A cookout restaurant chain called Cook Out started in North Carolina and is known for cheap combo meals, more than 40 milkshake flavors, and drive-thru hours that stay open past midnight. If you have ever driven past a busy drive-thru at 2 AM with a long line of cars, there is a good chance it was this cookout restaurant. This guide covers what makes it special, what you can order, how much it costs, where to find one, and what real customers think about it.
What Is a Cookout Restaurant?
The term “cookout restaurant” usually points to one specific chain: Cookout. It started in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989. A man named Morris Reaves opened the first store. Today, his son Jeremy Reaves runs the company as CEO. This cookout restaurant is still owned by the Reaves family, which is rare for a chain this size. Most large fast food brands are owned by big public companies, but Cook Out has stayed private since day one.
This cookout restaurant is not a giant national brand like McDonald’s or Burger King. It has grown slowly and mostly stayed in the southeastern United States. The most locations are in North Carolina, followed by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. It has also spread into Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Maryland, with over 350 stores total.
Most cookout restaurant buildings are simple. They have two drive-thru lanes and a walk-up window. Many older locations do not have a big dining room inside. This keeps building costs low, which is one reason the food itself stays so cheap.
How Much Does a Meal at This Cookout Restaurant Cost?
This is one of the biggest reasons people talk about this cookout restaurant. A single tray meal, which includes a main item, two sides, and a drink, usually costs between $5 and $8, depending on the state and what you order. That is often less than the price of a single burger meal at other chains. Side items like fries or hushpuppies usually cost under $3, and milkshakes are close to $4. Because of this pricing, many customers say a meal here feels less like fast food prices and more like a home-cooked meal price.
Cookout Restaurant Menu Prices
| Item | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Tray Meal (main + 2 sides + drink) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Single Burger | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Chicken Sandwich | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| BBQ Sandwich | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Hot Dog | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Fries (Regular) | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Milkshake | $3.50 – $4.00 |
| Milkshake Upgrade (add to tray) | +$1.00 |
Why Do People Love This Cookout Restaurant So Much?
A few clear reasons explain the loyal fan base:
Low prices. A full meal often costs less than a single item somewhere else. This makes it a top pick for students and families watching their budget.
Late-night hours. Many locations stay open until 2 AM, 3 AM, or even 4 AM on weekends. This is a big reason college students love this cookout restaurant. When other restaurants are closed, it is often still serving food.
A big menu with real choice. Instead of picking from ten items, you build your own tray with a main dish, two sides, and a drink. There are also more than 40 milkshake flavors, which is unusual for a fast food chain of this size.
Southern-style flavor. The food has a homestyle taste. The char-grilled burgers and the North Carolina-style barbecue give this cookout restaurant a flavor that feels different from typical fast food.
What Can You Order at This Cookout Restaurant?
The menu looks large at first, but it breaks down into a few easy groups.
Burgers
The burgers are cooked on a char-grill, which gives them a smoky taste. Styles include a classic burger with lettuce and tomato, a cheddar style with bacon, and a spicy nacho chili style. Sizes range from a small single patty to a large double burger for bigger appetites.
The Tray Meal
This is the most popular way to order at this cookout restaurant, and many regulars say it is the best deal on the whole menu. A tray comes with one main item, two side dishes, and a drink. You can trade the drink for a milkshake by paying a small extra amount, usually around one dollar.
Chicken
For a lighter option, the chicken section has grilled chicken breast sandwiches, crispy chicken strips, and wraps. You can pick mild or spicy versions depending on your taste.
Barbecue and Hot Dogs
This cookout restaurant is known for its North Carolina-style pulled pork barbecue, sold as a sandwich or a full plate. The hot dog menu has several choices too, including a classic dog and one loaded with chili and cheese.
Milkshakes
This is where this cookout restaurant really stands out from other fast food chains. Most places offer three or four milkshake flavors. Here you get more than 40, including fruit flavors like peach and strawberry, candy flavors like Snickers and Reese’s Cup, and seasonal flavors like pumpkin pie and eggnog that only show up certain times of the year.
Sides and Extras
Sides include regular fries, Cajun fries, cheese fries, onion rings, and hushpuppies, which are small fried cornbread balls and a true Southern favorite. Sauces like the house sauce, BBQ sauce, and ranch let you add extra flavor to almost any item.
Cookout Restaurant Menu Overview
| Menu Category | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Burgers | Char-grilled, multiple styles and sizes |
| Chicken | Grilled breast, strips, wraps, sandwiches |
| Barbecue | Pulled pork sandwich or plate |
| Hot Dogs | Classic and loaded styles |
| Milkshakes | 40+ flavors, fruit and candy options |
| Sides | Fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, cheese bites |
| Sauces | House sauce, BBQ sauce, ranch, and more |
Is This Cookout Restaurant Good for People with Food Needs?
There are some choices for people avoiding gluten at this cookout restaurant. A plain grilled chicken breast without a bun, a hamburger patty without a bun, plain fries, coleslaw, and most milkshakes can work for a gluten-free diet. That said, the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free space, so anyone with a serious allergy should always double-check with staff before ordering, since cross-contact is possible.
Cookout Restaurant Hours and How to Order
Most locations open around 10:30 in the morning. On weekdays, they usually close between 2 and 3 AM. On Friday and Saturday nights, many stay open until 3 or 4 AM. Hours can change based on the city and even the specific store, so it helps to check your local location before a late-night trip.
Ordering at this cookout restaurant is simple. You pick your main food, decide between a tray or a single item, choose your sides, pick a drink, and add any sauces you want. Most stores take cash, debit cards, credit cards, and gift cards. Newer locations often accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay too, though this depends on the store.
This cookout restaurant mainly focuses on drive-thru and walk-up service rather than delivery. A small number of locations partner with apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but this is not available everywhere.
Cookout Restaurant Time
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 AM | 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM | 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM | 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM | 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM | 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM | 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM | 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
What Do Real Customers Say About This Cookout Restaurant?
Every restaurant chain gets a mix of reviews, and looking at real customer feedback gives a more honest picture than just listing menu items.
What people like most:
- Big food portions for a low price
- The wide milkshake selection, which regulars say is hard to find anywhere else
- Friendly staff at many locations
- Being open when almost nothing else is
What people complain about:
- A few customers report missing items in their bag, such as a side or a sandwich left out
- Some say portion sizes feel smaller than expected once they get home
- A small number of reviews mention cleanliness issues at certain locations, especially during busy late-night hours
This kind of mixed feedback is normal for any chain with hundreds of separate stores, since the experience can shift from one location to the next. The safest habit is to check your bag before driving away, especially during a rush.
| What Customers Like | What Customers Complain About |
|---|---|
| Large portions for low price | Occasional missing items in the order |
| Wide milkshake selection | Portion size feels smaller than expected sometimes |
| Friendly staff at most locations | Cleanliness issues at a few locations |
| Open late when other places are closed | Wait times can be long during peak hours |
How This Cookout Restaurant Compares to Other Fast Food Chains
This cookout restaurant does not try to compete directly with giants like McDonald’s or Wendy’s on menu size or national reach. Instead, it competes on price and portion size. A full tray meal often costs about the same as a single sandwich meal elsewhere, which is why so many reviews focus on value rather than speed or convenience. The trade-off is smaller: fewer locations, shorter delivery options, and hours that can vary more between stores than a bigger chain would allow.
| Factor | This Cookout Restaurant | Typical Big Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Full meal price | $5 – $8 | $8 – $12 |
| Milkshake flavor variety | 40+ flavors | 3 – 5 flavors |
| Late-night hours | Often open until 3–4 AM | Usually closes by midnight |
| National reach | Southeastern US only | Nationwide |
| Delivery availability | Limited | Widely available |
Cookout Restaurant Facts and Numbers
- Founded: 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina
- Headquarters: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Locations: More than 350 across 10+ states
- Most locations: North Carolina, followed by South Carolina and Georgia
- Milkshake flavors: More than 40
- Typical tray price: $5 to $8
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989, Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Headquarters | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| Total Locations | 350+ |
| States Covered | 10+ (Southeastern US) |
| Milkshake Flavors | 40+ |
| Typical Tray Price | $5 – $8 |
| Ownership | Privately owned by the Reaves family |
Tips for First-Time Visitors to This Cookout Restaurant
- Start with the tray meal so you can try a main item, two sides, and a drink all at once.
- Try a milkshake flavor you cannot find anywhere else, like a Cheerwine float or peanut butter fudge.
- If you are not sure what to order, ask the staff for their favorite combo. Many workers are happy to share a tip.
- Visit during a quieter time, like mid-afternoon, if you want faster service. Late nights can bring long drive-thru lines, sometimes 15 minutes or more.
- Always check your bag before leaving, especially during busy hours.
- If you want to save even more, skip the milkshake upgrade and stick with a regular drink, since the swap adds extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Cookout Restaurant
Final Thoughts
This cookout restaurant has built its name by staying simple: low prices, a wide range of choices, and hours that fit even the latest night owls. Whether you are a student looking for a cheap meal after midnight or a family wanting a filling dinner without a big bill, it has earned its loyal following for clear reasons. If there is a location near you, the tray meal paired with one of the forty-plus milkshake flavors is the easiest way to see what the fuss is about.