Location: Franklin
Top Restaurants in Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
Where to Eat in Franklin: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Franklin is a town in Franklin Township, Macon County, North Carolina, United States, within the Nantahala National Forest. The population was 3,845 as of the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County. Franklin is an official Appalachian Trail-friendly destination. The Franklin area is rich in gems and minerals and is known locally as the "Gem Capital of The World."
Things to do in Franklin
1. Caffe Rel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 934 reviews
Reviewed By John P - Johnson City, Tennessee
You can't tell from the outside..
But go in and try it..awesome food, service, wine selection with friendly staff.
We stopped in for lunch around 1 on a Saturday..busy but not crowded..no wait.
The Crab Bisque was awesome.
The bread and marinara were yummy..
Each entree was prepared well and tasty.
Lots of homemade deserts to choose from...
We will be back.
2. Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By TerriJeanMccall
The Rathskeller is small and quaint with a family atmosphere everyone knows everyone and the staff is always friendly and accommodating. Most weekends they have live music from local artists. The serve a variety of beer wine and Ale and the best coffee in town with very reasonable prices.
3. Rizzo's Bakery and Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Kelsey94 - Bar Harbor, Maine
A small locally owned Bistro that has fresh and tasty ingredients in excellently produced dishes. The freshly baked bread is outstanding. The tomato tart and the poached pear salad were wonderful. In the past we have had different quiches, all freshly prepared and wonderful. The meat loaf is tasty.
The service is outstanding and the ambiance homey.
Highly recommended!!
4. Life's Bounty Bakery and Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Rick F - Bryson City, North Carolina
We were looking for alternative to the typical lunch options in Franklin and saw this place on a walk by downtown and decided to give it a try. We both ate lunch and had the Cuban pressed sandwich and I had a bowl of vegetable beef soup too. The soup was good, too many peas for my taste. The Cuban was good, but Frogtown's is better. We did not try any of the pastry's which looked good. They also serve breakfast as well. It is an order, sit down and they bring your food, so service is not really relevant. We may give it another try.
5. Gazebo Creekside Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By DebbieS50 - Roswell, GA
Why go to eat fast food when you can eat a great lunch here, reasonably priced, but get your food just as quick? The chicken salad is excellent and the ham and swiss sandwich was very good. Broccoli Cheese soup and Tomato Basil soup were both good, but not great. The weather was cool so the soup did hit the spot, but the sandwiches were definitely the main act. It would be an even better atmosphere in warm weather when the gazebo is open and with all the outside seating. Will definitely return!
6. Main Street Coffee Franklin Nc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By yuravgjoe - Memphis, Tennessee
The wife and I stopped in and had coffee, tea, frozen yogurt and a spinach pastry. We lingered a while with our laptops. Cozy place and hit the spot on a crisp morning.
7. Dairy Queen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By renatruex
I'm a local. So we come weekly and bring the kids to have ice cream after their game/school or activities. Love the food. However. We go thru the drive thru 90% of the time. And so frustrating bc they can't ever hear anyone with their 15yr old sound speaker! And they always ask me over and over what I said. With 7 ppl to order for its beyond frustrating having to always repeat everything twice. And last 2 visits we didn't get 2 items. I suppose bc she couldn't hear me. They seriously need an up grade with the speaker. I have a small car and still cut it off and they cannot hear me.
8. Ms Lois' Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By RCC-Georgia - Lilburn, Georgia
My wife and I were passing through Franklin from a Smokey Mtn trip and staying overnight. I had read good reviews on Ms Lois from Trip Advisor and elsewhere.
The restaurant is small and had 8-10 tables that can seat 4 or so. Definitely a popular local place.
My wife ordered the open face roast beef with mashed potatoes and Cole slaw; and i got the Garlic Romana grilled chicken with green beans, creamed corn and mashed potatoes with a biscuit. Both cost $7.95 for each platter. Tea and a diet coke was $1.50 for each. Very reasonable prices.
The food was hot and very tasty. We enjoyed every bite. The service was very friendl, nice and attentive to us.
They only accept cash; no debit or credit cards. There is a small ATM machine in the retaurant to dispense cash if needed.
It's not fine dining, nor fancy. But it is simple and quaint with good country cooking at an affordable cost. We plan to stop by again when passing thru.
9. Mi Casa mexican restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By cindybeeisme
Hard to find good vegetarian spots far from Asheville. Fantastic staff that helped us pick from the menu (My GOD are there options). The vegetarian menu had 12 options. Tgey btought hot chips and salsa to the table as soon as we sat down. Large parking lot. Right off the main highway on main street. Clean restaurant; smells so good when you walk in. Overall 5/5.
10. Root + Barrel Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 385 reviews
We are a locally sourcing southern cuisine restaurant. We specialize in utilizing as many local seasonal ingredients as possible, enabling us to bring the freshest product possible to our guests. We have a full bar featuring fresh seasonal cocktails, draft and bottle beer and an excellent wine selection. During the summer months enjoy our outdoor covered patio. We are a perfect spot for any occasion, whether on a date or with the kids. We have several private dining features for birthdays, meetings, or weddings. When in Franklin or surrounding areas we are a must on anyone looking for a top of the line dining experience!
Reviewed By jamesw247
This was a return visit and once again we had a favorable experience with an attentive wait person, great food and a very cozy booth to dine in. In addition to Southern fare on the menu, there are a variety of local brews, designer cocktails and wine by the glass available. Specials are available on a daily basis and a lengthy bar accommodates lighter fare diners. Located right on Main Street, the Root + Barrel Kitchen is a wonderful asset and a real find-- don't miss it when you are visiting Franklin!
