When you want a tasty burger and a creamy milkshake without spending too much money, Cookout is the perfect place to visit. This fast-food restaurant has been serving people since 1989, and it keeps getting more popular every year. Modern Food Catering brings you this complete guide to help you understand everything about the Cookout Menu 2026.
Cookout started in Greensboro, North Carolina, and now has more than 350 locations across the United States. The restaurant is famous for fresh, never frozen food that tastes like home cooking. People love going there for late-night meals because many locations stay open until 3:00 AM or even later on weekends.
What Makes Cookout Special
This restaurant stands out because of its low prices and big portions. You can get a full meal for less than what you would pay at other fast-food places. The menu has burgers, hot dogs, chicken items, BBQ, and over 40 different milkshake flavors. Everything is made fresh when you order it, so the food always tastes good.
The most popular item is the Cookout Tray. This meal comes with one main dish, two side items, and a drink. You can mix and match what you want, making thousands of different combinations. Students and families choose this option because it gives them a lot of food for a good price.
What are Their Meal Hours?
Most Cookout locations follow similar meal hours throughout the week. The restaurant usually opens at 10:30 AM every day. This timing works well for people who want lunch or an early dinner. The closing time changes depending on the day of the week.
From Sunday through Thursday, most locations close at 3:00 AM. On Friday and Saturday nights, many restaurants stay open until 4:00 AM. This makes Cookout a favorite spot for people who work late shifts or want food after midnight. Some locations might have different hours based on local rules, so it’s smart to check before you go.
Complete Menu with Prices
Cookout Trays
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Regular Cookout Tray | $6.99 | 800-1500 |
| Jr. Tray | $6.39 | 600-1200 |
The tray includes one entree (burger, hot dog, chicken, BBQ, or quesadilla), two sides, and one drink. You can swap your drink for a regular milkshake by adding $1.00.
Hamburgers
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Regular Hamburger | $2.99 | 420 |
| Cheese Hamburger | $3.29 | 480 |
| Big Double Burger | $4.99 | 780 |
| Bacon Burger | $4.49 | 620 |
| Bacon Cheese Burger | $4.79 | 680 |
Chicken Items
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Chicken Breast (Original) | $4.99 | 510 |
| BBQ Chicken Breast | $5.29 | 540 |
| Cajun Chicken Breast | $5.29 | 520 |
| Chicken Strips (3 pieces) | $4.49 | 450 |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | $4.79 | 480 |
Hot Dogs & BBQ
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Regular Hot Dog | $2.49 | 350 |
| Chili Dog | $2.99 | 420 |
| Cheese Dog | $2.79 | 390 |
| BBQ Sandwich | $4.29 | 380 |
| BBQ Plate | $6.99 | 620 |
Quesadillas
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Cheese Quesadilla | $3.99 | 450 |
| Chicken Quesadilla | $4.99 | 580 |
| Beef Quesadilla | $5.29 | 620 |
Sides
| Item | Price | Calories |
| French Fries | Included | 320 |
| Onion Rings | Included | 340 |
| Hushpuppies | Included | 280 |
| Cole Slaw | Included | 180 |
| Chicken Nuggets (5 pc) | Included | 250 |
| Corn Dog | Included | 280 |
Milkshakes
| Flavor | Small Price | Regular Price | Calories |
| Vanilla | $2.99 | $3.99 | 510 |
| Chocolate | $2.99 | $3.99 | 540 |
| Strawberry | $2.99 | $3.99 | 520 |
| Oreo | $3.49 | $4.49 | 650 |
| Peanut Butter Fudge | $3.49 | $4.49 | 720 |
| Banana | $2.99 | $3.99 | 530 |
| Fresh Watermelon | $3.29 | $4.29 | 480 |
| Pineapple | $3.29 | $4.29 | 490 |
Cookout offers more than 40 milkshake flavors. You can also mix two flavors to create your own special shake. Some locations have seasonal flavors like pumpkin pie or eggnog during holidays.
Drinks
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Sweet Tea | $1.99 | 180 |
| Lemonade | $1.99 | 200 |
| Soft Drink (20 oz) | $1.99 | 150-250 |
| Bottled Water | $1.49 | 0 |
Desserts
| Item | Price | Calories |
| Cheesecake (NY Style) | $2.99 | 420 |
| Float | $3.49 | 380 |
How to Fulfill Cookout Menu Cravings
Getting your favorite Cookout meal is easy. You can visit the restaurant and order at the counter, use the drive-thru, or order online through delivery apps. Most locations have two drive-thru lanes to make service faster during busy times.
When you want to fulfill cookout menu desires, think about trying the tray option first. Pick a burger or chicken sandwich as your main item, then choose two sides that sound good. Popular side combinations include fries and onion rings, or hushpuppies and chicken nuggets.
Don’t forget to try the milkshakes. Many people say the Cookout milkshakes are the best part of the meal. Classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla are always good, but the candy-inspired shakes like Reese’s Cup or Snickers are also very popular.
Also Read: Chipotle Menu with Prices, Calories And Nutrition
Understanding Cookout Menu Prices and Nutrition
The prices at Cookout are lower than those at most fast-food restaurants. A regular tray costs less than seven dollars and gives you enough food to feel full. Single items like burgers and hot dogs cost between two and five dollars.
When thinking about cookout menu prices and nutrition, remember that the calorie counts can add up quickly. A big burger with two fried sides and a milkshake might have over 2000 calories. If you want a lighter meal, choose grilled chicken, a side salad or cole slaw, and water instead of a milkshake.
Cookout provides nutrition information for people who need to watch what they eat. The restaurant also has an allergen menu that shows which foods contain common allergens like wheat, milk, eggs, and peanuts. This helps people with food allergies make safe choices.
Special Features at Cookout
Many locations have outdoor seating where you can eat your meal outside on nice days. Some restaurants also have indoor dining rooms with counter service. The drive-thru option is popular because it’s fast and convenient.
Cookout accepts different payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some locations even accept newer payment options. The restaurant also sells gift cards that make good presents for friends and family who love Cookout food.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’ve never been to Cookout before, here are some helpful tips.
- Look at the menu online before you go so you know what you want to order. The tray is the best value, so start there. Choose a burger or chicken sandwich, pick two sides, and get a drink.
- Save room for a milkshake. Even if you get a drink with your tray, you might want to buy a shake separately. The small size is usually big enough for one person.
- Check the hours before you go. While most locations follow the same schedule, some might close earlier or open later depending on the area. Holiday hours can also be different, with many locations closing on Christmas Day.
Finding Your Nearest Location
To find a Cookout restaurant near you, use the store locator on their official website or search on Google Maps. Type “Cookout near me” and you’ll see all the locations in your area with addresses and phone numbers. You can also see customer reviews and photos of the food.
When you find a location, you can call them to ask about their specific hours and menu options. Some locations might have slightly different items or prices based on their area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest cookout menu ideas?
The Jr. Tray at six dollars gives great value with a main item, two sides, and drink. Regular hot dogs and hamburgers cost under three dollars each for budget-friendly options.
What’s the best thing at a cookout?
The Regular Cookout Tray stands out as the best choice, offering one entree, two customizable sides, and a beverage for under seven dollars. It’s filling, affordable, and delicious.
What time does Cookout open?
Most Cookout restaurants open at ten-thirty in the morning every day. However, hours may vary by location, so checking your local restaurant’s schedule before visiting is always recommended.
Are Cookout milkshakes worth trying?
Absolutely yes. Cookout offers over forty unique milkshake flavors starting at just three dollars. The thick, creamy texture and variety of candy-inspired flavors make them customer favorites.
Can I customize my Cookout tray?
Yes, the tray is fully customizable. Choose any entree as your main item, select two sides from the available options, and pick your preferred drink or substitute milkshake.
The Bottom Line
Cookout Menu with Prices offers great value for people who want tasty food without high costs. From juicy burgers to creamy milkshakes, the menu has something for everyone. The flexible tray options let you create your perfect meal, and the late-night hours make it convenient any time of day.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, having dinner with family, or getting a midnight snack, Cookout delivers fresh food at prices that won’t break your budget. Understanding the menu, prices, and nutrition information helps you make smart choices that match your taste and your wallet.
Visit your local Cookout today to try their famous burgers and milkshakes. With over 350 locations and growing, there’s probably one near you ready to serve up that backyard cookout flavor you’ve been craving.
