When it’s time to toast, Franklin’s options have exploded in recent years. Once upon a time, the town had a cozy way of winding down: an early dinner rush, a night cap at home, and lights out not long after the sun went down. But as neighborhoods expanded and travelers continued coming to town, residents started swapping their couch cocktail for an after-dinner drink at the local bar that opened up around the corner. They pushed their bedtime routine in favor of lingering out longer. They started seeking out craft cocktails in lieu of a cold Bud Light.
And as with most things in Franklin, the town rose to the challenge of the changing landscape of Franklin. Today, you’ll find live music delighting diners off of back roads, musicians huddle on a front porch pickin’ until the wee hours of the morning, a quintessential speakeasy (or two), and those beloved dive bars still slinging cold beer to tenured regulars.
Here’s how to hit the town in Williamson County.
Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor
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One of Franklin’s most unique offerings, Kimbro’s has been the resident late-night spot since 2005. The historic home sits just a block from Main Street downtown, transforming each of the interior rooms into their own point of interest: there’s a stage for booked bands, a back patio for nice nights, a kitchen serving pizza and bar bites, and a back room with a collection of instruments ripe for the pickin’. Anyone can grab one, bring their own, and join in. The pickin’ carries onto the front porch, a uniquely Franklin phenomenon that’ll make you wish a night like that never ends.
Fox & Locke
Out in Leiper’s Fork, a different kind of tradition, though equally beloved, has taken over Thursday nights. Fox & Locke’s story dates back to the 1940s, where it’s been a grocery store and restaurants over the years. The small stage at the front of the dining room may seem unassuming, but you’d be shocked at some of the names that have graced it — Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood among them. Each Thursday is open mic night, a coveted event among musicians and spectators alike. It’s a place to see and be seen, discover and be discovered, where you never quite know who’s seated next to you or who’s on deck to perform. Get your tickets far in advance.
Tin Roof 2
If you’re looking for a classic bar scene, Tin Roof 2 has you covered. Think: specials on big beers, regular karaoke, a massive back patio with ping pong (read: beer pong) and giant yard games. The Tin Roof franchise started in Nashville in the early 2000s and soon expanded, Franklin among them before moving to cities around the country.
Neighbors of Franklin
For dinner and drinks, Neighbors of Franklin marries the Tin Roof vibe with an impressive menu and big screens for when there’s a big game. It’s great for group dinners, happy hours with the team, patio mimosas on the weekends, or a bite to eat when you’re wandering McEwen Northside with your pup and your pals.
Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club
Remember that speakeasy we mentioned? We’ll tell you how to get there. Head to the Main Street square, keeping your eyes peeled for an alleyway between Mellow Mushroom and the historic courthouse. There’s a back door that, once inside, reveals a “Frankenstein switch” alerting the Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club host that new guests have arrived. Once you’re led inside, experience a dimly-lit, Prohibition-era haunt complete with a booklet full of craft cocktail options.
The Pond
The dive bar of all Franklin dive bars, The Pond is one of those local spots you can’t help but love. It’s open until 3 a.m. nightly, has a happy hour every day, hosts live music regularly, and offers ladies’ night on Thursdays. The kitchen stays open as long as the bar, so if you have a hankering for a late-night bite, this is the one.
Culamar
Did you know Franklin has a rooftop bar?! Culamar, a coastal Italian hotspot from the owners of Culaccino, gave downtown the gift of its first outdoor rooftop hang, offering crisp cocktails, Italian wines, and sweeping views of Main Street. Pro tip: the views are excellent at sunset, but the bar is open until 1 a.m. on weekends.
The Tornado Room
We have another speakeasy in Franklin! The Tornado Room, a fitting name for a basement bar in tornado-prone Middle Tennessee, is located in Leiper’s Fork beneath the Country Boy restaurant. Descend the stairs to find live music, an excellent cocktail menu, lounge seating, and a big backyard with fire pits, Adirondacks, and creekside seating. This is a great nightcap option for those leaving Fox & Locke, as it’s open until midnight Thursday through Saturday.
