Arctic Circle Menu 2026: Burgers, Fry Sauce & Ice Cream

Yes — Arctic Circle is widely credited with inventing fry sauce in the 1950s. The chain's founder, Don Carlos Edwards, is said to have created the now-ubiquitous condiment (a blend of mayonnaise and ketchup) at the original Arctic Circle location in Utah. Fry sauce went on to become a regional staple in Utah and the intermountain West, and is now found at restaurants and grocery stores across the country. Arctic Circle remains the most recognized originator of the sauce.

Arctic Circle Restaurants are concentrated in Utah and the Pacific Northwest, primarily Idaho, Oregon, and Washington State. The chain operates dozens of locations in Utah, where it has its strongest presence, and a smaller number of stores in neighboring states. Use the store locator on arcticcircle.com for the nearest location and current hours.

Arctic Circle is best known for four things: fry sauce (which it is credited with inventing), Black Angus burgers, onion rings, and soft-serve ice cream and milkshakes. The chain has been a regional fixture in Utah since 1950 and is considered a cultural institution in the state. Its hot dogs are also a regional draw — not common on fast-food menus elsewhere.

Arctic Circle does not publish prices on its website, and menu pricing is set at the franchise level, so prices vary by location. To get accurate current pricing, check the menu board at your local Arctic Circle or contact the store directly. The chain's price range is broadly comparable to other regional fast-food burger chains at a budget-to-mid fast-food price point.

Most Arctic Circle locations offer a kids meal option — typically a smaller burger or hot dog, fries, and a drink. The kids menu is not standardized chain-wide, so exact offerings and pricing vary by location. Confirm with your nearest Arctic Circle for current kids meal options.

Arctic Circle's menu is primarily meat-based, but several sides and desserts are vegetarian — french fries, onion rings, cheese curds, mozzarella sticks, soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes. The chain does not offer a dedicated veggie burger as a standard menu item at most locations. Fry sauce (mayo + ketchup blend) is also vegetarian.

Arctic Circle was founded in 1950 by Don Carlos Edwards in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is one of the oldest fast-food burger chains in the United States — predating McDonald's national expansion and Burger King. For over 70 years, it has remained a regional brand rather than expanding nationally, which is a large part of its identity as a Utah and Pacific Northwest institution.

Several things distinguish Arctic Circle from national fast-food chains: (1) Regional identity — it has stayed a Utah/Pacific Northwest brand rather than expanding nationally, which gives it a strong local loyalty. (2) Fry sauce invention — it originated the condiment that is now a Utah cultural staple. (3) Hot dogs — not commonly found on fast-food menus; Arctic Circle has offered them since its founding. (4) Black Angus beef — premium beef as a standard menu option. (5) Soft-serve and milkshakes — a stronger ice cream program than most burger chains.

Most Arctic Circle locations have a drive-through window, as is standard for the chain's fast-food format. Some locations also have indoor seating. Hours and format vary — use the store locator on arcticcircle.com to confirm your nearest location's setup and hours.