The best bars & nightlife in Franklin

17 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Franklin’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Cafes · Health & Wellness · Entertainment · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Franklin today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Franklin — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Nightlife · 17 places · showing the latest additions first

The Poki

Nightlife

The Poki nails that clean, flavorful lunch you keep meaning to make at home. Build your own with premium fish or other proteins, pile on…

119 Franklin Rd (Brentwood)

The Poki nails that clean, flavorful lunch you keep meaning to make at home. Build your own with premium fish or other proteins, pile on fresh toppings, then finish with house-made sauces that actually slap, or try a signature like Gangnam Spicy Tuna or Smoki Poki this week.

From the Brentwood newsletter, September 16, 2026

Website ↗

El Sombrero

Nightlife

When dinner needs to be easy but not boring, El Sombrero in Lenox Village delivers with sizzling fajitas, quesabirria tacos to dunk in…

6017 Nolensville Pk (Nashville)

When dinner needs to be easy but not boring, El Sombrero in Lenox Village delivers with sizzling fajitas, quesabirria tacos to dunk in consomme, and hand-shaken margaritas from a full bar... the kind of neighborhood spot you keep in your back pocket.

From the Brentwood newsletter, September 2, 2026

Website ↗

This week, when you want a low-key hang that still feels special, Reunion Wine & Cocktail Bar nails it with well-chosen wines, balanced…

3308 Kedron Rd (Spring Hill)

This week, when you want a low-key hang that still feels special, Reunion Wine & Cocktail Bar nails it with well-chosen wines, balanced cocktails like the Water Lily and La Cortez, and shareables galore, including a loaded charcuterie board and prosciutto and arugula flatbread with fig and hot honey.

From the Spring Hill newsletter, September 16, 2026

Website ↗

Less fuss, more beer is the move this week. Mill Creek Brewing Co. keeps it easy with core classics like Lil Darlin, Mill Creek Light, and…

2008 B, Johnson Industrial Blvd (Nolensville)

Less fuss, more beer is the move this week. Mill Creek Brewing Co. keeps it easy with core classics like Lil Darlin, Mill Creek Light, and Juicy Daze, plus a full food menu starring the award-winning Smashville Burger...

From the Franklin newsletter, August 29, 2026

Website ↗
Run a Franklin business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Franklin’s first true wine bar, Vintage Vine 100 pours thoughtful flights, sustainable and biodynamic picks, plus craft cocktails, beer and…

4051 Aspen Grove Dr · ✓ checked Jul 31

Franklin’s first true wine bar, Vintage Vine 100 pours thoughtful flights, sustainable and biodynamic picks, plus craft cocktails, beer and bourbon. Pair it with shareables like charcuterie, Caprese skewers, hummus and cozy grilled sandwiches. Perfect for a low-key catchup or a treat-yourself Tuesday.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 7, 2026

Website ↗

O' Be Joyful

Nightlife

O' Be Joyful mixes old Southern vibes with a fresh bar program, pouring elegant cocktails and a deep whiskey list while the kitchen turns…

328 TN-6 · ✓ checked Jul 31

O' Be Joyful mixes old Southern vibes with a fresh bar program, pouring elegant cocktails and a deep whiskey list while the kitchen turns out craveable bites like crispy wings with house sauces. Rally the crew this week, snag a seat, and let the good times find you.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 3, 2026

Website ↗

The Pond

Nightlife

When you need live music, karaoke courage, and a laid-back patio, The Pond delivers the classic Franklin dive vibe with cold beer,…

595 Hillsboro Rd #321 · ✓ checked Jul 31

When you need live music, karaoke courage, and a laid-back patio, The Pond delivers the classic Franklin dive vibe with cold beer, satisfying bar bites, and what they proudly call the world's largest tap handle collection. Perfect for unwinding with neighbors, then becoming one.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 8, 2026

Website ↗

JJ's Wine Bar

Nightlife

JJ's Wine Bar is that low-key local favorite in a lovingly converted historic home right in downtown Franklin, with eclectic vibes and…

206 E Main St

JJ's Wine Bar is that low-key local favorite in a lovingly converted historic home right in downtown Franklin, with eclectic vibes and local art on the walls. Their wine-dispensing machines rotate 28 options in tasting, half, or full pours, plus solid small plates and cocktails when you're not feeling grape.

From the Franklin newsletter, September 15, 2026

Website ↗

The Tin Roof 2 in nearby Franklin keeps things delightfully unpretentious, serving scratch-made pub favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and…

9135 Carothers Pkwy #100 · ✓ checked Aug 14

The Tin Roof 2 in nearby Franklin keeps things delightfully unpretentious, serving scratch-made pub favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and a downright addictive salsa alongside a pile-worthy tater tot nachos.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 20, 2026

Website ↗

When date night needs a glow-up, Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club pours Prohibition classics and originals built by hand, plus a chef-driven…

317 Main St

When date night needs a glow-up, Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club pours Prohibition classics and originals built by hand, plus a chef-driven menu that holds its own. Think a Smoked Old Fashioned, the spicy piña colada riff Gatsby Gala, or the quietly dangerous Velvet Brew... a quick hop from Spring Hill.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 11, 2026

Website ↗

Whether you need a midweek reset or a Saturday night soundtrack, Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge in Franklin keeps the pub vibes warm and the…

1331 W Main St

Whether you need a midweek reset or a Saturday night soundtrack, Black Dog Pub & Music Lounge in Franklin keeps the pub vibes warm and the stage busy with live music, making it an easy, close-to-home hang when you want something more than the usual couch-and-remote routine.

Website ↗

Whether you're craving a guided wine tasting or a bourbon cocktail, Belle Meade Winery blends Nashville history with seriously good…

110 Leake Ave Bldg 1 (Nashville) · ✓ checked Aug 14

Whether you're craving a guided wine tasting or a bourbon cocktail, Belle Meade Winery blends Nashville history with seriously good sipping, plus Wine & Food Pairings with five pours alongside seasonal bites. Rally a couple friends, then linger at Bonnie's Bourbon & Wine Bar for round two.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 21, 2026

Website ↗

With a 170-seat theater and a bar, Mockingbird Theater & Bar keeps Franklin’s nights interesting with everything from bluegrass pickers to…

230 Franklin Rd BUILDING 6

With a 170-seat theater and a bar, Mockingbird Theater & Bar keeps Franklin’s nights interesting with everything from bluegrass pickers to improv comedy. The Factory at Franklin setting brings in surprising names like Jason Isbell and Sierra Ferrell, so you never know who might drop in next.

From the Franklin newsletter, September 20, 2026

Website ↗

The Skylight

Nightlife

Settle into The Skylight at The Factory for quality cocktails made with house-made ingredients, plus local beers and a thoughtful wine…

The Grand Hall, 230 Franklin Rd

Settle into The Skylight at The Factory for quality cocktails made with house-made ingredients, plus local beers and a thoughtful wine list. The historic setting and rotating events, from live music to trivia, make it an easy weeknight meet-up where a Sun-Kissed Sangria tastes like summer.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 27, 2026

Website ↗

For locals, Kimbro's Pickin Parlor is a small, down-home spot serving everyday pub grub and draft beer with a steady lineup of live music…

214 S Margin St

For locals, Kimbro's Pickin Parlor is a small, down-home spot serving everyday pub grub and draft beer with a steady lineup of live music that feels more living room than stage. Slide in for a relaxed night where the plates come hot, the sets stay tight, and conversation comes easy.

From the Franklin newsletter, September 22, 2026

Website ↗

Franklin’s own McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery nails the cozy pub vibe with live Celtic music, a rotating tap that spotlights local craft…

414 Main St

Franklin’s own McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery nails the cozy pub vibe with live Celtic music, a rotating tap that spotlights local craft brews, and hearty plates like Bangers and Mash, Dublin Pot Pie, and the Cashel Burger. Locally and female owned, plus online ordering and catering.

Website ↗

Hop House Tennessee Taps keeps the good stuff flowing with 38 craft beers on tap, plenty from local Tennessee breweries, plus cocktails and…

117 5th Ave N B

Hop House Tennessee Taps keeps the good stuff flowing with 38 craft beers on tap, plenty from local Tennessee breweries, plus cocktails and a tasty menu that actually holds its own. Friendly staff, laid-back vibe, and an easy outdoor hang make it a solid go-to when you need a no-fuss pint.

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →