Happy Hour at The Factory at Franklin: Where to Sip, Snack, and Unwind
Happy hour at The Factory at Franklin is a great way to experience some of the area’s best food and drinks in one of Franklin’s most iconic destinations. Originally built in the 1920s as a stove factory, this restored landmark now serves as a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment in the heart of Franklin. The building still showcases its original character with exposed beams, clerestory windows, and brickwork, while housing boutiques, event spaces, and businesses.
The Factory is made up of multiple wings, halls, and buildings, each with its own mix of shops, restaurants, and gathering places. It’s a place where visitors can explore and discover something new with every visit. The aptly-named Grand Hall anchors the central space and frequently hosts live music and community events. Liberty Hall and Turner Theater add to the energy with concerts, performances, and private events throughout the year. Outdoor courtyards and patio areas provide additional spots to enjoy the atmosphere.
With so much happening at The Factory at Franklin, it’s easy to pair your visit with a great meal or drink. A growing list of bars and restaurants offer afternoon specials on everything from cocktails and small plates to ramen and local beers. Whether you’re grabbing a quick drink before a show, meeting friends for an early evening catch-up, or taking a break from exploring the shops, there are plenty of inviting spots to relax and enjoy happy hour at The Factory at Franklin.
etch Franklin
Occupying the former Viking Store and Cooking School inside The Factory, etch Franklin is the second location of Chef Deb Paquette’s acclaimed restaurant, known throughout Middle Tennessee for inventive flavor combinations and globally inspired cuisine. The restaurant’s modern interior and welcoming bar area are perfect for a relaxed afternoon or early evening visit. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Paquette’s Nashville flagship or discovering etch for the first time, the Franklin location brings her signature style to a setting that fits right into The Factory’s creative energy.
Available Tuesday through Sunday from 2–5 pm at the bar, happy hour at etch includes:
- $5 draft beers
- $7 featured wines
- $9 featured cocktails
The bar menu also includes a rotating selection of small plates, such as the signature Roasted Cauliflower with truffle pea pesto and the warm Buttermilk Brioche Rolls served with scallion cream cheese butter. etch’s sophisticated menu and inviting interior make it an ideal setting for a midday refresh, a conversation over wine, or a pre-show stop.
The Skylight Bar
Located in the center of The Factory’s Grand Hall, The Skylight Bar offers a large, welcoming space that encourages conversation and connection. Known not only for its craft cocktails but also for hosting weekly trivia nights and live music, The Skylight has become a favorite gathering spot for locals. Designed to honor the building’s rich history and architectural charm, The Skylight embraces the spirit of community and hospitality that defines both The Factory and the town of Franklin itself. Soaring ceilings, tall windows, and historic details make this bar feel special.
Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 2 to 6 pm and includes:
- $3 off all classic cocktails
- $2 off all draft beers
The bar’s open layout and central location make it ideal for people-watching, grabbing a drink between shops, or meeting friends before dinner. Whether you’re unwinding after work, starting a night out, or simply passing through after a day of sightseeing, The Skylight Bar is a great place to slow down and enjoy a laid-back, community-driven atmosphere, especially during happy hour.
The White Alligator
Located in one of The Factory’s more intimate corridors, The White Alligator brings the soul of New Orleans to Franklin through rich flavors and festive cocktails. The space channels the energy of a French Quarter eatery, with rustic finishes and the aroma of Cajun and Creole dishes coming from the kitchen. This relatively new addition to The Factory is known for Southern staples like po’ boys, gumbo, jambalaya, fried oysters, hushpuppies, and seafood platters, all prepared with Louisiana flair.
The bar is just as much a draw as the food, offering local brews like Abita Amber and Urban South IPA, a curated wine list, and creative house cocktails. Throughout the year, The White Alligator also leans into its festive roots by celebrating special occasions like National Rum Day on August 16th, making it a lively destination no matter when you visit.
Happy hour at The White Alligator is available Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 6 pm and includes:
- Cajun-inspired bites like boudin balls, shrimp cocktail, and beignets
- Local beers, including Abita Amber and Urban South IPA
- Bubbles, whites, and reds from France, Italy, Spain, and California
- Signature cocktails like the French 75, Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, and Paper Plane
- Dessert martinis such as Bananas Foster and Key Lime Pie
Whether you’re craving fried oysters or a well-crafted Sazerac, The White Alligator’s menu delivers taste with a New Orleans accent. It’s a welcome detour from the everyday and one of The Factory’s many distinctive dining experiences.
Saffire
Saffire is known for its elevated take on Southern comfort food and offers a refined dining experience at The Factory. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Matt Farley, the restaurant serves approachable dishes rooted in what he calls “honest food” — carefully prepared meals that showcase depth of flavor and Southern traditions.
Inside, the restaurant features a warm interior with rich wood tones, soft lighting, and a layout that suits everything from a casual date night to a group gathering. Outside, the charming, brick-walled patio is a great place to relax and enjoy a pleasant Middle Tennessee evening.
Saffire offers one of the most consistent and well-rounded happy hour deals at The Factory. Every Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 6 pm, everything on the happy hour menu is just $7, including:
- Cocktails
- Wines by the glass
- Small plates
In addition to its regular happy hour, Wine Down Wednesday brings half-price bottles of wine every Wednesday, often paired with live music on the patio in the evening.
Otaku Ramen
Otaku Ramen brings comforting Japanese ramen culture to The Factory at Franklin. Founded by chef and owner Sarah Gavigan, Otaku is built on a mission to “bring ramen to the ramenless” with a menu rooted in tradition but made for everyone. Gavigan has spent years studying the craft of ramen, and the result is an approachable take on Japanese cuisine. With a counter-service setup, Otaku Ramen is a go-to for solo diners, families, and groups looking for great food without the formality.
Happy hour at Otaku runs daily from 4 to 7 pm, offering an opportunity to stop by for a quick bite and drink, no matter the day. Happy hour includes:
- Frozen cocktails and sake
- Beer, wine, and seltzers
- Small plates and snacks to pair with drinks
Whether you’re stopping in before a concert or taking a break from boutique shopping, Otaku Ramen serves big flavor with zero fuss.
Plan Your Happy Hour at The Factory at Franklin
With specials available throughout the week, The Factory at Franklin is an ideal place to spend a late afternoon or early evening enjoying quality food and drink. From chef-driven menus to laid-back bars and counter-service favorites, the variety here allows you to choose the experience that suits your mood.
Many of the happy hours are timed perfectly for pre-show drinks, post-shopping stops, or relaxed meetups after work. If you’re headed to a performance or exploring The Factory’s shops and studios, it’s worth planning your visit to include a little time to toast the day with a favorite drink.
Be sure to check each restaurant’s current schedule and offerings before heading over, as menus and hours can change with the season.
Want to Know More About The Factory at Franklin?
If you’re planning a visit to The Factory at Franklin, there’s plenty more to enjoy beyond just happy hour. This local landmark continues to evolve as a destination for food, entertainment, and community experiences. To help you make the most of your time there, we’ve rounded up a few additional articles that dive into everything from outdoor dining to live music and weekly markets. Explore these stories to find out why The Factory is a place worth visiting again and again.
Looking to dine outdoors? Outdoor Dining at The Factory at Franklin: Where to Eat Al Fresco highlights the best spots to enjoy a meal in the open air, whether you’re sipping a cocktail on a patio or sharing small plates under string lights. Music lovers can explore The Factory at Franklin Launches The Red Wheel Songwriter Series, a unique lineup of in-the-round concerts at Turner Theater that showcases local and regional talent.
Shoppers and foodies alike will enjoy The Factory at Franklin Farmers Market: Shop Local Every Wednesday, which spotlights the weekly farmers market featuring fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vendors. Visitors of all ages can experience a touch of nostalgia with The Factory at Franklin Welcomes Ken Means’ Carousel of Dreams, a hand-carved, artist-designed carousel that adds a whimsical centerpiece to the Factory.
And for a broader look at everything this historic venue offers, Discover the Charms of The Factory at Franklin walks you through the building’s past, present, and the many ways it continues to serve the Franklin community.
Whether you’re there for a meal, music, local finds, or a show, The Factory at Franklin offers something for everyone.
