Cook Out’s menu prices are famous for allowing customers to build hearty trays without overspending. If you are looking for a fast-food spot that gives you real value, Cook Out is hard to beat. Their menu is simple, focused on trays, shakes, and sides, but the pricing structure is what keeps people coming back. In this guide, we break down every cost, combo, and option so you know exactly what to expect when you pull up to the drive-thru.
You might have heard about the “Cook Out tray” – it is the backbone of the whole menu. For a set price, you pick one main item, two sides, and a drink. That is it. No complicated upselling, no hidden fees. The prices vary slightly by location, but the core numbers stay pretty consistent across the Southeast and beyond.
Cook Out Menu Prices
Let’s get right into the numbers. The standard Cook Out tray price usually falls between $5.50 and $7.00, depending on your main protein choice. The most basic tray – a double hamburger or a chicken sandwich – will be on the lower end. Specialty items like a pulled pork sandwich or a quesadilla might push it toward the top of that range.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect for the main tray items:
- Double Hamburger Tray: Around $5.50
- Double Cheeseburger Tray: Around $5.75
- Chicken Sandwich Tray: Around $5.50
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich Tray: Around $5.75
- Pulled Pork Sandwich Tray: Around $6.50
- Chicken Quesadilla Tray: Around $6.75
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich Tray: Around $6.25
- Hot Dog Tray (two dogs): Around $5.50
- Corn Dog Tray (two dogs): Around $5.50
These prices are averages. Some locations in bigger cities might add a few cents, while rural stores often stick to the lower end. The key point is that you are getting a full meal – main, two sides, and a drink – for less than seven bucks. That is hard to find anywhere else.
Side Item Options And Costs
Your tray includes two sides from a long list. You do not pay extra for choosing certain sides over others. The sides are all included in the base tray price. This is where Cook Out really shines. You are not limited to fries and coleslaw. You can pick hushpuppies, onion rings, baked beans, or even a corn dog as a side.
Popular side choices include:
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Hushpuppies
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Corn Dog
- Apple Pie
- Fudge Pie
- Banana Pudding
- Side Salad
If you want to swap a side for a milkshake, that costs extra. But for the standard two sides, there is no upcharge. This flexibility makes the tray feel like a custom meal every time.
Drink Options And Pricing
The tray also includes a medium drink. You can choose from standard fountain sodas, sweet tea, unsweet tea, or lemonade. If you want a large drink, there is a small upgrade fee, usually around 30 to 50 cents. Some locations offer a “big double cup” option for a bit more, but the medium is plenty for most people.
Drink choices include:
- Coca-Cola
- Diet Coke
- Sprite
- Dr Pepper
- Mello Yello
- Sweet Tea
- Unsweet Tea
- Lemonade
If you skip the drink, you do not get a discount. The tray price is fixed. So you might as well grab a tea or soda to go with your meal.
Cook Out Milkshake Prices
Cook Out is almost as famous for its milkshakes as its trays. The milkshake menu is huge – over 40 flavors. You can get classic chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, but you can also mix flavors. Want a banana-pineapple-chocolate shake? They will make it. The price for a milkshake is separate from the tray.
Milkshake prices are typically:
- Regular Milkshake: Around $2.50 to $3.00
- Large Milkshake: Around $3.50 to $4.00
Some locations charge a bit more for specialty mix-ins or extra thick shakes. But generally, you are looking at under four bucks for a thick, hand-dipped shake. That is a steal compared to other fast-food chains where a similar shake costs five dollars or more.
How To Order A Custom Shake
Ordering a custom shake is easy. Just tell the cashier the base flavor (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry) and then list the mix-ins you want. They will blend it all together. Popular combinations include:
- Chocolate with peanut butter and banana
- Strawberry with cheesecake
- Vanilla with Oreo and caramel
- Pineapple with coconut
There is no extra charge for mixing flavors. The price stays the same as a standard shake. This is one of the best deals on the menu.
Cook Out Burger Menu And Prices
If you are a burger fan, Cook Out has several options. The burgers are thin, smashed-style patties. They are not gourmet, but they are tasty and filling. The tray price for a double burger is the most popular choice, but you can also get a single patty or a triple.
Burger tray prices:
- Single Hamburger Tray: Around $4.75
- Double Hamburger Tray: Around $5.50
- Triple Hamburger Tray: Around $6.25
- Single Cheeseburger Tray: Around $5.00
- Double Cheeseburger Tray: Around $5.75
- Triple Cheeseburger Tray: Around $6.50
You can also order a “Big Double” which is a double patty with extra toppings. That usually costs about the same as a regular double cheeseburger tray. The toppings are standard: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. You can add chili or slaw for no extra charge at most locations.
Chicken Options And Pricing
Chicken sandwiches are another popular tray choice. You get a breaded chicken filet on a bun with your choice of toppings. The spicy version has a bit of heat, but it is not overwhelming. The chicken tenders tray is also available at some locations, though it is less common.
Chicken tray prices:
- Chicken Sandwich Tray: Around $5.50
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich Tray: Around $5.75
- Chicken Tenders Tray (3 pieces): Around $6.00
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich Tray: Around $6.25
The chicken tenders are hand-breaded and fried. They come with a side of dipping sauce. If you want extra sauce, it might cost a few cents more. The BBQ chicken sandwich is a pulled chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce. It is a solid option if you want something different.
Cook Out Hot Dog And Corn Dog Prices
Hot dogs are a classic Cook Out item. You get two hot dogs on a bun with your choice of toppings. Chili, slaw, mustard, and onions are the standard options. You can also get a corn dog tray, which is two corn dogs instead of regular hot dogs.
Hot dog and corn dog tray prices:
- Hot Dog Tray (2 dogs): Around $5.50
- Corn Dog Tray (2 dogs): Around $5.50
If you want a single hot dog without the tray, you can order it a la carte. A single hot dog usually costs around $1.50 to $2.00. But the tray is a better deal if you want sides and a drink.
Pulled Pork And Quesadilla Options
For something a bit heartier, try the pulled pork sandwich tray. The pork is slow-cooked and shredded, then topped with BBQ sauce. It comes on a soft bun. The chicken quesadilla tray is a flour tortilla filled with chicken, cheese, and sometimes peppers. It is grilled and served with salsa or sour cream on the side.
Pulled pork and quesadilla tray prices:
- Pulled Pork Sandwich Tray: Around $6.50
- Chicken Quesadilla Tray: Around $6.75
These are usually the most expensive tray options, but they are still under seven dollars. The quesadilla is a good choice if you want something lighter than a burger.
Cook Out Sides A La Carte Prices
If you do not want a full tray, you can order sides individually. This is useful if you are just grabbing a snack or adding extra sides to your tray. The prices for a la carte sides are reasonable.
A la carte side prices:
- French Fries (regular): Around $1.50
- Onion Rings (regular): Around $2.00
- Hushpuppies (6 pieces): Around $1.50
- Coleslaw (small): Around $1.00
- Baked Beans (small): Around $1.50
- Corn Dog (1): Around $1.50
- Apple Pie (1): Around $1.50
- Fudge Pie (1): Around $1.50
These prices are approximate. Some locations might charge a bit more for onion rings because they are popular. The pies are individually wrapped and heated. They are a nice sweet treat to end your meal.
Drink Prices A La Carte
If you are not getting a tray, you can order drinks separately. Fountain drinks and teas are priced by size.
A la carte drink prices:
- Small Drink: Around $1.00
- Medium Drink: Around $1.50
- Large Drink: Around $1.75
- Sweet Tea (medium): Around $1.50
- Lemonade (medium): Around $1.75
You can also get a gallon of sweet tea to go. That usually costs around $3.00 to $4.00, depending on the location. It is a popular choice for families or parties.
Cook Out Combo Deals And Value Meals
Cook Out does not have a separate “value menu” like some chains. Instead, the entire menu is built around value. The tray is the value meal. But there are a few other deals worth mentioning.
Some locations offer a “Big Double Burger” combo that includes fries and a drink for a slightly lower price than the tray. This is not on every menu, so ask at the register. Also, if you order a milkshake with your tray, some stores give a small discount on the shake. It is usually only 10 to 20 cents, but it adds up over time.
Another deal is the “Cook Out Family Pack.” This is available at select locations. It includes four trays with your choice of main items and sides. The price is usually around $20 to $22, which saves you a few dollars compared to ordering four separate trays. It is a good option for feeding a group.
How To Save Money At Cook Out
If you want to keep your bill low, follow these tips:
- Stick to the basic tray. Double hamburger or chicken sandwich are the cheapest options.
- Skip the milkshake. Get a fountain drink instead.
- Choose cheaper sides like fries and hushpuppies. Onion rings are slightly more expensive a la carte, but they are included in the tray price.
- Share a large shake with a friend. The large shake is big enough for two people.
- Look for location-specific deals. Some stores have a “student discount” or “military discount” on certain days.
These small choices can save you a dollar or two per visit. Over time, that adds up to real savings.
Cook Out Menu Prices By Region
Cook Out operates mostly in the Southeast, but they have expanded to a few other states. Prices vary by region due to cost of living and supply chain differences. Here is a rough comparison:
- North Carolina (home base): Prices are the lowest. Double cheeseburger tray around $5.50.
- South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee: Slightly higher, around $5.75 to $6.00.
- Virginia, Maryland: Around $6.00 to $6.50.
- Texas, Oklahoma: Around $6.00 to $6.75.
- Ohio, West Virginia: Around $5.75 to $6.25.
These are estimates. The best way to know exact prices is to check the menu board at your local Cook Out. They do not have a national online menu with prices, so local variation is common.
Why Prices Might Be Different
Several factors affect Cook Out menu prices at each location:
- Rent and property costs
- Labor wages in the area
- Food supply costs
- Local competition
- Franchise ownership vs. corporate
Some locations are franchised, which means the owner sets prices within certain guidelines. Corporate-owned stores tend to have more consistent pricing. But overall, the differences are small – usually less than a dollar.
Cook Out Catering And Bulk Orders
Cook Out does not have a formal catering menu, but you can place large orders for groups. If you call ahead, most locations will prepare a bulk order of trays, shakes, or sides. The prices for bulk orders are the same as regular menu prices, but you might get a discount if you order a certain number of trays.
For example, if you order 10 or more trays, some stores will give you a 10% discount. It is not advertised, so you have to ask. Also, if you order a large number of milkshakes, they might give you a slight break on the price. It never hurts to ask the manager.
Bulk order tips:
- Call at least 24 hours in advance.
- Specify your main items, sides, and drinks.
- Ask about any available discounts.
- Pick up at a designated time to avoid waiting.
This is a good option for office lunches, sports team meals, or family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook Out Menu Prices
Are Cook Out Menu Prices The Same At Every Location?
No, prices vary slightly by location. Factors like local cost of living and rent affect the final price. The difference is usually less than one dollar.
Do Cook Out Trays Include A Drink?
Yes, every tray comes with a medium fountain drink or tea. You can upgrade to a large drink for a small fee.
Can I Get A Milkshake Instead Of A Drink With My Tray?
Not directly. You can order a milkshake separately, but it does not replace the drink in the tray. You pay full price for the shake.
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Cook Out Menu?
The single hamburger tray is usually the cheapest, around $4.75. A single hot dog a la carte is also cheap, around $1.50.
Does Cook Out Offer Any Discounts Or Coupons?
Cook Out rarely offers coupons. Some locations have student or military discounts. Check with your local store for any specials.
Final Thoughts On Cook Out Menu Prices
Cook Out remains one of the best values in fast food. Their tray system is simple, affordable, and customizable. You get a full meal for under seven dollars, which is rare in today’s economy. The milkshakes are a bonus treat that do not break the bank. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, you can eat well without spending much.
Next time you are hungry and want a filling meal, consider Cook Out. Check the menu board at your local store for exact prices, but know that you will likely pay less than you expect. The combination of choice, quality, and low cost is hard to beat. That is why Cook Out has such a loyal following.