Savor the Flavor of the Upper Cumberland: Fall 2025 Food & Drink Edition

From cozy morning coffee houses to iconic steak houses that have defined generations, our local culinary landscape is the soul of our community. Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine — Eat & Drink (Fall 2025) is a premium print volume dedicated entirely to the chefs, owners, bakers, and brewers who make dining across Putnam County a world-class experience.

Cover Feature: Five Decades on the Hill with Nick’s Restaurant & Lounge

Few places have shaped Cookeville’s dining scene quite like the restaurant sitting like a crown jewel overlooking Jefferson Avenue. Our Fall 2025 cover celebrates Nick Philson Jr. and Nichole Wilson, the incredibly kind brother-and-sister duo carrying on an extraordinary family legacy.

Our exclusive editorial profile traces their roots back to 1971, when their father, Greek immigrant Nick Philson Sr., partnered to open El Toro Steak House. Transitioning to Nick’s in the 1990s, the siblings grew up in the kitchen—doing everything from washing dishes to managing the floor. Dive into their heartwarming story of dedication, family values, and deep gratitude for the most loyal customer base in Middle Tennessee. Learn the secrets behind what locals call the “Cookeville Standard”—their legendary roasted prime rib, hand-cut choice steaks, homemade French onion soup, and famous ice cream pie.

What’s Inside This Mouth-Watering Collectible Issue:

• The Ultimate Local Dining Guide: A curated showcase featuring 28 local restaurants, cafes, and breweries, making this the most comprehensive map of Cookeville eats ever assembled.

• Behind the Kitchen Doors: In-depth, personal interviews with local culinary innovators about their craft, seasonal menus, and what it takes to feed the Upper Cumberland.

• Local Foodie Inspiration: Discover the hidden gems, date-night booths, and private dining spaces perfect for your family’s next milestone celebration or weekend brunch.

• Beyond the Menu — Forensic Science Feature: Read the fascinating global career profile of local resident Dianne Peterson, a renowned forensic handwriting expert whose pursuit of truth is rooted deeply in faith and family.

• Premium Editorial Layout: Printed on our signature heavy-weight, high-end paper with breathtaking, vibrant food photography, this back-issue is a timeless piece of Cookeville culture designed to beautify your home.

Whether you are a lifelong resident who has spent decades dining at Nick’s, a newcomer eager to explore the city’s best local flavors, or a passionate supporter of independent independent journalism, the Fall 2025 Eat & Drink edition connects you to the heartbeat of our tables.

Bring the best of Cookeville’s culinary world to your coffee table. Order your physical copy of the Fall 2025 Food & Drink Edition today.