Cookeville has independent restaurants with scratch-made kitchens and cocktail menus. The range on this list runs from an Irish pub to upscale American tapas.
What Makes a Great Restaurant in Cookeville
The restaurants on this list cook from scratch. The owners are present, and the staff knows the menu. The same standard holds on a Wednesday night when the dining room is not full.
1. The Putnam Room
319 E Spring St | (931) 644-3722 | theputnamroom.com
The Putnam Room is at 319 E Spring St. The menu is tapas-style sharing plates. The Putnam Room has a cocktail program. The Putnam Room has 4.5 stars across 140 reviews at an elevated price point. The menu changes.
2. 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 American food. 37 Cedar has a cocktail menu. 37 Cedar has 4.5 stars across 362 reviews. The service is described as knowledgeable and friendly.
3. Irrationale Kitchen + Taps
1227 N Washington Ave | (931) 854-1378 | irrationalekitchen.com
Irrationale Kitchen + Taps is at 1227 N Washington Ave. The menu combines flavors from more than one influence. Irrationale has a craft beer list. Irrationale has 4.5 stars across 160 reviews. The restaurant is on North Washington, off the downtown core. The room is quieter on busy weekends.
4. Father Tom's Pub
32 N Cedar Ave | (931) 854-9484 | fathertomspub.com
Father Tom's Pub is at 32 N Cedar Ave. Father Tom's is an Irish pub. The Pub Burger has bacon, cheddar, sautéed onions, and BBQ sauce. The menu includes other pub food and cold draft beer. Father Tom's has 309 reviews. The pub is used for weeknights, games, and after-work beer and dinner.
5. Savor Cookeville
35 W Broad St
Savor Cookeville is at 35 W Broad St, in the space Seven Senses used. The menu is upscale American and seasonal.
6. Crawdaddy's West Side Grill
Crawdaddy's serves Southern comfort food with Gulf Coast influence. Seafood and Tennessee ingredients are on the same menu. Crawdaddy's does not require a reservation or a dress code. Crawdaddy's has a regular following. The portions are fair.
7. The Brass Rail
18 W Broad St | (931) 526-5949
The Brass Rail is at 18 W Broad St. The Brass Rail has been open since 1950 and is the oldest bar in the city. The menu is cold beer and burgers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Cookeville, TN? For upscale dining, The Putnam Room at 319 E Spring St and 37 Cedar at 37 N Cedar Ave are the top choices on this list. Both have 4.5-star ratings, scratch-made food, and cocktail programs.
What are the best places to eat in Cookeville for a date night? The Putnam Room is the date-night pick on this list. 37 Cedar is the next pick. Both have cocktail programs.
Where do locals eat in Cookeville, TN? Father Tom's Pub is a regular casual pick. 37 Cedar and Irrationale Kitchen have regulars. The Brass Rail has been open for more than 70 years.
Does Cookeville have good restaurants? Cookeville has about 35,000 people. The city has independent restaurants with scratch-made food and cocktail programs.
What is the nicest restaurant in Cookeville, TN? The Putnam Room is the most upscale dining room on this list. The format is tapas, with cocktails, and the room is used for special occasions.
The Putnam Room menu changes. Father Tom's Pub Burger is bacon, cheddar, sautéed onions, and BBQ sauce.