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Americana Taphouse
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Stable Reserve
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JJs Wine Bar
If you think all the excitement is limited to the hustle and bustle of Downtown Nashville, think again.
Just a short drive south to one of Tennessee’s most in-demand cities, Franklin, there is plenty of fun to be had and plenty of incredible cuisines to swoon over. Whether you’re looking for a new date night hotspot, a family-friendly locale for your next celebration, or just an evening of good food, good drinks, and good times with your best pals, there is no shortage of decadent dining options to discover in Franklin. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to curb all of your cravings.
Amy Whidby via Burger Dandy
Red Pony Restaurant
Puckett's
Melonee Hurt; The Tennessean via Mojo's Tacos
Cork and Cow
1799 Kitchen & Cocktails
55 South
Victoria Rosa via Culaccino Restaurant and Bar
1799 Kitchen & Cocktails
The Harpeth Hotel’s restaurant offers modern American cuisine with chef-driven, seasonal menus that feature the region’s flavors. Located in Downtown Franklin’s Historic District, 1799 also serves up an extensive beverage program consisting of handcrafted cocktails, fortified wines, and local craft beers. (The Harpeth Hotel, 130 2nd Ave. N., 615-786-0840; harpethhotel.com/1799-kitchen)
Culaccino Restaurant and Bar
Sip a glass of red or white while snacking on warm, house-made bread paired with a scoop of ricotta cheese and olive oil. Then, order one of everything on the menu. No matter which you choose, the seventy-two-hour fermented pizzas or the handmade artisan pasta dishes, you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied. (104 E Main St., 615-435-3539; culaccinotn.com)
Red Pony Restaurant
Since opening in 2006, Red Pony has offered up a sophisticated menu of updated classic Southern dishes amid a low-lit ambiance. The restaurant changes its menu about six times a year to keep ingredients fresh with the season. (408 Main St., 615-595-7669; redponyrestaurant.com)
Cork and Cow
This Main Street high-end steakhouse emphasizes a menu full of refined steakhouse classics, plus creative cocktails, and fine wines. Cork & Cow also features more than 100 different bottles of wine and delicious seafood selections. The menu changes up to eight times a year to showcase the season’s offerings with ingredients that are, as often as possible, locally sourced. (403 Main St., 615-538-6021; corkandcow.com)
55 South
The original location of 55 South in Franklin features a menu full of Southern food inspired by the stretch of I-55 that cuts straight through the Mississippi Delta down to New Orleans. Industrial vibes are paired with comfort eats, specialty drinks, and brunch on the weekend. (403 Main St., 615-538-6001; eat55.com)
Puckett's
This well-established breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot is a Franklin landmark. Home to down-home Southern cuisine, Puckett’s is often filled with live music and authentic comfort food classics like meat- and-three specials in addition to slow-smoked BBQ in a laid-back atmosphere. (120 4th Ave. S., 615-794-5527; puckettsgro.com/franklin)
Americana Taphouse
Americana Taphouse offers traditional food with a robust selection of craft beer in a fun, family- oriented environment. The menu features Southern takes on American classics like burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. Take a seat on the patio, soak in the summer sunshine, and enjoy live, local music. (94 E Main St., 615-790-2309; americanataphouse.com)
JJs Wine Bar
Franklin’s first wine bar and once a private residence, JJs Wine Bar is an upscale and quaint hideaway right on Main Street. Order a glass of vino off the menu or check out their wine dispensing machines, then pair your drink with some small bites and a charcuterie board. (206 E Main St., 615-942-5033; jjswinebar. squarespace.com)
Burger Dandy
This retro burger and milkshake centric concept from local restaurant company, A. Marshall Hospitality, originally opened in February 2021 with pickup and delivery options only. Thanks to its success and the demand for those dandy burgers, the takeout-only spot has transitioned to a brick-and-mortar serving a variety of fast favorites in a whimsical and approachable space. (96 E Main St., 615-504-7935; burgerdandy.com)
Mojo’s Tacos
There’s nothing a Mojos taco can’t fix. Munch on a basket of chips and salsa, sip a margarita, and choose from a variety of delicious tacos. Our faves include the brisket and adobo chicken with a side of street corn. (230 Franklin Rd., 615-435-3476; mojostacos.com)
Stable Reserve
OK, so it’s not exactly a restaurant, but Stable Reserve is the newest must-visit spot in Franklin. Located in the historic former horse stables on Main Street, this stunning space is the perfect place to gather for coffee and cocktails—the former of which is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while craft cocktails and tastings of their very own locally-distilled gin, vodka, and bourbon begin daily at 11 a.m. Signature cocktails include an Old Fashioned, the Shrub Sparkler, and more, plus light fare like a mini charcuterie box and delicious sandwiches are also available for purchase. There’s even a bottle shop so you can take a taste of your experience home. (412 Main St., 615-435-3715; stablereservespirits.com)