Best Restaurants in Murfreesboro, TN: Eat & Drink Like a Local
Murfreesboro, or the Boro, is a city of only 170,000, yet its food scene is on par with much larger metros, from award-winning chefs to authentic international food to decades-old dives. With over 400 restaurants to choose from, planning your next meal is a fun challenge.
Keep reading to discover the best restaurants in Murfreesboro, TN, from longtime local favorites and Southern comfort staples to trendy new spots the locals can’t stop recommending.
Local Legends
There’s a 124-year-old hole left in Murfreesboro’s dining scene after City Cafe closed its doors in 2025. Thankfully, there are other staple Boro restaurants that may not be as old, but are just as delicious.
- Kleer-Vu Lunchroom: For over 50 years, Kleer-Vu has sold cafeteria-style soul food. Their staples are hand-breaded fried chicken, hot water cornbread, and chicken and dressing.
- Sir Pizza: The original Murfreesboro location opened in 1966, and the old-school pizza parlor has retained its retro vibe. Try the famous Royal Feast if you like pepperoni and mushrooms.
- Buster’s Place: This burger joint has been serving the classic Buster’s Burger for over 50 years, with twice-ground beef and fresh ingredients that customers trust.
Date Night & Upscale Fine Dining
- Five Senses: Enjoy refined New American dining in a warm, industrial space. The Monday night special is the worst-kept secret in town: an appetizer, two entrees and a dessert for one low price.
- The Parthenon Grille: This Greek steakhouse is the spot for quality steaks and seafood, house-made sauces, fresh pasta dishes and fresh produce in an elegant atmosphere.
- Primrose Table: Dine on pork chops and rib eye, and leave room for the famous butterscotch creme brulee at this refined yet approachable locally owned Boro staple.
- Steakhouse Five: You’ll find excellent service and high-quality meats at this fine dining establishment. There’s a wide wine selection, and the bar tends to stock regulars’ favorite drinks.
Everyday Dining for Families & Large Groups
- Toot’s: Opened in 1985 and transitioned from sports bar to family-friendly dining spot, Toot’s was the first restaurant to bring buffalo wings to the city. Even so, their fried pickles are to die for.
- Jeff’s Family Friendly Restaurant: The name says it all. At Jeff’s, large groups can dig in on classic soul food in a no-frills establishment. The fried chicken, catfish and cornbread are favorites.
- Farmers Family Restaurant: Fill your plate buffet-style with Southern comfort favorites like mac and cheese and bread pudding at this casual, family-friendly Murfreesboro staple.
- The Alley on Main: This downtown scratch restaurant focuses on reliable house specials, including steaks, pastas and sandwiches.
Game Day & Sports Bars
- Single Tree BBQ: The game is always on, and the barbecue is always good at this veteran-owned and operated joint. The brisket is a must-try.
- Neighbors: This Nashville bar opened a location in Murfreesboro, quickly becoming the spot for game day entertainment, eats and beer. The hightops are always full, and the outdoor seating area is dog-friendly.
- MJ’s Sports Bar and Grill: Pub-style cuisine, plus pool tables, darts and live music make MJ’s a spot to watch the game and have a ball with friends.
Quick Bites & International Flavors
- Marina’s on the Square: Enjoy hearty Italian pastas, pizzas and rich favorites like chicken marsala at this historic brick building known for its focaccia bread.
- Cup Pop Korean Kitchen: This is the spot for Korean barbecue, like bulgogi, but the chicken katsu is also top-notch.
- Taste of Thai: One-stop shop for Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The interior is simple and cozy, and the pho is phenomenal.
- Taqueria Lupita: In a city known for its Mexican food, this small spot in a mini-mart stands apart for its fresh street tacos and burritos.Coffee, Brews, and Cocktails
Coffee & Community
- Dapper Owl: This quaint brick bakery is known for its friendly staff and wide selection of coffee. The hand pies are delicious, and there are plenty of tables for casual chats or remote work.
- Brass Horn: Folks come to this coffeehouse for excellent beans, the avocado toast and the range of indoor/outdoor seating.
- Shelli’s Coffee + Social: From puzzle nights to music bingo to the range of in-house board games, Shelli’s is part cafe, part community gathering place.
- Bean Loft Coffee Company: Coffee plus waffles, smoothies and live music make the Bean Loft a one-stop shop for daytime hangs in the city.
Craft Beer, Spirits & Nightlife
- Hop Spring Beer Park: With one indoor and two outdoor stages, live music is the hallmark of Hop Springs Beer Park. In addition to its rotating taps, its 83 acres of rolling countryside features a disc golf course, a dog park, walking trails and a creek, making Hop Springs an evening destination.
- Velvet Room Speakeasy & Wine Bar: Sip craft cocktails, enjoy tapas-style small plates and flatbreads, and settle in for intimate live jazz and acoustic performances on the weekends.
- Liquid Smoke: This cigar lounge with a huge beer selection is a locals’ favorite on Public Square. Select from one of the 18 different drafts on tap and play bar games to pass the time.
- The Goat Murfreesboro: It may be a chain, but the Murfreesboro location is hugely popular for a reason. Try out their happy hour for excellent cocktails by the fireplace.
- Level 3: Trivia, live music, karaoke and ping pong are spread over three floors of fun with three different bars. It’s one of the few smoking bars in town.
Murfreesboro Food & Drink Map
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