📍 Columbia, South Carolina • 7 Area Stores • 2 More Nearby • 2026
Cook Out Columbia SC — 7 Locations, Addresses & Hours (2026)
Cook Out has 7 restaurants in the Columbia area: six with Columbia addresses (Harden St in Five Points, Bush River Rd, Forest Dr, Garners Ferry Rd, Two Notch Rd and Roberts Branch Pkwy off Killian Rd) plus one on Charleston Hwy in West Columbia.
Most open 10:30 AM–3 AM, 4 AM Fri–Sat (hours vary by store). Cookout Tray about $7.39–$7.99. Lexington and Lugoff stores are within 26 miles.
This guide lists every Cook Out in Columbia and West Columbia with its address, the nearest interstate exit or landmark, and a Google Maps directions button. It also shows which store is closest to USC, Fort Jackson, Benedict College and the big hospitals, how late Midlands stores stay open, what a tray costs in 2026 and how Cook Out stacks up against Columbia favorites like Rush’s and Maurice’s.
Last verified: October 2026 | Sources: Cook Out store locator (October 2026), The Post and Courier, The State
How Many Cook Out Locations Are in Columbia, SC?
There are 7 Cook Out restaurants in the Columbia area as of October 2026: 1101 Harden St (Five Points), 600 Bush River Rd, 5311 Forest Dr, 7440 Garners Ferry Rd, 10030 Two Notch Rd and 1331 Roberts Branch Pkwy in Columbia, plus 1413 Charleston Hwy in West Columbia. All addresses come from the Cook Out store locator, October 2026.
Six of the seven carry a Columbia mailing address. The seventh sits just across the Congaree River in West Columbia (Lexington County), on Charleston Highway, which runs between downtown, Cayce and Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Two more stores are a short drive out: 515 W Main St in Lexington (about 12 miles west of downtown) and 920 US-1 in Lugoff (about 25 miles northeast, near Camden).
The store closest to the State House and the University of South Carolina is Harden Street, less than a mile from the city center. If you are on the northeast side near Sandhill or Killian Road, use Two Notch Rd or Roberts Branch Pkwy instead; the St. Andrews and Irmo side of town is best served by Bush River Rd.
Where Is Every Cook Out in Columbia? Addresses & Directions
Every open Cook Out in the Columbia area is listed below, grouped by area. Tap Directions to open Google Maps. Addresses are from the Cook Out store locator, October 2026; distances are measured from downtown Columbia.
| Area | Stores | Cities | Main roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia & West Columbia | 7 | Columbia, West Columbia | I-20 • I-26 • I-77 • I-126 • US-1 Two Notch • US-76/378 Garners Ferry |
| Nearby Cook Out Locations | 2 | Lexington, LUGOFF | US-1 • I-20 • I-26 |
1. Columbia & West Columbia — 7 Cook Out locations
Seven stores ring the city. Harden Street is the in-town store, about 0.7 miles from downtown; West Columbia (3.1 mi), Bush River Rd (4.4 mi), Forest Dr (4.6 mi) and Garners Ferry Rd (5.5 mi) form an inner ring; Roberts Branch Pkwy (10.3 mi) and Two Notch Rd (11.2 mi) cover the fast-growing northeast suburbs between I-77 and I-20.
Cook Out Columbia – Harden St
1101 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Harden St in Five Points, the closest store to USC and downtown
Cook Out West Columbia – Charleston Hwy
1413 Charleston Hwy, West Columbia, SC 29169
Former Hardee’s site next to Freddy’s on Charleston Hwy, West Columbia
Cook Out Columbia – Bush River Rd
600 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210
Bush River Rd near I-26 and Dutch Square, St. Andrews side
Cook Out Columbia – Forest Dr
5311 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Dr in Forest Acres, near Shandon Baptist Church
Cook Out Columbia – Garners Ferry Rd
7440 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209
Garners Ferry Rd (US-76/378) in southeast Columbia, past Dorn VA
Cook Out Columbia – Roberts Branch Pkwy
1331 Roberts Branch Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29203
Just off I-77 and Killian Rd in a former Steak ‘n Shake
Cook Out Columbia – Two Notch Rd
10030 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Two Notch Rd (US-1) in Northeast Columbia toward Sandhill
2. Nearby Cook Out Locations — 2 Cook Out locations
Two more stores sit within about 25 miles of downtown. Lexington is 12.4 miles west on US-1 (W Main St); Lugoff is 25.4 miles northeast on US-1, just across the Wateree River from Camden. The Batesburg-Leesville store at 179 E Church St is farther out, about 29 miles west, also on US-1.
Cook Out Lexington
515 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072
W Main St (US-1) in Lexington, about 12 miles west of downtown
Cook Out Lugoff
920 US-1, LUGOFF, SC 29078
On US-1 in Lugoff, Kershaw County, about 25 miles northeast
Which Columbia Cook Out Is Closest to Me?
Pick the store on your side of the rivers and interstates: Harden St for downtown and the university, Bush River Rd for St. Andrews and Irmo, Forest Dr or Garners Ferry for the east side, and Two Notch or Roberts Branch for Northeast Columbia.
| If you are in… | Closest Cook Out | Route tip |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown, the Vista, USC campus | 1101 Harden St (Five Points) | Head east on Gervais St or south on Harden St |
| Shandon, Rosewood, Five Points | 1101 Harden St | Harden St runs straight through Five Points |
| Forest Acres, Trenholm Rd, Arcadia Lakes | 5311 Forest Dr | Stay on Forest Dr (SC-12); I-77 exit 12 is just east |
| Fort Jackson, Woodfield | 5311 Forest Dr or 7440 Garners Ferry Rd | Forest Dr from the north side, Garners Ferry from the south |
| Southeast Columbia, Lower Richland, Hopkins | 7440 Garners Ferry Rd | Garners Ferry Rd (US-76/378) |
| St. Andrews, Seven Oaks, Irmo, Dutch Fork | 600 Bush River Rd | Take I-26 to the Bush River Rd exit |
| West Columbia, Cayce, Airport area | 1413 Charleston Hwy | Charleston Hwy runs between West Columbia and the airport side |
| Killian Rd, Blythewood, Lake Carolina | 1331 Roberts Branch Pkwy | I-77 exit 22 (Killian Rd) |
| Sandhill, Clemson Rd, Pontiac, Elgin | 10030 Two Notch Rd | US-1 Two Notch Rd; I-20 exit 74 to the south |
| Lexington, Red Bank, Gilbert | 515 W Main St, Lexington | US-1 / W Main St through downtown Lexington |
| Camden, Lugoff, Elgin (east) | 920 US-1, Lugoff | I-20 to the Lugoff exits, then US-1 |
Tip: Columbia’s three interstates (I-20, I-26 and I-77) loop around the city, so the "closest" store by miles is not always the fastest. On USC game days, traffic around Williams-Brice Stadium and Bluff Rd backs up for hours; if you are leaving the stadium, Garners Ferry Rd or Forest Dr is often easier to reach than Harden St.
How Has Cook Out Grown in Columbia?
Cook Out has steadily added Columbia stores by converting former fast-food buildings, and the West Columbia and Roberts Branch Pkwy stores are the newest additions to the metro. Here is what local reporting confirms.
Five Points anchor: The Harden Street store is the one The Post and Courier describes as Cook Out’s Five Points location and the closest store to West Columbia before that site opened. It is the usual late-night stop for USC students.
Cayce attempt: According to The State (April 2024), a Cook Out was proposed for Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce, next to the Krispy Kreme, but the plan was dropped after neighbors raised concerns about late-night traffic, noise and odors.
April 2024 — West Columbia announced: The State reported a new store planned at 1413 Charleston Hwy, on the site of a Hardee’s that had been closed since at least 2019. The Post and Courier later noted it sits next to a Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
July 2026 — Killian Road announced: The Post and Courier reported a store coming to 1331 Roberts Branch Pkwy, just off I-77 and Killian Road, in a former Steak ‘n Shake that closed in 2020, near a Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread and McDonald’s.
October 2026: Cook Out’s locator lists all seven Columbia-area stores as open, with no additional Columbia stores marked coming soon.
Cook Out itself dates to 1989, when Morris Reaves opened the first store in Greensboro, North Carolina. South Carolina now has 52 open locations, and the Midlands, with seven stores around Columbia plus Lexington and Lugoff, is one of the densest clusters in the state.
Which Cook Out Is Closest to I-20, I-26 and I-77 in Columbia?
Roberts Branch Pkwy is the easiest stop from I-77, Two Notch Rd is closest to I-20 on the northeast side, and Bush River Rd is the quickest detour from I-26 and I-20 on the west side.
| Highway | Best Cook Out | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I-77 (Charlotte–Columbia) | 1331 Roberts Branch Pkwy | Just off exit 22, Killian Rd |
| I-77 (south end, near Fort Jackson) | 5311 Forest Dr | Forest Dr meets I-77 at exit 12 |
| I-20 (Camden–Columbia) | 10030 Two Notch Rd | US-1 Two Notch Rd meets I-20 at exit 74 |
| I-20 / I-26 west side | 600 Bush River Rd | Bush River Rd sits near the I-20/I-26/I-126 interchanges |
| I-26 (Charleston–Columbia) | 1413 Charleston Hwy | Charleston Hwy is the main surface road into West Columbia |
| US-1 west (toward Lexington) | 515 W Main St, Lexington | US-1 becomes Main St in Lexington |
| US-76/378 east (toward Sumter) | 7440 Garners Ferry Rd | Garners Ferry Rd is US-76/378 |
For road trippers, Columbia is where I-20, I-26 and I-77 meet, so it is a natural Cook Out stop between Charlotte and Charleston, or between Augusta and Florence. Heading toward Myrtle Beach, the next Cook Out east on I-20 is in Lugoff, then Florence; heading toward Charleston on I-26, the next one is Orangeburg on John C Calhoun Dr.
Is There a Cook Out Near USC, Benedict College or Fort Jackson?
Yes. Harden Street in Five Points is the closest Cook Out to the University of South Carolina, Benedict College and Allen University, while Forest Dr and Garners Ferry Rd are the closest to Fort Jackson.
University of South Carolina: The Harden St store is about a mile east of the Horseshoe and Russell House, on the edge of Five Points, so it is the default post-library or post-bar stop for Gamecocks. Bush River Rd is a backup for students living off Broad River Rd or in St. Andrews apartments.
Benedict College & Allen University: Both historically Black colleges sit along Harden Street north of Five Points, which makes 1101 Harden St a short drive or walk down the same street.
Columbia College & Midlands Technical College: From Columbia College in north Columbia, Harden St or Two Notch Rd are both reasonable; Midlands Tech’s Airport campus in West Columbia is closest to the Charleston Hwy store.
Fort Jackson: The Army’s largest basic combat training center sits on Columbia’s east side. Forest Dr leads toward the post from Forest Acres, and Garners Ferry Rd runs along its south side, so 5311 Forest Dr and 7440 Garners Ferry Rd are the most convenient stores for soldiers, families and graduation-weekend visitors.
Hospitals: Prisma Health Richland Hospital is a few minutes from Harden St; staff at the Dorn VA Medical Center on Garners Ferry Rd have the 7440 Garners Ferry store farther east on the same road; Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia is closest to Charleston Hwy.
Williams-Brice Stadium & Colonial Life Arena: After football, basketball or a concert, Harden St is the closest Cook Out, but game-day traffic is heavy. Many fans drive out Garners Ferry or across the river to Charleston Hwy instead.
What Time Does Cook Out Close in Columbia?
Most Cook Out stores open at 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM Sunday–Thursday and 4 AM Friday–Saturday. Hours vary by store and can change for holidays, weather or staffing, so check Google Maps or call the store before a late-night run.
| 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 all day |
Columbia stores are mostly drive-thru and walk-up window operations, so the lobby, if there is one, may close before the drive-thru. The drive-thru is what stays open past midnight. Late on Friday and Saturday nights the Harden St line fills with Five Points traffic, and the Two Notch and Roberts Branch stores get the Northeast Columbia crowd.
We do not publish per-store hours because they change; the times above are Cook Out’s typical schedule. For a deeper look at holiday schedules and late-night tips, see our Cook Out hours guide.
What Does Cook Out Cost in Columbia in 2026?
A Cookout Tray (one entrée, two sides and a drink) costs about $7.39–$7.99 in Columbia, a Jr. Tray starts around $5.29, and milkshakes run about $3.99 with more than 40 flavors.
The tray is the reason most people come. You pick a main, such as a burger, a barbecue sandwich, chicken strips, a spicy chicken sandwich, a quesadilla or a hot dog, then two sides like fries, onion rings, hush puppies, chicken nuggets, a corn dog, chili or slaw, and a drink. Swap the drink for a milkshake for a small upcharge.
- Cookout Tray: about $7.39–$7.99
- Jr. Tray: from about $5.29
- Milkshake: about $3.99 (40+ flavors)
- Big Double burger: priced as a tray entrée or à la carte
- Drinks: sweet tea, Cheerwine, fountain sodas
Prices vary slightly by store and change over time. Cook Out accepts cash and cards. Because most Columbia stores have no indoor dining, have your order ready before you reach the speaker, especially in the busy Harden St lane. For the full lineup, see the tray menu, milkshake menu, burger menu and secret menu.
How Does Cook Out Compare to Columbia Favorites?
Cook Out wins on late hours and price; Columbia’s homegrown spots win on local character. Most locals use both.
| Spot | What it’s known for | When Cook Out wins |
|---|---|---|
| Rush’s | Columbia-born burger and fried-chicken chain with locations across the Midlands | After Rush’s closes for the night, and when you want a shake with 40+ flavors |
| Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ | Mustard-based Midlands barbecue, based in West Columbia | When you want barbecue after midnight; Cook Out’s chopped barbecue tray is the late option |
| Bojangles & Zaxby’s | Chicken and biscuits, chicken fingers | Late night, and when you want two sides and a drink in one tray price |
| Five Points bars and pizza | Late-night slices near campus | When you want a full meal for under about $8 |
Cook Out’s appeal in Columbia is simple: the drive-thru stays open long after most kitchens close, and a full tray still costs less than a combo at many national chains.
Where Are More Cook Out Guides Near Columbia?
For the rest of the state, start with our South Carolina guide; for road trips up I-77 or out I-20, these guides cover the next big Cook Out markets.
South Carolina: All 52 open South Carolina stores, grouped by region, in our Cook Out South Carolina guide.
Florence: About 80 miles east on I-20, Florence has two stores on S Irby St and Lucas St. See the Florence guide.
Myrtle Beach: Beach-bound? The Myrtle Beach guide covers the Grand Strand stores.
Charlotte: About 90 miles north on I-77, the Charlotte guide covers the Queen City stores.
Atlanta & Georgia: Heading west on I-20? See the Atlanta guide and the Georgia guide.
Anywhere else: Use our Cook Out locations finder or the full Cook Out menu.
Cook Out Columbia SC FAQs
Answers to the questions people ask most.
How many Cook Out locations are in Columbia, SC?
There are 7 Cook Outs in the Columbia area as of October 2026: 1101 Harden St, 600 Bush River Rd, 5311 Forest Dr, 7440 Garners Ferry Rd, 10030 Two Notch Rd and 1331 Roberts Branch Pkwy in Columbia, plus 1413 Charleston Hwy in West Columbia. Lexington (515 W Main St) and Lugoff (920 US-1) are nearby.
Which Cook Out is closest to USC?
The Harden St store at 1101 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205, on the edge of Five Points, is the closest to the University of South Carolina. It is roughly a mile from the Horseshoe and well under a mile from downtown, so it is the usual late-night stop for students.
Is there a Cook Out near Fort Jackson?
Yes. The closest stores to Fort Jackson are 5311 Forest Dr in Forest Acres, on the road that leads east toward the post, and 7440 Garners Ferry Rd (US-76/378), which runs along the south side of the base. Both are convenient for families visiting for basic training graduations.
What time does Cook Out close in Columbia?
Most Cook Out stores open at 10:30 AM and close around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and about 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and on holidays, and the drive-thru often stays open after the walk-up window, so check Google Maps before a late run.
Is there a Cook Out in West Columbia or Cayce?
West Columbia has one Cook Out, at 1413 Charleston Hwy, on the former Hardee’s site next to Freddy’s Frozen Custard. There is no Cook Out in Cayce; a store once proposed for Knox Abbott Drive was dropped after neighbors objected, according to The State.
Which Cook Out is closest to I-77 in Columbia?
The Roberts Branch Pkwy store at 1331 Roberts Branch Pkwy sits just off I-77 at exit 22 (Killian Rd), in a former Steak ‘n Shake building. Farther south, the 5311 Forest Dr store is close to I-77 exit 12. Both are easy stops between Charlotte and Columbia.
How much is a Cook Out tray in Columbia?
A Cookout Tray with one entrée, two sides and a drink costs about $7.39 to $7.99 in Columbia in 2026. A Jr. Tray starts around $5.29, and milkshakes are about $3.99 with 40+ flavors. Prices vary slightly by store, and Cook Out accepts both cash and cards.
Is there a Cook Out in Lexington or Irmo?
Lexington has a Cook Out at 515 W Main St, about 12 miles west of downtown Columbia on US-1. Irmo has no store of its own; Irmo and Dutch Fork residents usually use 600 Bush River Rd in Columbia, which is close to I-26.
Find the Closest Cook Out in Columbia
Seven Columbia-area stores, from Five Points to Killian Road, are open late most nights. Check the directory for directions and confirm hours before you go.