Since moving to Franklin, Josh and I (and often Noah) have steadily been exploring the local eateries. There are countless brands to choose from, though far fewer cuisines. A few notes on what we've found, with my own highly-subjective star ratings (4 being best) and Simon-Cowellesque notes:
Brunch
J. Christopher's (****) - fresh; skillets to crepes; our favorite
Cracker Barrel (****) - good value, wide menu (though heavy food & dark atmosphere)
Noshville (***) - traditional menu, overpriced
Dotsons (***) - underpriced, limited & heavy menu, total dive
Dunkin' Donuts (***) - good jelly donuts & breakfast sandwiches
Krispy Kreme (***) - awesome hot glazed donuts, but that's it
Pucketts (**) - limited menu, buffet
Date Nights
Macaroni Grill (****) - great value, fun atmosphere
Saffire (****) - great shrimp & grits
P.F. Changs (****) - fresh Chinese and good atmosphere
Red Pony (***) - gourmet; go for the appetizers, atmosphere, and location (not the shrimp & grits)
Carabbas (***) - awesome bread, calamari, & chicken bryan--all w/lots of salt & butter
Bonefish Grill (***) - love the cocoanut shrimp, tilapia, trout, & bread
Omikoshi (**) - good sushi, mediocre atmosphere
Buca di Beppo (**) - I have good memories but Josh doesn't so we haven't been back
Red Lobster (*) - small portions; not worthwhile since I figured out the biscuit recipe
Genghis Grill (*) - limited menu; you have to stand & wait while your meal is cooked
Bricks Cafe (*) - small portions, poor service
Burgers/Tenders & Fries
Chick-fil-A (****) - value; great chicken, carrot-raisin salad; playland
Otters (***) - awesome chicken tenders, but that's it
Bunganut Pig (**) - loud live music, decent pub food, broad menu
McCreary's Pub (**) - go for the atmosphere not the food
Burgers 'n Cream (*) - copycat Cheeseburger Charlies
Zaxby's (*) - chain version of Otter's but not nearly as fresh
Mexican
Blue Coast Burrito (****) - the best fish tacos in town (and they have Las Paletas!); outdoor seating
Cozymel's (***) - outdoor seating
Baja Fresh (**) - chain version of Blue Coast but not as fresh/fast and sterile atmosphere
La Hacienda & El Guadelajara (**) - decent, heavy Mexican; like Las Palmos
Snacks
9 Fruits (****) - smoothies made with real fruit (no syrups)
Lunch
Bread & Co (****) - best fruit tea, mozzarella sandwiches, soups; pricey
Mercantile (***) - my favorite atmosphere & location
Meridees (***) - great bakery & beer cheese soup; overpriced
Barbara's (***) - awesome poppy seed chicken, rolls; total dive; closed Saturdays
Puckett's (***) - traditional meat & three; great atmosphere & location
Monell's (**) - family-style meat & three; food mediocre; overpriced
Stoveworks (**) - best feature: it's in the Factory
Pizza
Mellow Mushroom (****) - great crust, fresh soft pretzels, atmosphere, location
Pie in the Sky (****) - fresh pizza (good w/spinach), good salad dressing
Jet's Pizza (****) - the best take-out, thick-crust pizza
Guido's (***) - good calzones
Still to try...
Mickey Roos
SOL on Main
Swanky Taco
Henpeck Market
Wild Ginger
Dan McGuinness Pub (tried but it's 21+)
Boscos Cool Springs (ok but pizza oven was broken)
Sperry's
Omikoshi
Boxwood Bistro
Stoney River
Steak & Shake
Tossed - I was too disappointed when I found out their "crepes" are really wraps
Suggestions?
Also, anyone know a good sushi place?
I agree with a lot of your assessments...
ReplyDeleteWild Ginger is overpriced, fun atmosphere, but they DO have sushi.
The best sushi place I've found is Sushiyobi on Demonbreun downtown.
Dan McGuiness is a favorite of mine, great pub. Food may be overpriced, but it's GOOD pub food.
Stoney River -- good. Definitely date night food though. I can help you out with that :)
Stoney River has the best steaks EVER...
ReplyDeleteP.S., We like Steak & Shake chili, and is good for noisy kids... But don't expect too much
ReplyDeleteThanks! Keep em coming!
ReplyDelete