Are you tired of the same old fast-food routine in cookout Atlanta, especially when hunger strikes late at night? Navigating the city’s diverse food scene for truly affordable and satisfying options can be a challenge.
Enter CookOut, a Southern institution renowned for its incredible value, extensive menu customization, and legendary CookOut Trays, as well as 100-flavor milkshakes. But with multiple locations and a vast menu, how do you make the most of your visit? This comprehensive guide is your definitive roadmap to discovering and dominating the cookout experience in Atlanta.
From pinpointing the exact locations and their late-night hours to unraveling the mysteries of the CookOut Tray and navigating the dizzying array of milkshake flavors, you’ll gain all the insights needed to save time, find the best deals, and enjoy a truly unique fast-food meal tailored precisely to your cravings. Get ready to unlock Atlanta’s best-kept fast-food secret.
Cook Out Atlanta Locations: Find Your Nearest Fix
| Atlanta GA | Adress | Phone Number |
| 544 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 403 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 1112 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 6273 Jonesboro Rd, Morrow, GA 30260, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 4487 Hugh Howell Rd, Tucker, GA 30084, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 6897 GA-85, Riverdale, GA 30274, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 2790 Panola Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 3800 Austell Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30008, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 9 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 11475 Haynes Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 745 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, United | 866-547-0011 | |
| 2019 Scenic Hwy N, Snellville, GA 30078, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 46 W May St, Winder, GA 30680, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 904 S Park St, Carrollton, GA 30117, | 866-547-0011 | |
| 3626 Mundy Mill Rd, Gainesville, GA 30504, | 866-547-0011 |
With over 60 cookout spots across metro Atlanta, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that’s most convenient and crowd-friendly for your meal.
Some locations are situated in heavy traffic corridors or near nightlife districts, leading to long drive times or packed parking lots, precisely what you want to avoid when you’re hungry and short on time.
Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or the Cookout official website location page to view Cookout in Atlanta instantly.
Key Considerations for Picking Your Location
Accessibility:
Look for stores near major highways (I‑85, I‑75) or MARTA stations if you’re using public transit.
Choose lots with ample parking or drive‑thru lanes to minimize wait times during peak hours.
Neighborhood Fit:
Student-friendly: Opt for the North Decatur or Midtown locations, where lunch crowds tend to subside quickly.
Family outings: The Cumberland Mall area branch offers easy highway access and nearby play spots for kids.
Late‑night runs: Downtown and College Park outlets stay open past midnight, perfect for post‑concert fuel.
All location details and hours were last verified on July 6, 2025. For the most up‑to‑date information, always confirm via Cook Out’s official website or preferred navigation app before heading out.
Key Considerations for Your Visit
Understanding the typical drive-thru-focused setup of most cookout locations.
Tips for identifying the most convenient location based on your starting point in Atlanta
Operating Hours: When Atlanta Gets Its Cook Out Crave On
Craving that iconic Cook Out flavor well past dinnertime? You’re in luck; Atlanta’s CookOut locations pride themselves on lengthy hours that cater to everyone from early birds to night owls.
General Cookout Operating Hours in Atlanta
Most Atlanta-area Cook Out restaurants follow a consistent schedule:
- Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM
- Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM
This late‑night window means you can grab a Tray, Burger, or Shake long after other grills have closed. Whether you’re wrapping up a late study session, hitting the town, or simply fighting the midnight munchies, Cook Out is ready when you are.
Location‑Specific Variations & Holiday Hours
While the above times apply to the majority of Atlanta outlets, individual franchisees sometimes tweak their schedules:
- Weekend Extensions: A handful of high-traffic locations, especially those near Georgia State University and Midtown, open as early as 9:00 a.m. on weekends.
- Early Closures: Smaller suburban shops may close around 1:00 a.m. on weeknights if foot traffic decreases.
- Holiday Adjustments: On major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day, many stores operate reduced hours (often closing by 8:00 p.m.).
Before heading out, especially on holidays or during inclement weather, always confirm the hours of your desired location. Use Cook Out’s official website or mobile app for the most reliable and up-to-date information.
To ensure you’re never left hungry at the door:
Compare hours listed on third‑party sites (Google Maps, Yelp) against Cook Out’s store finder.
Franchise owners occasionally post temporary closures or special hours on Cook Out’s social media channels.
Bookmark the Official App. Real-time updates plus occasional app-exclusive promotions make this your go-to resource for everything CookOut.
By verifying these details upfront, you’ll avoid wasted trips and know precisely when you can indulge in CookOut’s unbeatable late‑night menu.
Estimated Price Ranges for Popular Items
| Menu Item Category | Popular Items | Description/Customization Options | Estimated Price Range |
| CookOut Trays | Hamburger Tray, BBQ Tray, Chicken Strip Tray | Includes 1 entree, 2 sides, and a drink—vast variety of entrees & side choices. | $6.99 – $9.99 |
| Sandwiches & Burgers | Cook Out Style Burger, Big Double Burger, BBQ Chicken Sandwich | Customizable with toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, chili, slaw, etc.). | $3.29 – $5.99 |
| Chicken | Chicken Strips, Chicken Fillet Sandwich | Grilled or crispy chicken options. | $3.99 – $5.99 |
| Hot Dogs | Cook Out Hot Dog, Chili Dog | Beef hot dogs, customizable with various toppings. | $1.99 – $3.49 |
| Sides | French Fries, Hushpuppies, Onion Rings, Chili Cheese Fries, Coleslaw, Chicken Nuggets | Extensive selection of classic and unique fast-food sides. Often included in trays. | $1.49 – $3.49 |
| Milkshakes | Oreo, Banana Pudding, Reese’s, Peach Cobbler | Over 40 standard flavors, combinable for 100+ options. Made with real ice cream. (Extra charge for milkshakes in trays). | $3.49 – $5.49 |
| Drinks | Sweet Tea, Coca-Cola Products, Lemonade | Standard fountain drinks. Included in trays, or available for individual purchase. | Includes one entree, 2 sides, and a drink. Huge variety of entree & side choices. |
Mastering the Cookout Tray: Your Custom Creation Guide
Step‑by‑Step Tray‑Building Process
Build Your Own CookOut Tray
Choose side 1
Choose two sides or double up
Choose a drink or a water bottle
Choosing Your Entrée
Burgers: All the Way, Out West, Pepper Jack, Hush Puppy Burger
Chicken: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Strips
BBQ: BBQ Sandwich, BBQ Plate (if available)
Hot Dogs: Classic Hot Dog, Chilli Cheese Dog
For maximum versatility, grab a Pepper Jack Burger. It’s spicy enough to jolt your taste buds but still pairs beautifully with sweet hushpuppies or chili cheese fries.
Selecting Your Two Sides
- Classic Staples: Fries, Onion Rings, Hushpuppies
- Cheesy Indulgences: Chilli Cheese Fries, Cheese Quesadilla (side size)
- Snack‑Style Sides: Chicken Nuggets, Quesadilla Bites
Please don’t overlook the hushpuppies, they’re golden, savoury pillows that perfectly offset spicier entrées. Pair them with a side of cheese quesadilla bites for texture
Picking Your Drink
- Coca‑Cola products (Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, etc.), Sweet Tea, Lemonade
- Opt for sweet tea for an authentic Southern experience and remember, unlimited refills are often available at the drive-thru window!
Popular Tray Combinations
- First‑Timer Favourite: All the Way Burger + Onion Rings + Hushpuppies + Sweet Tea
- Spicy Lover’s Pick: Pepper Jack Burger + Chilli Cheese Fries + Chicken Nuggets + Dr Pepper
- Light & Lean: Grilled Chicken Sandwich + Side Salad (if available) + Hushpuppies + Unsweet Tea
- Family‑Style Hack: Order two trays and split, mix, and match entrées and sides so everyone samples something new without overordering.
Cook Out’s Legendary Milkshakes: A Flavour Exploration
There’s a reason CookOut boasts “hundreds” of milkshake combinations; each sip is an invitation to customize, experiment, and savor. Whether you’re the type to stick with a classic or to push the flavor envelope, Cook Out’s shake lineup never disappoints.
You want more than a one‑note vanilla shake, but many fast‑food joints limit you to a handful of standard flavors.
You’ve ordered “just chocolate” a dozen times—but deep down, you crave something bolder, more playful, more…you.
CookOut lets you choose from 40+ base flavors and mix-ins from cookie crumbles to fresh fruit, so pairing Oreo with Banana Pudding or Reese’s with Peach Cobbler is not only possible but also encouraged. Seasonal specials (think Pumpkin Spice in fall or Peppermint Bark in winter) push the envelope even further.
Product Recommendations:
- Oreo Crunch: Rich vanilla base studded with real Oreo bits
- Banana Pudding: Smooth banana flavor with Nilla wafer pieces
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup: Chocolate and peanut butter swirled to perfection
- Peach Cobbler: Fruity, cakey goodness in milkshake form
- Seasonal Specials: Watch for limited drops like S’mores or Peppermint
Milkshakes in Atlanta
Top 5 Must‑Try Milkshakes in Atlanta
Here’s a locally curated list gleaned from friend recommendations, Instagram tags, and late‑night cravings to jumpstart your next shake adventure
“The ATL Oreo Overload”
Double Oreo base, extra cookie crumbles on top
Perfect for the ultimate chocolate‑cookie fix
“Peach State of Mind”
Peach Cobbler blended with vanilla custard
Topped with fresh peach slices (when available)
“Banana & Nutella Dream”
Banana Pudding meets a swirl of Nutella
Garnished with banana chips
“Reese’s Extreme”
Half Reese’s, half chocolate shake fusion
Drizzled with peanut butter
“Berry Local”
Strawberry base with real berry chunks
Seasonal favorite asks for strawberry bits when fresh
Why Cook Out Stands Out in Atlanta’s Fast‑Food Scene
Unbeatable Value and Affordability
You’re juggling tight budgets, textbooks, rent, and late‑night cravings and every dollar counts when choosing a fast‑food meal.
Typical combo meals at big chains can easily exceed $9–$10, leaving you feeling shortchanged on portion size or forced to skip sides or drinks to save a few dollars.
Cook Out Trays and flip the script on value. For $7.39, you can build a Regular Tray (entrée + two sides + drink), or opt for the Junior Tray at just $6.39—and upgrade to any of 40+ milkshake flavours for only $1.60 more. By contrast, a McDonald’s Big Mac combo costs around $10.19, making Cook Out at least $2–$ 3 cheaper for a similarly hearty meal.
Late‑Night Dining Convenience
It’s past midnight, the books are closed, or the party’s just winding down, and most fast‑food spots are shuttered.
When hunger strikes after 2 a.m., options dwindle to overpriced convenience stores or long waits at frantic diners.
Typical Hours (Atlanta)
- Sun–Thu: 11 AM–3 AM
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–4 AM
Check your nearest location’s drive‑thru wait time with the CookOut app; no more circling the parking lot in vain.
Unparalleled Menu Customization
Feeling boxed in by preset combos, no extra cheese, no sauce swaps, no fun.
Standardized menus leave little room for personal flair, making every order feel impersonal and predictable.
At CookOut, customization is king:
- Burgers & Sandwiches: Add or remove cheese, bacon, grilled onions, slaw, chili, mayo, and mustard mix and match to your liking.
- Trays: Choose your favorite entrée, two sides (or double one), and your beverage, and upgrade to any milkshake flavor for a nominal fee.
- Shakes: With 40+ flavors, you can craft everything from classic chocolate to exotic cheesecake‑fruit mashups
Order your “All The Way” burger (mustard, slaw, chili, onion) and swap slaw for extra pickles for the perfect tangy crunch.
The Southern Charm & Local Appeal
National chains often lack the soul and story that make a meal memorable.
Generic décor and interchangeable menus can leave you feeling like you’re eating anywhere, not someplace special.
Cook Out grew from its 1989 roots in Greensboro, NC, into a beloved regional treasure. Its open‑air grills, neon signage, and drive‑thru traditions evoke classic Southern cookout vibes. In Atlanta, Oglethorpe students recall a post-midnight pilgrimage to the Moreland Avenue location; families reminisce about winding down Fourth of July fireworks with a tray and a shake in hand. This genuine Southern character resonates deeply with locals and visitors alike.
Atlanta food blogs praise Cook Out’s Lexington‑style pork BBQ as a standout, balancing nostalgia with flavor, something you won’t find at your average fast‑food joint.
Cook Out’s combination of wallet-friendly trays, unbeatable late-night hours, limitless customization options, and authentic Southern charm makes it a standout choice in Atlanta’s fast-food landscape. Ready to experience it for yourself? Let’s explore the full menu next!
Expert Tips for Atlanta Experience
Swing by during off‑peak hours mid‑afternoon, 2 to 4 pm., or late at night (after 10 p.m.) to dodge the busiest lines, especially on Fridays and Saturdays
- Check if your local Atlanta Cook Out partners with a delivery platform or offers online ordering. Placing your order ahead of time lets you pull up, grab your food, and go.
- Have your order ready before you reach the window—know your burger style (“All‑The‑Way,” Cheese Style, etc.) and sides in advance. That quick snapshot on your phone of “#6 Tray with Sweet Tea” can shave off precious minutes when you’re hungry and in a hurry!
Dietary Considerations & Allergen Information
- Before placing an order, review the official CookOut allergen guide on cookout.com for accurate information. It breaks down which menu items contain gluten, dairy, nuts, and more.
Politely request substitutions (“Could you hold the mayo on my Chicken Sandwich?”) or verify ingredients (“Is the hushpuppy batter dairy‑free?”). Most locations are happy to accommodate simple swaps; just speak up at the speaker box.
If you have severe allergies, consider planning your visit by calling the restaurant during quieter hours to ensure a more comfortable experience. That way, you can speak to a manager and double‑check cross‑contamination protocols.
Payment Methods & Specific Offers
While Cook Out welcomes credit and debit cards, many standalone locations still prefer cash. Carry a small bill stash, especially if you’re ordering late and want to avoid card minimums.
Follow your favorite Atlanta spot on social media (Instagram or Facebook) for flash promotions; think “Free Shake Fridays” or discount coupons on local college pages.
Some locations offer punch card programs or partner with local businesses for cross-promotions. Ask at the register if there’s a local loyalty perk you can join.
Hidden Gems & Ordering Like a Local
Ask for the “Big Double,” two double‑patty burgers stacked “All‑The‑Way” or the “Grilled Chicken Wrap”, both under‑advertised delights beloved by regulars.
Swap a tray side for onion rings and upgrade any small drink to a large one for just a dollar extra.
Late-night hours often feature secret menu mashups, combining a tray entrée on a burger bun or mixing chili with slaw as a standalone side. Respect the crew and ask nicely; chances are you’ll walk away with a new favorite
With these pro tips in your back pocket, you’ll breeze through the drive‑thru, order with confidence, and discover all the little extras that make Cook Out Atlanta feel like home. Enjoy!
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available at CookOut?
You can build a meat‑free meal at Cook Out by ordering hand‑cut fries, hushpuppies, and cheddar curds, all vegetarian. For a vegan option, stick to fries and hushpuppies and skip any dairy cheese or sauces.
Can I pay with a credit card at all Atlanta Cook Out locations?
Most Cook Out locations accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, plus Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, cash, and Cook Out gift cards.
What are the most popular side items to choose for a Cookout tray?
The classic favorites for your two chosen sides are hushpuppies, cheddar cheese curds, and old-fashioned fries; they consistently top guest pick lists for flavor and value.
Do all Cookout locations in Atlanta offer indoor seating, or are they primarily drive-thru?
Most Cook Out locations feature two drive-thru lanes and a walk-up window, with no indoor seating. A few newer or remodeled Atlanta sites now offer small indoor counter-service areas, but most remain drive-thru or walk-up only.
What are the typical wait times during peak hours in Atlanta?
At peak times, including lunch, dinner, and late nights on weekends, Atlanta Cook Out drive-thru waits can exceed 30 minutes. To avoid the longest lines, consider visiting just before or after rush hours (around 10:30–11:30 AM or 2:00–4:00 PM).
Is there a cookout app for mobile ordering?
Cook Out doesn’t have its ordering app; instead, it utilizes third-party services like DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats for pickup or delivery.
From unbeatable prices to truly endless customization, CookOut stands out in Atlanta’s crowded fast‑food scene. Whether you’re craving a stacked burger “all the way,” selecting two perfect sides for your tray, or savoring one of their legendary shakes, Cook Out delivers Southern flavor without breaking the bank. With locations open late into the night and a menu designed to let you mix and match every craving, it’s no wonder locals and visitors alike return again and again.
Now that you have every price, customization tip, and insider trick at your fingertips, it’s time to turn this guide into action. Grab a friend or treat yourself to the mouthwatering options that only CookOut can serve up. Feel the excitement as you build your tray, taste the nostalgia in every fry, and top it all off with a shake that’s just as memorable as the menu itself.
Armed with this ultimate guide, your next cookout adventure in Atlanta is sure to be a delicious and satisfying one. What will be your perfect tray and milkshake combination? Head to your nearest CookOut and find out!”
