The Fainting Goat
1143 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37206
For this week’s coffee shop review, we’re diving into The Fainting Goat, a charming local spot in Franklin, Tennessee. My sister was visiting town a few weeks ago, so my mom, my sister, and I decided to explore a new coffee shop together. After a quick Google search—“Best coffee shop near me”—The Fainting Goat came up with glowing reviews, so we decided to check it out. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.
The first thing you notice when you arrive at The Fainting Goat is its unique and welcoming vibe. Unlike the smaller, often cramped coffee shops you find in many towns, The Fainting Goat stands out with its spacious layout. The shop is a standalone building with two levels of seating, offering plenty of room to spread out. Upstairs, there’s even an adorable patio adorned with string lights, creating a cozy yet vibrant outdoor atmosphere. The abundance of seating, both indoors and outdoors, makes it an ideal spot for catching up with friends, holding casual meetings, or settling in for a productive work session.
While The Fainting Goat isn’t what I’d describe as modern, moody, or overtly hip, like some of the trendier spots in the area, it has its own charm. Its aesthetic is simple and practical, with playful touches that make it feel special. For example, the walls are decorated with whimsical portraits of goats dressed as celebrities, including a standout painting of the beloved Dolly Parton. Another delightful feature is the large community bulletin board near the entrance, showcasing local business cards, event flyers, and other announcements. It’s a thoughtful nod to the importance of supporting the local community, something that The Fainting Goat clearly values.
Going in, my family and I didn’t know much about the shop beyond the rave reviews we’d read online. When we stepped up to the counter, we were pleasantly surprised (and a little overwhelmed) by the expansive menu. They had everything you could imagine—traditional coffee drinks, teas, frozen drinks, energy drinks, hot chocolate, and a creative array of signature beverages with funky names. There was even a section dedicated to seasonal drinks, like their special “Winter Drinks” menu.
The food menu was equally surprising. While we expected the usual coffee shop staples, muffins, scones, and bagels, The Fainting Goat’s menu went far beyond that. Sure, there were pastries and breakfast burritos, but the real highlight was their empanadas. Baked daily in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the empanadas are clearly a standout offering. They also had grab-and-go items, churros, and a variety of other small bites. It’s not the typical coffee shop fare you might expect, but the diversity of options made it clear that this place aims to cater to a wide range of tastes.
After spending what felt like forever studying the menu, we finally placed our order. We got a chorizo breakfast burrito, a blackberry empanada, a bacon-egg-and-cheese empanada, a turkey sausage empanada, a non-fat cappuccino, a vanilla latte, and their specialty “Love Potion Latte.” The staff was friendly and helpful, and the service was quick, which is always a plus.
When our food and drinks arrived, everything looked appetizing and thoughtfully prepared. My mom loved her cappuccino and rated it an 8/10. My sister enjoyed her vanilla latte and gave it the same rating. As for me, I tried the Love Potion Latte, but it wasn’t quite what I expected. I’d asked for it half-sweet, but even with the reduced sweetness, it was still a bit too sugary for my taste. If you enjoy really sweet drinks, you’d probably love it, but for me, it was a 5/10.
The food, on the other hand, was an interesting experience. All of the empanadas were good, though we had clear favorites. The blackberry empanada was a hit and earned an 8/10 from all of us. It had the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a delightful treat. The bacon-egg-and-cheese empanada came in second with a solid 7/10, followed by the turkey sausage empanada at 6/10. The chorizo breakfast burrito was another highlight. It was flavorful and filling, earning a 7/10 as well. While I don’t typically associate empanadas or burritos with coffee, it was a unique pairing that made the experience stand out.
Overall, The Fainting Goat is a coffee shop that brings something different to the table. It’s not just a place to grab coffee, it’s a destination. The spacious seating, fun menu, and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot for groups, casual meetups, or even solo work sessions. While it might not be the best place for fans of moody, Instagram-worthy aesthetics, it more than makes up for it with its charm, practicality, and emphasis on community.
So, have you been to The Fainting Goat? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What did you order, and how did you like it? If you have any other coffee shop recommendations in the Nashville or Franklin area, don’t forget to share them with me. Head over to the “Personalized Recommendations” or “Recipe Exchange” tabs on my page and let me know. Thanks for reading, and as always, keep making memories—sip by sip!