Nestled amidst the captivating hills of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, Cookeville serves as a serene sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its close proximity to numerous state parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails, this quaint city is not only a hub for outdoor enthusiasts but also boasts an evolving culinary scene. For those seeking distinctive dining experiences, Cookeville offers a slew of unique restaurants that promise a treat for the taste buds.
Of course Cookeville has many of the chain restaurants that we all know and love. There’s Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, the new Texas Roadhouse, Drake’s, and many more. However in this article I’m highlighting only what I consider to be unique restaurants in Cookeville. This essentially means locally owned and different from other restaurants.
Here’s a curated list of some standouts in the area:
Unique Restaurants Near Cookeville, TN
1. Father Tom’s Pub
- Address: 32 North Cedar Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Website: fathertomspub.com
- Highlight: A cozy Irish pub setting offering craft beers and a fusion of Irish-American dishes.
Strategically positioned amidst the bustling activity of Cookeville, Father Tom’s Pub sits just across from 37 Cedar and a stone’s throw away from Trackside at the Depot and popular shopping spots. While its central location places it in the heart of the action, its unique charm is further amplified by outdoor seating, allowing patrons to soak in the local vibe.
Though the pub may be compact in size, it boasts a diverse craft beer selection at its well-appointed bar. Not just a place for drinks, Father Tom’s is also renowned for its exquisite food offerings, ranging from mouth-watering sandwiches and lunch specials to delectable salads and dinner dishes. This distinctive spot is a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.
2. The Blue Pig Smokehouse
- Address: 35 West Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Website: thebluepigcookeville.com
- Highlight: Renowned for its smoked meats, especially the pulled pork. Rustic ambiance with authentic Southern vibes.
Located on the west side of Cookeville, The Blue Pig Smokehouse is right across Broad Street from Seven Senses and just a few steps down from Crawdaddy’s. The place offers an amazing barbecue experience, and I personally loved the brisket.
When you walk in, you order at the counter, grab your drinks, and then find a spot to enjoy your meal. Their side dishes, especially the mac n cheese, stood out to me as well. While it’s a departure from the typical dining setup, the delicious food speaks for itself.
3. Seven Senses Food & Cheer
- Address: 32 West Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Website: sevensensesfood.com
- Highlight: A gastronomic delight offering a variety of dishes ranging from Southern comfort food to innovative culinary creations.
Seven Senses, situated directly across from Crawdaddy’s in Cookeville, is a spot I often find myself returning to. While it does have a bit more indoor seating than Father Tom’s, it’s still not a sprawling venue and lacks outdoor seating. A favorite move of mine is to secure a high-top table by the window, ideal for people-watching.
Some of my top picks from the menu include the seared tuna, their range of burgers, the house-made stir fry, and truly any of their fish or steak options. The overall culinary experience at Seven Senses stands out, and it’s evident there’s a dedicated and skilled chef working behind the scenes, consistently delivering on quality and taste.
4. Crawdaddy’s West Side Grill
- Address: 53 West Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Website: crawdaddyswest.com
- Highlight: An eclectic mix of Cajun and American fare, with a spacious patio perfect for live music events.
Crawdaddy’s, known for its Cajun flair, has impressively bounced back after a major kitchen fire that halted their operations for over a year. Today, they’ve not only rebuilt but appear to be thriving more than before. The establishment itself is uniquely designed, with seating options both upstairs and downstairs, and the choice of enjoying your meal indoors or outdoors on both levels.
The atmosphere is lively, often filled with the chatter of patrons and the buzz from the bustling bar area upstairs. As for the food, I’ve always had a good experience. Their Caesar salad is a personal recommendation, but truly, anything with a Cajun touch here is worth a try. And don’t miss out on the fried green tomatoes — they’re exceptional.
5. Mauricio’s Italian Restaurant
- Address: 232 North Peachtree Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Website: N/A
- Highlight: Traditional Italian dishes served in a warm and welcoming setting, complete with vintage decor.
Mauricio’s is nestled within a historic house a few blocks from the west side, tucked away in a quaint neighborhood. Parking is available on the side of the street, but before you plan a visit, a reservation is crucial — they’re often booked, so calling at least a week in advance is recommended. Walk-ins aren’t entertained, a testament to the restaurant’s exclusivity and high demand.
Every dining experience I’ve had here has been top-notch. From the filet and eggplant parm to their fish dishes, the quality of food is consistently high. Equally commendable is their attentive service.
While Mauricio’s leans towards the upscale end in terms of pricing, given today’s standards, it offers good value for the quality. For anyone craving authentic Italian in Cookeville, Mauricio’s is my go-to recommendation.
6. Foglight Foodhouse
- Address: 275 Powerhouse Rd, Walling, TN 38587
- Website: foglightfoodhouse.com
- Highlight: Situated by the Caney Fork River, this restaurant offers Southern gourmet dishes in a rustic riverside setting.
Established by a trio of brothers in ’97, Foglight Foodhouse brings a Cajun dining experience to Walling, TN. For those who fancy Crawdaddy’s, this could be another delectable option to explore.
The ambiance of the place is enhanced by its proximity to the river. The food didn’t disappoint during my visit, though do note they serve only beer, no wine. While I didn’t get a table with a riverside view, the atmosphere and the culinary delights made it a memorable experience. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop.
7. The Stolen Coin, Gainesboro
- Address: 107 E Hill Rd, Gainesboro, TN 38562
- Website: N/A
- Highlight: A quaint and charming eatery serving up local favorites with a touch of culinary flair.
Venturing into Gainesboro, The Stolen Coin is an oyster bar at its core. However, it’s not all about the oysters. Dive into a seafood spread, from shrimp to fried catfish sandwiches.
They’ve got a bit of everything, from the unexpected – think pork belly and fried chicken livers – to classics like ribeyes and salmon. Craving a po’ boy? They’ve got an assortment to satisfy. Top that with their renowned Bloody Marys, wings, and French onion soup, and you’ve got quite the varied menu.
I’ve yet to make it to The Stolen Coin in Gainesboro myself, but it’s on my radar. I am not even a big oyster or shrimp fan, but it seems their menu is varied enough for me to find something.
8. Bull and Thistle, Gainesboro
- Address: 102 S Grundy Quarles Hwy, Gainesboro, TN 38562
- Website: bullandthistle.com
- Highlight: Experience the fusion of Gaelic and Southern cuisines in a beautifully restored historic building.
Bull and Thistle definitely qualifies as one of the more unique restaurants near Cookeville. Situated in downtown Gainesboro within an old historic-style building on the square, it showcases a distinct Celtic flair. On weekends, live bands contribute to its lively atmosphere.
Not only are they known for their standout steaks, but their overall menu is quite impressive. Whether you’re drawn to the energetic bar or prefer a quieter dining space, this spot has you covered. Next time you’re in the vicinity, I recommend giving it a go.
9. Steel Coop, Livingston
- Address: 215 E Main St, Livingston, TN 38570
- Website: N/A
- Highlight: Serving up classic American dishes with a modern twist in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Just a block or so off the Livingston downtown square, you’ll find The Steel Coop. Walking in, there’s a bar to the left and a spacious dining area. They’ve got a decent beer selection if I recall correctly.
The service is good, and the food? Well, their steaks and appetizers are quite tasty, and I’ve got to give a nod to their burgers too. They’ve also branched out with a second location at Sunset Marina on Dale Hollow Lake.
I’ve personally eaten here several times and think it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. It’s not really convenient to Interstate 40, but it’s not far from the Livingston Hwy 111 exit.
10. 37 Cedar
- Address: 37 W Cedar Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Website: 37 Cedar’s Website
Last but certainly not least, 37 Cedar is one of my regular favorites. Located right across from Red Silo, this gem anchors the heart of the west side. Set in an older building with its rich history, they’ve recently expanded into the neighboring space, substantially increasing their seating capacity.
This new addition not only allows for more guests but makes it an ideal spot for larger parties and events. The eatery masterfully combines the vibe of a pub with the finesse of fine dining.
You can either snag a spot at a table or pull up a chair at the bar. With an impressive beer and wine selection, coupled with an almost consistently delicious menu, it’s no wonder I find myself frequenting here so often.