Cookout Lexington KY

Complete Guide: Menu, Prices, Hours, Locations & Insider Tips

Last Updated: June 2026  |  855 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

If you live in or around Lexington, Kentucky, and you’re after a satisfying meal without emptying your wallet, Cookout is probably already on your radar. And if it isn’t — it should be. This guide covers everything you need to know before your visit: exact location details, full menu with prices, the best items to order, hours, tips to avoid long lines, and answers to the questions locals actually ask.

Cookout has carved out a loyal fanbase across the South and Mid-Atlantic, and its Lexington location on S Broadway is no exception. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, a late-night milkshake run after a UK game, or feeding a crew on a budget, this place delivers every single time.

Quick Snapshot: What Makes Cookout Lexington Worth It

Before diving into the full details, here’s why Cookout in Lexington, KY keeps people coming back:

• Char-grilled burgers and BBQ at prices that haven’t kept pace with inflation — in a good way
• Over 40 milkshake flavors, many of them unique combinations you won’t find anywhere else
• Open until 3:30 AM on weekdays and 4:00 AM on weekends — one of the latest-closing fast food spots in Lexington
• Drive-thru, dine-in, and outdoor seating all available
• Wheelchair accessible facilities throughout
• Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash

Simply put: great food, great prices, open when you need it. That’s the Cookout formula.

Cookout Locations in Lexington, KY

There is currently one confirmed Cookout location operating in Lexington, Kentucky. Here is everything you need to know about it before heading over.

Cookout Broadway — Main Lexington Location

Address: 855 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Phone: (866) 547-0011

Google Rating: 4.2 stars

Services Available at This Location

• Dine-In: Yes — sit down and enjoy your meal inside
• Drive-Thru: Yes — typically faster during peak hours
• Outdoor Seating: Yes — good option on pleasant evenings
• Delivery: Yes — available through select delivery platforms
• Parking: Ample parking on site
• Payments: Credit cards, debit cards, and cash all accepted
• Wheelchair Access: Accessible parking, entrance, restrooms, and seating throughout

Insider Tip: During late-night weekend rushes, the drive-thru line moves faster than walking in. If you’re ordering for multiple people, calling ahead or using delivery saves time.

Cookout Lexington KY Hours of Operation

One of Cookout’s biggest advantages in Lexington is how late it stays open. Whether you’re a college student pulling an all-nighter, a worker coming off a late shift, or just craving a midnight shake — Cookout has you covered.

Best Times to Visit: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM for lunch, or after 9:00 PM for a quieter experience. The busiest window is typically 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on weekdays and Friday/Saturday nights after midnight.

Pro Tip: If you’re heading there late on a weekend, go before 11:30 PM to beat the post-bar crowd. After midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, lines can stretch significantly.

Full Cookout Menu with Prices and Calories — Lexington KY

Below is the complete Cookout menu available at the Lexington, KY location, organized by category with prices and calorie counts. Use this as your planning guide before your next visit.

Chopped Pork BBQ

Cookout’s BBQ is slow-cooked Southern style — tender, smoky, and available as a sandwich or full plate. The plate comes loaded with sides, making it one of the best value meals on the menu.

Best Pick: The BBQ Plate at $5.99 is a standout value — you get the main plus two sides and a drink, making it one of the most filling meals you can get for under $7 anywhere in Lexington.

Char-Grilled Hot Dogs

Cookout takes hot dogs seriously. Char-grilled over an open flame and dressed in multiple styles, these aren’t your average convenience store fare. The Cook Out Style Hot Dog with chili and coleslaw is a Lexington fan favorite.

Char-Grilled Hamburgers

The burger is the heart of Cookout’s menu. Every patty is cooked on a char-grill, which gives it that slightly smoky, flame-kissed flavor you just don’t get from a flat-top. You can order regular or large sizes on most styles.

Must-Try: The Cheddar Style Burger is the crowd favorite — loaded with cheddar cheese sauce, it’s rich and satisfying. The Out West Style adds bacon and BBQ sauce for a heartier bite.

Char-Grilled Chicken Breast

For those who prefer chicken, Cookout’s char-grilled breast options come in five distinct styles — each one a genuinely different flavor experience. The Cajun Style is particularly popular among spice lovers.

Crispy & Spicy Chicken Breast Fillet

If you prefer your chicken crispy rather than grilled, the fillet options deliver a satisfying crunch. The Cheese Style Filet is indulgent — great as a treat but pack a caloric punch at 640 calories.

Homemade-Style Chicken Strips

These strips are hand-battered and fried to order — a step above the frozen strip products you’ll find at most fast food chains. Order them as a standalone, in a sandwich, or in a club format with all the toppings.

Quesadillas

A surprisingly good option for the price. The chicken quesadilla is stuffed generously and pairs well with Cookout’s signature dipping sauces. At $1.99, it’s one of the best-value items on the menu.

Wraps

Cookout’s wraps are crispy chicken-based and come in four distinct flavor profiles. The Bacon Ranch is the most popular, but the Honey Mustard is a sleeper hit worth trying.

Combo Idea: Order two wraps plus a shake for under $8 — a full meal that rivals fast casual chains at nearly double the price.

Sides

Cookout sides are add-ons that come with tray orders or can be ordered individually. Hushpuppies are a Southern staple here — crispy on the outside, soft inside, and hard to stop eating.

Milkshakes — All 40+ Flavors

This is where Cookout truly stands apart. Forty-plus milkshake flavors — from the classics like chocolate and vanilla to unexpected combinations like Banana Pudding, Peanut Butter Fudge, Cheesecake, Oreo Mint, and Caramel Fudge. The shakes are thick, creamy, and genuinely made to order.

Popular milkshake flavors at the Lexington location include:

• Oreo Mint — refreshing and creamy, a top seller
• Strawberry Cheesecake — rich and fruity with real cheesecake notes
• Banana Pudding — tastes like the real Southern dessert
• Peanut Butter Fudge — for anyone who loves the PB-chocolate combo
• Caramel Fudge — sweet, smooth, and not overpowering
• Snickers — a full-flavor dessert milkshake
• Peach Cobbler — a seasonal favorite worth seeking out
• Double Chocolate — rich and thick

Secret Menu Tip: You can ask to mix two milkshake flavors together — staff are generally happy to blend combinations. Try Oreo + Peanut Butter Fudge or Banana Pudding + Caramel for something you can’t get anywhere else.

Floats and Cheesecakes

The Cheerwine Float deserves a special mention. Cheerwine is a Southern cherry-flavored soda that you won’t find at most national chains — this float is a uniquely Southern experience and a must-try on your first visit.

Drinks

The Cookout Tray — Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve never ordered a Cookout Tray, you’re missing one of the best fast food deals in existence. Here’s how it works:

• You pick a main item (burger, BBQ, chicken, hot dog, etc.)
• You pick two sides from a long list (hushpuppies, fries, quesadilla, hot dog, corn dog, and more)
• You get a drink included
• The whole thing costs around $5.99–$7.99 depending on your main

For context: a similar combination at most fast casual restaurants in Lexington would run you $12–$15. The Cookout Tray is genuinely one of the best value meals in the city.

Popular Tray Combinations at Cookout Lexington KY:

• BBQ Plate Tray + Hushpuppies + Quesadilla — classic Southern combo
• Cheddar Style Burger Tray + Cajun Fries + Cheese Dog
• Chicken Strips Tray + Corn Dog + Hushpuppies
• Cajun Chicken Breast Tray + Quesadilla + Bacon Ranch Wrap

Budget Tip: If you’re feeding two people on a tight budget, order two trays and split the sides. You’ll both eat well for under $14 combined.

Top Menu Items to Order at Cookout Lexington, KY

Not sure what to get? These are the most consistently praised items based on customer feedback and what sells best at this location:

1. Cook Out Style Hot Dog — $2.99 | 390 Cal

The signature hot dog style — char-grilled and dressed with chili, mustard, and coleslaw. It sounds simple, but the combination of char-grilled flavor and classic Southern toppings makes this one of the most satisfying $3 items in Lexington fast food. First-timers should start here.

2. Hushpuppies — $1.99 | 590 Cal

Deep-fried cornmeal dough with a crispy exterior and fluffy, slightly sweet interior. Cookout’s hushpuppies are a side that many customers specifically come back for. Order them fresh — they’re best straight out of the fryer.

3. Cheddar Style Char-Grilled Burger — $3.99 | 700 Cal

The char-grill makes the real difference here. You get a smoky, slightly charred patty topped with cheddar cheese sauce on a toasted bun. It’s indulgent without being over-complicated.

4. Chicken Strips (3 Pieces) — $4.99 | 660 Cal

Hand-battered and fried, these are a genuine step above the average fast food strip. Dip them in Cookout’s sauce for the full experience.

5. Any Milkshake (Your Choice of Flavor) — $3.99

Even if you’re not getting food, the milkshake alone is worth the trip. At $3.99 for 40+ flavor options with real thickness and creaminess, it undercuts most dedicated ice cream shops in Lexington.

6. Bacon Ranch Wrap — $1.99 | 420 Cal

Crispy chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing wrapped tight. At two dollars, this is arguably the best value-to-satisfaction ratio on the menu. Great as a side to a tray or as a standalone snack.

Best Times to Visit Cookout in Lexington, KY

Timing your visit right can make a real difference in wait times, especially on busy days:

Quietest Times

• Weekday mornings: 10:30 AM – noon (right when they open, light traffic)
• Early afternoon on weekdays: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Late night on weeknights (Sunday–Thursday): after 11:00 PM, traffic drops significantly

Busiest Times to Avoid (or Plan For)

• Weekday lunch rush: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Dinner peak: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
• Late-night weekend rush: Friday and Saturday, midnight to 2:00 AM
• University of Kentucky game days and evenings following home games

Game Day Tip: If there’s a UK home game, the post-game rush hits Cookout hard. Either go before tip-off or wait until after 11:00 PM when the initial crowd thins out.

Practical Information for First-Time Visitors

Ordering Tips

• Drive-thru is typically faster than walk-in during peak hours
• Have your order ready before reaching the speaker — the menu board is readable from the queue
• Large groups should consider calling ahead or using delivery to avoid bottlenecks
• Customize your burger or hot dog by asking at the window — staff are accommodating

Payment & Accessibility

• Cards (credit and debit) and cash are both accepted
• The drive-thru accepts card payments without any issues
• Full wheelchair accessibility: parking, entrance, restrooms, and seating
• Outdoor seating is a good option on nice evenings

Allergen Information

Cookout does not publish an extensive online allergen guide, but the restaurant can provide ingredient and allergen information on request. Key points for common dietary needs:

• Cookout uses oil for frying — if you have peanut oil concerns, ask staff directly about current oil type
• Gluten-free options are limited; buns and most fried items contain gluten
• Dairy is present in most milkshakes, cheesecake items, and many burger toppings
• Vegetarian options are very limited — quesadillas and some sides can be made without meat
• The restaurant does not currently offer vegan milkshake bases

Allergy Note: If you have a severe allergy, call (866) 547-0011 ahead of your visit to confirm current ingredients, as these can change.

Why Cookout Stands Out in the Lexington Fast Food Scene

Lexington has no shortage of fast food options. So what actually makes Cookout worth your time and money over the dozens of alternatives?

Price-to-Quality Ratio Is Unmatched

A full meal at Cookout — main, two sides, and a drink — routinely comes in under $8. That’s not unusual for fast food, but Cookout’s food quality genuinely punches above its price point. The char-grilled cooking method, hand-battered chicken, and made-to-order shakes are details you don’t find at chains charging twice as much.

Late Hours Fill a Real Gap

Most fast food in Lexington closes by midnight. Cookout stays open until 3:30–4:00 AM. For university students, healthcare workers, service industry staff, and anyone whose schedule doesn’t fit a 9-to-5, that’s a genuine quality-of-life benefit.

The Milkshake Selection Is Genuinely Exceptional

Forty-plus flavors isn’t marketing fluff — most locations including Lexington actually carry them. The ability to mix flavors and find genuinely creative combinations (Banana Pudding, Peach Cobbler, Peanut Butter Fudge) sets Cookout apart from every other chain in the area.

Southern Roots, Consistent Execution

Founded in Winston-Salem, NC in 1989, Cookout has maintained its founding formula for over three decades: char-grilled food, big portions, low prices, and zero pretension. The Lexington location follows that playbook faithfully. What you get is consistent, reliable, and satisfying every time.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cookout Lexington KY

Q1 : What time does Cookout Lexington KY close?

A: The Broadway location closes at 3:30 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 4:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Q2 : What time does Cookout Lexington KY open?

A: Cookout opens at 10:30 AM every day of the week.

Q3 : What is on the Cookout Lexington menu?

A: The full menu includes char-grilled burgers, BBQ sandwiches and plates, hot dogs in multiple styles, chicken breast sandwiches, crispy chicken fillets, chicken strips, quesadillas, wraps, hushpuppies, and over 40 flavors of milkshakes. Floats, cheesecake, and fountain drinks are also available.

Q4 : How much is a milkshake at Cookout Lexington?

A: Milkshakes cost $3.99 regardless of flavor. You can also mix flavors by request at no additional charge.

Q5 : How much is a Cookout tray?

A: Tray prices vary by main item but generally range from $5.99 to $7.99. Each tray includes your main, two sides, and a drink.

Q6 : Does Cookout Lexington have delivery?

A: Yes, delivery is available from the Lexington location. Check major delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats for availability in your area.

Q7 : Is Cookout Lexington KY wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, fully. The location offers wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, restrooms, and seating.

Q8 : What payment methods does Cookout Lexington accept?

A: Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all accepted, including at the drive-thru.

Q9 : Does Cookout have gluten-free options?

A: Gluten-free options at Cookout are very limited. Most buns and fried items contain gluten. It’s best to call the restaurant directly to confirm what may be suitable for your needs.

Q10 : How many Cookout locations are in Lexington KY?

A: There is currently one confirmed Cookout location in Lexington, KY at 855 S Broadway.

Q11 : What are the most popular items at Cookout Lexington?

A: The Cook Out Style Hot Dog, Cheddar Style Burger, Hushpuppies, Chicken Strips, and milkshakes are consistently the top sellers. The Bacon Ranch Wrap is a popular add-on.

Q12 : What milkshake flavors does Cookout have?

A: Cookout offers over 40 milkshake flavors including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Oreo Mint, Banana Pudding, Peanut Butter Fudge, Strawberry Cheesecake, Snickers, Caramel Fudge, Double Chocolate, Peach Cobbler, and many more seasonal and permanent options.

Final Thoughts: Is Cookout Lexington KY Worth It?

Short answer: absolutely yes.

Cookout Lexington KY at 855 S Broadway is one of the most straightforwardly good fast food experiences in the city. The food is made fresh, the prices are genuinely low, the hours accommodate schedules that most restaurants ignore, and the milkshake menu alone is worth the trip.

Is it perfect? No fast food spot is. Peak hours can mean longer waits, and the dining room sometimes closes earlier than the drive-thru. But for consistent, affordable, satisfying food that’s available when you need it — including late at night and on weekends — Cookout delivers reliably.

Whether you’re a Lexington local, a University of Kentucky student, a visitor to the city, or just someone who found this guide because you were curious what the Cookout Lexington menu looks like — we hope this gives you everything you need to make the most of your visit.

Grab a tray, try a new milkshake flavor, and eat well without spending much. That’s the Cookout promise — and in Lexington, KY, they keep it.

Cookout Corporate Headquarters

2212 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27107  |  (336) 724-7970

This guide is for informational purposes. Menu prices and hours may change. Always verify directly with the location.