Downtown sit-down
Caffé Rel
- Address
- 459 E Main St (inside Hot Spot gas station), Franklin, NC 28734 Directions →
- Google rating
- 4.6 · 1,846 reviews View on GoogleRatings via Google · as of 2026-09-06
21 + leaningBeer + wine
The famous 'gas-station French bistro' — somehow the best wine list and the deepest wine knowledge in Franklin, tucked into the side of the Hot Spot convenience store on East Main. Chef Richard E. Long has been running it for 20+ years. Cash only, no reservations.
"Great food in a gas station."
The details
- Cuisine
- French-Italian bistro
- Good for kids?
- No — fine-dining tilt
- Alcohol
- Beer & wine + cocktails — strongest wine program in town
- Website
- https://cafferel.com/
Quick answers
Where is Caffé Rel?
459 E Main St (inside Hot Spot gas station), Franklin, NC 28734 — Downtown Franklin.
Is Caffé Rel kid-friendly?
Not really — fine-dining tilt.
Does Caffé Rel serve alcohol?
Yes — beer & wine + cocktails — strongest wine program in town.
Things to double-check
We couldn't fully confirm these — if you've been recently, tell us and we'll update: