Cookout Burgers Menu 2026: Complete Guide to Sizes, Styles & Prices
Walking into a Cookout burger restaurant for the first time can feel overwhelming. The menu board lists Small, Regular, Huge, and Big Double sizes, plus eight different style options with ingredients you’ve never heard of combined this way. You’re not alone if you’ve stood at the counter wondering which burger gives you the most value or what “Cookout Style” actually tastes like.
This guide clears up the confusion. You’ll learn exactly what makes each size different, which cookout burgers offer the best bang for your buck, and how to order like someone who’s been eating here for years. Whether you’re planning burgers for cookout gatherings or just want a quick meal that won’t drain your wallet, understanding the menu saves time and money.
Cookout Burgers Menu

Small Hamburger
Half-size patty, basic toppings

Small Cheeseburger
Half-size with cheese

Regular Hamburger
Single 1/4 lb patty

Regular Cheesburger
Single patty with American cheese

Cookout Style Burger
Chili, slaw, mustard, onions

Cheddar Style Burger
Cheddar cheese, bacon, grilled
Understanding Cookout Burger Sizes (The Ultimate Breakdown)
The biggest source of confusion at Cookout centers on burger sizes. Four options sound simple until you realize the Huge and Regular cost the same but have different amounts of meat. Here’s what you actually get with each size.
All Burger Sizes at a Glance
| Size | Weight | Calories | Patties | Price | Best For |
| Small Burger | ~4 oz | 240 | 1 thin | $2.99 | Light appetite |
| Regular Burger | ~5 oz | 330 | 1 standard | $3.49 | Standard meal |
| Huge Burger | ~5 oz | 330 | 2 thin | $3.49 | More beef taste |
| Big Double Burger | ~6.5 oz | 520 | 2 thick | $3.99 | Hearty appetite |
The Small Burger works for kids or anyone watching calories. One thin patty keeps the meal under 250 calories while still delivering that char-grilled taste Cookout is known for. At $2.99, it’s the most affordable option.
A Regular Burger provides a standard quarter-pound patty that satisfies most hunger levels. This single thick patty gets the same flame-grilled treatment as larger sizes. The 330 calories make it a balanced choice for lunch.
Here’s where things get interesting. The Huge Burger costs exactly the same as a Regular ($3.49) but uses two thinner patties instead of one thick one. You get the same 330 calories and similar weight, but more surface area means more caramelized crust from the grill and extra space for toppings. Smart customers choose this for maximum flavor at no extra cost.
The big double burger cookout option stacks two full quarter-pound patties for serious hunger. At 6.5 ounces and 520 calories, this beast costs just $3.99. The 50-cent premium over a Regular gets you 57% more beef and double the protein. Bodybuilders and manual laborers swear by this size for high-protein meals that fuel hard work.
Many first-timers assume the cookout huge burger costs more because “huge” sounds premium. That’s the trap. The name refers to having two patties, not the total weight. If you want maximum beef for your money, the Huge delivers the same patty count as the Big Double but saves you 50 cents (though the patties are thinner).
The Big Double vs Huge debate comes down to appetite. The Huge gives you two patties at Regular price, making it the value winner for moderate hunger. The Big Double’s thicker patties and extra calories justify the small upcharge when you need a filling meal.

Which Cookout Burger Size is Right for You?
Light eaters should grab the Small Burger. It won’t leave you stuffed but provides enough fresh beef to satisfy without guilt.
Standard hunger calls for either Regular or Huge. The Huge edges out Regular on value since you get two patties for the same $3.49. More grilled surface area means more flavor.
Extra hungry? The Big Double delivers. Two thick patties pack 40 grams of protein and keep you full for hours. Athletes and outdoor workers consider this the only real choice.
Maximum value seekers pick the Huge every time. Same price as Regular, more beef, better grill marks. That’s simple math.
All Cookout Burger Styles Explained (Complete Flavor Guide)
Beyond sizes, cookout burger styles transform basic burgers into signature creations. Each style adds specific toppings and sauces that create unique flavor profiles. Knowing what comes on each style prevents ordering mistakes and helps you find your favorite.
The 8 Signature Cookout Burger Styles
| Style Name | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Add’l Cost | Calories |
| Regular | Mustard, ketchup, pickles | Classic American | Base price | 330 |
| Cookout Style | Chili, slaw, mustard, onions | Southern classic | +$0.50 | 460 |
| Cheddar Style | Cheddar, bacon, grilled onions, mayo | Rich & indulgent | +$0.50 | 570 |
| Steak Style | A.1. sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato | Savory & tangy | +$0.50 | 421 |
| Out West Style | BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar | Smoky & sweet | +$0.50 | 532 |
| House/Club Style | Bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo | Premium deli | +$0.50 | 570 |
| BBQ Style | BBQ sauce, pickles, mayo | Sweet & tangy | +$0.50 | 390 |
| Cajun Style | Cajun seasoning, Texas Pete, mayo | Spicy & bold | +$0.50 | 380 |
Cookout Style Burger (The Original)
The most iconic option features homemade chili, creamy slaw, yellow mustard, and diced onions. This Southern-style burger delivers a sweet-savory-tangy combination you won’t find at chain restaurants. The cookout style burger represents what founder Morris Reaves envisioned back in 1989 when he opened the first location in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Chili adds meaty richness while slaw provides cool crunch and slight sweetness. Mustard cuts through the richness with acidity. Onions give a sharp bite that balances everything. First-timers should start here for the authentic Cookout experience that built the restaurant’s reputation across the Southeast.
Cheddar Style (The Indulgent Choice)
Loaded with real melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon strips, grilled onions, and creamy mayo, the cheddar style burger cookout menu item ranks as the richest option. At 570 calories for a Regular size, this burger doesn’t pretend to be healthy. It embraces indulgence.
The caramelized onions come standard on this style. Many customers don’t realize this until they bite in and discover a full layer of sweet, soft onions. If raw onion lovers exist, this isn’t for them. Request “no grilled onions” at ordering to avoid disappointment.
Cheddar Style outsells most other styles because bacon and cheese create comfort food magic. The mayo adds moisture that keeps every bite juicy. This style turns a $3.99 burger into something that tastes like a $12 restaurant meal.
Steak Style (The Savory Option)
A.1. Steak Sauce transforms this burger into something you’d expect at a steakhouse, not a drive-thru. Grilled onions, fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and mayo create layers of texture. The sauce brings umami-rich, slightly sweet tang that makes beef taste meatier.
At 421 calories, Steak Style sits in the middle of the calorie range. It feels more sophisticated than basic burgers but doesn’t overwhelm you with richness like Cheddar Style does. Office workers on lunch breaks favor this option for a grown-up burger that won’t cause afternoon food coma.
Out West Style (The BBQ Lover’s Pick)
Smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and mayo combine for campfire-inspired taste. The Out West Style brings barbecue flavors without needing a smoker or hours of cook time. Sweet and savory notes balance perfectly.
This style works great when you want BBQ but the restaurant doesn’t have pulled pork available. At 532 calories, it’s substantial without hitting the 570-calorie peak of Cheddar Style. The bacon stays crispy even under sauce, which speaks to Cookout’s fresh preparation methods.
House/Club Style (The Premium Build)
Bacon, cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and mayo create a deli-style experience. Similar to a club sandwich but in burger form, House Style (also called Club Style) delivers premium toppings without exotic sauces.
The fresh vegetables shine here. Lettuce stays crisp, tomatoes taste ripe, and the bacon adds smokiness. At 570 calories, it matches Cheddar Style’s richness but trades grilled onions for fresh vegetables. Health-conscious eaters appreciate the lettuce and tomato, even though bacon and cheese keep calories high.
BBQ Style
Simple but satisfying, this style focuses BBQ sauce, pickles, and mayo. Less overwhelming than Out West Style, it highlights the smoky-sweet BBQ flavor without bacon and cheese competing for attention.
At just 390 calories, BBQ Style offers one of the lighter specialty options. The pickles cut through mayo richness while BBQ sauce adds complexity. Budget-conscious customers like that this style costs the same $3.99 as others despite having fewer premium ingredients.
Cajun Style (The Spicy Option)
Cajun seasoning blend, Texas Pete hot sauce, mayo, lettuce, and tomato make this the only truly spicy burger on the menu. The seasoning adds earthy, peppery heat while Texas Pete brings vinegar-based kick.
At 380 calories, Cajun Style ranks as the second-lightest specialty burger. Spice lovers appreciate finally having a fiery option at Cookout. The heat level stays moderate, not painful. If you regularly eat jalapeños, this won’t overwhelm you.
First-timers often start with Cookout Style or Cheddar Style since they represent the restaurant’s signature flavors. Adventurous eaters jump straight to Cajun or Out West. You can also mix styles by requesting specific toppings from different styles on one burger.
Cookout Hamburgers Menu: Complete Price List
Money matters, especially when feeding a family or group. The cookout hamburgers menu delivers serious value compared to traditional fast-food chains. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay in 2026.
2026 Pricing (All Locations)
Standard Burgers:
- Small Burger: $2.99
- Regular Burger: $3.49
- Cookout burger (Regular with standard toppings): $3.49
- Huge Burger: $3.49
- Big Double: $3.99
Style Burgers (Regular Size):
- All Style Burgers: $3.99
- Exception: Nacho Chili Style: $4.48
Combo Pricing:
- Cookout Tray (Main + 2 Sides + Drink): $7.99
- Jr. Tray: $5.99
- Milkshake upgrade: +$1.00 (from regular drink)
The burger cookout menu tray represents the best value in fast food. For $7.99, you get a full-size burger, two sides (like fries and hush puppies), and a large drink. Ordering these items separately costs $12 or more at most restaurants.
Add-Ons & Extras:
- Extra Bacon: $0.95
- Cheese Slice: $0.50
- Tomato: $0.10
- Homemade Chili: $0.65
- Homemade Slaw: $0.50
- Grilled Onions: Free
- Cajun Seasoning: Free
Free toppings include lettuce, pickles, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. Load up on these at no charge. The restaurant doesn’t limit quantities, so “extra pickles” or “heavy mayo” costs nothing.
Money-Saving Tips:
The Huge Burger beats Regular on value. Same $3.49 price gets you two patties instead of one. That’s free beef.
Tray meals save 40% versus ordering separately. A Regular burger ($3.49) plus fries ($2.49) plus drink ($2.19) totals $8.17. The tray bundles all three for $7.99, saving you 18 cents and throwing in a second side free.
Upgrade your tray drink to a milkshake for just $1. Ordering a milkshake separately costs $3.69. The $1 upgrade saves $2.69 per meal. If you’re getting a shake anyway, always order a tray and upgrade.
Free toppings pile on flavor at zero cost. Request grilled onions, extra pickles, Cajun seasoning, or heavy mayo. These additions would cost $0.50+ each at premium burger joints.
The hamburger cookout menu pricing hasn’t changed much since 2024, while competitors raised prices 10-15%. Cookout maintains affordability by using fresh, never-frozen beef delivered daily instead of expensive frozen distribution networks.
How to Order at Cookout: Step-by-Step Guide
First-timers often freeze at the ordering window. The menu looks different from McDonald’s or Burger King, and staff expect you to know the system. This guide walks you through ordering like a regular.
Ordering Process Simplified:
STEP 1: Choose Your Size
Decide between Small, Regular, Huge, or Big Double based on hunger level. Remember the Huge offers best value for regular appetite since you get two patties at Regular price. Say your size first: “I’ll have a Huge…”
STEP 2: Pick Your Style
Order “Regular” for a plain burger with standard toppings (mustard, ketchup, pickles). Or choose a style: “Cheddar Style,” “Cookout Style,” etc. Staff won’t ask follow-up questions, so speak clearly: “I’ll have a Huge Cheddar Style burger.”
First-timers should try Cookout Style (the original with homemade chili and slaw) or Cheddar Style (bacon, cheese, grilled onions). These two outsell all other styles.
STEP 3: Customize (Optional)
Add or remove any topping right after stating your style. Common requests include “no pickles,” “add bacon,” or “extra cheese.” State all modifications immediately: “I’ll have a Huge Cheddar Style burger, no grilled onions, add extra pickles.”
Everything is customizable. Mix toppings from different styles. Want a Cookout Style burger but with Cheddar Style’s bacon? Just ask. The kitchen handles special requests without attitude.
STEP 4: Choose Tray or À La Carte
The Tray Option gets you burger plus two sides plus drink for $7.99. Popular sides include fries, hush puppies, onion rings, and even quesadilla. You can “double up” on one side instead of choosing two different ones. Saying “double fries” gives you two orders of fries instead of fries plus another side.
The À La Carte option means just the burger for $2.99-$4.48. Most customers skip this unless they’re not hungry enough for sides.
STEP 5: Select Your Drink
Regular fountain drinks come included in tray pricing. Popular choices include Cheerwine (a regional cherry soda), Coke, Sprite, and sweet tea.
Upgrade to a milkshake for just $1 more. With 40+ flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, peanut butter fudge, and banana pudding, most customers consider this upgrade worth it. Specify your shake flavor: “upgrade to chocolate shake.”
Common Ordering Mistakes to Avoid:
Not knowing burger sizes leads to disappointment. Use the size guide earlier in this article before ordering. Assuming “Huge” means biggest leads to confusion when Big Double arrives larger.
Forgetting to specify style gets you a plain Regular burger. If you want Cheddar Style, say “Cheddar Style” clearly.
Missing tray value wastes money. Always compare tray pricing ($7.99) versus individual items ($8+ total). The tray saves cash nearly every time.
Not customizing means settling for standard toppings. Everything is customizable for free, so request changes.
Ordering milkshakes separately costs $3.69. Upgrading from a tray drink costs just $1. That’s a $2.69 difference for the same shake.
Drive-Thru Ordering Script:
“I’d like a Cookout Tray with a Big Double Cheddar Style burger, no grilled onions, hush puppies, fries, and upgrade to a chocolate milkshake.”
This script includes size (Big Double), style (Cheddar), customization (no grilled onions), both sides (hush puppies and fries), and drink upgrade (chocolate shake). Staff process this order in seconds because you followed the expected format.
Cookout Burger Nutrition Guide (Complete Calorie Breakdown)
Calories matter whether you’re cutting weight or building muscle. The cookout burger nutrition facts vary widely based on size and style choices. Here’s the complete breakdown.
Base Burger Calories:
- Small: 240 calories
- Regular: 330 calories
- Huge: 330 calories
- Big Double: 520 calories
Style Burger Calories (Regular Size):
- Regular (plain): 330
- Cookout Style: 460 (+130 cal)
- Cheddar Style: 570 (+240 cal)
- Out West Style: 532 (+202 cal)
- Steak Style: 421 (+91 cal)
- BBQ Style: 390 (+60 cal)
- Cajun Style: 380 (+50 cal)
- House Style: 570 (+240 cal)
Protein Content:
The Small Burger delivers 14g protein, enough for a light meal. Regular burgers provide 20g, meeting about one-third of daily protein needs for average adults. The Big Double packs 40g protein in a single burger, making it perfect for high-protein diets or post-workout meals.
Bodybuilders and athletes favor the Big Double because 40g protein from char-grilled beef beats protein shakes for muscle building. The fresh, never-frozen meat provides complete amino acid profiles.
Fat Content:
Regular burgers contain 13g total fat with 4g saturated. That’s moderate for a burger meal. Cheddar Style jumps to 33g total fat and 12g saturated thanks to bacon and cheese. The real cheddar cheese and thick-cut bacon add richness but also fat content.
The lightest specialty option is Cajun Style at just 17g fat. If you watch fat intake, stick with Cajun, BBQ Style, or plain Regular burgers.
Carbohydrates:
All burgers contain 27-31g carbs from the bun. The toasted bun provides structure but adds carbs that low-carb dieters avoid. No-bun options save about 27g carbs while keeping protein and fat intact.
Keto dieters order any style burger without the bun. Request “no bun, lettuce wrap” or just “no bun” for a bunless burger served in a container. Skip ketchup (4g sugar per tablespoon) and stick with mustard, mayo, or Cookout Sauce.
Healthier Ordering Strategies:
Choose Small or Regular size to control portions. A Small burger at 240 calories fits easily into weight-loss plans.
Pick Cajun or BBQ style for the lowest calories among specialty burgers. Both stay under 400 calories.
Request extra lettuce and tomato at no charge. These fresh vegetables add nutrients and volume without many calories.
Skip bacon and cheese add-ons. Each slice of bacon adds 60 calories and cheese adds 70. Together they increase any burger by 130 calories.
Order bunless for low-carb eating. Removing the bun cuts 150 calories and 27g carbs immediately. Many customers prefer the flame-grilled beef flavor without bread interference.
Pair with side salad instead of fries when available. Cookout locations vary on salad availability, but asking never hurts.
High-Protein Options:
The Big Double plain delivers 40g protein and 520 calories. That’s 0.077g protein per calorie, an excellent ratio for muscle building.
Big Double Cheddar Style provides 48g protein but jumps to 760 calories. Still worthwhile for hard-training athletes who need both protein and calories.
Order two Regular burgers instead of one Big Double for variety. Two Regular burgers total 40g protein and 660 calories, similar to one Big Double but with different flavor options if you choose different styles.
Cookout Burger Restaurant: What Makes It Special
Hundreds of burger joints exist. The cookout burger restaurant chain stands out for specific reasons that keep customers coming back despite newer competitors opening nearby.
The Cookout Difference:
1. Char-Grilled Perfection
Every location uses open-flame char-grilling, not flat-top griddles. This cooking method creates smoky, caramelized exterior crust while keeping interiors juicy. The flame-grilled technique produces distinctive grill marks and authentic backyard cookout taste.
Other chains press burgers on flat griddles or cook frozen patties. Cookout char-grills fresh beef over actual flames. You taste the difference immediately.
2. Always Fresh, Never Frozen
The company’s founding slogan “Always Fresh, Never Frozen” isn’t marketing fluff. Every cookout hamburgers location receives fresh beef deliveries daily. No frozen patties ever touch the grill.
Fresh preparation means burgers get formed from ground beef each morning. This practice costs more than frozen patties but produces superior texture and flavor. Many customers report that Cookout burgers taste more like homemade burgers than fast-food products.
3. Unbeatable Value
Full tray meals stay under $8 while competitors charge $12+ for similar combos. Getting burgers for cookout gatherings won’t drain your wallet when feeding groups.
The pricing saves about 40% versus traditional fast-food value meals. A Big Double tray with two sides and milkshake costs $8.99. That same meal at premium chains runs $13-15.
4. Customization Freedom
Every burger accepts full customization. Mix toppings from different styles, add extra ingredients, or remove anything you dislike. The kitchen handles special requests as standard procedure.
Major chains limit customization or charge fees for modifications. Cookout builds flexibility into their system. Want a Cheddar Style with Cajun seasoning and BBQ sauce instead of mayo? Just ask.
5. Southern Heritage
Founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina by Morris Reaves, Cookout remains family-owned and operated. The company’s Southern roots influence menu items like homemade chili, homemade slaw, and sweet tea.
Authentic Southern recipes differentiate Cookout from national chains. The chili recipe comes from founder Morris Reaves’ original formula. Slaw gets made fresh daily at each location.
6. Late-Night Availability
Many locations operate 24/7 with drive-thru service until 3:30-4:30 AM. College students and night shift workers rely on Cookout when everything else closes.
The late-night hours fill a gap in many communities where food options disappear after midnight. Drive-thru service means you don’t even need to leave your car for a 2 AM burger run.
Why Choose Cookout Over Competitors?
Higher quality beef from fresh, never-frozen sources beats frozen patties in texture and taste. The char-grilled preparation adds smoky flavor impossible to achieve on flat griddles.
Better value through larger portions and lower prices means your dollar goes further. The Huge burger trick alone (two patties for Regular price) shows customer-friendly pricing.
More customization lets you build exactly what you want. No menu limitations restrict your choices.
Unique Southern flavors like chili-slaw burgers don’t exist at national chains. These regional specialties give Cookout authentic identity.
Convenient late-night hours serve customers when other restaurants close. The 24/7 commitment meets real needs in communities.
Menu for Hamburger Cookout: Best Combinations
Smart ordering maximizes value and taste. These tested combinations deliver the best cookout hamburgers experience for different preferences and budgets.
Top 5 Tray Combinations
1. The Classic Combo ($7.99)
- Big Double Cookout Style burger
- French fries
- Hush puppies
- Sweet tea or Cheerwine
This combination works because it showcases Cookout’s signature items. The Cookout Style burger with homemade chili and slaw represents what makes this restaurant special. Hush puppies (cornmeal fritters) provide Southern authenticity you won’t find at McDonald’s. Fries offer familiar comfort. This tray gives authentic Southern-style experience at bargain pricing.
2. The Cheese Lover’s Pick ($8.99)
- Regular Cheddar Style burger
- Onion rings
- Quesadilla (as side)
- Vanilla milkshake upgrade (+$1)
Triple cheese hits arrive from cheddar on the burger, cheese in the quesadilla, and dairy in the shake. Indulgent but worth it for cheese enthusiasts. The onion rings add crunchy texture while the creamy milkshake balances savory richness. Both onion rings and quesadilla work as shareable sides.
3. The Value Champion ($7.99)
- Huge Burger (Cookout Style)
- Double fries (same side twice)
- Large Coke
Maximum food for minimum cost defines this combo. The Huge gives two patties at Regular price. Double fries mean twice the amount of one of Cookout’s best sides. Simple and satisfying without fancy toppings. College students on tight budgets swear by this combination.
4. The Spicy Special ($7.99)
- Regular Cajun burger
- Cajun fries
- Chicken quesadilla
- Sweet tea
Consistent spice profile throughout the meal creates bold flavor punch. The Cajun seasoning on burger and fries delivers peppery heat while the quesadilla provides cooling cheese contrast. Heat lovers appreciate finally having a truly spicy option. Sweet tea’s sugary coolness cuts the heat between bites.
5. The Protein Power Meal ($8.99)
- Big Double plain (no bun for keto)
- Chicken nuggets
- Side salad (when available)
- Unsweet tea
This combination packs 50g+ protein while keeping carbs low. The bunless Big Double provides 40g protein with minimal carbs. Chicken nuggets add another 12g protein. If your location serves salad, this becomes a complete low-carb meal. Athletes and gym-goers favor this high-protein approach. Unsweet tea keeps you hydrated without sugar.
Hosting Hamburgers for Cookout Party?
Catering Strategy:
Order 5+ trays when feeding groups. Call ahead to warn the kitchen about large orders. They’ll prepare efficiently instead of scrambling during rush hour.
Mix burger styles for variety. Don’t order 10 identical burgers. Get three Cheddar Style, three Cookout Style, two Cajun, and two BBQ Style. Variety keeps guests happy since preferences differ.
Get double sides of crowd favorites. Hush puppies and fries disappear fastest. Order extra portions of these instead of variety sides nobody wants.
Milkshakes work great for parties since 40+ flavors mean everyone finds something they like. The $1 upgrade per tray beats buying separate shakes at $3.69 each.
Budget Breakdown for 10 People:
- 10 Regular Cookout Style burgers: $34.90
- 5 large fries (shareable): ~$12
- 10 drinks: ~$20
- Total: ~$67 for 10 people ($6.70/person)
Compare this to competitors where 10 combo meals run $100-120. Cookout saves $33-53 on the same group size. That’s real money back in your pocket.
The menu for hamburger cookout gatherings proves you don’t need expensive catering. Pick up a dozen trays, set out condiments, and let guests customize their meals. Simple, affordable, and everyone eats what they actually want.
Cookout Burger Toppings & Sauces Guide
Customization separates good burgers from great ones. Understanding what’s available helps you build your perfect burger.
Free Toppings (Unlimited):
Lettuce (crisp iceberg) adds cool crunch and fresh vegetables to any burger. Tomato slices arrive ripe and ready, not pale or mealy. Pickles come as dill chips with proper tang. Onions get diced fine, not chunked large. Grilled onions arrive caramelized and sweet, different from raw diced onions.
Yellow mustard, ketchup, and mayo round out standard condiments. Cajun seasoning gets added free on request, transforming any burger into spicy territory.
Premium Add-Ons:
| Topping | Price | Calories | Best On |
| Bacon | $0.95 | 60 | Cheddar, Club styles |
| Cheese | $0.50 | 70 | Any burger |
| Homemade Chili | $0.65 | 70 | Cookout Style |
| Homemade Slaw | $0.50 | 40 | Cookout, BBQ styles |
Bacon arrives thick-cut and crispy. The $0.95 charge seems high but you get two full strips. Real cheddar cheese melts properly instead of staying rubbery. Homemade chili contains actual beef chunks, not filler. Homemade slaw tastes creamy and slightly sweet, balancing savory burgers.
Signature Sauces:
Cookout Sauce delivers creamy, tangy, slightly smoky flavor similar to fancy sauce or Big Mac sauce. The exact recipe stays secret but tastes like mayo-ketchup-relish blend with spices.
Ranch arrives as classic buttermilk ranch, thick and cooling. Works great on spicy burgers to cut heat.
Honey Mustard balances sweet and tangy. Not as sugary as fast-food versions but still approachable.
BBQ Sauce uses smoky-sweet tomato base without excessive thickness. It drips nicely instead of globbing.
Texas Pete provides vinegar-based hot sauce kick. Not extremely hot but adds decent heat.
A.1. Steak Sauce brings savory, umami-rich, slightly sweet tang that makes beef taste meatier.
Pro Customization Tips:
Ask for “extra sauce on side” when ordering. Use it for dipping fries or adding more to your burger after first bite. Many customers prefer controlling sauce amounts themselves.
Request “light” or “heavy” on any topping. Saying “light mayo” or “heavy pickles” gets you exactly what you want. Staff don’t argue about quantities.
Mix sauces for unique flavors. “Ranch and BBQ” creates creamy-smoky combination popular with regulars. “Honey mustard and Cajun seasoning” balances sweet-spicy.
Order “grilled onions on the side” if trying them first time. Taste before committing to having them mixed throughout your burger.
Request “extra pickles, no charge” for pickle enthusiasts. The restaurant doesn’t limit free toppings, so pile them high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Big Double and Huge Burger?
The big double burger cookout uses two thick quarter-pound patties totaling 520 calories and 6.5 ounces. The cookout huge burger contains two thin patties at 330 calories and 5 ounces total. Big Double costs $3.99 while Huge costs $3.49, making the Huge better value per patty but Big Double more filling overall.
Can I order burgers without the bun?
Yes. All cookout burgers come bunless on request. Order “no bun” or “lettuce wrap” for low-carb options. This removes 150 calories and 27g carbs while keeping all protein and fat.
What comes on a Cookout Style burger?
Homemade chili, creamy coleslaw, yellow mustard, and diced onions make up the cookout style burger created by founder Morris Reaves in 1989.
Does Cheddar Style burger come with onions?
Yes, grilled onions come standard on cheddar style burger cookout menu items along with cheddar cheese, bacon, and mayo. Request “no grilled onions” when ordering to avoid them.
Are cookout hamburgers made fresh?
All burgers use fresh, never-frozen beef delivered daily and char-grilled to order. This practice has defined Cookout since 1989 under their “Always Fresh, Never Frozen” motto.
What’s the best value on the menu?
The Huge Burger delivers most beef per dollar at $3.49 for two patties. For complete meals, the Cookout Tray at $7.99 saves 40% versus ordering items separately.
Can I customize any burger style?
Every burger accepts full customization. Add or remove any topping from any style without restrictions. Mix toppings from different styles or create entirely custom combinations.
How many calories in a cookout hamburger?
Plain Regular contains 330 calories. Small has 240. Big Double packs 520. Style burgers range from 380-570 calories depending on toppings chosen.
Where to Find Cookout Burger Restaurants Near You
Cookout burger restaurant locations spread across the Southeast with 350+ stores and growing. The chain operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Find your nearest location by visiting the official website at cookout.com and using their store locator tool. Enter your ZIP code to see addresses, phone numbers, and hours for nearby restaurants. Menu availability varies slightly by location, so calling ahead confirms specific items.
Ordering Options:
Dine-in service operates at most locations with indoor seating. Drive-thru remains the primary service method and stays open latest. Delivery through UberEats, DoorDash, and Postmates works in select areas (check app availability for your location). Mobile ordering through apps functions at some locations but not all.
Hours:
Typical weekday hours run 10:30 AM to 3:30 AM. Weekends extend to 10:30 AM to 4:30 AM. Many locations operate 24/7 with continuous drive-thru service. Always call to verify your specific location’s hours since they vary.
Conclusion
The cookout burgers menu stands apart through fresh, never-frozen beef, char-grilled preparation, and unbeatable value that saves 40% versus competitors. Choosing between the big double burger cookout (two thick patties, very filling) and cookout huge burger (two thin patties, best value) depends on your hunger level and budget priorities.
Understanding cookout burger styles prevents ordering confusion and helps you discover favorites like Cheddar Style or the original Cookout Style with homemade chili. The size guide, pricing breakdown, and customization tips in this article ensure you order confidently whether feeding yourself or planning hamburgers for cookout gatherings.
Visit your nearest cookout burger restaurant armed with this knowledge. Order the Huge Burger for maximum value, upgrade your tray drink to a milkshake for just $1, and customize freely. The Southern-style flavors, late-night availability, and budget-friendly pricing explain why this regional chain maintains fierce customer loyalty across the Southeast.
