Spankies: Cookeville's Favorite Bar & Grill for Great Food

Top categories (Salads / Sandwiches / Local Favorites / Seafood / Steaks & Chops)
Most orders: $10–20

Welcome to Spankies, a vibrant bar and grill nestled in the heart of Cookeville, TN. Located at 203 E 9th St, this culinary gem invites you to immerse yourself in a delightful experience characterized by delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service.

At Spankies, the menu is a celebration of classic flavors with a twist. Whether you’re craving a hearty burger or a savory steak, they offer a variety of options that cater to every palate. Highlights include the Spankies Burger, featuring an 8oz Angus beef patty grilled to perfection with American cheese and fresh toppings, all for just US$10.00. For those seeking something a bit more adventurous, the Steak & Mushroom sandwich, with tender sliced N.Y. strip and gruyere cheese, is sure to satisfy.

Local favorites abound, with dishes like the Chicken & Spinach Manicotti and Cajun Shrimp & Chicken each offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Priced reasonably, these dishes exemplify home-cooked comfort that makes you feel right at home.

For steak lovers, Spankies doesn’t disappoint. Their J.D. Pork Chop, marinated and smoked with a Jack Daniels glaze, is a standout dish worth savoring. Meanwhile, the Au Poivre Filet Medallions served with classic French peppercorn sauce epitomize elegance on a plate. It’s clear that quality is a priority here.

Though some customers noted occasional service hiccups during busy hours, the overall sentiment remains clear: the food shines brightly. As one patron reported, the spinach dip and grilled chicken are simply “fantastic,” presenting flavors that linger long after the meal is finished.

If you're looking for a drink to complement your meal, the Firefly drink, a Friday special, comes highly recommended for its refreshing taste—a perfect match for those warm evenings.

Spankies also offers a lively atmosphere, often featuring live music that enhances the dining experience. With a covered outdoor seating area, it’s an ideal spot for a memorable date night or a casual gathering with friends without burning a hole in your wallet.

In conclusion, Spankies is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination where food lovers can relish comforting dishes in a relaxed setting. With top-notch offerings at reasonable prices, this bar and grill should be on every foodie’s radar when visiting Cookeville. Don’t miss out on what Spankies has to offer—you won’t be disappointed!

Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery

Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining

Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards

Caleb Smith

29/10/2025

Did not order any food so I cannot rate that. Beverages were fine they frequently run out of stock on Heineken & Dos Equis it seems. There is often live music & the stuff from bar maiden to security all seem well mannered.

Lindsey Roberts

20/10/2025

The food was absolutely fantastic! The bread was the best I’ve had in a long time, perfectly fresh and flavorful. The spinach dip was amazing—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The roasted potatoes were to die for, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning. And the grilled chicken? Amazing—tender, juicy, and so well prepared. Definitely a meal worth coming back for!

Lyndsey Andreasen

10/10/2025

Definitely recommend the Firefly drink on Friday’s as a $4 special; it was made very well and tasted great, very refreshing if you like sweet tea. Service was good. Relaxing atmosphere. Food was okay, limited menu options but everything we ordered tasted pretty good. On the upper scale of $20 per meal.

Kevin Glenn

24/09/2025

They were short handed on waiters like every restaurant, but the food and atmosphere was great.

James Newton

25/07/2025

First time trying this place. Really great experience. Friendly servers, great food at what felt like very reasonable prices. We tried the Spicy Shrimp Tacos and Fish Tacos with salads. Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was just right for a date night that didn't hurt the wallet. ($40 without alcohol) Food came out at the just the right times - just no complaints at all. They have a nice covered outdoor seating area that would be awesome at the right time of the year but there was more seating that I imagined likely inside as well. Give it a shot!

Jammie Hoffman

24/07/2025

1st time going to Spankies and I’m hooked! The chip & guacamole are amazing You get more chips than you could imagine! The Tuna Tartar was A first for me I’ve never had that and my friend who took me to lunch there, ordered it, and I tried a bite, and it was actually surprisingly very good. I’ve never had tartar and was skeptical, but the presentation, the flavor, and everything about it was amazing. The Thai lettuce wraps, if I’m being honest were a little underwhelming that was the only thing that I didn’t love at Spankies I ordered the chicken tostada salad and it did not disappoint I will definitely be ordering that again. Next time I go. The atmosphere was great for a casual lunch with friends or even a date spot. We ate inside. They also have outdoor seating the staff amazing.

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