Located just off the Murfreesboro Public Square, Boro Bourbon & Brews has quickly become a favorite downtown community spot, blending food, drink, live music and sports into one lively package.
As the name suggests, BBB patrons can find an impressive selection of bourbons and whiskeys and a rotating selection of draft beers, but it’s not only about the drinks here—the corner pub also features a noteworthy food menu.
Boro Bourbon & Brews serves lunch and dinner every day (other than Monday, when it opens at 4 p.m.) and can be a great spot to grab a hot lunch downtown. Food service is generally quite quick.
The bourbon-glazed salmon makes a fantastic house favorite, displaying a sweet flavor in the sticky glaze dripping over the large, tender fish filet. Try it with the pineapple jalapeño cole slaw, which packs ample amounts of both sweet and heat.
The chicken wings are crisp, and diners can choose them coated in mild or hot Buffalo, barbecue, lemon pepper, hot honey, Bourbon glaze, Nashville hot or Carolina reaper sauces. The burgers come hot off the grill with a signature “BBB” brand seared into the bun.
“The burgers are really good,” posted customer Diana Watson, “and they have live music, which is a huge plus!”
Diners can dig into a range of other comforting pub fare like Philly cheesesteaks, a grilled chicken club sandwich [pictured top], fried green tomatoes or chicken marsala.
“Had fried green tomatoes for the first time and, oh my gosh, they were fantastic,” another customer, Marie, said after a trip to Boro Bourbon & Brews. “Whoever created the perfectly crispy batter they fried them in, and thought to put it together like a caprese salad—brilliant chef!”
Ashley and Rhonda McCrary and Trent and Aubrey Tolbert opened the business in 2023, and BBB has since established itself as a player in the bustling downtown Murfreesboro dining and nightlife scene.
Although it is a bourbon-and-brews-themed establishment, BBB maintains an all-ages-welcome policy, so families can bring the kids to experience some live local music over an early evening meal when the stage lights up with live performers.
Other highlights of the dinner menu include steaks, grilled shrimp and blackened grouper; then there’s dessert. Some patrons may opt to linger a little longer following a meal with some cheesecake or chocolate cake.
Of course, those looking for Heaven’s Door Redbreast, Basil Hayden Toasted Barrel, Hillrock Rye, Calumet Farm 14-Year and various other uncommon brown waters can find them at Boro Bourbon & Brews as well.
“If you are a whiskey or bourbon fan, this is the place for you. Huge selection if you are wanting to try something new or just in the mood for a great old fashioned this is the place,” according to Grant Lichtenwalter. “Great place to hang out and listen to live music; friendly, attentive staff.”
Boro Bourbon & Brews also offers a slate of cocktails and seltzers, as well as a rotating draft beer list.
“Try the pickle margarita if you’re a pickle lover,” another patron, Kendall Petersen said. “Our server was so personable and helpful! Great live music, vibes and drinks.”
The kitchen isn’t without its critiques—some guests mention they found the mac and cheese a bit mushy; others reported the fried chicken tenders were overdone.
“The drinks are fantastic; food is alright. My burger was a bit dry and overcooked but the sweet potato fries were delicious,” as Caleb Holt put it.
Others looking for quiet conversation over dinner would likely rather not dine while live musicians perform. So if live music may disturb your desired dinner vibe, this is probably not the ideal spot.
But plenty of local folks who want to immerse themselves in the Murfreesboro music scene appreciate that BBB hosts local performers on its small stage nearly every night, while plenty of TVs simultaneously keep the sports fans occupied.
“We stayed an extra couple of hours [longer] than expected since we enjoyed the music so much,” according to Sherri Meadows following a visit on a night when Rob and Claudia Major performed. Meadows also praised the service and food.
With a menu that ranges from wings to burgers to chicken parm, this downtown pub is more than just a bar. BBB is the kind of all-around spot that keeps Murfreesboro’s Square buzzing for anyone hunting for a casual lunch, a bourbon to sip, or a lively evening out with friends.
Whether you take your bourbon by the shot or atop some salmon, if you want to hang and soak in some live local music or just need a quick lunch, for those searching for a good burger on the Square or a casual corner pub containing a large spirits selection, great sports viewing, and a home base for live local music, Boro Bourbon and Brews has what you’re looking for.
“The location on the Square is perfection. The open windows, the live music every day really brings a cool vibe to the Square,” Brianne Smith said. “The bartenders know how to make a great drink and the drink selections at BBB are never boring! Often you go to a bar and the food is less than stellar. Not the case here. The food is top notch.”
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IF YOU GO:
Boro Bourbon & Brews
124 N. Maple St., Murfreesboro
Mon.: 4–11 p.m.; Tues.–Thurs.: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat.: 11 a.m.–12 a.m.; Sun.: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
615-624-7144
Bourbon glazed salmon with one side: $19; Chicken marsala: $15; Burger and fries: $14; Wings (6): $11; Philly cheesesteak: $13; 8-ounce New York Strip with one side: $20; Fried green tomatoes: $11
borobourbonandbrews.com
