Cookout hours: most locations open at 10:30 AM every day and close around 3:30 AM Sunday to Thursday and 4:00 AM Friday and Saturday. The inside (lobby and dining room) often closes earlier than the drive-thru, and Cookout is not open 24/7. Hours vary by location, and Cook Out is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Cookout Hours of Operation: Standard Schedule
Cookout stays open much later than most fast food restaurants. While other chains close by 11 PM, Cookout serves customers until 3:30 AM on most nights and 4:00 AM on weekends. These are the standard Cookout business hours:
Day Opens Closes Monday 10:30 AM 3:30 AM Tuesday 10:30 AM 3:30 AM Wednesday 10:30 AM 3:30 AM Thursday 10:30 AM 3:30 AM Friday 10:30 AM 4:00 AM Saturday 10:30 AM 4:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM 3:30 AM Most drive-thrus follow the same hours as the restaurant, and some locations have two drive-thru lanes to move faster late at night.
A note on closing times: these are the most common hours, not a rule. Some suburban and small-town locations close between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, while busy college-town spots may stay open past 4:00 AM on weekends. Late at night, check your specific Cook Out before you go.
When Does Cookout Close?
The answer depends on the night and the location:
- Sunday to Thursday: most Cookouts close around 3:30 AM.
- Friday and Saturday: most close around 4:00 AM.
- Small towns: some close as early as 11 PM to 1 AM.
- Mall locations: follow the mall’s closing time.
What Time Does Cook Out Close Tonight?
For tonight, expect a closing time of about 3:30 AM (Sunday to Thursday) or 4:00 AM (Friday and Saturday). The exact closing time at your Cook Out can differ, so confirm on Google Maps or the store locator.
How Late Is Cookout Open?
Cookout is open until the early hours of the morning, typically 3:30 AM or 4:00 AM, which makes it a late-night favorite for college students and night-shift workers. How long Cookout stays open depends on your location.
What Time Does Cookout Open?
Most locations open at 10:30 AM every day. A few open at 10:00 AM, so check your local spot.
Is Cookout Open 24/7?
No. Cookout is not open 24/7 and does not run 24 hours a day. Most locations close for a short window overnight, around 3:30 AM on weekdays and 4:00 AM on weekends, then reopen at 10:30 AM. The late closing is why many people assume it never shuts, but it is not a 24-hour restaurant.
Is Cookout Open Right Now?
The fastest way to check whether Cookout is open right now is Google Maps: search Cookout near me and look under the restaurant name for live hours and how busy it is. You can also use the Cookout store locator or the mobile app. As a rule of thumb, most locations are open between 10:30 AM and about 3:30 AM, but local hours can differ.
Cookout Hours Near Me
To find Cookout hours near you, use the Find a Cook Out page, Google Maps, the app, or call head office at (336) 724-7970. See the “How to Check the Hours for Cookout Locations” section below for step-by-step options.
Cookout Breakfast Hours
Does Cookout serve breakfast? No. Cookout does not have a breakfast menu at most locations. It opens at 10:30 AM (a few spots at 10:00 AM), and the full regular menu of burgers, BBQ, chicken, wraps, trays and milkshakes is available from opening time.
Item Availability Traditional breakfast menu Not available Morning opening time 10:30 AM (some locations 10:00 AM) Full menu starts At opening time
Cookout Lunch Hours & Best Times to Visit
What Time Does Cookout Serve Lunch?
Cookout starts serving lunch the moment it opens. There is no separate lunch menu, so the full menu is available from 10:30 AM, which makes it a solid pick for an early lunch. “Lunch hours” really means the midday rush.
Time window What to expect 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Quietest part of the day; shortest waits 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch peak, longest daytime lines 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Calm afternoon window 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner rush, steady family traffic 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM Evenings ease off on weeknights 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM Late-night rush, especially Fri-Sat near colleges Pro tip: for the fastest service, go before 11:45 AM or between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Avoid the lunch rush and the weekend late-night rush.
Cookout Late-Night Hours
Late-night service is Cookout’s signature. Its grills are still going when most fast food restaurants have been dark for hours.
- Sunday to Thursday: most locations serve until around 3:30 AM.
- Friday and Saturday: most locations serve until around 4:00 AM.
- Full menu all night: burgers, Cookout trays, hot dogs, chicken, sides and milkshakes, with no limited late-night menu.
- Drive-thru leads late at night: many locations go drive-thru-only after midnight.
Last-order tip: kitchens generally take orders right up to closing, but on busy Friday and Saturday nights the line can be cut a few minutes early. Arrive 10-15 minutes before closing.
Cookout Drive-Thru Hours
The drive-thru follows the same hours as the restaurant, so you can order late-night trays, milkshakes and sides until closing time.
Days Opens Closes Monday – Thursday 10:30 AM 3:30 AM Friday – Saturday 10:30 AM 4:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM 3:30 AM Some locations open at 10:00 AM. Check your local spot.
- Dual lanes: many locations have two lanes for faster late-night service. Both lanes merge into the same ordering and pickup flow, so neither is secretly faster.
- Same menu: the full menu is available, including 40+ milkshake flavors.
- Busiest: 11 PM to 2 AM, especially near college towns.
Cookout Lobby Hours: When Does the Inside of Cookout Close?
The lobby (also called the dining room or dine-in area) generally follows the restaurant’s hours, but at many locations the inside of Cookout closes earlier than the drive-thru, often between 10:00 PM and midnight, while cars keep rolling through until 3 or 4 AM. If sitting inside late at night matters, confirm the lobby hours specifically, not just the restaurant hours.
Days Opens Typical dine-in close Monday – Thursday 10:30 AM Often 10:00 PM – midnight; some until 3:30 AM Friday – Saturday 10:30 AM Often 10:00 PM – midnight; some until 4:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Often 10:00 PM – midnight; some until 3:30 AM Lobby vs. Drive-Thru
Feature Lobby (dine-in) Drive-thru Hours Same as restaurant at some locations, often earlier late at night Same as restaurant Seating Booths and tables None, stay in your car Best for Families, groups, sitting down Quick pick-up, late-night, bad weather Menu Full menu Full menu Why the Dining Room Might Close Early
Reason What happens Cleaning Lobby may close 30-60 minutes early for deep cleaning Short staff Dining room closes to focus on the drive-thru Slow business Quiet nights may mean an early lobby closure Weather Storms or extreme heat can close dining areas Holidays Lobby closes early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Mall locations Lobby follows mall hours Outdoor Seating and College-Town Lobbies
Some locations have outdoor picnic tables that follow lobby hours and may close in bad weather. Near big universities such as NC State (Raleigh), UGA (Athens) and UNC (Chapel Hill), lobbies often stay busy late, sometimes until 3 AM on weekdays and 4 AM on weekends, but always confirm the dine-in hours.
Cookout Holiday Hours 2026
Hours change on special days. Most Cookout restaurants follow the same holiday schedule, but it can vary by location, so double-check with your local spot.
Holiday Date (2026) Status Hours New Year’s Day Thu, Jan 1 Open Regular hours Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mon, Jan 19 Open Regular hours Valentine’s Day Sat, Feb 14 Open Regular hours Presidents’ Day Mon, Feb 16 Open Regular hours Good Friday Fri, Apr 3 Open Regular hours Easter Sunday Sun, Apr 5 Varies Many locations closed or limited hours, verify locally Easter Monday Mon, Apr 6 Open Regular hours Memorial Day Mon, May 25 Open Regular hours Independence Day (July 4th) Sat, Jul 4 Open Regular hours; extended late-night at many locations Labor Day Mon, Sep 7 Open Regular hours Columbus Day Mon, Oct 12 Open Regular hours Halloween Sat, Oct 31 Open Regular hours Veterans Day Wed, Nov 11 Open Regular hours Thanksgiving Day Thu, Nov 26 Closed Closed all day Black Friday Fri, Nov 27 Open Regular hours Christmas Eve Thu, Dec 24 Open Reduced hours / early close Christmas Day Fri, Dec 25 Closed Closed all day New Year’s Eve Thu, Dec 31 Varies Some extend late-night hours, others close early, verify locally Is Cookout Open on July 4th?
Yes. Cookout is open on the Fourth of July (Independence Day) at most locations, on regular hours, and many locations extend late-night service. If you are looking up Cookout 4th of July hours, confirm your location’s closing time first, since holiday traffic can change it.
Is Cookout Open on Labor Day?
Yes. Cookout is open on Labor Day on regular hours at most locations. Check your local spot for the exact closing time.
Is Cookout Open on Memorial Day?
Yes. Cookout is open on Memorial Day on regular hours at most locations.
Is Cookout Open on Thanksgiving?
No. Cookout is closed on Thanksgiving Day. All locations shut down so employees can spend time with their families. Cookout reopens on Black Friday with regular hours, so you can grab a tray and milkshake then.
Is Cookout Open on Christmas Eve? What Time Does It Close?
Yes, but on reduced hours. While regular hours often run until 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM, on Christmas Eve many restaurants close between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Question Answer Is Cookout open on Christmas Eve? Yes Are hours normal? No, they close early Typical Christmas Eve closing time Between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM Is the drive-thru open? Yes, but it closes early too Can I order online? Only if the location is still open Is Cookout Open on Christmas Day?
No. All Cookout locations are closed on Christmas Day.
Is Cookout Open on Easter Sunday?
It depends on the location. Many close for the day, while others open on limited hours, often starting later than usual. Call ahead or check Google Maps.
Does Cookout Close Early on New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve hours vary more than any other night. Some locations extend late-night hours, while others close early. There is no reliable chain-wide pattern, so check your local spot.
Is Cookout Open on Sundays? Is Cookout Closed on Sundays?
Cookout is not closed on Sundays. It is open 7 days a week, including Sunday nights. Sunday hours are 10:30 AM to about 3:30 AM Monday morning, slightly earlier than the 4:00 AM Friday and Saturday close.
Question Answer Is Cookout open on Sundays? Yes What time does Cookout open on Sunday? 10:30 AM What time does Cookout close on Sunday? About 3:30 AM Monday morning Is the drive-thru open on Sunday? Yes, same hours Is the lobby open on Sunday? Yes, but it may close earlier Can I order online on Sunday? Yes, until closing time Cookout stays open on Sundays because of customer demand, college-town crowds, and families eating out after church or weekend activities.
Cookout Restaurant Hours by Location
Cookout has more than 300 locations across 10 states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Most follow the standard schedule above, with differences based on local demand and rules. Where a Cookout sits makes the biggest difference:
Location type Typical closing time Example Near colleges 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM Wake Forest, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill Big cities 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte Small towns 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM Clemmons, NC; Hendersonville, NC Inside malls Follows mall hours Food court locations close earlier North Carolina is the headquarters state, and North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Florida, Maryland and West Virginia locations generally follow standard hours. Smaller cities and newer locations may adjust, so call ahead.
Seasonal & Temporary Hour Changes
Situation What happens Severe weather Locations may close early or shut for the day Maintenance / deep cleaning A store may close 30 minutes early Staffing shortages Dining room may close while the drive-thru stays open Local events and game days College-town locations may extend hours Summer demand High-traffic spots may stretch weekend hours The posted schedule is the plan, but local conditions can override it. A 30-second check beats a wasted drive.
How to Check the Hours for Cookout Locations
Official Website Store Locator
The most reliable source is the official Cookout website. Go to its Locations or Store Locator link, enter your zip code, city or state, and pick the nearest restaurant to see its address, phone number and hours. You can also start from our Cookout locations page.
Google Maps
Search Cookout near me on Google Maps and tap the restaurant. The hours appear under the name, along with holiday hours and how busy it is right now.
Mobile App Locator
The free Cookout app (iPhone and Android) shows hours, address and phone for each location. You can also order ahead, pay online, save favorite orders and find deals.
Cookout Phone Numbers & Contact Information
Department Phone Best for Head Office (336) 724-7970 Corporate questions, feedback, location inquiries Customer Helpline (toll-free) (866) 547-0011 General questions, menu info, concerns
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookout Hours
What are Cookout’s hours?
Most locations open at 10:30 AM daily and close around 3:30 AM Sunday to Thursday and 4:00 AM Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by location.
What time does Cookout close?
Around 3:30 AM Sunday to Thursday and 4:00 AM Friday and Saturday at most locations. Small-town spots can close earlier.
When does Cookout close?
Most Cook Out restaurants close in the early morning hours, 3:30 AM on weeknights and 4:00 AM on weekends. Confirm your location’s closing time.
What time does Cook Out close near me?
The closing time depends on your location. Check Google Maps, the store locator or the app for your nearest Cook Out.
What time does Cookout open?
10:30 AM daily at most locations. Some open at 10:00 AM.
How late is Cookout open?
Until about 3:30 AM Sunday to Thursday and 4:00 AM Friday and Saturday at most locations.
Is Cookout open 24/7?
No. Cookout is not open 24/7 or 24 hours a day. It closes overnight, around 3:30 AM on weekdays and 4:00 AM on weekends, and reopens at 10:30 AM.
What time does the inside of Cookout close?
The lobby usually follows restaurant hours, but many locations close the dining room earlier than the drive-thru, often between 10:00 PM and midnight. Call ahead to dine in late.
What are Cookout’s dine-in hours?
Dine-in hours generally match restaurant hours, 10:30 AM to 3:30 AM weekdays and 4:00 AM weekends, but the lobby may close earlier.
What time does Cookout serve lunch?
Cookout serves its full menu from opening at 10:30 AM, so lunch is available as soon as the doors open.
Does Cookout serve breakfast?
No. There is no breakfast menu. The full regular menu is available from 10:30 AM.
Is Cookout open on July 4th?
Yes, on regular hours at most locations, with extended late-night service at many. Confirm locally.
Is Cookout open on Labor Day or Memorial Day?
Yes, on regular hours at most locations.
Is Cookout open on Thanksgiving?
No. All locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day and reopen on Black Friday.
Is Cookout open on Christmas?
No. Cookout is closed on Christmas Day. It is open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours.
Is Cookout open on Easter Sunday?
It varies by location. Many close or run limited hours, so check your local spot.
Is Cookout closed on Sundays?
No. Cookout is open on Sundays from 10:30 AM to about 3:30 AM.
Does Cookout close early on holidays?
Yes. Cookout closes early on Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve hours vary by location.
Are Cookout hours the same all year?
Mostly, but holidays, severe weather and maintenance can cause different hours or closures.
Why do Cookout hours vary by location?
Restaurants set hours based on local demand, staffing and regulations. College-town locations stay open latest, small-town spots close earliest, and mall locations follow mall hours.
Conclusion
Cookout runs 300+ locations across 10 states, open from 10:30 AM to about 3:30 AM on most nights and 4:00 AM on weekends. It is not open 24/7, the lobby can close earlier than the drive-thru, and it is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, with limited hours on Easter and early closing on Christmas Eve. To find exact hours, use the store locator, Google Maps or the Cookout app, or call the Customer Helpline at (866) 547-0011 or Head Office at (336) 724-7970. Always check locally before you go.
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