GRAY’S on Main has been a favorite since the very first time we visited Franklin. Located on Main Street (as stated right there in the name ), it is the perfect place to grab a bite and beverage during a Saturday afternoon shopping excursion, and it has even become a popular evening out when we have guests come to visit.
Last week, we put them to the test for date night.
If you are newly following along, about once a month, we go out for a special date night that is all about connection and edifying our marriage. For this particular date, we’re looking for more than just something fun to do. We anticipate and prepare for the evening together, and set it apart for meaningful conversation and laughter.
Finding a great restaurant for date night out isn’t as simple as looking at menus and reading generic visitor reviews because it takes more than good food to make for a great connection date! Good service is always a must, as is of course, menu prices and a dress code that align with us. But we also need an atmosphere conducive to conversation – even better paired with an experience that promotes it. And an environment that feels special – a little set apart from the daily grind.
For that reason, we’ve begun crafting our very own reviews to aid you on your quest to find your own date night destination. Since we are not food critics, we will only feature locations that we personally enjoy (though we are definitely open to suggestions and love trying places that have been personally recommended). And we will focus primarily on those elements that can make or break a date night.
GRAYS on Main
Destination: Date Night Review — Franklin, TN
Experience | Connection | Attire | Budget | Conclusion
(Jump ahead by touching or clicking the corresponding section you are looking for above.)
Great Service:
We’ve been to GRAY’S several times and have always been happy with the service. The wait staff are friendly, well-informed, and eager to help. Skilled mixologists will craft custom cocktails based on your flavor profile (though their menu is also adequate), and the owner is here regularly – seating guests, asking about the experience, etc. We have to mention, though, that on this particular evening, our service was just OK. Our food took a significant amount of time to come out and although we weren’t in a hurry, we didn’t see our server during that time – not nearly the attentive service we’ve come to expect from this establishment. Still, we’re giving a half-point because, in our experience, service is typically great!
Unique / Interesting Offerings:
Offerings are Southern inspired, garnished with a respect for modern taste and local ingredients. Since we love cooking at home, when we go out, we want options that aren’t readily available in our own kitchen – a provision that GRAY’S easily delivers on! This is a great place to be a little adventurous and try something new like grilled pear pizza or crispy pork belly.
Environment:
Originally a pharmacy from the late 1800s, all three-levels have been restored to pay homage the building’s cultural heritage while also cultivating an atmosphere that is relevant to today’s casual yet discerning guests. The preserved elements that originated in the pharmacy are of particular interest – wallpaper made out of written prescriptions, and doors that now serve as seating and bar ceilings.
NOTE: The second level is worth climbing the stairs for!
Fine Details:
Food is plated beautifully, and cocktails are presented as the craft beverages that they are. Water served from a wine bottle is a nice added touch – I always appreciate the thoughtful detail of simply considering how water is served.
Location:
Located on Main Street in Franklin, there is so much to do within walking distance! Come early and allow for plenty of time to walk around! (White’s Mercantile is one of our must-peruse-shops and has lots of interesting finds for you both.)
This one admittedly took us by surprise. We genuinely love GRAY’s, and – as mentioned above – have been there several times. This was the first time, however, that we’ve gone with the intent of having an evening to truly connect. It also happened to be the first time we experienced their live music, and probably also the first time we were seated on the bench on a crowded evening. It was still a great experience, and is definitely worth checking out! Keep reading for our tips on how to pair GRAY’S with a bit more of an intimate vibe.
Sans Distraction:
Seating is cozily positioned, and as such, you can’t help but notice if your neighbors aren’t concerned with enjoying a sophisticated evening, or using their indoor voices.
Noise Level:
Live music is one of our favorite perks of living in Nashville! We were seated fairly close to the stage, and still, the volume was comfortable. If you are wanting to have a conversation, though, it might be best to either disregard the above note and ask for a seat on the first level, or be sure to sit somewhere that you can be side by side.
Inspiring Conversation:
The building itself is full of conversational inspiration! You needn’t look very far to find something interesting to discuss. The history of the pharmacy, the re-purposed elements throughout… it’s all quite intriguing.
Intimate:
For a more intimate experience, try sitting side by side at the bar. It’s cozy, so you’ll have every reason to get nice and close.
Private:
There are a few select seats in the house where you can feel as though you’re tucked away in your own little world. It feels like we just keep saying “sit at the bar”, but in all seriousness, especially if you are going to have an adult beverage, it is the best place to sit close together and have your own private conversation while watching the bartenders craft beverages.
GRAY’S is relaxed enough that you don’t have to get too dressed up, which is especially nice if you’ve spent the day in the area and don’t have the option to go home and freshen up. And yet, if you happen to be sporting a suit, or want to get a little dressed up for an evening out on the town, you’d likely feel at home too.
Moderately-portioned shareables start at $8 each, and suppertime plates average $25.
In Conclusion:
GRAY’S on Main is a must-try! If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a quiet, intimate evening, a live music venue probably isn’t going to be at the top of your list, though it does make for a cool experience / get away from the daily grind kind of date night. Also, if you can get away for a mid-day date, we highly recommend spending some time on Main Street and making plans to have lunch or an early dinner at GRAY’S!
KEL AND MEL’S TIPS:
– Ask to be seated on the second floor. Even better, sit at the bar for side-by-side seating and an entertaining bartender.
– Make reservations at least two hours in advance.
– Try the fried pimento cheeseballs or AND the grilled pear pizza.
Cheers!
Kel and Mel
Know of a great date night spot in the Nashville area? We’d love to hear your recommendations! Leave a comment below or send us a note here.
Please Note: We are not in any way affiliated with GRAY’S, nor are we receiving compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are ours, and points/scales are based on our own impressions and date night experience.
