Have heard about this local chain for three years and finally made it inside to try for myself. Place your order at the front like any fast food restaurant. Then find a table and wait for them to call out your name when your order is ready. They call out drinks first then food. Several tables and booths in the open dining area with ETSU logos and pictures on the walls to look at. Quick friendly service. I enjoyed a hot dog and milkshake. Can't wait to return to try their burgers and many shake flavors. read more

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I was hungry for a hot dog and chose Cook Out. A decent chili slaw dog; not my best ever but it could have been worse. I got a tray and enjoyed two hot dogs, onion rings, and a drink. The onion rings were really hot and a good crisp so no complaints. Overall, no issues with the food. The atmosphere was good and the guy who waited on us was attentive and careful. I would come back. read more

Management needs to train their staff better. My husband went to get us lunch, went inside and ordered me a chili dog with onions and cheese, and fries. The clerk, Jennifer, asked if he wanted coleslaw on it. He said, no coleslaw. He gets home and it was a hot dog with cheese on it, that's it. No chili or onions. I take my hot dog and fries (since they'd be cold by the time I got the hot dog he ordered) and go there to get it rectified. I pull up to the drive through and say I have an incorrect order and I want it corrected. First thing the clerk says is, "You'll need to come inside." I wasn't dressed to go inside and said I'd use the drive thru. He said I needed to come in or it would take longer. Why? There was no one in front of me or behind me. I get to the window and explain that the hot dog didn't have any chili on it and, I wanted the fries replaced as they were already cold and would be even colder when I got back home with my corrected hot dog. He said they could not replace the fries since there were hot when the order was initially filled. I said, "That's wrong, just give me my money back, I don't want your food." He calls a manager and, she gave me back the entire amount (which included my husband's food) and not just for the hot dog and fries. How dumb was that. If they had just replaced my hot dog with a chili dog and gave me new fries, I would have been on my way and they wouldn't have been out any money or lost my future business. Management needs to train their staff better: 1. Teach them to pay attention when taking orders and not concentrate on up selling, but getting the order correct. 2. Teach them customer service. When there's a problem the first is to apologize for any inconvenience and then attempt to rectify the problem. Not start a power play. This isn't the first time we've experienced poor service here and won't be going back. read more

Surprisingly this was pretty good food. It is fast food but they have a broad menu. Burgers, chicken, hot dogs, salads, many sides and a huge shake selection. Prices were cheap. $4 for a burger. WOW. read more

Got two different meals and they put the wrong burger with the wrong sides. The burger was so unbelievably burnt my wife and I pulled it off the bun and ate the bun on its own with just the chili and cheese. The chili on the burgers and fries was burnt too. Person taking orders doesn't seem to care about anything. The young kid cleaning the lobby was incredibly friendly and polite but nobody else was. read more

They cannot get an order correctly. You might as well tell them to put whatever you want to on it. Ordered a tray with quarter pound burger with no cheese with everything and chili and got a cheeseburger with no pickle or onion. Their food can be good but order taking sucks. read more

Great late night menu..affordable fried food, the bomb-diggity milkshakes, and a pretty fast drive-thru even when it looks packed. I mean who doesn't like Cookout? This is America at its efficient best and deep fried worst. Tasty, greasy, and quick. The hushpuppies are awesome, y'all It's almost always busy here, and you'll see why. Also, this fits: http://www.buzzfeed.com/ahmedaliakbar/if-american-food-was-described-like-ethnic-food#.uka6LXgPZ read more

Man, this place has gone downhill. It started out as a decent alternative to typical fast food. They even had flavorful alternatives like Cajun or spicy chicken. The shakes were the stars of the drink menu, of course, and with all the different flavors, you could spend a couple years working through all the possible combinations. The food was never 5 stars worthy, but they never claimed to be. If you were looking for fast burgers, they were as good a choice as any, and better than some. The cost was reasonable and the combinations meant you didn't need to get bored with the selection if you went a lot. Lately, however, it seems as if they just don't care. One entrance door was labeled "Do not use". One of two ice machines did not work. The other ice machine was empty. The workers knew it because they would get you ice from the drive through, but no one made an attempt to fill the machine in the front. When our order came up, we left without checking. Of course, they forgot our shakes. So, once I got back, the shakes were ready but sitting in the back. The ticket number was written on the lids, but I still had to convince the manager they were mine. The receipt in my hand apparently was not enough proof. I walked out with my shakes, but no apology. It is the last time I go to cookout until they start caring about their food quality, accuracy of orders, and their customers. read more

I was traveling on business and needed something to eat late. I checked into The Carnegie Hotel and found no room service so I walked across the street to Cook Out. Oops, I can admit that was a mistake because the Big Double with bacon was not so big, no cheese or lettuce or pickle or onion but served with an attitude but the fries were hot along with the bottled water...you have been warned. read more

Paying customers should get the actual milkshake straws not employees wanting to take them home. the little black straws can't suck anything through those read more

I...i honestly have no words like im so shocked i got so exited about this watermelon milkshake bc i love watermelon at first it was so yummy the vanilla icecream mmmm but wait where is the watermelon as i was drinking tinny tiny peace's came through and when i took off the top i honestly wanted to through it out bc it was mainly vanilla icecream like are u kidding me i was looking forward to a watermelon milkshake not a vanilla milkshake but i grew up to never throughout anything and so if your a big fan of watermelon DO NOT GET IT but if u like it a little bit then i do recommend it read more

Driving by the sign said BANANA PUDDING MILK SHAKES. I thought to myself how could you make a milkshake like banana pudding. Well let me tell you, I'll return to try the food but if you love banana pudding you will love this milkshake- thick and creamy with bits of banana and wafers throughout. At the bottom you need a spoon to clean out a gob of wafers and banana goodness that sunk to the bottom. read more

Cook Out - Cookout directly across street from ETSU campus. - Burgers Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

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I have been to Cook-out a few times and finally getting around to giving it a review. The name certainly conjures up great memories of family cookouts with burgers and hot dogs and to me that sets a pretty high bar. I find Cookout overall disappointing. I have to say it is best enjoyed late at night and that is supported by a typical long drive through line starting at around 11pm. Giving a nod for late night food is hardly an endorsement for a high quality product and certainly not worthy of meeting the family cookout standard, or at least the ones that I fondly remember. I would say that Cook-out strives to be in the casual fast food category which has some very stiff competition. First off the hot dog is way below average - I say don't bother - it is a throw away menu item. A thin dog that does not meet the standard of any good dog I have had at a stadium or hot dog vendor - if I was giving a review strictly on the hot dog it would be a 1!! Second a good burger needs a sturdy and tasty bun - this one is neither as evidenced by many of the review pics including my own. I have great memories from LA of a fast food burger with chili from Tommy's World Famous which I think is a good comparison. With that in mind I ordered my burger cookout style which adds homemade chili, slaw, mustard and onion. The burger tasted slightly of a cookout style burger but much more like I am really hungry late at night burger. I have not had the Milkshakes here and maybe I would raise my review a point if I did but I kinda doubt it. This is below average fast food and shame on them .. there are so many great examples of really good fast food / casual fast food. The place is unexciting as well - along with the service. The price is average for this fair coming in at just over $5 with no drink or fries. I won't be hurrying back to Cookout that is for sure unless I pass it late at night and just have to have an okay burger!! read more

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Where the drunks go! In a college town, cheap food, great milkshakes! Long drive thru line but hell the drunks don't need to leave anywhere fast! 2 people can eat for around 15 bucks. Burger to bun ratio was off, more bun than meat.....( which I like buns- wink)..... but all in all great burger to suck up that late night cocktails! Won't regret it. read more

Good cheddar bacon burger Real good cajun fries Really really good shakes (banana+pineapple and cherry+cheesecake) Lousy hot dogs (saltiness is unreal) read more

Cook Out - Shakes didn't last long! - Burgers Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

I tell myself this every time: "This is NOT In-and-out burger." "This is NOT In-and-out burger." "This is NOT In-and-out burger." If you have been to the west coast's famous fast food chain, you'd know what I mean. Once you let go off the expectations of the In and Out, Cook Out ain't bad at all. In fact, they are quite ok for the price and convenience. At this location, they don't throw out mistake shakes... if you get lucky, you will be offered with a surprise flavored milkshake even if you already have one in the making. I have tried almost everything on the menu but the burgers and shakes are the stars. Trust me. read more

Received wrong order and had rude customer service tonight 9/12/22 around 1:15 am with girl with Brunette hair- young, looked around the age of 17-19 yrs who was on the drive thru speaker. AsI was ordering she kept demanding me to speak up even though I was at full volume on the speaker and giving me awful attitude because I was still contemplating my order as someone who rarely goes here. i asked for a spicy chicken sandwhich and a chicken quesadilla and received a PLAIN chicken sandwhich and a cheese quesadilla. It was so bad. I believe she knew her service was rude because she had a guy take her place at the window and never got an apology. Based on that young lady's behavior I would not return to the resturan-- do better with your employees. Definately want a refund after that. read more

.State of Franklin Johnson City TN ETSU location June 20 2020 The manager Daniel Hardy inappropriately verbally insulted a very young male employee. Daniel stated harshly and maliciously in a very distracting and noticeable tone in front of other employees., "I have seen disabled people work faster than you!" Daniel then dismissed him to leave! The young man responded "Yes, sir." and left the restaurant. Shockingly a disabled person working heard Daniel say this and sadly lowered his head. This type of behavior from a person of authority at Cookout is very disappointing. Daniel needs an opportunity to improve and develop leadership skills. If he had the appropriate training initially he would have possessed the capabilities of having systems in place to train new employees efficiently and effectively, he needs education on appropriate communication in a mature responsible manner. At this time he is in great need of improvement for the employees to progress and improve customer satisfaction. read more

I like independent food places, and independent fast food is ever better. On a stretch of West State of Franklin that is also home to another Local Favorite PALS we have Cook-Out. Cook-Out has a massive menu which offers everything from Burgers to Quesadillas. Somethings on the menu are really pretty fantastic like the Milkshakes which are thick, and have tons of combos that are a steal at right around 2.50. to just average ( I'm looking at you BBQ) Cook-Out has some pretty good burgers that really do taste like they were cooked on a grill instead of on a flat top ( Not there is anything wrong with a flat top grill). The best deal is the tray deal. You can chose between a wide range of "main courses" like the Double Burger, or Chicken, or Chicken Fingers. Then you choose two sides, like amazing hush puppies, corn dogs, quesadillas ( What as a side ? awesome ), fries or onion rings. Then top it off with a Tea, Drink, Float or upgrade to a shake for just a buck more. I'm pretty confident you are unlikely to find this much food for less. Lets just say if there were more of these, I would be fatter. read more

My experience was not pleasant at all. To begin with, the cashier was not friendly, had awful customer service skills and had really bad hygiene. My meal was completely screwed up, and the food that I did receive was way below par. I got some kind of wrap with a pathetic, tiny piece of chicken and a tiny piece of lettuce in it. I am not satisfied. I'm all for local restaurants, but this establishment was terrible with no standards nor consistency. Save your hard-earned money. If you're craving late night food, even Waffle House would probably satisfy you. Or eat their food to soak up the alcohol after your favorite pub closes. This place is not worth it. read more

Cook Out - Below-par food is all I can say about this place. Eat their food whilst drunk and you may enjoy it. - Burgers Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

1 hair on cup 2 hairs n food. Returned 7 miles for a refund after being disgusted, jus t to gwt a refund and not so much as an apology, acted like i did somthing wrong cause we didnt want to eat a strangers hair. read more

Cook Out - Slapped together mess i got on previous visit before hair. - Burgers Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Despite the mixed reviews, I wanted to give this place a shot as Google reviews were generally positive. Mistake! If you want a good burger, go next door to Pal's. It's faster, tastier, and bigger! Charbroiled or not my burger (a double!!!) was small and generally lacking in flavor and juiciness. It reminded me of cafeteria burgers from my undergrad days. The veggies were thin, the patties dry, and the bun was flavorless. The fries weren't so hot (literally and figuratively) and the slaw was bland. I can't speak to the other options but I won't be coming back to find out. If you can't put a little pride into what amounts to the single most popular sandwich in the country I figure you can't be bothered with anything else on the menu either. read more

Cheap food, not that great quality. Burgers are the only thing I'm mildly impressed with. Everything else seems frozen and prepackaged, but since it's cheap, what else can you really expect? Milkshakes aren't my favorite either, it's just soft serve with different ingredients/syrups. Takes forever to get through the drive through and they have often messed up my order. read more

Cook Out - Cook out tray, Cajun chicken sandwich, Cole slaw, and chicken quesadilla. - Burgers Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

This spot was fast but never can seem to get my order right then I was greeted by what I assume to be a manager disrespectfully because he messed my order up highly don't recommend the establishment read more

Second visit to this local chain and I'm impressed. The regular burger is a good size and should be enough for most. I like mine "cook out style", that includes chili and onions. Good stuff. I ordered a hot dog with mustard and ketchup. Not to bad. The bun was a little crusty but the hot dog had the out door flame taste. Plenty of fountain drinks and tea. They were playing positive inspirational music. Very nice. My meal was $7. What a bargain. read more

Every SINGLE time I go to this location my order is wrong. I've learned to check the bag before I leave the store but even then I have to wait to go through the whole line again when they could've just gotten it correct the first time. Not to mention I always order cheese fries not cheese bites and they give me the white cheese bites every time. I even say cheese fries with a "FFFF" lol read more

I have only been here once and will I say I will never go back I am dead sure on that. My mother and I was going for dinner and really didn't know where to go so we went with cook out since it was close to our home. We got the bbq pulled pork platter umm I have never been to a place where the pork had no physical sauce on it, I fries where soggy when they gave our meals to us, and the coleslaw was not even coleslaw it was straight up sugar. To make the matter worse the cashier was rude who handed us two to go boxes not in a carry out bag....what?? read more

A college kid fav I think. It is very good if you are looking for lots for little. And the only place open late. The food was ok, greasy but good. Service was not great. We had little choice but the young guys with us loved it! read more

This Cook Out restaurant is a NECESSITY for college students at ETSU! Even at times when it's crowded and super busy, my food is still given to me at a reasonable rate! The food is always hot and fresh! My orders here are always correct. The employees here are quite polite as well. I get food from her about 1-2 times a week. No matter what time I order food from here, I am always completely satisfied. Five stars, no doubt about it! read more

I have no idea how this place could ever only average 3 stars. This place is so popular half the time you can't get a seat. They turn out the food quick despite being slammed busy, the food is great, low priced for how much you get, and was always served to us with a smile. My wife and I have often joked about opening our own Cookout location since there isn't one where we live now. Gosh we miss this place. read more

The menu is a little hit-and-miss in the sense that the burgers and fries are quite good while the hot dogs are only okay. Having said that, the things that are good are -really- good; I've had burgers that were only a notch below Five Guys. With drive-thru open late into the night, its become one of my favorite third-shift-friendly spots. read more

Cook Out - Cook-Out on W State of Franklin - Burgers Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

the parking lot was completely empty at the jonesborough location, my daughter and I were sitting in the car getting our food situated that I just ordered when we heard a commotion coming from the drive thru window..a man had parked at the edge of the parking lot and walked over to the pancake house, & after listening in I heard that the man's handicapped son had left something inside the pancake house and he parked there long enough to walk over and get his son's belongings. he was there for 30 seconds before the employees at cookout started yelling at him and threatening to have his car towed..mind you the only cars in the lot was 4 cars in the drive thru, so endless amount of empty spots..to make it worse the teenage employees were hanging out the drive thru window laughing at this man and his son about his car possibly getting towed and they were blowing kisses at the man..very unprofessional and I personally will never give them another dollar for the way this man and his disabled son were treated over 2 minutes of parking..I wish I could give negative stars read more

Visited around 3am; ordered chicken tray with Cajun fries. I reiterated "Cajun" 3 times and asked her to call back the order to be sure. Of course I received a tray with unseasoned fries. I refused the seasoning dumped into a bag because it's not the same as being tossed in seasoning. So the manager comes over and dumps the seasoning on 3 fries and passes the tray back out the window. He goes back and forth with me that this is the best he can do before bringing a new order of fries that were properly tossed which he should have done initially without holding up the line for several minutes. Chicken was over cooked... read more

It's an odd place. You don't even get trays to carry your food to your table. I had to make a few trips back to the counter. Milkshake was good...I had the banana pudding flavor and thought it was very good. Burgers....well, the cookout package had chili, mustard, and slaw on it. I didn't find it appealing. Very messy. Onion rings were just not that good...your frozen fare on onion rings. I didn't find the restaurant all that clean for 3PM. I like the Christian aspect of the place, though. This location needs to step up the game a bit. read more

Okay... TONS of milkshake combos?! YES PLEASE! This is a great late night joint close to ETSU that offers greasy spoon food (although you can get a grilled chicken sandwich if you're watching your waistline) and really thick flavored milkshakes! The prices are good and they really nice (college kids I'm sure) staff. I would recommend this place for any out of towners (local restaurants are great!) and locals alike. read more

The shakes are indeed pretty darn good. The food is mediocre at best but is plentiful.

The food is never the best at this specific cookout, but the last time I went was a complete disappoint. My chicken sandwich was disgusting, not even edible really. It was burned and hard. Fries were cold to the core and just overall not good at all. Will not be going to this cookout again, and I suggest otherwise for all you folks out there too. read more

Good food at a good price. The combos are truly the best deal in Johnson City. I have tried many of the items. The BBQ was terrible. The burger was dry that I had. The hot dogs were pretty good and the sweet tea was amazing. Everything else I have had was pretty good. It is the best fast food option in the area. The best part is that if they do mess up on and order, they will fix it and get it right. read more

This place is cheap and they have great milkshakes, but that is about the only thing they have going for them. Upon my last visit there, I did not get the side of cheese sauce I asked for, my hamburger patties were so thin they were almost non-existent, and burnt. My bun was stale and the cashiers in drive thru were rude. I don't recommend Cookout unless you are broke and need to eat somewhere cheap. read more

Everything is gross, but you get what you pay for. Even a fly in my tea, apparently. Thanks, guys!