This North Carolina based fast food chain has been around for over 35 years now, and has grown to over 100 locations. The menu is primarily hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, NC style BBQ, and of course, milk shakes. Until recently there were no spots that had any inside seating, but this is gradually changing. They are known for the small building with drive thru lanes on both sides, and this plus the congestion surrounding many of their locations can make getting in and out a challenge, though this one in not as bad as many! The burgers and chicken sandwiches here are far superior to the offerings of any national chain l, with the possible exception of a properly staffed and operating Culver's - the one in Winston is not one of those, the one in Kernersville most certainly is. The number of locals spots that rival the offerings here is very small. I ordered each of my favorite items here - Bacon Cheeseburger and the Crispy, Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich. The time in line here are generally a bit longer than the larger chains, but still around 10 minutes. The burger was excellent and well sized as alway, these folks just know how to make a great burger. And the crispy, spicy chicken sandwich is as good as anyone's, including the cult one at Popeyes! Only the BYO at Bad Daddy's is possibly a bit better, and definitely is bigger! I have found the food at Cook Out locations to be consistently excellent with very few bad experiences. Ambiance - 0 Food - 5 Service - 4 Value - 4.5 read more

See all

The food in general was fine for the most part but the restaurant was not busy with there being no more than 3 cars in line. However the man that took our order repeated the same question about wich side we wanted and the sauces we wanted as well as our drinks. All three were wrong. He gave us the wrong side, the wrong drink and no sauces after questioning is on all three twice. read more

I stopped in the grab a cheerwine float but have it blended. There was only one car in front of me and service was fast. The blended float was perfection. I can't speak for their food but overall I had a good experience. read more

On its surface, the two-queue drive thru arrangement at this Cook Out location seems like it would speed things up a lot. But it's not as helpful as you might think, especially since the orientation of one lane is only useful for vehicles with someone in the right seat. It's also rather inconvenient to leave this site, as the configuration doesn't give you a good way to get onto Hanes Mall Boulevard. Once you've got your food, you're destined to either cut into an adjacent parking lot (prepare for massive speed bumps and an often extensive wait if you want to travel west on Hanes Mall) or roll back around to Kester Mill to fight with Walmart traffic (this also requires you to cross paths with incoming restaurant traffic). As with most Cook Out locations, there's no indoor seating. Order at the speaker, drive up to the window, pay, get your goods, and drive away to eat elsewhere. Until my most recent visit I'd never tried the hot dogs at Cook Out. It's a Carolina institution, so shouldn't they have good hot dogs? The answer: not really. Let's start with a low budget sausage that was then roasted down to a dry, wrinkled, flavorless finger of processed meat. The bun was equally cheap, and then toppings were essentially spooned atop the bun. Which means they don't stay on the dog while you're eating. Most of the slaw and onions wound up in the Styrofoam tray instead. I was also very unimpressed by the chili and its burnt flavor. The fries were a much better offering. Cooked near perfectly and with a bit more salt than is probably healthy, these potato strands proved to be the highlight of the meal. I don't have Cheerwine often, as I often limit my intake of carbonated drinks, but I'm glad to see it on the menu here. Kinda wish there was a mandate for restaurants in NC to include it in their fountain drink offerings! The last bit of frustration I felt from this visit was when I noticed no napkins were provided with the meal. Seriously? I order hot dogs (with chill on them, no less), likely to be eaten in a vehicle, and yet I'm not given anything to wipe my hands or face with? In summary: Anticipate being frustrated by the site design and the impact it has on leaving. Don't go to the west side order lane if you're alone in the vehicle. I'd skip the hot dogs. Get a burger instead, and go for the fries. Check for napkins before you pull away from the window. read more

After arriving in Charlotte and driving to Winston-Salem we continued to see signs for Cookout. Especially signs that said how many different fresh milkshakes they have. We have never been to North Carolina and had never heard of Cookout. We felt we had to try it while in the area and did a little research on the company. We discovered they originated in 1989 in Greensboro, NC. They focus on flame grilled burgers, chicken, hot dogs and milkshakes. They now have about 300 locations in about 12 Southeast states from MD to GA to MS. They are known for having a dual drive through format. We had an opportunity to stop here a little before noon on a Saturday. Because we had two people in the car, we decided to enter the drive through side where they hand you your food from the passenger window. We ordered from the menu on the drivers side, paid and picked up our order from the passenger side. We ordered an Out West Style Burger (which includes BBQ Sauce, Bacon, Mayo, Pickles & Onion) and White Cheddar Cheese Bites. We proceeded to the pick up window where we paid, were handed our food and we were on our way. We were really impressed with the burger. It appeared that it was actually hand pressed and it tasted like it came from a charcoal grill. The cheese bites were also really tasty. For us this was a pretty cool experience to find a new different fast food restaurant. read more

See all

Good fast food. Drive through was fast for a Wednesday night and service was pleasing. read more

Cook Out - Nugget bag - Burgers Near Me - Winston Salem, North Carolina

There was a gray hair in my food and my chicken wasn't even all the way cooked, will never be going back read more

Cook Out - The circle on top shows the food not all the way cooked and the bottom circle clearly shows they gray hair inside my food - Burgers Near Me - Winston Salem, North Carolina

Left a review a couple of days ago regarding the huge delay to get food from the drive thru. We waited in total, over an hour to get 2 burgers and some chocolate shakes. After the insulting wait, both burger orders were wrong... note- we made no changes to the menu items. What a disappointment.... At least they had some taste. Shakes were great. Never will i return to this location! read more

They need a complete change in management at this location. Day and night shift here are very lackluster in their customer service. My order is never correct and the food is never hot. read more

Worst location. Slowest service. Burnt food. Cook Out can do better than this. This location takes forever. The flow of the drive thru is terrible. This location always messes up orders. The staff looks dirty. I went one night and had to go through the line twice because they messed up my order. I walked up to the window because I want to be able to show what was happening. The dude working the window was serving drinks and food and I have never seen a dirtier pair of jeans in my life! It looked like he had been on the construction site before he came to work that evening. I won't go back to this location. Also, Hey Cook Out corporate! Two major issues: 1. Put the Huge Burger back on the menu! If you get rid of that burger, I will stop going. It's the best burger you have due to bread and meat and cheese ratio. If you want the huge burger people, ask for it! They still serve it, and the big double is a less quality patty. 2. Open the dining rooms of the stores you have dining rooms for. No reason to stay closed anymore. If you don't open them back up, I am seriously going to stop patronizing Cook Out. I love the food, I love the shakes, but this place is going downhill fast! Pull it back together. Put the quality back into the food and the stores. Don't keep raising the prices. Get back to great value! Also, what happened to the Bible verses on the cups and Fry bags? read more

Was stuck in a 45 min wait! Had to repeat my order 3 times and they had no bottled water. What in the world is going on cookout?! This was disgraceful! People literally drove over medians to get out of line ! read more

This Cook Out is constantly backed up, not because they are so busy. Purely because of incompetent employees. It doesn't matter what time of day that you managed to find your self at Cook Out... You will be in line for 10x longer than you anticipated. Furthermore, your food order will more-than-likely incorrect. read more

Quick, efficient service with good food. I ordered six milkshakes and was on my way in about five minutes.

i got three trays... one order was wrong, i had THREE chicken nuggets as a side in the other and we waited like 20 mins in total. never worth it here read more

For eons, weary travelers have sought refuge and a warm meal at roadside establishments. Word of the locations of these establishments was passed along amongst the nomads. Today, it is no different. After a very long day of travel with delayed flights, I landed in Greensboro after 11. I used yelp to find late night dining options, and they were sparse. But Cook Out was listed as being open until 3 AM on weekdays. I piloted my trusty steed (well, my rental Suburban) to the restaurant, and chose the right side of the double drive-through. Cars were lining up behind me, and although the menu was large, the headlights in my rear view pressured me into making a quick decision. I ordered a burger "cook out style," figuring it must be okay to have their name on it. It was definitely okay. Not great, not really good, but okay. It had some kind of chili on it, and a raw onion. And the bun was smushed. But I was starved and they were open late, so thanks. The fries were neither hot nor crisp, but they were very salty. But they were open when I was starved, so again, thanks. Would I go back? Sure, if I were hungry between 10 and 3 (4 am on weekends). The food gets 2 stars from me. But they get 5 stars for being there when I needed them. So I'll round up the average and give them 4. read more

See all

We attempted to order basic food from this location and were unsuccessful! The women at the drive-thru would not listen when we placed our order. We repeated our order a multiple times and she simply could not get the order correct. I hate to say this but the only time we can order and get the correct food is when the two white gentleman are working. Tonight we decided to pull out of the drive-thru after the women repeatedly could not get our order correct. This is the second time we had to pull out of the drive-thru! In the future we will only eat at this location when the two gentleman are working as they seem to be the only ones that can do the job correctly! Cookout please hire more people like the two gentleman and your business will greatly improve! I am so tired of dealing with these lazy people that are not able to do simple tasks! read more

The milkshakes are awesome but the food is hit or miss. Some days it's amazing others not so much but for the price you are definitely getting what you paid for. read more

This is our second stop at a Cook-Out but our first at at this location... Stopped for a quick bite "late" at night. Late, as it 8:45pm. We had about a 5 minute wait in line tonight. Not a huge wait but more than we had last time. Once we got to the window we got our order immediately... Not sure what the hold up was with the person in front of us. We both got chicken strip trays. Once again, by the time we got home - a short distance away, everything was cold. Are we doing this wrong? Are we supposed to be getting the food and immediately scarfing I down in the parking lot or eat it while we are driving?? I'm sure the drive-thru only concept keeps their costs down but I haven't gotten a hot meal from here yet. Maybe I should have just had a milk shake instead... Those are SUPPOSED to be cold. read more

I had two cars in front of me in line and was waiting for 45 minutes. This happens every time I come here. I understand that some places are short staffed right now, but if you don't have the staff to work both windows then don't have both windows open! read more

Thank You for affordable and good food, Never once in all the years have I ever had a wrong order or slow service.

The Absolute Worst service in Winston Salem!! Never get out of the ridiculous line in less than 30-45 minutes!! Was there today, asked for a Watermelon milkshake, was informed that they weren't serving anymore watermelon milkshakes this season, even though it's still advertised on their sign through the end of August??? When asked about that fact, was told it was a corporate decision! Then I asked for a Reece's milkshake, & was informed that their milkshake machine was down! WTH??? How convenient!!!! So, I have to sit in the drive through line, for absolutely nothing!! Why not post a sign informing your customers that your milkshake machine is down, so we don't have to sit in the line, for nothing??!!?? NOT a happy customer & WILL NOT be returning to this Cook Out!!! Also, WILL BE Sharing my POOR experience with ALL of my friends & coworkers, who have had similar experiences at this same location!! Let me guess, COVID is to blame for your milkshake machine being down & for the Extremely Poor Service??? read more

This place needs to be closed down, went there last night and place a order with chilly fries (chilly was so disgusting I wouldn't let my dog eat it we also order drinks witch the cups had holes at the bottom of them and if you want a BLT sandwich DO NOT order one from here. And the folks that work there you feel like you are distributing them from them having fun with each other and there milk shakes here are very discussing had to toss it out never again will I go there or recommend it to anyone including dogs. read more

The previous two times I've visited this location the corn dog I've ordered has been burnt. And the chicken fingers are so dry. The line is also usually 4-5 cars deep so expect to wait, at lunch time at least. The same young lady at the window has rolled her eyes at me when I try to be polite and cordial. She passes over my food as if it's a bag of trash and that I'm beneath her. I don't feel that this location is a good representation of Cook Out as a whole though. The Peterscreek location is much better. I know it's just cheap, fast food but several other Cook Out locations have been much better than this one. I really hope they get it together because I'm sure they are fully capable of it. read more

Their food is delicious. Kinda upset, was craving it tonight and went there around 330 and they said they were closed... but it says on website they're open til 4... read more

I left NC 20 years ago and only get those amazing shakes when I return for a visit. This trip we went every night and got our shakes. We sure cant get them like that in Fort Lauderdale. Only wish they had watermelon earlier than July but all's good. Also - their hush puppies are so good. Now I have to go get my running shoes out of the closet and run these delicious shakes off. Lol read more

I love that I can get a small burger without a bun and have a protein packed meal on the go! Unsweet tea is very good and you get about a quart of it with the large drink. No wait when I was there and very friendly service, too! My son RAVES about the shakes and the hush puppies as a side. read more

No quesadillas. :( Overall I was completely unimpressed with this store because it is drive-through only and once you get in line you're trapped. Limited menu. We ended up leaving with it ordering and stopped at the Kernersville location instead. Too bad because this is a great location. read more

Can't get the order correct! Used to be good! Can't get order correct. Asked for onions got lettuce! Wtf? You 15/hr..earn it! Update! Still can't get it correct even after asking at the window! Will travel further for better service! Bye! read more

1) This is a drive-through only Cook Out 2) People tell me the food is amazingly low priced but I unfortunately have not tried anything besides a milk-shake. There are probably two dozen flavors/toppings to choose from, it's only $2.50 (or something close to that) and they're so beautifully thick, you gotta use a spoon. I got the chocolate malt + Snickers. It rocked. 3) There is a parking lot even though it's a drive-through only joint so you can park and relax and eat in the car. I'm not actually sure if I have enough information to rate this place but I've got a pretty good feeling that I'm going to be 100% satisfied with my $5 meal when I finally do. read more

Several coworkers mentioned that Cook Out has the BEST shakes in Winston, so I had to try them out. I didn't try anything other than the shake, but it was great. Creamy and super thick, so you have to use a spoon, and they have a ton of flavors. I had strawberry caramel, and loved it. Pretty reasonably priced too - around $3 with tax. Note: this location is a drive-thru only. read more

Chicken wrap was way too crunchy. Fries are too greasy. And we got a huge sweet tea with our trays, after drinking the entire tea and beginning to chew the ice, we saw a bug frozen into the ice cube. Absolutely not going back to this cookout, if any at all. Very disappointed and DISGUSTED. read more

I don't eat fast food, but rode through today with folks that ordered some awesome and amazingly smelling hot dogs. They accidentally drove by the speaker box where you order and ended up Where you pay and pick up your order. The server thought they were funny and took their order from there. The service was good and fast and came with a smile. If I ever start eating fast food again I'll have to try a coon out hot dog, the lines were very long at 3 in the afternoon. It must be good! read more

I always love getting some Cook Out when I'm back in town. This location may be drive-thru ONLY, but this fast food joint is great and easy for an on-the-go bite. Pretty typical American fare - burgers, fries, hot dogs, milkshakes.. The milkshakes are a must! They have a ridiculous selection of flavors(including a watermelon flavor right now!) - Oreo Mint is my favorite. Their french fries are a must (try the Cajun flavoring..yum!) and the burgers come in all sizes, although I prefer the 1/4 lb. the best. Anyway, if you're in the area, or looking for a quick bite before catching a movie at the Carmike next store, try Cook Out for a good ol' american joint. read more

Weekly patron. Tonight I ordered a tray. Burger was a size smaller than any other visit at any location, charred like a brick and nearly choked. The burger was drowned in mustard and ketchup, and had a piece of lettuce that was soggy and looked brown turned throw away. Called 3 times. No answer. Emailing corporate! read more

They were out of chicken AND the lettuce was BROWN!!! Our service was terrible and disappointing as I was very polite to the RUDE lady in the window and she barely said FIVE WORDS to me! :(( I am QUITE disappointed in my local neighborhood cook out tonight. If there was an ability to rate ZERO STARS I would IMMEDIATELY for the service and overall experience at this usually fine dining establishment. read more

They still suck. Went to get a watermelon milkshake. Ugh, I don't know if it's me or if it is the location...but, the drive thru situation is uber annoying and there were some kids trying to get people to order for them. No thanks. I'm over it. The milkshake was good. I don't usually eat watermelon and it was very cold and refreshing. I just hate this location. read more

Great please to go to if in a rush but not on a Saturday night! Packed out to the Mexican place!!!

Not sure if Id eaten here in the past but Mom swears by it so we drove thru. Five bucks gets you a burger, two sides, and a drink. Not bad. So I get double onion rings. Burger was small but good with a charcoal flavor. But five onion rings? Mom got two with her order. Hey! It's North Carolina here! We need ten/fifteen onion rings with our order. Next time, if there is one, I will ask about the skimp. Give me a break, five onion rings......... read more

I was stuck in the middle with service today. They were not busy, yet I had to repeat my order 3 times for just one burger and fries! Normally, they are very fast, delicious and friendly as well. This time, the staff seemed to be occupied by themselves and then when I did get home, the food was not correct. It still tasted delicious, but was disappointed compared to the many other times I visited. read more

The food was perfect but the service was questionable. I myself work in fast food and I would never treat customers the way I was treated at this Cook Out. It's a shame. When we ordered our food we said exactly what was on the menu "Chicken strip club" but the woman taking our order replied with "so you want the chicken strip sandwich club style", We went back and forth with that for a little while. it felt like she was rushing us so under pressure my friend decided to get the same thing I got and instead of getting the shake he wanted he panicked and got a strawberry shake because she told us they didn't have cookie dough even though there's a decent sized sign that says they do. then when we got to the window and we didn't get a hello or a how are you, she took my card and then handed us our food and closed the window with out even saying have a good night or anything. It was all very chaotic and rushed. read more