Franklin’s dining scene is quietly stacked with creative sandwich shops where everything from classic clubs to over-the-top Po’ Boys awaits discovery. Whether you’re in search of a quick lunch or a cozy spot for lingering, these local favorites know how to treat bread and fillings right.
Let’s get to it.
The Coffee House at Second and Bridge
Inside the lovingly transformed 1904 house that hosts The Coffee House at Second and Bridge, a family-run café combines a library nook, a record room, and sunlit seating. The kitchen churns out sandwiches and brunch dishes from open till late, so whether it’s 7 a.m. or 2 p.m., you can still order the Chicken Salad Sandwich on house-baked bread or the Avocado Toast on a nutty, toasted oatmeal slice.
Those craving something sweet often pick the Strawberry & Nutella crepe, while heartier appetites dive into a build-your-own Lox & Eggs bagel or a Grilled Cheese that vegetarians won’t regret. The café keeps things simple, brewing Bongo Java coffee and, when in season, adding local produce to salads and sides. Table service means you can settle in beside bookshelves inside or bring a dog out to the patio. Small quirks—like deli chicken salad or house-smoked bacon for a BLTA—add to the charm. Pets are welcome, and you can even reserve the library room for a book club or birthday. With prices this friendly, a return visit is never in doubt.
Saffire Restaurant
Reopening in October 2024 under Franklin’s water tower at The Factory, Saffire Restaurant blends Southern wood-fired cooking with international touches around a 300-year-old bar. The atmosphere strikes a balance between polished and relaxed, seating 175 inside and another 50 outdoors. The Blue Room provides private space for larger gatherings.
Lunch focuses on hearty sandwiches: the Saffire Dip layers house-smoked prime rib on a crisp baguette with horseradish and au jus. The hickory grilled chicken sandwich packs bacon, brie, and burnt onion jam. Burgers made from Bear Creek Beef get an upgrade with bleu cheese or pickled red onion. Fries are standard, and buns range from Martin’s potato rolls to Kaiser. Vegetarians can choose the seasonal Farmer’s Plate, while gluten-free bread and dairy-free tweaks are easy to request. With most entrees priced between $16 and $27, Saffire offers top-notch quality without sticker shock.
Fox & Locke
On weekends, Fox & Locke becomes a lively gathering spot in the heart of Leiper’s Fork, with live music and the scent of cherrywood-smoked pulled pork filling the air. The menu leans into Southern comfort with sandwiches like the thick-cut “Big Bologna” on deli bread or the crispy fried catfish sandwich for under $12. Each arrives on a soft brioche bun or a hearty whole wheat wedge, generously piled with fillings.
Vegetarians find a solid option in the roasted garlic quinoa burger, and weekend mornings feature a full breakfast menu that loyal locals appreciate. A well-stocked bar offers local draft beers to sip between sets. Seating under rustic wood beams or outside on the patio feels effortlessly inviting. While online ordering is available for a quick bite, Fox & Locke truly shines as a sit-down spot where friends linger over food that honors old Tennessee traditions without overdoing it.
55 South
In historic downtown Franklin, 55 South brings unpretentious Louisiana flair to its sandwiches. Fried pork chop and Nashville hot chicken stand alongside the Ribeye Steak and the 55 Po’ Boy Remix, each served on Texas toast, Gambino’s New Orleans bread, or classic French. Sandwiches come with chips and coleslaw, though you can swap in fries if you prefer. Many add a cup of gumbo for a couple dollars extra—it feels almost required.
Most sandwiches run from $10 to $16, and generous portions mean you won’t leave hungry. The dining room and bar operate on a first-come, first-served basis, offering casual Southern hospitality whether you join for weekend brunch or a Friday night dinner. Local touches like Tennessee cheese grits sit alongside menu items rooted in Delta tradition. With its Main Street location and relaxed vibe, 55 South keeps you coming back for more.
Quinn’s Neighbourhood Pub and Eatery
Known for its burgers and sandwiches, Quinn’s Neighbourhood Pub and Eatery opened in 2016 in the Maples Shopping Center. The Great American Cheeseburger stacks two quarter-pound patties with classic toppings, while the High and Mighty adds house-made pimento cheese and jalapeño bacon. The California Dreamin’ arrives open-faced on whole wheat with avocado and ranch dressing.
Chicken options include grilled, fried, or tossed in homemade buffalo sauce for the Firebird. Pork lovers opt for the Southerner, an assembly of house-smoked shoulder, slaw, and pickles. Handhelds range from $12 to $16, with generous portions that ensure value. Bread choices run from oven-toasted whole wheat and pub buns to footlong hoagies for cheesesteaks. Gluten-free buns and pizza crusts are available on request.
Indoor seating pairs with a dog-friendly patio, and TVs keep sports fans happy. Trivia nights and occasional live music add extra fun. You can dine in or order online for curbside pickup and delivery. At Quinn’s, they pay attention to both the food and the folks enjoying it.
Ground Restaurant
At Ground Restaurant in Franklin, southern comfort meets fast-casual charm. This spot specializes in sandwiches and Po-Boys piled high on New Orleans–style French bread or soft brioche buns. Though the Chicken Cordon Bleu often steals the show, the Catfish Po-Boy earns equal applause with its hand-breaded fillet coated in Cajun cornmeal and fried to a crisp.
A toppings bar lined with scratch-made sauces and local produce lets you customize burgers, fried or grilled chicken, or the Impossible Veggie Burger. If you’re skipping bread, there’s a lettuce wrap option, and gluten-free buns are available for a small fee, though the kitchen isn’t celiac-proof.
Meals range from $13 to $14 with a side, and connoisseurs laugh at the idea that tater tots ever get cold here—they still arrive hot and crispy in a family-friendly, modern dining room that blends bright lighting with rustic wood accents. At the counter, service is swift, especially during the lunch rush, yet seating invites you to linger over a kitschy color-changing souvenir cup. Both West Franklin and Cool Springs locations stay open through dinner, and a monthly rotating special keeps regulars coming back for fresh flavors.
Franklin Mercantile
Nestled at the corner of Fourth and Main, Franklin Mercantile Deli has been family-owned since 1999. Step inside and you’ll find a genuinely fresh salad bar alongside breakfast plates, hearty Coriander sandwiches, or Chicken Club paninis. Bread choices include multi-grain, sourdough, or a spinach wrap for a lighter touch.
Wooden tables, wingback chairs, and local art create a relaxed vibe. With room for 80 guests, the atmosphere remains soft and welcoming, even on busy days. Breakfast runs daily, while lunch brings cold and hot options like Annabelle or Philly Steak, Pimento Cheese panini, and tuna salad—each made fresh to order.
Vegetarian guests can indulge in a guacamole and balsamic sandwich or pile their plate at the salad bar. Sandwiches are priced between $10 and $14, and half-and-half combos top out at $16, so nothing here will break the bank. They’re open every day until 3, with live music and dinner service Thursday through Saturday. All in all, it’s a local favorite that feels as familiar as your own kitchen.
Frothy Monkey
In downtown Franklin, Frothy Monkey blends small-town charm with a menu that surprises. Housed in the former Franklin Presbyterian Church parsonage, this café offers cozy rooms, a counter-service bar, and porch seating that fills up early. They open at 7 a.m., serving breakfast and beyond with creative sandwiches and baked goods.
The Royale sandwich layers smoked turkey, Swiss, avocado mash, and basil mayo on toasted multigrain. Chicken salad fans adore the Betsy, where cranberry and maple mingle in each bite. Bread selections range from sourdough and rye to baguette, ensuring a perfect pairing. Vegetarian options shine too, from the Ned hummus wrap to a quinoa and black bean burger topped with vegan garlic mozzarella.
Most sandwiches cost between $10 and $15, arriving with chips and house salsa or a simple balsamic green salad. Service is smooth, and the friendly staff happily handle gluten-free or vegan swaps. If you’re planning an event, they offer catering and private rooms. Frothy Monkey truly feels like a neighborhood café where every taste finds a place.
Tony’s Eat & Drink
For sandwich lovers, Tony’s Eat & Drink puts hearty double-decker sourdough creations on center stage. The Oinker stacks ham, bacon, and a trio of cheeses, while the Double Decker Club layers turkey and ham for a handheld feast that demands both hands. Fresh in-house chicken salad, fried chicken tossed to order, burger patties pressed daily, and deli meats sliced by hand showcase a genuine scratch approach.
Most sandwiches run $12 to $14 and always arrive with a side of golden fries. Vegetarian guests will find grilled cheese and cheesy melts, though the spotlight here remains on classic American bar fare with a hearty, meaty backbone.
Open past midnight every night, Tony’s Eat & Drink features late-night trivia, arcade games, and counter service from lunch through karaoke hours. Local owner Tony Urbanek opened this Cool Springs location in November 2024, making it a go-to spot for hearty sandwiches and fun along Meridian Boulevard.
