A cookout setting typically refers to an outdoor area where a meal is cooked and enjoyed. Two common settings for a cookout are a PATIO and a TERRACE. A PATIO is a paved outdoor area, usually adjacent to a house, while a TERRACE is a flat area of land with a steep slope on one side. Both patios and terraces provide a great space for a cookout, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors while still having access to amenities such as seating and shade.