Cookout Winchester, VA: Hours, Ratings & 11.8% Tax
The Cookout Winchester, VA has an issue quite similar to the one above. The tray is taxed an additional meals tax on top of the 5.3% sales tax in Virginia. This ends up being an 11.8% total tax on your meal. You will be charged $7.39, while the Regular Tray comes out to $8.26.
Most of the reviews here (1551 S. Pleasant Valley Road) are average. Ranging from a 4.2 on Google, 3.9 on Restaurantji, and a 2.9 on Yelp. Nearly all the reviews mention that the wait line is too long because they never have enough cashiers.
Cook Out Winchester
OpenWhere does Cookout Winchester, VA sit among meal taxes?
This is one of the highest rates in the state. Only Charlottesville surpasses these rates. As displayed on their website:
Taxes:
- City Tax: 6.5% Food & Beverage Tax
- Sales Tax: 5.3% (4.3% State + 1% Local)
Previously, the City Council had mentioned a half percent increase in taxes. However, the approved FY27 budget does not include this, so we are still paying our 6.5% food tax. Prices are based on the standard prices provided on the Cookout menu. Prices can vary slightly at this location.
| Location | Meal Tax | 1 Regular Tray | 4 Regular Trays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KY | 6% | $7.83 | $31.33 |
| Winchester, VA | 11.8% | $8.26 | $33.05 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 12.3% | $8.30 | $33.20 |
What do Winchester diners say?
The Cookout located at 1551 S Pleasant Valley, has received similar feedback from the Winchester community.
| Platform | Score | Total Reviews | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 | 747 | Highest number of reviews | |
| Restaurantji | 3.9 | 178 | Food 4.1, service 3.9, ambiance 3.9 |
| Tripadvisor | 3.9 | 7 | Ranks 108 out of 219 places in Winchester |
| Yelp | 2.9 | 61 | Data as of June 2026 |
What they love
It’s affordable and filling, making it perfect for late-night cravings. It’s one of the few places that stays open until 3 am/4 am on weekends. The burgers arrive hot, although most customers come for the milkshakes and trays.
What they complain about
The line can move rather slowly. Nearly every recent review mentions that with only 1-2 cashiers working, service can drag even when the drive through is closed. The portions tend to be fairly small. Reviewers note that a tray order includes just 4-6 onion rings or cheese bites. You also get only a small portion of fries, and sometimes the wrong sides are handed over, making you wait all over again.
Because of this, the overall rating ends up split. On Google, it stands at 4.2, since people are rating it on value and how long it takes. Restaurantji gives it a 3.9, while Yelp shows a 2.9, as reviewers there are stricter about the service.
What do Winchester diners say?
Where can I find the Cook Out in Winchester?
It is located at 1551 S Pleasant Valley Road, Winchester, VA 22601, right near Exit 313 off I-81.
What are the opening hours?
From Sunday to Thursday, it runs from 10:30 AM until 3:00 AM. On Friday and Saturday, it stays open until 4:00 AM. It serves customers all seven days of the week.
What do customers say about this location?
It scores 4.2 stars on Google, 3.9 on Restaurantji and 2.9 on Yelp. Most people like the low prices and late-night hours, while the most common complaint is slow-moving lines.
Why is the tax so high in Winchester?
The tax does not come from Cook Out. The city adds a 6.5% meals tax on top of Virginia’s 5.3% sales tax, which makes 11.8% on all prepared food inside city limits.
What does a tray cost after tax?
A Regular Tray with a menu price of $7.39 comes to around $8.26 once the 11.8% tax is added. Your final total can change slightly because menu prices shift from time to time.
Can I pay less tax on my meal?
Yes, by eating just outside the city limits. Restaurants in Frederick County, such as those in Stephens City, charge a lower meals tax. If you drive about 15 minutes to Martinsburg, WV, there is no city meals tax at all, only the 6% state tax.
Is there another Cook Out close to Winchester?
Not really. This is the northernmost Cook Out in Virginia, and the closest other locations are in Warrenton and Harrisonburg.
