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Fast Food · Burgers · BBQ

Cook Out Menu Prices 2026: Trays, Shakes, Burgers & Full List

Cook Out has been a cult favorite across the Southeastern United States since 1989, beloved for absurdly affordable meals, charcoal-grilled burgers, and a milkshake menu spanning 40+ flavors. The signature Cook Out Tray — an entree, two sides, and a large drink — has long been one of the best deals in fast food, routinely priced around $5–7.

300+ SE U.S. locations40+ milkshake flavorsTrays from ~$5.49Founded 1989
Sample · $

Signature items

Cook Out Tray~$5.49
Large Milkshake~$4.49
BBQ Sandwich Tray~$6.49
Regular Milkshake~$3.49
Quick answers

What to order — at a glance

Cheapest item
Regular Hot Dog ~$1.99
Most popular
Cook Out Tray ~$5.49

Includes entree, 2 sides & large drink

Best value combo
Cook Out Tray ~$5.49
Most milkshake flavors
40+ shake flavors from ~$3.49
Combo meals

Cook Out combo and meal deals

Cook Out Tray~$5.49–$6.99

  • Choice of entree (burger, BBQ, chicken, hot dog, etc.)
  • 2 sides (fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, onion rings, etc.)
  • Large fountain drink

The signature Cook Out deal — one of the best values in fast food. Entree choice affects price.

Full menu with prices

Cook Out full menu and current prices

Cook Out does not publish prices online. Prices shown are community-reported estimates for 2025–2026. Verify at your local location.
Budget picks

Cheapest items on the Cook Out menu

  1. 1Regular Hot DogMost affordable single item on the menu~$1.99
  2. 2Corn Dog~$1.99
  3. 3Coleslaw (side)~$1.49
  4. 4Baked Beans (side)~$1.49
  5. 5Corn on the Cob (side)~$1.49
  6. 6Hamburger (a la carte)~$2.49
  7. 7Cheese Dog~$2.49
  8. 8Slaw Dog~$2.49
  9. 9Chili Dog~$2.49
  10. 10Cheeseburger (a la carte)~$2.99
Calories + price

Most-ordered Cook Out items: calories and estimated price

Calorie counts are approximate based on publicly available nutrition estimates. Cook Out does not publish full nutrition information.

ItemCalories (est.)Price (est.)
Hamburger Tray~900~$5.49
Double Burger Tray~1,050~$5.99
BBQ Sandwich Tray~950~$6.49
Chicken Sandwich Tray~980~$6.49
Grilled Chicken Tray~820~$6.99
Regular Milkshake~600~$3.49
Large Milkshake~900~$4.49
Regular Hot Dog~290~$1.99
French Fries (side)~340~$1.99
Price comparison

How Cook Out prices compare to competitors

Cook Out is consistently one of the most affordable fast-food chains for burger meals and combo deals.

CategoryCook OutMcDonald'sWendy'sSonic
Cheapest single item~$1.49~$1.00~$1.79~$1.49
Basic burger (a la carte)~$2.49~$2.69~$2.69~$2.59
Burger combo / meal~$5.49~$7.99~$8.49~$8.29
Milkshake / shake~$3.49~$3.99~$4.09~$3.79
Chicken sandwich~$3.99~$4.49~$4.99~$4.29
About

About Cook Out

Cook Out was founded in 1989 by Morris Reaves in Mooresville, North Carolina. What began as a simple drive-in focused on charcoal-grilled burgers quickly developed a devoted following across the Southeast, fueled largely by word of mouth and staggeringly low prices. Unlike most fast-food chains, Cook Out has remained privately held and family-operated for its entire history, allowing it to keep menu prices far below the national average.

The chain's most iconic offering is the Cook Out Tray — an entree (chosen from burgers, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken, corn dogs, or a BLT), two sides (from a list including hush puppies, baked beans, coleslaw, onion rings, Cajun fries, and corn on the cob), and a large drink. For decades, the Tray has been priced in the $5–7 range, making it one of the best-value fast-food combo meals in the country and a late-night staple for college students and budget-conscious families alike.

Cook Out's milkshake program is another point of fierce loyalty. With more than 40 flavors — including regional specialties like Cheerwine (made with the beloved North Carolina cherry soda) and unusual options like Banana Pudding and Butterfinger — the shake menu is broader than most dedicated ice cream shops. As of 2026, Cook Out operates more than 300 locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, West Virginia, Florida, and Indiana, with continued expansion underway.

300+U.S. locations
1989Founded
40+Milkshake flavors
$Price range

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cook Out Tray and how much does it cost?

The Cook Out Tray is Cook Out's signature combo meal: you choose one entree (burger, BBQ sandwich, chicken, hot dog, corn dog, or BLT), two sides from a list that includes fries, hush puppies, onion rings, coleslaw, baked beans, and more, plus a large fountain drink. It's one of the best-value fast-food deals in the country, with prices typically ranging from about $5.49 to $6.99 depending on your entree choice. Note that Cook Out does not publish prices online, so verify the current price at your location.

How many milkshake flavors does Cook Out have?

Cook Out offers more than 40 milkshake flavors — far more than most fast-food or even dedicated shake shops. Classic flavors include Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Banana. Regional specialties include Cheerwine (made with the famous North Carolina cherry soda). Candy-inspired options include Oreo, Butterfinger, Reese's Cup, and Snickers. Additional flavors span Coffee, Caramel, Peach, Watermelon, Mint Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and many more. Shakes come in regular (~$3.49) and large (~$4.49) sizes.

What states have Cook Out locations?

As of 2026, Cook Out operates primarily in the Southeastern United States. States with locations include North Carolina (where it was founded), South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, West Virginia, Florida, and Indiana. The chain has been gradually expanding but remains concentrated in the Southeast. Use the store locator on cookout.com to find the nearest location.

Does Cook Out have a vegetarian menu?

Cook Out's menu is meat-focused, but there are vegetarian-friendly side options. Sides like French fries, Cajun fries, onion rings, hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, cheese bites, and quesadillas are all vegetarian. Milkshakes and floats are also vegetarian (though not vegan, as they contain dairy). Cook Out does not currently offer a plant-based burger patty option.

What are the best value items at Cook Out?

The Cook Out Tray is the undisputed best value — entree plus two sides plus a large drink for roughly $5.49 to $6.99 is exceptional for fast food. Individual hot dogs and corn dogs at around $1.99 are also extremely affordable. For a satisfying snack, the side options at $1.49–$1.99 each are great picks. Cook Out consistently underprices most national burger chains by $2–3 on equivalent meals.

Does Cook Out publish their prices online?

No. Cook Out is notable for not listing prices on their website or app. This is an intentional policy that has remained in place throughout the chain's history. Prices can vary slightly by location and may change over time. The prices shown on this page are community-reported estimates for 2025–2026 and should be verified at your local Cook Out before ordering.

What are the most popular items at Cook Out?

The Cook Out Tray is by far the most popular order. Among tray options, the Hamburger Tray and BBQ Sandwich Tray rank highest. The milkshakes are enormously popular — Peach and Cheerwine are widely cited as fan favorites for their regional uniqueness. Among sides, hush puppies and Cajun fries are perennial favorites. The Chili Slaw Dog has a dedicated cult following among hot dog lovers.

Is Cook Out open late?

Yes. Cook Out is well-known for its late-night hours — most locations stay open until midnight or later, with many open until 3 or 4 AM on weekends. This has made it a popular late-night destination for college students throughout the Southeast. Hours vary by location, so check the store locator on cookout.com for your nearest restaurant's specific hours.

Does Cook Out have a kids' menu or kids' meals?

Cook Out does not have a dedicated kids' menu or kids' meal program in the same way that McDonald's has Happy Meals. However, the Cook Out Tray with its affordable price point and customizable sides works well for children. Corn dogs and plain hot dogs are popular choices for younger diners. The large milkshake selection also appeals to all ages.