Cookeville has full meals under $15.
1. El Compa Tacos
1175 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38506 Hours: Daily 10am-8:10pm
El Compa Tacos is at 1175 S Willow Ave. Hours are daily from 10am to 8:10pm. El Compa has a 4.7 rating on Google. The corn tortillas are made in house. The carne asada has char at the edges, a juicy center, and salt and citrus seasoning. Two or three tacos are under $15. Carne asada, fish, and shrimp tacos are on the menu. The guacamole is made fresh. Tamales are on the menu when they are available, wrapped in corn husks. The masa holds its shape and is not dry or crumbly. Burritos are large enough for a full meal. Tortas are on the menu. Service is fast. This list ranks El Compa first for cheap eats in Cookeville.
2. Ralph's Donut Shop
59 S Cedar Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501 Hours: Tue-Sat 5am-11:30pm
Ralph's Donut Shop is at 59 S Cedar Ave. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5am to 11:30pm. Ralph's is closed Sundays and Mondays. The case has over 40 varieties. Named donuts include the Buttertwist, the Blueberry Cake, the Raspberry Filled, the Glazed, and the Red Velvet Cake. A full bag costs less than a single latte at most coffee chains. The donuts are made fresh. The glazed donuts are still warm early in the day. Ralph's also serves savory breakfast. A meal here can be under $10.
3. Dave's Old Fashioned Burger
172 W Broad St, Cookeville, TN 38501 (Trackside, 1 block from the Depot) Hours: Wed-Thu 10:30am-7pm, Fri 10:30am-8pm, Sat 11:30am-8pm
Dave's Old Fashioned Burger is a food truck at Trackside, 172 W Broad St, one block from the Depot. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday 10:30am to 7pm, Friday 10:30am to 8pm, and Saturday 11:30am to 8pm. Each patty is weighed and pressed daily. The cheese is sliced in house. Sides are cooked in beef tallow. Dave's does not use seed oils. The fries have beef-fat flavor. The smash leaves a crust on the patty, and the cheese melts into that crust. The classic burger with fries is under $15. The page ranks that burger above a chain drive-through burger at twice the price. A gluten-free order is lettuce wrapped. Trackside has seating and an outdoor area. Dave's is staying at this location. The truck can sell out.
4. Stroud's Barbeque
1201 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501 Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-8pm
Stroud's Barbeque is at 1201 E Spring St. Stroud's has been family owned since 1995. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30am to 8pm. Stroud's is closed Sunday. Stroud's has a drive-through. A pork plate with two sides is around $10 to $11. The Pork With Slaw, Mayo & Pickle sandwich is $6 and some change. A baked potato loaded with barbecue is on the menu. Jalapeño cornbread is the heat option next to the plain roll. Banana pudding is $4.39.
5. Pho Kitchen
109 N Cedar Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501 Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 11am-8pm (closed Wed)
Pho Kitchen is at 109 N Cedar Ave. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11am to 8pm. Pho Kitchen is closed Wednesday. Pho Kitchen has a 4.7 rating on Tripadvisor. The Grilled Pork banh mi (Banh Mi Thit Nuong) is $5.79. The Grilled Chicken banh mi is $6.09. The sandwich has pickled daikon and carrot, jalapeño, and bread that holds the fillings. Bun Thit Nuong, grilled pork over rice noodles, is around $15. Pho Ga (chicken) and Pho Bo (beef) are on the menu at a higher price. The broth is clear, with anise and cinnamon. Vegetarian options are on the menu. The room is small.
6. The Doodle
2331 W Broad St, Cookeville, TN 38501 Hours: Tue 6am-2pm, Wed-Sat 6am-8pm
The Doodle is at 2331 W Broad St. The Doodle calls itself home of the Giant Cheeseburger and Mile High Pie. Hours are Tuesday 6am to 2pm, and Wednesday through Saturday 6am to 8pm. The Giant Cheeseburger with fries is $12.69. Pie slices (chocolate, coconut, pecan, fudge) are $4.39 each. The Doodle is a southern diner. Breakfast is served until closing. Platters come with biscuit and gravy or toast. The room is plain. The portions are large. The catfish dinner and chicken liver dinner are under or at $16.
7. Stroud's Barbeque Drive-Through Strategy (Alternative Pick: El Tapatio)
El Tapatio is a Mexican restaurant on the Willow Avenue and interstate corridor. Other Mexican restaurants on that corridor serve lunch plates under $10. Lunch plates at El Tapatio include Taco Loco, chimichanga, and combination plates under $12. The margaritas are cheap. The chips are free. Salsa comes with the meal. Lunch specials run from 11am to 3pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I eat cheap in Cookeville TN? El Compa Tacos on South Willow Avenue is the first cheap meal on this list. Two or three tacos with house-made corn tortillas and fresh guacamole are under $15. Ralph's Donut Shop on Cedar Avenue is the breakfast pick. A full bag of fresh donuts is under $10. Stroud's Barbeque on East Spring Street has a pulled pork sandwich for around $6 and a pork plate with two sides for roughly $11.
Best affordable restaurants in Cookeville Tennessee El Compa Tacos, Dave's Old Fashioned Burger at Trackside, Stroud's Barbeque, Pho Kitchen, and The Doodle serve full meals for under $15. Stroud's has a drive-through. The Doodle on West Broad is the Southern diner on this list.
What is under $15 to eat in Cookeville? Under $15 in Cookeville: two or three tacos at El Compa Tacos, a smash burger and fries at Dave's Old Fashioned Burger, a pork plate with sides at Stroud's Barbeque, a grilled pork banh mi at Pho Kitchen, the Giant Cheeseburger at The Doodle, or a bag of donuts and a biscuit at Ralph's Donut Shop.
Cheap food Cookeville TN El Compa Tacos (1175 S Willow Ave) serves tacos and burritos. Stroud's Barbeque (1201 E Spring St) serves pulled pork plates and has a drive-through. Ralph's Donut Shop (59 S Cedar Ave) serves donuts and biscuits starting at 5am. Dave's Old Fashioned Burger at Trackside serves a smash burger. All four are locally owned.