Motor Company Grill
A 1950s-themed diner on Main Street, offering a nostalgic atmosphere with classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes from an authentic soda fountain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Motor Company Grill
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1950s-themed diner on Main Street, offering a nostalgic atmosphere with classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes from an authentic soda fountain.
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds and ensure quicker service by visiting during less busy times, especially if dining solo.
Don't miss the ice cream
Consider trying their ice cream offerings, milkshakes, or floats after your meal for a sweet treat.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Diner
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nostalgic 1950s Diner Ambiance
Step back in time with checkered floors, red vinyl stools, and iconic car displays for a true retro experience.
Hand-Pressed Burgers
Savor delicious, juicy burgers with unique toppings like bacon and fried egg, highly praised by diners.
Authentic Soda Fountain Treats
Indulge in classic milkshakes, banana splits, and old-fashioned floats from a genuine soda fountain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds and ensure quicker service by visiting during less busy times, especially if dining solo.
Don't miss the ice cream
Consider trying their ice cream offerings, milkshakes, or floats after your meal for a sweet treat.
Veggie & Beyond Burgers
Vegetarians can swap beef patties for veggie or Beyond burgers at no extra charge.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds and ensure quicker service by visiting during less busy times, especially if dining solo.
Don't miss the ice cream
Consider trying their ice cream offerings, milkshakes, or floats after your meal for a sweet treat.
Veggie & Beyond Burgers
Vegetarians can swap beef patties for veggie or Beyond burgers at no extra charge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners often praise Motor Company Grill for its fun, nostalgic 1950s atmosphere and its delicious hand-pressed burgers and milkshakes. While many enjoy the classic diner fare and friendly service, some reviews mention burgers being dry or over-seasoned, and occasional service attentiveness issues.
"Great place right in downtown Franklin. Stopped here twice after hiking with my dog. Prices were certainly reasonable to me two craft beers with an icy glass was less than $10. Had the club sandwich twice. Service was great despite being very busy both times. Provided a nice bowl of water for the pooch. Parking was pretty easy despite driving a large pickup. Will visit again when in the neighborhood."
Pete Walton
"I came here by myself to treat myself to a nice lunch. It did not seem too busy, there were probably 3 tables occupied. I waited a few minutes to be seated because the host was not there, but as soon as they came over to me, I was seated immediately. I do not remember my server's name but they were super nice! For a drink, I ordered a sweet tea. The sweet tea was not as sweet as I would have liked, but it was okay. I ordered the farmhouse burger with a side of mac and cheese. The farmhouse burger comes with bacon, a fried egg, and cheddar. I waited about 15 minutes for my food to come out. The burger was delicious! I really liked the flavors of the egg and bacon with the beef. The mac and cheese was good at first because they had melted cheese on top, but as I got further into the bowl, the sauce that was used was pretty light and bland compared to other restaurants' macs I've had. The inside of the restaurant is really nice and well-themed. The service was okay - I only saw my server when they came to take my order, when they brought me my food, and when I was ready to pay. I felt pretty weird dining in by myself, but it was not a bad experience. I would definitely recommend this place. I noticed they have ice cream and would love to try that sometime."
Mar Pepin
"We love this place from the burgers, to the cheese curds, onion rings and ice cream after. Our dog Milly gives it 5 paws for the outdoor patio"
SugarFree Productions LLC (Webspozay.com)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant boasts a strong nostalgic 1950s theme with checkered floors, red vinyl stools, and classic car decor, creating a fun retro vibe.
Yes, you can switch your ground beef patty for a veggie burger or a Beyond burger at no additional charge.
Absolutely! The diner atmosphere and classic comfort food like burgers and milkshakes are a hit with all ages.
Yes, the restaurant offers gluten-free options for their burgers, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Yes, Motor Company Grill features a spacious outdoor patio that is also pet-friendly.
Diners rave about the hand-pressed burgers, classic milkshakes, banana splits, and onion rings.
They are open Sunday to Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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Best Restaurants in Franklin, NC
Converted from one of the original automobile dealerships in Franklin, the Motor Company Grill is a 50’s themed diner located on Main Street in historic downtown. Upon walking through the brick entrance where the original garage door was located, you can choose to sit in either their movie-themed dining room or their music-themed dining room Their menu features traditional diner favorites like soups, sandwiches, and salads. Additionally, their music-themed dining room features an authentic soda fountain with ice cream and milkshakes, complete with red leather bar stools.
The 15 Best Things To Do In Franklin, North Carolina
If a burger and fries are calling your name, there’s no better place to get the classic combo (and a milkshake to boot!) than Motor Company Grill. The 1950s themed downtown diner is a throwback in the best possible way—black-and-white checkered floors and red vinyl barstools included. The burgers at Motor Company are always fresh and hand-pressed, the fries are always piping hot, and the soda fountain menu includes banana splits, malt shakes, and even old-fashioned floats and sodas.
15 Best Things To Do In Franklin, NC You Shouldn't Miss
As one of our favorite restaurants to visit for things to do in Franklin, NC, Motor Company Grill transports you back to the 1950’s for an authentic diner experience like none other. Their iconic blue car awaits you out front as you enter the doors and are greeted by checkered flooring, neon lights, a juke box, and red bar stools. The menu consists of everything from mouth watering burgers to onion rings and sweet potato fries to philly cheesesteaks on hoagie buns.
A Guide to Dog-Friendly Travel in Franklin, NC
Leo’s Caffe Italia – Providing primarily organic and natural Italian food selections as well as gourmet Italian coffee, Leo’s works with local and international suppliers to source the freshest, highest quality offering.Motor Company Grill – A retro-style diner with a spacious outdoor patio, it is a great place to grab a burger, fries, and a classic milkshake, plus a decadent dessert.
4 of the Best Barbecue Joints Near Franklin, NC – Franklin Ford, Inc. Blog
If you’re a fan of nostalgic, 1950s-themed diners, you’ll love Motor Company Grill in downtown Franklin. This family-style joint features amazing barbecue burgers, sandwiches, subs, tasty appetizers, entrees, and desserts. You’ll love the outdoor patio, which is pet-friendly and offers lots of space for large groups.
The 8 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Franklin
I can't think of a single bad thing to say about this place. They have gluten free options for their burgers. The service is always on point and the retro theme is fun.
Things to do in Franklin, North Carolina
Some other great restaurants in the area that we heard about were Gazebo Creekside Cafe, Lazy Hiker Brewing Co., Gracious Plates on Main, and Currahee Brewing Company.
The 7 Best Restaurants in Franklin NC & Macon County
86 W Main St, Franklin, NC • (828) 524-0099 • Official Website. HOURS: Sun to Wed 11:00AM-4PM; Thurs to Sat 11:00AM-8PM. What makes a particular restaurant great?
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