Must try: Pigs over Broadway, Jack’s barbecue.
And Demos steakhouse.
Two excellent places.
When you’re at Jack’s you can walk out the back door cross the alley and see the stars entrance to the Ryman auditorium.
We really like Jack’s and Demos’. Also downtown and another location in Franklin is Puckett’s Grocery. For “local” burgers and fries Gabby’s is great but a little off the beaten path. If you visit the Hermitage, there is nearby the Hermitage Steakhouse which is good, but a little $$ and only open for dinner.
I vote Jack’s Barbecue also Kind of a hole in the wall, but great food and it’s a landmark.