Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show – Franklin, TN

If you’re on the hunt for something different during your Nashville trip, the Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show offers a lively twist on dinner theater. This experience blends comedy, intrigue, and a tasty four-course meal into an evening that’s both interactive and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery fan or just looking for a novel way to dine out, this show promises a night of fun—and maybe a little suspicion.

What we love most about it? First, the engagement. The actors are not just performers—they hide among the audience, making the experience more social and immersive than traditional murder mysteries. Second, the delicious food makes the evening even more enjoyable, with a well-thought-out four-course dinner that caters to a variety of tastes, including vegetarian options.

One thing to consider is that this isn’t a quiet, refined dinner; it’s lively and interactive, which might feel a bit uncomfortable for those who prefer to observe rather than participate. It’s best suited for folks who enjoy a little crowd interaction and are ready to play detective.

This experience is perfect for adventure-loving couples, groups of friends, or anyone in Nashville looking for an engaging, fun night out with some laughs and a dash of mystery.

Key Points

• Interactive experience with hidden actors and audience participation
• Delicious 4-course dinner including coffee and dessert
• Set in the present day, making it feel authentic and relatable
• Cost of $95.14 per person for an approximate 3-hour evening
• Great for those who enjoy puzzles and social games
• Limited to 15 participants, creating a cozy, engaging atmosphere

What to Expect from the Night

The Dinner Detective is not your typical dinner show. It’s designed to be a lively, social experience where you become part of the story. Starting at 6:00 pm, guests arrive ready to solve a murder while enjoying their meal. The show is hosted in a way that makes everyone a suspect and a potential sleuth, with undercover actors blending seamlessly into the crowd. The actors, who are in on the game, add humor and challenge, making each scene feel spontaneous.

The standout feature is the interactive nature. You’ll be handed clues, questioned, and encouraged to interrogate your fellow guests—all while trying to decipher who among you could be the murderer. The digital clues and clue cards on tables create a lively atmosphere, although some reviews mention that these can sometimes feel a bit confusing or hard to connect. This is part of the fun—expect to think on your feet.

The Food and Dining Experience

The four-course dinner is a highlight in its own right. Guests rave about the quality of the food, describing it as tasty and thoughtfully prepared. One guest even mentioned having the salmon, calling it “great,” which suggests that the menu is not just filler but genuinely enjoyable. The dinner includes coffee, iced tea, and dessert, providing a satisfying end to the meal.

A cash bar is available if you’d like to pair your meal with alcoholic drinks, which are purchased separately. The waitstaff gratuity and tip for the performers are not included but are recommended, as the actors work hard to keep the show lively and engaging.

The Setting and Atmosphere

The venue, located conveniently near public transportation in Franklin, TN, feels casual yet dressy—business casual or dressy casual attire is suggested. This makes it flexible for both a relaxed night out or more polished occasion. With a maximum group size of 15, the environment feels intimate enough for everyone to participate comfortably but lively enough to foster genuine interaction.

The Real Experience: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The interactive nature makes this more than just a meal—it’s a social game
• The quality of food adds significant value, especially when paired with entertainment
• The small group size creates a cozy, engaging environment
• The modern setting and present-day storylines make the experience relevant and fun

Cons:

• Some guests find the instructions unclear, especially when trying to connect clues
• Public calling out and audience participation may be uncomfortable for shy guests
• The non-refundable policy might be a concern if your plans change unexpectedly

Pricing and Value

At $95.14 per person, this experience packs in about three hours of entertainment, food, and social interaction. For many, the value lies in the unique blend of dinner and a live, engaging game—something different from standard Nashville attractions like the Grand Ole Opry or city tours. If you’re someone who appreciates interactive entertainment and delicious food, this tour could be a worthwhile splurge.

What Past Guests Say

Reviews show a generally positive experience, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 34 reviews. Many appreciated the entertaining story and good food, with one guest noting, “food was great—I had the fish (salmon). Story was entertaining, everyone got involved.” Others enjoyed the audience participation, describing it as a fun and silly game that kept everyone engaged.

However, a few found the instructions confusing or felt a little uncomfortable with the public calling out. One reviewer mentioned their inability to attend due to an emergency and expressed frustration over the no-refund policy, so travelers should be prepared for this upfront.

This show is best suited for adventurous couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers who enjoy interactive games and socializing. If you’re comfortable with participation, like solving puzzles, and want a fun, casual night with good food, you’ll likely enjoy this. It’s less ideal if you prefer a quiet, formal dinner or are wary of lively audience involvement.

The Dinner Detective combines the thrill of a detective story with a relaxed, sociable dining experience. The blend of humor, mystery, and delicious food creates a memorable evening that’s more than just a meal—it’s a chance to challenge your sleuthing skills and share a laugh with new friends. The small-group setting and interactive format make it a unique Nashville outing, especially for those who enjoy a bit of role-playing and audience participation.

While it’s not without minor hurdles—such as potential confusion with clues or the non-refundable policy—it offers genuine value through its engaging format and quality food. For travelers craving something different, this night out could be the highlight of your Nashville visit.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The minimum age is 15 years, so it’s suitable for teenagers and older. Younger children might find the interactive nature too intense or confusing.

Can I get vegetarian food?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. It’s best to advise at the time of booking to ensure your meal meets your dietary needs.

How long does the show last?
The event lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy your meal and participate in the mystery game.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, the recommended attire is business casual or dressy casual. It’s a relaxed but neat setting.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, alcohol is available for purchase at the cash bar. The ticket price covers the meal, coffee, and dessert.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this experience is booked about 32 days ahead, so planning early is advised to secure your spot.

What if I can’t attend after booking?
The booking is non-refundable. If you can’t attend, you’ll need to contact the booking platform directly for further assistance, but refunds are generally not available.

In all, the Dinner Detective offers a lively, interactive night in Nashville that combines humor, mystery, and good food—perfect for those wanting a memorable and engaging evening.