Franklin's dining scene is small-town Southern: meat-and-three plates, barbecue, and a couple of better restaurants on or near the courthouse square. Brickyard Café on the square does a respected lunch — soups, sandwiches, and a rotating list of plate specials. Smokin' Oaks Original BBQ on the south side has pulled pork and ribs cooked over hickory; the burnt ends are worth ordering when they have them. The Gathering Café is the local breakfast spot for biscuits, country ham, and strong coffee. Chains line the I-65 exit for anyone passing through in a hurry.