I've frequented Cook Outs around Charlotte, but ever since I moved to this side of town, I haven't been to my neighborhood location that often. After a bad experience at 3 am on a Saturday night left a car full of us empty-bellied and scarred for life (I believe the words out of our mouths were "MIKE, GET US OUT OF HERE NOW, I JUST WANT TO LIVE!") I haven't had much of a taste for hush puppies, you know?
But a few weeks ago I put on a brave face and decided to scope out the sketchiness-factor a bit earlier in the evening, successfully achieved a milkshake, and lived to tell about it. Since then I've been back a couple of times, but again, before 1 am. The BBQ plate is one of my staples- it is dirt cheap and man is it delicious.
The police officers are totally necessary- partially for safety, but mostly to direct the traffic. (There are 2 lanes, you know, and you can't exit through the entrance, guys.) Look, I really don't think my fear is unfounded, it is not a great neighborhood. Stick with the semi-late hours and you should be fine.