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Rib City

3.9 (80 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Rib City Photos

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RIB CITY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Outdoor seating
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Rib City

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Chicken & BBQ Pack
Emma P.

This is a place to love. If you're traveling through and stopping in Cookeville I recommend grabbing a delicious plate of bbq. I know it's tempting to stop at something familiar like the Olive Garden, or the Outback Steakhouse that's right on the strip, but do yourself a favor and branch out. The bartender is amazing. She'll tell you what to get. She takes care of the locals that obviously come to see her and I watched her spread the love to the other sections I the restaurant too. What an absolute gem. The ribs were flavorful, the sauces that are made in house had just right amount of tang but the meat is so good it doesn't need to be smothered in sauce (try it without the sauce). The portions are huge so come hungry.

Entrance
Antonette B.

Food is delicious Service is good Ambiance is good. Stopping by from Chicago- California. It's a must to try their ribs. Fried okra- Olala!!! Thank you for welcoming & great service. Pic's below is provided

Bar area
Gary N.

Was drive back to Knoxville from middle Tennessee and searched for BBQ places along the way and decided to give Rib City a shot. Overall, a pretty nice place just off I40. Easy on and off. Sat in bar area and ordered a half chicken diner with bake beans and fries. I forgot to take a picture because I was dove in when it hit the table. Chicken was fresh and tasted great with the sweet BBQ sauce. They have two other sauces but the Sweet is my pick. Bake beans were a little sweeter than they needed but tasted good. Comes with toast. Service was very quick and attentive to our refills and anything else we needed. I would certainly stop here again when coming thru.

Mummy ribs.  The worst I've had.  No bbq restaurant would dare put this in front of a customer
Javier M.

Decided to stop at Rib City for dinner. Ordered a full rack of ribs - what else to get at a place that has Ribs on their name. I almost never complain, but most people would have returned that plate. I don't see how those ribs could have been any dryer. I also don't see how they could have done this in ignorance, they knew what they were serving me. They were days old, shrunken, reheated multiple times. I ate them, paid for the meal and left a tip for my server, but I am definitely not coming back and had to write this review.

Menu Cover
Anthony L.

You know you at a good rib place when you open your car door and the aroma of hickory hits your nose. The food was prepared fresh. Customer service was very good. All came out as ordered.

Mike V.

I truly enjoyed my visit to Rib City in Cookeville, TN. I ordered a salad of all things...lol, but it was delicious! The ranch dressing was excellent!!! My friend ordered the chicken tenders and I tried a couple of them with their amazing BBQ sauce. Next time I go, I will definite try the ribs and brisket. Can't wait until my next visit

Half chicken, beef, turkey, beans, coleslaw, fries

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Reviews are generally positive. People highlight the flavorful barbecue dishes, generous portions, and friendly staff.

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3 months ago

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Crystal C.

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1 year ago

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2 days ago

Great food, and service! Always enjoy stopping by Rib City when I pass through town. And it's Locally owned and operated!

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10 months ago

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4 months ago

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3 months ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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5 months ago

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5 months ago

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5 months ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

The food is always good and the ambiance is so friendly! We love Rib City and would recommend it to everyone!

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6 years ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

Great bbq and killer smoked wings. Wished they had better salads. Okra appetizer is great!

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4 years ago

Great BBQ , but our favorite is the French fried okra. The batter is crisp and light.

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3 years ago

All five of us got something different and we all loved everything. Very good - big portions.

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4 years ago

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9 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

Good food, good variety, service was adequate but less attentive than I expected but they were busy.

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8 years ago

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Ask the Community - Rib City

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Which Wich Superior Sandwiches - Order bag art.

Order bag art.

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Which Wich Superior Sandwiches - The interior is a little bit cramped, but the flow is good so you will be in and out quickly.

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The interior is a little bit cramped, but the flow is good so you will be in and out quickly.

Rib City - bbq - Updated October 2026

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