Fill Your Day with Great Places to Eat in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County

Jeff Adkins

Offering more than 475 restaurants to choose from, Rutherford County has become a dining destination in Middle Tennessee. From fine dining and award-winning barbecue to global cuisine and deliciously unique breakfast spots, Rutherford County has it all. Here’s a look at the great places to eat in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.

Start Your Day Right 

It’s true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Murfreesboro’s Brunch and Brew Cafe takes that seriously. Brunch and Brew Cafe dishes out some of the best doughnuts and coffee around as well as omelets and breakfast sandwiches. For the plant-based folks, there are several vegan options as well. 

Rutherford County has no shortage of one-of-a-kind coffee shops, either. 

Touted as “Smyrna’s Creative Coffee Shop,” Carpe Cafe is located in the historic Depot District and has an eclectic, cozy vibe. Locals love to stop in for a well-made coffee or a slice of quiche or a homemade baked good made by The Sweet Addiction.

Dapper Owl Coffee Pub & Bakery in Murfreesboro is another fun twist on your typical coffee joint. In the mornings, this traditional English pub-themed shop pours specialty coffees and serves artisanal pastries. Or, swing back by in the evening for a pint and some live music. 

Another local fave to put on your list is Red Bicycle Roasting Co. Forget pancakes – crepes are all the rage now, and Red Bicycle in Murfreesboro does them well. Whether you’re wanting to go sweet or savory, the menu has you covered, with options ranging from a cinnamon roll crepe to a Mediterranean breakfast crepe. 

Satisfy Midday Munchies 

When it comes to great places to eat in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, delicious barbecue needs to be at the top of the list, and you can nosh on some of the area’s finest at Single Tree Wood Fire BBQ in Murfreesboro. 

Its specialty is the low and slow hickory-smoked brisket – and be sure to save room for Oreo pudding. Slick Pig BBQ is another Middle Tennessee barbecue go-to, and with a location in Murfreesboro, it’s easy for hungry patrons to grab a pulled pork sandwich and some scrumptious, homemade potato salad on their lunch break. 

If fish is more your speed, head to the Fish House. Located just south of Middle Tennessee State University, the restaurant is known for its fried-to-perfection fish sandwiches and plates. For lighter fish fare, stop by Rock N Roll Sushi. It operates two locations in Smyrna and Murfreesboro, serving some of the freshest sushi rolls in the area. 

For a good steak, pasta or seafood, The Alley on Main has you covered. Just off The Square in Murfreesboro, The Alley on Main offers an impressive lunch menu in a welcoming atmosphere and gets high marks for its service. A favorite here is the gumbo and grilled cheese combo, featuring andouille sausage from Rutherford County’s Batey Farms. 

And you can’t go wrong with a classic burger in a laid-back environment. Since 1985, Toot’s Restaurant in Murfreesboro has been serving up half-pound burgers, wings and everything in between. An award-winning kids’ menu makes it a fantastic place to bring the whole family for lunch or dinner. 

Save Room for Dinner 

For a fun girls’ night out, head to The Print Shop Restaurant, a hip local social house in Smyrna where you can grab a bite, sip a cocktail and unwind on the patio or in its Instagram-worthy dining room. 

Parthenon Grille is an institution among the many places to eat in Murfreesboro. The family-run restaurant has been around for more than 32 years, and customers come back time after time for the multigenerational recipes featuring fresh, traditional Greek fare. 

As another family-owned restaurant, Demos’ Restaurant promises the same authentic cuisine that locals keep coming back for. On its menu, American classics like the cheeseburger sit beside signature Italian dishes, including the seafood alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken fettuccini. To try something new, opt for the Mexican spaghetti, which spices up an otherwise traditional entrée. 

A longtime Middle Tennessee favorite is Puckett’s Restaurant. Its outpost in Murfreesboro is much like the original dishing out Southern comfort food alongside live music.