Your Guide to Cook Out Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re craving late-night burgers, shakes, and Southern-style fast food in Atlanta, chances are you’ve heard about Cook Out. The chain is known for its big menu, affordable “tray” combos, and drive-thru lines that stay busy well past midnight.

This guide walks you through what to expect at Cook Out in Atlanta, where you’re likely to find locations, what’s on the menu, how it fits into Atlanta’s food scene, and practical tips if you’re visiting from out of town or just exploring new spots around the city.

What Is Cook Out and Why Is It Popular in Atlanta?

Cook Out is a regional fast-food chain that started in North Carolina and gradually expanded across the Southeast, including into Georgia and the Atlanta metro area. Around Atlanta, it’s especially known for:

• Char-grilled burgers and hot dogs
• Large “Cook Out Trays” (combo boxes with a main item and multiple sides)
• Dozens of milkshake flavors
• Late-night hours at many locations
• Budget-friendly prices compared to many other quick-service options

For Atlanta residents and students, Cook Out is often a go-to after games, concerts, or nights out. For visitors, it’s a chance to try a Southern-style fast-food staple you won’t find in every state.

Where You’ll Typically Find Cook Out in the Atlanta Area

Cook Out tends to open restaurants in busy corridors and college-friendly areas, often along major roads with drive-thru service. While exact locations can change over time, you’re most likely to find Cook Out:

• In and around in-town neighborhoods and close-in suburbs
• Near college campuses and student-heavy districts
• Along high-traffic commuter routes that serve both city and metro-area residents

Common features of Atlanta-area Cook Out locations include:

• Drive-thru + walk-up windows (some have limited or no indoor seating)
• Parking lots designed for quick in-and-out visits
• Bright signage and a visible grill area behind the counter or window

Because restaurant locations can change, it’s a good idea to search “Cook Out near me” with your Atlanta location enabled or use a map app when you’re in town. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to find:

• The closest Cook Out to Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
• A location near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• A spot convenient to interstates like I‑20, I‑75, or I‑285

Typical Hours at Cook Out in Atlanta

Hours can vary by restaurant, but many Cook Out locations around Atlanta are known for staying open late—often appealing to:

• Night shift workers
• College students
• People grabbing food after events or nightlife

You’ll commonly see:

• Open until midnight or later on weeknights
• Extended late-night hours on weekends at busier locations

Because hours can change, especially around holidays or special events in Atlanta, it’s wise to:

• Double-check hours in a map or search app before heading over
• Call the location directly if you’re planning to visit very late at night

What’s on the Menu at Cook Out in Atlanta?

Cook Out’s menu is broadly similar across its locations, including those in Atlanta. You can expect a mix of burgers, chicken, hot dogs, barbecue, sides, and shakes with a Southern twist.

Core Menu Highlights

1. Cook Out Trays (Combo Boxes)
These are one of the main draws. A tray typically includes:

• One main item, such as:
  • Hamburger or cheeseburger
  • Chicken sandwich (grilled, spicy, or regular)
  • BBQ sandwich
  • Hot dog
• Two sides, which can be:
  • Fries or hushpuppies
  • Onion rings
  • Corn dog
  • Chicken wraps
  • Quesadillas (at many locations)
• A drink, often with the option to upgrade to a milkshake for an additional cost

For many Atlanta residents, Cook Out trays are seen as a high-value, filling meal at a relatively low price point.

2. Burgers and Sandwiches

• Char-grilled burgers (known for a smoky flavor)
• Chicken sandwiches in different styles
• Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, bacon, and sauces

3. Hot Dogs and BBQ

• Hot dogs with options for classic, chili, or slaw-style toppings
• Pulled pork BBQ sandwich (reflecting Cook Out’s Carolinas roots)

4. Sides

Common sides at Atlanta-area Cook Out locations include:

• French fries
• Hushpuppies
• Coleslaw
• Onion rings
• Chili
• Chicken nuggets or wraps (depending on location)

5. Milkshakes

One of Cook Out’s standout features is its long list of milkshake flavors, which often includes:

• Classic flavors (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry)
• Candy-inspired shakes (Oreo, Reese’s-style, etc.)
• Seasonal or specialty flavors at certain times of year

Many locals consider Cook Out milkshakes a dessert stop on their own, even if they’re not getting a full meal.

Quick Snapshot: What to Expect at a Cook Out Restaurant in Atlanta

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Eating at Cook Out

For Atlanta Residents

• Late-night planning: If you live near a Cook Out, know which nights it tends to be busiest. Weekend nights and after major events (games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, concerts, etc.) can bring longer drive-thru lines.
• Budget meals: The Cook Out Tray is often the most cost-effective choice if you want a full meal.
• Parking and traffic: Some in-town locations are near busy intersections. If you’re coming during rush hour or late at night, allow extra time.

For Visitors to Atlanta

• Pair it with your itinerary: You might stop by Cook Out after:
  • A visit to Downtown Atlanta attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola)
  • Exploring Midtown or Little Five Points
  • Driving through on I‑75, I‑85, or I‑20
• Try regionally popular choices: Many out-of-town visitors like to sample:
  • A char-grilled burger “Cook Out style”
  • A BBQ sandwich or slaw dog
  • One of the signature milkshakes

For Students in the Atlanta Area

With several colleges and universities in and around Atlanta, Cook Out is a common choice for:

• Late study-night meals
• Group hangouts in cars at the drive-thru
• Quick, budget-conscious meals between classes or shifts

If you’re a student:

• Keep an eye on peak times—right after evening classes and late on weekends.
• Consider splitting trays or shakes with a roommate or friend if you want to sample more items without over-ordering.

Dietary and Health Considerations

Cook Out is primarily a traditional fast-food restaurant with:

• Many fried items
• Meat-centric mains (burgers, chicken, hot dogs, BBQ)
• Plenty of sugar-heavy shakes and soft drinks

If you’re trying to be more selective:

• Look for grilled chicken options instead of fried where available.
• Consider ordering fewer fried sides and focusing on a single main item.
• Ask about ingredient details at the counter if you have allergies or specific dietary needs.

Cook Out is not typically positioned as a health-focused restaurant, so if you need a strictly vegetarian, vegan, or specialized diet-friendly place, you may want to plan ahead and mix Cook Out with other Atlanta dining options that cater more clearly to your needs.

How Cook Out Fits into Atlanta’s Restaurant Landscape

Atlanta is known for:

• High-end dining in neighborhoods like Buckhead and Midtown
• Iconic local chains and regional favorites
• A strong tradition of Southern cooking, barbecue, and soul food

Cook Out sits in the fast, affordable corner of that landscape. It’s not a sit-down Southern restaurant, but it reflects the region in several ways:

• Char-grilled burgers and BBQ nod to Carolina and Southern flavors
• Sides like hushpuppies and slaw feel familiar across the South
• The late-night culture fits Atlanta’s busy nightlife and student population

For many locals, Cook Out is less about a “destination dinner” and more about a reliable, inexpensive stop when they want something filling and fast.

Practical Next Steps If You Want Cook Out in Atlanta

To get the most out of visiting a Cook Out restaurant in the Atlanta area:

1. Use a map or navigation app to find the nearest location and check:
   • Current hours of operation
   • Drive-thru status and any temporary changes
2. Plan your order ahead of time, especially if:
   • You’re going with a group
   • You’re arriving late and expect a line
3. If you’re sensitive to crowds or traffic:
   • Avoid the busiest late-night windows (often after big events or weekend closing times)
4. If you’re traveling:
   • Factor Cook Out into your route as a quick stop near interstates or major Atlanta roads

By understanding how Cook Out operates in and around Atlanta—its menu, hours, and local role—you can decide whether it fits your plans, your budget, and your appetite while you’re in the city.