Cookout prices menu items consistently below typical fast-food rates while offering generous combo deals. If you are looking for a fast-food spot that won’t empty your wallet, Cookout is a solid choice. Their menu is famous for big portions and low prices, making it a favorite for students, families, and anyone on a budget. You can get a full meal with a drink and two sides for less than what a single burger costs at other places. This article breaks down the entire Cookout prices menu, so you know exactly what to expect and how to save the most money.
We will walk through every category, from burgers to shakes, and highlight the best value options. You will learn about the famous Cookout tray, the massive milkshake selection, and the hidden deals that make this chain stand out. Whether you are a first-timer or a regular, this guide helps you order smart and get the most bang for your buck.
Cookout Prices Menu Overview
Cookout keeps things simple with a focused menu. They don’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, they excel at a few core items: burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and their legendary milkshakes. The pricing strategy is straightforward: keep it low, keep it consistent, and offer combos that feel like a steal.
Most individual items range from about $1 to $5. The combo trays, which include a main item, two sides, and a drink, typically cost between $5 and $8. This is significantly cheaper than comparable meals at McDonald’s or Burger King. You are paying less and often getting more food.
One key thing to note: prices can vary slightly by location. A Cookout in a big city might charge a dollar more than one in a small town. But overall, the price structure remains remarkably uniform across the chain. The menu itself is also easy to navigate, with clear categories and no confusing upselling.
How The Cookout Tray Works
The Cookout tray is the heart of the menu. It is a combo meal that includes one main entree, two sides, and a drink. The drink is a fountain soda or tea, but you can upgrade to a milkshake for a small extra charge. The tray is the best value on the menu, and most customers order it.
You choose your main from a list that includes burgers, chicken wraps, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and more. Then you pick two sides from options like fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw, baked beans, corn dog, or a side salad. The variety lets you customize your meal every time.
The tray price is usually around $5.49 to $6.99, depending on the main item you select. A basic burger tray is at the lower end, while a chicken tender tray might be slightly higher. Even at the top end, it is still cheaper than a standard value meal elsewhere.
Burgers And Sandwiches
Burgers are a cornerstone of the Cookout prices menu. They offer several styles, from a simple single burger to a big double with cheese. The patties are thin but flavorful, and they come with standard toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. You can add bacon or extra cheese for a small fee.
The Cookout Style Burger is a signature item. It comes with chili, slaw, and mustard, giving it a Southern twist. This is a messy but delicious option that regulars love. The price for a single Cookout Style Burger is around $2.49, which is a great deal for a specialty burger.
Chicken sandwiches are also popular. The classic chicken sandwich is a breaded and fried patty with pickles and mayo. It costs about $2.29. There is also a grilled chicken option for those watching calories, priced similarly. Both are simple but satisfying.
Burger And Sandwich Prices
- Single Burger: $1.89
- Double Burger: $2.79
- Triple Burger: $3.69
- Cookout Style Burger (single): $2.49
- Cookout Style Double Burger: $3.49
- Chicken Sandwich (fried): $2.29
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: $2.49
- Chicken Wrap: $2.19
- Hot Dog: $1.69
- Chili Dog: $1.99
These prices are for individual items. If you order a tray, the main item is included in the tray price. So a single burger tray might be $5.49, while a double burger tray is $6.29. The upgrade is worth it if you are hungry.
Milkshakes And Desserts
Cookout milkshakes are legendary. They offer over 40 flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to wild options like Banana Pudding or Cheesecake. The shakes are thick, creamy, and made with real ice cream. They are also huge, easily enough for two people to share.
The price for a regular milkshake is around $3.49. A large is about $4.49. Compared to a fast-food shake that costs $4 or $5 for a small, this is a bargain. You can also get a milkshake as a drink upgrade with your tray for about $1 extra, which is an incredible deal.
Dessert options are limited but good. They have a banana split for about $3.99 and a sundae for $2.49. The banana split is massive and loaded with toppings. If you have a sweet tooth, the milkshake is the way to go.
Popular Milkshake Flavors
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Vanilla
- Banana
- Peanut Butter
- Oreo
- M&M
- Butterfinger
- Cheesecake
- Banana Pudding
You can also mix flavors. Want a chocolate and peanut butter shake? Just ask. The staff is usually happy to customize. The milkshake menu is a big reason why people visit Cookout, and the prices make it even more appealing.
Sides And Extras
The side options at Cookout are diverse and affordable. When you order a tray, you get two sides. The standard choices include french fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, onion rings, and a corn dog. Each side is a generous portion.
French fries are classic and crispy. Hushpuppies are a Southern staple, deep-fried cornmeal balls that are slightly sweet. Coleslaw is creamy and tangy. Baked beans are sweet and savory. Onion rings are thick and battered. You really cannot go wrong.
If you order a side individually, it costs about $1.49 to $2.49. The corn dog is on the higher end. But since sides come free with a tray, you are getting a lot of value. Some locations also offer a side salad for a small upcharge, but that is less common.
Side Options And Prices
- French Fries: $1.49
- Hushpuppies: $1.49
- Coleslaw: $1.49
- Baked Beans: $1.69
- Corn On The Cob: $1.99
- Onion Rings: $1.99
- Corn Dog: $2.49
- Side Salad: $2.99
These sides are also available as part of a tray. If you want extra sides, you can add them for a small fee. The variety keeps the menu interesting, and you can try different combinations each visit.
Drinks And Beverages
Drinks at Cookout are standard but cheap. Fountain sodas, sweet tea, unsweet tea, and lemonade are available. A small drink is around $1.29, a medium is $1.49, and a large is $1.69. These prices are lower than most fast-food chains.
Sweet tea is a Southern staple and Cookout makes it well. It is sweet, strong, and refreshing. Lemonade is also popular, especially in summer. You can get a combo of tea and lemonade called an Arnold Palmer for no extra cost.
As mentioned, you can upgrade your tray drink to a milkshake for about $1. This is the best value on the menu. A milkshake alone costs $3.49, but as an upgrade, it is a steal. Always consider this option if you want a treat.
Value Meals And Combos
Beyond the standard tray, Cookout offers a few other combo deals. There is a Big Double Burger Combo that includes a double burger, fries, and a drink for about $5.99. This is similar to the tray but with a fixed side.
There is also a Chicken Wrap Combo for $5.49. It comes with a chicken wrap, fries, and a drink. These combos are convenient if you do not want to choose two sides. But the tray gives you more flexibility and often better value.
For groups, Cookout has family packs. A Family Pack might include 4 burgers, 4 fries, and 4 drinks for around $20. This is a great deal for feeding a family of four. Prices vary by location, but it is consistently cheaper than buying individual meals.
Best Value Items On The Menu
- Cookout Tray (any main): $5.49 – $6.99
- Milkshake upgrade with tray: $1.00
- Single Burger: $1.89
- Hot Dog: $1.69
- Chicken Wrap: $2.19
- Family Pack: around $20
These items give you the most food for the least money. The tray is the star, but the individual items are also cheap if you just want a quick snack. Avoid the premium items like the BBQ plate if you are on a strict budget, as they cost a bit more.
Regional Price Variations
Cookout prices are not the same everywhere. In states like North Carolina, where the chain started, prices tend to be lower. A tray might cost $5.49 in Raleigh but $6.49 in Atlanta. This is due to differences in rent, labor costs, and supply chains.
In general, the Southeast has the lowest prices. As you move north or west, prices creep up. But even in expensive areas, Cookout remains cheaper than most competitors. A tray in Virginia might be $6.99, which is still a good deal.
If you are traveling, check the local menu online or call ahead. Some locations have specials or discounts that others do not. The core menu stays the same, but prices can shift by a dollar or two.
How To Order To Save Money
Ordering smart at Cookout can save you even more. First, always get the tray instead of individual items. The tray includes a drink and two sides, which would cost extra if bought separately. The tray is the best value by far.
Second, choose the milkshake upgrade. For just $1, you get a thick, delicious shake that costs $3.49 alone. This is a no-brainer if you like shakes. It turns a cheap meal into a treat without breaking the bank.
Third, skip the premium sides. Onion rings and corn dogs cost more than fries or hushpuppies. If you choose the cheaper sides, you save a little. It is not a huge difference, but it adds up over time.
Fourth, share a large milkshake. A large shake is huge and can easily be split between two people. This cuts the cost per person to about $2.25, which is a great deal for a high-quality shake.
Finally, use coupons if available. Cookout occasionally offers coupons in local mailers or apps. These might give you a free side or a discount on a tray. Check before you go to maximize savings.
Nutritional Information
Cookout food is not health food, but it is honest fast food. A single burger has about 300 calories. A tray with fries and a drink can easily hit 1,000 calories or more. The milkshakes are calorie bombs, with a large shake containing over 800 calories.
If you are watching your diet, there are lighter options. The grilled chicken sandwich has about 400 calories. A side salad with light dressing is around 150 calories. Unsweet tea has zero calories. You can build a reasonable meal if you are careful.
But most people visit Cookout for the indulgence. The portions are big, the flavors are bold, and the prices are low. It is a treat, not a daily habit. If you go in with that mindset, you will enjoy it.
Comparison With Other Fast Food Chains
How does Cookout compare to McDonald’s, Burger King, or Wendy’s? In terms of price, Cookout wins hands down. A Big Mac meal at McDonald’s costs around $8. A Cookout tray with a double burger costs about $6. That is a $2 saving, and the Cookout meal is often larger.
In terms of quality, Cookout is comparable. The burgers are not gourmet, but they are fresh and tasty. The milkshakes are far superior to any fast-food chain. The sides are more varied and interesting. Cookout offers better value overall.
The main downside is limited locations. Cookout is mostly in the Southeast, with some spots in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. If you live in the Northeast or West Coast, you probably do not have one nearby. But if you do, it is a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest item on the Cookout menu?
The cheapest item is a hot dog at $1.69. A single burger is close at $1.89. These are great for a quick, cheap snack.
2. Does Cookout have a senior discount or student discount?
Cookout does not officially offer senior or student discounts. However, some locations might have local deals. It is best to ask at the counter.
3. Can I get a Cookout tray with a milkshake instead of a drink?
Yes, you can upgrade your tray drink to a milkshake for about $1. This is a popular option and a great value.
4. Are Cookout prices the same at all locations?
No, prices vary by location. Urban areas tend to be slightly more expensive than rural ones. But the overall value remains consistent.
5. Does Cookout offer any vegetarian options?
Vegetarian options are limited. You can get a side salad, fries, hushpuppies, or a grilled cheese sandwich. There is no plant-based burger.
Final Thoughts On The Cookout Prices Menu
The Cookout prices menu is designed for value. Every item is affordable, and the combos are generous. Whether you want a quick burger or a thick milkshake, you will pay less than at most fast-food places. The tray is the star, but the individual items are also cheap.
If you have not tried Cookout, give it a shot. The menu is simple, the food is good, and the prices are hard to beat. Just be ready for a messy meal and a full stomach. It is fast food done right, without the premium price tag.
Remember to check your local menu for exact prices. And always consider the milkshake upgrade. It is the best deal on the menu. Enjoy your meal and save some cash while you are at it.