Prices, Trays, Shakes & More
If you are looking for the cookout menu, this guide covers the main food and drink categories, tray options, burgers, chicken, barbecue, hot dogs, sides, milkshakes, nutrition information, and location considerations.
Cook Out’s official website confirms that its menu includes items such as burgers, BBQ, hot dogs, shakes, fries, hushpuppies, and tray combinations, while its official nutrition document provides detailed nutrition information for many individual products.
One important point before ordering: Cook Out does not publish one universal nationwide price list on its website. Recent 2026 menu-board references show differences between locations, so prices below should be treated as reference ranges rather than guaranteed prices. Always check the menu board at your selected restaurant for the final amount.
Quick answer: The Cook Out menu centers on customizable Trays, char-grilled burgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, quesadillas, sides, drinks, and a large selection of milkshakes. The Tray combines an entrée with two sides and a drink, making it one of the easiest ways to build a complete meal. Exact prices and availability vary by restaurant.
Cookout Menu at a Glance
Cook Out’s menu is built around familiar American fast-food and Southern-style choices. The official menu presents a combination of burgers, BBQ, chicken, hot dogs, sides, shakes, and Tray meals.
| Category | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Trays | Entrée, two sides and a drink |
| Burgers | Char-grilled burgers in several sizes and styles |
| Chicken | Grilled and crispy chicken choices |
| BBQ | Chopped pork barbecue and BBQ plates |
| Hot dogs | Char-grilled hot dogs and specialty styles |
| Quesadillas | Chicken and other entrée combinations |
| Sides | Fries, hushpuppies and other Southern-style sides |
| Milkshakes | Large variety of classic and specialty flavors |
| Drinks | Fountain drinks, tea and specialty beverages |
The exact selection can change, and not every restaurant should be assumed to offer every item at all times.
Cook Out Tray Options
The Tray is one of the most recognizable parts of the cookout menu. Instead of purchasing an entrée, side and drink separately, customers select a main item and sides as part of one combination.
A typical Tray structure includes one entrée, two sides and a drink. The official website specifically highlights the Tray and provides a Jr. Tray option on its menu page.
Recent 2026 menu-board research found regular Tray prices around $7.99 at several checked locations, while other current menu references report different prices. This is a useful example of why a national fixed price should not be assumed.
Regular Tray
A regular Tray is suited to customers looking for a complete meal. Depending on the restaurant’s current board, entrée choices can include:
- Burger options
- BBQ sandwich
- Hot dogs
- Chicken
- Chicken strips
- Quesadillas
- Other listed entrée selections
You then choose two eligible sides or, where permitted, use a double-up option.
Jr. Tray
The Jr. Tray provides a smaller meal format. It can be useful when you have a lighter appetite or want a more compact combination.
Because the exact choices and price can vary, check the restaurant’s current board before ordering.
Tray vs. Individual Items
| Meal format | Best for | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Tray | Full meal | Includes entrée, sides and drink |
| Jr. Tray | Smaller appetite | More compact combination |
| Individual entrée | Simple meal | Add sides separately |
| Shake + entrée | Dessert-focused order | Shake adds substantial calories |
The Tray can also make ordering easier for first-time customers because you do not have to build every component separately.
Burgers and Sandwiches
The burger section is another major part of the cookout menu. Cook Out’s official nutrition information lists several hamburger sizes, including Small, Regular, Huge and Big Double.
Burger Sizes
According to the official nutrition document:
- Small hamburger: 245 calories
- Regular hamburger: 328 calories
- Huge hamburger: 516 calories
- Big Double: 311 calories
These figures refer to the listed hamburger servings themselves and should not be treated as the calories for a complete Tray.
Cook Out also lists different burger styles and additions. The nutrition information identifies additions such as Cook Out Style, Out West Style, Steak Style and Cheddar Style.
Which Burger Should You Choose?
For a straightforward burger, a regular hamburger provides a middle-size option.
If you want a larger portion, the Huge burger is substantially larger. Customers interested in additional toppings can consider the listed styles, but the exact ingredients should be confirmed with the restaurant if you have an allergy or dietary restriction.
Chicken Choices
Chicken gives the cookout menu more variety than burgers alone. The official nutrition information includes char-grilled chicken breast and a hot crispy spicy chicken breast fillet.
The char-grilled chicken breast is listed at 377 calories for the stated serving. Cook Out also provides variations such as Original Style, Barbeque Style, Cajun Style, Club Style and Cheddar Style in its nutrition information.
The spicy chicken breast is listed at 446 calories before additional cheese-style additions.
Chicken for Different Preferences
For a grilled option: The char-grilled chicken breast is the most direct choice.
For more heat: The spicy chicken breast provides a hotter profile.
For added richness: Cheese or club-style additions can change the overall flavor and nutrition profile.
If you are watching sodium, remember that sauces, cheese and other additions can substantially change the nutrition of the finished item.
BBQ and Hot Dogs
Cook Out also has Southern-inspired choices that make the menu different from a basic burger chain.
BBQ Sandwich
The official nutrition information lists the regular BBQ sandwich at 368 calories, with a serving size of approximately 8.8 ounces. It also lists 1,103 mg of sodium and 29 grams of protein.
The BBQ plate is considerably larger. The official document lists it at 976 calories for the stated serving and 2,445 mg of sodium.
Those figures demonstrate why a BBQ sandwich and BBQ plate should not be treated as nutritionally equivalent meals.
Hot Dogs
Cook Out’s official nutrition information lists several hot-dog styles, including:
- Hot Dog
- Cook Out Style Hot Dog
- Mexi Hot Dog
- Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog
The basic hot dog is listed at 260 calories, while the Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog is listed at 523 calories.
For someone who wants a simpler option, the standard hot dog has fewer calories than the specialty versions listed in the nutrition document.
Quesadillas, Wraps and Sides
The cookout menu is not limited to burgers and BBQ. Quesadillas, wraps and side dishes provide additional ways to build a meal.
Commonly referenced categories include:
- Chicken quesadillas
- Beef quesadillas
- Cajun-style wraps
- Ranch-style wraps
- Honey mustard wraps
- Fries
- Hushpuppies
- Onion rings
- Chicken nuggets
- Corn dogs
- Other listed side choices
Availability should be checked at the individual restaurant rather than assumed from an online third-party list.
Choosing Your Sides
Sides can change the character of a Tray significantly.
For a classic fast-food combination, fries are a straightforward choice. Hushpuppies provide a more Southern-style side, while onion rings offer a different texture.
If you are ordering for variety, choosing two different sides can give you more contrast than selecting the same side twice.
Milkshakes and Drinks
Milkshakes are one of the most recognizable parts of Cook Out’s identity. The official website has a dedicated shakes section, while independent 2026 menu references commonly report 40 or more flavor combinations, although the exact lineup can change.
Popular flavor categories reported across current menu references include combinations involving:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Banana
- Oreo
- Mint chocolate
- Peanut butter
- Cherry
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Coconut
- Cheesecake-style flavors
- Seasonal flavors
Because seasonal flavors can change, do not assume that a particular flavor is available year-round.
Classic vs. Specialty Shake
A classic vanilla or chocolate shake is a simple starting point.
More adventurous customers can explore combinations involving fruit, cookies, chocolate, peanut butter or seasonal ingredients.
If calories are important, remember that a shake is an additional part of the meal rather than a zero-calorie beverage. The official nutrition information should be consulted for the current figures when available.
Cookout Menu Prices
One of the biggest challenges with publishing current cookout menu prices is that Cook Out does not provide one nationwide price table on its official website.
Recent 2026 menu-board research found the following examples:
| Item | Recent reference price |
|---|---|
| Jr. Tray | About $6.99 |
| Regular Tray | About $7.99 |
| Regular Burger | About $3.99–$4.39 |
| BBQ Sandwich | About $4.99 |
| Char-Grilled Chicken Breast | About $4.85–$4.99 |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | About $3.39–$3.99 |
| Fancy Milkshake | About $3.99 |
These are reference prices from selected 2026 locations, not guaranteed nationwide prices. A recent comparison of menu boards in Raleigh, Alpharetta and Gadsden found identical Tray prices at the three checked locations but differences in several individual items.
This means your local menu board should always be treated as the final authority.
Price answer: Cook Out prices vary by restaurant. Recent 2026 menu-board research placed a Jr. Tray around $6.99 and a regular Tray around $7.99 at several checked locations, while individual burgers and sides showed smaller location-to-location differences.
Nutrition and Dietary Information
Nutrition is another area where relying on current first-party information matters.
Cook Out publishes an official nutrition document containing calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, protein and selected vitamins and minerals.
For example:
| Item | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hamburger | 245 | 14g |
| Regular Hamburger | 328 | 22g |
| Huge Hamburger | 516 | 40g |
| Big Double | 311 | 20g |
| Char-Grilled Chicken Breast | 377 | 25g |
| Spicy Chicken Breast | 446 | 21g |
| Regular BBQ Sandwich | 368 | 29g |
| Hot Dog | 260 | 8g |
These numbers are from Cook Out’s published nutrition information and refer to the listed individual servings, not complete meals.
Allergens and Dietary Restrictions
People with food allergies should not rely solely on a generic menu description. Ingredients, preparation methods and cross-contact considerations can matter.
If you have a serious allergy, ask the restaurant about the current ingredients and preparation process before ordering.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low-sodium and other dietary labels should also be used carefully unless supported by current first-party information.
How to Choose From the Cookout Menu
The large selection can make the first visit confusing. A simple approach is to decide what type of meal you want first.
For a Complete Meal
Start with a Regular Tray and choose an entrée, two sides and a drink.
For a Smaller Meal
Consider a Jr. Tray or an individual entrée with one side.
For Burger Fans
Choose between the different hamburger sizes and then decide whether you want a listed topping style.
For Chicken Fans
Compare the grilled chicken and spicy chicken options.
For BBQ Fans
The BBQ sandwich provides a smaller option, while the BBQ plate is substantially larger.
For Dessert
Add a milkshake after choosing the main meal.
This approach helps avoid ordering too much simply because the menu has many choices.
Secret Menu and Customization
Searches for a “secret menu” often refer to customer-created combinations rather than officially named products.
Cook Out’s official website does not establish a separate secret-menu category. Therefore, unofficial combinations should not be presented as official Cook Out menu items.
Customers may ask whether certain ingredients can be combined or whether an available topping can be added to an entrée. However, customization depends on what the restaurant can prepare and what its current menu allows.
A useful rule is:
Official menu item: Listed or confirmed by Cook Out.
Customer-created combination: A suggested combination using existing menu ingredients.
Unverified claim: An item mentioned online without reliable confirmation.
This distinction is especially important for customers searching for a specific item before traveling to a restaurant.
Locations and Ordering
Cook Out originated in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989, according to the company’s official history. Its location page currently lists restaurants across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, with some locations marked as coming soon.
The official website provides a location finder, making it the appropriate place to confirm whether a restaurant operates in a particular city.
Before visiting, check:
- The nearest restaurant’s current location.
- Its posted menu.
- Current item prices.
- Available Tray choices.
- Shake availability.
- Store-specific hours or service details.
This is particularly important when looking for a limited or seasonal flavor.
Ordering Tips for First-Time Customers
If this is your first Cook Out visit, the menu can look complicated at first. These tips make the process easier.
1. Decide on the main item first.
Pick a burger, chicken, BBQ, hot dog or another entrée.
2. Consider a Tray.
If you want sides and a drink, the Tray structure simplifies the order.
3. Choose complementary sides.
Two different sides give you more variety.
4. Check the shake list.
If you want dessert, look at the current flavor selection before finalizing your drink.
5. Confirm price locally.
Online prices can become outdated quickly.
6. Ask about allergies.
Do not rely on assumptions about ingredients or cross-contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the Cookout menu?
The Cook Out menu includes burgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, quesadillas, sides, drinks, milkshakes and Tray combinations. The official website and nutrition materials provide the most reliable current information for menu categories and nutrition details.
How much is a Cook Out Tray?
Recent 2026 menu-board research found a Jr. Tray at about $6.99 and a regular Tray at about $7.99 at several checked locations. Prices can vary, so confirm the amount at your selected restaurant.
What comes with a Cook Out Tray?
A Tray generally combines an entrée, two sides and a drink. The exact entrée and side choices depend on the current restaurant menu.
Does Cook Out have milkshakes?
Yes. Cook Out has a dedicated shake section, and current menu references report a large selection of milkshake flavors. Seasonal availability can change.
How many calories are in a Cook Out burger?
Calories depend on the burger size and additions. Cook Out’s official nutrition information lists 245 calories for a Small hamburger, 328 for a Regular hamburger and 516 for a Huge hamburger.
Does Cook Out have BBQ?
Yes. The official nutrition information includes a regular BBQ sandwich and BBQ plate. The listed calorie values are 368 and 976 respectively.
Does Cook Out have chicken?
Yes. The menu includes chicken choices such as char-grilled chicken breast and spicy chicken breast. The official nutrition document also lists several chicken preparation styles and additions.
Does Cook Out have a secret menu?
There is no separate official secret-menu category established on Cook Out’s official menu page. Online “secret menu” ideas should therefore be treated as unofficial customer-created combinations unless the restaurant confirms them.
Where can I find Cook Out locations?
Cook Out’s official location finder lists restaurants by state and allows customers to search for a nearby restaurant. Current listed states include North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama.
Do Cook Out menu prices vary by location?
Yes. Recent 2026 menu-board comparisons found differences in several individual item prices between locations. For that reason, online prices should be treated as references rather than guaranteed prices.
Conclusion
The cookout menu offers a broad combination of burgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, sides, drinks, milkshakes and Tray meals. Its menu structure gives customers multiple ways to build a meal, while the extensive shake selection adds another layer of choice.
For accurate nutrition information, Cook Out’s official nutrition document is the strongest reference because it provides calories and detailed nutrient information for many individual menu items. For locations, the official restaurant locator should be checked before traveling.
Prices are more complicated because Cook Out does not provide one universal nationwide price list online. Recent 2026 menu-board research shows that prices can differ between restaurants, making the local menu board the best source for the final price.
Prices, availability, sizes, ingredients, and customization options may vary by location and may change over time.
Sources used for this guide: Cook Out’s official menu, official location directory, official company history, and official nutrition information, supplemented by recent 2026 menu-board research for clearly labeled reference pricing.
References
- Cook Out Official Menu — best source for menu categories, Tray information, burgers, BBQ, hot dogs, chicken, shakes, and other menu offerings.
- Cook Out Official Nutrition Information — best source for calories, serving sizes, fat, sodium, carbohydrates, sugar, protein, and other nutrition information. For example, it lists the Regular Hamburger at 328 calories, Huge Hamburger at 516 calories, Char-Grilled Chicken Breast at 377 calories, and Regular BBQ Sandwich at 368 calories.
- Cook Out Official Locations — use this for restaurant locations and states served. The official locator currently lists Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Cook Out Official Company History — useful for the company’s history and background. Cook Out states that it originated in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989.