Drake's

Drake's on S Walnut Avenue is part of a regional restaurant group that has found a consistent audience in Cookeville. The menu covers familiar American ground - a build-your-own burger program, sandwiches, salads, shareables, and a cocktail menu that skews toward the fun and approachable. The bar program is active, the space is lively, and the open-daily hours mean there's always a crowd.

For Cookeville's Tennessee Tech crowd and the post-college demographic that stays in the area, Drake's fills a specific niche: a full bar with food good enough to justify dinner, at prices and an atmosphere that don't require a special occasion. It runs until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on Friday and Saturday, which puts it in the late-night dining rotation as well.

With 770+ reviews at a 4.2 rating, Drake's has built a steady audience in Cookeville. It may not be the most distinctive restaurant in the city, but it does its job - quality food, good drinks, and a space where people want to spend time.