📍 Apex, North Carolina • 1 Store in Town • 12 More Within 17 Miles • 2026
Cook Out Apex NC — Location, Hours & Menu (2026)
Apex has one Cook Out: 1001 E. Williams St. on NC-55 on the southeast side of town, near US-1. The next closest stores are Cary’s Walnut Street location, about 6 miles away, and Raleigh’s Western Boulevard store.
Most Cook Outs open 10:30 AM and serve until about 3 AM, 4 AM Fri–Sat. Cookout Tray about $7.39–$7.99.
This guide covers the Cook Out on East Williams Street in Apex and the 12 nearest stores across Cary, Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Durham and Chapel Hill. It includes a neighborhood-by-neighborhood closest-store table, highway tips for US-64, US-1 and NC-540, late-night hours and ordering advice.
Last verified: October 2026 | Sources: Cook Out store locator (October 2026), Town of Apex, Money magazine
How Many Cook Out Locations Are in Apex, NC?
Apex has one Cook Out, at 1001 E. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502. It is on NC-55 on the southeast side of town near US-1, about 0.7 miles from downtown. That is the only Apex address on Cook Out’s store locator as of October 2026, and no other store is listed as coming soon within 30 miles.
Older pages list Apex Cook Outs on Laura Duncan Road and West Williams Street. Neither matches Cook Out’s locator, so this guide leaves them out. The real Apex store is on the east side of town on NC-55.
If the Apex line is long, the Cary store at 1607 Walnut St. is about 6 miles northeast. Raleigh’s Western Blvd. store and Fuquay-Varina’s North Main Street store are each about 10 miles away.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Apex stores | 1 (1001 E. Williams St.) |
| Nearest backup | Cary – Walnut St., about 6.2 miles |
| More stores within 17 miles | 12 |
| Coming soon nearby | None listed within 30 miles |
| Open Cook Outs in North Carolina | 144 |
Where Is the Cook Out in Apex, and What Is Nearby?
Apex’s Cook Out is on East Williams Street (NC-55). Twelve more stores are within about 17 miles across western Wake County, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Addresses come from the Cook Out store locator, October 2026. Distances are measured from downtown Apex.
| Area | Stores | Cities | Main roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Apex | 1 | Apex | NC-55 (Williams St.) • US-1 • US-64 |
| Cary & West Raleigh | 2 | Cary, Raleigh | US-1/64 • Walnut St. • Western Blvd. |
| Fuquay-Varina, South Raleigh & Garner | 3 | Fuquay-Varina, Raleigh, Garner | NC-55 • US-401 • I-40 |
| Durham, RTP & Chapel Hill | 3 | Durham, Chapel Hill | NC-55 • I-40 • NC-147 • US-15-501 |
| East & North Raleigh | 4 | Raleigh | I-440 • US-1 (Capital Blvd.) • I-540 |
1. Inside Apex — 1 Cook Out location
East Williams Street is NC-55, the main north–south road through Apex. The store is on the southeast side of town, about 0.7 miles from downtown Salem Street and close to US-1, which runs along the east side of Apex toward Cary and Raleigh. US-64 crosses the north side of town.
Cook Out Apex
1001 E Williams St., Apex, NC 27502
On NC-55 southeast of downtown Apex, near US-1
2. Cary & West Raleigh — 2 Cook Out locations
Take US-1/64 north toward Cary and Raleigh. The Walnut Street store is the closest backup to Apex. The Western Boulevard store is the closest Cook Out to NC State’s main campus.
Cook Out Cary – Walnut St.
1607 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27511
About 6.2 miles northeast on Walnut St. in Cary
Cook Out Raleigh – Western Blvd.
3930 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606
About 9.6 miles northeast, west of NC State’s main campus
3. Fuquay-Varina, South Raleigh & Garner — 3 Cook Out locations
NC-55 runs south from Apex toward Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina. South Raleigh and Garner are reached by I-40 or NC-540. These stores are 10 to 15 miles from Apex.
Cook Out Fuquay-Varina
1433 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
About 10.4 miles south on North Main Street (NC-55)
Cook Out Raleigh – S. Wilmington St.
3222 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
About 11.2 miles east on South Wilmington Street (US-70/401)
Cook Out Garner – Jones Sausage Rd.
4001 Jones Sausage Rd, Garner, NC 27529
About 15.3 miles east, at I-40 exit 303
4. Durham, RTP & Chapel Hill — 3 Cook Out locations
NC-55 north from Apex leads toward Research Triangle Park and south Durham. Chapel Hill is reached by I-40 west or across Chatham County. These stores are 12 to 17 miles away.
Cook Out Durham – Allendown Dr. (RTP)
2103 Allendown Drive, Durham, NC 27713
About 12 miles north in south Durham near Research Triangle Park
Cook Out Durham – S. Miami Blvd.
1540 S. Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703
About 15.3 miles north on South Miami Blvd. in east Durham
Cook Out Chapel Hill
450 S Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
About 17 miles northwest on South Elliott Road near Fordham Blvd.
5. East & North Raleigh — 4 Cook Out locations
These four Raleigh stores are 13 to 16 miles from Apex. They make sense if you are already heading downtown, to the east side or to North Raleigh.
Cook Out Raleigh – New Bern Ave.
1201 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
About 13.3 miles east, on New Bern Ave. east of downtown Raleigh
Cook Out Raleigh – Capital Blvd.
3244 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604
About 16.1 miles northeast on Capital Blvd. (US-1)
Cook Out Raleigh – Falls of Neuse Rd.
6505 Falls Of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
About 16.1 miles northeast on Falls of Neuse Rd. in North Raleigh
Cook Out Raleigh – Strickland Rd.
9500 Strickland Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
About 16.2 miles north on Strickland Rd. in far North Raleigh
Which Cook Out Is Closest to Me in the Apex Area?
Almost all of Apex is closest to the East Williams Street store. North Apex and the Cary line are closer to Walnut Street. Holly Springs and southern Wake are split between Apex and Fuquay-Varina.
| If you are in… | Closest Cook Out | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Apex, Salem Street | 1001 E. Williams St. | Williams St. (NC-55) southeast, under 1 mile |
| Beaver Creek, Kelly Rd., west Apex | 1001 E. Williams St. | Apex Peakway or US-64 to NC-55 |
| Green Level, Friendship, Olive Chapel | 1001 E. Williams St. | US-64 east, then NC-55 south |
| North Apex near the Cary line | 1001 E. Williams St. or Cary – Walnut St. | NC-55 or US-1/64 |
| Holly Springs | Apex or Fuquay-Varina (about equal) | NC-55 north or south |
| New Hill, Jordan Lake | 1001 E. Williams St. | US-1 north to NC-55 |
| Morrisville, RTP south | Durham – Allendown Dr. or Apex | NC-55 north or south |
| Cary, Crossroads area | 1607 Walnut St., Cary | US-1/64 to Walnut St. |
Holly Springs has no Cook Out of its own as of October 2026. Residents usually go north on NC-55 to Apex or south to Fuquay-Varina. Western Wake neighborhoods toward Jordan Lake and New Hill are closest to Apex.
What Is the Cook Out Market Like in Apex?
Apex is one of the fastest-growing towns in the Triangle, and it has one Cook Out serving it from the NC-55 corridor. Cook Out does not publish opening dates for individual stores, so this section sticks to verified facts about the town and the market.
1989: Cook Out opens its first restaurant in Greensboro, founded by Morris Reaves, and grows across North Carolina.
Apex’s roots: The town was named for its location at the highest point on the Chatham Railroad line. The historic downtown on Salem Street still has its railroad-era storefronts.
2015: Money magazine named Apex the best place to live in America. The town calls itself “The Peak of Good Living.”
Today: Cook Out’s store locator lists one Apex store at 1001 E. Williams St. and 144 open stores across North Carolina as of October 2026.
Apex had about 59,000 residents in the 2020 Census, and its new neighborhoods stretch west toward Jordan Lake and north toward Green Level. Most of that growth connects to NC-55 by way of US-64, US-1 or the Apex Peakway.
Is There a Cook Out Near US-1, US-64 or NC-540 in Apex?
Yes. The Apex Cook Out is on NC-55 on the southeast side of town near US-1, and it is a short drive from US-64 and the NC-540 Triangle Expressway.
| Road | Where it runs | Cook Out tip |
|---|---|---|
| US-64 | East–west through north Apex | Exit at NC-55 and follow it south through town to E. Williams St. |
| US-1 | North–south on the east side of Apex | Exit at NC-55 (Williams St.); the store is a short drive west toward downtown |
| NC-55 | North–south through Apex | The store’s own road; leads north to RTP and south to Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina |
| NC-540 (Triangle Expressway) | Toll road along south and east Apex | Exit at NC-55 and head north into Apex |
| I-40 | North and east of Apex | Durham, Garner and South Raleigh stores are near I-40 |
Drivers heading west from Raleigh on US-64 toward Pittsboro and Siler City can stop in Apex before the long stretch past Jordan Lake. For the closest options farther west, see the Pittsboro guide and Siler City guide.
NC-540 is a toll road. If you want to avoid tolls, use US-1, US-64 and NC-55 instead.
Is There a Cook Out Near Apex High Schools, NC State or Jordan Lake?
The East Williams Street store is the closest Cook Out to Apex High, Apex Friendship and Green Level high schools. NC State students are closest to the Western Blvd. store in Raleigh.
Apex High, Apex Friendship and Green Level high schoolsAfter Friday night football or practice, families and students head to the NC-55 store. Expect the drive-thru to be busy after games.
NC State UniversityThe Raleigh – Western Blvd. store, about 9.6 miles from Apex, is the closest Cook Out to NC State’s main campus.
Jordan Lake State Recreation AreaCampers and boaters on the lake’s east side can come into Apex on US-64 for a late tray.
WakeMed Apex HealthplexNight-shift staff and visitors at the Apex Healthplex can use the E. Williams St. store, which serves well after most local kitchens close.
Many Apex workers commute to Research Triangle Park on NC-55. The south Durham store on Allendown Drive is close to RTP if you want a meal on the way home.
What Time Does Cook Out Close in Apex?
Most Cook Out restaurants open at 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and around 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and can change on holidays, so check the E. Williams St. store’s Google Maps listing or call before a very late trip.
| Day | Typical open | Typical close |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday–Thursday | 10:30 AM | About 3:00 AM |
| Friday–Saturday | 10:30 AM | About 4:00 AM |
| Holidays | Varies | Some stores close early or close for the day |
Most Cook Outs are drive-thru and walk-up only, with no indoor dining room. Plan to eat in your car or take the food home.
Downtown Apex’s restaurants and breweries on Salem Street mostly close by late evening. After that, Cook Out on NC-55 is one of the few full meals still available in town. Expect lines at lunch, at dinner and after high school games.
What Should I Order at Cook Out in Apex, and How Much Does It Cost?
Order the Cookout Tray: an entree, two sides and a drink for about $7.39–$7.99. It is the best-value meal on the menu, and a milkshake can replace the drink for a small upcharge.
- Cookout Tray: about $7.39–$7.99 (entree + 2 sides + drink)
- Jr. Tray: from about $5.29
- Milkshakes: about $3.99, 40+ flavors
- Cheerwine: North Carolina’s cherry soda, on the fountain
- Payment: cash and cards accepted
Tray entrees include burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, barbecue, chicken sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas. Sides include fries, onion rings, hush puppies, chili, slaw, corn dogs and nuggets. Families often order Jr. Trays for kids and full trays for adults.
Full details: the Cook Out tray menu, the milkshake menu, the sides menu and the vegan menu. Use the calorie calculator or the allergen guide to plan a meal.
How Does Cook Out Compare to Other Food in Apex?
Cook Out wins in Apex on late hours and price. Downtown Salem Street restaurants win on atmosphere, and the national chains along US-64 and NC-55 offer breakfast and indoor seating.
Apex’s downtown has a mix of local restaurants, coffee shops and breweries, most of which close in the evening. The shopping centers along US-64, such as Beaver Creek Commons, have national fast-casual chains with dining rooms. Cook Out fills the late-night, low-cost slot.
| Option | Known for | Late-night | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Out | Burgers, trays, 40+ shakes | Until about 3–4 AM | Tray about $7.39–$7.99 |
| Downtown Salem Street restaurants | Sit-down meals, local beer | Mostly evening | Higher per meal |
| National chains on US-64 / NC-55 | Burgers, chicken, breakfast | Varies; many close earlier | Combos usually cost more |
For a family of four, two full trays and two Jr. Trays usually cost less than a single round of sit-down entrees downtown.
Where Are Other Cook Out Guides Near Apex?
The closest city guides are Cary, Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina and Garner in Wake County, plus Durham and Chapel Hill to the north.
Cary, NCAbout 6 miles northeast. The Walnut St. store is Apex’s closest backup.
Raleigh, NCEvery store in the capital, from Western Blvd. to Strickland Rd.
Fuquay-Varina, NCSouth on NC-55 past Holly Springs.
Garner, NCEast on I-40 at Jones Sausage Rd.
Durham, NCNorth via NC-55 and RTP.
Chapel Hill, NCNorthwest, near UNC.
Sanford, NCSouthwest on US-1.
All North CarolinaAll 144 open North Carolina stores, grouped by region.
Use the Cook Out locations finder to plan a trip, or check Cook Out hours before a late drive.
Cook Out Apex FAQs
Answers to the questions people ask most.
How many Cook Out locations are in Apex, NC?
There is one Cook Out in Apex as of October 2026: 1001 E. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502, on NC-55 on the southeast side of town near US-1. Cook Out’s store locator lists no second Apex store and no coming-soon store within 30 miles. Lists showing Laura Duncan Road or West Williams Street stores do not match the locator.
What is the closest Cook Out to Apex besides E. Williams St.?
The Cary store at 1607 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27511, is the closest backup, about 6.2 miles northeast of downtown Apex. Next are Raleigh’s 3930 Western Blvd. (about 9.6 miles) and Fuquay-Varina’s 1433 N. Main St. (about 10.4 miles).
What time does the Apex Cook Out close?
Most Cook Out restaurants open at 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and around 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and can change on holidays, so check the 1001 E. Williams St. store’s Google Maps listing before a late trip.
Is there a Cook Out in Holly Springs?
No. Cook Out’s store locator lists no Holly Springs store as of October 2026. Holly Springs residents usually drive north on NC-55 to 1001 E. Williams St. in Apex or south to 1433 N. Main St. in Fuquay-Varina. Both are short drives, so pick based on which side of town you are on.
How do I get to the Apex Cook Out from US-64?
From US-64, exit at NC-55 and follow it south through Apex; NC-55 becomes Williams Street and reaches 1001 E. Williams St. on the southeast side of town. Coming on US-1, the NC-55 exit is the quicker route, since the store is close to that interchange.
Does the Apex Cook Out have indoor seating?
Most Cook Out restaurants are drive-thru and walk-up only, with no indoor dining room, and the Apex store follows the chain’s usual setup. Plan to eat in your car or take food home. Downtown Apex’s Salem Street parks and nearby greenways are other options in good weather.
How much does a Cookout Tray cost in Apex?
A Cookout Tray costs about $7.39–$7.99 for an entree, two sides and a drink. A Jr. Tray starts around $5.29, and milkshakes are about $3.99 with more than 40 flavors. Prices vary slightly by store, and the E. Williams St. location accepts both cash and cards.
Which Cook Out is closest to NC State from Apex?
The Raleigh – Western Blvd. store at 3930 Western Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27606, is the closest Cook Out to NC State’s main campus and is about 9.6 miles from downtown Apex. Take US-1/64 toward Raleigh and connect to Western Blvd. It is also convenient for Apex students coming home from campus.
Find the Cook Out on NC-55 in Apex
Apex’s Cook Out is at 1001 E. Williams St. on NC-55, near US-1. Check hours before a late run, and keep Cary’s Walnut Street store in mind as a backup.