So delicious and well-worth the price!! I used to only get their shakes but started getting the trays this year. Chicken strips are big and meaty. Fries could be crispier but good anyways. The sandwiches/burgers could be bigger but hey it's so cheap. Their hush puppies are great. But the BEST PART are the SHAKES. Favorites: Oreo Mint, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Oreo Eggnog. Or mix whatever you want together!! The shake's only a buck more if you're getting the tray. And if you freeze the shake then you get your own flavor of ice cream! WHERE ELSE COULD I EVER GET OREO EGGNOG ICE CREAM??? I've tried a Mocha Pineapple shake and that was surprisingly good. The Hi-C shake I heard was not good though... because it's so watery. I guess avoid any shakes that require a liquid component? Sometimes service from the line takes longer than you'd expect. But my biggest problem is how to balance all the food I get when I make my way back to my car =P read more

Look... I would've posted a photo of my meal, but it disappeared before I knew it! One of my photography buddies suggested this joint and I'm glad I listened. I ate here three times during my weekend trip with the sig. Matter of fact, we both agree that it was the best thing to gorge on in Durham. I ordered the 1/4lb Cookout Style with a side of onion rings. The sig ordered the 1/4 Steak Style with Cajun fries. Good god were we full! Before we left Durham, we went to Cookout mainly because it was calling my name. And after I finished eating (more like inhaling) my burger, the sig informed me that a Cookout location was just opened in Atlanta. Our God is an awesome God. One more thing to savor are their milkshakes. The blueberry milkshake had me in batido heaven. Yes, it was good enough for me to include the Spanish term for milkshake in this review. As you can read, I'm definitely in love with this place. Hopefully after you read this review, you'll find the need to save some change, drive to the closest Cookout location, wait in line, and enjoy the sight of the greasy bag they hand you from the window. read more

For the four years that I hustled and bustled my way around Johnny Rockets restaurant as a server, I had a clear cut idea of what I defined a perfect shake to be like. Three scoops of vanilla ice cream, a couple splashes of milk, and a spoonful (or two..or three) of toppings blended to smooth, irrefutable perfection. A milkshake blender, NOT one of those typical ones, mind you. Since then, none have come close until now! Honestly, I don't care what else Cook Out has to offer on their menu; although I have to admit their chicken strips are worth mentioning. Their milkshakes at a jaw dropping $2.39 cannot be compared. From the original flavors of chocolate and vanilla to more complex choices such as mint Oreo and strawberry cheesecake, Cook Out spoke to my sweet tooth like a message from the man above. The consistency was dead on; thick enough to make your face squirm but spoons available for assistance. Worth every slurp! read more

When I drive 14 hours to get to North Carolina, my dad runs out and gets me Cookout to reward me after I arrive. I seriously love it as a snack type place (though not for a meal). I discovered it when my dad lived closer, because I wanted to find a place nearby with hush puppies. Cookout has them, and they are awesome! Heavy on the "fried" side but perfectly seasoned. And - 99 cents for a pack of them, which has a lot! The other thing I go here for is the shakes. They are delicious! I always get the Oreo one. Perfectly creamy and lots of mix ins. You can get a lot of combinations, including candies, fudge, caramel and more. I only wish they had a veggie burger, grilled cheese, or veggie wrap so I could make a meal of it! Oh well, I'll just get extra hush puppies! read more

Dear Cookout... I love you... Why must you be so far down south... Please bring your tasty goodness to the DMV so I can love you more than once ever two months... I digress... So... I went to NC for a wedding. Any time I go down south I make SURE to visit the cookout... This place is like a backyard barbeque, but it's a fast food chain! They have the best pulled pork sandwiches! And you HAVE to make sure you try the burgers and fries! The people here are always very accommodating, and very patient with first timers. Not to mention you get sooooo much food for soooo little money! read more

It was love at first sight of the double drive thru. Don't know why, but I've had a strange obsession with fast food places that have lanes on both sides of the building since I was little. I love being the passenger that gets to handle the money and grab the food. Anyway, I digress... I can only judge based on their milkshakes, but this place is freaking awesome. 30+ flavors, a couple seasonal varieties, and you can watch them being mixed through the windows. I've had their chocolate chip, chocolate cherry, and then sips of chocolate malt and strawberry cheesecake. The next morning you may feel like there's a lump of coal in your stomach, but it's totally worth it. Next flavor to try on my list is watermelon once it becomes available in July. read more

Pros I'm pretty sure you can get a hot dog with a side of a hotdog with the side of a hotdog. But I prefer corndogs. You can mix up to ten flavors in a Fancy Shake. My go-to is always Oreo meets peanut butter, but I'm always looking for new suggestions. A DOZEN HUSHPUPPIES FOR A DOLLAR??!?!!?!? Always. Bring your out-of-town friends here and wow them with "Durham's Best Combo." $4.99 for a main and two sides. Spicy chicken wrap all day. One time they got my order wrong. My boyfriend ordered an orange creamsicle shake and I ordered a peanut butter banana shake. They made one shake that was orange peanut butter. Then they gave us that shake for free and made us the ones we had originally ordered. Here's the thing: orange peanut butter ain't bad. Can't finish your whole fancy shake? Stick it in the freezer for later. Cons This location is drive through only. You have to go to You might feel slightly sick after eating an entire combo by yourself, so do yourself a favor and split it with a friend. Eat some carrot sticks later to even out the grease and add some fiber to your life. Your roommates all have leftover fancy shakes in the freezer and you eat someone else's thinking it was yours. That's okay. It was only $2.50. read more

my friends always look at me incredulously when i say that i've only been to cookout once in my entire college experience (though now that i'm in my senior year, i'm going to make up for it!) i went again last night at 2am and it was amazing. that said, friday night at 2am = you're going to wait in line. what makes cookout so incredible? unbelievably cheap, delicious, filling, and awesome variety for milkshakes. ahhh!! there are even secret milkshake flavors :O like cheesecake. AND you can mix as many flavors as you want! i got the peanut butter banana + oreo last night. so, so delicious. read more

Just went through drive through here. Ordered two milkshakes. Ended up throwing them away, as all of the employees had their masks pulled below their chins. Maybe 8 people inside that 6x6ft area. No chance they're taking proper covid precautions. Absolutely abysmal judgement. read more

Milkshake nirvana. My favorite so far is definitely oreo-mint. I also hear that the blueberry cheesecake is awesome. Cheap (amazing) milkshakes and cheap (decent to really good) burger joint food = why not? The only issue for me is that the closest Cook-Out location is about 10 miles away from me, but I can't fault them for that. It's not their fault that Chapel Hill no likey the drive-throughs. read more

Great CHEAP late night food. There's a drive through on each side of the building, and a walk up window, but no where to stay and eat on premises. Feeling adventurous, my friend and I tried the walk up window. We were not disappointed. Got some bar recommendations from the woman at the window (granted, one of them was chipotle?), and watched a drug pass off. A hopping night in Durham. The food is decent, keeping in mind you are paying pennies for it - a burger for $1.39?! And you can pick a variety of toppings, including grilled onions. Just FYI, if you order a $4.99 tray with chicken nuggets and hush puppies as sides, you will get 3 nugs and 3 pups. I say it's worth a stop the next time you have the munchies - but I'll vote for taking one of the drive throughs. read more

It's soooo good & y'all should come to cookout , they got great customer service!!! , they were really nice and great food tooo!!!

Wow! This franchise should be in every state. Truly one of the best burger joints I have ever been to. Fantastic burgers, great prices and friendly staff. Cook Out doing it right. read more

My fiancé is absolutely furious. Ordered a tray with 2 corn dogs. Imagine our surprise when we arrived home and there was only 1.....let me repeat 1 corn dog. Let me tell you she is not happy! Me and the cat are eating our food on a footon while she bellows louder then Thomas the choo choo train in the shower. Absolute disgrace to this amazing institution we call cookout that is centralized in the state that cherry berry owns. This is why cherry berry is retiring. Are you proud? read more

Milkshakes really can't be beat. I also don't understand how a place could provide hush puppies and corn dogs that are hot (as in not under a heating lamp) and made so quickly. Order was mixed up and my burger was kinda bland. That being said, I could see myself becoming a regular VERY quickly--inexpensive and bad for you? A lethal combination. read more

Speaker needs to be fixed, can't understand a word employees say. Not sure what server was so angry about , must have had a bad day. Foods okay at best read more

The food here is cheap, artery-clogging, and awesome. For burgers, cookout-style is the way to go (coleslaw, chili, and onions). The shakes and cajun fries are also great given the price. The service is quick, and it's open late, so it's the perfect place for a greasy late-night snack. read more

I come from California, home of In-N-Out, and I prefer Cookout over In-N-Out. Nothing beats going to Cookout for a super late night meal. The shakes, BBQ pulled pork, hushpuppies, and cheese melt(I think this is what it's called; it's basically a bacon+onion cheeseburger that's cooked to perfection) are amazing. The best burger joint I have ever been to. read more

Their chicken tenders are made of real chicken. The honey mustard is alas, Ken's Steakhouse, but whatever. They'll do in a pinch. Overall, I'm happy to say this place lives up to its cachet. It's a real scene, and I find myself mistakenly calling it In-n-Out sometimes, which is a HUUUUGE COMPLIMENT. read more

Have never had a bad meal, occasionally mess up an order or forget something but even then it's still pretty good food.

I'm not sure exactly how many times I've been here late at night as an undergrad at Duke, but one thing's for sure: it was never earlier than 10PM. If you're getting late night cravings for some cheap, good fast food (and milkshakes), head to Cook Out. The value here simply cannot be matched--sometimes I got a Cook Out Tray with a sandwich, sides (usually hush puppies and onion rings for me) and a drink, but most of the time I came here just for the milkshakes. And it was the same milkshake every time--Reese's peanut butter cups. There's upwards of 30 different flavors on the menu perhaps, and everyone has their favorite--point is, you find something you like, and chances are it'll be so good that you'll always be coming back for more. Do I wish that I tried more flavors? Yes. Do I care that I wasn't able to? No...because the Reese's peanut butter cup shake was so good I didn't have to. Pros: MILKSHAKES MILKSHAKES MILKSHAKES, tons of food options, all quite affordable Cons: Drive thru line can get long at times (walk-up line also available), the inevitable feeling you get with late night high calorie intake... read more

I mostly come here for their delicious milkshakes (my favorite is the mint oreo but I am a big fan of their cheesecake ones) and their BBQ pork sandwich. Whenever I have ordered these on several occasions over the last few years, they have gotten them right all but one time when they mixed up my milkshake. I have ordered other items, like the Cajun Style Chicken Breast and did not like it at all. The chicken was under-cooked and poorly seasoned. I mostly go through the drive thru which can sometimes take a while, especially if there is a line. When there is not line, you can get your food really quickly at the drive thru, but if they have a line, you may be waiting in line for almost 20 minutes. I went up to the window once because the drive thru line was long, and it was slower than the drive thru. Many cars were leaving the drive thru before I had gotten my food. The servers can seem a bit standoffish rather than friendly, but I do not tend to have high expectations at a fast food place. There is also no outdoor and indoor seating. read more

When I say "Cookout" I always mean "MILKSHAKE!!!" These milkshakes are amazing. It's awesome how they have a long list of flavors which you can mix and match. They have a number of fresh ingredients (banana, peanut butter, etc.) It's always been fast and friendly. Be warned, the milkshake is THICK and will make your cheeks/jaw hurt. But, it is totally worth it! I haven't tried anything else on the menu, so I can't give it a full 5 stars. read more

The * best * fast * food * chain * ever!!!! My faves: -burgers -grilled chicken sandwiches -99 cent BLT -pulled pork bbq -Cajun fried with extra Cajun -onion rings -the milkshakes (You can mix 2 flavors too) Cheap, fast, awesome, and open late!!!!! Oh yeah, they have CHeERwINE! And you can even get a CHeERwINE float! I just made myself hungry, I think it's a Cookout kind of lunch day:) read more

America in a restaurant. No frills and fuss, just what you want for the price you want. Not a vegetable to be found, and I'm here for it.

Cook Out is one of my favorite fast food chains ever. I love it because of its cheap prices, large quantities, endless options, sweet milkshakes, and unforgettable memories. It's only drive through or walk up, which might make it sound a bit lame, but it honestly is one of the best inventions of mankind. I love the crowd that usually floats around near the order window (a mix of college kids and rednecks). The only thing creepy about the place is the parking lot filled with large white vans. There are a MILLION combination of milkshakes you can get, ranging from the fruity flavors (strawberry, peach, blueberry) to the candy goodies (M&M, Reeses, Snickers, Oreos) to random other assortments (Cheesecake, Orange Push Pop, Hi-C). You can also get double toppings, aka like Double Oreos and Double Walnuts. My personal favorite is the Fudge, Dulce de Leche Caramel, and Cheesecake combination. The milkshakes are great, but what makes this place the BEST is the Cook-Out Tray deals. For about 5 bucks, you get a milkshake, a main entree, and two sides. The entrees range from double hamburgers, half-pound burger, foot long hot dog, chicken tenders, and other essential fast foods. The sides range from the normal onion rings, french fries, and cajun fries to the more delicious corn dogs, chicken wraps, bacon wraps, chili, and coleslaw. The variety of the mix and match is endless! The food usually comes out quickly and we often stand around outside enjoying the food and conversation even though it's freezing cold outside. I came here with my acappella group a few nights ago and we sang a few songs outside and they didn't yell at us to leave (which was nice haha). This is the quintessential Dukie midnight club restaurant in Durham and it's a must try for anybody visiting the area. read more

Cook Out's burgers are fine, even tasty, but something about buying a burger from a place where you can't see the kitchen at all makes me wonder if they're really char-grilled or if they add flavoring to make them taste that way. I do like the fact that they have a low-carb option. And I like their Carolina style "Cook Out" style burger, but there's something about their chili that doesn't wow me. It's not bad, just not as good as it could be. One thing I DO NOT like is their practice of putting Bible verses on their paper and Styrofoam products. It's almost as if they don't want the business of folks who might believe differently. If they're willing to exclude people, I guess that's their choice. I just find it a little offensive. read more

I was hungry and I love cookout I have been to this specific cookout many times but this time Sunday October 31 7:23 I went through the drive thru and tried to order but I was still trying to decide and I told that to the cashier but he said is this going to be a long order and the he heard what I said so he said in a loud voice "you should have told me that then" but I did so I yelled I did this is very poor service I do not advice coming here 1 star read more

Cook Out is a tradition to NC residents who don't like paying too much, so I can't go too far with this, but I'll say pros and cons. Pros: - Good, Fresh Food - Cheapest Meal ever? - Quickly made if there's no line - Milkshakes are all tasty, thick and delicious Cons: - Even with 2 sides the portions are small - All or almost all Cook Out establishments are placed in sketchy areas. I'm not sure if that was on purpose to cater to the poverty stricken who also just so happen to be sketchy? I feel unsafe there sometimes. - Really no meet and greet feel, they just give you your food, ask for the money, goodbye. I've been treated better at Bojangles. :P - I know it's a small place but keep the hairs in the food to a minimum. That is all, the Pros outweigh the Cons so I give it 4 stars. It lacks the perfect feel I get out of some places. read more

Cook out is privately owned restaurant based out of Greensboro, NC with locations mostly in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina & Tennessee serving burgers, hotdogs, BBQ and chicken sandwiches. And the piece de resistance are the milkshakes in 40 different flavors. Oh yeah they also make a pretty good hamburger too. I don't believe they make the BBQ themselves, but it is still very good. The hushpuppies are not usually good and sometimes are burnt. You are better off sticking with fries. Many of the Cook out locations are double drive thru. This location on Hillsborough Road does not have anywhere to sit. So then you have to eat in your car or take your food elsewhere. And this location can be difficult to get in and out off. Food B Staff C Decor N/A Location C Health Inspection grade 101.0 read more

This is a typical Cookout. Greasy food, open late, has a TON of milkshake flavors (everything from mint chocolate chip to Hi-C Fruit Punch). For fast food, you really get good portions for the prices you pay. The milkshakes are awesome; the fries less so. But Cookout is open late and definitely a step above your typical fast food run--in both calories and taste. read more

The worst cookout I've ever been too, if you wanna add 30+ minutes to your trip stop at this CookOut. They are so incredibly slow and trap you in the drive thru line so you can't get out. read more

My husband is addicted to Cook Out milkshakes, specifically the Reese's Cup flavor. They're just so darn delicious -- and cheap! Also, one of the sides is a corn dog. Coming from Texas, home of the original "corny dog," I have high standards for corn dogs. And for $0.99, Cook Out's corn dog is pretty darn tasty. read more

As others have said, Cook Out is all about the milkshakes. So many flavors, oh my! It's also super-cheap. The food is pretty decent for what it is, and at this price point. Everything is, however, seemingly very greasy; even the beverage cups feel greasy to me. I wouldn't really come here at a normal hour - if a place that serves real food is open, I'm more likely to eat there. But, after a long night of grading, paper writing, or whatever, where else can you go at 2am for a banana, oreo, and peanut butter milkshake, hush puppies, and other random artery-clogging fast food fare? Yeah, only Cook Out. Due to this, however, prepare for long lines on late-night weekends. read more

Cook Out is a local favorite. I've spent many late nights in the Cook Out parking lot catching up with friends over a delicious shake (it's never boring). One of the popular menu items is a "Cook Out Tray", which is an entree, 2 sides, and drink for $3.99 (add a shake for $1). My typical order is a BBQ sandwich, hushpuppies, fries or cole slaw, and either a banana or peach shake. Highly recommended, and this will be one of my first stops next time I'm in town! read more

Cook Out - cook out tray - Burgers Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Four words- banana nut Reese's milkshake. It was my first of what will surely be many Cookout milkshakes, but it will be difficult to stray from this particular choice. Cookout was everything I wanted it to be- super cheap, super fast, and super delicious. My boyfriend got a burger cookout style and I got a grilled chicken breast sandwich barbecue style. Only complaint- I could have gone for a bit more BBQ sauce and pickles- it was a little scant. But the chicken was tasty. We'll be back to try out the BBQ and some more shakes. read more

The food is very affordable and also very delicious.. Plus it's real convenient when i am going to visit my brother...There is also a great one near the DMV in Raleigh. They have great shakes, burgers, and fries........ read more

I love this place. Close to work, close to the house...always open and always fast! Ironically, I've never had a shake here but their cheeseburgers are to die for! I'm pretty amazed at their quesadillas too. YUMM-O!!! read more

I read all the reviews on this place and was excited to try it. The BBQ plate, at $4.99 seemed like a great way to dip my toe in. The drive through was crowded with an impressive line up. Once I opened the styrofoam box, I thought something must be wrong. The reviews said MASSIVE amounts of food. There was a pile of grayish chopped up stuff. Grayish. I had asked for extra sauce, which is a great way to taste the sauce on it's own. It was "Ken's" bbq sauce in a plastic cup. NOT home made and sticky sweet. After tasting the Gray matter I added some sauce to give it some flavor. The hush puppies were ok. The slaw was mediocre. My brother had a burger and said it was o.k. Just o.k. His fries were soft and not crispy. I was left with a big pile of styrofoam and plastic containers. Skip this place. With so many GREAT choices in North Carolina, go elsewhere. read more

To be clear, Cook Out is still the best chain burger I've had, and folks who tout Five Guys and In-N-Out as better are simply wrong. On my visit last October, though, the burger seemed to have lost a little of that "cooked on the home grill" flavor that had me so enamored with Cook Out in the first place. I lay awake some nights wondering if I instead did something different with toppings or maybe they were just having a bad day? I know I'll return for another evaluation in due time. read more