Rib City - Cookeville has quickly established itself as a local favorite for barbecue enthusiasts. Located conveniently at 1431 Interstate Drive, this barbecue restaurant offers a mouthwatering menu that has left customers raving. Reviewers consistently highlight the restaurant's standout dishes, particularly the baby back ribs, touted for their tenderness and flavor, described as "falling off the bone" delicious.
Service at Rib City shines just as brightly as the food. Many patrons commend staff members like Kayla and Jessica for their attentiveness and warmth, enhancing the dining experience. Whether for a casual lunch or a catered event—like Greg Borek's successful graduation party for 75—both food quality and staff efficiency are consistently praised. Specials like the brisket, pulled pork, and various sides also receive high marks, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Moreover, the prices are noted to be reasonable, which makes a visit to Rib City a satisfying option for families and groups. With memorable flavors and a friendly atmosphere, Rib City - Cookeville sets a high bar in the BBQ scene of Cookeville. Your next pit stop could very well be here, proving that great barbecue is just a drive away!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great tea selection
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Has private dining room
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Rib City - Cookeville
Greg Borek
Jun 26,2025
We had a graduation party for 75 people catered by Rib City. Chad and Bo arrived on time with everything that we had discussed. They were efficient and the food was delicious and plentiful. We could not have asked for a better experience and strongly recommend Rib City!
J T
Jun 23,2025
Kayla was amazing and our food was delicious! We enjoyed a variety of things: onion rings, brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sliced beef, fries, mac n cheese, baked beans and garlic bread. The long island tea was just right and coconut cream pie for dessert topped off the night! VERY reasonable prices and fast wait time on food
HP
Jun 12,2025
We shared 1.5 baby back ribs. The food and the sides were great! I don't care much for Mac and cheese in BBQ places but this was great. The server was very friendly and caring. Overall, we are super satisfied with our pit stop!
Chris S
May 18,2025
We stopped at Rib City BBQ on our way to Gatlinburg, TN, and we’re so glad we did! The food was absolutely delicious—especially the baby back ribs, which were cooked to perfection. Tender, flavorful, and falling off the bone! A huge shoutout to Flow, the best waitress ever! She was friendly, attentive, and made our experience even better. Great service and even better BBQ—what more could you ask for? We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in the area!
Nikki Torrance
May 14,2025
We ate lunch at Rib City today and it has been our best experience yet! The food was absolutely amazing! We had the most wonderful server, Jessica!! She went out of her way to get some different kinds of really hot sauces for my son. She checked on us multiple times as we ate, she keep our drinks full and just had the most wonderful personality. If you go to Rib City in Cookeville ask for Jessica for service.
Viola Orton
Apr 29,2025
Very good food. Fantastic service. The waitress was able to help with what I was looking for. A baked potato with pulled pork piled on top which was perfect. Hubster had ribs and pulled pork. I tried one of the ribs it was amazing also. Definitely will be back when we are in the area.
Jordan Peacock
Apr 14,2025
Great BBQ place with a fun and warm atmosphere, good food, friendly and fast service, close to the exit off I-40 going by Cookeville. I'm partial to pulled pork or brisket if I am going to a BBQ place, but I tried the burger, and it's amazing! They capture that "back yard barbecue" smoky char-grilled flavor in the best way. The fried okra is just the right level of crisp without being greasy. The pulled pork is pretty good, too, and I just can't get enough of those cobettes. There's also a tempting selection of desserts.
Lisa Bush
Apr 1,2025
I can tell you this, don’t go to Rib City unless you get Flo. I don’t even go in unless she’s there. She’s the best bartender and she makes you feel like family. It’s a true experience with Flo. You don’t want to miss going in to meet her. I don’t even like BBQ and I go to see Flo.
Reviews For Rib City - Cookeville