Cookeville has a smash burger shop, a pub burger, a diner burger, and a bar burger from a bar open since 1950.
What Makes a Great Burger in Cookeville
A smash burger on this list has a sear, crispy edges, and a juicy interior. A pub-style thick burger should not be gray in the middle. The bun holds the burger and is toasted or warm. Each burger place on this list has one preparation it is known for.
1. Dave's Old Fashioned Burger
172 W Broad St (Trackside food truck park) | (931) 651-6791 | davesoldfashionedburger.com
Dave's Old Fashioned Burger is at the Trackside food truck park, 172 W Broad St. This list ranks Dave's first for burgers in Cookeville. Dave's cooks smash-style burgers to order. The patty is pressed onto a flat-top at high heat, which makes a crust on the outside and leaves the interior juicy. Seating is at a picnic table.
2. Father Tom's Pub
32 N Cedar Ave | (931) 854-9484 | fathertomspub.com
Father Tom's Pub is at 32 N Cedar Ave. The Pub Burger has bacon, cheddar, sautéed onions, and BBQ sauce. The onions are caramelized. The BBQ sauce is smoky. Father Tom's is a pub, and the burger is served with cold draft beer.
3. The Doodle
2331 W Broad St | (931) 372-2663
The Doodle is at 2331 W Broad St. The Doodle is a diner. The burgers are large, thick, and served with fries. The menu also has catfish and homemade desserts.
4. Irrationale Kitchen + Taps
1227 N Washington Ave | (931) 854-1378 | irrationalekitchen.com
Irrationale Kitchen + Taps is at 1227 N Washington Ave. The burgers use toppings chosen for each burger. Irrationale has craft beer.
5. Brass Rail
18 W Broad St | (931) 526-5949
The Brass Rail is at 18 W Broad St. The Brass Rail has been the oldest bar in Cookeville since 1950. The burgers have no elaborate toppings. The bar serves cold beer with the burger.
6. 37 Cedar Restaurant & Bar
37 N Cedar Ave | (931) 400-0137 | 37cedar.com
37 Cedar is at 37 N Cedar Ave. The kitchen is scratch-made. The burger is on the menu on nights when it is listed. 37 Cedar has a bar.
7. Cookeville Burger Company
Cookeville has burger shops focused on smash or griddle burgers, local beef, and a short menu. Check current locations and hours for newer dedicated burger operations. The food truck park and the downtown dining corridor are still adding places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best burger in Cookeville, TN? Dave's Old Fashioned Burger at the Trackside food truck park on West Broad is the most consistently praised burger on this list. The burgers are smash-style and cooked to order on high heat. Father Tom's Pub Burger is the top pub burger on this list.
Where do locals eat burgers in Cookeville? Dave's Old Fashioned Burger and Father Tom's Pub come up most often in local recommendations. The Doodle has a following for diner-style burgers. The Brass Rail serves a plain burger in the oldest bar in town.
Is there a smash burger in Cookeville? Dave's Old Fashioned Burger at the Trackside food truck park on West Broad cooks smash-style burgers to order. This list ranks that burger first in Cookeville.
Does Cookeville have a good diner burger? The Doodle at 2331 W Broad St serves the diner burger on this list. The portions are large.
What is a good burger place in Cookeville for a beer and a burger? Father Tom's Pub serves the Pub Burger with cold draft beer. The Brass Rail is the older bar for a beer and a burger.