Romo's Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Cookeville

We had lunch here on August 27, 2019. It was 4 adults at a bit after regular lunchtime. They had a decent number of tables seated for the time but not so many that servers seemed super busy. Our server came over right away for drink orders which included 2 medium sized margaritas (they apparently have 3 sizes) and soft drinks. With the drinks served he took our food order and I was pleasantly surprised when the food was served within 7 minutes. However with the food served, that was the last we saw of our server. Drinks were never refilled, even though I ran out of ice tea and our son finished his lemonade well before we finished our meals. Tried to flag down a server but none ever came past our table until we were done eating and a different server came to ask if we wanted the check. When I asked where our server was we were told he had left for a break between his shifts. I appreciate working doubles, my wife and I both worked as servers and restaurant managers for years pulling many doubles. However before leaving it's a curteousy to at least let your tables know you're going and introduce them to the person who will be helping them. This didn't happen and neither the original not the second server ever checked on us once the food was brought to the table. As for the food! They have a fantastic selection that left me wondering what I should try first. I also like they have a lunch version of many entree's so you needn't spend $12 for lunch. They start you with chips and salsa, plenty of each, and the chips are freshly made. I ordered the beef chimichanga while my wife had their beef flautas. Both were very good but their Spanish rice was some of the best I have ever tried. My brother in law had their crazy chicken which he said was excellent as well it looked great and our son just munched on chips and queso. The decor of the restaurant is authentic Mexican restaurant. Having lived on the border of Mexico for many years I spent a fair amount of time across the border and I truly felt as if I were back in Rosarito or Ensenada. The sights and smells all came wafting back. It's hard to believe that it used to be an Applebee's as they have a very distinct layout but Romos has done the work to make this place their own and it shows. My only complaint about the building was the floors were VERY slippery. From the minute we walked into the restaurant we were sliding across the floor. I don't know if it was the tiles they have down or perhaps a poor mopping job but we almost fell several times.

The atmosphere and food really make this a nice place but the service left something to be desired. That said, we will be going back to give them another try because we really liked the food and everyone has an off day. If you're looking for a place with good food that is quick out of the kitchen and has a good atmosphere, I'd...

Update I have since been back a few more times and would now give a full four stars for the food as well. I guess the salty pinto beans was an anomaly; the rest of the food was good, with the exception of the tortilla chips, they remain on the cold side and slightly stale, but everything else I had every time was very tasty. The Texas Rice which has steak, shrimp, chicken & veggies over rice covered with cheese sauce is a family favorite! I gave this restaurant four stars but would've preferred to give 3.5 (for the decor and service only). Ate here last night and there was nothing bad about my visit, there just wasn't anything outstanding about it, either. The decor is very pretty and colorful in the typical touristy style; it's all brand spanking new, bright and shiny. The service was good even though they were slammed. The food is just ok; there was nothing that I said, wow this is really good. The chips were cold and rather tasteless. Queso dip just so so. Salsa almost tasted like bottled. Refried beans were very salty and the rice was very bland. The beef and chicken fajitas were actually good, but considering I liked the chips, salsa, queso, beans and rice better at other restaurants in town, I would just go there, as they also have good fajitas. My dinner companion felt the same way, stating they would not be returning (for the food). Maybe some of their other dishes are good enough to come...

Let me first start off with the Meal was amazing! Completely authentic. Portion sizes where larger then I've seen anywhere else, and the price was shockingly affordable for the whole family... ( we fed 7 adults 2 children, with tons of leftovers to take home, and a rather large tip, still came in under $150). The wait staff brought out food as it was done, so we received it hot, they dont have 3 wait staff to a table, so he made several trips, but worth the minimum wait, I never dislike the idea of people carrying a large tray full of hot food above my head anyways. The atmosphere so family friendly, full of hand made authentic "ART" furniture.... my grandbabies are Preschool age and usually dont like to sit in high chairs, they insisted, due to the bright colors and pictures made into the wood, and the fact they could climb in and out themselves once unlocked. The owner, or family of the owner constantly came over playing with them, bringing them extras, encouraging them to eat and try new things. They enjoyed the attention, we got the feeling that is the overall experience for families in general. It wasnt a creepy stalker type at all. Just very friendly staff all around. Highly recommend to any and all. Has definitely just became one of our number 1 places to eat, even though it's a very long drive for us. Sometimes the experience and food are worth the trip, especially if you are a foody...