Finding a great burger feels like a small victory, and in Franklin, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you crave old-school classics or bold creations with a twist, there’s a spot nearby ready to serve up your new favorite bite.
Let’s get to it.
Wilco Fusion Grill
At Wilco Fusion Grill in Franklin, they’ve built a menu around bold Latin-fusion burgers and sides that never feel routine. Their “monster” burgers are the real deal—take the I-65 Burger, stacked with red-wine glazed bacon, sharp cheddar, crispy homemade onion rings, a touch of honey pineapple, and tangy mustard, all trying not to spill over a perfectly toasted bun.
Tacos and arepas pop up too, but the burgers steal the spotlight. The All-American Burger even gets a makeover with their house pink sauce, extra bacon, and melty cheddar. If beef isn’t your jam, swapping in grilled chicken is no problem.
Don’t skip the fries—thick, steak-cut, and a little over-the-top in the best way. Load them with steak and cheese if you’re feeling wild. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly spot where you can roll in casual or dress up fries as your accessory. Drinks range from craft sodas to local drafts, so everyone walks away happy.
Puckett’s Restaurant
Since 2004, Puckett’s Restaurant in downtown Franklin has been serving up Southern comfort food and genuine hospitality. Their burgers are a highlight—house-ground beef, hand-formed daily, then grilled and placed on buttery brioche buns. You can go classic with a cheeseburger, keep it veggie-friendly with a balsamic-basted portabella, or dive into the Mojo Burger, piled with pulled pork, slaw, baked beans, cheddar, pickles, and a drizzle of BBQ chipotle ranch.
Sides never take a backseat here. Hand-cut fries are the default pick, but sweet potato fries and skillet mac ’n’ cheese are just as tempting. The bar’s stocked with local beers, creative cocktails, and even milkshakes if you want a sweet finish to your meal.
Most evenings, you’ll catch live music on the small stage—a laid-back vibe where locals sip sweet tea and swap stories. Parking’s easy to find, and the friendly staff make sure you feel right at home. Between the food, the tunes, and the down-to-earth feel, Puckett’s really nails the Franklin experience.
Sperry’s Cool Springs
When you’re hunting for steakhouse classics in Cool Springs, Sperry’s has been the go-to since 2006. Big booths sit beneath Old English chandeliers, and a roaring fireplace invites you to stay a while with a whiskey sour in hand. The vibe swings cozy and classy in equal measure, so showing up in golf shorts or your Sunday best both work.
The burger section holds its own against all the steaks and seafood. The Hereford Beef Bacon Cheeseburger piles on sharp cheddar and house-cured bacon, all tucked into a toasted brioche bun. The Sperry’s 1932 Burger follows suit, and if you really want to impress, you can even upgrade to Kobe beef. Hand-cut fries are stellar, but you can swap for truffle steak fries or sweet potato fries.
Their salad bar, said to be Nashville’s first, offers fresh options before you dive into the main course. The full bar keeps happy hour flowing, making it easy to unwind after work. With easy parking, a stress-free dress code, and a kids’ menu, Sperry’s hits every mark.
McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery
McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery is pure no-fuss comfort right in downtown Franklin. Since 2002, this locally owned spot has felt more like a friend’s backyard barbecue than a chain restaurant. You’ll find families, regulars catching up over pints, and the occasional live Celtic session that adds a pop of surprise.
Their burger lineup is delightfully wild. Every patty is Porter Road beef, thick and juicy, clearly hand-patted with pride. You can go big with the Fat Irishman—loaded with Gouda on a pretzel bun—or stay classic with the Cashel, then pile on cheese or crispy bacon. Veggie folks get a spiced-up black bean burger that actually tastes like something.
Fries here are “Irish Chips,” but think gourmet pub fries—you can even top them with cheese and bacon. The bar pours local brews and crafted cocktails, and they’re open late on weekends, so it often becomes your next stop after a show. Don’t skip the Guinness Chocolate Cake…everyone else isn’t.
Kimbro’s Pickin Parlor
Stepping into Kimbro’s Pickin Parlor feels like a weekend gathering you never knew you needed. The old house is sprinkled with porch swings, mismatched couches and live bands tucked into every nook. On any given evening you might find locals strumming ukuleles on the patio, friends challenging each other at cornhole by the fire pit, or even a Grammy winner dropping by for a surprise set.
The menu leans into playful creativity, especially with the burgers. The “Guac Your World” is piled high with fresh guacamole and a splash of lime on a buttery brioche bun that arrives warm from a local bakery. If you lean into blue cheese and bacon, the “Blue’s Burger” has you covered. Vegetarians get a big pass with a grilled Boca patty that actually stands up to the rest of the menu.
Sides aren’t afterthoughts either. Think shoestring fries, crunchy Zapp’s chips or BBQ nachos if you catch them on rotation. Wash it all down with a craft cocktail or a pint from a nearby brewery. The crew here feels like neighbors who really listen, and every night brings live tunes worth a five-dollar cover.
Brewhouse South & Sauced Pizza Kitchen
In CoolSprings Franklin, Brewhouse South & Sauced Pizza Kitchen leans into sports-bar chaos like no other. With over 30 TVs lining the walls and more than 70 taps pouring local and national brews, it’s the kind of place where you plan to stay awhile. The real draw, though, is the smash burgers. Each patty is hand-pressed and cooked crisp, then piled high on your choice of fluffy brioche or a sturdy kaiser roll.
The Brewhouse Burger includes smoked brisket right on top, no holding back. If you want heat, the Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger has plenty of spice, and yes, it’s okay to lick your fingers afterward. The Patty Melt sneaks in on buttery Texas toast if you’re craving something extra nostalgic.
Everyone gets fries and house-made slaw with their burger, but vegetarians aren’t left out. A Beyond Burger with jalapeño mayo hits that same meaty vibe. Beyond burgers and slices of pizza from Sauced Pizza Kitchen, there are bar snacks, Tex-Mex bites and boozy milkshakes like the Nashville Bushwacker. Open late with a private parking lot, this spot never feels too crowded to pull up a stool.
Franklin Chop House
If you’re in the mood for a classic steakhouse that still feels laid-back, Franklin Chop House has you covered. It’s been serving hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and an impressive burger lineup since 1995, right off Murfreesboro Road near I-65. Chef-partner Shawn Melia keeps things familiar but never stale, so you’ll see all the old favorites done really well.
Burgers arrive on Kaiser rolls—unless you order the patty melt on grilled sourdough—and use USDA choice beef. The Franklin Burger stacks mushrooms and mozzarella so everything melts perfectly together. If you want a little kick, the Jalapeño Burger with pepper jack adds heat without overdoing it. There’s even a black bean burger for non-meat eaters and a few chicken options too. Every sandwich comes with a side, and you can choose from fries, sweet potato fries, mashed potatoes, or a dozen other house-made options.
Don’t skip those warm honey-butter drop biscuits to start. Drinks range from draft beers and cocktails to a solid wine list. Kids have their own menu, and service stays old-school with real tables—no drive-thru, buzzers, or counters here.
J. Alexander’s Restaurant
J. Alexander’s strikes a balance between upscale and casual without any fuss. Warm wood tones, soft lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for date nights or family dinners. The menu dives deep into burger territory—the Old Fashioned Cheeseburger features aged Tillamook cheddar, while the Pierre Burger layers Gruyère, caramelized onions, and Dijon mustard sauce for a real flavor boost.
If you’re feeling extravagant, the Steak Burger blends hand-pattied beef tenderloin and ribeye, then tops it with grilled onions and housemade Kiawah Island dressing. Veggie fans get a homemade plant-based patty with melty Monterey Jack cheese.
Sides lean classic but get playful—fries are always an option, plus smashed potatoes and an addictive orzo & wild rice mix. The bar pours everything from well-crafted cocktails to a concise wine list, so no one’s stuck sipping water unless they want to. Open since 1991, J. Alexander’s knows how to deliver top-notch service and food, all without making you feel overdressed in jeans.
Connors Steak & Seafood
When you’re torn between a fancy date-night and grabbing burgers after the mall, Connors Steak & Seafood hits that sweet spot. The place mixes classic steakhouse polish with just enough modern touches to keep things lively. Since the first Knoxville location popped up in 2004, they’ve spread through Tennessee, Alabama and Florida.
You’ll find it in CoolSprings Galleria with free parking that saves you from circling lots. The burger menu is a highlight. Mesquite-grilled half-pound patties sometimes upgrade to Angus Reserve, and the Boursin Burger takes it up a notch. It comes topped with sautéed mushrooms, creamy Boursin cheese and crispy tobacco onions on a buttery brioche bun. Feeling wild? They’ll add mac ’n’ cheese right on top.
On the side, pick hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries or even white-cheddar mac ’n’ cheese if you want extra carbs. The full bar pours craft cocktails and local drafts, and happy hour deals make it even easier to stay. Private rooms are ready for family gatherings or small parties, while kids can order a simple cheeseburger or popcorn shrimp. It’s that comfy-but-polished spot where everyone can find something they love.
Jonathan’s Grille
Down at Jonathan’s Grille, sports and food collide in the best way. With over 55 TVs showing every game you can imagine and a playlist that keeps the energy up, it’s the spot where you’ll stop in for a burger and stay for the vibe. Locations in Tennessee and Alabama mean you’re never too far from this casual hangout.
The burger lineup is solid. You’ll find classic smash patties, a bison burger with Swiss and avocado, even a black bean option that holds its own. The Smash Burger gets extra love thanks to creamy bacon jam and all the fixings, while the Horseshoe floods your plate with queso and fries if you’re feeling indulgent.
Thirsty? They rotate their beer taps, mix up cocktails and run two-for-one specials. Brunch mimosas pop up on weekends, and yes, they pour strong coffee for the early crowd. The patio is perfect when the weather’s nice, and there’s ample parking if you roll in with a crowd. Full table service means you’re never stuck at a counter, and the late-night hours have your back if hunger hits after the bars close.
BrickTop’s – Franklin Cool Springs
BrickTop’s in Cool Springs nails that balance between upscale polish and laid-back comfort. The menu might list New American classics, but nobody bats an eye if you order a burger and fries. They offer exactly two burgers, which feels confident. The Tavern Burger features 100 percent beef seared on a griddle for crispy edges, plus gooey American cheese, sweet caramelized onions and a secret sauce on a soft custom bun.
If you want something simpler, the sharp cheddar burger covers your basics without fuss. Many guests come for steak or seafood, but the short burger list still shines. Sides deserve props too. You can get crispy Brussels sprouts, a baked potato that you can load any way you like, onion rings or classic fries.
Drinks are treated like menu stars, with a long cocktail list, rotating draft beers and a solid wine selection. If you time it right, happy hour slashes prices on small bites and drinks. The space is modern casual, with free Wi-Fi, TVs scattered around and a cozy patio out back. Underground parking keeps it stress-free, and a small plaque nods to the Paris club that inspired the name.
Ruby Sunshine
On weekends or whenever you need a midday treat, Ruby Sunshine nails brunch and burgers in one spot. They offer both a classic cheeseburger and a smashburger, each resting on a soft brioche bun from a local bakery. The 6-ounce beef patty comes topped with cheddar and applewood-smoked bacon onion jam that really shines. You can customize with goat cheese, an over-easy egg, or extra bacon, and it never fails to satisfy.
Each burger is served with hand-cut fries, but feel free to switch them out for breakfast potatoes, tater tots, stone-ground grits, or fresh fruit. The dining room is bright and cheerful, channeling a bit of New Orleans spirit, and the pet-friendly patio is perfect for casual gatherings.
Boozy mimosas and strong French Truck lattes keep the beverage lineup solid, and their daily rotating Benedict special keeps locals coming back. Brunch runs every day, so whether you’re grabbing a midweek bite or Sunday morning feast, you know the menu won’t let you down.
