Joanie’s is a locally owned, from-scratch café and American restaurant at 13 S Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, directly on the historic downtown square. Named by owner Jason Day in memory of his mother, Joan, the restaurant draws travelers and regulars for gourmet coffee, made-to-order breakfast, crepes, burgers, and comfort-food lunches and dinners in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
What to Expect at Joanie’s
Joanie’s runs from early-morning coffee through dinner, with an all-day café rhythm rather than a formal, single-meal restaurant experience. The kitchen emphasizes scratch cooking: batter is poured to order, eggs are cracked and cooked in the kitchen, and bacon is prepared fresh rather than reheated from a freezer bag. Expect a broad American menu built around breakfast plates, crepes, sandwiches, burgers, and dinner-friendly comfort dishes, with specialty coffee anchoring the day.
The restaurant’s playful side appears in its creative menu concept, which takes inspiration from familiar television and film characters. It is an easy choice for a substantial breakfast before exploring the square, a coffee stop between downtown errands, or a casual evening meal. Joanie’s has been featured on America’s Best Restaurants and Tennessee Crossroads, and its 2025 Main Street Awards recognition included Best Coffee Shop, Best Breakfast, and Best Dining Deal, with runner-up honors for Best Burger and Best Overall Restaurant.
- Scratch-made breakfast: Freshly cooked eggs, poured-to-order batter, and made-in-house preparation distinguish the morning menu.
- Gourmet coffee: Espresso-based and coffeehouse drinks make Joanie’s a practical stop before a courthouse-square walk.
- Creative crepes: Crepes are a defining café offering, alongside familiar American breakfast and lunch choices.
- Burger recognition: The restaurant was a 2025 Main Street Awards runner-up for Best Burger in Murfreesboro.
- Downtown-square address: Its compact Public Square location puts local shops, the Rutherford County Courthouse, and nearby dining within a short walk.
Joanie’s at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 13 S Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Historic Downtown Murfreesboro / Public Square |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Sat 7am–9pm; Sun 8am–4pm |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ for breakfast, lunch, dinner, crepes, and coffee |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes for a meal; 20 to 30 minutes for coffee and a pastry-style stop |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown Murfreesboro is served by the city’s Rover public transit system; use metered and time-limited street parking around Public Square and nearby downtown public parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | joaniesboro.com · (615) 900-3282 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to the 7am opening for the calmest breakfast experience, particularly on weekdays, or plan a later morning coffee after the first breakfast rush. Weekends and the midday period can be busier around the Square; call ahead for current seating guidance if you are bringing a larger group. This is a casual restaurant, so everyday attire works at any hour. Coffee, breakfast, and a short downtown walk make an especially efficient first stop for visitors staying in central Murfreesboro.
Public Square is the most useful navigation point for drivers and Rover riders; review routes and schedules through the City of Murfreesboro before setting out. Street parking is closest, but allow extra time during courthouse business hours and downtown events. The restaurant occupies a downtown storefront, where circulation and restroom accessibility can vary in older commercial spaces; guests using wheelchairs, strollers, or requiring step-free access should call before arrival for the most useful entrance and seating guidance. Pair a meal with the Rutherford County Courthouse grounds, steps away, or walk about five minutes along East Main Street to The Alley on Main and Murfreesboro Kabob. Cannonsburgh Village, a local-history site with reconstructed buildings, is roughly a 15-minute walk west.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Joanie’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Joanie’s is open Monday through Saturday from 7am to 9pm and Sunday from 8am to 4pm. Weekday mornings near opening are best for a quieter breakfast or coffee, while weekend brunch hours and the lunch period are generally the busiest.
How expensive is Joanie’s, and do I need a reservation?
Expect a $$ spend for a scratch-made breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with coffee available for a shorter, lower-cost visit. Joanie’s is a casual downtown restaurant; call (615) 900-3282 ahead for current large-party seating and reservation guidance.
How much time should I allow for a meal?
Allow 45 to 75 minutes for a seated breakfast, lunch, or dinner, especially during busy weekend periods. A coffee-and-crepe or coffee-only stop can fit into 20 to 30 minutes when seating is available.
Is Joanie’s suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
The approachable menu, breakfast service, and casual atmosphere suit families, including groups with mixed appetites. For wheelchair access, stroller space, accessible restroom details, or a preferred seating arrangement, call before arriving because the restaurant is located in a downtown storefront.
When planning your Murfreesboro travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and american restaurant in Murfreesboro, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hilton Garden Inn Murfreesboro, Sam Davis Home, Taziki's Mediterranean Café – The Oaks, and The Alley on Main (0.2 km away).
