Cook Out in North Carolina

Ever found yourself cruising down a CookOut North Carolina highway at midnight or winding through city streets with a hankering for a Cook Out tray only to stall at the question of Where’s the nearest open location?” or “Do they even have a drive‑thru?” You’re in good company. That unmistakable urge for a flame‑grilled burger, hand‑spun milkshake, or fully customizable tray often meets its match in outdated listings and confusing hours.

You’ve circled parking lots, toggled between restaurant apps, and mentally prepared for peak‑hour lines sometimes to discover a closed drive‑thru or limited menu offerings. It’s the classic spontaneity versus stress scenario.

Now imagine a single, reliable source that pinpoints every Cook Out in North Carolina, complete with live‑verified hours, drive‑thru status, and insider hacks to dodge the rush. No more guessing games or wasted miles: just seamless planning for maximum flavor and minimal fuss.

This guide is exactly what you need as a bridge. We’ve scoured official data, real‑time updates, and on‑the‑ground insights so you can swap frustration for feast in seconds.

Your Ultimate Cook Out Companion

Consider this your go‑to playbook for all things Cook Out in North Carolina, including healthier choices

Interactive maps pinpointing every location

Accurate hours (including late‑night and weekend variations)

Drive‑thru vs. dine‑in intel so you know what to expect.

Insider tips on peak times, menu specials, and best‑value combos

With this comprehensive resource at your fingertips, planning your next Cook Out run, whether it’s a solo late‑night snack or a group road‑trip pit stop, becomes effortless. Welcome to stress‑free, flavour-filled adventures across the Tar Heel State.

Understanding CookOut North Carolina Presence

A Southern Staple
Born in Greensboro in 1989, Cook Out has grown from a single walk-up burger stand into an icon of Southern fast food, celebrated for its no-frills service, bold flavours, and wallet-friendly prices. Its classic neon‑lit signage and signature double‑drive‑thru lanes are as much a part of Carolina culture as college basketball.

The Cook Out Tray Phenomenon
At the heart of the brand’s loyal following is the Cook Out Tray, a fully customizable meal that pairs any entree with two sides and your choice of a drink or over 40 milkshake flavours. This build-your-own approach transforms a simple fast-food run into a personalised feast, giving diners the freedom to mix and match burgers, BBQ plates, quesadillas, and more.

Growth and Popularity in NC
Today, Cook Out boasts over 319 locations across ten states, with more than 100 sites right here in North Carolina, making it the densest network in its operating footprint. From major metros like Charlotte and Raleigh to smaller towns such as Goldsboro and Shelby, you’re never far from that glowing Cook Out marquee.

Why This Guide Is Essential for NC Cook Out Enthusiasts

Addressing Audience Pain Points
Even the most devoted fans can feel the frustration when:

You need to find your closest Cook Out in a hurry.

You’re unsure about today’s operating hours, especially on holidays or during special events.

You don’t know if a location offers indoor seating or is drive‑thru/walk‑up only.

You’d like to avoid long lines during lunch rushes or football game nights.

Our Commitment to Accuracy

We perform routine checks on every location’s details—hours, amenities, and service options—to ensure you get the latest updates.

This guide will be updated quarterly to reflect new openings, temporary closures, or changes to dining formats.

By grounding our information in official Cook Out sources and on‑the‑ground verifications, we aim to deliver trusted recommendations you can rely on.

With this guide in hand, you’ll spend less time guessing and more time savoring. Let’s explore every Cook Out location across North Carolina so that you can choose the perfect spot for your next tray.

How to Master This Cook Out Guide

Whether you’re a lifelong North Carolinian or just passing through, this guide is designed to get you from Where’s the nearest Cook Out? to I’ve got the perfect menu picked out” in minutes. By leveraging the features and tips below, you’ll save time, avoid surprises, and make every Cook Out run as smooth as possible.

Search by City/Region

Major Metro Areas: Use the built‑in city filter to zero in on Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, and Winston‑Salem.

Broader Regions: If you’re exploring beyond the big cities, select from regions like the Triangle (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill), the Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point), the Coastal Plains, or the Mountain region for a scenic stop at Cook Out.

Interactive Map Usage

Click on any map pin to reveal the restaurant’s address, phone number, hours, and quick customer ratings.

Zoom out to see clusters of locations side‑by‑side, or zoom in for street‑level detail perfect for planning a detour on a road trip.

Utilizing the “Quick Overview” Table

This side-by-side comparison lists every NC Cook Out location with key details, including hours, drive-thru availability, dine-in options, and peak-time notes, so you can scan the table in seconds and pick the best spot.

Cook Out hours may vary by location, especially on holidays or late at night. Always verify official hours on the Cook Out website or mobile app before you head out.

Before You Go Checklist

Verify Hours: Confirm opening and closing times, as well as holiday schedules.

Drive‑Thru vs. Dine‑In: Decide whether you need curbside convenience or a sit‑down meal.

Peak-Hour Planning: Lunch (11 AM–1 PM) and late night (10 PM–midnight) can be the busiest times plan accordingly to avoid long waits.

By following these steps — filtering by region, exploring our interactive map, cross-referencing with navigation apps, and ticking off your pre-visit checklist — you’ll master this guide in no time and make every Cook Out experience effortless and enjoyable.

Comprehensive List of Cook Out Locations by City & Region

Below, we’ve organised every North Carolina Cook Out by metro area and region. Each entry includes a brief highlight to help you choose the perfect stop.

Major Metro Areas

The Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill)

Raleigh (Capital Blvd): High-volume location with spacious indoor seating, ideal for families.
Durham (University Dr): Popular among students, with late-night drive-thru service.
Chapel Hill (Franklin St): A central location near campus, perfect for quick grabs.

Charlotte Metro Area

Charlotte (South Blvd): Features covered outdoor seating and a large parking lot.
Concord (Concord Pkwy): Drive-thru focused; minimal indoor space but lightning-fast service.
Gastonia (Franklin Blvd): Cosy indoor dining with easy interstate access.

The Triad (Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point)

Greensboro (Battleground Ave): Busy lunch spot; plan for off-peak visits.
Winston-Salem (University Pkwy): Wheelchair-accessible entrance and family-friendly layout.
High Point (N Main St): Known for its friendly staff and clean facilities, highlighting career opportunities

Asheville & Western NC: Scenic mountain drive location; indoor seating with local art.
Wilmington & Coastal NC: Beach-adjacent outlet with outdoor picnic tables.
Fayetteville & Southeastern NC: Military-friendly hours, extended late-night service.
Other Key Regions: Group smaller towns (e.g., Rocky Mount, Jacksonville) in alphabetical order for quick scanning.

Unique Content Element: The Ultimate NC Cook Out Road Trip Guide

Planning a cross-state adventure? We’ve pinpointed must-stop Cook Out locations along the state’s major interstates:

I-40 Corridor: From Asheville to Winston-Salem, stops at mountain-view drive-thrus.
I-85 Stretch: High-density clusters between Charlotte and the Triad.
I-77 Route: Fast lanes through Charlotte suburban stops, perfect for seamless breaks.

Strategic Tips for Long Drives:

Schedule your meals around typical traffic lull times (late morning or mid-afternoon).

Table: Quick Cook Out Location Overview

City	Address Highlights	Typical Hours	Dine-In/Drive-Thru	Key Feature/Note
Raleigh	1201 New Bern AvenueRaleigh, NC 27610	10:30 AM – 3:00 AM	Both	Often busy, large parking lot
Charlotte	2540 Freedom DriveCharlotte, NC 28208	10:30 AM – 4:00 AM	Drive-Thru Only	Popular late-night spot
Asheville	251 Tunnel Rd.Asheville, NC 28805	10:30 AM – 3:00 AM	Both	Mountain views, smaller dining area
Greensboro	1041 Summit AvenueGreensboro, NC 27405	10:30 AM – 3:30 AM	Both	Central location, easy access
Wilmington	715 S. College Rd.Wilmington, NC 28403	10:30 AM – 4:00 AM	Both	Near beaches, it can get crowded

Local Favourites Spotlight

Randleman Road, Greensboro “The Original Cook Out”

Opened in 1989, this drive‑thru pioneer still draws long lines each evening not just for nostalgia, but for that authentic first‑taste flavour.
Customer buzz: “Best‑tasting fries hands‑down,” “Always fresh chilli.”

High Point, North Main Street, First Indoor Dining

If you crave a brief sit‑down break, this is one of the few Cook Outs in NC with counter service and tables.

 Local review highlight: “A lifesaver on rainy days, no soggy shake runs!”

Charlotte–South Boulevard – Peak Traffic & Promotions

 Known for its express dual-lane drive-thrus, it often tests new limited-time offerings before rolling them out system-wide.
 Frequent promo: “Buy one milkshake after 9 PM, get the second half‑off.”

Regional Menu Items & Promotions

While the core menu stays the same, some spots roll out area‑specific items:

Outer Banks (Nags Head): Summer “OBX Crab Cake Burger” special, perfect seaside pairing.

Beaufort & Wilmington: Peach‑mango milkshake during the late July peach festival.

Western NC (Asheville area): Local craft‑brew float, Cheerwine or Cheerwine‑adjacent soda poured over vanilla soft serve.

Expert Tip: Follow your nearest Cook Out’s Instagram or Facebook page, as locations often announce pop-up flavours or buy-one-get-one deals 24–48 hours in advance.

Hidden Gems & Local Insights

Greensboro Coliseum Drive‑Thru: They’ll sometimes hand out free mini chocolate shakes during concert nights—just mention “I’m here for the show.”

Highway 74 (Rockingham): Known for 24‑hour weekend service—ideal after late Carolina Panthers games.

Boone (Appalachian State area): Staff will swap out the standard fries for sweet potato fries upon request, at no extra charge, as an Appalachian nod.

Pro Tip: Don’t be shyask your crew member if there’s a “secret shake” or an off-menu special available today. On slower weekdays, many locations are happy to experiment.

By exploring these unique elements, historic flagship spots, regional exclusives, and insider hacks, you’ll transform every Cook Out run into a personalised, local-flavoured adventure. Don’t just eat  connect, rate, and rediscover why Cook Out isn’t just a meal, it’s a piece of North Carolina culture.

Your Go-To Guide for Late-Night Cookout Cravings

Feeling the itch for a midnight milkshake or a late‑night tray? While most Cook Out locations follow standard late-night schedules, typically open until 2–3 AM, a select few keep the grills burning around the clock. Here’s how to satisfy your 24/7 cravings in North Carolina:

Known 24/7 Locations

10645 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 – Reportedly open 24 hours, this is your best bet for truly round‑the‑clock service.

3930 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606 – Often stays open until 4 AM, and some locals report it operating on a 24-hour schedule; call ahead to confirm.

280 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027 – Extended hours until 2:00 AM–3:00 AM most nights, and occasionally open later on weekends.

Safety Considerations

Park in well‑lit areas close to the entrance.

Travel with a friend or let someone know your ETA if you’re heading out alone.

Keep your order number visible on your dash to minimise time in the lot.

Expert Tip: Plan your visit during off-peak hours,mid-afternoon 2–4 PM or late morning, 10:30–11:30 AM, to breeze through the drive-thru.

Expert Tip: Customise your Cook Out Tray by mixing and matching unique sides (Cajun fries, hushpuppies, cheese curds) and choosing a signature drink or milkshake for unbeatable value.

Expert Tip: For large groups or catering, please call your chosen location at least 30 minutes in advance to ensure your order is ready upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cook Out Locations

Are all Cook Outs 24/7?

No, operating hours vary significantly by location. Always check specific hours for your desired Cook Out, especially for late-night visits.

Do all Cook Out locations have indoor seating?

While many do, some locations are primarily drive-thru focused with very limited or no indoor seating. It’s best to verify amenities for each location.

How can I find the nearest Cook Out location near me?

Use the interactive map in this guide or search by your current city/region. Google Maps or the official Cook Out app can also help.

Can I place an order ahead of time for pick-up?

Some locations support mobile ordering via the official Cook Out app. Check the app for availability at your specific store.

What should I do if the hours listed here appear to be incorrect?

While we strive for accuracy, hours are subject to change. Always cross-reference with the official Cook Out website, Google Business Profile, or call the location directly.