Where to Dine in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee
Downtown Franklin, Tennessee, offers a range of restaurants and eateries to satisfy various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for Southern comfort food or a fine dining experience, you’ll find delicious meals in the heart of Franklin. Here are some recommendations for where to enjoy dining in downtown Franklin!
Gray’s on Main
Located on Main Street, Gray’s on Main is housed in one of the most historic buildings in downtown Franklin. The restaurant is known for its Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy dishes like Heritage Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pan Seared Scallops, and Sweet and Sticky Short Ribs in a beautifully restored setting. Gray’s second floor bar and music venue features artisanal cocktails inspired by the brandy traditions of the late 19th century, accompanied by live shows featuring Music City’s finest talent.”
55 South
55 South is a downtown Franklin restaurant that attracts diners with its blend of Gulf Coast and Cajun flavors. With a casual yet inviting atmosphere, this Main Street restaurant offers a delicious journey through Southern cuisine. 55 South’s menu offers an array of dishes, from freshly shucked Gulf oysters to hearty jambalaya. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or simply seeking an authentic taste of the South, 55 South’s commitment to delivering bold and flavorful dishes in a welcoming setting makes it a great spot to grab a bite in downtown Franklin. Check out 55 South’s location in Brentwood, Tennessee, too!
Merridee’s Breadbasket Bakery & Restaurant
Merridee’s Breadbasket is a beloved local institution known for its welcoming ambiance, as well as its commitment to crafting delicious baked goods. Stepping into Merridee’s feels like entering a cozy haven of comfort food and Southern hospitality. This bakery and café in historic downtown Franklin offers a large array of freshly baked bread, pastries, and sweets, all made from scratch daily. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, a hearty sandwich, or a sweet treat, Merridee’s offers a taste of home with its satisfying menu. Merridee’s Breadbasket Bakery & Restaurant is a great place to grab a delicious meal for both locals and visitors.
Red Pony Restaurant
Red Pony is a restaurant in downtown Franklin known for its contemporary Southern cuisine and upscale dining experience. Red Pony is the winner of several accolades! Housed in a charming historic building, this restaurant offers an elegant yet inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a delicious meal. The menu at Red Pony features a great selection of dishes, including beef tenderloin, grilled pork porterhouse, and imaginative cocktails that complement the flavors of the South. With its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and creating dishes that marry traditional and modern elements, Red Pony has earned its reputation as a premier dining destination in downtown Franklin, attracting both locals and visitors looking for a refined yet soulful culinary experience.
Pucketts Grocery & Restaurant Franklin
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant in downtown Franklin is a well known culinary institution that embodies the essence of Southern comfort and hospitality. Located in a historic building, Puckett’s offers a welcoming atmosphere that exudes warmth and nostalgia. Known for its live music performances, Puckett’s serves up a diverse menu of Southern classics, from fried chicken and tender pulled pork barbecue to sweet potato fries. Guests can enjoy their meals while tapping their feet to live tunes, creating a delightful fusion of great food and good music. Puckett’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where locals and visitors gather to savor the flavors of the South and experience the heartwarming spirit of Franklin, Tennessee.
Cork & Cow
Cork & Cow is a steakhouse in downtown Franklin that sets the standard for upscale dining in the area. Housed in a beautifully designed space, the restaurant offers a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere that invites guests to indulge in a exceptional culinary experience. Cork & Cow is known for its premium cuts of steak, prepared to perfection, and its menu extends to include fresh seafood and a wide selection of fine wines. With a commitment to quality, a discerning attention to detail, and a cozy yet luxurious ambiance, Cork & Cow has earned its reputation as a top-tier restaurant for those seeking a refined dining experience in the heart of Franklin, Tennessee.
1799 Kitchen and Cocktails
1799 Kitchen and Cocktails is a dining gem nestled inside the Harpeth Hotel on the main level. This restaurant takes guests on a culinary journey that pays homage to the historic roots of the area while incorporating modern twists. 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails offers an inviting atmosphere that blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The menu showcases a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, offering a range of dishes that capture the essence of Southern cuisine. From sumptuous cocktails to mouthwatering entrees, diners can expect an unforgettable experience that reflects the rich heritage and culinary innovation that define Franklin, making 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails a great addition to the local dining scene. Looking for a special place to take your date for dinner? Elevate your date night experience by securing a private booth at 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails, where you can enjoy locally sourced cuisine and craft cocktails within a cozy and private ambiance.
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar
Culaccino’s is downtown Franklin’s restaurant for authentic Italian cuisine. Culaccino’s combines the warmth of Southern hospitality with a modern Italian-inspired menu, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and ambiance. Culaccino offers an array of delectable dishes, from pizzas and handmade artisan pastas to thoughtfully curated appetizers and innovative cocktails. The restaurant’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures that each meal is a celebration of fresh flavors and quality. With its welcoming setting and a menu that captures the art of Italian cuisine, Culaccino invites patrons to savor a memorable dining experience in the heart of Franklin, Tennessee.
Culamar (Formerly Bestia Mare)
Bestia Mare Restaurant offers a dining experience with many delicious dishes. Bestia Mare prides itself on its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create an array of delectable dishes. From handmade pasta and a delicious raw bar, to scrumptious seafood and flavorful wines, the menu reflects the flavors of Italy. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic evening for two or gathering with friends and family, Culamar offers a memorable culinary experience in downtown Franklin.
Franklin Mercantile Deli
Just a short walk down the road from the corner of Fourth Avenue North and Main Street, you will find Franklin Mercantile Deli. Franklin Mercantile Deli is one of downtown Franklin’s most valued dining establishments. Known as a local staple and tourist favorite, the “Merc” has earned a reputation for being a “go-to” destination for anyone with a hungry appetite. As you enter the Franklin Mercantile Deli, you’ll see unique decor, such as wingback chairs and a well-loved sofa. The walls feature art and photographs by local artists and professionals. The menu at Franklin Mercantile Deli is a delightful blend of traditional deli fare and Southern comfort food, featuring a variety of southern breakfast favorites, specialty sandwiches, salads, homemade desserts, and more, all made with fresh ingredients. The “Merc” also provides an array of baked goods and specialty coffees, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal in downtown Franklin.
Frothy Monkey Downtown Franklin
Frothy Monkey is a local all-day cafe in downtown Franklin that has become a beloved spot for both residents and visitors. It’s the first Frothy Monkey location outside of Nashville, situated just steps away from the main square. Housed in the former manse of the Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, the cafe retains unique features from its past, like the original fireplace and repurposed doors, adding to its cozy and inviting atmosphere. Frothy Monkey offers a variety of dining options including outdoor dining and curbside pick-up. Frothy Monkey’s food and drinks are made from scratch using original recipes and thoughtfully-sourced ingredients. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner seven days a week. With its central location, Frothy Monkey is not only an excellent spot for dining in downtown Franklin, but also a convenient stop for shoppers and concert-goers visiting nearby attractions like The Franklin Theater or Harlinsdale Farm. The cafe is known for its commitment to being a part of the existing neighborhood, creating a space that’s both warm and historically significant.
These are just a few of the delicious dining options you’ll find in beautiful downtown Franklin. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Southern fare or international flavors, the restaurants in this charming town are sure to satisfy your culinary cravings!
