Dine-in: 201 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Phone: (828) 369-0575

About the Restaurant

We offer a great selection of imported and specialty beers on tap and an excellent wine list at a very attractive price. Discover the fresh, innovative style of the city's most popular neighborhood eatery.

Restaurant Photo Share the good times and come dine with us for fun, food, and spirits!

The Restaurant was founded by Bill Smith more than 90 years ago as a cozy neighborhood tavern. Today it has evolved and grown into an upscale casual bistro perfect for lunch and dinner. We have been recognized by The Courier Newspaper as one of the city's 20 Best Restaurants 10 years in a row.

Enjoy the comfortable atmosphere by the fireplace or on the heated enclosed deck. Share the good times and come dine with us for fun, food, and spirits. Restaurant sweatshirts, gift certificates and mugs make great gifts for friends and family!

We look forward to sharing our passion for good food and service with you, and welcome you as our guests. We are proud of the time and effort that goes into preparing each of our dishes and look forward to serving you.

About the Chef

Executive Chef Joe Johnson has been in charge of The Restaurant's kitchen for over 25 years. Like many teens in their first job, he worked as a waiter for several years. He loved the restaurant environment—especially the kitchen.

After graduating from the New York Culinary Institute, Johnson worked at various restaurants throughout the country, but moved back to the city in 1983 to take over as executive chef at The Restaurant. When he's not in the back keeping things running smoothly, you can see him in the dining room talking to both regular and new customers.