Cookout’s legendary milkshake lineup pairs perfectly with their famously low menu prices that haven’t changed much over the years. If you are looking for the full Cookout menu with prices, you have come to the right place. This guide breaks down every item, from the classic trays to the 40+ milkshake flavors, so you know exactly what to order and what it will cost.
Cookout is known for being one of the cheapest fast-food joints in America. You can still get a full BBQ plate or a burger tray for under seven bucks. Let’s get into the details of the current pricing structure and menu options.
Cookout Menu With Prices
Before we dive into the specific categories, you should understand how the Cookout menu works. The core of the menu is the “Tray.” A tray includes your main entree, two sides, a hushpuppy, and a drink. This is the best value on the board.
Prices can vary slightly by location due to local franchise costs, but the numbers below reflect the standard national average. You should always check your local store for the final tax and total, but these prices are a reliable baseline.
Cookout Tray Combos
The tray is the heart of the experience. You pick one main item, two sides, and a drink. The drink is usually a large fountain soda or sweet tea. You also get two corn hushpuppies with every tray.
Here is the standard pricing for the trays:
- Chicken Strips Tray – $6.49
- Chicken Fillet Tray – $6.49
- BBQ Sandwich Tray – $6.49
- Big Double Burger Tray – $6.99
- Cookout Style Tray (Smashed burger) – $6.99
- Pork BBQ Plate Tray – $7.49
- BBQ Ribs Tray – $8.99
- Fried Chicken Sandwich Tray – $6.49
- Chicken Wrap Tray – $6.49
- Hot Dog Tray – $5.99
- Corn Dog Tray – $5.49
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich Tray – $6.99
You can upgrade your side to a milkshake for a small upcharge. Most locations charge around $1.50 to swap a side for a shake. That is still a great deal considering the shake sizes are huge.
Cookout Burger Options
If you are a burger person, you have several choices. The standard burgers are fresh, never frozen. They are cooked over an open flame, which gives them that distinct charred flavor.
Here are the individual burger prices if you don’t want the full tray:
- Cookout Style Burger (Single) – $3.99
- Cookout Style Burger (Double) – $5.49
- Big Double Burger – $5.29
- Cheeseburger (Single) – $4.49
- Bacon Burger – $5.29
- Mushroom Swiss Burger – $5.49
You can add toppings like chili, slaw, or extra cheese for about 50 cents each. The “Cookout Style” burger comes with the works: lettuce, tomato, onion, and their special sauce.
Chicken And Seafood
Cookout isn’t just about burgers. They offer a solid selection of chicken items and even some seafood for the coastal locations. The chicken is always crispy and well-seasoned.
- Chicken Fillet Sandwich – $3.99
- Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich – $4.19
- Chicken Strips (4 pc) – $4.49
- Chicken Strips (6 pc) – $5.99
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – $4.49
- Fried Chicken Sandwich – $3.99
- Fish Sandwich – $4.49
- Shrimp Box (6 pc) – $5.99
The shrimp box is a regional favorite. It comes with a side of cocktail sauce and is usually only available in the Southeast. If you see it on the menu, it is worth trying.
Hot Dogs And Sausage
For a lighter meal or a classic southern taste, the hot dogs are a solid pick. They use a beef frank that snaps when you bite into it.
- Hot Dog (Plain) – $1.79
- Chili Dog – $2.49
- Chili Slaw Dog – $2.79
- Corndog – $1.99
- Polish Sausage Sandwich – $4.29
- Italian Sausage Sandwich – $4.49
The chili slaw dog is a Carolina classic. The combination of sweet slaw and spicy chili on a grilled bun is hard to beat at this price point.
BBQ And Ribs
Cookout takes their BBQ seriously. The pork is slow-cooked and chopped, then tossed in their tangy vinegar-based sauce. It is a true North Carolina style.
- BBQ Sandwich – $3.49
- BBQ Plate (with two sides) – $6.49
- BBQ Ribs (Plate) – $8.99
- BBQ Tray – $6.49
The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. They are slathered in sauce and grilled to order. This is one of the higher-priced items, but it is still cheaper than most sit-down BBQ joints.
Cookout Sides
When you order a tray, you get to pick two sides. The side list is extensive and includes some unique southern options you won’t find elsewhere.
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Cole Slaw
- Corn on the Cob
- Hushpuppies (extra)
- Baked Beans
- Green Beans
- Mac and Cheese
- Potato Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Garden Salad
- Apple Pie
- Chocolate Chip Pie
- Watermelon (seasonal)
- Side Salad
You can also get a side of chili or cheese for a small fee. The onion rings are hand-battered and crispy. The corn on the cob is served with a butter packet.
The Famous Cookout Milkshakes
This is the section everyone waits for. Cookout has over 40 milkshake flavors. They are made with real ice cream and mix-ins. You can get them in a 32 oz size for a very low price.
Here is the pricing for the shakes:
- Regular Shake – $3.49
- Large Shake – $4.29
- Shake with Mix-In – $3.99
You can mix and match any flavors you want. The “Mix-In” option means they blend in candy, cookies, or fruit chunks. The list of flavors is massive. Here are some of the most popular:
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
- Banana
- Peanut Butter
- Caramel
- Oreo
- Reese’s Cup
- M&M
- Heath Bar
- Butterfinger
- Snickers
- Cheesecake
- Pineapple
- Blueberry
- Cherry
- Peach
- Watermelon
You can also do a “Banana Pudding” shake or a “Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough” shake. The possibilities are endless. You can even ask for a “Hurricane” shake, which is a mix of several flavors and toppings.
Cookout Drinks And Tea
Every tray comes with a drink. You can choose from standard sodas, but the real star is the sweet tea. Cookout’s sweet tea is brewed fresh daily and is the perfect balance of sugar and tea.
- Large Soft Drink – $2.19
- Sweet Tea (Large) – $2.19
- Unsweet Tea (Large) – $2.19
- Lemonade – $2.49
- Fruit Punch – $2.49
If you want a float, you can add ice cream to any drink for about $1.00. The “Cherry Coke” float is a favorite among regulars.
Breakfast Menu
Some Cookout locations open early for breakfast. The breakfast menu is simple but effective. It runs from opening until 10:30 AM.
- Breakfast Biscuit (Egg and Cheese) – $2.99
- Sausage Biscuit – $3.29
- Bacon Biscuit – $3.29
- Country Ham Biscuit – $3.49
- Breakfast Tray (Biscuit, Hashbrowns, Egg) – $4.99
They also serve a breakfast wrap and a bowl with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat. The prices are just as low as the regular menu.
How To Order Like A Pro
Ordering at Cookout can be overwhelming the first time. The menu is huge and the line moves fast. Here is a step-by-step guide to make it easy:
- Decide if you want a Tray or just a sandwich.
- If you get a Tray, pick your main item first.
- Pick your two sides from the list.
- Choose your drink.
- Decide if you want a milkshake as a side swap or an extra.
You can order at the drive-thru or walk up to the window. There is usually a separate line for walk-ups. If you are in a car, you can also use the drive-thru lane.
One tip: if you want a milkshake, order it as your drink instead of a side. You will get a bigger shake and still get your two sides. The price difference is minimal.
Nutritional Information
If you are watching your calories, you should know that Cookout is not exactly health food. A standard burger tray with fries and a drink can easily top 1,200 calories. The milkshakes are even more intense, with some flavors exceeding 800 calories.
Here is a quick look at the calorie counts for popular items:
- Cookout Style Burger (Single) – 550 cal
- Chicken Strips (4 pc) – 480 cal
- French Fries (Large) – 450 cal
- Chocolate Milkshake (Regular) – 640 cal
- BBQ Sandwich – 380 cal
You can ask for a nutrition pamphlet at the store or check online. They do not have a dedicated “light” menu, but you can opt for a grilled chicken salad instead of a tray to save some calories.
Cookout Hours And Locations
Cookout is a regional chain. You will find them mostly in the Southeast, but they are expanding. They are in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Most locations are open late. Many stay open until 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM on weekends. This makes them a popular spot for late-night snacks. Some locations are drive-thru only, while others have a small seating area.
You can use the store locator on their official website to find the nearest one. The hours can vary by franchise, so it is best to call ahead if you are going late.
Deals And Value Tips
Cookout doesn’t run a lot of official coupons. Their pricing is already so low that they rarely need to discount. However, there are a few ways to maximize your value:
- Stick to the Tray – It is the best bang for your buck.
- Swap Fries for a Side Salad – It is healthier and costs the same.
- Order Water – It is free and saves you a few cents.
- Share a Milkshake – The large size is massive and can easily feed two.
- Check for Student Discounts – Some locations near colleges offer a 10% discount with a student ID.
You can also order a “Plain Tray” which is just the entree and hushpuppies, no sides. This is cheaper if you are not hungry. It usually runs about $1.00 less than the full tray.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
Cookout remains one of the last true bargains in fast food. While other chains have raised prices significantly, Cookout has kept their menu affordable. You can feed a family of four for under $25.00 if you stick to the trays.
The quality is consistent and the portions are generous. The milkshakes alone are worth the trip. If you have never been, you should go. If you are a regular, you already know the drill.
Just remember that prices can vary by a few cents depending on your city. The menu board at the store will always have the most accurate and current pricing for your specific location. Don’t be afraid to ask the cashier if you have questions about a specific item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cookout have a secret menu?
Yes, there are a few off-menu items. The most famous is the “Hurricane” milkshake, which is a blend of multiple flavors and toppings. You can also ask for a “BBQ Burger” which combines their chopped pork with a beef patty.
Are Cookout prices the same everywhere?
No, prices can vary slightly by location. Franchise owners set their own prices based on local costs. The difference is usually only 10 to 20 cents per item.
Can I order Cookout online for delivery?
Yes, many locations are available on third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. However, the prices on those apps are higher than in-store to cover delivery fees. You will also pay a service charge.
What is the best time to go to Cookout?
Late night is the busiest time, especially after 11 PM. If you want a quick visit, go during off-peak hours like 2 PM to 4 PM. The line is shorter and the food is usually fresh.
Does Cookout offer any vegetarian options?
They do not have a dedicated veggie burger. However, you can order a grilled cheese sandwich or a side salad. The hushpuppies and fries are vegetarian, but they are cooked in shared oil.
So there you have it. The full Cookout menu with prices is straightforward and budget-friendly. Go grab a tray and a shake, you won’t be disappointed. The value is unbeatable and the flavors are classic American comfort food.