If new restaurant openings are any indication, the Roaring ‘20s have arrived in Franklin, Tennessee. Venerable chefs and celebrated concepts are coming to town, joining local culinary talent to add a host of exciting options to try. Don’t miss these six as you plan your epicurean adventure in Williamson County.
Dushi Wrap Cafe
At the Dushi Wrap Café, everything centers on the grill. The menu is broad, but the Latin flair jumps out – the gouda-stuffed corn cake are pitas with a housemade pink sauce, four types of empanadas, and the plantain sliders.
Of course, huge burgers, loaded fries, fish tacos, and protein-topped salads are also offered. But the namesake wraps are the main attraction, and you’re sure to find a favorite combination among the selection of tortillas, fillings, and made-from-scratch dressings.
Tamale Joe’s
For 50 years, Casa Morales has satisfied folks’ appetites in Lufkin, Texas, and now the family is sharing the love with middle Tennessee.
Tamale Joe’s brings a blend of traditional and Tex-Mex cuisine, focusing on tamales – at least seven of them, including vegetarian and vegan options. Red pork chili, green verde chicken, slow-cooked brisket, jalapeno, poblano cheese blends, and a veggie tamale meet enchiladas, burritos, and authentic Mexican street tacos on this menu.
The family’s salsa recipe has also been internationally recognized, and the tequila bar and live music ensure the social aspects of an old-fashioned tamale party are covered.
Perry’s Steakhouse
Across the nation, Perry’s Steakhouse has developed a reputation as a classic American dining experience.
Sure, the aged USDA Prime beef is seared to perfection, but the seven-finger-high pork chop is arguably the star of the show. Rubbed with a proprietary seasoning and then cured, roasted, slow-smoked, caramelized, and finished in the broiler before being topped with herbed garlic butter, this chop is a must-try.
During lunch on weekdays and for the three-course Sunday supper, prix-fixe porch chop deals can be had; another memorable choice is the French filet roast preparation known as Chateaubriand, carved tableside.
Chrysalis
If Italian is on your mind, then put Chrysalis on your list. Their modern take on traditional marsala and saltimbocca preparations can be enjoyed as pasta, panini, or flatbread, and the chef’s specialties are worth a look too – a scallop risotto and a cioppino dish of salmon, tiger shrimp, mussels, and clams in a lobster, white wine and fennel broth among them.
Big Bad Breakfast
A six-time James Beard Award-winner, Chef John Currence made his name with City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi, before launching other successful eateries there, including Big Bad Breakfast.
Now he’s brought those New Orleans and North Mississippi influences with a BBB location in Franklin. Cathead biscuits, smoked meats, fried chicken, Benedicts, omelets, and more are available for breakfast (and for lunch too!), plus they offer an impressive set of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads for the mid-day palate. In addition, a full gourmet coffee bar is known for its Irish coffee, and juices are freshly squeezed daily for mimosas and screwdrivers.
Burger Dandy
From the family behind Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant and Americana Taphouse in downtown Franklin is a new virtual restaurant concept: Burger Dandy.
Focused on simpler times but taking advantage of modern delivery services (and window takeout), the All-American burgers, fries, and shakes are what you’d expect and more. The signature burger sauce, Coca-Cola onions, sweet and spicy Kool-Aid pickles, and selection of nostalgic bottled soft drinks really hit the spot.
With so many unique new offerings, you’re bound to find memorable meals and unforgettable experiences to complement your visit. So try them all, tag @visitfranklintn, and let us know which was your favorite!