It’s 2 AM on a Friday night, you and your buddies are hungry, and every cheap food joint in Harrisonburg has long been closed. You’re down to half a box of Wheat Thins and there’s some moldy pizza in the lounge fridge. Sure, there’s Waffle House, but that place is almost as dirty as the freshman boys’ dorms. You’re about to give up and go to bed hungry… then someone pipes up “let’s go to Cookout!” 

That’s right, Cookout. An oasis in the desert; a hand reaching out from the heavens just when all hope seems lost. 

You all hop in your friend’s old beater and head over to East Market Street.

Just seconds after you give the friendly neighborhood cashier guy your order, out pops a Steak Style tray with nuggets and onion rings. Upon sitting down at your booth (yeah, it’s a little dirty, but cut the graveyard shift workers some slack), one of your friends cheerfully points out the Eastern Mennonite University flag and t-shirt in full display on the far wall, in beautiful equality with the JMU merch hung next to it.

Cookout is just an all-around solid option. First impression walking into the restaurant is a warm, homelike atmosphere, well-populated with cheerful young adults whose jovial voices form a chorus in the air. The menu boasts a generous variety of eats including burgers, quesadillas, hot dogs, the classic cheese curds, about forty milkshake flavors, and plenty of sauces to choose from. Its prices are unbelievable; it’s around seven bucks for a meal including a burger, two sides, and a drink. Perfect for the unemployed cheapskate college student. 

Of course, the true spirit of Cookout is about more than just the menu. The memories one makes there are premium. For legal reasons I will refrain from sharing mine here; the point is good times occur at this place. 

Granted, the dining room can get a little bit rowdy from the drunk young scholars that form its customer base. Say you’re with a date and looking for a more chill food run? Just put on some Frank Ocean and hit the scenic drive-thru. 

All in all, I have to rate the place five stars. For being the only place open in the early AM, you have to give it to Cookout for providing good food in times of need. A Cookout run is the perfect way to finish out your night with your pals.