Discovering Cookout: Southern Flavors and Drive-Thru Convenience

Fast, fresh, and affordable—Cookout has earned its reputation as a Southern favorite for those craving grilled burgers, tray meals, and over 40 milkshake flavors. With roots in North Carolina, Cookout’s simple drive-thru design and expansive menu have attracted college students, families, and road-trippers across the Southeast. If you’re curious about their full menu offerings, start by checking out the Cookout menu.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Cookout’s history and unique value proposition
  
• How to navigate the menu: trays, grillburgers, sandwiches, and more
  
• Signature items that keep fans coming back
  
• Finding a Cookout near you
  
• Tips to make the most of your Cookout visit
  

---

The History and Appeal of Cookout

Founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Cookout began with a simple vision: offer high-quality grilled food at unbeatable prices. Unlike many fast-food chains that churn out dozens of menu items, Cookout focused on a narrower, well-executed selection:

1. Limited Footprint
   Each Cookout restaurant features a small indoor dining area with picnic-style benches and a prominent drive-thru lane. This streamlined footprint keeps overhead low and service fast.
   
2. Tray System
   Instead of ordering burgers and sides separately, Cookout offers “trays” that include a main item (grillburger, chicken sandwich, hot dog, or BBQ sandwich), two sides, and a drink or milkshake. Pricing is straightforward—one flat rate for a full meal.
   
3. Freshly Grilled Burgers
   Cookout’s grillburgers are cooked to order on a flat-top grill, imparting a smoky flavor often missing from mass-produced burgers.
   
4. Expandable Milkshake Menu
   With over 40 milkshake flavors—from classic chocolate and vanilla to unique combos like Mango Pie or Reese’s—the milkshake lineup generates excitement and encourages repeat visits.
   

Over the decades, Cookout expanded across the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama. Despite growth, each location preserves the original small-town feel: a single drive-thru window, a walk-up counter, and a handful of tables indoors. This consistency has built strong brand loyalty among students and families seeking fast, fill-up meals without breaking the bank.

---

How to Navigate the Cookout Menu

For first-time visitors, the menu can seem extensive. Here’s how to break it down:

Trays—The Heart of Cookout

A Cookout tray is the most popular way to order. Each tray includes:

• Main Item: Choose from grillburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, or quesadillas.
  
• Two Sides: Options range from classic French fries and onion rings to regional favorites like hushpuppies and corn dog nuggets.
  
• Drink or Milkshake: Fountain soda, lemonades, teas, or any milkshake flavor.
  

Trays are typically priced between $6 and $8, depending on the main item. For example:

• Hamburger Tray: Hamburger, any two sides, and a small drink or milkshake.
  
• Chicken Strip Tray: Three crispy chicken strips, two sides, and your choice of drink.
  
• BBQ Sandwich Tray: Pulled pork sandwich, two sides, and a drink.
  

Because trays bundle items, customers appreciate the simplicity: one price for a full meal. If you’re very hungry, choose heartier sides like onion rings and cheese fries. If you want something lighter, opt for coleslaw and a side salad.

Grillburgers and Sandwiches (A La Carte)

If you’d rather mix and match, order items a la carte:

• Grillburgers
  
  • Hamburger: Beef patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions on a soft bun.
    
  • Cheeseburger: Adds a slice of American cheese.
    
  • Cookout Style Burger: Lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, and Cookout’s special sauce—often referred to as “Cookout Style.”
    
• Chicken Sandwiches
  
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Marinated grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomato.
    
  • Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Fried chicken breast tossed in spicy buffalo-style sauce.
    
• BBQ Sandwich
  
  • Pulled pork smothered in tangy barbecue sauce on a bun.
    
• Hot Dogs
  
  • Classic Hot Dog: Char-grilled and served on a soft bun.
    
  • Coney Dog: Topped with chili and diced onions.
    
  • Slaw Dog: Chili, coleslaw, and diced onions.
    

You can customize any burger or sandwich by adding extra cheese, bacon, or specialty sauces.

Sides—Classic and Regional

Cookout’s sides are a highlight:

• French Fries (classic or Cajun-seasoned)
  
• Onion Rings
  
• Hushpuppies (deep-fried cornmeal balls)—a Southern specialty
  
• Coleslaw (creamy cabbage slaw)
  
• Potato Salad
  
• Corn Dog Nuggets (bite-sized corn dogs)—unique to Cookout
  
• Chili Cheese Fries (fries topped with chili and melted cheese)
  
• Cheese Fries (fries topped with melted cheese)
  

Regional variations appear at some locations—like hushpuppies in the Carolinas or corn dog nuggets in Georgia—adding local flair.

Milkshakes—More Than 40 Flavors

Milkshakes are made with soft-serve and real mix-ins. Popular flavors include:

• Fruit: Strawberry, Banana, Peach
  
• Candy/Chocolate: Oreo, Reese’s, M&M’s
  
• Unique Blends: Mango Pie, Pumpkin Pie (seasonal), Peanut Butter Cup
  

Sizes range from single-scoop small to triple-scoop large. You can also order a milkshake as your drink within a tray.

---

Signature Items That Keep Fans Returning

While many items delight, a few standouts have become fan favorites:

Heart-Stopper Cookout Style Burger

This off-menu legend isn’t listed but often requested by seasoned patrons—two beef patties, double cheese, bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, and Cookout sauce stacked high. It’s aptly nicknamed the “Heart-Stopper” for its hearty size.

Hushpuppies

Cookout’s hushpuppies—made of seasoned cornmeal batter, deep-fried to golden perfection—capture the essence of Southern cooking. They’re crisp on the outside, tender inside, and often delight diners who haven’t encountered them before.

Corn Dog Nuggets

Bite-sized hot dogs dipped in cornmeal batter and fried, Corn Dog Nuggets offer a fun change from fries. They’re popular with kids and adults craving a nostalgic snack.

Mango Pie Milkshake

One of the unique seasonal offerings, the Mango Pie Milkshake blends fresh mango purée, real pie crust chunks, and soft-serve ice cream. Available in summer months, it showcases Cookout’s creativity.

---

Finding a Cookout Near You

Whether you’re traveling through the South or live in a college town, finding a Cookout should be easy. For the most up-to-date list of locations, visit cookout near you. You can search by state and city to see hours, drive-thru status, and contact information.

Typical service hours vary by location but generally run from late morning (10 AM or 11 AM) until midnight or later. Some college towns stay open 24 hours on weekends to cater to students. Always check the specific location’s hours before heading out.

---

Tips for the Best Cookout Experience

1. Order During Off-Peak Hours
   
   • If possible, visit between 2 PM and 5 PM to avoid long drive-thru lines. Evenings after 7 PM can be busy in college towns.
     
2. Customize Your Tray
   
   • Take advantage of the tray system. If you love hushpuppies, pick them as one side. If you want a rich, decadent meal, choose chili cheese fries and a large milkshake.
     
3. Try Regional Specials
   
   • Some locations offer area-specific sides—such as hushpuppies in the Carolinas or Cajun fries in Georgia. Ask if a local specialty is available.
     
4. Use Cash When Possible
   
   • Some outlets offer a slight discount for cash payments versus card to reduce processing fees.
     
5. Share with Friends
   
   • The trays are generous. Consider sharing a couple of trays with friends and swapping sides so everyone can try more items.
     
6. Follow on Social Media
   
   • Cookout often teases new milkshake flavors or limited-time sides on Facebook and Instagram. Following your local Cookout page ensures you don’t miss out.
     

---

Summary

Cookout has built a devoted following by providing fresh, grilled fast food at wallet-friendly prices. From its humble 1989 beginnings in Greensboro to more than 200 locations across the Southeast, Cookout’s success stems from a focused menu, value trays, and a playful milkshake lineup.

Key takeaways:

• Trays Simplify Ordering: A main item, two sides, and a drink or milkshake at one flat price.
  
• Signature Flavors: Heart-Stopper burgers, hushpuppies, and corn dog nuggets set Cookout apart.
  
• Extensive Milkshake Menu: Over 40 flavors keep customers coming back for more.
  
• Find a Nearby Location: Use the cookout near you locator to plan your visit and check hours.
  

Whether you’re a student on a budget or a family craving Southern flavors, Cookout offers a fast, friendly, and flavorful dining experience. Be sure to scroll through the Cookout menu before you go, so you can make the most of your visit.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What exactly is included in a Cookout tray?
A Cookout tray includes one main item (such as a burger, chicken sandwich, hot dog, or quesadilla), two sides (fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, etc.), and a drink or milkshake. The bundled pricing makes it easy to get a full meal at a set cost.

Q2: How many milkshake flavors does Cookout offer?
Cookout rotates through more than 40 flavors, ranging from classic chocolate and vanilla to seasonal specialties like Mango Pie or Pumpkin Pie. Each is hand-spun with soft-serve ice cream and real mix-ins.

Q3: Are Cookout’s hushpuppies vegetarian?
No. Traditional hushpuppies contain buttermilk and sometimes bacon drippings. If you require vegetarian options, choose sides like coleslaw, cheese fries, or corn dog nuggets may not qualify either—verify ingredients with the local kitchen.

Q4: Do all Cookout locations offer the same menu?
Most core items are consistent across all locations, but some areas have regional additions (e.g., hushpuppies more prevalent in the Carolinas). Always check your local menu online or via call.

Q5: Can I customize my milkshake?
Yes. You can choose your base flavor and request extra add-ins (Oreo chunks, fresh fruit pieces) if the location has them in stock. Additional charges may apply for mix-ins beyond the standard recipe.

Q6: What are Cookout’s typical operating hours?
Hours vary by location, but most open around 10 AM or 11 AM and close around midnight. College-town outlets may operate 24 hours on weekends. Check the “cookout near you” locator for exact times.