- Attraction: Stroud’s Barbeque
- Location: 1201 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://stroudsbarbeque.com
Middle Tennessee knows good barbeque, but there’s something different happening at a modest spot on East Spring Street.
Since opening its doors in 1995, Stroud’s Barbeque has become the kind of place where locals grab lunch three times a week and road-trippers pull off the interstate specifically to get their fix.
Owner Slade Stroud grew up washing plates for his mother’s catering business at just three years old, and that early introduction to Southern cooking clearly stuck.
What started as a family operation has grown into a Cookeville institution that manages to keep prices shockingly reasonable while serving up authentic Tennessee barbeque that draws crowds from morning till the 8pm closing time.
Menu Highlights
BBQ Nachos: These are the undisputed champion of the menu. Generous portions of tender pulled pork or chicken pile high atop crispy tortilla chips, creating a mountain of flavor that could easily satisfy two people.
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Keep Exploring →The meat is moist and flavorful, and when combined with the toppings, you get the perfect bite every single time. Friday is nacho day for the daily special, so you can score this fan favorite for just over ten dollars.
Pulled Pork: The foundation of so much on this menu, and for good reason. The pork is smoky and tender, pulling apart easily without being overly dry. While it’s delicious on its own, combining it with one of their sides takes it to another level.
Whether you pile it onto a sandwich with their signature sweet sauce or mix it with mac and cheese, this pork is consistently satisfying.
BBQ Baked Potato: Thursday’s special showcases one of the more creative menu items. A fluffy baked potato gets loaded with your choice of BBQ meat, transforming a simple side into a filling meal.
The combination of the creamy potato with savory barbeque creates comfort food at its finest, and it’s substantial enough to keep you full for hours.
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Discover MoreRibs: Available exclusively on weekends, these ribs disappear fast, so arriving early is essential if you want to snag an order.
They come six to a plate and benefit from a generous coating of Stroud’s sweet sauce. The meat pulls cleanly from the bone, and while they’re not swimming in smoke flavor, the quality and tenderness make up for it.
The Sweet Sauce: This house sauce deserves its own mention because it truly makes the meal. Leaning toward the sweeter side of the BBQ sauce spectrum with just a hint of spice, it complements the meats beautifully.
When dining in, you can add as much as you want, which is a nice touch since the drive-through portions are more limited.
Banana Pudding: Don’t skip dessert here. The banana pudding has achieved near-legendary status among regulars, featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers. It’s the perfect sweet finish after a savory barbeque meal and lives up to every bit of hype you’ll hear about it.
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Keep Exploring →Sweet Tea: Only three restaurants make the cut for some locals when it comes to sweet tea, and Stroud’s is proudly one of them.
Perfectly sweetened and refreshing, it’s the ideal beverage to wash down all that delicious barbeque. They also offer a popular half-and-half option that balances sweet tea with lemonade.
Daily Specials: Every day brings a new deal. Wednesday features discounted sandwiches, Tuesday is pork plate day, Thursday showcases the baked potato, and Friday highlights the nachos.
These rotating specials keep the menu exciting and provide exceptional value, with most specials hovering around the ten-dollar mark or less.
Brunswick Stew: When the weather cools down from October through March, this seasonal offering appears on the menu. Rich and hearty, it captures that true Southern comfort food essence. Twelve ounces of stew with a roll makes for a warming lunch on chilly Tennessee days.
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Discover MoreSides & More
Baked Beans: These aren’t your average canned barbeque beans. Sweet, savory, and loaded with flavor, they’re substantial enough to almost serve as a meal component rather than just an afterthought. Multiple folks specifically mention making return trips just for these beans.
Mac & Cheese: Creamy and satisfying, this classic side pairs exceptionally well with the pulled pork. Some folks like mixing the two together for an extra-indulgent bite. While it could use a bit more sharpness for some tastes, it’s comforting and hits the spot.
Potato Salad: A golden-hued version that hits all the right notes for potato salad lovers. It’s a reliable choice that complements the richer meat options without overwhelming your palate.
Coleslaw: The vinegar-based slaw here is a refreshing alternative to mayo-heavy versions. Light and tangy, it cuts through the richness of the barbeque and adds a nice crunch. It’s particularly good piled onto a pulled pork sandwich.
Jalapeño Cornbread: For those willing to swap out the standard yeast roll, this cornbread variation adds a spicy kick to your meal. The jalapeños provide just enough heat without overpowering the sweet cornbread base.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere & Setup
Dining Space: The interior is compact and functional rather than spacious. While tables are available, the dining room fills up quickly during peak times.
It’s clean and well-maintained, though it’s definitely geared more toward efficiency than lingering over your meal. Think of it as a place to enjoy great food rather than an extended dining experience.
Drive-Through: The drive-through stays constantly busy, which speaks volumes about both the food quality and convenience factor.
Lines move relatively quickly despite the volume, and it’s perfect for grabbing lunch on a tight schedule. The aroma wafting from the building as you wait will definitely make your mouth water.
Cleanliness: Tables get wiped down promptly even during rush periods, and the restaurant maintains high standards throughout. The restrooms are notably clean, which matters when you’re traveling.
Other Considerations
Pricing: This is where Stroud’s really shines. For BBQ of this quality, the prices are remarkably affordable. Most plates run between eight and eleven dollars, and the daily specials offer even better deals.
You can easily grab a satisfying lunch for under ten dollars, which is increasingly rare these days. The value-to-quality ratio here is outstanding.
Portions: Expect generous servings that actually fill you up. Whether you order nachos, a plate, or a loaded potato, you’re getting a substantial amount of food for your money. The portions justify the price and then some.
Timing Your Visit: Get there early if you want ribs on the weekend, as they consistently sell out. The restaurant closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly for dinner.
Wednesday’s sandwich special also draws crowds, so arriving before the lunch rush is wise. Lines form at the drive-through during peak hours, but they move steadily.
Family-Friendly: This is definitely a spot where families are welcome. The casual atmosphere, quick service, and affordable pricing make it practical for parents. Kids will find options they enjoy, and nobody needs to worry about formal dining etiquette.
Catering Available: Planning a large event? Stroud’s handles catering for groups ranging from 20 to thousands, with buffet packages that include multiple meats, sides, banana pudding, and tea.
They’ve catered everything from weddings to corporate events, making it easy to bring this local favorite to your gathering.
Payment: Cash prices are standard, but credit cards are accepted with a small convenience fee. It’s worth noting if you prefer to pay with plastic.
Stroud’s Barbeque
📍 1201 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
