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Ms Lois' Restaurant

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A charming diner serving up classic Southern comfort food with a smile. Home-cooked meals, friendly service, and prices that can't be beat.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Nice

Ms Lois' Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming diner serving up classic Southern comfort food with a smile. Home-cooked meals, friendly service, and prices that can't be beat.

"If I could give 100 stars, I would—but since we’re sticking with 10, here’s a big ol’ perfect ten for Ms. Lois’!"

TIP

Wait for a table

The place is small; be prepared to wait outside, especially in bad weather.

Add bacon to burgers

Enhance your cheeseburger with bacon for an extra delicious treat.

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Quick Facts

Open¡Closes 8PM

Cuisine

Southern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(828) 369-8628

Address

145 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

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Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Southern Comfort Food

Southern Comfort Food

Indulge in delicious home-cooked Southern comfort fare like fried chicken and biscuits.

Google Review+1
Friendly, Family Atmosphere

Friendly, Family Atmosphere

Experience a warm, welcoming vibe where you're treated like family from accommodating staff.

Google Review+1
Reasonable Prices

Reasonable Prices

Enjoy high-quality, generous portions of classic Southern dishes at incredibly fair prices.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wait for a table

The place is small; be prepared to wait outside, especially in bad weather.

Add bacon to burgers

Enhance your cheeseburger with bacon for an extra delicious treat.

Try the specialties

Sample their signature dishes like slaw dogs, corned beef hash, or catfish.

Save room for dessert

Don't miss out on the homemade pies – coconut, lemon, chocolate cream, and key lime.

Tips

from all over the internet

Wait for a table

The place is small; be prepared to wait outside, especially in bad weather.

Add bacon to burgers

Enhance your cheeseburger with bacon for an extra delicious treat.

Try the specialties

Sample their signature dishes like slaw dogs, corned beef hash, or catfish.

Save room for dessert

Don't miss out on the homemade pies – coconut, lemon, chocolate cream, and key lime.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ms. Lois' Restaurant is beloved for its authentic Southern comfort food, served in a friendly, family-like atmosphere with remarkably reasonable prices. While many praise the delicious, home-cooked meals and exceptional service, some diners note the limited indoor waiting space and occasional issues with side dish preparation or consistency. Overall, it's a highly recommended local gem for a satisfying and affordable meal.

"Kinda found this place by accident this morning while traveling from Cherokee back to Georgia. So glad we did. There had a been a power outage and they were just opening when we pulled up. The ladies were working super hard to get everyone seated and orders taken. Our food was really good and we had great service. Will definitely stop by again when we are in the area."

Brandon Colquitt

"Great food and service. I had blackened catfish with candied yams, rice and gravy and creamed corn. My daughter had fried chicken salad. All were superb.

I was a little surprised when we walked in. I thought the sign saying to wait outside was a pandemic relic, but they really mean it. The inside is cozy without much room to wait for a table. If it’s chilly or wet, come prepared.

All in all, a good local place. We’ll be back."

David Thornton

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10-Star Review for Ms. Lois’ Restaurant – Franklin, NC

If I could give 100 stars, I would—but since we’re sticking with 10, here’s a big ol’ perfect ten for Ms. Lois’!

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by that Southern charm that feels more like Grandma’s kitchen than a restaurant. Cleanliness? Let’s just say the A 100.0 sanitation rating proudly hanging on the wall speaks for itself. Spotless, well-kept, and clearly cared for by folks who take pride in their place.

The menu is straight-up Southern comfort with no frills and no fuss—just good cookin’. I had the catfish, which comes with fries, slaw, and hushpuppies, and I’d drive across three counties to get it again. BBQ pork options and classic sides like sweet potato casserole, macaroni salad, and pickled beets? Yes, please. The portions are generous, the flavors are nostalgic, and the prices are beyond fair. ($11.99 for a full plate? That’s a steal in 2025!)

Now let’s talk pie. Coconut, lemon, chocolate cream, and key lime—all homemade, all heavenly. I went with the coconut, but if I’d had room, I’d have tried them all. Pro tip: save space for dessert or you’ll regret it.

Breakfast is served until 10:45, and lunch kicks off at 11 sharp. That kind of punctuality tells you they mean business, and judging by the full tables, the locals already know this is the spot.

Bottom line: Ms. Lois’ isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory. If you’re anywhere near Franklin, NC, this is the kind of place you must stop. Family-friendly, comfort-filled, and delicious from first bite to last crumb.

Come hungry, leave happy—and tell ‘em the catfish sent you."

M E (ME)

What People Like

Delicious home-cooked Southern food
Friendly and welcoming service
Great value for money

What People Dislike

Limited indoor waiting area
Occasional salty or canned side dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to limited indoor space, you may need to wait outside for a table. Visiting during off-peak hours can help minimize wait times.

Google Review

Breakfast is served until 10:45 AM. Lunch typically starts around 11 AM.

Google Review

The restaurant is small and does not appear to take reservations. Be prepared for a potential wait.

Google Review+1

Popular choices include the blackened catfish, fried chicken, cornbread, biscuits and gravy, and various comfort food sides.

Google Review+1

While known for Southern meat dishes, the menu offers sides like sweet potato casserole, macaroni salad, and pickled beets that can be combined.

Yes, Ms. Lois' Restaurant has some outdoor seating available, which can be an alternative when waiting for an indoor table.

Google Review+1

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Southern Trippers

11 Best Restaurants in Franklin NC You Must Try

Winner of the Best Breakfast in Franklin, Ms. Lois’ Restaurant is the place to be for your first meal of the day!. This hometown diner serves up country cooking at its finest, giving visitors a true taste of the south. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ms. Lois and company are sure to serve you an exceptional meal, making this one of the best places to eat in Franklin.

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Dining in Franklin, NC

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Ms Lois' Restaurant (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide