Savor the Season: Finding Comfort Food in Franklin, TN
As temperatures drop, a warm cup of soup, a hot bowl of ramen, or classic Southern comfort food can make all the difference– and we’ve got you covered. This guide highlights the best meals to keep you cozy throughout the winter season. From hearty mac and cheeses to rich, slow-cooked favorites, Franklin, Tennessee offers plenty of dishes designed to warm you from the inside out.
Perfect for chilly days, Franklin’s dining scene is filled with local restaurants serving up satisfying, comforting meals. Whether you choose to dine in, grab takeout, or order delivery, there are plenty of options to fit your cravings and your schedule. Finding a delicious, warming meal in Franklin is just a click away.
Puckett’s Restaurant
Founded on a deep passion for community, Puckett’s Restaurant is committed to delivering authentic Southern experiences for both locals and visitors. Downtown Franklin is the perfect place to establish Puckett’s legacy. Opening in 2004, the Franklin location became Puckett’s very first full-service restaurant. The downtown location has set the tone and standard for everything Puckett’s has grown into today.
Among Franklin’s many cherished dining destinations, Puckett’s is well known for their Southern hospitality and comfort food. They are also a premier spot for live music. The restaurant is quite famous for their songwriter rounds, attracting thousands of guests each year and celebrating the rich musical roots of the area. This blend of great food, live entertainment, and community connection continues to make Puckett’s a local favorite.
The menu reflects classic Southern comfort with a creative twist. Favorites include the Piggy Mac, featuring cherry wood–smoked pulled pork served in an iron skillet and topped with white cheddar mac ’n’ cheese and biscuit crumbs. Another great Southern comfort are their Biscuits & Gravy, made with two jumbo biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy. For dessert, the Deep-Fried Brownie Sundae delivers a sweet finish with a scratch-made fudge brownie, Hattie’s vanilla ice cream, toasted pecans, candied bacon, and rich chocolate and caramel sauces.
120 4th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064
McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery
McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with a classic Irish pub feel right on Main Street in Historic Downtown Franklin. Known for blending traditional Irish charm with small-town hospitality, McCreary’s serves a wide variety of dishes. With plenty of options, they appeal to both Irish and Irish-American tastes. Additionally, they have an impressive and carefully curated beer selection.
The pub is famous for their three-pour Guinness Imperial Pints, and classic Fish and Chips. Their friendly staff ensure every visit is memorable. Guests can also enjoy original Celtic folk music, adding to the authentic pub experience. With a full menu of Irish and American fare suitable for all ages, McCreary’s is a place where great food, music, and atmosphere come together seamlessly.
Perfect for colder days, McCreary’s comfort dishes offer warmth and flavor in every bite. Favorites include the Beer Cheese Hot Potato, topped with homemade beer cheese, bacon, and chives. The Soup of the Day is a slow-simmered house-made soup served with homemade Irish soda bread. Another great option during chilly weather is The Dublin Pot Pie, featuring a creamy blend of shredded chicken and vegetables baked in a flaky crust, served alongside a small house salad and Irish soda bread for a hearty, satisfying meal. Have room for dessert? Their warm Bread Pudding is homemade with a cinnamon raisin bread and topped with Merry’s Irish Crème.
414 Main Street Franklin, TN 37064 United States
55 South
Located in Historic Downtown Franklin, 55 South showcases Chef Jason McConnell’s lifelong love for down-home Southern comfort food. The menu draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of the South. Featuring flavors from New Orleans, from po’ boys and jambalaya to raw oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp reminiscent of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Local favorites like fried green tomatoes round out the menu, taking diners on a true culinary tour of the Delta.
Southern comfort runs deep at 55 South, with a menu filled with Louisiana-inspired specialties and classic Southern staples. Guests can enjoy menu items such as the Crawfish Fiesta Trio, Delta Tamales, Fried Boudin, and Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya. All alongside comforting sides like greens, cornbread, cheese grits, and sweet potato fries.
Dessert should never be skipped at 55 South. Warm up with their chocolate chip pecan pie or the indulgent Velvet Elvis. Named after the highway connecting Memphis to New Orleans, 55 South serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. As well as a traditional New Orleans–style brunch every Sunday.
403 Main St. Franklin, TN 37064
The White Alligator
The White Alligator offers the kind of comfort food perfect for warming up during the winter months. They serve rich, soulful Creole dishes made fresh from scratch every day. Inspired by the bold flavors of the French Quarter, each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal stop when temperatures drop. Located inside The Factory at Franklin, the inviting atmosphere pairs perfectly with hearty Cajun cooking.
Nothing chases away the winter chill quite like a steaming bowl of gumbo or a comforting serving of red beans and rice. White Alligator’s gumbo, made with chicken and Andouille sausage, is slow-simmered and full of deep, savory flavor, available by the cup or bowl. Crispy hush puppies add a comforting crunch, making these dishes perfect for a cozy cold-weather meal.
For a warm and sweet finish, the beignets are a winter must-have. Lightly fried and dusted with powdered sugar, these classic French pastries offer just the right touch of indulgence to end your meal. Whether you’re stopping by for Happy Hour or settling in for a comforting bite, The White Alligator’s food will warm you from the inside out all winter long.
230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Otaku Ramen
Also located in The Factory at Franklin, Otaku Ramen is a go-to spot for all your ramen needs. Ramen has always been a source of comfort for owner Sarah Gavigan—a warm, familiar meal that feels like home in a bowl. When she and her husband made the difficult decision to leave their life in Los Angeles and return to her hometown of Nashville, one thing was noticeably missing: good ramen. That absence sparked an unexpected journey, beginning with boiling fifty pounds of pork bone broth in her backyard at 2 am. Since then, they have grown into a passion-driven pursuit to create deeply comforting ramen right here in Franklin.
Today, Sarah’s dedication is poured into every bowl, offering warmth that is especially welcome during the winter months. A staff favorite, the TN Tonkotsu Shoyu, features a rich shoyu (soy-based) broth layered with tender pork confit, scallions, aromatic mayu, and a perfectly cooked half egg. Each spoonful delivers deep flavor and cozy comfort, making it an ideal cold-weather choice.
Other delightful options include the Miso Ramen, made with a miso-seasoned pork broth, ground pork, corn, bok choy, and a half egg for a hearty, soul-warming experience. For those craving bold flavor, the Triple Garlic Ramen combines a garlic-miso vegetable broth with scallions, woodear mushrooms, roasted corn, bok choy, crispy vegetable wontons, pickled ginger, mayu, and a half egg. Each bowl is thoughtfully crafted to do more than satisfy– it’s meant to warm both your body and your soul.
230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tupelo Honey is located in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, TN. They are known for serving scratch-made, responsibly sourced Southern comfort food in a warm and welcoming setting. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant also features a full bar with an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, and local craft beers.
Renowned for their genuine Southern hospitality, Tupelo Honey offers a menu designed to please every palate. Therefore, making them an ideal spot for family dinners, date nights, business lunches, and special occasions. From their famous fried chicken to rotating seasonal dishes, the chef-inspired menu highlights classic Southern flavors with a modern touch. Guests can enjoy Happy Hour Monday through Friday, featuring food and drink specials perfect for unwinding.
Comfort shines through in their signature dishes and sides, perfect for keeping you toasty this season. Start with Biscuits for a Cause, featuring two fresh-baked buttermilk drop biscuits made with White Lily flour, served warm with whipped butter and a choice of blueberry or peach jam. Entrées like the Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken & Waffles, topped with sriracha honey and cilantro, deliver rich, satisfying flavor. Cozy sides such as a cup of chicken poblano soup, stone-ground goat cheese grits, and creamy mac and cheese round out the experience. With so many comforting options, Tupelo Honey is an obvious choice for Southern comfort food in Franklin.
2000 Meridian Blvd Ste 110, Franklin, TN 37067
Coal Town Public House
Coal Town Public House is a modern American grill located in the heart of Westhaven Town Center, offering an elevated take on classic American cuisine in a stylish and welcoming setting. Their diverse menu is paired with a full-service bar featuring an impressive selection of wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Inside, guests will find a lush interior with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and a variety of seating options designed for both casual dining and special occasions.
Nestled beside Magli Green, Coal Town’s temperature-controlled porches and outdoor cocktail area provide stunning lake views, creating a warm and inviting backdrop– especially comforting during the cooler months. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and serve brunch every Sunday. Coal Town Public House is an ideal destination for everything from relaxed meals to private events.
Their menu delivers hearty, comfort-driven dishes perfect for warming up. Standouts include the Roasted Spaghetti Squash Pasta with house marinara, pesto, and pecorino Romano. The Tuscan Pasta features Italian lamb sausage, Tuscan kale, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, broken bucatini, white wine butter sauce, goat cheese, and orange zest. For a truly cozy entrée, Pork ’n Beans pairs slow-braised pork shank with white bean confit, roasted carrots, and BBQ pan jus. Comforting sides like horseradish mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and white cheddar grits complete any meal. Be sure to save room for dessert– the rich chocolate fudge cake or the warm bread pudding make the perfect sweet winter treat.
187 Front St Suite 103B, Franklin, TN 37064
Culinary Dropout
Located in Franklin, Culinary Dropout is an American bistro built on refined rebellion, where great food, expertly crafted cocktails, and a deep love of music come together to challenge the conventional dining experience. With a creative, energetic atmosphere, Culinary Dropout invites guests to relax, connect, and enjoy a space where flavor and creativity collide. Here, the rules are bent and the art of dining is reimagined– one dish, one drink, and one beat at a time.
The menu delivers bold, comforting flavors with a modern edge, making it an ideal spot to warm up and unwind. For a deeply satisfying meal, try their Fried Chicken, served with a flaky buttermilk biscuit, smashed potatoes, and rich gravy. Plant-forward comfort is just as satisfying here. Their Spicy Vegan Curry features griddled sweet potato, eggplant, snap peas, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and black rice, offering layers of warmth and spice.
Pasta lovers will gravitate toward the Spicy Rigatoni, made with chicken sausage, roasted mushrooms, spinach, Calabrian panna, and pecorino breadcrumbs for a bold yet cozy bite. Whether you’re gathering with friends, enjoying live music, or simply craving something comforting with an edge, Culinary Dropout delivers a dining experience as memorable as it is delicious.
4020 Aspen Grove Dr Suite 101, Franklin, TN 37067
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
With a location in Spring Hill, this next one is a Middle Tennessee favorite for BBQ. Martin’s BBQ crafts every item on the menu–from sides to sauces and everything in between—from scratch daily, delivering comfort food that is truly worth the wait. Their barbecue is slow-smoked for up to 24 hours, a time-honored process developing deep, rich flavors. Because nothing is rushed, some favorites may sell out, so arriving early (and often) is the best way to experience the full Martin’s BBQ menu.
The menu is packed with hearty, soul-warming dishes that are perfect for chilly days. BBQ trays, featuring tender sliced beef brisket and golden, crispy fried chicken tenders, deliver classic Southern comfort at its finest. Steaming bowls of Brunswick Stew and smoked brisket chili are slow-simmered to perfection, bursting with rich, smoky flavors that warm you on even the coldest days.
Save room for dessert because Martin’s homemade sweets are just as comforting as their barbecue. Martha Ann’s Fudge Pie and Nadine’s Pecan Pie deliver rich, nostalgic flavors making the perfect ending to a cozy, satisfying meal.
2076 Wall St, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Franklin Mercantile Deli
Just off the corner of Fourth Avenue North and Main Street sits one of Downtown Franklin’s most cherished dining spots. A local favorite, Franklin Mercantile Deli has been owned and operated by Graeme and Corrie Asch since 1999, earning a reputation as a must-visit for hearty, satisfying meals.
Franklin Mercantile offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere paired with a menu full of Southern breakfast favorites, specialty sandwiches, a fresh salad bar, refreshing fruit teas, coffee, and homemade desserts. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the deli has become a go-to destination for those looking for classic comforts. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by familiar, cozy furnishings alongside walls adorned with artwork from local artists and photographers.
Favorites like the Soup of the Day are served by the cup or bowl with bread or crackers. The flavor of the day is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Guests can also enjoy combo options, including grilled cheese and a cup of soup, 1/2 sandwich and cup of soup, or a sandwich or a panini and a cup of soup. For a more hearty option, try 1/2 sandwich, cup of soup and a side salad for a complete, comforting meal. Looking for more soup options in Franklin? Check out our article, Soup Season.
100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064
Where Will Your Search For Comfort Food in Franklin Take You Next?
As winter settles in, there’s no better time to explore the comforting flavors Franklin, Tennessee has to offer. From cozy neighborhood favorites to standout local restaurants, each stop on this list delivers warmth, flavor, and a sense of home. Whether you choose to linger over a hot meal or grab takeout to enjoy at home, these comforting dishes are sure to make the season a little cozier– one bite at a time.
