Over the past few years, Cookeville has witnessed a surge in the number of food trucks, each bringing its own flavor and character to the local food scene. However, this growth presented a challenge: finding consistent and accessible spots to serve eager customers. With parking constraints and city regulations, food truck operators often found themselves in a bind.
Recognizing the growing demand and in an effort to provide a dedicated space for these culinary entrepreneurs, the Trackside Food Truck Park emerged. This new food truck park helps to accommodate the growing number of food trucks in the area, and serves as a hub for people to get together.
Here’s a list of some of the mobile kitchens you’ll find there, as well as all over the Cookeville area.
Food Trucks in Cookeville
Before we dive into this delicious list of food trucks, it’s worth noting that while not all of these mobile eateries are based in Cookeville, TN, their wheels allow them the flexibility to roam. Given this, many from neighboring cities are often spotted serving up their specialties in Cookeville. For that reason we included a few on this list.
The trucks listed here include a mix of my personal favorites, as well as a few I’ve seen around but haven’t had the chance to try. If you think there’s a food truck deserving of a spot on this list, be sure to let us know in the comments!
1. The Pizza Machine
The Pizza Machine is a mobile eatery housed in a revamped school bus, offering a “pay what you feel” approach for their pizza. The bus roams around Cookeville, frequently setting up shop at popular spots like Red Silo Brewing, with its whereabouts updated on their Facebook page.
Owned by Dylan Neumann, the food truck serves a variety of pizzas, boasting a sizable 40-inch pie as the centerpiece of the menu. The business, while family-run, aims to create a communal vibe, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a slice wherever they park.
2. Gunsmoke’s Burgers and Grille
Gunsmoke’s Burgers and Grille is cementing its reputation as a must-visit food truck in Cookeville, particularly for those in pursuit of the perfect burger. Stationed at Trackside, Cookeville’s dedicated food truck park just behind P-Dilly’s Cupcakes and near the train depot, Gunsmoke’s is serving up delicous burgers that have an unmistakable taste.
The buzz around these burgers is all about the quality and taste. Everything is prepared fresh, and the burgers are made to order, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the food truck’s patrons. The freshness of the ingredients and the care put into each burger are clear from the first bite, making Gunsmoke’s a popular addition to the food scene at Trackside Cookeville.
3. Abuela’s Cuban Cafe
Abuela’s Cuban Cafe is a family-operated food truck that brings the rich flavors of traditional Cuban cuisine to the heart of Tennessee. Stationed at Trackside Cookeville, the mobile eatery is renowned for its authentic Cuban sandwiches, crispy yucca fries, and hearty beef empanadas. It’s a slice of Cuban culinary tradition right next to the train depot, offering a taste of Tampa’s famous Spanish food scene to the locals and visitors alike.
The menu at Abuela’s extends beyond the well-loved classics, with a selection that caters to all, including burgers for the younger crowd. The food truck has quickly become a staple at Trackside, earning accolades for its superb flavors and genuine representation of Cuban fare. It’s a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional meal, with the Cuban sandwich and yucca fries being standout choices that promise a memorable dining experience.
4. Fil-Thai
Fil-Thai food truck is a culinary gem in Cookeville, offering a unique fusion of Filipino and Thai cuisines. As regulars at Trackside, they’ve carved out a niche for themselves with a menu that cleverly combines the savory flavors of the Philippines with the zesty kick of Thai dishes. This innovative blend has sparked interest and appetite in the local food truck scene, making Fil-Thai a go-to spot for those eager to indulge in novel and scrumptious meals.
Their presence at Trackside adds a dimension of international flair, inviting patrons to explore a menu where traditional Filipino dishes meet the bold spices of Thailand. The food is consistently praised for its quality and taste, with each dish showcasing the seamless and delicious merger of two distinct culinary cultures. For food adventurers and fans of Asian cuisine in Cookeville, Fil-Thai is a must-try experience that promises to deliver both good food and a delightful departure from the ordinary.
5. Bondi Bowls
Bondi Bowls serves the Cookeville community at Trackside with a delicious array of fruit bowls, smoothies, and fresh fruit treats. This Crossville-based franchise specializes in promoting clean eating by offering vegan options devoid of refined sugars and dairy, making it a haven for those seeking healthier alternatives. Their menu features a variety of refreshing choices, including popular items like their freshly made lemonade and shaved ice.
Not just a place to grab a quick bite, Bondi Bowls aims to cultivate community through their food. They prioritize ingredients that allow for a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for a hot day or a nutritious snack. With a dedication to serving wholesome food that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is beneficial for the body, Bondi Bowls of Crossville has become a regular at Trackside, inviting customers to enjoy the fresher side of fast food.
6. Big Foot Eats & Treats
Big Foot Eats & Treats is a food truck known for its indulgent and familiar fair-style treats, operating out of Bloomington Springs, Tennessee. This mobile eatery is frequently spotted at the Trackside Food Truck Park, where it serves the Cookeville area, bringing a touch of carnival excitement to the local culinary landscape. The truck’s menu features a variety of sweet treats such as airy cotton candy, classic funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, and decadently fried Oreos, all of which are perennial favorites among patrons of all ages.
The presence of Big Foot Eats & Treats at Trackside Food Truck Park contributes to the vibrant and diverse food scene of the WestSide, making it a popular spot for families and food enthusiasts seeking out fun and delicious experiences. The truck’s offerings evoke the nostalgia of county fairs and festive celebrations, making it a sought-after destination for those in search of good food and good times. As a newer addition to the local food truck community, Big Foot Eats & Treats is quickly becoming synonymous with quick, delectable, and convenient fair-inspired snacks.
7. Helen’s Restaurant
Helen’s Restaurant Food Truck extends the heartwarming experience of its brick-and-mortar establishment to the streets, offering a taste of home wherever it roams. This mobile kitchen brings Helen’s reputation for home-cooked meals and comfort food directly to its patrons, whether they’re at community events or seeking catering services for private gatherings. The food truck serves as a culinary ambassador for the restaurant, delivering its signature dishes that have made the stationary location a beloved eatery in town.
Not only does the food truck provide the convenience of mobility, but it also encapsulates the essence of Helen’s—traditional recipes, hearty portions, and the kind of food that promises a comforting embrace with every bite. The versatility of catering combined with the ability to frequent various events makes Helen’s Restaurant Food Truck a versatile option for those looking to enjoy familiar flavors in a myriad of settings. It stands as a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to spreading the joy of comfort food far and wide.
8. Kona Ice
Kona Ice brings a unique and enjoyable twist to the traditional ice treat experience, offering a mobile paradise that delivers more than just refreshment. With an extensive selection of the most delightful flavors imaginable, Kona Ice is not just about savoring a cool treat; it’s about enjoying a moment of pure, blissful escape. As the whimsical tunes play, customers are invited to drift away to a serene island fantasy, all while indulging in a cup of premium shaved ice that promises an exceptional taste adventure.
This isn’t just any shaved ice; it’s a finely crafted experience, meticulously shaved to create the perfect texture, allowing for the absorption of Kona Ice’s signature flavors in every bite. For those curious about what sets their shaved ice apart, Kona Ice encourages a visit to their informative shaved ice page. There, one can explore the depths of this icy delight and uncover fascinating facts about their product. Proudly serving the Cookeville area and other parts of Tennessee, Kona Ice is more than a treat; it’s a tropical journey offered right where you are.
9. Habibi’s Mexican Kitchen
Habibi’s Mexican Kitchen is a food truck in Cookeville, TN, serving up authentic Mexican street food from its mobile kitchen. The menu has favorites like street tacos and tamales, which have become quite popular with Cookeville locals.
I recently had the pleasure of trying Habibi’s myself, and our food was quite tasty. I’ve noticed that the truck has been very active in the community, making appearances at many events and bringing a taste of Mexico to the area’s food scene. For those looking to sample some of Habibi’s food, check their Facebook page above for tracking their next stop.
10. Grace’s Lumpia
Grace’s is known for serving lumpia out of their mobile kitchen, but they have a host of other items on their menu. We recently stopped by here and ordered a kids burger for $8. That’s fine, it’s a little pricey for these days but ok. When we got it the burger patty was about the size of a Krystal, comically small for a $8 burger.
Anyways, I won’t judge them on that one experience. The ladies working were nice and we didn’t even order what Grace’s is known for, the authentic Filipino lumpia. So next time I’ll have to try it for sure. Grace’s Lumpia just found a permanent home of sorts in the Big Lots parking lot in Cookeville. However they still do events and catering I’m sure.
11. Junkyard Dog
The Junkyard Dog Mobile Kitchen is a vibrant food truck based out of Spencer, TN, known for cruising the streets of Cookeville and delighting the Upper Cumberland area with their specialty hot dogs. They take pride in serving top-notch all-beef hot dogs, including fan favorites like the Chicago-Style Dog and the New York Dog. In addition to these classic offerings, they also serve up hearty baked potatoes.
Customers frequently celebrate the taste of the Chicago-Style Hotdog, often mentioning how it transports them back to the streets of Chicago itself. The warm and welcoming service provided by the owner adds to the charm of the Junkyard Dog experience. With its competitive prices and a menu that’s a hit with locals, the Junkyard Dog Mobile Kitchen is a beloved stop for those seeking an authentic hot dog experience.
12. Bunz on the Run
Bunz on the Run offers a straightforward and tasty menu that includes hot dogs, Italian sausage, and a variety of toppings. They operate out of Crossville, TN, but are often seen around Cookeville, especially at local events like the Cookeville Food Truck Festival. Their all-beef hot dogs, in particular, are a hit with locals.
Recently, I had the chance to try one of their all-beef hot dogs at the festival, and it didn’t disappoint. The truck is a staple in the area, known for serving up satisfying, traditional American fast food. If you’re in Cookeville and looking for a quick, delicious bite, keep an eye out for Bunz on the Run.