Cook Out Menu USA – Updated Prices 2026
Cook Out runs from about $0.99 for a side up to $9.98 for the priciest single items, with the signature Cook Out Tray at $6.29-$7.69 — one main, two sides, hushpuppies and a large drink. Below is the full menu across every category, why the Tray unlocks over 152,000 possible combinations, and the milkshake substitution regulars treat as non-negotiable.
How we built this page: an important honesty note — Cook Out publishes zero prices on cookout.com. Every price on this page comes from cross-referencing in-store menu boards across Southeastern markets and multiple public price trackers as of July 2026. Nutrition data comes from Cook Out’s official nutrition PDF. Prices genuinely vary by location. Always confirm at your local restaurant.
Jump to: The Cook Out Tray | 40+ Milkshakes | Burgers & BBQ | Allergens | FAQ
About Cook Out
Cook Out started in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina and now runs over 350 locations across the Southeast. The brand has done one thing better than almost every other fast food chain in the region: kept prices genuinely low without cutting portions.
At a time when food away from home is up roughly 4% year over year and dollar menus have nearly disappeared industry-wide, a full Cook Out Tray with a main, two sides and a large drink still starts at $6.29 — a price point most competitors abandoned years ago. Many locations also stay open until 3:30 AM, making it one of the few genuine late-night options in its markets.
See Also: First Watch Menu
The Cook Out Tray
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cook Out Tray | $6.29-$7.69 | $7.39 is the most common board price. Includes one main, two sides, hushpuppies and a large drink |
| Junior Tray | $4.99-$6.39 | Same format with a smaller main — small burger, two chicken strips, two corn dogs, one hot dog, a BLT, or a quesadilla |
| Milkshake substitution (regular tray) | +$1.00-$1.60 | Swap the drink for any of the 40+ shake flavors — regulars treat this as non-negotiable |
The combination math: the Tray unlocks over 152,000 possible meal combinations depending on your main, sides and drink. You can double up on the same side — but for loose items like nuggets, onion rings and cheese bites, doubling doesn’t always give you double the quantity. Smarter to spend your second pick on a quesadilla, wrap or corn dog.
Char-Grilled Burgers
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hamburger | $2.49-$2.99 | Fresh, homemade, char-grilled to order |
| Regular or Huge Burger | $3.49 | |
| Big Double Burger | $3.99 | The fan favorite |
| Out West Burger | $4.49-$5.49 | |
| Cheddar Style Burger | $4.49-$5.49 |
Chicken
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Char-Grilled Chicken (from) | $4.85 |
| Chicken Strips | $4.49-$5.99 |
| Chicken Breast Filet Sandwich | $4.99-$6.49 |
| Crispy Chicken Wrap | $3.99-$5.49 |
BBQ, Hot Dogs & Quesadillas
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| BBQ Sandwich / Plate | $4.49-$6.99 |
| Char-Grilled Hot Dog | $1.99-$2.99 |
| Corn Dog | $1.99-$2.49 |
| Quesadilla | $3.49-$4.99 |
| BLT | $3.49-$4.49 |
Sides
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hushpuppies | $1.99-$2.99 | Included with every Tray |
| Cajun Fries | $1.99-$3.55 | A regular favorite for doubling up |
| French Fries | $1.99-$2.99 | |
| Onion Rings | $2.49-$3.55 | Loose item — doubling doesn’t always double the quantity |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | $2.49-$3.55 | Loose item — same doubling caveat |
| Coleslaw | $0.99-$2.49 | Among the cheapest items on the menu |
| Chicken Nuggets (side) | $2.49-$3.55 | Loose item |
Milkshakes (40+ Flavors)
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Milkshake | $2.99-$3.99 | Every shake is the same price regardless of flavor — no gap between simple and loaded |
| Large Milkshake | $3.99-$4.99 | |
| Add a shake to a Tray | +$1.00-$1.60 | All 40+ flavors available as a substitute |
Popular flavors: Oreo, Reese’s Cup, Peanut Butter Fudge, Banana Pudding, Strawberry Cheesecake, Peach Cobbler, Chocolate Malt, Fresh Banana, Oreo Mint, Watermelon. The lineup starts with about 40 base flavors and expands through mix-ins — Oreo, Reese’s, cheesecake, fruit and syrups. Some flavors are seasonal or limited-time, and availability differs by restaurant.
Drinks & Floats
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Sweet Tea | $1.49-$2.49 |
| Fountain Drink (large) | $1.99-$2.79 |
| Ice Cream Float | $2.99-$3.99 |
Cook Out’s Specialty & Services
Cook Out’s specialty is holding a value proposition the rest of the industry abandoned — a complete meal at $6.29 while a basic combo at McDonald’s, Wendy’s or Chick-fil-A runs $10 to $13 in 2026. Beyond the standard menu:
- The Tray’s 152,000+ combinations: genuinely the most customizable value meal in fast food, since you’re picking across categories rather than from a fixed combo list
- 40+ milkshakes at one flat price: no premium tier — a loaded Peach Cobbler shake costs the same as a vanilla, which is unusual in the category
- Late-night hours to 3:30 AM at many locations, making it one of the few genuine post-midnight options across its Southeastern footprint
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger Bun | Yes | No | Wheat-based; char-grilled patty without the bun is a gluten-free option |
| Hushpuppies | Yes | Possible | Cornmeal and wheat batter |
| Milkshakes | Varies | Yes | Dairy-based; mix-ins like Oreo add gluten |
| Char-Grilled Chicken (no bun) | No | No | The cleanest allergen option on the menu |
Cook Out publishes an official nutrition PDF covering calories, saturated fats, carbohydrates and allergen warnings. This is a general reference only — check that document directly and notify staff of any severe allergy before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Double Burger | ~680 kcal | 38g | 42g | 40g |
| Grilled Chicken (no bun) | ~220 kcal | 36g | 2g | 7g |
| Regular Milkshake | ~600-900 kcal | 12g | 92g | 28g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Cook Out Tray | $6.29-$7.69 |
| Big Double Burger | $3.99 |
| Milkshake (any flavor) | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Cajun Fries | $1.99-$3.55 |
Cook Out vs. Other Fast Food Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cook Out | Tray (main + 2 sides + drink) | $6.29-$7.69 |
| McDonald’s | Basic Combo Meal | $10.00-$13.00 |
| Wendy’s | Basic Combo Meal | $10.00-$13.00 |
| Chick-fil-A | Basic Combo Meal | $10.00-$13.00 |
The Cook Out Tray is genuinely close to half the price of a comparable combo at the national chains — for more food, since the Tray includes two sides plus hushpuppies rather than one side. That gap is the entire reason the brand has the regional loyalty it does.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: coleslaw and basic sides — from $0.99
- Cheapest main: Small Hamburger — $2.49-$2.99
- Most expensive standard item: around $9.98
- Best value: the Regular Tray at $6.29-$7.69 — one main, two sides, hushpuppies and a large drink
- Milkshake upgrade: +$1.00-$1.60 on any Tray
Deals & Ordering Hacks
- Always take the milkshake substitution — $1.00-$1.60 to swap your drink for any of 40+ shakes is the single best-value upgrade on the menu
- Don’t double up on loose items. Doubling nuggets, onion rings or cheese bites doesn’t always give you double the quantity — spend that second pick on a quesadilla, wrap or corn dog instead
- Cook Out has no formal catering, but bulk takeout orders work fine for groups — call ahead, and order before the lunch or dinner rush
- Cajun Fries and hushpuppies are the sides regulars double up on when doubling actually pays off
- Late-night hours to 3:30 AM at many locations make it a genuine post-midnight option
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: drive-through, walk-up window, takeout, bulk group orders (no formal centralized catering)
- Popular for: late-night food, milkshakes, budget group meals
- Amenities: 40+ milkshake flavors, extensive Tray customization, late hours
Cook Out Hours
Most locations open around 10:30 AM and stay open until 3:00-3:30 AM, with some variation by location. The late-night window is a genuine differentiator across the Southeast. Check with your local restaurant for exact times.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Grilled chicken ordered without a bun is the lightest main on the menu at roughly 220 calories
- Cook Out publishes a full nutrition PDF with calories, saturated fats, carbohydrates and allergen warnings
- Milkshakes carry substantial calories — worth knowing before adding one to every Tray
- Vegetarian options are limited, but sides and quesadillas cover some ground
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Cook Out Tray?
$6.29-$7.69 depending on location, with $7.39 the most common 2026 board price. That includes one main, two sides, hushpuppies and a large drink.
Can you get a milkshake with a Cook Out Tray?
Yes — add $1.00-$1.60 to swap your drink for any of the 40+ flavors. Regulars consider this non-negotiable.
Why doesn’t Cook Out publish prices online?
Cook Out’s official website genuinely lists no prices anywhere. All published prices, including on this page, come from in-store menu boards.
How many milkshake flavors does Cook Out have?
More than 40 base flavors, expanding further through mix-ins. Every shake is priced the same regardless of flavor.
How late is Cook Out open?
Many locations stay open until 3:00-3:30 AM, making it one of the few genuine late-night options across the Southeast.
Where was Cook Out founded?
Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989. It now operates over 350 locations across the Southeastern US.
Can you double up on sides in a Cook Out Tray?
Yes, but with a caveat — for loose items like nuggets, onion rings and cheese bites, doubling doesn’t always give you double the quantity.
Is Cook Out cheaper than McDonald’s?
Substantially — a Cook Out Tray runs $6.29-$7.69 against $10-$13 for a basic combo at the national chains, and includes more food.
Does Cook Out do catering?
No formal centralized catering, but bulk takeout orders work for groups. Call your nearest location for a custom quote.
What is the Junior Tray?
The same Tray format with a smaller main — small burger, two chicken strips, two corn dogs, a hot dog, BLT, or quesadilla — at $4.99-$6.39.
What Makes Cook Out Different
Cook Out held a price point the rest of fast food walked away from. In 2026, with dollar menus effectively extinct and a basic combo running $10-$13 at the national chains, a full Cook Out Tray still starts at $6.29 — and includes two sides plus hushpuppies rather than one. Add 40+ milkshakes at a single flat price regardless of flavor, over 152,000 possible Tray combinations, and doors open until 3:30 AM, and the Greensboro chain’s regional loyalty since 1989 stops looking like nostalgia and starts looking like arithmetic.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cook Out. All prices are compiled from in-store menu boards and public sources, as Cook Out does not publish prices online, and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: August 2026.
