When the first pioneers came through the Holly Tree Gap from Nashville in the late 1790s, they were stout Scots-Irish men with names like McEwen, McKay, and McMahon. Two centuries later, our population today is as continental and diverse as any All-American town. But if you’re wondering whether Franklin is a good place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, just know that we come by our pubs honest.
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On Franklin’s Main Street, for instance, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery has set the standard for authentic pub fare and all the trappings for decades. Think corned beef and cabbage, Smithwick’s and Guiness on draft, wooden tables tucked together so close that neighbors become friends, and often live Irish music wafting from the stoop out front. It’s the kind of place that transports you to a little village in Ireland, with all the sensory delights you might expect. Trivia nights are lively, but St. Patty’s is next-level revelry for those who don the green.
New to the historic district is Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s House of Spirits, a block closer to the Square on Main Street. Lee Kennedy became the first legal distiller in Williamson County since Prohibition in 2016, bringing the whiskey-making traditions of his Scottish ancestors who settled here in the 1800s back to life on a traditional copper still. Last year, he opened the House of Spirits on Main Street, focused on craft spirits and local history. They offer a range of beers on tap as well, in addition to an innovative food menu. The smoked half chicken, lamb ragout and duck meatballs are personal favorites.
A block in the other direction, Hop House Tennessee Taps on Fifth Avenue is more of an English-style pub, with a long, two-sided bar focused on dozens of wall-mounted taps and screens playing soccer games at all hours of the day and night. Burgers, sandwiches, and unique bar food are on offer, as well. Their chicken skewers, sauteed shisito peppers, and old-school poutine hit the spot.
Just off Murfreesboro Road, tucked into the Maplewood shopping center, is Quinn’s Neighborhood Pub & Eatery. Another longtime contender for best no-frills pub, Quinn’s likewise features lots of beers on tap, great wings, pizzas, salads and fried apps, with games on the TVs and friendly bartenders. Known for their fish and chips and Reubens, their selection of loaded brats are also worth exploring. This is sure to be a lively location for St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans.
And just-opened on West Main Street, the new Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge is bringing another indoor-outdoor option to Franklin. Outside, both in the fenced front yard and an expansive deck to be built soon out back, dogs are the featured guests. Folks are welcome to bring their furry friends to enjoy a dog bar and fire hydrant with their brews outside. Indoors, it’s all about the music. The owners have a long history in the industry, and wanted to create a place where singers and songwriters could share their craft with the community.
Franklin’s roots in the old country run deep, and there’s no better place to celebrate the patron saint—even if you’re just Irish for the day.
