Waterfront Restaurants Near Franklin, TN: Where to Dine by the Water in Middle Tennessee
Waterfront restaurants near Franklin, TN, and across Middle Tennessee offer a memorable way to enjoy a meal with a view. Whether it’s the glimmer of a lake at sunset or the gentle flow of a river, dining waterside instantly makes any outing feel like a getaway. While Franklin and Williamson County aren’t packed with waterside restaurants, there are still a few local gems, and plenty more just a short drive away. If you’re willing to explore, you’ll find lakeside patios, riverside decks, and marinas with restaurants perfect for brunch, casual bites, or a special evening out.
This guide covers where to dine on the water in Franklin and Brentwood, plus nearby Nashville and popular lake destinations like Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake.
Paddle Dog
Waterfront Dining in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
Franklin and Brentwood offer a few inviting spots where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a meal with a view of the water. Whether you prefer the small lake in Westhaven or a quiet pond near a neighborhood patio, these local restaurants offer the opportunity to unwind close to home. From casual gatherings to family dinners, here are several places in Williamson County where you can enjoy dining alongside the water.
Paddle Dog at Westhaven Lake – Franklin, TN
Paddle Dog is a family-friendly eatery right on the shore of Westhaven Lake in Franklin’s Westhaven neighborhood. Known for hot dogs, burgers, and pretzels, Paddle Dog also offers craft beer, as well as stand-up paddleboard, canoe, kayak, and bicycle rentals. The patio sits just feet from the water, offering a peaceful view of the lake. • 1006 Westhaven Blvd, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 224-3915 •
Next to Paddle Dog, you’ll find open green space with chairs and picnic tables along the water. It’s not a restaurant, but it’s a comfortable spot to relax with takeout from Paddle Dog, Coal Town Pizza, Scout’s Pub, or other Westhaven eateries, as well as food from seasonal trucks that often park nearby.
Mediterranean Cuisine – Brentwood, TN
Mediterranean Cuisine in Brentwood serves authentic Greek and Lebanese dishes, including shawarma platters, hummus, and fresh-baked pita. The restaurant features outdoor seating overlooking a tranquil pond, providing a pleasant backdrop for lunch or dinner. It’s a welcoming spot to enjoy traditional Mediterranean flavors just minutes from Franklin. • 214 Ward Cir #100, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 661-4100 •
The Hampton Social Nashville Rooftop
Restaurants with Water Views in Nashville, TN
Nashville offers some of the region’s most convenient and varied waterfront dining experiences. Some restaurants sit directly along the Cumberland River, giving diners the chance to watch boats drift by while enjoying everything from classic Southern cooking to modern American fare. Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch downtown or grabbing a burger near the East Bank, these spots provide plenty of atmosphere with a side of river views.
Blue Moon Waterfront Grille – Rock Harbor Marina
One of Nashville’s most beloved waterfront restaurants, Blue Moon Waterfront Grille sits along the Cumberland River inside Rock Harbor Marina. The deck lets you watch boats along the river while enjoying a menu of seafood baskets, fish tacos, burgers, and frozen cocktails. It’s a casual spot perfect for summer evenings. • 525 Basswood Dr, Nashville, TN 37209, (615) 356-6666 •
Shake Shack – River North Nashville
Located in Nashville’s River North district along the Cumberland River, Shake Shack offers a modern take on classic American burgers, fries, and shakes. The spacious patio faces the riverfront greenway and plaza, providing a pleasant backdrop for a meal or a quick stop before exploring the East Bank. With plenty of outdoor seating, beer and wine options, and views of the water just beyond the walking path, it’s an easygoing place to enjoy a laid-back lunch or dinner near the river. • 2300 Bowline Ave #107, Nashville, TN 37207, (615) 535-4403 •
Acme Feed & Seed – Downtown Nashville
While not directly on the water, Acme Feed & Seed offers rooftop views of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium. The first floor has a classic honky-tonk feel, while the rooftop is more relaxed. Enjoy sushi, hot chicken, or a cold beer with one of the best views in downtown Nashville. • 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, (615) 915-0888 •
The Hampton Social Rooftop – Downtown Nashville
The Hampton Social brings coastal-inspired dishes and cocktails to a three-level venue, with its rooftop terrace offering direct views of the Cumberland River. With retractable roofing and stylish indoor‑outdoor seating, it’s ideal for brunch, sunset drinks, or weekend gatherings. Expect handcrafted cocktails, its signature Rosé, and a menu filled with shareable coastal fare like lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and pizza. • 201 1st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201 • (615) 622‑7772 •
General Jackson Showboat – Cumberland River, Nashville
For a fun twist on waterfront dining, step aboard the General Jackson Showboat, a grand, 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat docked near Opry Mills on the Cumberland River. This iconic Nashville cruise combines a Southern-style buffet with live entertainment in a Victorian-inspired dining theatre. Choose between daytime or evening cruises, complete with singers, dancers, and skyline views from multiple decks. • 2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, (615) 458-3900 •
Scoreboard Bar & Grill
Lakeside Dining on Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake is one of Middle Tennessee’s most popular destinations for boating, fishing, and summer recreation. The lakeside restaurants here make it easy to turn a day on the water into a memorable meal. Marinas around the lake offer casual dining options that blend Southern favorites with breezy outdoor patios. From fresh barbecue to tiki bar cocktails, these spots welcome boaters, families, and locals looking to unwind by the water.
Scoreboard Bar & Grill – Four Corners Resort and Marina
Scoreboard Bar & Grill sits dockside at Four Corners Resort & Marina in the Four Corners Recreation Area. Scoreboard delivers a lively lakeside dining experience with a menu of American favorites: burgers, wings, sandwiches, and cold drinks, served on a spacious patio overlooking the water. Big-screen TVs add a sports-bar vibe, and the crowd is a mix of boaters, RV guests, and locals grabbing a meal after a day on the lake. • 4027 Lavergne Couchville Pike, Antioch, TN 37013 • Phone: (615) 641‑9523 •
Shipwreck Cove – Elm Hill Marina
This full-service bar & grill is a family-owned favorite on the lake. With a spacious deck overlooking the water, Shipwreck Cove pulls in summer crowds with its frozen Bushwackers, comfort-bar fare like burgers, wings, fish and chips, and live music on weekends. Its relaxed, lakeside vibe makes it ideal for casual meals by boat or car. • 3361 Bell Rd, Nashville, TN 37214, (615) 872-8800 •
Papa Turney’s BBQ – Nashville Shores Marina
Papa Turney’s is a local favorite for authentic Tennessee barbecue with a lake view. Located next to Nashville Shores Waterpark, the restaurant features a spacious patio overlooking Percy Priest Lake and boat slips just steps away. Guests can settle in at picnic tables to enjoy slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and catfish while live blues or country music plays at Miss Zeke’s Juke Joint, which is adjacent to the restaurant. • 3979 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, (615) 866-8850 •
Hoppy’s Harbor Grill – Fate Sanders Marina
Just downstream from Nashville at Percy Priest Lake, Hoppy’s Harbor Grill is nestled right on the docks at Fate Sanders Marina. It offers a varied menu, from breakfast sandwiches to seafood baskets, burgers, nachos, and draft beer. The covered deck and lakeside patio deliver sweeping views of the water, abundant boat traffic, and colorful sunsets, making it a photographer’s favorite. • 3157 Weakley Lane, Mt. Juliet, TN, 37122, (615) 459-6219 •
Moby Dicky’s
Dining by the Water on Old Hickory Lake
Old Hickory Lake stretches across miles of shoreline northeast of Nashville and is home to some of the area’s most established lakefront restaurants. Whether you arrive by boat or by car, you’ll find a variety of places to eat, ranging from seafood spots to marina bars with live music. Many of these restaurants have large outdoor decks that provide panoramic views of the water, making Old Hickory Lake a favorite destination for anyone who wants to enjoy a meal with a classic lake backdrop.
Cumberland Canteen – Cherokee Marina & Campground
Right on the waterfront at Cherokee Marina near Lebanon, Cumberland Canteen combines upscale comfort food with a scenic lakeside setting. Featuring multiple indoor dining rooms, two full bars, and a generous outdoor patio, the restaurant offers sunset views over Old Hickory Lake’s calm waters. The menu ranges from shareable appetizers and hand-tossed pizzas to hearty entrées like shrimp primavera, prime rib, surf & turf, and blackened catfish . With a mix of boat slips and lakeside parking, Cumberland Canteen is a destination for both boaters pulling up dockside and families driving in for dinner. • 450 Cherokee Dock Rd, Lebanon, TN 37087, (615) 444-2783 •
Sam’s Sports Grill – Blue Turtle Bay Marina
Sam’s Sports Grill sits at Blue Turtle Bay Marina and offers some of the best lake views around. This spot pairs hand-formed burgers, pizzas, wings, and seafood with an upbeat sports bar atmosphere and dozens of TVs inside and out. The large patio is dog-friendly and often packed with boaters and locals enjoying 2-for-1 drinks during happy hour or watching the game by the water. It’s an easygoing place to relax over lunch or dinner with a front-row seat to Old Hickory Lake. • 2001 Lakeshore Dr, Old Hickory, TN 37138, (615) 357-0532 •
Scoreboard Bar & Grill – Cedar Creek Marina
Nestled dockside at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet, Scoreboard Bar & Grill delivers casual lakeside dining with classic American fare like burgers, wings, BBQ, oysters, and house‑made hot chicken, paired with ice-cold cocktails and local beers on tap. With big-screen TVs inside and a relaxed outdoor deck facing the water, it’s a perfect hangout for boaters and locals craving cold drinks, live music, and a view right on the lake . • 9120 Saundersville Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, (615) 288-3977 •
Moby Dicky’s – Old Hickory Lake
Moby Dicky’s stands right on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, offering beautiful water views from its outdoor patio. A beloved local seafood spot, it blends sports-bar energy with a festive lakeside atmosphere, highlighted by dishes like blackened mahi-mahi, fried catfish, drunken shrimp, and crab cakes. With a full bar, live sports broadcasts, and a family-friendly menu, it’s a top pick for waterfront dining on Old Hickory Lake. • 155 Sanders Ferry Rd, Hendersonville, TN 37075, (615) 757-3755 •
Awedaddys Bar & Grill – Gallatin Marina
Located on a small inlet of Old Hickory Lake at Gallatin Marina, Awedaddys Bar & Grill is a beloved seasonal favorite in Sumner County . Whether you dock your boat or drive in, you’ll find fun lakeside vibes with live music, cocktails, and a full menu featuring seafood, burgers, tacos, and a Sunday brunch with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. With warm summer evenings, outdoor seating, and scenic water views, it’s one of the most memorable waterfront dining spots around. • 727 Marina Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, (615) 452-4777 •
The Rudder – Anchor High Marina
The Rudder is a lakefront restaurant and bar located at Anchor High Marina on Old Hickory Lake. Known for its spacious patio overlooking the water, it offers a menu of seafood baskets, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and popular weekend brunch options. Live music is featured regularly, and boaters can dock right next to the patio to come ashore for a meal or drinks. With cold beers, signature cocktails, and panoramic lake views, The Rudder is a go-to spot for lunch or a summer evening out by the water. • 126 River Rd, Hendersonville, TN 37075, (615) 348-0129 •
Edible Nashville
Bonus Experience: Seasonal Creek Dining
For something a little different, keep an eye out for seasonal creekside dinners hosted by local groups. Wines in the Fork, which previously held its dinners in Leiper’s Fork, has moved its events to Bell’s Reserve on the Harpeth River in Kingston Springs, TN. Other creek dinners are organized by Edible Nashville and BAM Foods Catering. While these are not year-round restaurants, they offer memorable pop-up meals right in the water or along the banks.
If you’d rather just enjoy a glass of wine by the creek without a reservation, Crown Winery’s tasting room now occupies Wines in the Fork’s former location in Leiper’s Fork. The tasting room is open for walk-in guests, and visitors can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle at picnic tables beside the water. Live music is featured most weekends, and occasional evening events bring in local performers for a festive concert atmosphere.
Plan Your Perfect Waterfront Outing
Dining on the water near Franklin and Williamson County may take a little extra planning, but the atmosphere is worth the short drive. Whether you prefer a casual patio at a marina or a polished rooftop overlooking the river in Nashville, Middle Tennessee has plenty of ways to pair great food with a scenic backdrop.
Before you go, keep a few tips in mind to make the most of your experience:
Check Hours and Seasonality: Many lake restaurants operate seasonally or have limited winter hours. It’s a good idea to verify current hours before heading out.
Arrive Early: Waterfront patios fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early helps you secure a good spot.
Consider Reservations: Where possible, call ahead to reserve an outdoor table and avoid long waits.
Pair Your Meal with an Activity: Make a day of it by renting a boat, paddleboard, or kayak, then relaxing over lunch or dinner with a view.
From the laid-back patios in Franklin and Brentwood to the scenic spots on Percy Priest Lake, the lively decks along Old Hickory, and the riverside restaurants in Nashville, a meal by the water feels like a small vacation, no plane ticket required. Bookmark this guide to discover new favorites and plan your next outing!
