Cook Out Menu with Prices , Calories & Photos — Updated April 2026

We’ve verified all Cookout menu prices and tray combinations for April 2026. Tray prices currently range from $6.29–$7.49, milkshakes start at $3.69, and Cook Out continues to serve its full menu daily from 10:30 AM until 3:00 AM (4:30 AM on weekends). All prices on this page reflect what’s currently on the board across Southeast locations.
Cook Out is a Southeast US fast-food chain founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina. It’s best known for the Cook Out Tray, one entrée, two sides, and a large drink for $6.29–$7.69, and for 40+ hand-spun milkshake flavors. This guide covers every item on the 2026 menu with verified prices, calories, and the details regulars actually look for.

Everything on the Cook Out menu in one place — tray prices, calories, 40+ milkshakes, secret items, desserts, drinks, hot dogs, quesadillas, and more. Verified March 2026.

What is the Cookout Menu in 2026

Cook Out is a Southeastern U.S. fast-food chain founded in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989 by Morris Reaves. With over 350 locations across NC, SC, VA, GA, TN, and neighboring states, it has become legendary for one defining reason: unbeatable value.

The signature Cookout Tray comes with one main entrée, two sides, and a large drink for just $6.29–$7.49. It is widely considered the best fast-food value in America. No other chain gives you this much food, this much choice (15+ sides, 40+ shake flavors), at this price point.

Cook Out does not publish full nutritional data on its official website. This guide is the most comprehensive independent Cookout menu resource available, covering every category from trays and burgers to desserts, drinks, hot dogs, quesadillas, wraps, dietary options, and the complete secret menu — all verified and updated monthly.

Cookout Menu With Prices

Tray	Price	What's included	Milkshake Upgrade
Cookout Regular Tray	$6.29–$7.69	1 Entrée + 2 Sides + Large Drink	Regular +$1.00 · Fancy +$1.00–$1.60
Cookout Jr.Tray	$5.29–$6.49	1 Entrée + 2 Sides + Drink (smaller)	Regular +$1.00

What is a Cook Out Tray?

A Cook Out Tray is the chain’s signature meal deal. You pick one entrée from ten options, choose any two sides from 15+, and get a large drink included. The Jr. Tray is a slightly smaller version starting at $5.29. Both let you swap the drink for a regular milkshake for just $1.00 extra, which is why most regulars do it every time.

Cook Out Tray Menu, Prices, Entrées & Side Options (2026)

The Cook Out Tray gives you a full meal, one entrée, two sides, and a large drink, for $6.29 to $7.69. It’s one of the best-value fast-food deals in the country. The Jr. Tray follows the same format at a slightly smaller size and price, starting around $5.29. Upgrade either tray’s drink to a regular milkshake for $1.00 extra.

Tray	Price	What's included	Milkshake Upgrade
Cookout Regular Tray	$6.29–$7.69	1 Entrée + 2 Sides + Large Drink	Regular +$1.00 · Fancy +$1.00–$1.60
Cookout Jr.Tray	$5.29–$6.49	1 Entrée + 2 Sides + Drink (smaller)	Regular +$1.00

Every tray comes with two sides from the full sides menu. You can pick any two, or double up on the same side.

You can choose one drink to sizzle tray meal. Although Milkshake upgrade costs +1.00$

How to Build a Cookout Tray

Choose Your Entrée

Pick from burgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, quesadillas, or wraps. Over 20 entrée options on the regular tray.

Pick Two Sides

Mix and match from 15+ sides including Cajun Fries, Hushpuppies, Onion Rings, Mac & Cheese, Walking Taco, and more.

Choose Your Drink

Pick from burgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, quesadillas, or wraps. Over 20 entrée options on the regular tray.

Upgrade Options

Swap drink for a Regular Milkshake (+$1.00) or a Fancy Milkshake (+$1.00–$1.60). Add bacon, cheese, chili, or grilled onions to any item.

Compare that to McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, or Wendy’s where a meal with drink alone costs $10–$13. The Cookout Tray isn’t just cheap — it’s genuinely the best dollar-per-bite deal at any drive-thru in 2026.

Pro tip: Double up on hushpuppies as both your sides. Trust us.

Cook Out Milkshakes 40+ Flavors , with Prices & Calories (2026

Cook Out milkshakes are hand-spun from real ice cream, thick, rich, and genuinely different from soft-serve blends. With over 40 flavors running from fresh fruit to candy bar to Southern dessert classics, there’s always something new. A regular milkshake starts at $2.99–$3.99. Add one to any tray for just $1.00 extra.

Top 5 Flavors Worth Ordering

Can You Request Custom Milkshake Blends?

Blend	Flavors to Combine	Taste
The Southern Classic	Banana Pudding + Peanut Butter	Thick and rich, like peanut butter pie in a cup
The Refresher	Oreo Mint + Vanilla	Lighter mint, balanced creaminess, easier to drink than pure Oreo Mint
The Brownie	Chocolate + Cheesecake	Dense and fudgy, dessert-level flavor
The Candy Bar	Caramel Fudge + Chocolate	Tastes exactly like a melted Snickers
The Black Forest	Cherry + Chocolate	Sophisticated blend that Cook Out staff frequently order themselves

Regular Shake $3.99 (510–700 cal) · Fancy Shake $4.49–$4.99 (650–900 cal) · Add to any tray for just +$1.00

Cookout Milkshake Flavors & Categories

These thick shakes come in over 40 flavors that range from the classic Chocolate and Vanilla to indulgent creations like Peanut Butter Fudge, Oreo Mint, Banana Pudding, and seasonal specials you won’t find anywhere else.

Prices verified March 2026. Figures are estimates that may vary slightly by location.

Cook Out Burger Menu All Sizes, Styles, Prices & Calories (2026)

CookOut burgers are made from fresh, never-frozen beef, char-grilled to order every time. You choose the size (four options from 1/8 lb. to 1/2 lb.), then pick one of seven house styles that determine the toppings. Every burger can also be customised further with free condiments and paid add-ons.

All 7 Cook Out Burger Styles

Every burger size is available in any of the seven styles below. The style determines your toppings, you’re not locked to any combination.

Burger Add-Ons & Customization

Free on any burger: Mayo · Mustard · Ketchup · Pickles · Onion · Lettuce · Grilled Onion · Cajun Seasoning

Available Sauces

Cook Out Sauce (house) · BBQ Sauce · Honey Mustard · Ranch · Polynesian Sauce · Buffalo · A1 Steak Sauce · Texas Pete Hot Sauce

Calories by Style and Size, Quick Reference

Burger Sizes, Prices & Calories

Note: These are base calories for a plain burger. Every style option adds additional calories and a small price premium.

Best bang for your buck: The House Style on a Regular Burger (~395 cal, ~$3.50) adds the least calories of any style while still giving your burger real flavor. The Cookout Style is the chain’s signature, worth trying at least once.

Cookout Sides Complete Guide With Calories

Cook Out sides are what make the Cookout Tray so addictive. With 15+ side options, you can mix and match combinations that no other fast food chain offers. Hushpuppies and fries are the most popular choice, but the corn dog, onion rings, and mac & cheese sides are all worth trying.

Two sides are included with every Cookout Tray. If you order a la carte, sides are priced individually and are among the most affordable in the fast food industry in 2026.

Cook Out Secret Menu — 8 Items to Ask For

Cook Out has no official secret menu, but these items are real, built from existing ingredients and ordered by regulars at locations across the Southeast. None of them are on the board. Ask politely, be specific about what you want, and avoid requesting them during a lunch or dinner rush.

Order: Hot dog with chili, jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, mustard, and diced onions. Add Texas Pete if they have it.

Order: Hot dog with chili, shredded cheddar, Texas Pete, sour cream, diced onions, lettuce, and tomato.

Order: Big Double Burger with creamy peanut butter and bacon strips. Some locations add a honey drizzle on request.

Order: Ask for a chicken quesadilla with a beef patty inside. Add grilled onions or jalapeños.

Order: Ask for fries topped with crispy bacon and grilled onions. Not available at every location.

Order: Just ask for a grilled cheese. Customize from there.

Secret Milkshakes Blends

Ask to blend two flavors together. The kitchen almost always accommodates. These are the combinations regulars swear by.

anana Pudding + Peanut Butter

Thick & rich, most popular blend

Oreo Mint + Vanilla
Refreshing, perfect for summer

Banana Pudding + Peanut Butter

Thick & rich, most popular blend

Chocolate + Cheesecake

Taste like a Brownie

Strawberry + Cheesecake

Fruity & Creamy

Caramel Fudge + Chocolate

Candy bar in a cup

Cherry + Chocolate

Black Forest vibes

Cook Out Quesadillas Wraps & Sandwiches Prices & Calories (2026)

Quesadillas, wraps, and the BLT sandwich are often underrated at Cook Out. Most of them double as tray sides, making them a smart pick when you want a second item that’s more substantial than a bag of fries. Prices are low and portions are filling.

Wraps

Cajun Chicken Wrap
Cajun fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, ranch
$$3.49–$4.49| 500–520 cal

Bacon Ranch Wrap
Fried chicken, bacon, cheese, ranch
$3.49–$4.49| 420 cal

Bacon Wrap
Bacon-forward wrap
$1.50–$1.99| 420 cal

Sandwiches

BBQ Sandwich
Ingredients: Pulled pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw (optional), toasted bun
$3.90|370cal

Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients: Ingredients: Grilled or crispy chicken breast fillet, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, toasted bun
$4.29|680cal

BLT Sandwich
Ingredients: Bacon strips, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, toasted bread
$3.49|400cal

Fish Sandwich
Ingredients:Crispy fried fish fillet, lettuce, tartar sauce, toasted bun
$4.39| 500cal

Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:Spicy breaded chicken breast fillet, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, toasted bun
$4.50 |480cal

Chicken Strip Sandwich
Ingredients:Crispy fried fish fillet, lettuce, tartar sauce, toasted bun
$4.39| 500cal

Suaces & Toppings

Cook Out Sauces & Toppings, Complete Customisation Guide (2026)

Almost everything at Cook Out can be customised. Seven house sauces, a full list of free condiments, and five paid add-ons give you precise control over your order. Here’s the full reference, especially useful before you pull up to the window and need to know exactly what to ask for.

Burger Toppings, Free vs Paid

Free: Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, Pickles, Onion, Lettuce , Grilled Onion ,Cajun Seasoning
Paid: Cheese (American), Bacon, Homemade Chili, Tomato +10 cal $0.10, Homemade Slaw, Extra Jalapeño

Complete Guide Cookout Sauces

BBQ Sauce

Ranch

Mayo

Honey Mustard

Polynesian Sauce

Buffalo Sauce

A1 Steak Sauce

Texas Pete Sauce

Quesadilla Sauce

Sweet Treats

Cook Out Desserts, Cheesecakes, Floats & Ice Cream (2026)

Beyond the milkshakes, Cook Out serves five cheesecake varieties and three ice cream floats. Cheesecakes run 360–420 calories and $2.79–$3.99. Floats are all $2.39. The Cheerwine Float, cherry soda over vanilla soft serve, is the chain’s most iconic dessert item and a genuine Southeast cultural touchstone.

Prices verified March 2026. Figures are estimates that may vary slightly by location.

Cookout Cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake
Graham cracker crust, strawberry sauce topping
$2.79–$3.99|~360 cal

Chocolate Cheesecake
Chocolate crust, chocolate crumble on top
$$2.79–$3.99|360cal

Oreo Cheesecake
Oreo cookie crust, cookies and cream topping
$2.79–$3.99|~410 cal

Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Graham crust, PB drizzle, crushed peanuts
$2.79–$3.99| 400cal

Cherry Cheesecake
Classic cherry sauce over cream cheese base
$4.50 |$2.79–$3.99

Cookout Flaots

Cheer Wine Flaot
Cherry Cheerwine soda over vanilla soft serve, Southeast cult item
$2.39|~401 cal

Coke Float
Chocolate crust, chocolate crumble on top
$2.39| 380cal

A&W Root Beer Float
Oreo cookie crust, cookies and cream topping
$2.39|~360 cal

Hot Dog Menu

Out Hot Dogs Menu, All Styles, Ingredients & Calories (2026)

Cook Out hot dogs are char-grilled beef franks served eight different ways. The simplest is a plain dog at 260 calories for $1.99. The most loaded is the Bacon Cheddar at 530 calories for $2.99. Two hot dogs together count as a full Regular Tray entrée (520 cal), making this one of the better-value tray options.

Hot Dog Toppings You can Add

Mustard · Ketchup · Texas Pete Hot Sauce · Diced Onions · Homemade Chili · Homemade Slaw · Lettuce · Tomato · Cheddar Cheese

Surprising fact: The Cheese Dog at just 146 calories is one of the lowest-calorie items on the entire Cook Out menu, less than a small burger. It’s a great second side if you’re watching your calories.
Prices verified March 2026. Figures are estimates that may vary slightly by location.

All Hot Dog Styles, Ingredients, Calories & Prices

Plain Hot Dog
Served plain or with ketchup and mustard
$1.99| 260–280 cal

Plain Hot Dog
Served plain or with ketchup and mustard
$1.99| 260–280 cal

Plain Hot Dog
Served plain or with ketchup and mustard
$1.99| 260–280 cal

Plain Hot Dog
Served plain or with ketchup and mustard
$1.99| 260–280 cal

Plain Hot Dog
Served plain or with ketchup and mustard
$1.99| 260–280 cal

Plain Hot Dog
Served plain or with ketchup and mustard
$1.99| 260–280 cal

Plain Hot Dog
Served plain or with ketchup and mustard
$1.99| 260–280 cal

Beverages

CookOut Drinks Menu 2026

Every Cook Out Tray includes a large fountain drink at no extra cost. The drink menu covers eight fountain soda brands, house-brewed sweet and unsweet tea, lemonade, sports drinks, bottled water, and three ice cream floats, including the famous Cheerwine Float, a Southeast-only item with a cult following. They come in four different sizes: small, regular, large, and huge.

Coca-Cola| Small
$1.39–$2.39+| 105cal

Coca-Cola| Regular
$1.39–$2.39+| 160cal

Coca-Cola| Large
$1.39–$2.39+| 240cal

Coca-Cola| Huge
$1.39–$2.39+| 280cal

Diet Coke| Small
$1.39–$2.39+|0cal

Diet Coke| Regualr
$1.39–$2.39+|0cal

Diet Coke| Large
$1.39–$2.39+|0cal

Diet Coke| Huge
$1.39–$2.39+|0cal

Sprite| Small
$1.39–$2.39+|104cal

Sprite| Regular
$1.39–$2.39+|134cal

Sprite| Large
$1.39–$2.39+|222cal

Sprite| Huge
$1.39–$2.39+|289cal

Sweet Tea
$1.85–$2.19|248–290 cal

Unsweet Tea
$1.85–$2.19|0 cal

Classic Lemonade
$1.65–$2.19|140 cal cal

Dasani Bottled Water
$1.35–$2.19|0 cal cal

Hours, Delivery & Payment

Cookout Hours, Delivery & Payment Methods (2026)

Cook Out is one of the few fast-food chains consistently open past 3:00 AM, a big part of why it has become the go-to late-night option across the Southeast. Here’s everything you need to plan a visit: store hours by day, delivery options, and accepted payment methods.

Day

Open

Close

Notes

Mon– Thur

10:30 AM

3:00–3:30 AM

Drive-thru often stays open after dine-in closes

Friday

10:30 AM

4:00–4:30 AM

Extended late-night hours

Saturady

10:30 AM

4:00–4:30 AM

Extended late-night hours

Sunday

10:30 AM

3:00–3:30 AM

–

Christmas

Most closed

_

Confirm with your local store

Other Holidays

10:30 AM

varies

Hours may be reduced, call ahead

What Makes Cook Out Different From Every Other Fast Food Chain?

There are hundreds of fast food options across the Southeast. Here’s why Cook Out keeps winning:
Late night hours nobody else matches — Open until 3:00 AM on weekdays and 4:30 AM on weekends. When everything else is closed, Cook Out is still grilling.
Fresh, never frozen beef — Every burger patty is made fresh. Cook Out grinds and patties their own meat and delivers it directly to every location. You can taste the difference.
40+ milkshake flavors — No other fast food chain comes close. Most offer 4–6. Cook Out offers over forty, hand-spun every time.
Customization without the upcharge — At most chains, customizing your order costs extra. At Cook Out, free toppings include mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickles, onion, lettuce, grilled onion, and Cajun seasoning on any burger.
Prices that haven’t lost touch with reality — In a world where a fast food combo regularly hits $14–$16, a Cook Out Tray with entrée, two sides, and a drink still comes in under $8.

Cook Out Menu, Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cook Out Tray cost in 2026?

A Cook Out Tray costs $6.29–$7.69 in 2026, depending on the entrée you choose. That price includes one entrée, two sides, and a large drink. The smaller Jr. Tray starts around $5.29–$6.49. You can upgrade the included drink to a regular milkshake for $1.00 extra or a fancy milkshake for $1.00–$1.60 more. Prices vary slightly by location.

What time does Cook Out close?

Most Cook Out locations close between 3:00–3:30 AM Sunday through Thursday, and between 4:00–4:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. All locations open at 10:30 AM. The drive-thru often stays open a little later than the dine-in counter. Hours vary by location, confirm with your local store before a late-night trip.

Does Cook Out deliver?

Cook Out does not have its own delivery app or service. However, most locations are available on DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates. Delivery fees typically run $2–$5, with a minimum order around $15. Free delivery is often available on orders over $50. Coverage depends on your location.

How many milkshake flavors does Cook Out have?

Cook Out offers 40+ milkshake flavors. The menu includes classics like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry; specialty flavors like Banana Pudding, Oreo Mint, and Peanut Butter Fudge; and seasonal options including Watermelon (summer) and Eggnog (winter). Regular shakes start at $2.99–$3.99, and you can add one to any tray for $1.00 extra.

Does Cook Out have a secret menu?

Yes, Cook Out has an unofficial secret menu built from existing ingredients. Popular items include the Firecracker Hot Dog (chili, jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, Texas Pete), the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger, and the Quesadilla Burger (beef patty inside a quesadilla instead of a bun). You can also request custom milkshake blends. Ask politely during non-peak hours, none of these items appear on the official menu.

Is Cook Out meat fresh or frozen?

Cook Out’s beef is always fresh, never frozen, it’s one of the chain’s core brand commitments. Patties are ground, formed, and delivered fresh to each location. Every burger is char-grilled to order, not pre-cooked or held under heat lamps. The BBQ pulled pork is smoked in-house at most locations.

Does Cook Out have gluten-free options?

Cook Out does not offer gluten-free buns as of 2026. You can request a lettuce wrap for any burger or chicken item. Naturally gluten-free items include the grilled chicken, coleslaw, and side salad, but cross-contamination is possible in the shared kitchen. Customers with celiac disease should speak with staff directly before ordering.

What states have Cook Out?

Cook Out operates in 10 Southeast US states: North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Maryland, and West Virginia. The chain was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989 and North Carolina still has the highest number of locations.

Can you substitute the drink for a milkshake on a Cook Out Tray?

Yes. Every Cook Out Tray includes a large drink, and you can substitute it for a regular milkshake for $1.00 extra. Fancy milkshakes cost $1.00–$1.60 more. This is the most popular upgrade at Cook Out, with 40+ flavors, most regulars make this swap every single time.

What is Cookout Burger Style?

Cookout Style is the chain’s signature burger preparation: homemade chili, slaw, mustard, and diced onion on top of any burger size. It adds approximately 130 calories and $0.95–$0.99 to the base burger price. It’s the build that most defines what Cook Out tastes like, if you’ve never tried it, this should be your first order.

What is the Walking Taco at Cook Out?

The Cook Out Walking Taco is a side item made with seasoned taco-style beef served alongside or inside a Fritos bag, topped with cheese and other toppings. It comes in at approximately 370 calories and costs $2.39–$3.39. It’s one of the more distinctive sides on the menu and has a dedicated fan base among regulars.

Does Cook Out have a loyalty program or app?

No. As of March 2026, Cook Out does not have a loyalty program, a mobile app, or any form of digital ordering through its own platform. There are no points systems or digital coupons. Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats are the only digital ordering options available.

What is Cheerwine at Cook Out?

Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored carbonated soda made in Salisbury, North Carolina since 1917. It’s a Southeast-exclusive drink you won’t find at most national chains. Cook Out serves it as a fountain drink and as the Cheerwine Float, cherry soda over vanilla soft serve for $2.39 (401 cal). It’s a regional institution and one of the best reasons to try Cook Out if you’re new to the chain.

Cook Out Menu with Prices , Calories & Photos — Updated April 2026

What is the Cookout Menu in 2026

Cookout Menu With Prices

Small Burger

Regular Burger

Big Double

Huge Burger

Cheddar Style

Out West Style Hamburger

Steak Styles|+100cal

Huge Burger

Cookout Style Hamburger (Regular)

Nacho Chili Style Hamburger

What is a Cook Out Tray?

Cook Out Tray Menu, Prices, Entrées & Side Options (2026)

Tray Side Options, Choose Any 2

Cookout Regular Tray Main Options

Cookout Jr. Tray Options

Cookout Tray Drink Options, Choose any one

How to Build a Cookout Tray

Cook Out Milkshakes 40+ Flavors , with Prices & Calories (2026

Cook Out Burger Menu All Sizes, Styles, Prices & Calories (2026)

Burger Sizes, Prices & Calories

Cookout Sides Complete Guide With Calories

Cook Out Secret Menu — 8 Items to Ask For

Firecracker Hot Dog

Mexi Dog

Peanut Butter Bacon Burger

Quesadilla Burger

Bacon & Grilled Onion Fries

Grilled Cheese

Secret Milkshakes Blends

Cook Out Quesadillas Wraps & Sandwiches Prices & Calories (2026)

Chicken Quesadilla

Cheese Quesadilla

Beef Quesadilla (single)

Chicken Quesadilla (2pc)

Beef Quesadilla (2pc)

Cajun Chicken Wrap

Bacon Ranch Wrap

Bacon Wrap

BBQ Sandwich

Chicken Sandwich

BLT Sandwich

Fish Sandwich

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Chicken Strip Sandwich

Cook Out Sauces & Toppings, Complete Customisation Guide (2026)

Burger Toppings, Free vs Paid

Cook Out Desserts, Cheesecakes, Floats & Ice Cream (2026)

Strawberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Cheesecake

Oreo Cheesecake

Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Cherry Cheesecake

Cheer Wine Flaot

Coke Float

A&W Root Beer Float

Out Hot Dogs Menu, All Styles, Ingredients & Calories (2026)

All Hot Dog Styles, Ingredients, Calories & Prices

Plain Hot Dog

Plain Hot Dog

Plain Hot Dog

Plain Hot Dog

Plain Hot Dog

Plain Hot Dog

Plain Hot Dog

CookOut Drinks Menu 2026

Coca-Cola| Huge

Diet Coke| Small

Diet Coke| Regualr

Diet Coke| Large

Diet Coke| Huge

Sprite| Small

Sprite| Regular

Sprite| Large

Sprite| Huge

Cookout Hours, Delivery & Payment Methods (2026)

What Makes Cook Out Different From Every Other Fast Food Chain?

Cook Out Menu, Frequently Asked Questions