Cookout Burgers Menu with Prices, Styles, and Secrets

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.)

Commonly known as the “Jr. Burger,” this is the entry-level choice. It is perfect for those with a light appetite or as part of a Jr. Tray.

• Calories: ~240 Cal (Plain)
• Best For: Kids or light snacks.

The Regular Burger (1/4 lb.)

This is the standard single-patty burger. It offers a thick, juicy bite that balances perfectly with the bun-to-meat ratio.

• Calories: ~330 Cal (Plain)
• Best For: Traditional burger lovers who want a solid meal.

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.

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.

Cook Out Style

This is the North Carolina classic. If you want to eat like a local, this is your order.

• Toppings: Homemade chili, creamy coleslaw, yellow mustard, and diced onions.
• Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly sweet from the slaw, and tangy.

Cheddar Style

For many, this is the gold standard. It replaces standard American cheese with a rich cheddar cheese sauce.

• Toppings: Melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, grilled onions, and mayo.
• Flavor Profile: Creamy, smoky, and indulgent.

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, and raw onions.
• Flavor Profile: Sharp, sweet, and crunchy.

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, and mayo.
• Flavor Profile: Umami-rich and savory.

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:

1. One Main Entrée (e.g., Big Double Burger, Spicy Chicken, or 2 Hot Dogs)
2. Two Sides (e.g., Fries, Hushpuppies, Quesadilla, or even a Corn Dog)
3. 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.

The Secret Menu Hacks:

• The “Everything” Burger: This includes every free topping plus the premium ones (if you’re willing to pay the small upcharge).
• Cajun Style: You can ask for “Cajun Seasoning” on any burger patty or your fries. It adds a spicy, peppery kick that isn’t officially listed as a “Style.”
• The Walking Taco Style: While usually for hot dogs, you can ask for your burger to be topped with chili, cheese sauce, and crushed crackers for a unique texture.

Cookout Burgers Menu Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

While Cook Out is famous for indulgence, transparency is key for health-conscious diners.

Vegetarian Options:

Cook Out does not currently offer a plant-based burger patty (like Beyond or Impossible). However, vegetarians often order a “Cheese Quesadilla Tray” with sides like fries, hushpuppies, or onion rings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.