Speakeasies, Spirits, and Cocktails: 10 Franklin Bars You Can’t Miss
Franklin, Tennessee is home to some distinctive and intriguing bars. Whether you’re looking for a specialty cocktail, a fine wine, or a locally crafted spirit, these one-of-a-kind bars offer more than meets the eye. Each location on this list has a story to tell and something special to offer. Some are housed in historic buildings, while others feature innovative technology or offer exclusive experiences. A few even come with a touch of mystery—ghost stories, secret entrances, and Prohibition-era vibes.
Ready to explore? Here are 10 bars in Franklin, Tennessee that promise more than just a drink.
Dottie’s Speakeasy at Southall Farm & Inn
Tucked away on the picturesque grounds of Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, Tennessee, Dottie’s Speakeasy offers a nostalgic experience. Follow the path to Dottie’s back door and discover a space brimming with vintage kitsch and homey decor. Surrounded by timeless portraits and comfy seating, the bar serves up craft cocktails, light bites, and live entertainment.
For those staying overnight at Southall, entry to Dottie’s Speakeasy is complimentary—a great way to end your day in style.
• 2200 Osage Lp, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 282-2000 •
Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club
Step into the roaring 1920s at Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club in downtown Franklin. Known for its authentic speakeasy feel, this cocktail club offers a unique experience, starting with its concealed entrance. Located in the alley behind Mellow Mushroom on Main Street, the entrance is marked by a switch that, when flipped, lights up a signal to guide you in.
Inside, the ambiance is rich with Prohibition-era influences, from the art deco-inspired decor to the drink menu that pays homage to classic cocktail recipes. Beyond the cocktails, Amendment XVIII offers spirits, wines, and small plates. Stop by for Jazz Sundays from 5 to 8 pm and enjoy live performances.
• 317 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (629) 241-9030 •
O’ Be Joyful
Raise a glass at O’ Be Joyful, where a Civil War-era slang term for homemade brews gives life to a modern-day whiskey bar. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot, tucked right in the middle of Franklin’s Main Street, boasts a narrow storefront marked by a distinctive round sign. It’s easy to walk past without realizing you’ve just passed one of Franklin’s best drinking spots.
With exposed brick walls and warm wood accents, this hidden-in-plain-sight bar may be small, but it’s full of character. Grab a spot at the window to sip your drink and enjoy a burger while people-watching along Main Street.
• 328 TN-6, Franklin, TN 37064 •
1799 Kitchen and Cocktails Bar
Nestled in the lobby of the Harpeth Hotel, 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails Bar is a stylish spot that adds a touch of sophistication to downtown Franklin’s bar scene. Beyond the elegant setting, what sets this bar apart is its large selection of handcrafted cocktails, fortified wines, and local beers. It’s an ideal stop for a pre-dinner drink, a casual meet-up with friends, or a quiet moment to enjoy a sip of something special.
• 130 2nd Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 786-0840 •
JJ’s Wine Bar
Located at the corner of Main Street and 2nd Avenue, JJ’s Wine Bar occupies a former private residence that is not only listed on the National Historic Registry but also rumored to be haunted. But what makes JJ’s truly different is its wine-dispensing machines, which allow patrons to self-serve a rotating selection of 28 different wines by the glass. Beyond the machines, JJ’s also features an extensive bottle list, additional wines by the glass, premium beers, and a large selection of liquors and bourbons.
At JJ’s, the setting is relaxed, with walls adorned with artwork by local artists—available for purchase. For those who prefer the outdoors, JJ’s offers a wrap-around porch where you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the sights of downtown Franklin. With its dog-friendly patio, happy hour specials, and food menu featuring light fare, appetizers, and desserts, JJ’s is a must-visit for wine lovers.
• 206 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 942-5033 •
Stable Reserve
Stable Reserve, located in the heart of downtown Franklin, is a distillery, cocktail bar, and coffee shop. Housed in a former livery stable dating back to the 1800s, the historic feel of the space is preserved with the original horse stalls forming the foundation of the bar. Here, the spirits are distilled locally at their Columbia Avenue distillery and the coffee is sourced from local roasters. Enjoy cocktails, tasting flights, and mocktails as well as a full-service coffee bar, open daily from 8 am to 3:30 pm.
Exclusive bourbon experiences, such as the Bourbon Tasting and Blend Your Own Bourbon sessions, provide a way to learn about and explore the world of bourbon. Additionally, Stable Reserve hosts the Stable Songwriter Series, a premier songwriter round led by Bridgette Tatum. Be sure to stop by the small retail shop, where you can pick up bottled whiskey, cocktail recipe books, and branded merchandise to take home.
• 412 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 435-3715 •
The Skylight Bar
Situated prominently in the Grand Hall of The Factory at Franklin, The Skylight Bar is a lively place to have a drink. Bathed in natural light from the clerestory windows, the space is cheerful and the menu is eclectic, featuring a mix of classic and creative options.
Special events, such as Trivia Tuesdays, turn an evening at The Skylight Bar into a party. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, meeting up with friends, or stopping by during a visit to Franklin, The Skylight Bar is not to be missed.
• 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064 •
The Parlor at Bubble Joy
Created by the owners of Gratitude Ranch, The Parlor at Bubble Joy in Leiper’s Fork offers an experience unlike any other bar in town. Instead of alcohol, you’ll find craft mocktails and oxygen bar sessions for adults 21+. The drink menu features adaptogen-based elixirs and hemp-infused beverages as well as creamy THC mocktail floats in flavors like orange cream, root beer, and cola. Additionally, The Parlor will soon offer a tea bar featuring herbal blends for a hot beverage option.
Even the sodas are special here, with brands like United Sodas of America, known for natural flavors, and Poppi, which offers low-calorie sodas with prebiotics. Drinks can also be customized with edible glitter, popping pearl bubbles, and organic popsicles. Guests with a sweet tooth can pair their mocktails with treats from the adjacent Bubble Joy Candy Shoppe. Stop by on a Friday for Open Mic Night Hemp Happy Hour, where aspiring performers have the chance to contribute to the entertainment.
• 4208 Old Hillsboro Rd Ste 7 & 8, Franklin TN 37064, (615) 435-3208 •
The Tornado Room
Beneath the iconic Country Boy Restaurant in Leiper’s Fork, you’ll find The Tornado Room. Once a tornado shelter, this underground speakeasy has been transformed into a swanky spot where visitors can enjoy cocktails and live music.
As a nod to Prohibition-era speakeasies, a green light above the door marks the entrance, hearkening back to the tradition of green doors signaling secret establishments. At the bar, there’s no set cocktail menu—bartenders create custom drinks tailored to your preferences. Dining options include charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. The speakeasy’s moody interior and backyard hangout, complete with a fire pit, make it a great spot to take a break after exploring the town of Leiper’s Fork.
• 4141 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Happenchance Social
Happenchance Social in Nolensville, TN is a lounge that combines the style of a big-city establishment with the friendly charm of a small-town hangout. A key feature of Happenchance is its wine dispensing system, allowing you to explore a wide selection of wines at your own pace. In addition to wine, Happenchance boasts a cocktail menu featuring drinks crafted with locally sourced ingredients. To complement the drinks, the lounge offers a selection of soups, small plates, and charcuterie boards, perfect for sharing with friends.
Founded by local residents, Amanda and Dylan Guy, Happenchance aims to create a welcoming community space with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
• 7180 Nolensville Rd Suite 1G, Nolensville, TN 37135, (615) 283-8644 •
Raise a Glass to Franklin’s Speakeasies, Cocktails, and Spirits
From hidden speakeasies with Prohibition-era charm to venues offering cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and spirits, Franklin, Tennessee offers a range of unusual and distinctive drinking experiences. These 10 bars are more than just places to quench your thirst, they’re destinations in their own right.
