Cookout menu prices are famously low, but knowing the exact numbers helps you build the perfect tray without going over budget. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular looking to save a few extra cents, understanding the cost breakdown is key. This guide covers everything from individual items to combo deals, so you can order with confidence.
Cookout is known for its massive portions and wallet-friendly options. The menu is simple, but the pricing can be a little tricky if you do not know the system. Let’s break it down tray by tray.
Cookout Menu Prices: The Core Tray System
The heart of the Cookout experience is the tray. You pick one main item, two sides, a drink, and sometimes a hushpuppy or cornbread. The price is shockingly low for the amount of food you get.
As of 2025, a standard Cookout tray costs between $5.99 and $7.49 depending on your location. Some franchise locations may charge slightly more, but the base price is consistent across most states.
Main Entree Options And Their Costs
Your main choice sets the tray price. Here are the most common options:
- Cookout Style Burger (quarter-pound) – included in base tray price
- Chicken Wrap (grilled or crispy) – included in base tray price
- Chicken Strips (3 pieces) – included in base tray price
- BBQ Sandwich (pulled pork) – included in base tray price
- Hot Dog (chili or plain) – included in base tray price
- Fish Sandwich – included in base tray price
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – included in base tray price
Some premium items like the Big Double Burger or the BBQ Plate may cost an extra $0.50 to $1.00. Always check the menu board at your location for exact upcharges.
Side Item Choices And Pricing
You get two sides with every tray. Most sides are free, but a few have small upcharges. Standard free sides include:
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Coleslaw
- Corn Dog
- Hushpuppies
- Baked Beans
- Potato Salad
Premium sides like the Cheese Fries or Chili Cheese Fries cost an extra $0.75 to $1.25. The Chili Cheese Fries are a fan favorite, but they will bump your tray total by about a dollar.
Drink Options And Costs
Your tray includes a medium fountain drink. If you want a large or extra-large, expect to pay $0.30 to $0.60 more. Milkshakes are not included in the tray price, but you can upgrade for a small fee.
Milkshakes at Cookout are famous. They cost around $2.49 to $3.29 depending on size and flavor. The tray upgrade to a shake instead of a drink is usually $1.00 to $1.50 extra.
Cookout Menu Prices For Individual Items
Not everyone wants a tray. Maybe you just want a quick burger or a side of fries. Here are the individual item prices you can expect.
Burgers And Sandwiches
Single burgers start at $2.49. A Cookout Style Burger (with lettuce, tomato, mayo) is about $2.99. Double burgers are $3.99 to $4.49. Chicken sandwiches range from $2.99 to $3.49. The BBQ sandwich is $2.79.
Hot Dogs And Corn Dogs
A plain hot dog is $1.79. A chili dog is $2.19. Corn dogs are $1.49 each. You can get a tray with two hot dogs for around $5.99.
Sides And Appetizers
French fries are $1.79 for a small, $2.49 for a large. Onion rings are $2.29. Hushpuppies are $1.49 for an order of six. Cheese fries are $3.29.
Milkshakes And Desserts
Cookout shakes come in over 40 flavors. A small shake is $2.49, medium is $2.99, and large is $3.49. You can also get a float or a sundae for around $2.99. No dessert items are included in the tray price.
How To Build The Perfect Tray Without Going Over Budget
Sticking to a budget is easy if you know the tricks. Here is a step-by-step plan to maximize value.
- Choose a standard main item. Avoid premium burgers or plates unless you have extra cash.
- Pick two free sides. Onion rings and hushpuppies are filling and cost nothing extra.
- Get a medium drink. Upgrading to large adds cost without much value.
- Skip the milkshake upgrade unless you really want one. A shake adds $1.00 to $1.50 to your tray.
- Check for combo deals. Some locations offer a tray plus a shake for a flat price.
Following these steps keeps your total under $7.00 at most locations. That is hard to beat for a full meal.
Location-Based Price Variations
Cookout menu prices vary by state and even by city. Locations in North Carolina, where the chain started, tend to be cheapest. In Virginia or South Carolina, prices are slightly higher. In Texas or Georgia, you might pay $0.50 to $1.00 more per tray.
Franchise-owned stores sometimes have different pricing than corporate stores. Always check the menu board or ask at the register before ordering.
Cookout Menu Prices For Large Groups And Catering
If you are feeding a crowd, Cookout offers bulk options. You can order trays of burgers, chicken strips, or hot dogs. A party tray with 10 burgers costs around $25.00 to $30.00. A tray of 20 chicken strips is about $20.00.
Sides in bulk are also available. A large container of fries feeds 4-6 people for $6.99. Baked beans and coleslaw come in pint and quart sizes. A quart of baked beans is $4.49.
Call ahead for catering orders. Most locations require 24 hours notice for large orders. Prices are not always listed online, so ask for a quote.
Comparing Cookout To Other Fast Food Chains
Cookout is often cheaper than McDonald’s, Burger King, or Wendy’s for similar portions. A full meal at McDonald’s costs $8.00 to $10.00. At Cookout, you get more food for $6.00 to $7.50. The quality is comparable, but the value is better.
One downside is that Cookout does not have a dollar menu like some chains. However, the tray system effectively gives you a discount on the total meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookout Menu Prices
What is the cheapest item on the Cookout menu?
The cheapest item is a plain hot dog at $1.79. A corn dog is $1.49, making it the lowest-priced food item. Drinks start at $1.29 for a small fountain soda.
Do Cookout menu prices include tax?
No, the prices listed on the menu board do not include sales tax. Tax varies by state and county. Expect to pay an additional 6% to 10% on your total order.
Can I get a tray with two different main items?
No, each tray comes with one main item. You cannot mix and match entrees. However, you can order two separate trays if you want different mains.
Are Cookout menu prices the same at every location?
No, prices vary by location. Corporate stores have standardized pricing, but franchise locations set their own prices. Always check the menu at your specific store.
How much is a Cookout milkshake in 2025?
A small milkshake is $2.49, medium is $2.99, and large is $3.49. Some locations charge $0.25 more for premium flavors like peanut butter fudge or Oreo.
Tips For Saving Money On Cookout Orders
You can save a few dollars with these simple strategies. First, always order a tray instead of individual items. The tray gives you a drink and two sides for the price of one entree.
Second, skip the premium sides. Cheese fries and chili cheese fries are tasty, but they add cost. Stick with free sides like fries and coleslaw.
Third, share a tray with a friend if you are not very hungry. The portions are large enough for two people to split. Just order an extra side for $1.79.
Fourth, use the Cookout app if your location supports it. Some stores offer digital coupons or loyalty rewards. Check the app before you go.
Fifth, visit during off-peak hours. Some locations have lunch specials or early bird discounts. Ask the cashier about any unadvertised deals.
Common Mistakes That Increase Your Bill
Many customers accidentally overspend. Here are mistakes to avoid:
- Upgrading to a large drink when a medium is plenty
- Adding a milkshake to a tray without realizing the extra cost
- Choosing premium sides without checking the upcharge
- Ordering individual items instead of a tray
- Not asking about combo deals
Avoiding these mistakes keeps your total under $8.00 every time.
Cookout Menu Prices For Breakfast Items
Cookout serves breakfast at some locations. Breakfast hours are usually 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Breakfast trays cost $4.99 to $6.49. You get a main item like a biscuit sandwich, two sides like grits or hash browns, and a drink.
Individual breakfast items are cheaper. A biscuit sandwich with egg and cheese is $2.49. Add bacon or sausage for $0.50 extra. Hash browns are $1.29. Coffee is $1.49.
Not all Cookout locations serve breakfast. Call ahead to confirm if your store offers it.
Seasonal And Limited-Time Offers
Cookout sometimes introduces limited-time items. These include seasonal milkshake flavors like pumpkin spice or strawberry. Prices for these items are usually the same as regular menu items.
Holiday specials are rare but possible. Some locations offer a Thanksgiving-style tray with turkey and stuffing. Prices vary widely for these promotions.
Check the Cookout website or social media for current deals. You might find a coupon for a free shake with a tray purchase.
Understanding The Value Of Cookout Menu Prices
Cookout offers one of the best value propositions in fast food. For under $7.00, you get a burger, two sides, and a drink. That is a complete meal that fills most people up.
Compare that to a sit-down restaurant where a burger alone costs $10.00. Cookout is a clear winner for budget-conscious diners.
The only downside is the limited menu. You cannot customize much beyond the basic choices. But for the price, that is a small trade-off.
How Inflation Has Affected Cookout Prices
Like all restaurants, Cookout has raised prices over the years. In 2020, a tray cost about $5.49. In 2025, it is $5.99 to $7.49. That is a 10% to 20% increase, which is lower than many competitors.
Cookout keeps prices low by using simple ingredients and efficient operations. They do not offer many premium items, which helps control costs.
If you want to save even more, visit during off-peak hours when some locations offer discounts.
Final Thoughts On Cookout Menu Prices
Knowing the exact numbers helps you plan your order. Stick with a standard tray, choose free sides, and skip the shake if you are on a tight budget. Your total will be under $7.50 at most locations.
Cookout menu prices are among the best in fast food. The combination of portion size and cost is hard to beat. Whether you are feeding yourself or a group, you get excellent value.
Next time you visit, use this guide to build the perfect tray. You will leave full and happy without breaking the bank.