What a find at a gas station. They honor their times for take out orders. We called ahead and picked up without any problems. The pot roast was the winner. Their signature dish is best eaten at the restaurant. They only take cash. We will be back. read more

Exceptional food, expertly prepared and served by incredible wait staff. I'd give it 10 if I could!

Got carry out. They don't take Credit cards, which is a real inconvenience when you don't carry around a lot of cash. There is an ATM next-door in the gas station, but it was wasn't working when we were there, so we had to go to a bank. While the food was good, I did not like what I saw when the hostess was putting the order together. Prior to waiting on me, she cashed out another customer and then myself, so her hands were not clean from the dirty money. She then went into the kitchen and grabbed the French bread for my order, sliced it, and then wrapped the sliced bread up and placed it into my bag. She never washed her hands to handle the bread after touching dirty money. read more

Food was very good, large selection and large portion. Quality food, great service. Charleston shrimp and grits were delicious

They were very busy (full house) and the waiter wasn't as attentive with drinks and picking up dishes. My husband and I had the Ribeye, while it wasn't a $50 one it wasn't as good as I would have liked. My husband was happy with his. My friend had the Osco Busco, and while he said the meat was tender, there was alot of grease in the dish. It was my birthday, and my husband told the waiter. After dinner, he asked me what cake I wanted, so I asked for the flavors. He named them, but didn't mention all of the beautiful cakes on display. I asked him "what about them?" and he said the chef decides which birthday cakes are given, so I assumed this one was complimentary. The cake was good, but was very surprised to see a $9.50 charge on the bill. All in all, this is still the best "fine dining" in Franklin. We will come back and try another dish. I hope to post 5 stars next time. read more

Spectacular! Service, atmosphere, appetizers, soups, sandwiches, entrees and desserts.

Great food great service. Waitress named Caitlyn was awesome. You will not be disappointed!

Outstanding service, outstanding food. Have to say unexpected when we saw it was hooked onto a gas station.

Desserts to go was a 5-star experience here. Lunch sandwiches with a couple kids was about a 3-star. Honestly this place is not suitable for kids; pretty sure they don't have a kids' menu. The food is pretty good, but I felt the staff was a little unaccepting of our large group. And the fact that they're cash only really drops them a star in my book. Honestly, I don't think I'll be back to see how much better they are or to get more cake, it's been a bit of a hassle the 2 times I went. read more

Love this place. I personally think it's very cool that it's in the back of a gas station. Almost feels like it's a speakeasy. The food is awesome. You won't be disappointed. read more

Wait staff nice now but the food.........pastrami sandwich about like Arby's but two or morentimes the price. ,pot roast still a good bet. Not serving half the menu, although they don t tell you until after kind of a long wait. read more

I just ate one of the most enjoyable dinners. Referred by a friend of mine, we drove one hour to go to a restaurant. What kind of food is it? Well, it's French. I looked it up and it's American. I ordered and it was Italian. This restaurant is part of a gas station in Franklin, North Carolina! When we arrived, the manager took my name and asked for my phone number. He told me that they didn't have ample waiting area for dining, so I would have to leave. Where should I go, I asked him. Go sit in your car and I will call you. Well, is there somewhere we can get a drink? NO. Just go sit in your car. Everybody does it. I will call you in a little while. Trust me, it will be worth the wait, he said. So, we went next door, filled the car with gas, and sat and waited. Franklin, North Carolina apparently does not have a local bar nearby. Plus, it was 31 degrees outside, so there were few other options than to do what the restaurant manager said. HE WAS SO RIGHT! The food was spectacular. The server was knowledgable about the food, the wine, and a pleasure to talk to. The crab bisque was excellent. Our table had steak medallions, trout, filet mignon, and chicken Francisco. The food was locally sourced, and was prepared with very well thought out ingredients. Capers, gorgonzola cheese and tomatoes with my chicken added so much unique flavor to the meal. Dessert was better! Carmel cake and carrot cake were rich (of course) and flavorful with great natural flavor. The slices were huge and accommodated all four of us. All in all, I have a few "gas station" favorites. They are where I go to eat a good greasy breakfast. Caffe Rel was a great find. The town, the location, the unique food, what a great experience. I plan to try many of their other entrees in the future. read more

The very best place in Franklin for your $. Shrimp & grits delicious! Desserts to die for!

Wonderful menu and food. Lots of choices and everything was great. I had chicken bleh and it was amazing. Tirramasu was super. My wife says the pot roast is the meal to beat and the people we sat across from last time loved it too!!! read more

You won't be disappointed. CASH ONLY BUSINESS. So come with extra cash to dine on all the delicious soups, appetizers, delectable meals(lunch/dinner) and moist, delicious desserts. We ordered the filet mignon sandwich on homemade bread. The bowl of spaghetti is enough for two meals. Though the baked Salmon was delicious it's definitely a smaller portion meal. I should have ordered a side salad. Great service and we will surely be back. read more

Don't wait too late for dinner since they close at 8 pm on weekends, but do make it a point to have a meal here if you're in Franklin. The locals sure do. Tried shrimp and grits, crawfish in cognac sauce, and we were very happy with both. It was nice to know you can get a side salad, even though not listed on the menu, for around $5.50. Pasta just needs a salad starter for me. Good premium wine selection, as well as several house wines. read more

We have eaten here many times over the years and have always had a delicious meal. Be prepared because they don't take credit cards. Don't let the location scare you being connected to a gas station. This is dining at its finest. read more

Fancy Dining but accepts all respectful patrons. Exquisite food from around the globe, menu changes happen due to supply, however these chefs know how to prepare a genuine meal! Servers are Female mostly and have exceptional service oriented attention. Bon' apetit' read more

First time here and we came for an early lunch. Wide variety of menu options and everything coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. We opted for crab cakes (I had the sandwich with homemade chips and husband had the crab cake dinner with mixed vegetables) and they were perfectly done. Took a piece of bourbon pecan pie home for a late day snack and it was excellent! Giovanni was our server and we could not have asked for more attentive or courteous service. Great experience and we are looking forward to coming back and exploring more menu options! read more

Oh my goodness, this place has it ALL. It is attached to a gas station, but please don't let that deter you from the heaven that awaits you inside. When you first sit down, you are offered a delicious warm fresh French bread with an olive oil dipping sauce. I don't know exactly what's in the sauce, but I wanted to eat 5 plates of it. For my entree, I got a rosemary infused gruyere Mac and Cheese. It tasted exactly like it sounded.. creamy rich Mac and cheese with a slight hint of rosemary. My boyfriend got the Crawfish Cognac and Cream pasta. He only had one word to describe it: delicious. Creamy, savory, rich, linguini with a subtle crawfish flavor. Not overpowering. On the way out, we saw all the delicious desserts to choose from but were stuffed. The server offered us free homemade cookies off of their Christmas Tree. I happily took her up on her offer and closed out my meal with a bit of coffee and a cookie. This place is everything a restaurant should be! Wonderful service, wonderful food. Don't miss your opportunity to try this place! read more

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Some of the best cuisine in Franklin. I would have given it 5 stars but they only take cash or checks and you have to go into the joining gas station to get it at the ATM. Kind of an inconvenience not to mention not being informed ahead of time. It's worth it thought. Food is top notch! read more

In town from Florida visiting a friend and we enjoyed a nice here today. it's a bit pricey, but food is really good. The sauce with snails and tail is amazing!! even though the dish is an appetizer, the portion is a bit small to share. Go ahead and indulge, get your own! The fettuccine Alfredo was delicious. We added shrimp to the order. The crab cake sandwich was good, but the patty is a bit thin. I hope to dine here in the fall when I visit again. Our two servers were very nice and helpful! My only complaint is they do not accept debit or credit cards. Lunch for was $124.00 (not including the tip). I'm not in habit of carrying that much cash so I had to leave the restaurant and walk around to gas station atm where I was charged a $3.00 bank charge. That was very off putting. read more

We came for the reviews but the food was just meh. The shrimp and grits flavor was good but the grits were under cooked. We did take out so those grits had an extra 10 mins ride home to cook more but nope crunchy. My linguini was just ok. Host said it came with veggies there were none. It was cream, cheese butter and lots of garlic. No nutmeg needed salt and I don't ever salt my foods. Pecan pie was good, bread and stewed tomatoes and oil it came with also meh. Bread just ok and canned tomatoes no herbs and bland olive oil. We ordered a bowl of the crab bisque because people raved. I had 2 bites couldn't eat anymore. It wasn't good AT ALL! Are peoples plates fast food and don't know really good food? So disappointed read more

Caffe Rel - Outside. Cute place. Hoping the food is as good as the reviews. - American Near Me - Franklin, North Carolina

Bacon wrapped scallops on bowtie pasta with opal basil marinara sauce, and a bowl of Blue Crab Bisque, absolutely delicious, I've eaten at four star restaurants that weren't as good. read more

Oh my! When we saw the location, we were not sure, but once we entered the door, we were transported to a fine dining experience. Our waiter (Gio) and others were dressed in black and white formal service attire. Gio was super helpful in his suggestions. My husband enjoyed the Pork Osso Bucco and my shrimp and grits were devine. read more

As reported Resturant is attached to the gas station. Only thing in common is shared but clean restrooms. Very nicely decorated. Been in business over 21 yrs. Service was very good & friendly. Not large so there can be a wait but well worth it. French food at it's best. Wife had salmon I had shrimp. Both wonderful. Hardest part was choosing. Everything sounded so good. read more

So my boy and I went to the restroom. We opened the door, left the restaurant for the bathroom, and slipped from a high quality French restaurant into a hot spot convenience store complete with a model of Kevin Harvick's NASCAR vehicle. This place is literally part of a gas station/quickiemart...and it's good. They do not advertise. They asked at the door "who told you about us??"....as if to say "you ain't from aroun here son". The food and atmosphere is really great. A laid back French restaurant that boasts "it's about the food"..and it is. Where else can you find veal liver Demi glacé with potatoes au gratin? It was rich with garlic, bacon, shallots. Truly remarkable...and its in a quickie mart!!! The crab bisque is among the best I've ever had...and I like my creamy shellfish soups. Thyme...and it was light. Truly worth it. The portions are huge. The prices are amazing given what you get. It's all cash. Go into the quickiemart to the ATM. They also really loved my boy. Gave him a grilled cheese which was not on the menu. Said we could go to the quickiemart to get a hot dog if he hated it. Gave him a rice crispy treat to go. The cakes. We couldn't eat another bite. The cakes were literally 8-10 inches high. Looked great but just just couldn't do it. Booze. They have wine by the glass (only a few choices) and allow you to go into the quickiemart to get a beer if you want. read more

Before coming to town this trip I noticed the good reviews on this place so made sure to stop here on arrival. Its easy to find on the south side of E Main going east from downtown Franklin. As I walked toward the door the door flew open and a doorman greeted me. Now isnt that different! You dont see that often, especially at a restaurant located at a gas station! Not only that he was well dressed with a tie. Then I notice ALL wait staff except some helpers in black shirts have white shirts and tie. The service is attentive and prompt! They have a large menu. European items, lots of sandwiches and burgers to appeal to the locals, and pastas and salads. There were also desserts displayed off the kitchen. The waiter brought cut twisted french bread with olive oil and tomato sauce made with fresh tomato to dip it in. There is a little French symbol on the menu items that show its a specialty of the house. So I order something different with that symbol called French Blue Batard. I also order the Classic Filet Mignon Sandwich single stack. Photos posted. Both were good. I wouldnt say supurb but good yes. The restaurant obviously from sight, and from reviews, has many fans and regulars. It was rather busy. I went to the restroom and there is a sign with arrow. I push open a door and go down a hall, I notice hey Im in the gas station and this is the gas station rest room! But thats ok. Once back in the restaurant your out of the gas station area and back in a nicely decorated place with lots of items of interest all over the place to keep it interesting. I notice a big Belgian flag back on the kitchen wall. I ask the waiter is the owner or the chef Belgian? He says yes, the Chef is Belgian. Well thats a plus! When it was time to pay I grab my wallet even before the bill was brought. My waiter was way over at the far side of the restaurant but he noticed I was taking out a card and he came to apologize its cash only. Now how often would a typical American waiter ever notice something like this?? Yet he probably was American but on the ball like they would be in Europe, or actually most anywhere else in the world where waiters are always on top of things. Seems like waiters have six eyes in so much of the world as they always seem to know what you need when you need it and if you just glance up they almost always catch your eye. That though is so un-American, so I was so surprised he caught that move to take out the card as he did. On departure the doorman again opened the door and thanked me. Again rather un- American but nice. So I would go back again just to try a few more things. Maybe I can find something to rate 5 stars! However to get to 5 stars the place should take credit cards. In Europe all sit down restaurants do! Almost all of them in the US do too! It's not hard to do and its a customer friendly practice to do so. Nobody has to worry about running short of cash or having to count to make sure!! We have had a "plastic" society for a long time now and so has Europe so being cash only is very archaic. It is nice to see someone trying to bring some level of European food and service to the rural US South. Go eat there and support their efforts! read more

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I wish I had the address to add to the review, but I only come here when I visit my mom. This place is attached to a gas station, so at first, I was leary. Once you walk inside, you forget all about that. It looks "French County" and is very quaint. I heard that the owner/chef used to have a place in San Fran, but wanted something more quiet, so he moved here, boy am I glad he did. The service is always friendly, but coming from South Florida, everyone here is friendly. The menu has a nice variety without being over the top and the prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food that they serve. I have had some of the specials too when I was in town and they were all excellent. I am heading up this weekend and can't wait to go back, hopefully more than just once. read more

This was my 3rd visit. There were 6 of us. We had 4 different appetizers and 4 different entrees. All were excellent. The service exemplified the word service. If I am within 50 miles of here I will drive out if the way to dine here. Don't let the exterior fool you. This is five star dinning with three star prices. Best value in the mountains. read more

While attending a KCBS BBQ event in Franklin, NC, we visited Caffe Rel for dinner and were pleasantly surprised. Squeezed in next to a gas station, you would think it would be your run of the mill joint serving frozen food and can vegies, but that is not the case. This place serves outrageous food, cooked individually and presented in a manner of any high price establishment. All tables receive a soft French bread with olive oil and a chunky tomato dipping sauce. A wonderful start, but we would have preferred the chunky tomato sauce warm. I ordered the Chicken Francisco, grilled chicken breast topped with montrachet cheese, sun dried tomatoes and a basil caper butter sauce, and served over bow-tie pasta with a side of sautéed veggies. This entire dish was fabulous, layers of deep flavors, but the star was the basil caper butter sauce. Dora here. I don't eat much for dinner, so I opted for the Mac and Cheese appetizer. Rosemary infused gruyere...oh my! I stuffed myself, but my fork kept going back for more. Delicious and rich, and oh so yummy! We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food. ~Ernie & Dora Hiers, Fiction Faith & Foodies Blog read more

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Haven't been in the area in 15 years however when we came to a Zach Williams concert tonight in Franklin, we had to start the evening out with a fabulous dinner at Cafe Rel. Still the best food value in North Carolina read more

It's hard for a restaurant to stay in business for 5, even 10 years. Rel has been around since 2003, so you know they're doing something right. Went for lunch yesterday. They always are full of happy diners. The reason is simple - good food, great menu selection, capable service and good value. I especially like the fresh French bread with a zesty marinara- like sauce they give you before your meal is served. Great iced tea is available also. Sophia and I each had salads. Mine was topped with Italian sausage that had a wonderful taste. This restaurant has both French and Italian selections so the menu has dishes that will satisfy your Mediterranean tastebuds. Rel is connected to a gas station and they share the bathrooms with the gas station. How many restaurants have a condom machine in the men's room? Good selection, too. So if eating good food makes you randy, Rel has your back! read more

Caffe Rel - American Near Me - Franklin, North Carolina

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Found it due to the reviews, drove right by it because it is also a gas station. 45 minute wait would have been the case but I noticed all the tables were 4 tops and it was just couples on the wait list, so we went outside and made friend with another biker couple who turned out to be next on the list. Calamari was Ok, Mac and cheese and batard very good as was osso bucco. Extensive menu, would have to eat there every meal for a couple weeks to try everything. CASH or check only! read more

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I don't know how I haven't made a review of this place yet, but let me say it is the best restaurant!!! The food and prices are absolutely unreal. The mussels, the clams, the bread, the steak, pasta etc and of course the cakes for dessert. Such a great experience!! read more

So disappointed in my trip today. I have been going to Cafe Real for years, taking family and friends that visit there and bragging about the "gourmet cafe in the Hot Spot gas station." In a nutshell, the salmon in my wife's salad was mediocre - she does better than that at our Longhorns. My house special crawfish with cognac cream was was not creamy and the crawfish was fishy tasting. The scratch pasta I fix at home with leftovers is much better. To top it all off, the caramel cake which I used to love was just plain bad. The layers were horribly dry and the icing was almost non-existent - and for $9 a slice!!!! I brought some home but threw it away - just not worth eating. Interesting that the restaurant was only half full on a Friday at lunch - have others had similar experiences?? I hope my experience was an anomaly, but I don't see any quality control there now. read more

Pretty good food. Very diverse menu. Desserts look fantastic. Crowded locals spot. Many tourist, too. It used to be a bus depot, I think. It looks like a truck stop, kinda. You know what they say about truck stops: Good food. read more

Try something new each time. Their crab bisque is so yummy. A must have, if you can pick one is their dessert bar. More choices than you can handle. Eat one there and take one home. But bring cash or a check because this rare gem doesn't take credit cards. read more

Interesting restaurant. When you're seated on the inside, you don't get the feeling that the restaurant is attached to a gas station. And it stays plenty busy, even for a Saturday afternoon at 3 (there was a 20 minute wait). The food served is primarily Italian with some other cultural dishes on the menu. The portions are large enough to split with two people. For me, the food was okay. My husband and I shared the buffalo mozzarella appetizer, he had the gyro, and I had the eggplant marinara. They were a bit salty and greasy for us. I do want to add that the service was really good. read more

This has to be one of the most surprising meals I've ever had. I was less than thrilled when I saw that we were going to be eating in a gas station. Once you step inside you would never know it. The restaurant is beautiful! The bread and the spread they give you as a starter is fantastic and we all loved our entrees. I want to give this place a lower star review for not taking credit cards, but the food is so good that I can't. read more

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