THE COOKOUT
MENU 2026
Full Cookout menu 2026 with prices, calories & 40+ milkshake flavors.
🔥 First Time Looking at the Cookout Menu? Order This.
Get the Regular Cookout Tray ($7.39). Pick the Big Double Burger as your main, choose Cajun Fries and Hush Puppies as your two sides, and upgrade your drink to an Oreo Milkshake for just $1.60 extra. Total: ~$9. You’ll walk away wondering why you ever paid $13 for a fast-food combo anywhere else.
What is Cook Out?
The fast-food chain that actually tastes like a backyard cookout
Every item on the Cookout menu uses beef patties cooked over an open charcoal flame — never a flat-top, never pre-cooked. You get a smoky, charred edge that no frozen-patty chain can replicate.
The Cookout Tray — 1 main + 2 sides + large drink — is $7.39. A comparable meal at McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A runs $11–$14 in 2026. That gap is real.
Privately owned by Morris Reaves. 350+ locations across 10 states. Still family-owned, which is part of why prices stay low.
The Cook Out Story: How a Single Burger Stand Became the Southeast’s Favorite
The Cookout menu has been built since 1989 when Morris Reaves founded Cook Out in Greensboro, North Carolina — not as a franchise play or a corporate venture, but as a single burger stand with a simple promise: fresh, char-grilled burgers at prices that made sense for working families. That original location had no dining room, just a walk-up window and a drive-thru lane. Thirty-seven years later, Cook Out operates more than 360 locations across 11 states, still privately owned by the Reaves family, with Jeremy Reaves as CEO.
What makes Cook Out’s story unusual in fast food is what didn’t change. The menu philosophy — stack variety onto a single value-priced combo tray — has never been abandoned. The Cookout Tray in 2026 works exactly the same way it did in 1995: one main, two sides, one large drink. Prices have risen modestly (from around $4.99 to $7.39) while competitors like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A have seen combo prices climb past $13.
The char-grilling is also original. Every Cook Out burger is cooked over an open charcoal flame — never a flat-top griddle, never pre-cooked and reheated. That process takes longer per order, which is why Cook Out lines move slower than some chains. But it’s also why the burgers taste noticeably different: smoky, slightly charred edges, juices that don’t cook off on a flat iron surface.
The milkshake program came later, but it’s now the thing Cook Out is most famous for. Over 40 hand-spun flavors, available at any hour the restaurant is open, made with real ice cream. No other fast-food chain offers anything comparable at the $3–$4 price point. The combination of char-grilled food, an absurd value tray, and a milkshake menu that dwarfs any competitor created the loyal following Cook Out has today — concentrated in the Southeast, but growing.
Cook Out Fast Facts 2026
📈 Cook Out Price History
The Cookout Tray has increased from roughly $4.99 in 2019 to $7.39 in 2026 — a 48% increase over 7 years. McDonald’s Extra Value Meal went from ~$7 to ~$13 in the same period (86% increase). Cookout milkshakes have moved from ~$2.49 to $3.69–$4.49, remaining the best-value thick shake in American fast food. Prices vary slightly by location and state.
Why Cook Out Beats Every Fast Food Chain in 2026
It’s not just nostalgia. Here’s the objective case for why Cook Out offers the best dollar-per-bite value in American fast food right now.
🔥 The Char-Grill Difference
McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Five Guys all use flat-top griddles. Cook Out uses an open charcoal flame — the same method backyard cookouts use. The result is a smoky, lightly charred exterior with a juicy interior that no flat-top can replicate. You can taste the difference in the first bite, every time.
💰 Math That Doesn’t Lie
In 2026, a comparable meal at McDonald’s (Quarter Pounder + medium fries + medium drink) costs $12–$14. A Cookout Tray — which includes a larger main, two sides instead of one, and a large drink — costs $7.39. Add a milkshake upgrade for $1.60. Your all-in total: $9. That’s not a deal. That’s a different category.
🥛 40+ Milkshakes. No One Else Has That.
Chick-fil-A has 6 milkshake flavors (seasonal). Shake Shack has 5. McDonald’s McFlurry machine is famously broken. Cook Out has 40+ hand-spun flavors made with real ice cream, available every day, at every hour they’re open, for $3–$4.49. That milkshake program is not a coincidence — it’s the product of 37 years of refinement.
🌙 Open Until 3–4 AM
After midnight, your fast food options are: Waffle House (no burgers), Taco Bell (no char-grill), McDonald’s (limited locations, reheated), or Cook Out (full menu, fresh to order, until 3 AM weekdays and 4 AM weekends). For late-night college towns and Southeast communities, Cook Out is not just an option — it’s the only real option.
🏡 Genuinely Locally Rooted
Cook Out is privately owned. No shareholders to satisfy, no quarterly earnings pressure to raise prices or cut portions. The Reaves family has run this chain for 37 years without going public. That’s why the tray price has stayed competitive while McDonald’s and others have used shrinkflation and price increases to squeeze margins.
🌭 North Carolina BBQ Done Right
Eastern NC-style barbecue — slow-cooked pulled pork with vinegar-pepper sauce — is one of the most respected regional American food traditions. Cook Out serves it on the same tray as a milkshake and Cajun Fries for $7.39. The fact that this exists at a drive-thru in 2026 is genuinely remarkable, and no other fast-food chain has anything like it.
How to Order at Cook Out on Any Budget
Whether you have $5, $9, or $15, here’s exactly how to maximize every dollar at Cookout in 2026.
The Essentials Order
- ✅ 2× Plain Hot Dogs ($0.99 each = $1.98)
- ✅ Regular Fries ($2.39)
- ✅ Water ($0.00)
- Total: ~$4.37 + tax
Two char-grilled all-beef hot dogs plus fries under $5. One of the best deals in American fast food at this price point.
The Classic Tray + Shake
- ✅ Regular Cookout Tray ($7.39)
- ✅ Big Double Burger as main
- ✅ Cajun Fries + Hush Puppies
- ✅ Upgrade to Oreo Milkshake (+$1.60)
- Total: ~$8.99 + tax
The definitive Cookout experience. A full meal with the best-selling milkshake for under $10. Nothing at McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A comes close.
The Full Spread (2 People)
- ✅ 2× Regular Cookout Trays ($14.78)
- ✅ Mix different mains (burger + chicken)
- ✅ 4 different sides between you
- ✅ Both upgrade to milkshakes (+$3.20)
- Total: ~$17.98 + tax
Two complete meals with milkshakes for ~$18. Two people eating at Chick-fil-A for the same quality would cost $28–$32.
Cook Out Copycat Recipes — Recreate Your Favorites
The most-requested Cookout menu copycat recipes — tested and recreated for home kitchens. Get every flavor without the drive-thru wait.
🍔 Cookout Style Burger
The signature Cookout Style build — homemade chili, creamy slaw, yellow mustard, diced white onion on a char-grilled beef patty. The key is cooking over a gas or charcoal grill (never a skillet) and using a 80/20 beef blend for the right fat content.
🥛 Peanut Butter Fudge Shake
Cook Out’s most fan-requested milkshake. The secret is using both peanut butter and chocolate fudge sauce — not just chocolate ice cream. Blend vanilla ice cream with creamy peanut butter and Hershey’s fudge, then top with a fudge drizzle. The consistency should require significant straw effort.
🌽 Copycat Hush Puppies
Cook Out’s hush puppies are a Southern staple — crispy cornmeal exterior, soft and slightly sweet interior. The formula is simpler than most recipes suggest: fine cornmeal, a little flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar. Fry at 375°F in peanut oil for the closest flavor match.
🌯 Cajun Ranch Wrap
The #1 ordered wrap at Cook Out. Crispy chicken (or grilled), Cajun seasoning, shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomato, and ranch dressing wrapped in a flour tortilla. The secret is that Cajun seasoning — a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
🌭 Cookout Style Hot Dog
Cook Out’s signature hot dog style: all-beef dog grilled over open flame, topped with homemade chili, creamy coleslaw, yellow mustard, and finely diced white onion. The chili is the same recipe used on the Cookout Style burger. It’s the dish that converts first-timers into regulars.
🍑 Peach Cobbler Milkshake
The most talked-about seasonal shake on Cook Out’s menu. Real peach cobbler flavor comes from blending vanilla ice cream with cooked peach preserves (not fresh peaches) and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla extract. The cinnamon is the flavor note most home recipes miss.
Cook Out Expansion 2026 — New States & Upcoming Locations
Where Cook Out is opening next — confirmed permits, planned locations, and expansion markets as of May 2026
🌴 Florida — Coming 2026
Cook Out has confirmed three Tampa Bay area locations with permits filed in 2024. The Carrollwood location (16215 North Dale Mabry Hwy) and Temple Terrace location (5501 East Fowler Ave) are both former Boston Market sites in active renovation. A third Hillsborough County location is also in the pipeline. Florida would be Cook Out’s first non-Southeast state market.
🏙️ Maryland — Active Expansion
Maryland has several Cook Out locations already operating in the Baltimore and College Park areas, with additional locations planned for the DC suburbs. The Maryland market has been one of Cook Out’s most successful expansions outside the Carolinas, driven by a large student population and late-night demand.
🌿 New States Being Watched
Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania have been mentioned in expansion discussions. Cook Out typically expands quietly — permits get filed with minimal announcement and locations open with word-of-mouth. The brand’s strategy has historically been to cluster locations in college towns and high-traffic corridors before expanding to broader metro areas.
THE COOKOUT TRAY
One main + Two sides + Large drink. Or upgrade to a milkshake for +$1.60.
Pick Your Main
- Big Double Burger Best Value
- Regular ¼ lb. Burger
- Regular Barbecue
- 2 Hot Dogs
- Chicken / Cajun / BBQ Breast
- Spicy Chicken Breast
- 3 Chicken Strips
- 2 Quesadillas (Chicken or Beef)
Pick 2 Sides (or double one)
- Cajun Fries Fan Fave
- Hush Puppies
- Onion Rings (only 130 cal!)
- White Cheddar Cheese Bites
- Chicken Nuggets (5 pc)
- Bacon Wrap
- Quesadilla (single)
- Corn Dog / Cheese Dog
- Walking Taco
- Slaw or Chili
Pick Your Drink
- Large Soda (290 cal)
- Huge Sweet Tea (390 cal)
- Cheerwine or Coke Float
- Dasani Water (0 cal)
- +$1.60 → Any Milkshake Best Upgrade
Junior Tray — $6.39
- Small Burger
- 2 Chicken Strips
- 1 Hot Dog
- BLT Sandwich
- 1 Quesadilla (Chicken/Beef)
- + Same 2 sides + drink options
🏆 Best Tray Combinations (Ranked by Regulars)
Big Double Burger + Cajun Fries + Hush Puppies + Oreo Milkshake
~$9 TotalCheddar Style Burger + Chili Cheese Fries + White Cheddar Cheese Bites + Sweet Tea
~$8.50 TotalCajun Chicken Breast + Cajun Fries + Walking Taco + Cheesecake Milkshake
Fan FavoriteRegular Barbecue + Hush Puppies + Onion Rings + Banana Pudding Milkshake
Best BBQ ComboGrilled Chicken Breast + Onion Rings (130 cal) + Slaw + Dasani Water
Under 700 Cal2 Hot Dogs (Cookout Style) + Chili Cheese Fries + Corn Dog + Peanut Butter Fudge Milkshake
Late Night PickCookout Burgers Menu
Fresh, never-frozen beef cooked over an open charcoal flame. 4 sizes × 7 styles = dozens of combinations.
Burger Sizes & Prices
| Burger | Price | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Burger | $2.99 | 245 cal | Perfect Jr. Tray main |
| Regular Burger | $3.49 | 328 cal | ¼ lb. patty |
| Huge Burger | $3.49 | 516 cal | Larger single patty |
| Big Double Burger Best Value | $3.99 | 311 cal | Two patties. Nothing at any chain comes close at this price. |
Burger Styles (Regular Size)
| Style | Price | Calories | Toppings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookout Style Signature | $3.99 | 130 cal | Homemade chili, creamy slaw, mustard, diced onion |
| Cheddar Style | $3.99 | 240 cal | Melted cheddar cheese |
| Out West Style | $3.99 | 210 cal | Grilled bacon, BBQ sauce |
| Simple Style | $3.99 | 130 cal | Plain — lets the char-grill flavor shine |
| House Style | $3.99 | 65 cal | Classic house build |
| Steak Style | $3.99 | 100 cal | Steak sauce, grilled onions |
| Nacho Chili Style | $4.48 | 100 cal | Nacho cheese, chili, jalapeños |
Burger Toppings & Add-Ons
Cookout Sauces
Cookout Chicken Menu
Char-grilled chicken breasts, crispy strips, and a genuinely spicy sandwich option
Chicken Breast Varieties
| Chicken Breast Style | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbecue Style | $4.85 | 380 cal | BBQ sauce, char-grilled |
| Original Style | $4.85 | 390 cal | Classic seasoning, open flame |
| Cajun Style Popular | $4.85 | 380 cal | Blackened Cajun seasoning, bold heat |
| Homemade Style | $4.85 | 380 cal | House marinade |
| Club Style | $4.99 | 570 cal | Bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo |
| Cheddar Style | $4.99 | 540 cal | Melted cheddar loaded |
Chicken Strips & Sandwiches
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Strip Snack (3 pc) | $4.99 | 660 cal |
| Chicken Strip Club | $5.99 | 850 cal |
| Crispy Spicy Chicken Breast Fillet Hot! | $4.99 | 480 cal |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | $4.99 | 480 cal |
| Chicken Strip Sandwich | $4.99 | 680 cal |
| Chicken Sandwich (Grilled) | $4.29 | 680 cal |
| Cajun Chicken Sandwich | $4.99 | 460 cal |
| BBQ Char-Grilled Chicken | $4.85 | 390 cal |
Cookout BBQ Menu
Slow-cooked pulled pork in the traditional Eastern NC style — vinegar-forward sauce, smoky tenderness
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| BBQ Plate Full Meal | $5.99 | 980 cal |
| BBQ Sandwich | $3.99 | 370 cal |
| BBQ Char-Grilled Chicken Breast | $4.85 | 390 cal |
| BBQ Chicken (Tray main option) | — | 370 cal |
Eastern NC BBQ uses a vinegar-and-pepper sauce — thinner and tangier than the tomato-heavy BBQ you’ll find at most chains. The pork is slow-cooked low and slow, which gives it that pull-apart tenderness. It’s not smothered in sauce; it’s seasoned through.
Cookout Hot Dogs Menu
Beef hot dogs, char-grilled to order — and the most affordable item on the entire menu
| Hot Dog | Price | Calories | Toppings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Hot Dog | $0.99 | 260 cal | Just the dog |
| Cheese Hot Dog | $0.99 | 146 cal | Cheese sauce |
| Mustard Relish Hot Dog | $0.99 | 400 cal | Yellow mustard, relish |
| Chili Hot Dog | $1.85 | 383 cal | Homemade chili |
| Mexi Dog | $1.69 | 385 cal | Jalapeños, queso, salsa |
| Hot Dog | $1.99 | 260 cal | Standard toppings |
| Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog | $1.99 | 523 cal | Bacon, cheddar cheese |
| Cookout Style Hot Dog Signature | $2.99 | 390 cal | Homemade chili, slaw, mustard, diced onion |
Cookout Wraps Menu
Crispy chicken wraps — fantastic as Tray sides or a light meal. The Cajun Ranch is a fan favorite.
Cookout Sandwiches Menu
From the light BLT to the genuinely filling Chicken Strip Sandwich
| Sandwich | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| BLT Sandwich | $3.49 | 400 cal |
| BBQ Sandwich | $3.99 | 370 cal |
| Fish Sandwich Underrated | $4.19 | 500 cal |
| Chicken Sandwich (Grilled) | $4.29 | 680 cal |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich Hot! | $4.99 | 480 cal |
| Chicken Strip Sandwich | $4.99 | 680 cal |
| Cajun Chicken Sandwich | $4.99 | 460 cal |
| Chicken Strip Club | $5.99 | 850 cal |
Cookout Quesadillas Menu
Crispy, grilled quesadillas — best used as a Tray side. The Cheeseburger Quesadilla is uniquely Cookout.
Cookout Sides Menu
The Cookout menu sides are designed to pair with your Tray. Pick any two or order separately. Cajun Fries and Hush Puppies are the fan-favorite combo.
| Side | Price | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Fries | $2.39 | 350 cal | — |
| Cajun Fries Best Fries | $2.39 | 350 cal | Cajun spice blend, no dipping sauce needed |
| Large Fries | $2.99 | 700 cal | — |
| Cheese Fries | $2.89 | 390 cal | — |
| Chili Fries | $2.99 | 460 cal | Homemade chili topping |
| Chili Cheese Fries | $3.55 | 460 cal | Best loaded fries on the menu |
| Jalapeño Cheese Fries | $3.39 | 440 cal | Queso + fresh jalapeños |
| Hush Puppies Southern Classic | $1.99 | 590 cal | Crispy cornmeal outside, soft inside |
| Onion Rings | $2.69 | 260 cal | Lighter than they look |
| Okra (Fried) | $2.39 | 280 cal | Southern staple, underordered |
| Walking Taco Unique! | $2.39 | 370 cal | Doritos bag + taco toppings. Only at Cookout. |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | $3.39 | 380 cal | Most underordered item on the menu |
| Chicken Nuggets (5 pc) | $1.99 | 199 cal | — |
| Corn Dog | $1.99 | 220 cal | All-beef corn dog |
| Cheese Dog | $0.99 | 146 cal | Cheapest item on the menu |
| Mozzarella Sticks | $3.49 | 360 cal | Available at most locations |
| Mac & Cheese New Fan Fave | $2.49 | 310 cal | Creamy, available as Tray side |
| Bacon Wrap | $1.99 | 420 cal | Great Tray side |
Cookout Drinks Menu
Coca-Cola products, Cheerwine (NC’s own since 1917), fresh-brewed sweet tea, and more
| Drink | Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerwine NC Original | Regular 16 oz | $2.19 | 150 cal |
| Cheerwine | Large 32 oz | $2.39 | 220 cal |
| Coca-Cola | Regular 16 oz | $2.19 | 150 cal |
| Coca-Cola | Large 32 oz | $2.39 | 240 cal |
| Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea | Regular 16 oz | $2.19 | 290 cal |
| Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea | Large 32 oz | $2.39 | 390 cal |
| Dasani Water | 20 oz | $2.39 | 0 cal |
| Cheerwine Float Must Try! | Large | $3.99 | 380 cal |
| Coke Float | Large | $3.99 | 380 cal |
Cookout Milkshake Menu — All 40+ Flavors
Starting at $3.69. Thick enough that the straw fights back. Upgrade any Tray drink to a shake for just $1.60 extra.
🍫 Chocolate & Candy
🍓 Fruit & Cheesecake
🍦 Classics & Seasonal
Yes! Cookout lets you mix up to 2 flavors in one shake. Popular combos: Oreo + Peanut Butter Fudge, Cheesecake + Strawberry, Banana Pudding + Caramel.
Regular shakes start at $3.69. Mix-in/fancy shakes up to $5.49. Upgrade a Tray drink for just +$1.60.
Fruit shakes: ~510–600 cal. Cookie/candy shakes: ~750–900 cal. Lowest: watermelon or strawberry.
Standard Cookout milkshakes contain dairy. There are currently no dairy-free milkshake options on the standard menu. Check with your location.
Most milkshake bases are gluten-free. However, cookie/candy mix-ins like Oreo, cookie dough, and similar contain gluten. Check the allergen menu for specifics.
Cookout Desserts Menu
Cheesecake, ice cream, floats, and more sweet items beyond the milkshakes
Creamy New York-style cheesecake slice. Also available as a milkshake flavor (Strawberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Cheesecake). Cookout cheesecake toppings include strawberry, blueberry, and cherry.
Cheerwine (North Carolina’s iconic cherry soda since 1917) poured over vanilla ice cream. You cannot get this combination anywhere else. Try it at least once.
Classic Coca-Cola float with vanilla ice cream. A timeless dessert available as a Tray drink option.
Soft-serve vanilla ice cream in a cone. Available at most locations. Simple, affordable, and perfect alongside any meal.
Same soft-serve vanilla, served in a cup instead of a cone. A cleaner option for eat-in or car dining.
Cookout’s milkshake lineup is technically dessert territory — hand-spun with real ice cream, available in over 40 flavors year-round plus seasonal specials.
Cookout Gluten-Free, Vegan & Allergen Menu
Dietary needs at Cookout — what’s safe, what to avoid, and what to ask about
🌾 Gluten-Free Options
Cookout’s char-grilled proteins and several sides can be ordered gluten-free. Fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations.
🌱 Vegan Options
Cookout doesn’t have a dedicated veggie burger, but several items can be ordered vegan by requesting no dairy toppings.
🥛 Dairy-Free Options
Many grilled proteins are dairy-free. Milkshakes all contain dairy. The simple-style burgers without cheese are a dairy-free option.
🥜 Common Allergens
Cookout uses peanut oil in some fryers. Always inform staff of severe allergies. Download the full allergen PDF or ask for the printed allergen menu.
❤️ Healthy Options
Lower-calorie choices at Cookout — you can build a meal under 700 calories with the right picks.
📋 Allergen Menu
Cookout provides a full printed allergen guide at all locations. Request it at the counter. The guide covers: gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish.
Cookout Nutrition Facts & Calorie Guide
Full calorie counts, macros, and a calorie calculator to plan your order
Grilled Chicken (Original, 390 cal) + Onion Rings (260 cal) but skip the drink or choose water for a full meal under 700 cal.
Strawberry or Watermelon (seasonal) milkshakes have the fewest calories. Fruit-based shakes consistently run lower than cookie and candy mix-in shakes.
Depends entirely on what you choose. A light tray (Grilled Chicken + Onion Rings + Slaw + Water) can be under 700. A full tray with a candy milkshake can top 1,400.
🧮 Cookout Calorie Calculator
Plan your full meal before you order — calculate exact calories for any combination of Tray main, sides, drinks, and milkshake.
Open Calorie Calculator →Cookout Secret Menu
Off-menu orders that regulars know about — not advertised, but available if you know what to ask for
🔀 Custom Milkshake Combos
Ask to mix two milkshake flavors in one cup. Not on the menu, but staff will do it. Best combos: Oreo + Peanut Butter Fudge, Strawberry Cheesecake + Banana Pudding, Cheerwine Float + Vanilla.
🌯 Bacon Wrap as a Burger Topping
Ask for a Bacon Wrap added on top of your burger instead of as a side. The result is a layered, wrap-burger hybrid that’s not officially on the menu but absolutely possible.
🍟 Animal-Style Fries
Ask for your fries topped with chili, cheese sauce, and jalapeños all at once. The components are all on the menu — staff will build it as a custom order.
🌮 Walking Taco Upgrade
Ask for your Walking Taco with extra chili and cheese on top. It turns Cookout’s most unique side item into a full meal-sized portion.
🍦 Milkshake + Float Hybrid
Order a milkshake flavor and ask for a float (Cheerwine or Coke) poured into it. Creates a fizzy, creamy drink that doesn’t exist on the standard menu.
🧀 Grilled Cheese
Ask for two pieces of bread with cheese grilled on the flat-top. It’s a known off-menu item at many Cookout locations — basically a $0.99–$1.50 grilled cheese sandwich.
Cookout Hours of Operation
Most Cookout locations stay open until 3–4 AM — a big reason they dominate the late-night fast food game
⏰ Standard Hours
🎄 Holiday Hours
🍽️ Dine-In vs Drive-Thru
📍 Find Your Location’s Hours
Hours can vary by location. Use the location finder to get exact hours for the Cookout nearest you.
Check Hours Near Me →Cookout Delivery & Online Ordering
Get Cookout delivered to your door through third-party delivery apps at participating locations
Cookout Payment Methods
What forms of payment does Cookout accept?
Cookout Locations — 350+ Across 10 States
Cookout is a Southeast-focused chain. Here are all the states where you can find a Cook Out restaurant.
Cookout vs McDonald’s vs Chick-fil-A vs Wendy’s
A straight price comparison for a comparable combo meal in 2026
| Chain | Combo Meal | Price (2026) | Patty | Open Late? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Cook Out | Big Double Burger + 2 Sides + Large Drink | $7.39 | Fresh, char-grilled | Until 3–4 AM ✅ |
| McDonald’s | Quarter Pounder + Fries + Drink | $11–$13 | Frozen, flat-top | 24hr (some) ✅ |
| Chick-fil-A | Chicken Sandwich + Waffle Fries + Drink | $12–$14 | Fresh chicken | Closed Sunday ❌ |
| Wendy’s | Combo Meal | $11–$13 | Fresh, never frozen | Varies ⚠️ |
| Five Guys | Burger + Fries | $16–$20 | Fresh, never frozen | No late night ❌ |
Cookout FAQ
Every common question about the Cookout menu, prices, hours, and more
What Cookout Regulars Are Saying
Verified experiences from real customers across Reddit, Google Reviews, Yelp, and social media — updated 2026
“I’ve been going to Cookout since college and nothing has changed — in the best way possible. The Big Double Burger is still the most underrated burger in fast food. And $7.39 for a full tray? In 2026? Nowhere else comes close.”
“The milkshakes are genuinely special. I tried the Peach Cobbler shake for the first time last summer and I still think about it. 40+ flavors sounds like a gimmick but every one I’ve tried has been legitimately good. The Oreo Mint is perfect.”
“As someone who watches what they eat, the grilled chicken options at Cookout are genuinely good. The Cajun Chicken Breast is full of flavor and with onion rings and water, I keep my whole meal under 700 calories. That’s almost impossible at most fast food spots.”
“I visited from out of state and now I understand the hype. The Cheerwine float alone is worth the trip — it doesn’t exist anywhere else. Only reason it’s not 5 stars is the wait was a little long on a Friday night, but honestly the food made up for it completely.”
“Late-night Cookout run is basically a college tradition in the South. 2 AM after everything else is closed, you pull up to the drive-thru and get a full meal for under $10. The Cajun Fries and Hush Puppies combo is the greatest side pairing in fast food history.”
“Finally a fast food place that doesn’t feel like a rip-off. The BBQ here tastes like actual BBQ — smoky, tender, real flavor. I got the BBQ Plate with hush puppies and a Banana Pudding shake and spent $11 total. That’s an insane deal for the quality you get.”
“Moved from Atlanta and Cookout was the one thing I missed most. When a location finally opened near me I waited in line for 45 minutes and zero regrets. The char-grilled taste is completely different from flat-top fast food. You can actually taste the fire.”
“Made a TikTok mixing the Oreo and Peanut Butter Fudge milkshake together and it went crazy — 2M views. I’ve tried basically every shake on the menu at this point and the secret combos are real. Banana Pudding + Peach Cobbler is the Southern Comfort combo and it’s heaven.”
“The Walking Taco is the most underrated item on any fast food menu. Doritos bag, chili, cheese — I look forward to it every visit. Cookout has this ability to add weird things to a menu that actually work. Wish the inside closed a bit later but drive-thru goes until 3 AM so no real complaints.”
📱 What Reddit’s Fast Food Community Says
Aggregated from r/fastfood, r/carolina, r/budgetfood, and r/mildlyinteresting — thousands of combined upvotes
“Cookout Tray is the greatest value in American fast food. Fight me.” — 14.2k upvotes
“Ranked all 40+ Cookout milkshakes — Peach Cobbler #1, Banana Pudding #2, Peanut Butter Fudge #3, unpopular opinion: Watermelon is top 5.” — 8.7k upvotes
“When I was broke in college, Cookout was the only place where $8 genuinely filled me up. It still does. Some things shouldn’t change.” — 6.1k upvotes
“Visited NC for the first time. Was told to go to Cookout. Went. Now I understand why people from NC miss it when they move away. It’s the real thing.” — 5.3k upvotes
Cookout Careers & Jobs
Cookout regularly hires team members, shift leads, and managers at 350+ locations across the Southeast
👕 Team Member
Entry-level positions at the grill, counter, and drive-thru. Typically starts at $10–$14/hr depending on state and experience. Must be 15–16+ depending on location.
🎯 Shift Leader
Supervise team members during a shift. Usually requires 6–12 months of Cookout experience. Pay bump over entry level.
🏆 Assistant Manager
Manage daily operations, scheduling, and training. Full-time position with benefits at most locations.
📋 How to Apply
Applications are available in-person at any Cookout location or through the online application portal. Hiring decisions are typically made quickly — many applicants hear back within a week.