📍 Harrisonburg, Virginia • 1 Store • I-81 Exit 247 • 2026
Cook Out Harrisonburg VA — 1688 E Market St Location & Hours (2026)
Harrisonburg has one Cook Out, at 1688 E Market St, about a quarter mile from I-81 exit 247 on the US-33 corridor east of JMU. The next closest stores are in Staunton (about 24 miles) and Waynesboro (about 26 miles).
One store in Harrisonburg, open since 2012. Most Cook Outs open 10:30 AM–3 AM, 4 AM Fri–Sat. Cookout Tray about $7.39–$7.99.
This guide covers Harrisonburg’s only Cook Out at 1688 E Market St and the two closest backup stores in Staunton and Waynesboro. It includes directions from JMU, EMU, downtown and I-81, typical late-night hours, 2026 tray prices, and how Cook Out compares to Valley favorites like Kline’s Dairy Bar and Jack Brown’s.
Last verified: October 2026 | Sources: Cook Out store locator (October 2026), Wikipedia, iExit, WHSV
How Many Cook Out Locations Are in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has one Cook Out, at 1688 E Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, according to Cook Out’s store locator (October 2026). It sits on the US-33 (East Market Street) commercial strip, about 0.2 miles southeast of I-81 exit 247A, in the same shopping area as Valley Mall, Walmart and Home Depot.
There’s no second store in Harrisonburg or elsewhere in Rockingham County. The closest backups are in Staunton, at 109 George M Cochran Pkwy (about 24 miles south on I-81), and Waynesboro, at 1432 W Main St (about 26 miles south).
- Address: 1688 E Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
- Interstate: I-81 exit 247A (US-33 East), about 0.2 miles
- Closest campus: James Madison University, a short drive west
- Typical hours: 10:30 AM to about 3 AM, and about 4 AM on Friday and Saturday
Cook Out opened in Harrisonburg in 2012, shortly after its first Lynchburg store, according to Wikipedia. It’s one of 42 open Cook Outs in Virginia and one of the busiest late-night stops along I-81 in the Shenandoah Valley.
Where Is the Cook Out in Harrisonburg?
The Harrisonburg store is on East Market Street just east of I-81. Staunton and Waynesboro are the nearest backups, both reached by I-81 south. Addresses come from Cook Out’s store locator (October 2026), and each card has a Google Maps directions button. No new stores near Harrisonburg are listed as coming soon.
| Area | Stores | Cities | Main roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Harrisonburg | 1 | Harrisonburg | I-81 exit 247 • US-33 (E Market St) |
| Nearby Cook Out Locations | 2 | Staunton, Waynesboro | I-81 • I-64 • US-250 |
1. Inside Harrisonburg — 1 Cook Out location
East Market Street is Harrisonburg’s busiest retail corridor. The store sits on the southeast side of the I-81 interchange among hotels, chain restaurants and big-box stores, with Valley Mall a little farther east on US-33. Downtown Harrisonburg and Court Square are about 1.5 miles west on Market St.
Cook Out Harrisonburg
1688 E Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
About 0.2 mi from I-81 exit 247A on East Market St (US-33)
2. Nearby Cook Out Locations — 2 Cook Out locations
Two other Cook Outs are within about 26 miles, both down I-81 in Augusta County. Staunton is the easier stop because it’s right off I-81 exit 222. Waynesboro is a few miles east of where I-81 meets I-64.
Cook Out Staunton
109 George M Cochran Pkwy, Staunton, VA 24401
About 0.25 mi from I-81 exit 222 (US-250); about 24 mi south
Cook Out Waynesboro
1432 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980
On West Main St (US-250) in Waynesboro, about 26 mi south
How Do I Get to Cook Out From My Part of Harrisonburg?
Everyone in Harrisonburg and most of Rockingham County is closest to 1688 E Market St. The table shows the fastest route from each area. Drive times assume light late-night traffic.
| If you are in or near… | Closest Cook Out | Route | Drive time |
|---|---|---|---|
| JMU main campus, the Quad, S Main St | 1688 E Market St | Cantrell Ave or Port Republic Rd to I-81, or straight out E Market St | About 10 min |
| JMU East Campus, Port Republic Rd apartments | 1688 E Market St | I-81 north one exit to 247A | 5–10 min |
| Downtown, Court Square | 1688 E Market St | E Market St east under I-81 | About 7 min |
| Eastern Mennonite University, Park View | 1688 E Market St | North-side streets to E Market St east | About 10 min |
| Valley Mall, Spotswood Valley | 1688 E Market St | US-33 west, just past the mall | 2–3 min |
| Bridgewater, Dayton | 1688 E Market St | VA-42 north to Harrisonburg | 20–25 min |
| Massanutten, McGaheysville, Elkton | 1688 E Market St | US-33 west | 15–25 min |
| Weyers Cave, Mount Crawford | Staunton or Harrisonburg | I-81 north or south | 15–20 min |
If you’re coming from Broadway or Timberville north of town, take I-81 south to exit 247 and turn east on US-33. You’ll reach the store before Valley Mall.
When Did Cook Out Open in Harrisonburg?
Cook Out opened in Harrisonburg in 2012, shortly after its first Lynchburg store in March 2012, according to Wikipedia. Harrisonburg was part of Cook Out’s push into Virginia’s college towns and I-81 corridor in the early 2010s.
1989: Morris Reaves opens the first Cook Out in Greensboro, North Carolina.
December 2010: Cook Out reaches Virginia’s capital region with a store on Eastridge Rd in Henrico (Richmond BizSense).
Late 2011: Blacksburg and Radford open, bringing Cook Out to Virginia Tech and Radford University.
March 2012: Cook Out opens its first Lynchburg store.
2012: Harrisonburg follows shortly after, with the East Market Street store near I-81 exit 247.
December 2021: Winchester opens at I-81 exit 313 as Virginia’s northernmost Cook Out. Today the central Shenandoah Valley has three stores within about 26 miles: Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro.
October 2026: 1688 E Market St is still Harrisonburg’s only Cook Out, one of 42 open stores in Virginia.
We couldn’t find local coverage confirming the exact opening day, what was on the East Market Street lot before Cook Out, or when the Staunton and Waynesboro stores opened, so none of those are listed here.
Is the Harrisonburg Cook Out Right Off I-81?
Yes. Take I-81 exit 247A (US-33 East) and the store is about 0.2 miles from the ramp on the right, according to iExit. It’s one of the quickest Cook Out stops anywhere on Virginia’s stretch of I-81.
| I-81 exit | Cook Out | Distance from exit | From Harrisonburg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit 313 (Winchester) | 1551 S Pleasant Valley Rd | ~0.4 mi | About 66 mi north |
| Exit 247A (Harrisonburg) | 1688 E Market St | ~0.2 mi | This store |
| Exit 222 (Staunton) | 109 George M Cochran Pkwy | ~0.25 mi | About 25 mi south |
| I-64 exits (Waynesboro) | 1432 W Main St | A few miles off I-64 | About 26 mi south |
Southbound drivers from the Washington, D.C., area via I-66 pass no Cook Out on I-81 until Harrisonburg, about an hour south of the I-66 split. Northbound, Harrisonburg is the last stop before Winchester. If you’re traveling US-33 between Harrisonburg and Elkton, it’s the only Cook Out on that road.
Is There a Cook Out Near JMU?
Yes. 1688 E Market St is the closest Cook Out to James Madison University, about 10 minutes from the main campus at night. It’s also the closest store for Eastern Mennonite University, Bridgewater College and late-shift staff at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
James Madison University From the Quad or the S Main St dorms, drive out E Market St or hop on I-81. East Campus and the Port Republic Rd apartment complexes can take I-81 north one exit. Weekend nights during the semester bring the biggest lines.
Eastern Mennonite University EMU’s campus in north Harrisonburg is about 10 minutes from the store via the Park View area and E Market St.
Bridgewater College Eagles drive about 20 to 25 minutes north on VA-42 into Harrisonburg. There’s no Cook Out in Bridgewater itself.
Blue Ridge Community College The Weyers Cave campus sits between Harrisonburg and Staunton on I-81, so either store works.
Sentara RMH Medical Center RMH is in southeast Harrisonburg, east of I-81. Night-shift staff can reach Cook Out in a few minutes, and it’s one of the few hot meals open after midnight.
Massanutten Resort Skiers and summer visitors at Massanutten head west on US-33 about 15 to 20 minutes to East Market St.
Football Saturdays at JMU’s Bridgeforth Stadium and big home basketball games send crowds to the drive-thru afterward. Go before kickoff or wait an hour after the final whistle.
What Time Does Cook Out Close in Harrisonburg?
Like most Cook Outs, the Harrisonburg store typically opens at 10:30 AM and closes around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and around 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Hours vary by store and on holidays, so check before a late drive.
| Day | Typical open | Typical close |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday–Thursday | 10:30 AM | About 3:00 AM |
| Friday–Saturday | 10:30 AM | About 4:00 AM |
| Major holidays | Varies | Varies |
Cook Out is built around the drive-thru and walk-up window, and most stores have little or no indoor seating. After about 10 PM, many serve the drive-thru only. In Harrisonburg the late-night rush follows the JMU calendar: busy on Thursday through Saturday nights during the semester, and much quieter in summer and over winter break.
Because the next store is about 24 miles away in Staunton, check hours before a late run on holidays. The Cook Out hours guide covers holiday schedules.
Cook Out Harrisonburg Menu and Prices (2026)
A Cookout Tray (an entrée, two sides and a drink) costs about $7.39 to $7.99 in Harrisonburg, and a Jr. Tray starts at about $5.29. Milkshakes are about $3.99, with more than 40 flavors.
- Cookout Tray: about $7.39–$7.99
- Jr. Tray: from about $5.29
- Milkshakes: about $3.99, with 40+ flavors
- Drinks: soft drinks, sweet tea and Cheerwine
Tray entrées include burgers, the BBQ plate, chicken strips, spicy chicken, hot dogs, quesadillas and wraps. Sides include fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, chicken nuggets, chili, slaw and corn dogs. Most stores take cash and cards, and prices vary a little by location.
Feeding a dorm floor or a road-trip carload? Read off each order as entrée, two sides, then drink to keep the line moving. For more detail, see the tray menu, milkshake menu, sides menu and secret menu.
How Does Cook Out Compare to Harrisonburg Favorites?
Cook Out is the cheap, late option. Harrisonburg’s homegrown spots are the destination meals. Here’s how they compare.
| Local favorite | Where | Known for | Versus Cook Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kline’s Dairy Bar | Harrisonburg (since 1943) | Dense, custard-like ice cream with three flavors a week, served at a walk-up window | A Cook Out shake has 40+ flavors and is served until about 3–4 AM |
| Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint | Downtown Harrisonburg (since about 2009) | Wagyu burgers like the “Greg Brady” with mac and cheese | Cook Out’s Big Double tray costs less and is served later |
| Billy Jack’s | Downtown, a few doors from Jack Brown’s | Jack Brown’s sister restaurant | Downtown nightlife option before a Cook Out run |
| Bullets Burgers | Near I-81 exit 247 | Fast burgers and fries | Same exit, about half a mile away |
| Waffle House | I-81 exit 247 | 24-hour breakfast | Open later, but no shakes or trays |
Kline’s is the Valley’s ice cream institution, and it doesn’t stay open late. Cook Out covers the after-midnight shake. Jack Brown’s started in Harrisonburg and grew into a regional chain, and it’s a sit-down burger and beer experience. Cook Out’s Big Double “Cook Out Style” is the takeout answer, with two sides and a drink for under $8.
Where Can I Find More Cook Out Guides Near Harrisonburg?
Charlottesville is about an hour southeast, and Roanoke and Blacksburg are down I-81. Each has its own guide.
Cook Out Charlottesville 1254 Emmet St N near UVA, on US-29.
Cook Out Roanoke Hershberger Rd and Franklin Rd, about two hours south on I-81.
Cook Out Blacksburg The Virginia Tech store on S Main St.
Cook Out Richmond Three Richmond-address stores plus six in the suburbs.
Cook Out Virginia All 42 open Virginia stores, grouped by region.
Cook Out Locations Finder Find a guide for any state.
Cook Out Harrisonburg FAQs
Answers to the questions people ask most.
How many Cook Out locations are in Harrisonburg?
There is one: 1688 E Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, on US-33 about 0.2 miles from I-81 exit 247A. As of October 2026, Cook Out’s locator lists no other store in Harrisonburg or Rockingham County. The nearest backups are in Staunton, at 109 George M Cochran Pkwy, and Waynesboro, at 1432 W Main St.
Is the Harrisonburg Cook Out close to JMU?
Yes. It’s the closest Cook Out to James Madison University, about 10 minutes from the main campus at night. From the Quad, drive east on Market St under I-81. From East Campus or the Port Republic Rd apartments, take I-81 north to exit 247A and turn toward US-33 East.
What time does Cook Out close in Harrisonburg?
Like most Cook Outs, the E Market St store typically opens at 10:30 AM and closes around 3 AM Sunday through Thursday and around 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. Late at night it’s usually drive-thru only. Hours vary on holidays, so check before driving over late.
When did Cook Out open in Harrisonburg?
Cook Out opened in Harrisonburg in 2012, shortly after its first Lynchburg store opened in March 2012, according to Wikipedia. The store at 1688 E Market St near I-81 exit 247 is still the city’s only location. It’s one of 42 open Cook Out restaurants in Virginia as of October 2026.
Is there a Cook Out off I-81 near Harrisonburg?
Yes. Take exit 247A (US-33 East) and the Cook Out at 1688 E Market St is about 0.2 miles from the ramp, on the southeast side. Farther south, the Staunton store at 109 George M Cochran Pkwy is about 0.25 miles from exit 222. Heading north, the next one is Winchester, near exit 313.
Where is the next closest Cook Out to Harrisonburg?
Staunton, at 109 George M Cochran Pkwy, is about 24 miles south near I-81 exit 222. Waynesboro, at 1432 W Main St, is about 26 miles away. Charlottesville’s store at 1254 Emmet St N is about an hour southeast, and Winchester’s is about an hour north on I-81.
How much is a Cook Out tray in Harrisonburg?
A Cookout Tray (an entrée, two sides and a drink) costs about $7.39 to $7.99 at the Harrisonburg store, and a Jr. Tray starts at about $5.29. Milkshakes are about $3.99, with more than 40 flavors. Prices can shift a little, and the store takes cash and cards.
Head to Cook Out on East Market St
Tap Directions on the store card, and check hours before a late-night run, especially on holidays and JMU breaks.