Cookout Burgers Menu 2026
Prices, styles, and secrets — every char-grilled hamburger on the Cook Out menu, all 7 signature styles, full nutrition facts, and the tray hacks regulars actually use.
It’s 2 AM. You’re somewhere in the Southeast, the intercom crackles, and you’re staring down a menu with 40 milkshake flavors. That’s Cookout — and somehow, every time, the burger is the hardest choice to make.
The Char-Grilled Difference
Most fast-food chains never left the griddle. Cookout never touched one. Since opening in Greensboro, NC in 1989, the brand has cooked every patty over an open flame — fat dripping, smoke rising, the same way it works in a backyard. Fresh beef, never frozen, hand-formed daily. That discipline, held across 300+ locations, is why a Cookout burger tastes like it came off your grill, not a factory line.
Cookout Burger Size Breakdown
One of the most confusing parts of the Cook Out menu for newcomers is the sizing. Unlike other chains where you simply order a “Single” or “Double,” Cook Out uses specific names that denote the weight and stack of the beef.
The Small Burger (1/8 lb.)
Also called the “Jr. Burger” — entry-level choice, perfect for light appetites or a Jr. Tray.
Calories: ~240 (Plain)
Best for: Kids or light snacks
The Regular Burger (1/4 lb.)
The standard single-patty burger. Thick, juicy bite with a balanced bun-to-meat ratio.
Calories: ~330 (Plain)
Best for: Traditional burger lovers
The Big Double Burger (1/4 lb. Total)
Don’t let the name “Big” fool you into thinking it’s more meat than the Regular. The Big Double consists of two 1/8 lb. patties rather than one single 1/4 lb. patty.
- Why order this? Two thin patties mean more “sear” surface area. If you love the crispy, charred edges of a burger, the Big Double is superior to the Regular.
- Calories: ~330 Cal (Plain)
The Huge Burger (1/2 lb. Total)
The heavyweight champion of the menu. This beast features two 1/4 lb. patties. It is massive, messy, and designed for serious hunger.
- Calories: ~520 Cal (Plain)
- Best For: High-protein diets or those looking for a challenge.
Cookout Burgers Menu with Prices 2026
| Burger | Size | Price | Calories (Plain) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Burger | 1/8 lb. | $2.99 | ~240 Cal |
| Regular Burger | 1/4 lb. | $3.49 | ~330 Cal |
| Big Double Burger | 1/4 lb. total (2 patties) | $3.99 | ~330 Cal |
| Huge Burger | 1/2 lb. total (2 patties) | $3.49–$3.99 | ~520 Cal |
| Cook Out Style Hamburger | Regular | $3.99 | ~460 Cal |
| House Style Hamburger | Regular | $3.99 | ~130 Cal |
| Cheddar Style Hamburger | Regular | $3.99 | ~240 Cal |
| Out West Style Hamburger | Regular | $3.99 | ~210 Cal |
| Steak Style Hamburger | Regular | $3.99 | ~100 Cal |
| Nacho Chili Style Hamburger | Regular | $4.48 | ~450 Cal |
| Simple Style Hamburger | Regular | $3.99 | ~130 Cal |
Prices reflect national averages and may vary by location and local taxes.
Signature Burger Styles: Decoding the Toppings
At Cook Out, you don’t just “add toppings.” You choose a Style. Each style is a curated set of ingredients that defines the flavor profile of the burger. Here are all 7 signature styles on the board.
The classic
Cook Out Style
The North Carolina classic. If you want to eat like a local, this is your order.
Toppings: Homemade chili, creamy coleslaw, yellow mustard, diced onions.
Flavor: Savory, slightly sweet from the slaw, and tangy
Fan favorite
Cheddar Style
For many, the gold standard. Replaces standard American cheese with a rich cheddar cheese sauce.
Toppings: Melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, grilled onions, mayo.
Flavor: Creamy, smoky, and indulgent.
Smoky & sweet
Out West Style
Inspired by Western BBQ traditions, this style brings a smoky tang to the char-grilled beef.
Toppings: Tangy BBQ sauce, bacon, mayo, pickles, raw onions.
Flavor: Sharp, sweet, and crunchy.
Steakhouse-inspired
Steak Style
A sophisticated take on fast food, using bold sauces to mimic a steakhouse experience.
Toppings: A1 Porterhouse Steak Sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo.
Flavor: Umami-rich and savory.
Lightest option
House Style
The lightest and creamiest of the signature styles — built for people who want flavor without a heavier chili or BBQ base.
Toppings: Quesadilla sauce, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions.
Flavor: Mild, creamy, and fresh — a good entry point if you’re new to Cook Out’s named styles.
Messiest & most loaded
Nacho Chili Style
The messiest — and most indulgent — style on the board. If Cook Out Style is the classic, this is the loaded upgrade.
Toppings: Homemade chili and nacho cheese sauce.
Flavor: Rich, cheesy, and hearty. Best eaten with extra napkins. Carries a small upcharge (~$4.48) for the nacho cheese base.
The Famous Cook Out Tray: The Best Value in Fast Food
The Cook Out Tray is more than a meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon. For a single price (usually under $8.00), you get:
- One Main Entrée (e.g., Big Double Burger, Spicy Chicken, or 2 Hot Dogs)
- Two Sides (e.g., Fries, Hushpuppies, Quesadilla, or even a Corn Dog)
- One Large Drink (Upgrade to a Milkshake for $1.00)
Optimization Tip: The “Side” Secret : Unlike other restaurants where a side is just fries or a salad, Cook Out allows you to pick “main items” as sides. You can literally order a burger with a side of a Corn Dog and a side of a Chicken Quesadilla. This makes the Cook Out Tray one of the highest-calorie-per-dollar values in the industry.
Customization & the “Secret” Menu
If the standard Styles don’t suit you, the menu is fully customizable. All “basic” toppings are free.
Free toppings: Mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickles, onions (raw or grilled), lettuce, tomato.
Premium add-ons: Bacon, extra cheese, chili, slaw.
Secret menu hacks
🍔 The “Everything” Burger
Every free topping plus the premium ones (if you’re willing to pay the small upcharge).
🌶️ Cajun Style
Ask for “Cajun Seasoning” on any burger patty or your fries — a spicy, peppery kick that isn’t officially listed as a Style.
🌮 Walking Taco Style
Usually for hot dogs, but you can ask for your burger topped with chili, cheese sauce, and crushed crackers for a unique texture.
Full Nutritional Breakdown
While Cook Out is famous for indulgence, transparency matters for health-conscious diners. Here’s the full macro breakdown across the burger line up and two popular sides.
| Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Burger (Plain) | 240 | 11 | 26 | 16 |
| Regular Burger (Plain) | 330 | 17 | 27 | 19 |
| Big Double Burger (Plain) | 330 | 17 | 27 | 19 |
| Huge Burger (Plain) | 520 | 27 | 32 | 32 |
| Cook Out Style | 460 | 26 | 33 | 23 |
| House Style | 390 | 18 | 30 | 21 |
| Cheddar Style | 570 | 31 | 30 | 29 |
| Out West Style | 530 | 27 | 30 | 24 |
| Steak Style | 420 | 20 | 28 | 22 |
| Nacho Chili Style | 450 | 22 | 35 | 24 |
| Simple Style | 330 | 17 | 27 | 19 |
| Large Fries (side) | 350 | 15 | 43 | 4 |
| Hushpuppies (side) | 300 | 14 | 38 | 3 |
Values are estimates based on standard preparation and may vary by location.
Vegetarian options: Cook Out does not currently offer a plant-based burger patty (like Beyond or Impossible). Vegetarians often order a “Cheese Quesadilla Tray” with sides like fries, hushpuppies, or onion rings instead.
A Note on Regional Pricing
Cook Out prices aren’t identical nationwide. Locations in North Carolina and South Carolina — where the chain has operated longest — tend to run slightly cheaper across the board. Newer markets in Virginia and Georgia typically price burgers a little higher, usually $0.20–$0.50 more per item, reflecting local rent and labor costs. If you’re comparing prices between locations, don’t assume a discrepancy is an error — check your specific restaurant’s board before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Contact Info & Social Media
📞 Customer Service
1-866-547-0011 (Toll-Free)
🏢 Headquarters
15 Laura Lane, Suite 100, Thomasville, NC 27360
facebook.com/CookOut
instagram.com/cookout
Conclusion
Cookout has earned its “cult status” by refusing to compromise on three things: freshness, variety, and price. Whether you’re getting a simple Small Burger or a massive Huge Burger “all the way,” you’re participating in a Southern tradition that hasn’t changed much in three decades. Next time you see the glowing double-drive-thru sign, pull in and try a Big Double Cheddar Style — your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
