By Administrator Barbecue Bliss in the Upper Cumberland
Think of Tennessee, and visions of country music and smoky barbecue might dance in your head. While Nashville often steals the culinary spotlight, a hidden gem of flavor awaits you in the Upper Cumberland region: Cookeville. This vibrant city, home to Tennessee Tech University and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene. Forget the predictable chain restaurants; Cookeville’s best food resides in the locally-owned establishments that pour their heart and soul into every dish.
This article will delve into the culinary landscape of Cookeville, highlighting the best restaurants and dishes that locals and visitors alike rave about. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore the smoky allure of barbecue, the comforting embrace of Southern cuisine, and the exciting tastes of international flavors. Cookeville’s culinary surprises are waiting to be discovered, so get ready to dig in!
Tennessee barbecue is legendary, and Cookeville upholds that reputation with pride. Several establishments in the city have mastered the art of slow-smoking meats to tender, flavorful perfection. The secret? Patience, premium cuts, and signature rubs that create a symphony of smoky, savory, and sometimes subtly sweet notes.
The Rib Cage
First up, let’s talk about The Rib Cage. This Cookeville institution is known for its melt-in-your-mouth ribs. The dish to try here is undeniably their St. Louis-style ribs. These aren’t your grocery store ribs; they’re expertly trimmed, generously rubbed with a blend of spices that’s been perfected over generations, and then slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours. The result? A beautiful mahogany bark that gives way to incredibly tender meat that practically falls off the bone. The secret to their success is the time they invest as well as the consistency in temperature. What makes The Rib Cage the best place in Cookeville for barbecue is the combination of quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like family.
Piggy Shack BBQ
Next on our barbecue tour is Piggy Shack BBQ. While The Rib Cage excels at ribs, Piggy Shack shines with their pulled pork. Forget everything you think you know about pulled pork. At Piggy Shack, the pork shoulder is slow-smoked for over twelve hours, resulting in a succulent, smoky, and incredibly flavorful masterpiece. The meat is then hand-pulled and tossed in their signature vinegar-based sauce, which adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the richness of the pork. What truly sets Piggy Shack apart is their commitment to using locally sourced pork whenever possible. You can truly tell that a restaurant is special when their ingredients are the best and that is definitely what is happening in Piggy Shack. Each dish tastes like it was made with love and is authentic which is why it’s the best. If you’re looking for an authentic Tennessee barbecue experience, Piggy Shack BBQ is a must-visit.
Bro’s Smokehouse
Finally, we must mention Bro’s Smokehouse. This place is known for their BBQ plates that come with two sides. They have excellent brisket and their mac n cheese is some of the best in the Upper Cumberland area. The pulled pork is also some of the best in the Upper Cumberland region. You cannot come here without getting one of their plates.
Southern Comfort and Home-Style Goodness
Beyond barbecue, Cookeville also offers a wealth of restaurants that serve up classic Southern comfort food. These are the dishes that evoke memories of grandma’s kitchen, warm hospitality, and flavors that nourish the soul. Think crispy fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, buttery biscuits, and collard greens simmered to perfection.
Crawford’s Restaurant
For a taste of authentic Southern cooking, head to Crawford’s Restaurant. The star of their menu is undoubtedly their fried chicken. It’s not just any fried chicken; it’s perfectly seasoned, dredged in a secret blend of flour and spices, and then fried to golden-brown perfection. The result is incredibly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Each bite is pure bliss. However, Crawford’s is more than just fried chicken; it’s an experience. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and the staff treats every customer like a cherished guest. They make the best fried chicken in town, and the atmosphere makes it an unforgettable dining experience.
Salty Dog Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for classic Southern sides, look no further than Salty Dog Restaurant. While they offer a variety of delicious entrees, their side dishes are the real showstoppers. Their mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive. Their collard greens are simmered with smoked ham hocks for hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful side dish that will make you feel right at home. The green beans are another favorite, cooked with bacon and onions for a savory and satisfying bite. Salty Dog Restaurant is the best place to go when you have a family or big group of friends because each dish is so good!
International Flavors and Global Grub
Cookeville’s culinary scene extends far beyond barbecue and Southern comfort food. The city boasts a growing number of restaurants that offer a diverse range of international flavors, from the vibrant spices of Thailand to the authentic tastes of Mexico and the comforting aromas of Italy.
Bangkok Thai Cuisine
For a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, Bangkok Thai Cuisine is a must-visit. Their Pad Thai is a standout dish, featuring stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts in a sweet and tangy sauce. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, perfectly balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. What sets Bangkok Thai Cuisine apart is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic Thai recipes. The chefs are passionate about sharing their culinary heritage with Cookeville, and it shows in every dish. They also offer an array of unique desserts and authentic Thai coffees and teas. The waitresses are also all dressed in traditional Thailand apparel.
El Tapatio
If you’re craving Mexican food, El Tapatio is a local favorite. This family-owned restaurant serves up authentic Mexican dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurant has excellent ambiance and the employees are always fun and welcoming. Their extensive menu offers something for everyone, from classic tacos and enchiladas to more adventurous dishes like mole poblano and chile relleno. They provide the best experience possible and that’s why so many people come and continue to come!
La Trattoria
For a taste of Italy, look no further than La Trattoria. This cozy restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their pasta dishes are all made fresh in-house, and their sauces are rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. One of their best is the pasta dishes. The pasta is made fresh, each sauce is made with only the best ingredients, and the dishes taste authentic! You can also order a nice glass of wine for your meal.
Sweet Treats and Delicious Desserts
No culinary adventure is complete without indulging in some sweet treats, and Cookeville offers a variety of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. From homemade pies to creamy ice cream, there’s something for everyone.
Putnam Pantry
For a taste of classic American desserts, head to Putnam Pantry. This old-fashioned bakery has been serving up delicious pies, cakes, and cookies for generations. Their apple pie is a standout, featuring a flaky crust and a sweet and tart apple filling that’s seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg. The quality of their baked goods is also spectacular. They use a family recipe to deliver the best goods!
Ralph’s Donut Shop
If you’re in the mood for ice cream, Ralph’s Donut Shop is a must-visit. While they’re known for their delicious donuts, their ice cream is also a hidden gem. They offer a variety of classic flavors, as well as some unique and creative creations. This place is open super late as well, so it’s a great place to go if you’re having a late night with friends!
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While the restaurants listed above are widely known and loved, Cookeville also has its share of hidden gems that are popular with locals. These are the places that offer unique flavors, friendly service, and a truly authentic Cookeville dining experience.
Seven Senses
One such gem is Seven Senses. This unique restaurant has a wide variety of things to offer. It is considered new American style cuisine and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. This is one of the best places to get a burger at too!
Soul Craft Coffee
Another great spot is Soul Craft Coffee. Now some may not consider this place, but they are known for their unique coffee and breakfast treats. They have bagels, breakfast burritos, and a variety of coffees and teas. They are a super popular spot and are open until late!
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
From the smoky allure of barbecue to the comforting embrace of Southern cuisine and the exciting tastes of international flavors, Cookeville has something to satisfy every palate. The Rib Cage and Piggy Shack BBQ offer some of the best barbecue, while Crawford’s Restaurant and Salty Dog Restaurant capture the heart of Southern cooking. Bangkok Thai Cuisine, El Tapatio, and La Trattoria provide a taste of international flavors, while Putnam Pantry and Ralph’s Donut Shop offer sweet treats to round out your culinary adventure.
So, whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the Upper Cumberland region, be sure to embark on a culinary adventure in Cookeville. Discover the best food in Cookeville, Tennessee and enjoy the flavors and hospitality that make this city a surprisingly delicious destination. Your taste buds will thank you! Forget what you know about other cities in Tennessee and try out these great locations!
