Cook Out vs Portillo's: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Cook Out is the cheaper of the two. Of the 9 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Cook Out is cheaper on 8 of them, by an average of $2.62 per item.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Cook Out
- The Cook Out Tray at $7.49 to $8.79 includes an entree, two sides and a drink — the cheapest complete combo of any national or regional chain.
- Upgrading the tray drink to a milkshake for $2.99 costs less than buying the shake separately at $4.29.
- Cook Out stays open until 3:00 or 4:00 AM, which makes it one of the only late-night sit-down-quality options in much of the Southeast.
Portillo's
- Ordering the beef dipped, wet or dry costs nothing extra — the preparation is free, so ask for what you actually want.
- Italian Beef family packs at $59.99 feed four to six for roughly the price of five individual sandwiches with sides.
- Portillo's ships nationwide, so the chocolate cake and Italian beef kits are available outside the chain's footprint.
Cook Out vs Portillo's — FAQ
Is Cook Out cheaper than Portillo's in 2026?
Cook Out is cheaper on most matched items — 8 of 9. Across the whole menu Cook Out is the lower-priced of the two, at $4.79 for a typical item against $9.29 at Portillo's.
What is the price difference between Cook Out and Portillo's?
On matched items the average difference is $2.62, or about 63% overall. Cook Out averages $5.16 across 40 priced items; Portillo's averages $14.10 across 40.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Cook Out or Portillo's?
Cook Out starts at $1.99 (Coleslaw) and Portillo's at $3.79 (Fries (regular)).
Are these prices the same at every location?
No. Both chains let franchise owners set prices, so figures move by a dollar or more between markets and run highest at airport, stadium and highway locations. Treat these as the typical U.S. price, not a quote.