Cookout Mobile, AL: University Blvd Store and the New Gulf Coast Openings

Mobile's Cook Out sits on University Boulevard, in a former PDQ building next to the University of South Alabama, and until 2026 it was one of only two Cook Outs, with Hattiesburg, near the Mississippi Coast. Foley opened in April and Gulfport, the first on the Mississippi Coast, opened on June 23, so Mobile now has neighbors on both sides. A tray here costs more than in Kentucky or Florida, because Mobile's tax on a restaurant meal is 10%.

10%

Tax on a meal in Mobile

4% state, 1% county, 5% city food service tax

$8.13

Regular Tray with tax

Against $7.83 in Bowling Green

3 in 12 mo

New Gulf Coast Cook Outs

Pensacola, Foley, Gulfport

$17

A full Gulfport meal

Tray, rings, wrap, hot dog and shake, per the Sun Herald

Where is the Mobile Cook Out?

At 116 S. University Boulevard, in the former PDQ restaurant, according to Vallas Realty, the firm that helped negotiate the sale in WKRG's report on the arrival. That puts it beside the University of South Alabama, a student crowd that fits a store open until 3 AM. Yelp shows 3.3 stars from 95 to 99 reviews, and Restaurantji shows 3.5 from 302 ratings, with food at 3.7, atmosphere at 3.6 and service at 3.5.

How did the Gulf Coast get three new Cook Outs?

In about 11 months, across three cities. Before Gulfport opened, the Sun Herald reported, the nearest Cook Outs to the Mississippi Coast were in Hattiesburg and Mobile.

1. July 9, 2025

   Pensacola opens

   Florida's first Cook Out, a 1,500-square-foot drive-thru. See the <a href="/cookout-pensacola-fl/">Pensacola guide</a>.

2. February 2026

   Gulfport construction begins

   On U.S. 49, in a former Moe's Southwest Grill.

3. April 25, 2026

   Foley opens

   At 2550 S. McKenzie St., according to Gulf Coast Journeys.

4. June 8, 2026

   Signs go up in Gulfport

   Project manager Jerry Stonger tells the Sun Herald crews are shooting for a couple of weeks.

5. June 23, 2026

   Gulfport soft opening

   WLOX reports the first Mississippi Coast Cook Out is open.

6. July 3, 2026

   Dinner drive-thru backs onto Highway 49

   The Sun Herald's review says it happens on a near nightly basis.

What is the Gulfport Cook Out like?

Busy, based on the first reviews. It is at 11464 U.S. 49, with limited indoor seating and double takeout lanes, and hours of 10:30 AM to 3 AM, or 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, according to WXXV. The Sun Herald's Scott Watkins called the charcoal-grilled patties the star of the show, ordered a Cook Out Style tray with chili, slaw, onions and mustard, and wrote that the meal is a contender for his new regular. His whole order, including Cajun fries, onion rings, a Cajun ranch wrap, a chili hot dog and a strawberry shake, came to about $17.

Why does Mobile cost more than Kentucky or Florida?

Because Mobile's city food service tax is 5%, on top of Alabama's 4% state rate and a 1% county rate, according to the Alabama Department of Revenue and Avalara. The tray and shake prices are typical Cook Out figures, and University Boulevard may post others.

Alabama's rate varies by city. Avalara shows ZIP 36695 with a 5.5% total, so a Cook Out outside Mobile's limits would cost less. See the price guide for the full board.

Which other Alabama cities have a Cook Out?

Yelp and Tripadvisor listings show restaurants in Birmingham on Lakeshore Parkway, Huntsville on Sparkman Drive, Auburn on Opelika Road, Tuscaloosa, Prattville on Cobbs Ford Road and Jacksonville on South Pelham Road. Our Jacksonville guide covers the last one, and the locations page lists every state.

Which Gulf Coast Cook Out is best for a first visit?

Mobile for a late tray near the university, Foley if you are headed to the beach, and Gulfport only outside dinner hours, since the drive-thru has been backing up onto Highway 49.