Mack: I love the Grateful Dead-themed cocktails, which were clever but also very good (yeah I'm tipping my hippie hand here a little). And aside from the server absolutely assailing us with about 8 minutes worth of food-explaining speech I neither asked for nor needed, this restaurant got off to an excellent start with fantastic appetizers including perfect Parisian-style gnocchi and outstanding elk meatballs with a rich Sunday gravy. Things got muddier with the mains, which had far too many elements to sort through, though the pork porterhouse and Steelhead trout underneath it all were flavorful and nicely cooked.

Great dinner out at Saffire & Red Pony, pub food at McCreary's, veggie, black bean, beef and buffalo burgers at Cheeseburger Charley's, fish tacos at Garcia's, falafel at Sue's Gyros, frozen custard at Shakey's, everything at Dumplin's, Puckett's in town has great squash casserole and cobblers, among other things, biscuits at Dotson's are awesome, family dinners at the Chophouse or Shogun, Thai heaven (for us at least) is Jasmine, get your Japanese fix at Sake, ribs at Shane's, and when you're in the mood for a HUGE feast, listen to Makupfool and head for Monell's.

Red Pony Restaurant offers a sophisticated menu of updated Southern classic dishes & low-lit ambiance amid dramatic decor in Franklin, TN. Red Pony has won countless awards since opening in 2006. Most recently, this eclectic restaurant was named ‘Best Food’, ‘Best Service’, ‘Best Overall’ and ‘Best Contemporary America’ by Open Table. Since it’s opening, Red Pony Restaurant has impressed guests by staying true to a mission focused on cuisine and service.

There’s nothing like sitting next to a window overlooking the hustle and bustle of a busy Main Street to make a couple feel like they’re in their own little world. The brick-walled second floor dining room of downtown Franklin’s Red Pony Restaurant has two such bird’s eye views with their own private perch:. The martini menu shakes up—or stirs—pheromones with potions like The Vixen, The French Kiss, and the Hot & Dirty.

The next night, we visited perhaps Franklin’s best-known restaurant, the Red Pony, for their signature shrimp and grits. We’ve had (and love) a lot of shrimp and grits living in the south, but Red Pony’s were distinctively different with complex brown sauce instead of layers of cheese. The waiter talked us into dessert – Crème brûlée with candy cap mushrooms.

Voted “Best New Restaurant 2006” by Southern Exposure Magazine, Red Pony’s casual fine dining has become one of Franklin’s historic Main Street favorites. Their menu offers Southern, Contemporary American cuisine and has perfected the essence of “sophisticated southern” dishes by utilizing fresh, homegrown produce, seafood and meats.

Jason McConnell, the man at the helm of McConnell Hospitality Group, has four different concepts in downtown Franklin with 55 South (now open in Brentwood too), Red Pony Restaurant, Cork & Cow and an event space, the McConnell House. Two concepts are in what used to be just one space, previously known as Sandy’s Downtown Grille.

Red Pony Restaurant is a staple for locals seeking a romantic night out, known for its innovative Southern cuisine and chic interior. The menu changes seasonally, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients in every dish. Its intimate seating and attentive service make it a top choice for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day.

When it comes to great restaurants, Red Ponyis one of the top choices. From their delicious food to their exceptional service, they are a must-visit location when you're in Franklin!. The restaurant is one of the top choices for families, and it offers an experience that will make you feel like part of their family.

Other spots to consider include Red Pony (also by chef Jason McConnell), Merridee’s Breadbasket, Whitney’s Cookies (if you’re looking to prioritize that sweet tooth like we were), Cork & Cow, or get some more classic pub fare at O’ Be Joyful or McCreary’s Irish Pub. The last two are also good nighttime options.

Just across the street, sister establishment Red Pony Restaurant (both owned by acclaimed chef Jason McConnell) presents some great steaks as full dishes, pairing the proteins with sides and sauces. The local favorite is the grilled lamb chops with mint churri, pecorino, and fried tobacco onions.

You could easily spend a weekend in Franklin perusing the shops—White’s Mercantile, DeAnn Art Gallery and Rooted are a few of my personal favorites—and dining your way around downtown from Red Pony to Cork & Cow or Grays on Main, which has one of the most photographed signs on Main Street.

55 South is a bit less pricey and has some nice items, but the real draw is the brunch with the bloody mary bar (they pour the alcohol and mixer, you dress it up). McCreary’s is an interesting Irish pub and has some good drink specials, but neither your craft beer heaven or high end food.

You are normally asked how you’ll want your seats arranged when you make a reservation. The waiters are timely and you have the chance to order some of the most delicious lobsters that America has to offer. Other specialties on the menu to consider are shrimp and mushroom.

Another inspiration of Chef Jason McConnell, who started 55 South and Cork and Cow, Red Pony Restaurant (408 Main St) opened in 2006 as the place for sophisticated Southern fare. The menu changes about six times a year to take advantage of seasonal specialties.

The Red Pony is upscale casual with a great bar that you can eat. 55 South is super casual with Cajun bent and great oysters. The Cork and Cow is probably a little more special occasion, although if I could I’d eat there all the time.

So downtown Franklin with its square and Main Street is a huge draw and great restaurants from Cork and Cow, Red Pony, 55 South, Grays on Main. So Franklin is, there's a lot for, somebody can come to the distillery.

A perfect spot for a memorable meal, featuring outstanding dishes, thoughtful details, and a delightful knack for presentation. Enjoyed a work holiday dinner at Red Pony last evening. It was an amazing experience.

Visit the Red Pony for a “sophisticated southern” style dining experience. Enjoy Southern cuisine paired with a low-lit ambiance. Located in the McConnell House, a part of Franklin’s historic old jail downtown.

If you want a more elegant dining experience, check out Red Pony in Historic Downtown Franklin. Their menu switches out about six times a year, so there's almost always something new to try with every visit.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, these five restaurants—1799 Kitchen & Cocktails, Cork & Cow, Red Pony, Gray’s On Main, and O’ Be Joyful—offer a delightful range of culinary experiences.

Red Pony: This restaurant opened in 2006 and has been going strong ever since. Dine on grilled lamb chops, beef tartare, scallops, and hickory-grilled bone-in ribeye.

For dinner, tuck into the Red Pony (408 Main St.; tel 615/595-7669), which serves sophisticated, updated Southern classics against the backdrop of dramatic decor.