The cookout menu prices make it easy to build a full meal without spending more than you planned. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or feeding a group on a budget, this chain keeps things simple and affordable. You get a lot of food for your money, and the choices are straightforward. No complicated combos or hidden fees. Just pick your tray size, add sides, and grab a drink. That’s it.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the current menu costs. We’ll cover the main trays, sides, drinks, and shakes. You’ll also learn how to save a few bucks and what to expect when you visit. Let’s get into it.
How The Cookout Menu Prices Work
The pricing system at Cookout is built around trays. A tray includes a main item, two sides, a drink, and sometimes a hushpuppy or cornbread. You don’t have to guess the total. The price is listed clearly for each tray option. This makes budgeting easy.
Most trays fall between $5 and $8. The exact cost depends on what you pick. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are on the lower end. BBQ plates and seafood options cost a bit more. But even the priciest items stay under $10 in most locations.
Drinks are included in the tray price. You can choose from fountain sodas, tea, lemonade, or a milkshake. Upgrading to a shake doesn’t cost extra in many cases. That’s a big value compared to other fast food chains.
The Cookout Menu Prices
Main Tray Options And Their Costs
Here are the most popular tray items and what you’ll typically pay. Prices vary slightly by location, but these numbers are a solid guide.
- Cookout Style Burger Tray – $5.49 to $5.99
- Chicken Wrap Tray – $5.49 to $5.99
- Chicken Sandwich Tray – $5.49 to $5.99
- BBQ Sandwich Tray – $5.99 to $6.49
- Chicken Strips Tray (4 pieces) – $6.49 to $6.99
- Fish Sandwich Tray – $6.49 to $6.99
- Chicken Quesadilla Tray – $6.49 to $6.99
- Pulled Pork Plate – $6.99 to $7.49
- BBQ Rib Plate – $7.49 to $7.99
- Seafood Platter (shrimp or fish) – $7.99 to $8.49
These prices include the main item, two sides, and a drink. Some locations also throw in a hushpuppy or cornbread stick. That’s a full meal for under $9.
Burger And Sandwich Options
Burgers are the most ordered item at Cookout. You can get a single, double, or even a triple patty. The tray price stays the same regardless of patty count. That’s a nice bonus if you’re hungry.
Sandwiches include classic chicken, spicy chicken, and BBQ. The chicken wrap is a lighter option. All come with the same side and drink deal. No upcharge for the wrap or sandwich.
Seafood And BBQ Platters
If you want something different, the seafood and BBQ platters are solid choices. The shrimp platter comes with fried shrimp and two sides. The fish platter uses white fish fillets. BBQ ribs and pulled pork are slow-cooked and saucy.
These platters cost a bit more but still stay under $9. You get a generous portion. The sides are the same as other trays, so you can mix and match.
Sides And Drinks Pricing
Sides are included in the tray price. You don’t pay extra for them. But if you want additional sides, they cost around $1.50 to $2.00 each. Drinks are also included. Upgrading to a milkshake is free at most locations.
Side Choices
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Corn on the Cob
- Hushpuppies
- Side Salad
- Apple Pie
- Fruit Pie
You pick two sides with your tray. Some sides, like the apple pie or fruit pie, are technically desserts. But Cookout lets you count them as a side. So you can have a burger, fries, and a pie for the same price.
Drink Options
- Coca-Cola products (Coke, Sprite, Fanta, etc.)
- Sweet Tea
- Unsweet Tea
- Lemonade
- Milkshakes (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, banana, peach, etc.)
- Slushies
Milkshakes are a huge draw. They come in over 40 flavors. You can mix flavors too. The shake counts as your drink, so you don’t pay extra. That’s a steal compared to other fast food places where a shake costs $3 or more.
Milkshake Menu And Pricing
Cookout milkshakes are famous for their variety and low cost. A regular shake is included with your tray. If you buy one separately, it’s around $2.50 to $3.00. That’s still cheap for a thick, real ice cream shake.
Popular Shake Flavors
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
- Banana
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Cherry
- Blueberry
- Caramel
- Butterscotch
- Mint
- Oreo
- Reese’s
- M&M
- Snickers
- Heath
- Butterfinger
- Cheesecake
- Pumpkin (seasonal)
You can also combine flavors. For example, chocolate and banana, or strawberry and peach. The staff will make it for you. No extra charge for mixing.
Shake Sizes
Shakes come in one size only. It’s a 16-ounce cup. That’s plenty for one person. The shake is thick and uses real ice cream. It’s not a soft serve or a frosty. You’ll need a spoon for the first few minutes.
Kids Menu And Pricing
Cookout has a kids menu for younger eaters. The portions are smaller, and the price is lower. Kids trays cost around $3.99 to $4.49. They include a main item, one side, a drink, and a small toy or treat sometimes.
Kids Tray Options
- Kids Burger Tray
- Kids Chicken Wrap Tray
- Kids Chicken Strips Tray (2 pieces)
- Kids Hot Dog Tray
Sides for kids are the same as the regular menu. You can choose fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a side salad. Drinks include soda, tea, lemonade, or a small shake. The shake is smaller than the regular size but still included.
How To Save Money At Cookout
There are a few ways to keep your bill low. First, always order a tray instead of individual items. The tray includes everything for one price. Buying a burger, fries, and drink separately costs more.
Second, choose a milkshake as your drink. It’s included in the tray price. That saves you $2 to $3 compared to buying a shake elsewhere.
Third, skip the extra sides. You get two sides with your tray. That’s enough for most people. Adding a third side costs extra.
Fourth, check for local deals. Some Cookout locations have specials on certain days. For example, a double burger tray might be discounted on Tuesdays. Ask at the counter or look for signs.
Fifth, split a tray with a friend. The portions are generous. Two people can share a large tray and add a side for a few dollars. This works well if you’re not very hungry.
Comparing Cookout To Other Fast Food Chains
Cookout is cheaper than most national chains. A combo meal at McDonald’s, Burger King, or Wendy’s costs $7 to $10. And those combos don’t include a shake. Cookout gives you a shake for the same price or less.
The quality is also good. Cookout uses fresh beef for burgers and real ice cream for shakes. The sides are made from scratch in many cases. You get more food for less money.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Meal – $8.49 (no shake)
- Burger King Whopper Meal – $8.99 (no shake)
- Wendy’s Dave’s Single Meal – $8.29 (no shake)
- Cookout Burger Tray – $5.49 (includes shake)
You save $2 to $4 per meal at Cookout. That adds up if you eat there often.
Location-Based Price Variations
Prices at Cookout vary by location. Stores in high-cost areas charge a bit more. Stores in rural areas are cheaper. The differences are usually small, around $0.50 to $1.00 per tray.
For example, a Cookout in New York City or Washington D.C. might charge $6.49 for a burger tray. The same tray in North Carolina or South Carolina might be $5.49. Check the menu board at your local store for exact prices.
Some locations also have different tax rates. That can affect the final total. But the base prices are still very competitive.
What To Order For The Best Value
If you want the most food for the least money, go with a double burger tray. The double patty doesn’t cost extra. You get two beef patties, two sides, and a shake for around $5.99. That’s a lot of food.
Another good value is the chicken strips tray. Four strips are filling. Pair them with fries and a shake. You’ll be full for hours.
For a lighter option, the chicken wrap tray is good. It’s a grilled or fried wrap with lettuce and tomato. Add a side salad and a shake. That’s a balanced meal for under $6.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookout Menu Prices
Are Cookout menu prices the same at every location?
No, prices vary by location. Stores in different states or cities may charge slightly different amounts. The differences are usually small, around $0.50 to $1.00 per tray.
Can I get a milkshake with my tray instead of a soda?
Yes, a milkshake counts as your drink. You can choose any flavor at no extra cost. This is one of the best deals at Cookout.
How much does a Cookout tray cost in 2024?
Most trays cost between $5.49 and $8.49. Burgers and sandwiches are on the lower end. Seafood and BBQ platters are on the higher end. Kids trays cost around $3.99 to $4.49.
Do Cookout prices include tax?
No, the prices listed on the menu are before tax. Tax is added at checkout. The amount depends on your local tax rate.
Are there any discounts or coupons for Cookout?
Cookout rarely offers coupons or digital deals. Some locations have daily specials. Ask at the counter or check the store’s social media for local promotions.
Final Thoughts On Cookout Menu Prices
Cookout keeps things simple and affordable. The tray system makes it easy to know what you’ll pay. You get a main item, two sides, and a drink for one low price. Milkshakes are included, which is a huge bonus.
Prices range from $5.49 to $8.49 for most trays. Kids trays are under $4.50. Sides and drinks are included, so you don’t have to add up individual costs. This makes Cookout one of the best values in fast food.
If you haven’t tried Cookout yet, give it a shot. The food is good, the portions are generous, and the prices are hard to beat. Just remember to check the menu board at your local store for exact prices. And don’t forget to get a shake with your tray. It’s the best part.
Overall, the cookout menu prices are designed to give you a full meal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’ll find something that fits your budget. The combination of low prices, generous portions, and included shakes makes this chain a standout choice for anyone looking to eat well on a budget.
So next time you’re hungry and don’t want to spend a lot, head to Cookout. You’ll get a tray, a shake, and a smile. And your wallet will thank you.