Lent Dining in Franklin & Williamson County: Seafood & Meat-Free Options
McCreary’s Irish Pub
Lent is a 40-day season leading up to Easter, observed by many Christians as a time of reflection and fasting. One of the most common traditions is abstaining from meat on Fridays. For some, that means ordering fish instead of steak. For others, it means choosing fully vegetarian meals throughout the season.
If you’re searching for Lent dining in Franklin, TN, you may not need to change your usual dinner plans, just your order. From Franklin and Brentwood to other parts of Williamson County and nearby Nashville, restaurants offer seafood and vegetarian options that fit Friday observances during the Lenten season.
Amerigo
Friday Fish & Lent Specials in Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville, TN
For many families in Franklin and Williamson County, Lent dining often begins with a familiar Friday tradition: fish. Whether it’s a simple fried plate, a pub-style basket of fish and chips, or a Southern catfish lunch special, these restaurants, located in Franklin and nearby communities like Brentwood and Nashville, provide options that align naturally with meat-free Fridays.
Amerigo
During Lent, Amerigo highlights Catfish Fridays, offering fried catfish with coleslaw and fries as a lunch special. It’s a straightforward option for those who prefer a traditional fish plate without straying from comfort food. • 1656 Westgate Cir, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 377-7070 • 1920 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, (615) 320-1740 •
Char
Char’s Franklin location is still slated to open in 2026, but in the meantime, the Nashville restaurant offers a strong seafood lineup for Lent dining near Franklin. Like Amerigo, Char also participates in Catfish Fridays during the season, offering a dependable option for meat-free Fridays. • 3988 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, (615) 891-7181 •
McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery
If you’re searching specifically for fish and chips, McCreary’s remains one of the most consistent choices. Beer-battered cod served with fries is as traditional as it gets. Its downtown location makes it easy to pair dinner with an evening stroll along Main Street or a performance at The Franklin Theatre. • 414 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 591-3197 • 814 S Main St, Columbia, TN 38401, (931) 223-5248 •
Whataburger
For a quick, no-reservations-required option, Whataburger’s seasonal Whatacatch Sandwich and Whatacatch Platter return during Lent. The sandwich features crispy wild-caught Alaskan pollock topped with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce, while the platter includes two fish fillets over fries. It’s not fine dining, but Whataburger is convenient, affordable, and practical for busy families observing meat-free Fridays. • 5004 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 200-1187 •
Puckett’s Restaurant
Although widely associated with Southern meat-and-three plates, Puckett’s also offers Lent-friendly staples such as fried catfish and shrimp & grits. The fried catfish plate, served with fries and coleslaw, fits seamlessly into Friday dining traditions, while the shrimp & grits offer a hearty dinner option. • 120 4th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 794-5527 • 
Stoney River
Seafood Dining for Lent Dining in Franklin & Cool Springs
Lent dining in Franklin and Williamson County doesn’t mean limiting yourself to casual fare. In fact, the season can be an opportunity to explore some of the area’s more refined seafood menus. Several of the area’s steakhouses and upscale dining rooms feature seafood entrées that easily stand on their own, whether you’re planning a date night, a client dinner, or a special family meal.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
While known for steaks, Perry’s offers a substantial seafood lineup. Chargrilled salmon, cedar plank-fired redfish, pan-seared sea bass, ahi tuna, scallop pasta, and fresh oysters allow diners to create a fully seafood-focused meal. For those observing Lent while also managing dietary needs, many items are gluten-friendly and can be modified. • 5028 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 721-7781 •
Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill
Stoney River pairs its classic steakhouse setting with a strong lineup of seafood entrées. Options include salmon, pecan-encrusted trout, NOLA grilled shrimp, blackened shrimp, and Hong Kong-style sea bass. With a range of preparations, including grilled, plank-fired, and blackened, diners have several seafood choices that fit comfortably into a Lent-friendly meal. • 1726 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 778-0230 •
Connor’s Restaurant
Connors features a selection of seafood entrées alongside its steakhouse offerings, making it a versatile choice for Lent dining. The menu includes seafood starters like lobster and crab bisque, as well as cold water lobster tail served with drawn butter. These and other seafood options provide substantial meat-free choices for those observing Friday traditions during the season. • 1916 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-5333 •
Ludlow & Prime
At Ludlow & Prime, you get steakhouse energy with seafood variety. Grouper tacos, cedar-grilled salmon, seafood towers, fish and chips, and blackened wild-caught grouper topped with jumbo lump crab provide a range of options. The seafood tower makes it especially appealing for group dinners during Lent. • 6001 Hughes Crossing #150, Franklin, TN 37064, (615)-942-5907 •
1799 Kitchen and Bar Room
1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
Located inside The Harpeth Hotel, 1799 Kitchen and Bar Room offers a refined seafood experience in downtown Franklin. The menu includes seafood towers, cedar plank Arctic salmon finished with local honey, Atlantic halibut, and lobster tail, giving diners several elevated meat-free options during Lent. • 130 2nd Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 786-0840 •
Red Pony
Red Pony is a Main Street restaurant in downtown Franklin known for its seasonal menu and ingredient-driven approach. Lent-friendly options include starters such as burrata and Gruyère flatbread, followed by seafood entrées like grilled salmon served with sweet potato and seasonal vegetables. • 408 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 595-7669 •
Cork & Cow
Located on Main Street, Cork & Cow is a great choice for both weeknight diners and special occasions during Lent. Seafood options include scallop & shrimp gnocchi, grilled salmon, charred oysters, and vegetable-forward starters like buffalo cauliflower and fried brie. • 403 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 538-6021 •
etch
Global & Mediterranean Lent Dining Options in Franklin
Not every Lent meal needs to revolve around fried fish. For those who prefer lighter preparations, bold spices, or vegetable-forward dishes, Franklin’s globally inspired restaurants offer a different approach to Lent dining. Mediterranean, Italian, and internationally influenced menus often incorporate seafood and plant-based options naturally, making it easy to observe meat-free Fridays without feeling restricted. If you’re ready to branch beyond traditional Friday fish plates, these restaurants provide variety while still honoring the season.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Taziki’s offers straightforward Lent dining options in Franklin. Grilled fish plates, fresh salads, rice bowls, hummus, and pita allow for simple, lighter meals that still feel complete. In addition to several Nashville locations, Taziki’s can be found in downtown Franklin, Cool Springs, Berry Farms, Brentwood, and Nolensville. • 428 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 490-9585 •
etch
Located in The Factory at Franklin, etch brings globally inspired flavors to Lent dining. In addition to its Franklin location, etch also operates in Nashville, giving diners another option within a short drive. The menu features dishes such as pan-seared salmon with Thai lemongrass curry, and seafood-forward starters such as octopus and shrimp bruschetta provide variety beyond traditional Southern fish plates. Vegetable-driven dishes like tempura squash offer additional meat-free flexibility. • 230 Franklin Rd suite 1300, Franklin, TN 37064, (629) 966-0012 •
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar
Culaccino blends Italian tradition with Mediterranean influence. Mussels, octopus, eggplant rollatini, salmon, and tuna anchor the seafood and vegetarian offerings. Its location just off Main Street makes it an easy addition to a downtown evening, whether you’re planning a quiet dinner or meeting friends for a meal during the season. • 104 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 435-3539 •
55 South
With locations in both downtown Franklin and Brentwood, 55 South brings Gulf Coast–inspired seafood to Lent dining across Williamson County. The menu features mahi mahi, fish tacos, Cajun butter shrimp, and other seafood-forward dishes that fit naturally into meat-free Fridays. • 403 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 538-6001 • 7031 Executive Center Dr, Suite 101, Brentwood, TN 37027, (615) 610-3341 •
Culinary Dropout
Located in the McEwen Northside development in Cool Springs, Culinary Dropout is one of Franklin’s newer dining additions and offers several Lent-friendly options. The menu includes fish & chips, roasted salmon, sushi rolls, and a plant-based curry, making it easy for mixed groups to find something that fits meat-free Fridays. • 4020 Aspen Grove Dr, Suite 101, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 716-3699 •
Flower Child
Vegetarian Dining for Lent in Franklin & Williamson County
For those observing Lent without eating fish, or for anyone choosing fully meat-free meals, Franklin offers a wide range of plant-forward options. Across Cool Springs, downtown Franklin, and nearby Williamson County communities, several restaurants feature vegetarian dishes as core menu items.
Flower Child
Located in Cool Springs, Flower Child focuses on scratch-made meals built around fresh produce, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. The menu is designed to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diners without requiring modifications. Guests can build their own bowls or choose from established favorites. Tofu can be added to bowls for extra protein, making it easy to create a filling, Lent-friendly meal. • 1560 W McEwen Dr #150, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 716-3161 •
Herban Market
Herban Market blends organic dining with a curated grocery concept. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it offers vegetarian and plant-based meals made without seed oils, artificial additives, or preservatives. Vegetarian standouts include the black bean & quinoa veggie burger, avocado toast on house-made sourdough, and customizable bowls. • 3078 Maddux Way Ste 300, Franklin, TN 37069, (615) 567-6240 •
Two Hands
Located inside The Factory at Franklin, Two Hands offers plant-forward options from breakfast through dinner. Options include vegetable-based egg dishes, mushroom and soba noodle bowls, and breakfast burritos filled with eggs, avocado, and greens, providing satisfying meals without feeling like substitutions. • 230 Franklin Rd, Suite 1302, Franklin, TN 37064, (629) 260-5182 •
Burger Up
Burger Up in Cool Springs offers a casual setting with options for vegetarian and gluten-free diners. The popular Impossible Burger comes topped with spinach and mushrooms, and gluten-free buns are available. Sides such as chopped kale salad and fried pickles round out the menu. It’s a practical choice for groups where some diners want plant-based options, and others do not. • 401 Cool Springs Blvd # B, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 503-9892 •
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger blends Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim flavors with a range of vegetarian-friendly dishes. Vegetable fried rice, tofu-based Pad Thai, edamame, and customizable noodle bowls provide flavorful alternatives during Lent. Its Cool Springs location makes it convenient for dinner before a movie or a casual evening out. • 101 Market Exchange Ct, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 778-0081 •
Frothy Monkey
In downtown Franklin, Frothy Monkey offers all-day brunch, coffee, and scratch-made meals in a historic setting. Meat-free diners can opt for the quinoa & black bean burger, quinoa tofu bowl, or substitute BE-Hive vegan sausage in breakfast plates. Its large porch and proximity to Main Street shops make it a pleasant stop during a Friday outing. • 125 5th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 600-4756 •
CoreLife Eatery
CoreLife Eatery focuses on customizable bowls, wraps, and plant-forward meals prepared in-house daily. Guests can choose roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, tofu, fresh greens, and house-made sauces to build protein-rich meals that work well for meat-free Fridays. • 401B Cool Springs Blvd STE 220, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 387-9996 •
Mojo’s Tacos
With locations at The Factory at Franklin and in Thompson’s Station, Mojo’s Tacos offers vegetable-focused tacos and bowls made with fresh produce and house-made sauces. Plant-based options featuring roasted cauliflower, fried avocado, beans, rice, and customizable toppings make it easy to build a satisfying vegetarian meal. • 230 Franklin Rd #11Y, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 435-3476 • 2000 Tollgate Blvd #201, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179, (615) 465-0412 •
Culinary Dropout
Where to Go for Lent Dining in Franklin, TN
Lent dining in Franklin, Brentwood, and across Williamson County spans more than one style of meal. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Friday fish plate, an upscale seafood dinner, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, or fully vegetarian options, restaurants throughout the area offer menus that naturally align with the season. During Lent, the focus may shift from steak to salmon or from barbecue to vegetables, but in Franklin and Williamson County, the choices remain wide open.
