New for 2026: Cook Out Tray prices, 40+ milkshake flavors & a head-to-head with the top 10 competitors Compare now →
★ 300+ LOCATIONS · SOUTHEASTERN USA
Cook Out Menu Prices 2026:
Trays, Burgers & 40+ Shakes
The independent guide to the Cook Out menu — every Cook Out Tray, char-grilled burger, BBQ plate, side and fancy milkshake, with price ranges, ordering tips and a comparison against the top 10 fast-food competitors.
300+
Locations in the Southeast
40+
Milkshake Flavors
1989
Founded in Greensboro, NC
Late
Night Double Drive-Thru
The Experience
How Ordering at Cook Out Works
Cook Out is built around the double drive-thru and the famous tray combo. Here is what to expect on your first visit.
1
Pull Up & Order
Roll into the double drive-thru or head to the walk-up window. Most menus are posted outdoors so you can decide in the lane.
2
Build Your Tray
Pick an entrée — burger, BBQ, chicken strips, hot dog or quesadilla — then choose two sides and a drink.
3
Add a Fancy Milkshake
Swap your drink for one of 40+ hand-dipped milkshake flavors, or ask to blend two flavors in one cup.
4
Eat Hot & Fresh
Food is cooked to order on the grill, so expect a short wait — and plenty of late-night hours at many locations.
Our Story
What Makes Cook Out Different?
Cook Out opened its first restaurant in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989 and grew into a Southeastern favorite on one simple promise: big portions at low prices. Burgers and chicken come off a real char-grill, Lexington-style BBQ sits next to hushpuppies and slaw, and the shake menu is one of the deepest in fast food.
This site is an independent fan resource that tracks menu items, price ranges and how Cook Out stacks up against rival chains — so you know what to order before you pull up.
Signature Lineup
The Cook Out Tray Lineup
Every Cook Out Tray bundles an entrée, two sides and a drink — the best-value way to eat here. These are the most-ordered trays.
Cook Out Style Burger Tray
Char-grilled patty stacked with chili, slaw, mustard and onions, plus two sides and a drink.
Approx. $6 – $9
BBQ Tray
Chopped Lexington-style pork barbecue with two sides and a drink.
Approx. $6 – $9
Chicken Strip Tray
Homestyle crispy chicken strips with two sides and a drink.
Approx. $6 – $9
Hot Dog & Quesadilla Trays
Char-grilled beef hot dogs or a cheesy quesadilla with sides and a drink.
Approx. $6 – $9
2026 Pricing
Menu Categories & Price Ranges
Cook Out Trays
Entrée + 2 sides + drink combos.
Approx. $6 – $10
Burgers & Sandwiches
Cook Out Style burgers, char-grilled chicken breast.
Approx. $2 – $6
BBQ, Dogs & Wraps
Chopped pork BBQ, hot dogs, quesadillas, wraps.
Approx. $2 – $6
Milkshakes & Floats
40+ flavors, floats and cheesecake.
Approx. $3.50 – $5
Fan Favorite
Cook Out Milkshake Spotlight
With 40+ flavors and the option to combine two in one cup at many locations, the shake menu is half the reason people visit. Flavors vary by location.
Oreo
Cookies & cream classic.
Banana Pudding
Southern dessert in a cup.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Rich, nutty and chocolatey.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Fruity with a cheesecake finish.
Oreo Cheesecake
Two desserts, one shake.
Order Like a Regular
Mix Two Shake Flavors
Cook Out has no official secret menu, but regulars know the best trick: ask for two milkshake flavors blended in one cup (many locations do this at no extra charge). Try Oreo + Peanut Butter or Banana Pudding + Strawberry.
Compare
Cook Out vs. the Top 10 Fast-Food Competitors
Wondering how Cook Out menu prices and value compare with other drive-thru chains? Here is how Cook Out stacks up against the ten competitors people search for most — Whataburger, Sonic, Culver’s, Zaxby’s, Bojangles, Raising Cane’s, Wendy’s, Five Guys, Checkers/Rally’s and Hardee’s.
#1
Cook Out vs. Whataburger
Known for: Texas-born burger chain known for made-to-order burgers and many 24-hour locations.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out bundles two sides and a drink into every tray and has a far bigger shake menu.
#2
Cook Out vs. Sonic Drive-In
Known for: Carhop drive-in famous for slushes, shakes and customizable drinks.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out answers with 40+ milkshake flavors and a char-grilled, cooked-to-order menu.
#3
Cook Out vs. Culver's
Known for: Midwestern chain built on ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out leans on low tray prices and Southern sides like hushpuppies and slaw.
#4
Cook Out vs. Zaxby's
Known for: Georgia-based chicken-finger and wings specialist with its signature sauce.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out offers chicken strips plus burgers, BBQ and hot dogs under one roof.
#5
Cook Out vs. Bojangles
Known for: Charlotte, NC chain known for Cajun-seasoned chicken and biscuits.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out wins on menu breadth, late hours and dessert-style milkshakes.
#6
Cook Out vs. Raising Cane's
Known for: Chicken-finger specialist with a deliberately short menu.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out gives far more choice: burgers, BBQ, quesadillas, wraps and shakes.
#7
Cook Out vs. Wendy's
Known for: National burger chain known for square patties and the Frosty.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out offers char-grilled burgers and a much wider shake lineup than a single Frosty.
#8
Cook Out vs. Five Guys
Known for: Premium burger-and-fries chain with a build-your-own burger model.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out is typically the budget pick, with full tray meals for less.
#9
Cook Out vs. Checkers & Rally's
Known for: Double drive-thru burger chain famous for seasoned fries.
Cook Out edge: Both love the double drive-thru; Cook Out adds BBQ, trays and 40+ shakes.
#10
Cook Out vs. Hardee's
Known for: Carolinas-born burger and breakfast chain known for Thickburgers.
Cook Out edge: Cook Out is the late-night, tray-and-shake alternative in the same Southeastern markets.
Cook Out vs. Competitors: Quick Comparison Table
| Competitor | Best known for | Where Cook Out stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Whataburger | Texas-born burger chain known for made-to-order burgers and many 24-hour locations. | Cook Out bundles two sides and a drink into every tray and has a far bigger shake menu. |
| Sonic Drive-In | Carhop drive-in famous for slushes, shakes and customizable drinks. | Cook Out answers with 40+ milkshake flavors and a char-grilled, cooked-to-order menu. |
| Culver’s | Midwestern chain built on ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard. | Cook Out leans on low tray prices and Southern sides like hushpuppies and slaw. |
| Zaxby’s | Georgia-based chicken-finger and wings specialist with its signature sauce. | Cook Out offers chicken strips plus burgers, BBQ and hot dogs under one roof. |
| Bojangles | Charlotte, NC chain known for Cajun-seasoned chicken and biscuits. | Cook Out wins on menu breadth, late hours and dessert-style milkshakes. |
| Raising Cane’s | Chicken-finger specialist with a deliberately short menu. | Cook Out gives far more choice: burgers, BBQ, quesadillas, wraps and shakes. |
| Wendy’s | National burger chain known for square patties and the Frosty. | Cook Out offers char-grilled burgers and a much wider shake lineup than a single Frosty. |
| Five Guys | Premium burger-and-fries chain with a build-your-own burger model. | Cook Out is typically the budget pick, with full tray meals for less. |
| Checkers & Rally’s | Double drive-thru burger chain famous for seasoned fries. | Both love the double drive-thru; Cook Out adds BBQ, trays and 40+ shakes. |
| Hardee’s | Carolinas-born burger and breakfast chain known for Thickburgers. | Cook Out is the late-night, tray-and-shake alternative in the same Southeastern markets. |
Menus, prices and promotions change often, so check each brand’s official site or app for current offers. This comparison is editorial and based on general brand positioning, not a live price survey.
Why Fans Love It
What Keeps People Coming Back
★★★★★
Unbeatable Value
The tray format puts an entrée, two sides and a drink at a price that is hard to beat in fast food.
★★★★★
Shake Menu Depth
40+ flavors and the ability to mix two give regulars endless combinations.
★★★★★
Late-Night Hours
Many locations stay open into the early morning, making it a go-to after-hours stop.
Nutrition, Allergens & Ordering Tips
Know Before You Go
Cook Out publishes nutrition and allergen details on its official website and in restaurant materials — check there before ordering if you have dietary needs. Trays are customizable: swap sides, hold toppings, and ask about grilled versus fried options at your location.
Items, sizes and prices differ by market, so use this guide as a planning tool and verify at the window.
Get Menu Updates & Price Changes
Be first to know about new milkshake flavors, seasonal items and menu price changes.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook Out
Find Your Nearest Cook Out
Most locations run a double drive-thru and keep late hours. Check your local restaurant for exact hours and menu.
Cook Out Menu.
Independent fan guide to Cook Out menu items, prices and competitors. Not affiliated with Cook Out.
© 2026 Cook Out Menu — Independent, unofficial fan resource. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cook Out or any competitor named. All trademarks belong to their owners. Prices are estimates and vary by location.