Great Local Coffee Houses in Franklin, TN

If you live in the Middle Tennessee area, and love coffee and supporting local businesses instead of chains, there are a few places around Franklin, TN you should definitely check out. Whether you are looking for a simple cup of coffee, gourmet and exotic foods, or even live music with your cup of Joe, there are plenty of great independently owned local choices.

First up is the lovely Merridee's Breadbasket, located just off the square in downtown Franklin on Fourth Avenue and Main Street. The interior is painted dark, but the high ceilings and fans, as well as the large windows, keep it light an airy, helping the larger-than-it-looks cafe avoid having a somber atmosphere. The dessert pastries, especially their fruit and cheese crescent rolls, are excellent, and their gourmet sandwiches, such as the tuna or the curried chicken are quite good and of a decent size, if the service can be a bit hit or miss. The coffee itself is rich and delicious. Sit on a bar stool at one of the tables facing the street and watch the world go by as you have your breakfast or lunch. Merridee's Breadbasket is open and serving from 7 am until 3 pm.

In addition to serving a great cup of coffee, The Good Cup on Hillsboro Road across of the Sun Trust Bank is locally owned and operated, serves organic, fair trade, and shade grown coffee, is a Wi-Fi hot spot, features a gift shop, and is also a live music venue on weekends. The so-called Good & Evil latte is very much of the former and the only thing really evil about it is that it leaves you wanting more. The interior is warm, cozy and intimate, and allows for getting up close and personal with local musicians and comedy acts. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable. They are open 6 am - 6 pm Monday - Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

Another great local coffee house is Maxximo Jo's on Murfressboro Road. They offer a selection of gourmet coffees from around the world that is unsurpassed in local cafes. They have some pastries and desserts, including an excellent selection of quality gelatos. They have very recently begun serving sandwiches, and they offer a nice (if limited) selection of teas. However, the featured star of Maxximo Jo's is definitely the java. They are the only local source of Grounded Coffee Company products. They start serving at 6 am on weekdays, 7 am on weekends and serve through the evening all week long.