Cook Out — Restaurant in Auburn

Just to preface this, I fully expect to bump this to a five-star review in the long run.

What this place is is the place you should give most of your money to if you're looking for fast food. I say this because to beat them at their game you can't beat them at their price.

Make no mistake, the burgers won't beat Five Guys nor Burger Fi (and definitely not Sheila C's). The hot dogs won't beat the Hebrew Nationals at Five Guys either. The fries... well those are actually allllll the way up there. Also, get cajun seasoning on everything. EVERYTHING. Moving along though...

The thing you've got to love about Cook Out is the balance of quality and price. McDonald's can't touch this place. Burger King can't do it either. Wendy's can do it on burgers and chicken sandwiches, but nowhere else. If you're one of those people that "enjoys" a burger from Willie's late at night, you can stop that as well now.

They've got a menu that is varied enough to give you what you want, and enough of it, to leave you satisfied. And NOBODY gives you more options for sides.

On one of their "Cook Out Trays" you can actually get a burger (which I recommend), chicken quesadilla (which I also recommend), corndog and a milkshake if you want to and you're gonna clock in at around $7 when it's all said and done unless you go crazy with extras. That's ridiculous and sounds like an exaggeration if you've never been, but I'm not even kidding.

The kicker? At worst the food is decent. Most of it is actually quite good, and if you factor in price, it's plain excellent. Side note - the milkshakes aren't milkshakes. Given their cost to add on to a tray, you'd think they're going to be some watery, flavorless mess. Instead what they actually are may as well be 16oz cups of ice cream loaded with whatever toppings/mix-ins you want. Good luck getting them through a straw, but you'll love em with a spoon!

Futhermore the service there right now is awesome. They're working on hiring the more "permanent" team to take over things, but the people they've brought in to oversee the launch of the place are a great bunch. Every hour I've been there I've interacted with a friendly person, which is something I used to love about the area that frankly has steadily been lost over the past 5 years or so.

So why the four star review after all this raving? Well, I've hit a few snags (expectedly - place is brand new folks) with orders and I think that given the sheer number of options they have for things it has to be a challenge to perfect every order in general. That'd be the case even with a "normal" amount of business and right now the place is packed pretty much all the time. That being said any time I've mentioned a problem, they don't just band-aid the issue, they fix it right. If one item is messed up in your order and they think it might take a while to fix, they'll remake the whole thing if they think the rest of your order might end up suffering (being too cold) as a result.

Nobody is going to read this long review but the short of it is that this place is great and you should go. If you go in expecting it to be the greatest thing you've ever eaten, for most things, you'll probably be disappointed. I'd parallel Cook Out with Steak N' Shake personally; except the fries don't suck. At all. Not even when they're starting to get cold (my fault,...

Cookout is a popular fast-food chain known for its affordability and extensive menu options. While the quality of the food may not be top-tier, the restaurant excels in providing value for money and a wide variety of choices.

Food Quality

Let's start with the food quality. Cookout's offerings are generally considered to be on the lower end of the quality spectrum. The burgers, fries, and other menu items are often described as greasy and lacking in flavor compared to higher-end fast-food chains. If you're seeking a gourmet or even a consistently flavorful fast-food experience, Cookout might not meet your expectations. The food can sometimes feel hastily prepared, which might explain the occasional inconsistency in taste and presentation.

Affordability

Where Cookout truly stands out is in its pricing. The chain is incredibly affordable, making it an attractive option for students, families on a budget, and anyone looking for a quick and cheap meal. Their pricing strategy allows customers to enjoy a full meal, including sides and a drink, for a fraction of what it might cost at other fast-food restaurants. This affordability is a significant draw and one of the main reasons for Cookout’s popularity.

Menu Variety

Cookout offers an extensive menu, which is another strong point. From burgers and hot dogs to chicken sandwiches and BBQ, the range of options is impressive. They also provide a variety of sides such as hush puppies, onion rings, and quesadillas, as well as over 40 different milkshake flavors. This variety means there’s something for everyone, catering to different tastes and preferences. The ability to mix and match items to create a personalized tray is a fun and appealing aspect of dining at Cookout.

Service and Atmosphere

The service at Cookout is generally fast, in line with the fast-food model. However, the speed can sometimes come at the expense of order accuracy and customer service quality. The drive-thru can be especially hectic during peak hours, leading to longer wait times and the occasional mix-up with orders.

The atmosphere of Cookout locations tends to be straightforward and no-frills. Most locations focus on functionality over aesthetics, aiming to serve as many customers as quickly as possible. Seating areas are often basic and can get crowded, especially in college towns or urban locations.

Overall Experience

In summary, Cookout is a go-to spot for those who prioritize affordability and variety over high-quality cuisine. While the food may not impress those with discerning palates, the combination of low prices and a vast menu selection makes it a favorite for budget-conscious diners. If you’re looking for a cheap meal with plenty of options, Cookout delivers. However, if food quality and dining experience are your primary concerns, you might find...

My family LOVES this place. The customer service is good. It's not Chic-fil-a type service, but it's definitely not like McDonald's evening shift service either, lol. They're nice. Everyone always looks like they're happy to work. The food is really affordable. My go-to meal is the BBQ Grilled chicken tray, cheese bites, and hushpuppies. The hushpuppies are they BEST if you like a good hushpuppy but without the veggies. The cheese bites are good. The BBQ Grilled Chicken sandwich is literally perfection! If I'm not getting food, it's my go-to for a good shake. My most recent order was a berry banana shake. I am one of those people who normally sticks to 2-3 regulars at a restaurant, but this day, I was feeling spicy, so I tried something new. This shake was IT!! It was delicious enough to add to my personal "go-to menu." If everyone wants something different on nights I don't cook, this is where we go because there are so many options, we can satisfy everyone without running all over town, going broke bc it's honestly both flattering and concerning how rich our kids think we are 😂. I gave a 4 star for atmosphere (think A- or 4.5) because, like mentioned previously, the service is nice but there's no above and beyond but it's nice to deal with nice people who have an amazing system in place even on their busiest days. When I first visited the other location soon after opening, I wasn't impressed with the food, but that was years ago. Way to change some things because at one point, I considered them overrated. I'm glad I gave it another shot, thanks to my picky, strong-willed,...