Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge: Drinks, Live Music & Dog-Friendly Fun in Franklin
Franklin, Tennessee is welcoming a new neighborhood gathering spot with the opening of Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge, a locally owned venue designed for live music, great food and relaxed connection. Located at 1331 W. Main St., the new pub officially opens Thursday, March 12th. The venue comes from longtime Franklin residents Marc and Peggy Driscoll, who decided to turn a long-held dream into reality after nearly three decades in the community. After years of imagining what that space might look like, the couple felt the timing was finally right to bring their idea to life.
The Driscolls have lived in Franklin for close to 30 years and raised their two sons in the area. As their sons headed off to college, the couple entered a new chapter that encouraged them to revisit an idea they had discussed for years. With Mark exploring a career change after spending 28 years in the music industry, they decided it was the perfect moment to pursue something meaningful together.
Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge blends live entertainment, a welcoming pub atmosphere and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. The venue is designed to feel comfortable and neighborly from the moment guests walk in. The couple hopes the space becomes a go-to spot where people can unwind, connect and enjoy a memorable afternoon or night out in Franklin.
The Inspiration Behind Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge
The idea for Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge began more than 15 years ago during the Driscolls’ travels. While visiting different cities, they frequently discovered small pubs and neighborhood gathering spaces that left a lasting impression. Those types of venues became their favorite places to spend time because they felt authentic and welcoming.
Rather than large entertainment venues, the couple found themselves drawn to relaxed environments where people lingered over drinks and conversation. These smaller spaces often featured live music, outdoor seating, and a sense of community that felt genuine. The Driscolls began to imagine how they might one day create something similar of their own.
Peggy’s roots in North Carolina also helped shape the concept. Beer gardens and outdoor gathering spaces are common there, and the relaxed atmosphere left a strong impression. Those experiences helped inspire the idea of creating a place in Franklin where friends and family could gather, enjoy music, and spend time outdoors with their dogs.
The Story Behind the Name “Black Dog”
The name Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge carries personal meaning for the Driscoll family. Over the years, Marc and Peggy have owned several beloved dogs, many of which happened to be black. Their love for animals naturally influenced the name and overall theme of the pub.
Their first doodle, Hershey, played an especially meaningful role in the story. Hershey’s sister Oreo later joined the family, followed by two more dogs named Mowgli and Phoebe. Their dogs became an important part of the family’s everyday life and ultimately helped inspire the pub’s identity.
The idea was further reinforced during a trip to Highlands, North Carolina. While visiting a dog-friendly pub there, the Driscolls fell in love with the welcoming atmosphere and the way pets were incorporated into the environment. That experience helped solidify their vision for a space where animal lovers could feel right at home. Peggy Driscoll says, “For us, Black Dog says everything, because we are huge animal lovers, and advocates for animals.”
From there, they just had to complete the name. Marc Driscoll adds, “We had Black Dog Public House, we had Black Dog Beer Garden, we had all these different things, and then once we incorporated the music, that’s when Black Dog Pub and Music Lounge kind of took the spotlight, if you will.”
Personal Details and Hidden Surprises Around the Pub
One of the most distinctive features of Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge is the many personal details incorporated throughout the space. The Driscolls wanted the pub to feel authentic and meaningful rather than overly polished or corporate. As a result, visitors will notice thoughtful touches that reflect the couple’s story.
Throughout the venue, guests will find 15 hidden “treats” placed around the pub. Peggy Driscoll explains, “It’s just fun little things that mean something to us, but hidden all around the pub in common areas.” Each item holds personal meaning for the Driscolls and represents a memory or offers a deeper glimpse into the story behind the space. The hidden features are designed to be discovered naturally as guests explore the pub.
Eventually, the full list of hidden details will appear on the back of the pub’s menu. Guests can turn the experience into a fun activity by searching for each item during their visit. The playful concept encourages visitors to look around and take in the many personal details throughout the space.
Another unique feature is the Stein Club called “The Brothers’ Pour.” Members of the club receive beer perks and special discounts. The Driscolls say the name is a way to incorporate their sons into the pub’s story, adding another personal layer to the experience.
A Dog-Friendly Outdoor Space
Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge was designed with outdoor gathering in mind. The patio area provides a welcoming space where guests can relax with friends, enjoy drinks, and listen to music in a casual setting. It also reflects the couple’s desire to create an environment where people can bring their pets along.
“We always wanted to have a space that was neighborly and comfortable,” Marc Driscoll said. He continues, “And outdoor space, that’s really important to what we’re trying to provide, and certainly what we’re drawn to, an outdoor space for people and for their pets.” While dogs are not allowed inside the pub, they are welcome on the outdoor patio. This setup allows pet owners to enjoy the experience without leaving their furry companions at home. For many visitors, the ability to bring their dogs makes the venue even more inviting.
The outdoor area will also feature a playful design element: a large dog house playhouse complete with a decorative fire hydrant and tree. This addition will add to the dog-friendly theme of the outdoor seating area. It is another example of the thoughtful details the Driscolls incorporated into the space, both inside and out.
Live Music and Weekly Entertainment
Live music sits at the heart of the Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge experience. With Marc Driscoll’s extensive background in the music industry, supporting artists and songwriters has always been a central part of the concept. The couple envisioned a venue where musicians could perform in a relaxed and intimate setting.
The pub will host live music four nights each week, typically from Wednesday through Saturday. Most performances begin around 7 pm, giving guests the chance to enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment in one place. The smaller venue allows audiences to feel closer to the performers, creating a more personal and engaging experience.
Tuesday nights will feature rotating entertainment such as trivia, bingo or comedy. These events add variety to the weekly schedule and give guests multiple reasons to return. Sundays remain quieter, allowing visitors to enjoy the space without scheduled programming.
Some shows are ticketed and available for advance purchase, while others are free and open to the public. You can see the full lineup for events on the Black Dog Pub website. Seating is limited and typically offered on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted. Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge will also remain open during regular business hours before shows, allowing guests to arrive early to enjoy dinner and drinks before the music begins.
The venue welcomes guests of all ages, though bar seating is reserved for those 21 and older. Friday and Saturday live shows are 18 and up. Most importantly, Marc and Peggy want musicians to feel welcomed when performing at the pub. Marc Driscoll said they hope to “bring a creative spirit and a supportive spirit to writers and musicians and developing artists.” Their goal is to create a space where performers can connect with audiences and share their music here in Franklin.
A Pub That Gives Back
Giving back is an important part of the Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge philosophy. The Driscolls want their business to support causes they care about while building meaningful connections with guests.
Each month, the pub will support two charitable organizations. One charity will focus on dog-related causes, reflecting the owners’ passion for animals and advocacy for pet welfare. Supporting these organizations allows the pub to extend its love for animals beyond the walls of the venue.
The second charity will support songwriters and music-related initiatives. This partnership aligns naturally with the pub’s focus on live music and creative expression. By supporting these causes, the Driscolls hope to strengthen both the artistic and local communities. Peggy Driscoll said, “That is very important to us, to give back to the community.”
Tapas-Style Menu with Personal Flavor
Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge offers a tapas-style menu designed to complement drinks and live music rather than compete with them. The menu features a small selection of carefully chosen dishes made with quality ingredients. By keeping the offerings focused, the kitchen can give each item the attention it deserves.
One standout dish is a Portuguese sandwich that reflects Peggy Driscoll’s family heritage. Her family is from New Bedford, Massachusetts, a region known for strong Portuguese culinary traditions. To maintain authenticity, the key ingredient for the sandwich is shipped directly from New Bedford. Peggy Driscoll describes the sandwich as “divine.”
Other menu highlights include skillet mac and cheese, sautéed chicken skewers and beef tenderloin sliders. These dishes offer familiar comfort with a slightly elevated touch. The goal is simple: serve great food that pairs naturally with drinks, music and conversation.
Hours and Visiting Information
Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge offers a schedule designed to accommodate both weeknight gatherings and weekend outings. The pub remains closed on Mondays, giving the team time to prepare for the busy days ahead. From Tuesday through Thursday, the venue is open from 4 pm to 10 pm.
On Fridays, hours extend to 11 pm, allowing guests to enjoy live music and a longer evening out. Saturdays offer the most flexibility, with the pub open from 11 am to 11 pm. This schedule gives visitors the chance to stop in for lunch, afternoon drinks, or evening entertainment.
Sundays provide a slower, more relaxed experience with hours from 1 pm to 6 pm. There will be no scheduled events or programs on Sundays. The quieter atmosphere gives guests a chance to unwind and enjoy the space at a more leisurely pace.
A New Neighborhood Gathering Spot in Franklin, TN
For Marc and Peggy Driscoll, Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge represents years of dreaming and planning. The space brings together music, food, creativity and personal storytelling in one inviting environment. Every detail reflects the couple’s vision for a relaxed neighborhood pub in Franklin, Tennessee.
From hidden touches throughout the interior to the welcoming dog-friendly patio, the venue is designed to feel comfortable and genuine. The Driscolls want guests to feel like they have discovered a place that already feels familiar. It is a space built with intention, personality and a love for gathering.
Ultimately, the Driscolls hope the Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge becomes a place where people naturally come together. With live music, cold dinks and casual dining, the pub aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and performers. Mark Driscoll shares, “We want people to experience a welcoming, casual, fun, creative environment.” He adds, “And we want songwriters and artists to feel like they’ve got a place they can call home south of Nashville.”
