Takeout from the restaurants below has to hold in the container. These kitchens are independent restaurants in Cookeville.
1. Stroud's Barbeque
Stroud's Barbeque is at 1201 E Spring St. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Stroud's has a drive-through. The pulled pork is smoky and moist, and it is not greasy. The bark on the ribs stays intact in the container. The menu also has barbecue nachos, a barbecue baked potato, and a barbecue burrito. Sides include beans, mac and cheese, and potato salad, made to order. The jalapeño cornbread is the heat option next to the plain roll. Banana pudding is the dessert. Call ahead for a large order.
2. Bubba Gandy Seafood
Bubba Gandy Seafood is at 370 S Lowe Avenue. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bubba Gandy sells wild-caught Gulf seafood fresh to cook at home, and also cooks it on site. The Hoot Plate is one pound of Royal Red shrimp, corn, potatoes, and andouille sausage in a boil bag. Royal Reds are deep-water shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico, with a sweeter and more tender flavor than standard white shrimp. Bubba Gandy steams and seasons them. The menu also has shrimp po'boys, lobster rolls, calamari, and fried green tomatoes. Reviews call the shrimp po'boys some of the best in the region. Bubba Gandy has a 4.9 Google rating. Arrive early on Saturday for the full selection.
3. Big Tony's Pizzeria
Big Tony's Pizzeria is at 866 E 10th St. Big Tony's makes fresh dough daily and cooks on a wood-fired setup. The Yelp rating is 4.7 across nearly 700 reviews. Slices can be ordered with different toppings. Whole pies are also available. The sauce is bright and slightly tangy, with oregano and garlic. The cheese portion is generous. The crust has char and a slight bitterness. The pizza holds for the drive home. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6:30 p.m. Big Tony's is closed Mondays. Order through the website. Call ahead for a group order.
4. El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant
El Tapatio has been open since 1992. There are two locations: 190 S Willow Ave (931-520-4393) and 900 S Jefferson Avenue (931-372-0246). The menu includes fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and a seafood section. Chips and cheese dip are on the menu. Portions are large. The salsa has heat. The pickup line moves fast. Both locations have online ordering and are on DoorDash.
5. Persis Indian Grill
Persis Indian Grill is at 601 S Jefferson Ave, Suite C. Persis is one of the few Upper Cumberland kitchens with butter chicken. The menu includes curries, rice dishes, and naan from a tandoor oven. Butter chicken, Kadai Paneer, and lamb dishes are on the menu. The sauces stay together in the container. The naan stays soft in the bag. Portions are large. The DoorDash rating is 4.7 across more than a thousand orders. Persis delivers and offers pickup. Online ordering is available.
6. World Foods International Deli
World Foods International Deli is at 22 N Cedar Ave. The shop is a market and deli with pizza. The chicken pesto pizza is a repeat order in reviews. The cheesecake is made in-house. Sandwiches include gyros, pastrami, and rotating house specials. Parking and seating are limited. World Foods has a 4.7 Google rating. Customers include Tennessee Tech students and downtown office workers. Later afternoon is the quieter pickup window. The shop is downtown.
7. Gene's Place Pizzeria
Gene's Place Pizzeria is at 4 W Spring St, on the square. The oven is wood-fired. The crust has a crisp exterior and a soft interior. The sauce is made in-house. The owner is present. Reviews mention the hospitality along with the food. The menu also includes salads, soup, chili, and soft pretzels with cheese sauce. Gene's pours draft beer in the restaurant. Call the restaurant for takeout. The pizza is best eaten within 20 minutes of pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best takeout in Cookeville TN? Stroud's Barbeque is the all-around takeout pick on this list, with a drive-through on East Spring Street. Pulled pork and ribs hold up on the drive. Big Tony's Pizzeria on East 10th Street is the pizza takeout pick. The crust is wood-fired. Bubba Gandy Seafood on South Lowe Avenue has a 4.9 Google rating. The Gulf seafood boil bags travel in the bag they come in.
Best food to order for delivery in Cookeville Persis Indian Grill on South Jefferson Avenue delivers through DoorDash, with a 4.7 rating across more than a thousand orders. Butter chicken, Kadai Paneer, and lamb dishes are the dishes named for transport. El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant has two locations and delivers through DoorDash from both. Stroud's Barbeque also delivers. The sauce keeps the meat moist.
Good takeout places Cookeville Tennessee Takeout spots on this list: Stroud's Barbeque (drive-through, 1201 E Spring St), Big Tony's Pizzeria (866 E 10th St), Bubba Gandy Seafood (370 S Lowe Ave, Wednesday through Saturday), Persis Indian Grill (601 S Jefferson Ave), El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant (two locations), and World Foods International Deli (22 N Cedar Ave) for sandwiches and pizza.
What restaurants have good takeout in Cookeville? Stroud's Barbeque, Big Tony's Pizzeria, Persis Indian Grill, and El Tapatio are the takeout restaurants named in this answer. Stroud's has a drive-through. Big Tony's handles pizza transport. Persis delivers Indian food. Gene's Place Pizzeria on the square offers wood-fired pizza takeout for a short drive.