Cookout’s menu and prices make it a favorite for those seeking fast, affordable meals with multiple sides. If you have ever driven past a Cookout location, you have likely noticed the long lines and the smell of grilled burgers in the air. This chain has built a loyal following by offering huge portions at low costs, and their menu is designed to let you customize almost everything. In this guide, we will break down every part of the menu, explain the pricing, and give you tips to get the best value for your money.
Cookout is known for its “Cookout Tray,” which is basically a meal deal that includes a main item, two sides, a drink, and sometimes a dessert. The prices are surprisingly low, especially when you compare them to other fast-food chains. The menu is huge, covering burgers, chicken, hot dogs, seafood, and even some Tex-Mex options. But what really sets Cookout apart is the sheer number of side choices—over a dozen options, from hushpuppies to onion rings to corn dogs.
Before we dive into the specifics, let us look at the general price range. Most trays cost between $5 and $7, depending on your location and the main item you pick. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are on the lower end, while seafood items like the fish sandwich or shrimp tray cost a bit more. Drinks are included in the tray price, and you can choose from a standard soda, a milkshake, or a tea. Yes, milkshakes are included as a drink option, which is a rare deal in the fast-food world.
The Cookout Menu And Prices
Now, let us get into the full breakdown of the menu. We will cover each category, the items available, and the approximate prices. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly by state or even by city, but the numbers here are based on typical Cookout locations in the southeastern United States.
Burgers And Sandwiches
Cookout’s burger selection is straightforward but satisfying. You can get a single burger, a double burger, or a “Big Double” which is a larger patty. They also offer a “Cookout Style” burger that comes with chili, slaw, and mustard. Here are the main options:
- Single Burger: Around $5.00 for a tray
- Double Burger: Around $5.50 for a tray
- Big Double Burger: Around $5.75 for a tray
- Cookout Style Burger: Around $5.50 for a tray
- Chicken Sandwich (grilled or fried): Around $5.25 for a tray
- Chicken Wrap: Around $5.00 for a tray
Each burger comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and your choice of sauce. You can add cheese for a small extra charge, usually around 30 to 50 cents. The chicken sandwich is a solid option if you want something lighter, but the fried version is more popular.
Hot Dogs And Chili Dogs
Hot dogs are a big deal at Cookout. They offer a standard hot dog, a chili dog, and a “Chili Slaw Dog” which is a local favorite. The prices are very reasonable:
- Hot Dog: Around $4.75 for a tray
- Chili Dog: Around $5.00 for a tray
- Chili Slaw Dog: Around $5.00 for a tray
- Corn Dog: Around $4.50 for a tray
If you are a fan of hot dogs, the Chili Slaw Dog is a must-try. The combination of chili, coleslaw, and mustard on a steamed bun is classic Southern fast food. You can also order a “Hot Dog Tray” with two hot dogs instead of one, which is a great value for hungry customers.
Chicken Options
Cookout offers several chicken items, from tenders to wings to a chicken wrap. The chicken tenders are particularly popular because they are hand-breaded and fried to order. Here is what you can get:
- Chicken Tenders (4 pieces): Around $5.50 for a tray
- Chicken Tenders (6 pieces): Around $6.25 for a tray
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces): Around $6.00 for a tray
- Chicken Wrap: Around $5.00 for a tray
The chicken tenders come with a choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ. The wings are a bit messy but very flavorful, especially if you like them crispy. If you want a lighter meal, the grilled chicken sandwich is a good option, though it is not as popular as the fried items.
Seafood And Fish
Seafood is a surprising but welcome addition to the Cookout menu. You can get a fish sandwich, shrimp, or even a seafood platter. The prices are slightly higher than the burger options, but still very affordable:
- Fish Sandwich: Around $5.75 for a tray
- Shrimp Tray (6 pieces): Around $6.50 for a tray
- Shrimp Tray (12 pieces): Around $7.50 for a tray
- Seafood Platter (fish and shrimp): Around $7.00 for a tray
The fish sandwich is a breaded filet served on a bun with tartar sauce and lettuce. It is not gourmet, but it is satisfying for the price. The shrimp are small but crispy, and they come with cocktail sauce. If you are in the mood for seafood, the shrimp tray is a decent choice, though some locations have better quality than others.
Tex-Mex And Other Items
Cookout also has a small Tex-Mex section, including quesadillas and a “Chicken Quesadilla” tray. There is also a “Grilled Cheese” for kids or light eaters. Here are the options:
- Chicken Quesadilla: Around $5.50 for a tray
- Beef Quesadilla: Around $5.50 for a tray
- Grilled Cheese: Around $4.50 for a tray
- Nachos (with chili and cheese): Around $4.00 for a tray
The quesadillas are not the most authentic, but they are cheesy and filling. The nachos are a good snack if you are not very hungry, but they are not a full meal. Most people stick to the burgers and hot dogs, but these options are there if you want something different.
Sides: The Real Star
What makes Cookout stand out is the incredible variety of sides. When you order a tray, you get to pick two sides from a list of over a dozen options. Here are the most common sides:
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Hushpuppies
- Coleslaw
- Corn Dog
- Chicken Wrap (yes, you can get a wrap as a side)
- Baked Beans
- Potato Salad
- Apple Pie (fried)
- Peach Pie (fried)
- Fudge Brownie
- Cheese Melt (a small grilled cheese)
- Chili (a cup of chili)
- Side Salad
You can mix and match any two sides, which means you can have a corn dog and onion rings, or hushpuppies and a fried pie. The fried pies are a popular choice because they are sweet and come with a flaky crust. The chili is also a good option if you want something warm and hearty. The only downside is that the fries are not always the best—they can be soggy sometimes—but the onion rings and hushpuppies are consistently good.
Milkshakes And Drinks
One of the best parts of the Cookout menu is the milkshakes. They are included as a drink option in the tray price, which is an amazing deal. You can choose from over 30 flavors, including classic vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and more exotic ones like banana pudding, Oreo, and peanut butter fudge. Here are some popular flavors:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Banana
- Oreo
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- M&M
- Butterfinger
- Cheesecake
- Pineapple
The milkshakes are thick and creamy, almost like a hand-dipped shake. They are made with soft-serve ice cream and blended with your choice of mix-ins. If you want a shake, just ask for it as your drink when you order the tray. You can also order a milkshake separately for around $2.50, but it is much better value to get it as part of the tray.
Other drink options include fountain sodas, sweet tea, unsweet tea, lemonade, and water. The sweet tea is very popular in the South, and Cookout makes a strong, sugary version that pairs well with the salty food.
Kids Menu
Cookout has a small kids menu for children under 12. The kids meals come with a smaller main item, one side, a drink, and a small dessert. The prices are around $3.50 to $4.00. Options include:
- Kids Burger
- Kids Hot Dog
- Kids Chicken Tenders (2 pieces)
- Kids Grilled Cheese
The kids meals are a good value if you have a child who does not eat a lot. The portions are smaller, but the quality is the same as the regular menu. You can also order a kids milkshake as the drink, which is a nice treat for little ones.
Prices And Value
Let us talk about the overall value. For around $6, you get a main item, two sides, and a drink or milkshake. That is hard to beat in the fast-food industry. Compare that to a meal at McDonald’s or Burger King, where a combo meal often costs $8 to $10 for similar items. Cookout is clearly the winner in terms of price per portion.
However, there are some downsides. The quality is not always consistent. Some locations have better food than others, and the fries can be hit or miss. The service is usually fast, but during peak hours, the lines can be long. Also, Cookout is not the healthiest option—most items are fried and high in calories. But if you are looking for a cheap, filling meal, it is hard to complain.
How To Order Like A Pro
If you are new to Cookout, here are some tips to get the best experience:
- Always order a tray. It is the best value, and you get to choose two sides.
- Pick your sides wisely. Avoid the fries if you want something more interesting. Go for hushpuppies, onion rings, or a fried pie.
- Get a milkshake as your drink. It is included in the tray price, so you are essentially getting a free shake.
- Try the Chili Slaw Dog if you like hot dogs. It is a signature item.
- Ask for extra sauce if you need it. Some locations charge a small fee, but most give it for free.
- Check the menu board carefully. Some locations have specials or limited-time items.
- If you are very hungry, order a double burger or a 6-piece chicken tender tray.
- Share a tray with a friend if you are not that hungry. The portions are generous.
Nutritional Information
Cookout does not provide detailed nutritional information on their website, but you can find some estimates online. A typical tray with a burger, fries, and a milkshake can easily exceed 1,500 calories. If you are watching your diet, you might want to skip the milkshake and choose a diet soda or water. The grilled chicken sandwich is a lighter option, but even that comes with sides that are fried. The best way to reduce calories is to choose a side like coleslaw or a side salad instead of fries or hushpuppies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in a Cookout tray?
A Cookout tray includes one main item (burger, chicken, hot dog, etc.), two sides, and a drink. The drink can be a soda, tea, lemonade, or a milkshake. The price varies by main item but is usually between $5 and $7.
2. Are milkshakes included in the tray price?
Yes, milkshakes are included as a drink option in the tray price. You do not have to pay extra for a shake if you order it as your drink. This is one of the best deals at Cookout.
3. Does Cookout have a secret menu?
Cookout does not have an official secret menu, but some locations will make custom items if you ask. For example, you can request a “Big Double” burger with chili and slaw, or a chicken wrap with extra sauce. It is best to ask politely and see if they can accommodate.
4. How much does a Cookout milkshake cost separately?
A milkshake ordered separately costs around $2.50 to $3.00, depending on the location. It is much cheaper to get it as part of a tray, since the tray price includes the shake.
5. Are there any vegetarian options at Cookout?
Cookout does not have many vegetarian options. The grilled cheese sandwich and the side salad are the only meat-free items. You can also order a tray with a grilled cheese as the main item, but the sides are mostly fried. Vegans will have a hard time finding anything suitable.
Final Thoughts
Cookout is a great choice if you want a lot of food for a low price. The menu is simple but offers enough variety to keep you coming back. The sides are the highlight, and the milkshakes are a fantastic bonus. While the quality is not always top-notch, the value is undeniable. Next time you are near a Cookout, give it a try and see why so many people love it. Just be prepared for a long line during dinner time, and do not forget to order a milkshake with your tray.