Rib City - Cookeville

Wow, I feel really bad for this review as the server and staff were EXCELLENT. The food on the other had was terrible. We got there at 750 at night, which may have contributed to the issues. This was the worst BBQ I've ever had. Worse than theme park BBQ. It was so DRY. Bland. There was no sauce on the meal, maybe it HAS to have it but good BBQ should never require sauce. The mac n cheese tasted like the smell of playdough. The baby back ribs were very tender but again, dry and bland. No seasonings, no flavor. We did a three choice combo where I picked ribs, "beef" and a 1/4chicken of dark meat. The beef was so dry it didn't even get a napkin moist. It pulled all the moisture from my mouth. The chicken had less moisture than jerky. The pulled pork my wife had only tasted like mustard, likely the rub they put on before cooking.

On a positive note, the baked potato was hot and ironically the juiciest thing on the plate. The staff was amazing. They were truly embarrassed and ashamed the kitchen let them down.

We will likely never be back. If you want BBQ, the McDonald's McRib is 10x better. And that is truly shameful to say.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5

Every time I go, my food is always fresh & tasty.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ribs

1st time going the place was spotless for 4 pm on Sunday but not many people there

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Food was good but portions were small for price.

Do not order Togo they will mess it up and not give a shit no matter how Much you spend. Yes I spoke to manager? Bartender? Food is awesome
If you ever get it right

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Great food and service! The brisket is on point! Baked beans and green beans are the best around.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Service was not good at all

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Coleslaw a La Carte, Ribs

Fantastic Ribs, no need to add extra sauce.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Please read the original review listed below as it gives some context to my updated review. I decided to come in and give them another try after a terrible experience a few nights ago. My waitress, Jessica, did an awesome job! She deserves a raise for her experience, attention, and personality! She can teach the managers how to take care of customers! The food was great! Today’s experience was 5 star!

Here is my review from the previous trip…

I get seated and it took the waiter 15 minutes to ask me what I wanted to drink! Then, I ordered my food and it took forever. The “rib and rib combo” was horrendous! It was burnt, did not come off the bone easily, etc. I didn’t ask for the manager but the waiter got him when I told him these things were dry and did not taste good! The manager said “yeah they’re a bit over done” and gives me a “free appetizer” card for “next time”. Yeah… there won’t be a next time for me! $23.68 for food that was barely edible! Stand clear of this place. Waste of time, crappy tasting food! I wish I could post a picture because I have one. Is there a way to post the picture of the garbage I was sold? The least you think they would have done is not charge me for this crap! Oh well lesson learned, never going here again. I highly recommend NOT going here! Stand clear, folks!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had lunch . Rib plate. First time there. So very good. Mac and cheese was amazing.. ribs so tender.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They made room for our massive family our server was not very good food not very good ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: BBQ, Salad

I really love their Rib City Club Salad!
It's a delight and a healthy balanced meal.
Tasted fresh and the turkey was warm and delicious on top of the salad! 10/10 would order it again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Salad, Smoked Turkey

The ribs were absolutely delicious,, but you got to order a whole side of a cow to get full, the mac and cheese was so mushy I couldn't eat it,, but the service and management was on the ball they took care of me so hats off to rib City,,, waitress was Jessica and she did an awesome job

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Onion Rings, Ribs, Beef Brisket

Stopped by for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by good tasting food, plenty to eat, excellent price and outstanding service. Will add restaurant to my go-to list.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Great barbecue

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: BBQ, Ribs