Cook Out

Evening view of a neon-lit fast-food restaurant exterior beside Congaree National Park in a nearby town.

Cook Out's tray bursts with value: a main item, two sides, and a drink, all hot and ready. The Big Double Burger arrives with a crackly crust and a juicy interior that stays hot in the bite. Milkshakes arrive thick and creamy, standing up to the heat of the grill. Peanut alert.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Late-night
Signature Dishes: Cook Out Tray; Big Double Burger; Milkshakes (40+ flavors).
Local Specialties: No explicit local ingredients highlighted; regional Southeast presence as a fast-food chain.
Popular Items: Cook Out Tray; Big Double Burger; Milkshakes

What to order

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Late-night
Signature Dishes: Cook Out Tray; Big Double Burger; Milkshakes (40+ flavors).
Local Specialties: No explicit local ingredients highlighted; regional Southeast presence as a fast-food chain.
Popular Items: Cook Out Tray; Big Double Burger; Milkshakes
Menu Recommendations: Skip the queue and grab Cook Out Tray with Big Double Burger; order Oreo milkshake for a classic showdown
Dietary Options: Vegetarian options including cheese quesadillas, cheese dog, and certain sides
Vegan options: Unknown
Gluten-free: Unknown

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Cook Out Trays range from approximately $6.39 to $12.49; Big Double Burger starts at $3.99; Milkshakes around $3.99; Sides like fries and onion rings around $0.99 to $2.98.
Reservations Policy: Walk-in Only.
Typical Wait Times: The establishment is typically busy; expect waits, especially at the drive-thru during peak hours.
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 AM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 AM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Standard fast-food lot; drive-thru dominates; parking may be limited during peak times.

Visit strategy

Best For: Budget diners
Families with kids
Late-night snackers
Not Ideal For: People seeking upscale dining or quiet, refined meals
Service Type: Counter service and drive-thru
Service Speed: Fast
Vibe: Casual
Busy
Drive-thru-centric
Noise Level: Moderate buzz to loud
Busiest Times: Lunch and late-night hours
Best Visit Times: 10:00–11:00 AM opening window or mid-afternoon after 2:30 PM
Tips Advice: Go at opening 10:00–11:00 AM or after 2:30 PM to dodge lines
Order the Cook Out Tray for value and combo variety
Milkshake flavors are thick—try Oreo or Strawberry first
Peanut alert for shakes if you have a peanut allergy

More details

Park Area: Congaree National Park
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Delivery via Uber Eats.
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Soda fountain with a wide array of milkshakes; sweet tea and Cheerwine floats.
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 0
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly; offers kids' trays; affordable portions; busy but welcoming
Bar Seating: 0
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Cook Out Tray with two sides and drink; 40+ milkshake flavors
Unique Factor: Huge milkshake variety; value-packed tray combos; drive-thru powerhouse
Nearby Facilities: Located near Congaree National Park; standard fast-food parking; takeout friendly
Best Time To Visit: Best times are opening window 10:00–11:00 AM or mid-afternoon after 2:30 PM; avoid the peak lunch stretch 11:30 AM–1:30 PM and the late-night surge.
The Order Strategy: Skip the generic burger path and go straight for the Cook Out Tray with two sides; For a drink, pick a milkshake (Oreo or Strawberry) and go.
The Vibe Check: Casual, bustling, and loud enough to wake a sleepy appetite. Not a laptop-friendly spot; bring appetite and a big appetite.
The Crowd Factor: Lunch lines can wrap; hit opening or mid-afternoon for quicker picks; drive-thru is fastest after 2 PM.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want a budget-friendly, filling meal for the family. SKIP IF: you need a refined, quiet meal.
Distance From Park: approximately 21 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Crowd-friendly, value-driven, with a heavy drive-thru presence. The tray and shakes shine, but lines can stretch at lunch and late-night.