We were so looking forward to our first post-pandemic venture to FC, but we were sorely disappointed. We absolutely love the steak frites, and to their credit, it was as delicious as always though a bit cold. One of ours was undercooked, which leads me to the real problem: HORRIBLE SERVICE. Our waitress phoned in (literally and figuratively) her role the entire time. She couldn't answer any questions about drinks and couldn't be bothered to ask the bartender. She literally spent most of her time on her phone or joking with the other waitstaff. She never once asked how our drinks or meals were but handed us the check and said, "it was my pleasure to serve you." Ummmm....I'm not quite sure what she's basing that statement off of. She never even introduced herself to us. Rewind to when we came in. We were given a very uncomfortable table which abutted the back wall of the booth next to us. We asked if we could have the window seat and were told it was reserved. Five minutes later someone came in and asked for the window seat instead of a booth and were told, "sure." We then asked if we could have a booth and were told "those are also reserved." Again, a couple came in and asked if they could have a booth and were told, "sure, pick whichever one you'd like." To add insult to injury, there were two remaining booths that were never used the entire time we were there. Not cool. When we mentioned this to one of the waitstaff as we left, she gave us a blank stare and said, "I didn't seat those other people." Clearly, this is not a team effort. I know good help is in short supply these days, but surely you can do better than this. We love FC and used to drive up from Ri just for the food and atmosphere. After today, we won't be rushing back. read more

4.5 stars for one of the best South End spots I've come across for food & drink. My friends and I came by for snacks and drinks to round out an awesome Friday night and Franklin Cafe delivered on all fronts. Food consisted of the Garlic Grilled Calamari, Yukon Potato Gnocchi and Asian Mushroom Duxelle. Get. The. Calamari. Cooked to absolute perfection achieving a crispy char that led to mad tender meat without so much as a hint of rubberiness. The spiced prunes on the gnocchi provided a delicious, tart contrast to the starchiness too. And did I mention that these gems were a mere $8-9 each? Our drinks had quite a range both in terms of potency and choice of liquor/liqueur base. My bro's Gina's "Ginger Beer" was crisp, (not surprisingly) gingery and not at all excessively sweet. The Maple Manhattan was very well done and had a well-integrated balance of maple notes and oak from Old Fitzgerald. My French Laundry, beyond its awesome name, was right in between the other two drinks - citrusy yet weighty. It's truly a rare combination to have excellent food and drinks without costing an arm and a leg. If the apps are any indication of the quality of the entrees, we'll have an update on our hands in no time. read more

An obscure storefront with a cozy nondescript wood-paneled interior, this little South End hotspot of all-American comfort is easily passable. I passed it by for years. My loss. My evening at Franklin Café started with a Sweet Potato Soup keeps out the bitter cold. The Honey Crisp Apples were sweet and festive and added a fruity fall feel, but despite the best efforts of the pomegranate and almonds, this salad was forgettable at best. Then came the Butternut Squash Agnolotti with a creamy, sweet filling and cute little mushrooms for texture. The sage brown butter pulled together a perfect plate. My one complaint is that the dish itself was a bit pricey at $19 for 5 little logs of agnolotti, so I think they covered it with a salad that looked suspiciously like remnants of the honey crisp apples to mask the puny portion. The pasta was perfect, but I would have liked it better if I didn't feel like I was digging it out from the upended remains of someone's half-eaten salad. The Butter Poached Cod was pretty awesome too. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish with bitter Brussels sprouts? Fine by me. When the check came, I figured we'd need a lot of Franklins of the Benjamin variety, but the prices were reasonable with the exception of the agnolotti. Now that I know what I've been missing at Franklin Cafe, it looks like I'll be making up for lost time! read more

We came here for an early Sunday dinner after an event in South End and almost immediately fell in love. I'm a big fan of new American restaurants - think seasonal menu, fresh local ingredients, nice but not frou frou - and this one is a stellar example. He got the sweet potato bisque with duck ham (!) and the catfish entree; I got the pan roasted chicken. The bisque was out of this world. Smooth and silky with the smoky after taste of salted duck. YUM. The fish dish was a bit salty, but still good. My chicken was solid. It was definitely comfort food with a modern twist. I got the spiced pear cocktail with my dinner. I'm not sure what the spices consisted of, but my mouth had a healthy burn after each sip. Franklin Cafe is dimly lit and cozy with attentive service :) great date place! read more

Franklin Cafe - Sweet potato soup with duck ham. SO GOOD - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My sister in law surprised my mom and I with tickets to the Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet, so we went here for dinner first. I learned from other Yelpers to GET HERE EARLY, which was seriously great advice since it got very busy when we left around 6:30pm for the ballet. Intial thoughts: VERY dark. VERY dark. Easily accessible by walking or car (parking is parallel street). No greeter at the door and we had never been and didn't know what to do with ourselves - customers should NEVER feel this way in a restaurant... VERY loud - we had to SHOUT to hear each other! The loud and the dark kind of gave me a head-ache! What we ordered: Sister in law -- Fish special, cod with asian flair and flavors. She said it was very good, but I couldn't try it due to the soy sauce. Mother -- Steak frites w/ demi-glaze. The steak was FANTASTIC, very tender with a nice balance of flavor. Mom and sister in law were crazy over the demi-glaze. AND the fries prepared with canola oil!!! NO soy, soy-free fries, thank goodness! Me -- Corned beef brisket and famous cabbage with fluer de sel (compeltely unncessary) and special mustard (which sadly just tasted like grey poupon from a bottle). The brisket was good, it was slightly dry... But loved the buttered cabbage and the three carrots and the two mini red potatoes I got more than the beef. Ketchup was requested and brought to the table. OVERALL: Service was iffy, and the waiter/host was VERY awkward. We were not greeted when entered the door, were not asked if it was our first time dining (which it was) and the server did not seem eager or expectant to answer questions, but did offer information only when asked. LOUD AND DARK. Decent food with good ingredients. Moderate prices. I'd return only for lunch or brunch to fix the busyness, darkness and loud issue. read more

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Went here last week for dinner on a Saturday night. There was a bit of a wait, as to be expected on a weekend in the South End. The place itself is so quaint and comfortable, with a nice modern vibe great for a night of dining between friends. The hostess was great, so accommodating and kept in contact throughout our wait. Once seated I had one of the best cocktails I've ever had: the Eastern Essence. Our waitress was a little cold, but she kept checking in on us and was great about recommendations and was not overbearing, which is my biggest pet peeve. I had the Oxtail Risotto, while my friend had the Pan Roasted Chicken. Both dishes were outstanding. My risotto was perfectly al dente and bathed in a sweet, creamy sauce with nice chunks of oxtail meat. Absolutely would recommend for a lively date night or for small groups. Looking forward to going back. read more

Franklin Cafe - Oxtail Risotto - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Amazing food, great atmosphere, stellar service. Perfect for a date night or night out with friends. Easy to loose track of time and have a wonderful night at this humble little spot. Steak frites are delicious, but the grilled calamari was what really blew me away. So good, we ended up with two orders, plates scraped clean. The sole meunière was also incredible. If you like mushrooms, and you like fish... you will love the sole. Will definitely be back again soon. read more

We rolled into Boston late and oddly couldn't find anywhere to eat. At the suggestion of a place whose kitchen has just closed,we came here. Very unassuming from the street,but dark and cozy on the inside. It seems more like a locals place Which was great. Free bread and hummus was offered and was delish. I ordered the lamb ragu pasta dish and it was HEAVEN.(if you like lamb) . I almost licked the bowl. My friend ordered the wings with sweet chili and they were also amazing. Perfectly cooked and the sauce was excellent. Great wines and the prices were reasonable. Great meal!!! read more

Dark and warm, Frankin Cafe is a refuge from the cold. If you're reading this in the summer, it is the same thing for the heat, except it isn't hot inside. Anyways. Amazing wings, and fries, a fantastic burger, a pleasant group of patrons and most importantly, one of my favorite bar staffs out there. read more

Limited seating. A great intimate experience. Cocktails and wine list are great. Friendly bartenders and lots of space to stand in the bar area if you cant get a seat. Unassuming small location. Worth a trip! read more

Franklin Cafe is a cozy little lounge/bar in the South End. The ambiance is warm and welcoming. They don't take reservations and there are only about 10 tables so if you go on a Friday or Saturday night, try going before 8:00pm if you wanna snag a table. We started off with the beef tartare which also contained caramelized onions and was served with potato chips. This is good, but nothing amazing...3.5 out of 5 stars. For dinner, I had the carrot cooked in embers served with black rice, curry and mango. This was a rather unique dish and quite flavorful. I enjoyed it however it did not fill me up very much. I wish they had served me a whole carrot instead of half of a carrot. I also ordered a side of grilled asparagus which was a great supplement to my entree. I also tried a piece of the baked stuffed hake which was stuffed with crab, shrimp and broccoli. I have never had stuffed fish before so this was definitely something different. It was really tasty again the portion was so small. My brother tried out the classic steak frites and he absolutely loved his meal. I tried a bite and must admit it was quite flavorful. It was served with Roquefort butter, which tasted like truffle butter! This portion size was actually larger than the others. In my opinion, this dish has the best value. If you enjoy steak, I highly recommend trying it out. Value: Good value. The prices at are reasonable...about $18-19 for most dishes. But the portion sizes are small. I wouldn't mind paying a little bit more to have a little bit of a larger portion. The steak frites have excellent value. Overall, I had a fond experience at Frankin Cafe and will stop by here if I am ever in the neighborhood. read more

Franklin Cafe - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A family favorite! Always the best drinks, food, and service. Love going here and so our kids!! The friendliest place which has now become a regular for us! read more

Franklin Cafe promises much: dim lights which my companions said encouraged 'intimate encounters', a comprehensive daily menu that ranges from fish to vegetarian, and a wide selection of drinks. Unfortunately too many factors some culinary, some environmental, some service-oriented, prohibited full enjoyment of the dining experience. First environment: much too noisy, plus the music at one point jumped unexpectedly from jazz to hiphop. Why, why? And very dark, such that I could barely see my friends, or my food. Why? Culinary: I found my pork tenderloin with plums rather dry and chewy in texture, with the flavor of the pork not quite steeped into the center of the pork cuts. The plums tasted smooth and velvety, though, which I appreciated. My friend's meatloaf tasted more promising, a crumbly texture with a delicate flavor balance. Service: Good, except when the server chased after us after we had left and asked if there was something wrong with the meal since we had tipped them slightly less than the 15%. We asked her, "Do you need more money?" And she said, "No, no, but people usually pay 15-18%." Anyway, I found it somewhat crass that the waiter would chase after us and attempt to make us guilty about the low tip in such a passive-aggressive manner. read more

I've been to The Franklin Cafe once before and thought it pretty yummy but this second time only increased that opinion. I got the chicken this time (steak frites last time). It's pretty rare that I am blown away by chicken but holy god, this was good. Delicious. My cucumber collins cocktail was light and summery and made me wish that it wasn't a disgusting rainy March day when I was in the South End - both a plus and a minus really. Waiter was cute and personable if a little unfocused. My only complain about The Franklin Cafe is they don't have dessert. I was pretty excited about diving into a fancy dessert after the great meal they served but alas, no dice. read more

Our family was touring Boston during Spring Break this week and tried this place based on the Yelp reviews. Thank Goodness we did! Our family LOVED this food. Everything was super flavorful, and we ordered three main courses and shared. Probably the best tasting porch chop we have ever tasted. We started with one Baby Greens and Fresh Bibb Salad, but it was so superb we ordered another one! The dressing was amazing on it! The Sweet Corn Ravioli was very smooth and the sauce had a nice depth of flavor. The Classic Steak Frites was an awesome steak (sauce was smoky, deep, and flavorful) and HOT french fries with nice seasoning. I know this place is listed as a lounge, but our kids felt comfortable there and we were SOOOOO happy with the quality of the food we kept talking about it all week. One note: No name outside that we saw so it was a bit difficult to locate in the rain. It had a neon martini glass over the door. Cool interior. Would HIGHLY recommend and hope to return one day. read more

My date and I checked this place out on recommendation by a friend of ours that we were meeting with for late night drinks. It was a Satuday night, past 10 p.m. I don't have any complaints about the service, or staff, they were kind and prompt. I personally wasn't a fan of the atmosphere here. The decor itself was actually quite nice. Deep reddish orange walls, and a dim dark and cozy atmosphere, but it was REALLY LOUD in there. They serve Boulevard brews, and have a full cocktail bar as well as a decent menu. A few of the things did sound appetizing but we decided about half way through the beer that we didn't enjoy yelling to hear each other even after moving to the same side of the table with him. I think I may need to check this place out another time at a different time of the day and will update my review then. read more

I was hesitant about writing a review on this place strictly because I fear that the next time I go, I will have to wait to be seated. Which means I would have to wait longer than I would like to eat their steak frites. Seriously though. I dream about this meal often. Know what else I dream about? SUNDAYS at Franklin Cafe. Why's that you ask? Because BEST WINE OFFER IN TOWN, $45 for reallllllly good wine that normally retails at $90+ a bottle. I personally don't spend more than $30 on a bottle typically, but this wine is liquid gold and worth it. And to top it all off, their service/wait staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. read more

30 minutes late to be seated. 45+ minutes for food to come out when no one else was ordering food. Ended up leaving after an hour and 15 mins for such bad service. Don't accept reservations you can't fulfill. read more

Two words: Steak Frites. I've been here about a half a dozen times and I just can't get myself to try any other entree because the steak frites is so good. It's cooked perfectly every time and the fries are always crispy. My wife had the house corned beef brisket and she said it was the best she's ever had. We have tried a couple of different appetizers though. The warm matchsticks of zucchini with almonds, pecorino, and balsamic and the corn fritters are both delicious. The bar/restaurant is very cozy and the staff has always been friendly. It's great for a date night or even a late night snack. I've never had to wait for a table but I think it's just been luck because I've been there and the place filled up quickly afterwards. read more

I was here for the first time, The bartender was auper nice & Funny, inthink his name was Alejandro, I will be be back!!! As long as he is working read more

Update: I've been here three times total. 1. Worst chicken tacos of my entire life. This was probably a year ago and I still talk about how bad they were. Burnt chicken, stale flour tortilla, KIMCHI on the side, no avocado. Enough said. But maybe that was a lesson in ordering Mexican food at a non-Mexican restaurant. 2. Great location. Great hours. Tasty burger and beer at the bar. 3. Left before being seated. Overly air conditioned, bad feng shui (which I noticed before, but internalized this time), and the host was a pretentious asshole. There are other excellent burgers and beer in Boston. Bye Franklin. read more

Hadn't been back to Franklin cafe for a few years after some not so great experiences. However, the other night we had a very pleasant meal. Times change I guess so that there is now a charge for the bread and hummus. Not a big problem. The grilled calamari which I've been ordering for the last 20 years was good but needed salt and pepper. The burger was good and the steak frites excellent. Looking forward to going back. read more

I went into this place with high expectations as I'd heard plenty of good things. But I also wasn't sure what to expect... Was it a bar? A restaurant? A lounge? It turns out it's more of a bar / restaurant combo (there is only one room) and it did in fact live up to the hype! They have a great cocktail list and can make any hard drink you have in mind. The bartenders were friendly and even funny at times. They made everyone feel welcomed. The inside is dark and very loud (at least on a weekend night) as the sound seems to bounce off the walls. Probably not the best first date spot! But the real key here is the food. I got bread to start which came warm and this delicious homemade hummus dip. For my main course I got the pumpkin ravioli and while the portion was small, the quality was superb. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a light option. Ultimately, get over here if you haven't yet but know that they don't take reservations and it's very small! It can also be a cool spot for a drink with friends before hitting a more happening bar on the weekend. read more

Really awesome place! Food and drinks are really good and the price is right. Fun option in the south end. Pretty small on the inside so just be mindful! read more

3.5 stars overall. Great neighborhood spot to kick back on comfort food, friendly staff. Recommend the shrimp toast for a savory snack, grilled calamari with white beans - light and refreshing, burger - tasty, well-made, comes with generous fries, delicious fish tacos. Chill on weeknights, slammed on weekends - pick your poison! read more

My favorite bar/restaurant in the country. I live in LA but if I am in Boston I make it a point to stop into this local dig. Consistently outstanding food, beverage and service. If they had a Michelin Star for casual places with good bartenders Franklin Cafe would have one. The clientele is eclectic and usually someone will make me laugh while sitting at the bar having my dinner. Cheers. read more

Looking for a late night place to eat at in the South End and ended up trying this place out. We were surprised how lively this place was at night! Very friendly staff. They were playing some of my favorite hip hop songs too! We ordered the brussel sprouts, mussels, and chicken wings... all were amazing!! read more

Franklin Cafe - Linguine with mussels - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I'm not cool. Really, I'm not, despite what my 2323 cool votes and 457 cool compliments (at last count) might lead you to believe. I KNOW this is hard to believe, especially since I often make a fool out of myself trying to be cool without succeeding. I first came to Franklin Cafe not long after I moved to Boston, by my roommate who knew all the cool places. Despite what she thought of herself, she was also not cool...was actually a bitch. But I digress. That visit was the best visit of the many I had there, and it was because of the food. As previous reviews have indicated, I'm a big fan of meat. I usually like to try steak at restaurants, but on this particular visit something else caught my eye- chicken with some sort of grape sauce/reduction and GRITS. I LOVE grits (despite spending very little time in the south) and just had to order it. It was DIVINE. That dinner alone (and the alcohol) compelled me to go back many times. On subsequent occasions I tried to impress various dates/boyfriends/FWB by this place, and while these fools were impressed by my choice of restaurants, sadly I don't think they were impressed by me. The decor does set one up for an aura of mystery and debauchery, from the heavy curtains at the door to the dark wood and the candlelight. The wait can be a bit much, but it's worth it. I definitely make a point of coming here when I'm in town...bring back the grits! read more

A bunch of reviewers for this joint have complained about absurd wait times spoiling their night out. But hello, this is *why* you don't go to a popular restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night at peak times... It's so annoying when Yelp'ers give low-ratings to perfectly good restaurants simply because they a) arrived with 17 people and no advance notice and expected prompt seating and quality food, b) went on a day and time that everyone and their mom would be showing up and expected same, c) realized they could spend less for crap food and went on a tirade about how you could spend $9 instead of $10. Well yes, of course you can... and at McDonald's you could spend $2.50. Point being?? I almost feel like Yelp should have guidelines to fairly and adequately reviewing restaurants. ...Anyway, I went to Franklin Cafe on a Wednesday at about 11. The place was half empty and we were seated immediately. The tall, friendly waiter with gauges seemed to get his timing perfect at every turn: menus served up immediately; came back to see what we wanted just when we had decided; served up the wine and then the appetizers in a ten minute window; back with entrees the moment we had finished the apps; check and to-go boxes the minute we looked ready to leave. Left that man a nice tip... The food is comfort food taken up a notch and it sits comfortably in its price range. Obviously, you can pay more and get better food, but for what it is and for how it's priced, it's a safe bet that you're going to be go home full, happy, and with no major holes in your wallet. PS. To the other reviewer, below, who decided to update his 2 star rating with another 2 star rating after the restaurateur generously offered him a free meal-- dude, wtf? Doing sh*t like that, degrades the quality of Yelp. I feel like in addition to "funny" "cool" "useful" there should be a "now you're just being a tool" button. read more

Honestly, I was appalled at the service there. I went on a Wednesday night with my friends and I could only arrive 20 minutes later so my friends ordered first as they waited for me. I barely put down my coat as the waitress blasted me with "do you want anything to drink?" and when I said that I needed more time, she just curtly left without a reply! Subsequently, the waitress then took my word literally and did not come by for the next 15 minutes. When she finally returned, the waitress who was serving me obnoxiously informed me that if I arrived late and if the table has ordered, the kitchen has the right to refuse service! Even in all my years of fine dining I have never once heard of any policy like this, even if the kitchen is a small one. She made the atmosphere a little strained at my table as my friends offered to share their entrees with me, and that made me feel real awful. The server then made it seem like she was doing me a favor by letting this one time slide, but she made a remark like "this time is ok but in general if you do come back in the future, we don't do service once the orders are taken". When I asked her about the special, she snarkily replied "That's what your friends have!"--Yes but can you elaborate more? I had the monkfish special and granted it was good, the crappy service totally ruined my dining experience. I felt rushed to finish and I was shocked when they told me that they don't serve desserts and then promptly shoved the bill into my lap. People, this was a mid-week dinner , mind you! For a supposed cosy neighborhood cafe, the high-and-mighty attitude is definitely dismissive and unnecessary. I wasn't even offered the bread basket and received no water glasses while I was there. No amount of good food will be able to convince me to return and I do not recommend it especially to people thinking of date nights or when the parents come visit. If you're management at Franklin Cafe, perhaps you should do something about the lousy service of your wait-staff because they totally negate the good work your kitchen is doing. read more

VISIT MY BLOG FOR PICTURES AND MY FULL REVIEW: http://kands617.blogspot.com/2014/07/franklin-cafe.html VENUE // I usually place a lot of emphasis on venue and ambiance when dining out, but definitely can overlook this aspect because the food is just so darn good at Franklin Cafe. Franklin Cafe is a narrow space divided right down the middle with a full bar on the left side and ten or so booths along the right side. The atmosphere here is definitely more pub-like than cafe, with an equal number of people drinking and dining. My only knock on this place is that there is no waiting area or hostess stand so you are constantly moving around to avoid the servers walking down the restaurant and standing over other diners. Oh, and be prepared to wait! FOOD // Great food at great prices. The hummus dip is addictive. The corn + crab fritters are meaty, lightly breaded and served with old bay seasoned sour cream. The steak is tender, juicy and marinated in port. Served with crispy fries and roquefort (blue cheese) butter, the steak frites here might be the best I've ever had. The tomato fennel broth of the cioppino is delicious and perfectly complements the fresh hake, mussels and clams. DRINK // To be honest, my boyfriend and I came here because I wanted some hot soup to cure a prior night's hangover so we didn't do too much drinking here. SERVICE // Minus the wait, service here is great, and the food is served quickly. Overall, Franklin Cafe is a no frills, quintessential South End neighborhood establishment that serves great food at great prices. We will definitely be back for late night dinner and drinks. read more

After a busy night at my own restaurant, winding down with a coworker was a must. So there is no confusion, I define winding down in the following manner: winding down [wahynd-ing down] verb. to wind down: the art of consuming delicious food and cocktails in an effort to relax after a long day and/or night of work, usually involving hendrix martinis straight up with a twist. Now that we are on the same page, a word about how Franklin facilitates my achievement of winding down.... open late :: delectably simple food :: specialty cocktails :: relatively inexpensive :: chill atmosphere :: lots of industry peeps :: best hummus ever :: low-key :: great location:: buzz-worthy yet not super trendy:: A recommendation: the warm zuchini salad washed down by a hendrix martini, up, with a splash of St. Germain and a twist. read more

A solid dining experience with an intimate atmosphere and fantastic service. First off, this place looks closed when looking from the street, so don't be fooled. The restaurant is VERY dark inside and the limited light is barely visible from the street--and on top of that the entrance is surrounded by hanging curtains. Inside you will find a substantial crowd with all the booths filled, the bar hopping with activity, and a greeter to take your name for the next available seat. Hungry and somewhat buzzed, my friend and I decided to lurk around the bar and pounce on the first seats available as opposed to waiting for a table. The atmosphere is very romantic--even with a female companion, I felt as if I was on a date. Lucky her, eh? Wow, I'm a tool. Starting our meal was some complimentary bread--which I believe was served with hummus as opposed to butter--that's new. I ate it. I liked it. We also ordered the Garlic Grilled Calamari with basil pesto, baby white beans, and citron blanc as well as the Local Scallop Rockefeller with spinach, lemon, and watercress. Both these dishes were delicious and plentiful to split. It was my first time having calamari that wasn't deep fried (healthier I'm sure, and still delicious) and the scallops were served in big clam shells--that is neat. The bartender was very nice and quick to serve. Getting our wine on after a buzzed walk through the chilly South End was definitely welcomed. Overall the place is romantic, intimate, delicious, and friendly. From the staff to the patrons, everyone seems happy and chatty so prepare to make friends with your neighbors! The price is right too. I will definitely be heading here again, maybe even with a boy....oooOOooOOooooOOO! read more

Not sure what all the fuss is about here. Franklin Cafe seems like a cool place, but after standing around for 10 minutes at the bar to get a beer, it's definitely not up to par with other places. Then again, maybe you have to be at a table to get service. But, in order to get a table, you have to have dinner plans. And there's an atrocious wait for tables here. People ate at the bar. Talk about "dumbing down" the dinner experience. Who really wants to eat at a crowded bar, when you have standing-room-only patrons standing extremely close behind you? UGH. Not my cup of tea. Sorry, but something about being ignored when standing in the middle of the tiny place leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I didn't even need to try the food to figured that out, either. Good in theory; bad in execution. We came here for a beer. It was mayhem to order. Shouting over the music and loud conversation - squeezing in between strangers - then watching as the bartender refused to fill our order. Uhm, not my idea of a good time. Sure, you may say that's how Boston is, but not when it comes to what I thought was suppose to be a favorite South End place where locals go. I'd think they'd want a more relaxed dining experience. It was like turning on the radio and TV at the same time, while 25 kids run around screaming and laughing. I think there's a word for that. Oh, yeah: cacophony. I couldn't escape fast enough. read more

I'm torn on what to rate this restaurant. Two different people recommended it to me in one day. I trust both of their opinions, but this place really wavered between awesome and just ok. Here's the good: -A chic, NYC style vibe. Modern art, dark walls, loud music, and late kitchen hours add to the atmosphere. -Recommended by two good folks livin' in the South End. -My salmon was quite good. Flavorful and covered in a salty mustard aioli. The eh: -The 90 minute wait, which seems to happen all the time in a restaurant with 8 tables. -We ordered more wine from TWO different employees and it never arrived. Plus, they took away our water and never brought more. I was thirsty! -My dining companion's steak was not medium rare, it was tartare when it came out and had to be sent back. It was great when it came back out though. I realllllllly wanted to love this place. It seems like many people do. I would say that it's good for parties of 2-4, but do not show up with a party of 6-10 and expect a great evening. Even with the party of 2-4, your evening could be fabulous or just OK. read more

So I came here after a Yelp Event; here is what I remember. Wonderful, intimate atmosphere. The place had a great vibe at 10:30 on a Tuesday, and that is rare in our fair, Puritan city. Dark lighting, small but open space, warm and cozy. I felt at home immediately. Great staff. Our waitress was attentive and humored my drunk ass. Glasses were filled, drinks were checked, Service was quick but not rushed. To be honest, as soon as I got the menu, I zoned in on the carbs - didn't really look at the rest of the menu. Oyster mushroom ravioli for everyone! Good size portions, just enough sauce, rich fillings. The ravioli pasta pieces themselves were a little thick, but I think I am a bit picky when it comes to pastas. Prime location, great staff, cozy space and satisfying food. Can't wait to go back when I am sober! read more

Best restaurant ever. Don't read any reviews stating how hard it is to get a table. Just grab a drink or three and next thing you know you will be sitting at the bar eating the best tasting cod you have ever tasted while listening to Massive Attack or Morcheeba. Where else can you do this besides with your own ipod? Most restaurants in the S. End try to be cool while the Franklin defines it. Fat drinks, great little neighborhood hideout, fresh food, and extremely affordable when considering the quality. Spotless, fresh bread, and most importantly: ZERO attitude with the wait staff. No rezy's so get there early or get there late. Get your drink on and leave your cell at home. read more

The temperature outside was on the order of causing shrinkage - not for me, but for my dining partner - and it was starting to snow, and not in a good way. I had finished a grueling Sunday shift. I said, "I want a big piece of meat. But it has to be good." So you know when you walk in at 6 o'clock on a nasty Sunday, and the place is packed, that it will be good. It's small, very dark and starkly decorated: 5 or 6 booths lining the wall and a bar. The clientele is varied: South End inhabitants (a little trendy, a little yuppy), an engaged couple dining with parents (awkward!), some bridge and tunnel (that's us, sorta). We ended up at the romantic table by the window, under a wreath, looking out at the snow, idyllic, but god it was freezing! Then the food arrived... This place is so getting five stars, I said! The best mussels we've EVER had, somehow taste grilled or smoky, I don't know, no need for sauce, just wow! Best butternut squash bisque I've EVER had, not too sweet, a little spicy with just a tiny drizzle of some sort of balsamic glaze... I, of course, got my hunk o'meat: the pork loin ( I never order pork), and boy, did it hit the spot. It had stewed prunes. It had sweet potato mash. It had a wine sauce. What else could a girl who loves her meat want?? So why docking a star? Service a little... relaxed? Maybe cause it was a Sunday, but you know... you're out of conversation and start eyeing the kitchen? Although I really liked the bartender and the waiter, they were funny and conversant. Hearts and stomachs (and other parts) warmed, we made a beeline for the car. Pleasant. Let's do that again! read more

Holy crap, this place is awesome. The clientelle was first described to me as, "everyone from suits to bike messengers," and it couldn't be more true. Everytime I come here, I meet new and fun people. The bartenders are awesome and their wine list is FANTASTIC! Why is their wine list so good? Well, the bartender explained to me that they charge $10 over cost. OVER COST! Some of their bottles are actually less expensive in the bar than in the wine store down the street! For $34 you get a killer bottle of wine, whereas at most places a $40 bottle would be something a store sells for $15. Drink wine at the Franklin and you will be happy! read more

For as long as I've been working in the restaurant industry I've been told I must to go to the Franklin. I wish I hadn't waited so long! Our waitress was awesome. Fantastic service quality, great conversation and superb knowledge of the restaurant's product. I wish I could remember her name so I could give her a shout-out. It was funny that she knew a handful of other people in the industry that I also currently work/formerly worked with. Anyways, she contributed to our already good night becoming a great one. We had the wings and goat cheese crostini as appetizers. Both were fantastic! The wings were spicy but not so much that your mouth is on fire. The sweetness of the fig purée paired perfectly with the natural saltiness of the creamy goat cheese. For entrees, all four members of our party got the steak frites that everyone always raves about. It really is the best steak frites in Boston! Can it be compared to a $50 filet at other places? Of course not. Apples and oranges, people, apples and oranges. But the preparation of these steak frites for just $20 cannot be beat. I prefer my steak mid-rare, and the steak came out textbook-definition medium-rare. The way that the Roquefort butter melts over the steak and mixes with the port Demi glacé that is served beneath the steak is nothing shy of pure excellence. Another huge bonus was that wine menu is priced so low! To get a bottle of Marc Bredif Vouvray for just $25 and Patz & Hall Pinot Noir for under $50 is next to unheard of... Especially in the South End. When I asked our waitress if I could order a dessert for my friend that was celebrating her birthday, she politely informed me that they do not offer dessert and proceeded to send our table a round of birthday cake shots. In my opinion, liquid dessert is the best kind! All-in-all, it was a perfect experience and cannot wait to return! read more