by Serenity Joy Miller, Freelance Food Critic
On Sunday, Kristin Larkin and I visited 55 South on Main Street in Franklin for brunch. Since it opened in January 2010, I have enjoyed dozens of delicious meals, cold pints of beer, and tasty mixed drinks at this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Over the years, 55 South has become one of my favorite eating and drinking destinations, and it never disappoints. The unique décor, which includes road signs representing the interstate drive from Memphis to New Orleans, vintage photographs and maps, a moose decorated with Mardi Gras beads above the door, amusing plaques and stickers at the bar, and a warm color palette, welcomes you into a fun, light-hearted environment bursting with Southern charm.
Sunday brunch at 55 South is a truly unique experience. First of all, the drink options include Bottomless Mimosas, a Bloody Mary Bar with all the fixin’s from bacon and green beans to hot peppers and olives, local craft beer, frosty Bushwackers, and a wide variety of premium liquors. On Sunday, Kristin and I both ordered Bottomless Mimosas, and the exceptional bartenders Angie Byrd and Elaine Goodwin kept our glasses full during our entire visit. Even with a busy bar and restaurant, these ladies were always friendly and attentive. It doesn’t hurt that they’re both friends of mine, but I watched them offer the same excellent service to everyone at the bar.
Now, let’s talk about the food. One of my favorite brunch dishes at 55 South is the Eggs Saint Louis, which features perfectly poached eggs, delectable crab meat, and creamy hollandaise sauce over a toasted English muffin with asparagus on the side. Each bite is a treat for the tongue. With its savory, rich flavor, you can’t go wrong with this perfectly portioned delicacy. Kristin and I also enjoyed a dozen Ice Cold Gulf Oysters with cocktail sauce, limes, lemons, and Saltine’s. They were fresh and delicious – an ideal way to end our very enjoyable brunch.
Along with the above choices, I would like to recommend the Char Grilled Oysters with Lemon Garlic Butter, Bag O’ Shrimp, Hand Made Guacamole, Steak & Eggs, Chicken & Waffles, Killer Breakfast Tacos, Nashville Hot Chicken, Seared Tuna Salad, and Mahi Reuben. Honestly, I have never had a bad experience at 55 South, and I look forward to my next visit, which could be tonight for a Bushwacker!
