Cook Out burgers have built one of the most loyal followings in Southern fast food, and the reason is not complicated. The restaurant uses fresh beef, cooks it on an open char-grill, and serves it at a price that makes every other burger chain look expensive by comparison. Since opening in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1989, Cook Out has held to these basics while most of the industry moved toward frozen patties, faster prep, and lower standards.

The result is a burger that genuinely tastes different from what you get at a standard drive-thru. Understanding the different styles, toppings, and combinations available helps you get the most out of every visit.

The Difference

What Makes Cook Out Burgers Different

The char-grill is the starting point. Most fast-food chains use a flat griddle to cook their patties, which is faster and easier to manage at scale but produces a different result. A flat griddle creates a seared exterior that locks in moisture but does not add much flavor of its own. A char-grill cooks over open flame, which means you get visible grill marks, a slightly smoky crust on the edges, and a patty that tastes like it came off a backyard grill rather than an industrial cooking surface.

The fresh beef policy matters too. Cook Out burgers are made from patties that have never been frozen, which affects both texture and flavor. Fresh beef has a juicier, more yielding texture than frozen patties, and it holds seasoning differently. The difference is subtle but noticeable, especially if you eat burgers at multiple fast-food restaurants and pay attention to what separates a good one from a forgettable one.
Every Style Explained

The Different Burger Styles

Cook Out offers several distinct burger styles, each with its own topping profile and personality.

01
Simple Style
For people who want the burger itself to be the focus. Nothing competes with the patty, which is the point. If you are ordering Cook Out burgers for the first time and want to understand the baseline quality, the Simple Style is a good starting point.
Lettuce Tomato Mustard Onions
02
Cookout Style
The signature. This combination is distinctly Southern and takes some people by surprise the first time they encounter it. The chili adds a savory, slightly smoky layer. The slaw brings creaminess and a mild tang. Mustard and onions tie everything together in a way that feels bold without being overwhelming.
Homemade Chili Coleslaw Mustard Onions
03
Out West Style
Moves in a different direction with A1 sauce and bacon as the key ingredients. The A1 adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth that works well with the char-grilled patty, and the bacon brings smokiness and crunch. A good choice for people who find the Cookout Style too Southern-forward but still want something with character.
A1 Sauce Bacon
04
Nacho Chili Style
The spiciest of the standard Cook Out burger styles and the most visually indulgent. The melted cheese sauce covers the patty generously, and the jalapenos add a persistent heat that builds through the meal. Cajun fries as a side complement this one well.
Cheese Sauce Jalapeños

Once you have tried a Cookout Style burger, it tends to become the standard against which you judge every other burger you eat.

Go Bigger

The Big Double Burger

The Big Double

For anyone who finds a single patty insufficient, the Big Double stacks two freshly grilled patties with your choice of toppings. It is among the most filling items on the entire menu and remains one of the best values in fast food when you consider the quality of the ingredients.

Many regulars consider the Big Double with Cookout Style toppings to be the definitive Cook Out experience.

Make It Yours

Customization Options

Beyond the standard styles, Cook Out burgers can be customized with a full list of additions. This flexibility means two people can order the same base burger and end up with completely different meals depending on what they add.

🍅Tomato
🥒Pickles
🔥Grilled Onions
🧅Raw Onions
🫙Mayo
🧀Cheddar Cheese
🧀American Cheese
🥓Bacon
🍄Mushrooms

The customization system also allows you to mix elements from different styles. You can take the Simple Style and add chili and slaw to recreate the Cookout Style, or you can take the Out West Style and add jalapenos for something closer to the Nacho Chili Style. The staff at Cook Out locations are generally accommodating about modifications, which is part of what makes the ordering experience feel personal rather than transactional.

Complete the Meal

Pairing Cook Out Burgers With Sides

The burger alone is worth the visit, but the tray system is what makes Cook Out burgers a full meal experience.

Cajun Fries
The most popular side pairing. The spice complements the smoky char-grill flavor of the patty.
Onion Rings
Add crunch and a mild sweetness that balances heavier toppings.
Hushpuppies
A softer contrast that works especially well alongside the Cookout Style burger where toppings are already rich and layered.
Milkshake
Upgrade your drink for ~$1. Big Double + Cookout Style + Cajun fries + milkshake for around eight dollars is one of the best value meals in Southern fast food.

Ordering a Big Double in Cookout Style with Cajun fries and a milkshake upgrade for around eight dollars is one of the best value meals available at any fast-food restaurant in the South, and it is the kind of meal that keeps people coming back week after week.