No matter where you roam in Williamson County, you’ll find that the days of stale gas station coffee are over. Roasters and brewers dot the landscape, from our historic downtown to suburban outposts and rural villages, and most offer some unique food selections as well. 

Take Elroy Coffee Co. in Franklin, the Aussie-owned bean bistro with a delightful selection of not only hot and cold brews and pour-overs, but also traditional down under meat pies, pasties and sausage rolls. Or Frothy Monkey near Five Points, a Nashville-area roaster favorite for years that also offers a full menu of salads, sandwiches and charcuterie.

Other downtown Franklin staples include the Coffee House at Second & Bridge, known for its crepes and scratch-baked goods, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions in the Harpeth Hotel with their three-egg omelets and biscuits and gravy, and Stable Reserve Spirits, a distillery tasting room with an impressive coffee operation and small-bite selection on offer in the earlier hours.

At The Factory, Honest Coffee Roasters is browning beans and dripping espresso all day every day, with their sister concept Franklin Juice Company providing pressed beverages and acai bowls under the same roof.

A couple of cult favorites with stations in outlying communities have planted roots in Franklin as well — the Fainting Goat Coffee Company in Spring Hill just opened a location near the historic Carter House, and Hank’s Coffee Station is opening soon on West Main Street. If you’re in Leiper’s Fork, check out Hank’s converted travel trailer for espresso drinks and pastry, or head south a mile and a half through the village to RedByrd Coffee Shop’s tiny-home beanery.

Back toward northern Williamson County, you’ll find MonAmie Coffee, a European-style cafe with grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items, as well as a full selection of coffee and organic teas, plus chocolatier-crafted hot cocoa. And at Mama’s Java, you can see the beans being prepared in their custom air roaster, producing a brew that many love to order flavored with their rotating selections.

The Perch in Brentwood is an old-school favorite for coffee, sweet and savory crepes, Belgian waffles, and other brunch favorites. 

And if you find yourself in Fairview, don’t miss Jingo Java, a West Coast-style drive-through stand with not only great coffee, but also a broad selection of smoothies, frozen drinks and other treats.

So get out there and explore, and take comfort in the fact that you’ll never be far from a memorable coffee experience you can only find in Williamson County.

Jay Sheridan