frozen chicken bakes that are remarkably close to the real thing. It’s not a $1.50 hot dog, but it’ll save your dinner.