A Local’s Guide to Food & Drink in Franklin, Tennessee

Breakfast/lunch

• Perenn Bakery: A French-inspired bakery that serves freshly made pastries each day. If you want to sit down for a meal (which you should do, if you have the time), I would recommend making a reservation! If not, you can always order coffee and pastries at the bar up front.

Perenn Bakery

• ONYX & ALABASTER: An interior design studio that also has a coffee shop inside. A great spot to grab an iced coffee and browse.

• Ruby Sunshine: If you are looking for a classic brunch spot, this one is a crowd pleaser.

• Slice House: This New York-style pizza spot is a great place to grab a slice and go, or you can order a full pizza for the family. They make these to order, so order in advance or be ready to wait a bit!

Dinner

• Red Pony: A Franklin staple that serves dishes that are Southern yet sophisticated. The atmosphere is elevated but cozy, and the rotating menu never disappoints.

• Culamar: Delicious seafood. My favorite is to go up to their rooftop for an afternoon drink and appetizer!

Culamar

• Culaccino: The sister restaurant to Culamar that focuses on Italian dishes and great wine. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

• Etch: This spot is located in the Factory, which is right down the road from downtown. The dishes are globally inspired and unique compared to any other place around.

Drinks

• Stable Reserve: Hands-down the best espresso martini around. They freshly brew their coffee (it is a coffee bar in the mornings!) and have a unique add: bourbon cream. They distill and sell their own bourbon, gin, and vodka in house.

Stable Reserve

• Leiper’s Fork House of Spirits: This is a newer spot in Franklin and has fit right in. They have great drinks, live music on the weekends, and small plates that will refuel.

• JJ’s Wine Bar: If you are looking for a low-key reprieve from some shopping on a nice day, you can stop by JJ’s patio for a charcuterie board and glass of wine from their extensive list.

• Amendment XVIII: A speakeasy that makes you feel like you stepped back in time to the Prohibition era. You enter through the back door of Mellow Mushroom and have to be let in by the bouncer after turning on the green light. Their cocktail list is full of eclectic drinks and has something for everyone.

Amendment XVII

Pro tip: Check the calendar at visitfranklin.com to see what events are going on when you visit! Franklin has several annual festivals that close down the streets so vendors can set up on the street and shoppers can walk around. This also increases crowds quite a bit, so it helps to be aware.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Tennessee page.