Foodie Itinerary

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint Photo Courtesy of Andrew Thomas Lee

Franklin is a true food-lover’s paradise. You’ll find a wide range of options here to satisfy your appetite, whether you’re looking for gourmet sandwiches, a lavish brunch, freshly baked pastries, or a decadent dinner. Here are some can’t-miss culinary options to please every palate.

BREAKFAST, BRUNCH & COFFEE

Don’t miss Biscuit Love inside downtown Franklin’s

historic Corn House. Their “bonuts”—fried sugar dough topped with lemon mascarpone—and hot chicken biscuit are both unforgettable.

Head to Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork for Southern breakfast favorites and scrumptious cinnamon rolls, then browse the village’s charming shops. For a healthy breakfast with high-quality ingredients, you can’t beat Herban Market. Their signature Herban Breakfast includes grass-fed wagyu tri-tip steak, pastured eggs, and an organic English muffin. Locals adore The Honeysuckle in Cool Springs for their savory brunch options, which include benedict Oscar topped with blue crab, duck with Brussels sprouts and grits, and oysters Vanderbilt.

Coffee lovers will find no shortage of options in Franklin! Sip your toffee coffee on the spacious porch at The Coffee House at Second & Bridge, savor a steaming mocha joe at cozy local favorite The Good Cup in Franklin’s Grassland community, or pop into Frothy Monkey for a rosemary honey latte while you’re shopping downtown.

LUNCH & SNACKS

Looking for authentic Southern comfort food? Local staple Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint serves up “whole hog” BBQ and scratch-made sides daily, the perfect pick-me-up while you’re exploring Nolensville or Spring Hill. For upscale Southern dining, Tupelo Honey in Cool Springs offers a delicious menu of classics with a twist as well as craft

beers and cocktails. And for a meat and three lunch served

on a paper plate, head to Bishop’s Meat & Three for Southern favorites like meatloaf and fried chicken.

In downtown Franklin, stop by Franklin Bakehouse or Merridee’s Breadbasket for delicious deli sandwiches, or dine on gourmet burgers and fried pimento cheeseballs at Gray’s on Main. For more adventurous fare, the banh mi sandwiches and pho at Vui’s Kitchen can’t be beat and locals flock to Wild Ginger in Cool Springs for delicious sushi and upscale fusion cuisine.

Need a sweet snack to tide you over? Triple Crown Bakery and Kilwins downtown and The Puffy Muffin in Brentwood all have outrageously delicious dessert options. In Nolensville, Itty Bitty Donuts serves up piping hot, madeto-order donuts drizzled with chocolate.

Downtown Franklin is the perfect place to be once dinnertime hits. For a big night out, Culaccino’s 72-hour fermented wood-fired pizzas and scratch-made pasta dishes are hard to beat. Gorge on crab fries and chicken and waffles at downtown Franklin staple 55 South, or stop by Puckett’s Restaurant for Southern comfort food with a side of live music.

Want to go exploring? If historic Nolensville is on your list, dine at Pork Belly Farmhouse. For an unforgettable fine dining experience, make the scenic drive to Leiper’s Fork for a romantic farm-to-table dinner at upscale farm-totable favorite 1892 Restaurant.

Looking for libations? The wraparound porch at JJ’s Wine Bar is a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks. After you’ve eaten, kick back with a signature cocktail at 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails inside the gorgeous Harpeth Hotel or O’ Be Joyful on Main Street. And if you’re looking for entertainment, McCreary’s Irish Pub on Main Street features live Celtic music and Ireland-inspired craft cocktails. 1892 Restaurant

Fine Dining Picks

1892 RESTAURANT

Upscale restaurant in historic Leiper’s Fork serving craft spirits and cuisine by Chef Dylan Morrison.

CULACCINO

Italian cuisine including wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and traditional main courses.

Casual Eateries

McCREARY’S IRISH PUB

Lively, family-friendly spot for Irish grub, beers on tap, and live Celtic music right on Main Street in downtown Franklin.