Best Places to Eat in Franklin, TN
Restaurants in Franklin range from BBQ to the highest bar.
Dining options in Williamson County continue to grow. New restaurants and breweries offer tempting treats for the most discerning taste buds, while longtime residents are still loyal to favorite eateries that serve tried and tested recipes with a side of hospitality and a cup of conversation. Here’s a sample of what you can sink your teeth into.
American Classics
Franklinites have long been sitting down at Dotson’s on Main Street for solid Southern cooking, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Famous for its biscuits, Dotson’s has earned a reputation for fine fried chicken too. Uncle Bud’s Catfish Shack, with locations in Nolensville and Franklin, is another longtime favorite, serving farm-raised catfish specialties and other casual fare.
The locally owned Franklin Chop House packs them in after church on Sunday for brunch, and throughout the week for lunch and dinner. The Chop House serves classic American comfort food, sandwiches, salads and more at its Murfreesboro Road location. And Stoveworks is a charming destination for ladies who lunch, and everyone craving such specialties as creamed chicken on cornbread. The name? Stoveworks is in The Factory at Franklin, where stoves were once manufactured.
International Flavor
If something a bit more spicy appeals, try Porta Via Italian Kitchen in Cool Springs for pasta, Northern Italian and Mediterranean entrees, and pizza made in the authentic Neapolitan way. Sal’s Family Pizza in Independence Square in Franklin is run by the entire Servidio family — Ron, wife Tanya and their four kids. Their Godfather Pizza Challenge involves an 11-pound pie you must finish in an hour. Really. Sal’s Pizza & Restaurant (no relation) on Ward Circle in Brentwood tempts with goodies like Fried Calamari and Eggplant Parmesan, to enjoy there or carry out.
For delicious dishes from south of the border, visit Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant at Center Point Place in Cool Springs.
Barbecue
Barbecue is plentiful in the county. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nolensville has attracted national attention for its whole-hog cooking method. Corky’s Bar-B-Q in Brentwood is a popular outpost of the legendary Corky’s in Memphis, famous for its sausage and cheese plate and, especially, its ribs. And speaking of ribs, Famous Dave’s in Cool Springs serves them St. Louis-style, dry-rubbed and topped with an award-winning sauce.
Raising the Bar
Libations aplenty are available at Old Chicago Pasta and Taproom in Cool Springs, where a huge menu is complemented by 110 varieties of beer and beer flights. Granite City Food & Brewery serves five beers brewed on the spot, including Broad Axe Stout and Duke of Wellington Pale Ale, and a full menu of good things to eat. And Jonathan’s Grille’s classic menu of burgers, salads, steaks, chicken and seafood backs up the claim that it’s “not your average sports grille.”
Check out more great food options in Franklin, TN.
