Dining

Cook Out

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.1
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.

Location

Cheeseburger with melted cheese and onions inside a toasted bun, served at a casual eatery in Congaree National Park.White disposable beverage cup with red stripes resting on a car dashboard near Congaree National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is peanut butter in shakes a concern?

Peanut butter flavors exist; peanut alert. Avoid if nut allergies are severe.

Is delivery available?

Delivery is available via Uber Eats.

Are there vegetarian options?

Vegetarian options include cheese quesadillas and a cheese dog; vegan options and gluten-free details are Unknown.

Is there seating inside or is it drive-thru only?

Seating is primarily counter service and drive-thru; some locations may have indoor seating, but the main focus is takeout and drive-thru.

What price range should I expect for a full meal?

Cook Out Tray ($6.39–$12.49), Big Double Burger from $3.99, milkshakes about $3.99; sides $0.99–$2.98.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.