Cook Out Ordering Guide
What Is the Best Thing to Order at Cook Out?
⚡ Quick Answer
There is no single best item, because the Cook Out Tray lets you build your own meal. But if you want one order that shows off what the restaurant does well, start with a Chopped Pork BBQ tray, hushpuppies plus a second side you like, and a milkshake instead of the fountain drink.
If you’d rather have a burger, order the Big Double “Cook Out Style”, which comes with homemade chili. Everything below explains why, and what to pick if your priorities are different.
🍔 The Best Main Items to Order
On the Regular Tray, every main item costs the same, so price shouldn’t decide this. Pick the one that matches what you’re in the mood for.
| Main item | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped Pork BBQ | First-timers, BBQ fans | The Southern, pit-style item you won’t find at most chains. Comes with house slaw in a BBQ plate setup. |
| Big Double burger, Cook Out Style | Burger lovers | Char-grilled patties with homemade chili. Add bacon or cheese if you want it bigger. |
| Chicken strips | Big appetites, kids | Regulars often name them as a solid-portion pick. Reviews are mixed on consistency, so see the note below. |
| Cajun chicken sandwich | People who like some heat | A seasoned alternative to the plain grilled chicken. |
| Spicy chicken fillet | Spice fans | Crispy fillet, available plain or cheese style. |
| Cook Out Style hot dog | Budget orders | Chili and slaw on a char-grilled dog. Inexpensive on its own too. |
🌽 The Best Sides to Pick
The sides are where the Tray gets interesting, because you pick two and can choose the same one twice. Here is how we’d rank them.
Want the full list with prices? See the Cook Out sides menu.
🥤 The Best Milkshake to Order
With 40-plus flavors, the shake menu is a big reason people come back. Food writers and regulars most often point to these:
- Banana Pudding shows up repeatedly in fast-food shake roundups as Cook Out’s standout flavor.
- Peanut Butter Fudge and Cheesecake flavors are frequent regular favorites.
- Oreo Mint is a popular pick for people who like something a bit more layered.
Combos worth trying. Cook Out will generally combine two flavors in one cup, and customers online suggest pairings like strawberry plus Oreo, or a peanut butter, fudge and strawberry blend. Availability can depend on the location, so ask politely.
🎯 Five Orders for Five Situations
These are suggested builds, not official combos. All use the standard tray format of one main, two sides and a drink.
| If you are… | Main | Sides | Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| A first-timer | Chopped Pork BBQ | Hushpuppies + slaw | Banana Pudding shake |
| A burger person | Big Double, Cook Out Style | Cajun fries + onion rings | Sweet tea or Cheerwine |
| On a tight budget | Jr. Tray corn dogs or hot dog | Fries + hushpuppies | Fountain drink |
| Very hungry | Chicken strips | Quesadilla + corn dog | Any shake |
| Ordering for delivery | Burger or BBQ sandwich | Onion rings + quesadilla | Fountain drink |
For delivery, we lean toward sides that tend to stay firmer in a sealed container. See our Cook Out delivery guide for more.
💡 Ordering Tips That Actually Help
- Always order the Tray. It’s cheaper than buying the pieces separately. See tray prices.
- Say “Cook Out Style” on a burger or hot dog to get homemade chili and slaw.
- Double up on a side you love instead of picking two different ones.
- Eat it fresh. Cook Out is built for the drive-thru. Fries and fried items are best within minutes.
- Confirm your order at the window. Reviewers occasionally mention missing items, so a quick check saves a return trip.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to order at Cook Out?
For a first visit, a Chopped Pork BBQ tray with hushpuppies and a milkshake is a strong choice. If you prefer a burger, the Big Double ordered Cook Out Style is the classic pick. There is no official best item, so choose based on what you like.
What is the best Cook Out milkshake?
It’s a matter of taste, but Banana Pudding, Peanut Butter Fudge, Cheesecake and Oreo Mint come up most often in regular-customer recommendations. Cook Out has more than 40 flavors, and you can usually ask for two flavors blended together.
What is the best side at Cook Out?
Hushpuppies are the most commonly recommended side, especially with BBQ. Cajun fries, onion rings, quesadillas and corn dogs are also popular tray sides.
What does “Cook Out Style” mean?
On a burger or hot dog, Cook Out Style means it comes topped with the restaurant’s homemade chili, along with slaw and other standard toppings. Ask what’s included at your location.
Is it worth upgrading to a milkshake?
For most people, yes, because the shake menu is a main reason to visit. But the upgrade price varies by location, so ask what it will cost before you order.
What should I order if I’m on a budget?
The Jr. Tray is the cheapest full meal, and a hot dog or corn dog main keeps it low. Individual items like crispy chicken wraps, quesadillas and hushpuppies are also inexpensive. See the full Cook Out menu with prices.
What We Could and Couldn’t Verify
Recommendations come from published reviews and customer discussion. We couldn’t verify a single official “best seller” ranking from Cook Out, so no item here is described as the chain’s top seller. Prices and shake upgrade costs vary by location. Sources consulted:
CookoutsMenu.online is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially connected with Cook Out LLC. Menu items, prices and availability can change. Your local restaurant’s menu board is the authoritative source. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.