How to Order at Cookout
How to order Cookout: this guide walks through the drive-thru lane, the walk-up window, payment options, and gift cards.
A fan’s guide to ordering at Cook Out — the drive-thru lane, the walk-up window, payment options, gift cards, and group catering, with tips for first-timers.
How to Order Cookout, Step by Step
Cook Out is built around quick service. Most restaurants serve through a drive-thru lane, and many also have a walk-up takeout window. If you’re wondering how to order cookout, start here: there is no official nationwide ordering app to download — ordering happens at the restaurant, the way it has for years.
Cook Out’s official site has company information and announcements.
Drive-Thru Walkthrough
The drive-thru is how most people order at Cook Out. If you’re learning how to order cookout, here’s the flow, step by step:
- Step 1: Read the menu board before you reach the speaker. Trays are the signature order: one main, two sides, and a drink.
- Step 2: Know your tray sides in advance. Popular pairings like hush puppies, slaw, or fries are easy to say at the speaker.
- Step 3: Give your order clearly — name each tray’s main, then its two sides and drink. Add a milkshake upgrade or extra items last.
- Step 4: Pull forward to the window to pay, then collect your food.
- Step 5: Check the bag before you drive off — shake flavors and small sides are easy to mix up in a big order.
Takeout and the Walk-Up Window
Walking up instead of driving through is a fine option at many restaurants. The walk-up window takes the same menu — trays, shakes, and all — and it’s handy if you’re on foot or want to stretch your legs. Order the same way you would at the speaker: main, two sides, drink. Want food brought to your door instead? See our Cookout delivery guide for what to know about third-party delivery. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll see how to order cookout is mostly about knowing your tray before you reach the speaker.
Payment Methods
Payment setups vary by location, so treat this as a starting point and confirm with your restaurant if it matters.
How you can typically pay at Cook Out
| Payment method | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Cash | Widely accepted at most locations. |
| Credit and debit cards | Widely accepted at most locations. |
| Apple Pay / tap-to-pay | Reported at many locations — confirm locally, as it is not universal. |
Gift Cards
Cook Out gift cards are a popular way to treat a fellow fan — but details on where to buy them and how to check a balance can be hard to pin down online. If you’re buying or redeeming one, verify with your local restaurant or Cook Out’s official channels first, since gift card availability and policies can vary by location.
Catering for Groups
Feeding a group? Many Cook Out restaurants will work with you on larger takeout orders. Call your local restaurant directly to ask what’s possible — bulk orders, platters, or trays for a crowd — since there are no standard published packages to point to. Give them plenty of lead time, especially for game days or late-night rushes.
Ordering Tips
If you’d rather have the food come to you, read our Cookout delivery guide next, or browse locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Cookout Delivery Guide
Can you get Cook Out delivered? What to know about third-party apps and availability.
Cook Out Locations
Finding the Cook Out nearest you before you head out to order.
Cook Out Hours
When restaurants are open — and why hours vary by location.
Cook Out Trays
How tray combos work so you can order confidently at the speaker.