This is a solid enough Cook Out. They're usually very busy, and they do a pretty good job of getting you through a long line relatively quickly. I love their Reese's Cup milkshakes, but one thing I've noticed about this location is that they either don't cook their chicken nuggets and fries long enough, or they leave them out for too long, as I've gotten cold food multiple times I've come here. When I go to Cook Out, I'm not expecting world-class cuisine, but I would like for it to at least be hot coming out of the bag. Nevertheless, I still like this Cook Out, as it's convenient, and the food isn't awful for the price you're paying for it. read more

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If you're looking for a late-night snack, this place is a solid choice! While it may not be the absolute best, it certainly gets the job done. One little suggestion: it would be great if they included a few more onion rings with the meal! I got the blueberry cheesecake shake and it wasn't the best. read more

Cook Out - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Is the service going to be good? More than likely not. But I come here for quick food at a great price. I don't have one near my home so when I see a cookout, I stop in. I love that you get to choose what you want in your tray and can come out of here spending less than 10 bucks a person. The spicy chicken sandwich is always good. They have so many shake options to for a late night treat. Can't beat it read more

Cookout is such a fun late night experience and has quick fast food with killer milkshakes that border on icecream. I love the chicken nuggets, onion rings and fries! Overall fun concept of drive through and hanging out with friends or now almost locations have an inside order option. read more

Stopped by the drive-thru with some co-workers on my recent trip to Columbia, and we ordered shakes. The worker told us there was a limit of three shakes; we told them that we had four people, so we needed four shakes, and the worker said, "It's okay, that's fine." So we order, and then the worker said, "You can only order three shakes at this window." So we had to back up, go to the other drive-thru window, an order there. Fortunately, a helpful and friendly worker took our order and got our shake order made pretty quickly. Not sure why one drive thru window has a limit on shakes, but it feels like there should be signage directing customers if you can't handle large orders, and I wish the first employee would have been straightforward with us (definitely first-world problems, I get it, but just pointing out where there's room for improvement). Anyway, the shakes were good, and the price was affordable. Clean up the drive thru experience and this could be a four or five star review next time. read more

they have great quick service here! love their banana pudding milkshakes. I also got chicken nuggets and hush puppies . these were so tasty and a great price. read more

Cook Out - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I went through the drive in in Batesburg and was not impressed. The fries were lukewarm warm and my "regular" burger didn't even fill up the bun! The lady at the window was not very pleasant. read more

Cook Out - Is this a regular sized burger? - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

decided to take orders outside instead of using their perfectly able lobby, inconvenience costumers, losing money this is very upsetting.

yahh this place was so good i love the south i would go every single day the watermelon shake was the best thing i have ever eaten yayayayayayayayayayayayaya read more

Cookout is a staple across South Carolina therefore having a quality location that is consistent is important. Thankfully, this location is up to par with cookouts standards. Located near 5 points in Columbia, I have never really had issues here. Besides the occasional wait and tripping bums sometimes in the area, this location is great. The staff seems to be a kind as they can be and the food is very consistent. All in all, I have always had a good experience at this cookout and that is a blessing in itself. read more

I went here on a whim to get some quick BBQ and it basically as was expected. I had the BBQ Pork sandwich and an order of the snack portion of chicken. Almost springing for the Cherrywine but decided it was too sweet. The BBQ sandwich was soft, melt in your mouth and the chopped coleslaw on the top was a necessary crunch. The chicken strips has some refreshing texture compared to the sandwich. Overall was satisfied with the meal and service. read more

The banana pudding milkshake was delicious! If you are ever craving one late night this is the place.

9 times out of 10 they get my order wrong and it takes 20+ minutes to get through the drive through when there's only 2 cars in line.

After getting my "big huge burger" order I noticed the meat was tiny half patties. I went to the window and talked to the manager and he said it was all he had left. I told him I wanted my money back and he said you aren't getting your money back and slammed the window in my face. read more

Cook Out - Big huge burger - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I understand the point of this fast food is literally supposed to be quick and easy BBQ fast food. Even though it is supposed to be a cook out style, at least make the food at least somewhat good. It was alright. Maybe it was just my visit, but I hear a lot of good things about this place, and that I needed to try it out. I will say that if you want a quick simple meal for a cheap price, this is the place to go. read more

Cook Out - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I have been here a few times for dine-in & a couple utilizing the drive-thru. Overall, I have had good experiences. I like CookOut usually because they have a large menu and there is something for everyone. There is a great variety, so everyone can get something they like & most of it usually tastes pretty good. My order has always been correct & the staff is pretty friendly. No complaints. read more

Honestly I'm from California. Never heard of a fast food place that serves full meal portions that's this cheap price and you know you'll be full. Most of the time I enjoy when I order from here especially if I walk up to the window. But I've been going thru drive theu recently and ummm let's just say it's not the best experience. Not always bad but sometimes they act they're in a rush. I don't like attitude when I'm ordering my food. It's unpleasant and as someone who constantly overthinks the situations in front of me - I can't tell if I'm an inconvenience for you or if you're just having a bad day or... both. I really don't like the idea of either. Food basic but it gets the job done if you literally don't have anything else. I think it could be better but you get what you pay for {insert heart here} same thing goes with the service read more

Ordered a cookout tray and sides and only received a sandwich in the takeout tray, none of the sides that I asked for and was charged full price read more

Look, in CA we do not have places like this. Do you want a salad? We have you. Do you want fun food? It may be looking tough for you chief. I love the milkshake selection and more importantly, I can feast for $10 and I can STILL get change! What!? read more

The old snaggled tooth lady at night on Wednesdays makes sure she gets her extra money any way she can even though any other time she's not here they give you the sauces for free for your food that you need. Apparently they also don't do multiple orders even though they have absolutely no business but on nights they're PACKED they have allowed all 4 ppl in my car to do separate orders so I'm confused. Idk what pissed in her cereal this morning but it was not the kind of attitude needed at all. If you get 10+ nuggets then you should atleast get 2 sauces not 1 and then have to pay a dollar for another sauce is crazy. read more

Ugh, was having a great night until I was rushed through my order at the second window. Because of this, I got boring old regular fries and not the Cajun I ordered. Another L for them. read more

I got food poisoning from this place from there hotdog. Safe to say i won't be getting a hotdog from there again. The workers are rude sometimes as well. read more

The staff mentioned that they did not care that my order was wrong because they were too busy

If you are desperate to save a few dollars, come here and satiate your appetite for 6 dollars. Otherwise, it isn't worth the wildly inconsistent service, possible stomach ache, or dealing with drunk frat Bros and sorority girls, which seems to be 85% of the clientele at this location read more

Honestly, I was impressed. This was the very first time I'd ever gone to a Cook Out and was curious to see what all the fuss is about. I had the BBQ plate which was only a grand total of four dollars (plus an additional $1.79 for a huge cup of iced tea) and the BBQ plate, despite the utterly meager price, had an ample portion of shredded pork BBQ, a small order of fries, a little cup of cole slaw, and about five small but good hushpuppies. It was certainly enough for dinner and while not spectacular BBQ, it was better than many places costing more and out in a flash despite them being very busy. This is the location nearest USC and it was slammed with college kids. The staff were friendly and pretty efficient though they were out of unsweet tea except a small pitcher hidden over to the side of the Coke machine and they didn't even seem to know exactly where that pitcher was lurking. Otherwise, they were on top of their game considering they seriously were overrun with hungry, demanding, undergrads. The interior is bright and clean. No complaints at all. I'm eager now to try their burgers and famous milkshakes but didn't get a shake tonight because I'd already had coconut cake and a praline today, so no more sweets--no more! Really, a whale of a deal. read more

Jveahna was very rude to me and did not get my order correct. She refused to fix my order and said if I wanted the food I ordered I would have to get back in line and pay for it again. Her customer service was absolutely terrible. If I could give zero stars I would. Do not recommend. read more

Order 2 burgers and 2 drinks at the drive through. At the window, the young guy at the window was too involved in a conversation with his co-worker to acknowledge me with just his hand stuck out the window for my payment. He ran my card and without looking at me, the card and receipt came out the window as he continued his conversation with the young female coworker. I got my bag and drinks... you guessed it. No thanks or any kind of customer service. I sat there and said thanks to him. His reply...Yep. Worst customer service ever. I do not blame him or the female co-worker. This is poor management and poor training. Very disappointed. If you are thinking of going here, just pass on by as there are other food places close by and nothing can be as bad as this location. If the customer service is this bad, I can only imagine the state of the cleanliness of the store and how lax management is in that area as well. read more

Cook Out - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

You can't beat this value! 2 bacon cheddar hotdogs, fries, hush puppies, and a drink for about $6. The hot dogs are great. Pulling into and out of this location can be hazardous, so be careful. read more

Cook Out - Bacon cheddar hot dog, fries, and hush puppies - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Good old fashioned burger, fries and shake. Cook Out wasn't anything extra special, but the food was good and priced right. The staff was very courteous and the place was clean all around. I'd stop back again given the opportunity. P.S.--parking is horrible...especially in my F-150 rental p/u truck! read more

Cook Out - Pretty good burger, fries and shake! - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Only writing this review out of the sheer pain this food brought about. I ordered a bacon cheeseburger from here and received a 2 patty burger with no cheese and just mayo. Even though it was sus i still ate it. The next day I got food poisoning, or some illness brought about by this meal. I ended up having to visit the hospital to get treated for de hydration. I've never been so sick in my whole life. I threw up over 30 times in 6 hours. I was throwing up so much I stretched my stomach causing more pain. I had bowel disruption on top of throwing up. Never knew one burger could cause so much damage. You couldn't pay me to eat here again. Gagging at the thought of it read more

Truly a pleasure every visit. The cook out platter is a delicious and versatile meal that will never leave you dissatisfied. I come into this place for their friendly service and positive attitudes. With the good lord's reminder pulsating through the loud speakers and printed on the cup it is hard to not feel at ease while munching on some cajun fries. The homeless people outside are an affront to god however and should not be peddling in such a place of holiness. read more

My niece was insistent that we stop on our trip home. This location is not off the highway, but into town near the University of South Carolina. Surprisingly, we came in and it was mildly busy. It was our first time, so we were confused by the menu. (We were told the $4.99 deal was the way to go.) My son and I stepped off to the side to take time and look over the choices, so my family had already ordered and a few people came in to get in line ahead of us. Still, when we reached the counter, the helpful cashier still pointed out that we still choose a style to our respective sandwiches. So we chose quickly. I feel like it was a blur. I went with a club style grilled chicken sandwich, bacon wrap and fries and upgraded to the Snickers milkshake. My son chose a 1/4 burger cheddar style (no onion/ no mayo) chicken nuggets, fries and an Oreo milkshake. (It's best to upgrade your drink to a milkshake @ $1 upcharge as opposed to $2.79 separately.) The food is out fast, like just enough time to pick out a seat and get condiments. The Polynesian sauce is pretty good, but really sweet. I have to say, I was quite impressed on the quality. To be honest, I had low expectations and was quite happy with the outcome. The shakes are comparable to a Blizzard from DQ. Very thick and cold, but not as generous on the topping (well, at least mine wasn't.) Not too sweet either, which is a plus. The sandwich was good, actual grilled chicken breast. Crispy bacon and lettuce, fresh tomato. Nice! The bacon wrap is simply crispy bacon, lettuce, cheese and ranch sauce. Fries were nice and crispy, not overly salted. Seriously, at $6 I am genuinely happy with my meal. I'm surprised it wasn't busier with the college being close by. There were a lot of construction workers inside though and a few students were there as we were leaving. read more

Cook Out - Grilled chicken. Bacon wrap. Fries. Snickers shake... $6 - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I went to this cookout and ordered theee trays through the drive through. I was given two trays upon my departure and when I realized, I brought my trays and receipt into the store. The "manager" said that her boss told her that i was given all three trays. when I asked to speak to her manager, she claimed that it was her and she gave me everything I ordered, and if i had a problem, then the police stationed inside the store could help me. she also proceeded to call me a thief and a liar. I asked the police, and they seemed to agree with me, but when I went to the counter, I was told to wait in the long line again. its disappointing that because of its location near the university, this store will almost always have business, but its management is the worst I have ever seen in a fast food restaurant, and I have worked in a lot including mcdonalds, Burger king, and even a cookout in North Carolina. this kind of customer treatment should not be tolerated and I am considering pursuing legal action against this store. I dislike how my situation was handled and I expected better. read more

Basically everything in life is a summation of expectations. The same is true for nearly all dining experiences, this one included. Do not swing by the Cook Out drive thru expecting anything but fast, cheap, mid-grade quality (that's being generous) food. That's exactly what my expectation was when I placed an order for a spicy crispy chicken sandwich (Texas Pete, lettuce, tomato, add a slice of cheese), onion rings, plus the upgrade-for-a-dollar peach milkshake (I asked for a large--it was a National Ice Cream Day and I felt like I should certainly participate). The chicken sandwich was just okay (again, my expectation was low, but was met), and the onion rings were hot and sort of tasted like onion rings that were made within the last 30 minutes for sure (again, my expectation was low, but was met). That's where it all goes downhill. I was shocked to learn they only have one size for milkshakes. And it's on the small side. When the nice young lady handed me the dinky-looking cup of frozen peach ice cream, my spirit sank a little. It was National Ice Cream Day and I was so looking forward to celebrating in high-caloric style. Alas, that was no to be. I was to celebrate with a one-size-had-better-be-okay cup of peach milkshake. Hopefully the milkshake gods will rectify this situation. Until then, be advised that these milkshakes ain't worth your extra dollar, or the wait in line. read more

Nice employees but for the love of God TURN DOWN THE VOLUME ON THE DRIVE THRU... I heard the drive this employee ask the car to pull up closer to the speaker but obviously they couldn't do that because it's a drive thru.... read more

A NEED TO TRY PLACE! totally awesome, fast and cheap. for 5$ you can get a large drink, sandwich, and 2 sides. and you can upgrade for a milkshake for only 1$. deff a place to try out if you come around it. food was ready in like 5 mins. quality is bomb too, check it out. read more

Cook Out - American Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The lady at the window had the WORST attitude. wish i knew who she was could pray for her by name. i asked very politely to add a coke to my order and she said and i quote "not at my window late at night." like miss girl... that was rude. it's not your window AND y'all close at 4am and it's only 10:30. do better :) read more

okay, WHAT?! No idea why this place is rated so well with multiple good reviews. They have NEVER gotten my order right. Many of my friends say the same. Drive thru? Check your shit. Sides, sauces, milkshake contents, burger toppings, everything. They always find some way to screw it up. I went today and even asked the drive thru person to read it back to me and all she could do was read me the price. Sure enough, order was all wrong. The sides were right so I thought it was fine but I get home and realize I have none of the sauces I asked for and it looked like she just put whatever tf she wanted on the burger. Ridiculous. I get that Cookout has low prices and usually quick service but do better. read more

Okay, a few pros and cons. Pros: The food tastes absolutely fantastic; the prices are beautiful, the service is easy, and the atmosphere is peaceful. And cheerwine. Cons: it's in the middle of town, so it's always hard to get here. The portions are not filling what so ever. The bathroom was a tad dirty. By the time we ordered, got our drinks and sat down our food was up! No Wifi, but outside dinning so you can enjoy the city life. Not somewhere you go for a quick bite, but somewhere to communicate with friends! read more

Stopped for lunch here after coming into town. The food is good, the service is friendly and the prices are extremely reasonable. Five people ate lunch here for $30, which is great. I ordered the chicken strips club with corn dog, hush puppies & iced tea. The chicken strips sandwich was good ... I ended up eating the chicken strips and leaving the bun/condiments because the chicken was really good on it's own. It was my first time having hush puppies & they were good. I only ended up having a bite of the corn dog, but that was also good. This sweet tea was great, perfectly sweet, without tasting syrupy. This place is truly good as far as fast food goes. No frills, just big portions & good food. Definitely would come back if I'm ever in the area again. read more