Eating in East Cookeville.
East Cookeville includes neighborhoods and corridors heading toward Monterey and the Cumberland Plateau. Expect a mix of local spots, everyday restaurants, and road-trip-friendly places along the way.
Restaurants in East Cookeville
Showing 1 of 1 listing(s) in this area.
Gio’s Pizzeria
$$Gio’s Pizzeria is a popular place to eat in Cookeville near W Main St. It is listed under Italian & Pizza. with a relaxed, everyday fee…
Key parts of East Cookeville
Think about where you are starting from and whether you are staying in town or heading toward Monterey.
Some East Cookeville restaurant options sit closer to neighborhoods and smaller commercial strips. These work well if you live on the east side or are staying with friends or family nearby.
- Good choice when you do not want to cross town.
- Often easier parking and slightly less traffic.
- Look for locally owned spots mixed with a few chains.
As you head east toward Monterey, you will pass places that cater to travelers and locals alike. This can be a good area for a stop if you are already driving that way.
- Useful if you are heading onto the plateau or toward Knoxville.
- Can feel quieter than the main west side corridors.
- Combine with a stop in Monterey for more variety.
If you keep going east past Cookeville’s main cluster, you move quickly into more rural stretches, scenic drives, and eventually plateau communities.
- Plan fuel and food stops, especially if you are exploring back roads.
- Look for local diners or markets along the way.
- Pair with state park or overlook visits when possible.
What East Cookeville is best for
East Cookeville is a practical choice for locals and for trips heading toward the plateau.
Many east side visits are simply about staying close to home — grabbing a quick bite without driving across town.
- Expect comfort food, burgers, pizza, and casual spots.
- Check American & burgers and Italian & pizza.
- Look for smaller centers rather than big corridor clusters.
If you are heading to Monterey, Crossville, or other plateau destinations, East Cookeville can be a smart place to eat before you get into more rural stretches.
- Eat in town, then continue east for your hike or drive.
- Or stop again on the way back through Cookeville.
- Pair with stops from the Nearby Towns & Day Trips hub.
Getting around East Cookeville
A few simple notes to keep in mind when you pick a place to eat on the east side.
East Cookeville does not usually feel as busy as some parts of the west side, but traffic can still pick up at peak times. Many routes are straightforward, with a mix of neighborhood streets and through-roads.
- Check drive times if you are coming from the far west side.
- Consider making a food stop here if you are already heading east.
- Use this area when you prefer a quieter feel to the main corridors.
If you want a cluster of options in a small area with more nightlife and coffee, downtown or parts of West Cookeville might be a better match.
- Choose downtown for a walkable evening.
- Choose West Cookeville for big corridors and shopping.
- Use East Cookeville when you value a quieter, straightforward stop.