Cook Out

*First of all, I want to say that this blog will not focus a lot on chains, but I am highlighting Cook Out because it is a regional establishment that is mostly found in North Carolina. There may be other chains I highlight if they are only found in the South, or only in North Carolina.

Website: http://www.cookoutnc.com/

Hours:  Varies by location, typically open in the afternoons till 1am, sometimes even later.

Address:  Several locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. All are listed on this website so you can find out if there’s one near you! http://www.cookoutnc.com/index.php?action=locations
Carry Out?: Drive-thru

Reservations?: Not needed

Dress Code:  N/A, drive-thru only

Vegetarian/Vegan Options: None, except for French fries and hushpuppies.

Organic: No

Price range: All items are under $5.

Social Situation:  Drive-thru lunch or dinner, getting a milkshake to go with friends or family

Alcohol:  None served

Notable Menu Items: Milkshakes, char-grilled hamburgers, chicken, and hot dogs, and chopped pork barbecue
Multiple Locations: Yes, in North Carolina, South Carolina (7 locations), Tennessee (3 locations), and Virginia (3 locations).

Parking: None

Catering: None
Group Parties:  None

Wi-Fi: N/A

Delivery: None

Accepts credit cards: Yes

Waiter Service: No

Outdoor Seating: None

Smoking: No policy saying yes or no because it is a drive-thru-only establishment

Tell Me More: Cook Out always brings a smile to my face because in undergrad we would pile up in someone’s car and all go to get milkshakes at 11pm or midnight.  With several flavors to choose from (39 flavors), as well the choice of ordering a Cheerwine or Coke Float, everyone was sure to find something they’d love.  It’s drive-thru only, and what’s great is they typically have 2 lines open so the line moves quicker.  It didn’t matter if it was lunch time or late in the evening, Cook Out was always pretty busy.

The food, however, can be hit-or-miss. Let me first say that sometimes it simply does not look appetizing, but that’s to be expected of fried fast food.  But don’t let looks fool you- for the most part the food is pretty tasty.  The Original Style Char-Grilled Chicken Breast is my favorite poultry item on the menu. The chicken is always moist, the lettuce and tomatoes are fresh, and usually there is a decent amount of mayonnaise on it (not too much where you are disgusted, not too little where you don’t taste it). I normally get the Cook Out Tray which includes one Regular Chopped Pork Barbecue sandwich and either onion rings and hushpuppies or a corn dog and hushpuppies.  The onion rings are a decent size, but they can be really hit-or-miss. In fact, sometimes I get them and the dough is not completely fried through because the onions were all thrown in together. And the amount of grease on them typically makes me regret even getting them. The Regular sandwich is typically haphazardly thrown together.  First, they throw the pulled pork on a bun (I’m assuming it’s a dry rub- this definitely has no barbecue sauce on it).  Then it seems they throw chopped slaw and sprinkle Texas Pete , then throw the bread on top. Whenever I open the foil packaging it comes in, I have to re-organize and rebuild the sandwich.  But despite not looking that appetizing, it’s pretty good. 

I once had a friend who got the Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog. He didn’t finish it…I did.  It was sloppy and made a mess everywhere, but it was good.

For those who are environmentally-conscious, it may upset you that the Cook Out Tray comes in a Styrofoam box, and all drinks come in Styrofoam cups.

What I like about Cook Out is that you don’t find some of the food items at any regular fast food joint, and being from South Florida, I am thrilled about the idea of Southern fast food. So go in with your taste buds ready to try something a little different.  Your only issue is choosing a milkshake flavor!