Visitors are often drawn to Williamson County’s historic sites, our Main Streets, our backroads, and hidden gems. But just north of Franklin lies the Cool Springs area, a business district situated along I-65 with a suburban feel and some treasures of its own. Beyond the shopping opportunities to be found at the popular Galleria and throughout the vicinity, there are tons of unique and locally owned restaurants worth checking out. Here’s a list of our Top 21 Cool Springs Eats:
On the sprawling Cool Springs Galleria campus and just adjacent are a range of options; you might consider starting with the hot chicken at Party Fowl. This is a casual spot known for boozy slushies, cold beer and varying levels of the spicy crust that put Nashville-style chicken on the map, but it’s also family friendly and reasonably priced. If you’re looking for a place to watch a game, Jonathan’s Grille is another longtime local favorite that specializes in American fare and is surrounded by plenty of screens. On the more upscale side, The Honeysuckle features Southern staples and Himalayan salt-block fired meats, while Connors Steak & Seafood focuses on its namesakes, with one of the most impressive raw bars in town.
On that end of Cool Springs, you’ll also findd three additional Middle Tennessee icons – the contemporary American J. Alexander’s, nostalgic Sportsman’s Lodge, and Italian staple Amerigo.
Down Carothers Parkway are some newer options that have been welcomed additions, bringing dining expressions that are more urban in feel — The Rutledge is a perfect spot for fresh sushi, lobster bisque or a Martini, and Chrysalis has a fresh take on classic Italian, from the cioppino to the truffle toast and pasta dishes. Wild Ginger’s Pan-Asian fusion menu is a treasure for lunch or dinner.
Also along Carothers is the Meridian mixed-use district, featuring the scratch-made, Southern-styled Tupelo Honey restaurant, the New Orleans-themed Cajun Steamer, and the popular breakfast spot First Watch.
Closer to Franklin, the McEwen Northside district has brought a distinctive new vibe to Cool Springs, with an energy akin to a larger city’s fashionable outposts, with the requisite retail and dining accoutrements. North Italia’s homemade small plates, salads and pizzas are rock solid, and just-opened Blue Sushi Sake Grill is making waves in the neighborhood as well. Others worth visiting are Perry’s Steakhouse for fine dining and the Nashville-owned, Naples-inspired BrickTops, particularly for brunch.
Speaking of morning meals, don’t take a pass on Big Bad Breakfast, the brainchild of Oxford, Mississippi’s multi-Beard Award-winning chef John Currence.
If it’s a burger you’re after, Burger Up uses Williamson County’s own Bear Creek Farms beef and knows how to do it right. If it’s barbecue, Hogwood BBQ’s mouthwatering smoked ribs, brisket, sausage and pulled pork won’t leave you disappointed. Both are located just off of Cool Springs Boulevard.
And if it’s just a knock-your-socks-off chicken sandwich that hits the spot, then Waldo’s Chicken & Beer fried thighs take it to the next level. Whether it’s the simply delicious O.G. or the fiery Fowl Mouth, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better chicken sandwich anywhere.
There’s a range of price points and cuisines to suit anyone’s taste, and none of these restaurants are pretentious. Whether it’s date night or a celebration, a family outing after a long day or a memorable meal to cap a fabulous vacation… any one of these options will treat you right. It’s the Williamson County way.
