CookOut Chattanooga, Tennessee – Locations, Hours, Menu & Local Guide
Cook Out has two locations serving Chattanooga, Tennessee one on Brainerd Road in the South Side corridor near UTC’s campus, and one on TN-153 in Hixson serving North Chattanooga. People visit Cook Out in Chattanooga for a few consistent reasons: it is open until 3 or 4 AM every night when almost nothing else is, the Cook Out Tray at $7.99 is the most complete affordable meal available at those hours, and the char grilled burgers and hand spun milkshakes hold up against chains charging twice the price. If you are a UTC student finishing a late study session, a Volkswagen plant worker wrapping second shift, a traveler rolling through on I-24 or I-75, a family heading back from the Tennessee Aquarium, or someone who just came off Lookout Mountain needing a real meal this guide covers everything you need to know about both Chattanooga Cook Out locations.
Cook Out Chattanooga Locations, Hours & Details
Both Chattanooga Cook Out locations are drive thru focused with late night hours. The Brainerd Road location is the most reviewed Cook Out in Chattanooga it has been in business over 35 years and carries a 99/100 health score on Yelp. The TN-153 Hixson location is the newer of the two and serves the fast growing residential corridor north of the Tennessee River.
Phone: (423) 893-0371
Mon–Thu & Sun: 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM
Fri–Sat: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Format: Drive thru + Outdoor seating
Parking: Free, private lot
Health Score: 99/100 (Yelp verified)
Delivery: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub
Nearest landmark: ~10 min from UTC campus, ~15 min from downtownGet Directions →
Phone: (423) 305-1455
Mon–Thu & Sun: 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM
Fri–Sat: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Format: Drive thru
Parking: Free lot
Delivery: Uber Eats, DoorDash
Nearest landmark: Near Hamilton Place Mall corridor, Hixson Pike junctionGet Directions →
| Feature | 5001 Brainerd Rd | 5390 TN-153 Hixson |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu & Sun Close | 3:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| Fri–Sat Close | 4:00 AM | 4:00 AM |
| Drive Thru | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Outdoor Seating | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Free Parking | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Delivery Available | ✅ DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub | ✅ Uber Eats, DoorDash |
| Good for Kids | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Credit / Debit Cards | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | ⚠️ Varies confirm on arrival | ⚠️ Varies confirm on arrival |
| WiFi | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Alcohol | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Hours based on publicly listed data from Yelp and TripAdvisor. Holiday hours may vary. Always verify via Google Maps or call ahead before a very late visit.
What to Order at Cook Out Chattanooga – First Visit Guide
If it is your first time at Cook Out anywhere, Chattanooga is a good place to start both locations have friendly, consistent service and the menu is the same nationwide. The single best starting point is the Cook Out Tray: pick a protein, pick two sides, and substitute the large drink for a milkshake at no extra cost. Below are the items most recommended by Chattanooga regulars across Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor, and Wanderlog.
| Item | Price | Best For | What Makes It Worth It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Out Tray | ~$7.99 | Everyone | Protein + 2 sides + large drink or milkshake. The reason most people come back. Best value complete meal in Chattanooga at late night hours full stop. |
| Cook Out Style Burger | ~$2.79 | First timers | Char grilled beef with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions. The one item that makes visitors from outside the Southeast say “I didn’t know fast food could taste like this.” |
| Cajun Chicken Sandwich | ~$3.49+ | Chicken fans | Most mentioned non burger protein in Chattanooga reviews. Char grilled with Cajun seasoning lighter than fried alternatives with noticeably more flavor. |
| Chopped Pork BBQ Sandwich | ~$2.49 | BBQ lovers | Slow cooked pulled pork fits naturally in Tennessee’s BBQ culture and is the protein pick of choice for Chattanooga locals who grew up in East Tennessee’s food tradition. |
| Cook Out Fries (cheese & bacon) | ~$2.29+ | Side pick | The unanimous top side recommendation from Chattanooga regulars to first time visitors across every review platform. Loaded, filling, and pairs well with any protein. |
| Oreo Mint Milkshake | ~$3.99 | Milkshake | Chattanooga’s consensus top milkshake across all review sources. Thick enough to require a spoon. Free as the drink upgrade in any Tray one of the best value adds in fast food. |
For the full Cook Out menu with all pricing, see our complete Cook Out menu and pricing guide.
Best Time to Visit – Drive Thru Wait Guide
Cook Out customers at the Brainerd Road location typically spend around 20 minutes at the restaurant which is relatively quick for a made to order drive thru. But that figure shifts considerably depending on when you go. Knowing the busy windows can save you real time, especially late at night when you are tired and hungry.
| Time Window | Drive Thru Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Short 5–10 min | Lunch rush is light compared to evening; good window for families and groups |
| 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Short 5–15 min | Afternoon lull; probably the fastest window of the day across both locations |
| 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Moderate 10–20 min | Dinner rush; line can build at Brainerd Rd especially on weekdays |
| 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Busy 15–25 min | Peak window VW shift workers, UTC students, and early late night crowd all overlap here |
| 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Moderate 10–20 min | Post bar crowd on Fri–Sat; North Shore entertainment workers finishing shifts |
| 2:00 AM – Close | Short 5–10 min | Very light traffic; kitchen is still fully operational and food is hot and fresh |
Tip from Chattanooga regulars: If the Brainerd Rd line is unusually long on a weekend night, the TN-153 Hixson location 14 miles north typically has a shorter wait at the same hour and the food is identical.
Cook Out Milkshakes – Chattanooga Favorites
Cook Out milkshakes are consistently the most talked about part of the experience in Chattanooga reviews described across multiple platforms as “thick enough to require a spoon” and “the best milkshake value in the city.” They are hand spun to order from a full fat soft serve base and available in over 40 rotating flavors. At $3.99 standalone or free as the drink upgrade in any Cook Out Tray, no dessert option in Chattanooga comes close to this value.
| Flavor | Chattanooga Popularity | Available Year Round? | Est. Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oreo Mint | ⭐ #1 in Chattanooga | ✅ Yes | ~710–760 est. |
| Cheerwine | ⭐ #2 Southeast favorite | ✅ Yes | ~600–640 est. |
| Banana Pudding | Very popular locally | ✅ Yes | ~650–680 est. |
| Reese’s Cup | Top candy flavor | ✅ Yes | ~750–800 est. |
| Strawberry Cheesecake | Consistently mentioned | ✅ Yes | ~720–760 est. |
| Eggnog | Cult favorite when available | ❌ Seasonal (winter) | ~680–720 est. |
| Watermelon | Summer highlight | ❌ Seasonal (summer) | ~560–600 est. |
| Vanilla / Chocolate / Strawberry | Classic standbys | ✅ Yes | ~550–650 est. |
Always ask the drive thru staff for the current full flavor rotation some seasonal flavors and limited options are not listed in third party apps. For the full milkshake list, see our complete Cook Out milkshake menu.
Things to Do Near Cook Out Chattanooga
The Brainerd Road location sits southeast of downtown Chattanooga, making it a natural stop before or after the city’s main attractions. The TN-153 Hixson location serves residents and visitors north of the river. Both are within a reasonable drive of every major Chattanooga landmark.
| Attraction | Distance from Brainerd Rd | Distance from TN-153 | Why It Connects to Cook Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Aquarium | ~15 min / 8 miles | ~20 min / 12 miles | Families looking for an affordable dinner after the aquarium Cook Out Tray is the best price per person option in the city at that hour |
| Lookout Mountain / Rock City / Ruby Falls | ~20 min / 10 miles | ~30 min / 18 miles | Post mountain refuel after a full day hiking, climbing at Sunset Rock, or touring the attractions Cook Out is the closest quality food to a hiker’s calorie needs at the right price |
| UTC Campus (Vine Street) | ~10 min / 5 miles | ~20 min / 14 miles | Primary late night food option for 11,000+ UTC Mocs throughout the academic year |
| Tennessee Riverwalk / Coolidge Park | ~15 min / 7 miles | ~15 min / 9 miles | Post walk or post cycling refuel from one of Chattanooga’s most popular outdoor corridors |
| Hamilton Place Mall | ~15 min / 9 miles | ~5 min / 3 miles | TN-153 location is the most practical Cook Out for Hamilton Place shoppers heading home north |
| Raccoon Mountain Caverns | ~25 min / 14 miles | ~20 min / 12 miles | Both locations are the natural food stop after a cavern tour or mountain biking session |
| Chattanooga Choo Choo / Southside District | ~10 min / 5 miles | ~20 min / 13 miles | Brainerd Rd is the late night stop for Southside entertainment workers and post event crowds |
| Volkswagen Assembly Plant | ~15 min / 9 miles | ~20 min / 13 miles | Brainerd Rd is the most practical Cook Out for VW second shift workers finishing ~11 PM |
Who Visits Cook Out in Chattanooga – & Why
UTC and Chattanooga State students make up the core late night audience at Brainerd Road. UTC enrolls over 11,000 students and Chattanooga State Community College adds around 10,000 more both on budgets where $7.99 for a complete meal with a milkshake is genuinely meaningful. The Brainerd location’s 4 AM Friday–Saturday closing aligns directly with the student social calendar in a way that no other affordable food option near campus does.
VW plant and shift workers leaving Volkswagen’s Enterprise South assembly plant around 11 PM represent a consistent customer base for Brainerd Road. Cook Out is the best value hot meal they can get on the way home from a second shift, open reliably at the hours they need it.
Families and tourists particularly those visiting the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, or the Chattanooga Choo Choo find Cook Out at the end of a long day because it is affordable, fast, and the Tray format handles multiple ages and preferences without complicated ordering. Reviews from families specifically call out the kids’ menu flexibility and the milkshake variety as reasons they return.
I-24 and I-75 highway travelers passing through Chattanooga’s major interstate crossroads after 10 PM have very limited options. Both Cook Out locations are open when most Chattanooga restaurants have closed, and the drive thru format means minimal time off the highway. Cook Out reviews in Chattanooga consistently include comments from travelers who discovered the chain here and made a point of returning.
Cook Out Delivery in Chattanooga
Cook Out does not operate its own delivery app. Both Chattanooga locations are available through third party platforms. Note that delivery menu prices are typically marked up 15–22% above in store pricing, and delivery fees, service fees, and tips add further cost. The Cook Out Tray remains the best value even through delivery because bundled ordering is cheaper than pricing items individually.
| Platform | Brainerd Rd | TN-153 Hixson | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | ✅ | ✅ | Widest driver coverage in Chattanooga; most reliable late night option |
| Uber Eats | ✅ | ✅ | Both locations listed; fees vary by time and distance |
| Grubhub | ✅ | ⚠️ Limited | Available for Brainerd Rd; TN-153 coverage varies check in app |
| Cook Out App | ❌ | ❌ | No native Cook Out ordering app exists all orders via third party or drive thru |
For a full breakdown of how Cook Out delivery works, platform fees, and ordering tips, see our Cook Out delivery guide.
Cook Out in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions – Cook Out Chattanooga TN
Is there a Cook Out in Chattanooga TN?
Yes. Two confirmed locations: 5001 Brainerd Rd (South Side / UTC corridor, phone 423-893-0371) and 5390 TN-153 in Hixson (North Chattanooga, phone 423-305-1455). Search “Cook Out Chattanooga” on Google Maps to confirm current availability and get live directions.
What time does Cook Out close in Chattanooga?
Both locations close at 3:00 AM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and at 4:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. These are among the latest closing hours of any restaurant in Chattanooga. Holiday hours may vary verify via Google Maps before a very late visit.
Which Cook Out has the shortest drive thru wait in Chattanooga?
The TN-153 Hixson location typically has a shorter drive thru queue than Brainerd Road on weekend evenings, when the Brainerd location draws the largest crowd from UTC students and the Southside entertainment corridor. Afternoons between 2–6 PM are the fastest time at either location regardless of day.
Is parking free at Cook Out in Chattanooga?
Yes. Both Chattanooga Cook Out locations have free private parking lots. No validation required.
Can I order inside at Cook Out in Chattanooga?
Cook Out operates primarily as a drive thru. Both Chattanooga locations have outdoor seating, and orders can be placed at a walk up window, but there is no full indoor dine in dining room in the traditional sense. Most customers order through the drive thru line.
Which Cook Out is closest to downtown Chattanooga?
The Brainerd Road location at 5001 Brainerd Rd is the closest approximately 15 minutes or 8 miles from the Tennessee Aquarium and the downtown waterfront. There is no Cook Out directly in downtown Chattanooga or on the North Shore.
Does Cook Out deliver in Chattanooga?
Yes. Both locations are available on DoorDash and Uber Eats. The Brainerd Rd location is also on Grubhub. Cook Out has no native ordering app all delivery is through third party platforms. Note that app prices are typically 15–22% higher than in store, and delivery fees, service fees, and tip add to the total.
Are all Chattanooga Cook Out locations open late?
Yes. Both confirmed locations maintain late night hours daily 3 AM on weeknights and 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. This makes Cook Out genuinely one of the few quality hot food options available in Chattanooga after midnight.
What payment methods does Cook Out accept in Chattanooga?
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at both locations. Cash is also accepted. Tap to pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) has been reported as inconsistent at the Brainerd Road location some visits work, some don’t. It is worth having a physical card as a backup if tap to pay is important to you.
Is Cook Out near the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga?
The Brainerd Road location is the closest Cook Out to the Tennessee Aquarium roughly 15 minutes by car southeast of the waterfront. Cook Out works well as a post aquarium family meal stop because the Tray format handles kids and adults equally, and milkshake variety covers every preference at a price well below any dining option near the aquarium itself.
Is Cook Out a good stop on I-24 or I-75 through Chattanooga?
Yes Chattanooga sits at the I-24 / I-75 interchange, one of the major Southeast highway crossroads. Both Cook Out locations are within 10–15 minutes of the interchange and open until 3–4 AM, making them practical options for travelers arriving after most Chattanooga restaurants have closed. Chattanooga area reviews frequently include comments from I-75 and I-24 travelers who stopped for the first time and added Cook Out to their regular route.
More Cook Out Resources
| Resource | What You’ll Find | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Full Menu & Prices | Every item with current pricing | View → |
| Milkshake Flavors | All 40+ flavors with descriptions | View → |
| Nutrition Information | Estimated calories and macros for menu items | View → |
| Delivery Guide | How delivery works, which apps to use, real costs | View → |
| Hours & Locations | Cook Out hours across all markets | View → |
About This Guide: CookoutsMenu.online is an independent community resource. Not affiliated with Cook Out LLC. Location details, hours, and pricing are sourced from publicly available data (Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, and restaurantji.com) and are subject to change without notice. Holiday hours may vary. Always verify current hours via Google Maps or by calling the location before visiting. For official information, visit cookout.com.