This 'Superior' Costco Food Court Staple Is Quietly Making Its Return

We've recently covered the fact that Costco is testing out chicken strips in select locations, which is great and all, but the truth is, you can't reinvent the wheel. There's still really nothing that can beat that $1.50 quarter-pound hot dog and drink combination (check out our Costco food court ranking). But even that has seen some tweaks throughout the years — and we're not talking about the hot dog itself, but rather at the condiment station.

Deli mustard, the grainy brown alternative to regular yellow, is being spotted again in some Costco food courts across the country. Its dispenser was discontinued during the pandemic, when the company streamlined its topping station to minimize human contact. What remained was the classic trifecta of ketchup, yellow mustard, and pickle relish, and those looking for that punchier mustard kick were left feeling disappointed. Reddit users have been posting photos of their condiment stations with excited commentary, glad to see another option available that reminds us of the good old times. "I braved the crowds for the grand opening of the W Roseville (CA) Costco today and saw a sight to behold!" one shopper discovered. With a menu so small, changes like this do make a difference, and enthusiasts are rejoicing.

If you're newer to Costco, back in the day, the condiment station used to feature a chopped onion dispenser. That thing dumped raw onions on your hot dog through the use of a hand crank, which was unfortunately also a casualty of the pandemic. Those chopped onions eventually did make a comeback, but in a slightly more hygienic form — they returned in little pre-portioned cups that you can get at the food court counter. Upon hearing about the return of deli mustard, another Reddit user is holding out hope. "Now bring back the onion dispenser (I know, they offer the little cups now ... but my Costco always seems to be out of them) and add a jalapeño dispenser like Mexico has access to!"

So now, the $1.50 hot dog is about to be what it once was. If the deli mustard comes back to all Costco locations, it'll be like the band got back together. Costco's Kirkland-brand hot dogs are already flavorful on their own, but with onions, ketchup, two types of mustard, and relish, you're practically feasting all for mere pocket change. And that price, the Costco CEO has assured us, won't budge from its glorious $1.50, at least for a long time.