Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Franklin Room

    4.3 (633 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order The Franklin Room Takeout or Delivery

    The Franklin Room Photos

    Business Info

    THE FRANKLIN ROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like The Franklin Room

    Recommended Reviews - The Franklin Room

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lamb Chops
    Allisen J.

    Awesome experience right in the neighborhood. Fabulous drinks (carrot, ginger vodka cocktail), rich & beautifully presented food, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]vibey ambience[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Never knew I needed lamb chops as an app but here we are and now I will expect them on the apps at other places! Perfect bite size and great cut. Mains were so good and everyone was so happy with their choices. Presentation was BEAUTIFUL and flavors were rich without being overbearing. Service was great and brought out a birthday dessert for my boyfriend! They have an awesome loyalty program, so definitely sign up for that to earn points/$! We just moved to the neighborhood and this will definitely be a neighborhood favorite, especially in winter months.

    Appetizer
    Angie V.

    My god the food is delicious here! Highly recommend!!! The salmon and the chicken were just unbelievable. Very tasty! Thank you to the chef and the staff for such an amazing dinner!

    Aviation cocktail
    Isha J.

    Always a great time catching up with friends at The Franklin Room. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance and lighting is lovely[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and I was able to snag a reservation for 3 on a Friday night pretty last minute. We enjoyed the Taro Fries and oysters for food, and the Healthy Habit and Malbec for drinks. The favorite for the whole group was definitely the desserts - the mango cheese cake is incredible and I would love to come back again for that. We also enjoyed the chocolate crunch dessert.

    Marinated Butchers Steak
    David Y.

    food: steak was good, wish there was more portions but the flavors are there, mango cheesecake was perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with the sherbert service: super nice staff, gave my friend a free dessert for birthday ambiance: [[HIGHLIGHT]]good atmosphere, definitely gets busy so can be hard to hear at times[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Christy C.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Delicious drinks and amazing service in a cozy, classy atmosphere![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server was both friendly and knowledgeable and our drinks were great! I always love when I can get a great aviation and this is a good spot for that. On my list to come back to when I'm in town next!

    Chocolate Crunch
    Nolan F.

    1. Chocolate Crunch - Feuilletine, dark chocolate mousse, mascarpone, meringue, praline hazelnut, choco crumble 2. Marinated Butchers Steak - Chimichurri, fried plantain, bearnaise 3. FR Wagyu Burger - mishama reserve, wagyu beef bacon, cheese basque, tomato tempura, bourbon miso, pickle 4. Miso Salmon - Pickled cauliflower, salmon croquette, zucchini, miso beurre Blanc, ikura, red vein sorrel Experience was a mixed bag of good quality and confusing combo of ingredients but nothing bad. Butchers steak was very flavorful and lean but tender. The plantains and bearnaise 'foam-y sauce?' didn't complement the steak imo. I didn't try my brother's salmon but he didn't seem to dislike it. We shared the (limited time) Wagyu Burger. It was tasty but again, a confusing combo of ingredients that's lost on me. IMO, the chef is trying too hard to elevate his food but again, nothing was bad. Chocolate crunch was simple, perfectly executed, and my favorite dish of the night. I love a small menu. Waiter was friendly. I wish service included wiping down our table in-between courses. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Classy interior design.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Wagyu Steak Tartare
    Alison A.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very pretty and dark vibes inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got the tartare and thought it was pretty good and refreshing

    French 75
    Crissie H.

    I went in solo (work travels). [[HIGHLIGHT]]They require you sit at the bar if you're alone, even if you don't want to.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] That aside, food was amazing and I ended up having a wonderful chat about books with the bartender, who told me about a speakeasy around the corner I checked out! [[HIGHLIGHT]]But seriously - give solo diners more options/dignity and not force us to have the bar as the only option.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't busy...[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Tortellini
    Kate H.

    Holy moly! This place is a bit of a hidden gem, but don't sleep on it! Came here with a friend for dinner and everything was impressive. We shared the tuna crudo, tortellini, branzino, and broccolini. The tortellini was by far my favorite (it literally just melts in your mouth!) but it was all good. The flavor on the tuna crudo was also incredible, and it was super light. On Mondays, they do 1/2 price bottles of wine. We really wanted to try their old fashioned, but once we discovered a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the menu, we couldn't pass that up (you don't normally see those on restaurant wine menus)! Andrew, our server, was excellent. He was friendly and attentive without hovering, and gave us great advice on the menu. I would definitely request to sit in his section the next time I come. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It does have a speakeasy vibe, but in a cozy way. It's lower lit, lots of candles, and not overly large inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]When we sat down it was pretty quiet, though it picked up a bit as we sat there. It never got overly loud, though.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will definitely be back, and soon!

    Marinated Butcher's Steak, Truffled Tuna Crudo, Pasta Al Pesce
    Julie V.

    We had a last-minute change in dinner plans and discovered The Franklin Room on Yelp! Even without a reservation, we got lucky and snagged a table. The place was fully booked, but someone didn't show up, and the host kindly seated us. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant had an almost speakeasy feel, tucked away somewhat underground.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered the truffled tuna crudo, pasta al pesce, and marinated butcher's steak. There was a bit of a wait between the starters and mains. The truffled tuna crudo was incredible - rich and flavorful. Both of our main courses were delicious: the seafood pasta was full of flavor, and the steak was tender and juicy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, we really enjoyed the elegant atmosphere and great food![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Marinated Butchers Steak
    Teresa H.

    Came on NYE and had a lovely time! My husband and I shared the crab cake special, steak and broccolini and all were really incredible. Service was quick and friendly and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the aesthetics were spot on for a somewhere in between casual and classy NYE.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]My only complaint is that tables in the high top area w a shared booth wall are VERY close together.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]When someone at the next table had to get up they were touching our table- we actually ended up chatting with them as they overheard our discussion about the menu.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]In our case this was not the end of the world, but not the best setup if you want any conversational privacy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Strawberry lychee red wine gelato
    Carina L.

    Went in for another solo date and still as great as the first one. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bar seats makes the slightly upscale interior less intimidating/more approachable going in alone[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The mixologist was a great conversationalist, he knew exactly when to check in / leave me be (to savor the truffle tortellini). The drink he made me was sensational (off menu so I can't even order it again ) and honestly why I love letting mixologists choose my drink/design a drink for me. The only reason I'm taking off a star here is the portion sizes for the food - definitely on the smaller size for an entree.

    Wagyu Steak Tartare
    Michelle C.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]The food presentation, drinks, service, ambiance, and the flavor of everything were all great!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We celebrated a friend's birthday here, and the staff was incredibly accommodating. What we ordered: - Wagyu steak tartare: I'm usually not a fan of steak tartare, but this one was SO GOOD. I still remember the mustardy taste and the garnish. Perfection. Definitely ordering this again. - Spicy bourbon mussels: Delicious! The sauce was great, and we had plenty of bread on the side to dip in it. - Wild mushroom tartine: As a mushroom fan, I loved this dish. The mushrooms soaked up all the sauce, adding a good texture. - Bristol Bay scallops: These looked as good as they tasted I will definitely be coming back here. It's the perfect spot for celebrations and date nights.

    Wagyu Burger

    See all

    Review Insights

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Torwah N.
    6
    90
    471

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great food and service! The ambiance was nice and not too noisy. Would highly recommend for any occasion.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great food and drinks. Great whiskey selection. The tuna crudo was exceptionally amazing!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 26
    Thanks 0
    Love this 27
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Francis R.
    1469
    1127
    2400

    9 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike V.
    2042
    341
    7598

    8 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maggie V.
    175
    191
    171

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jb S.
    0
    12
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ruth C.
    3297
    2439
    10259

    11 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steve A.
    352
    1930
    7084

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 16

    The Franklin Room Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Franklin Room

    Can a child go there and eat early in the evening?

    I don't think so, but there's a restaurant before you enter the speakeasy, more like a pool hall joint though.

    It's a subterranean restaurant- do they have an elevator?

    I enjoyed the grand entrance coming down the stairs but I'm sure an establishment like The Franklin Room would have accommodations for disabled. Don't miss out on the experience, call to check!! Enjoy!!

    View All 3 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for American 15,646 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Berkshire Room

    The Berkshire Room

    4.1
    (475 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    The Berkshire Room is one of my favorite speakeasies in Chicago. While they offer a fantastic…read morecocktail menu and a full bar, I almost always order The Dealer's Choice. You simply choose your preferred spirit, flavor profile, and glassware, then let the mixologist create something just for you. It's one of my favorite cocktail experiences in the city, and they've never steered me wrong. What I especially appreciate is how knowledgeable the bartenders are. They're always happy to offer recommendations if you're unsure what to order, but they're equally excited to create something completely unique if you're feeling adventurous. Watching them craft each drink is part of the experience. I've even hosted a birthday gathering here in their private side room, where we enjoyed charcuterie boards alongside our cocktails. If you're just stopping in for drinks, though, I'd recommend grabbing dinner beforehand, as the food offerings are fairly limited. More often than not though, you'll find me sitting right at the bar. I love watching the bartenders showcase their craft and chatting with them about the incredible selection of spirits they have on hand. It's a great spot for anyone who genuinely appreciates well-made cocktails and the artistry behind them. I'm also a member of their loyalty program, which is well worth joining. It can be used at The Berkshire Room as well as several other excellent restaurants, making it an easy way to earn rewards while exploring some great dining spots around the city. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a sophisticated place to unwind, The Berkshire Room consistently delivers. I'll definitely be back for another Dealer's Choice soon! #YelpEliteSquad

    I added a photo and was surprised to see I've never reviewed this popular cocktail spot. I've been…read morea handful of times over the years, as it's a solid standby in River North. Tucked away in the Acme hotel, the vibe is loungey with plenty of different types of seating. We came around midnight on a Friday and it was packed but we managed to find a cozy corner. For drinks, I've always enjoyed their "Dealer's Choice", which is a fun novelty. However, on my latest visit I decided to try the Frijolito ($18), which was basically a spin on an espresso martini but with mezcal. Wow! Perfectly balanced, unique, and delicious. For food, they offer some "bites" but I've not tried them. Our server was fine, nothing special. I can't remember ever having bad service here.

    Photos
    Trust the mixologist - your Dealer's Choice cocktail is in good hands
    Trust the mixologist - your Dealer's Choice cocktail is in good hands
    Host your next event at this speakeasy cocktail and whiskey bar in River North!
    Host your next event at this speakeasy cocktail and whiskey bar in River North!
    Bar

    See all

    Bar
    Theory

    Theory

    4.1
    (989 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Extremely great food! Very deceiving from the outside, but the turkey club and waffle fries were…read moretop notch! Smoked turkey on toast with lettuce and mayo! Fresh and tasty! The waffle fries are seasoned with crack I think. AMAZING! Oh, and the chicken parm eggrolls, perfect! Great service as well!

    This is the second year we came into Theory to attend the Champions League watch party, and Theory…read morekeeps proving to me why I enjoy coming over to this bar for large games. There were a lot of TVs all around the bar, so you won't be tilting your head back to watch the game from any angle. Our server was new, but she did a great job with taking everyone's orders and also being very upfront about saying she will ask about the drafts on tap so she can give us an accurate drink selection. The food from Theory never disappoints. Last year, I had the Theory Burger and was delighted by how good it was. This year, I tried the Challah French Toast and it was pleasantly delicious. The Mac and Cheese was also a solid choice, and for $8, they provided a good amount of food! And that Chicken Parm Egg Roll...wow they were so good!! I was skeptical from the name, but this was like having a pizza roll but in egg roll form The only reason I am giving this place 4 stars is because Theory has severely up charged for the Champions League. I recall last year a reservation was $5/person, but this year they charged $15/person. For this reason, we came in at 9AM opening time for an 8-person table and were able to get one without having to pay the reservation fee. I really like how organized Theory is though, as a sports bar. Service has always been great and I may come again for another game!

    Photos
    Having a good time!
    Having a good time!
    Theory
    Theory

    See all

    Bub City

    Bub City

    3.7
    (1.3k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Such a fun casual, country bar in the heart of River North. Seating is rather limited to keep the…read morecenter dance floor open for bands and dancing. They have Christmas lights and decorations over the dance floor always which is hilarious. They have two large bars on each side of the inside to help disperse crowds. My friend and I stopped in on live band karaoke night which was SO entertaining! They make their own cinnamon whiskey which I ordered. It was super tasty and well priced! We didn't try any food this visit but have heard good things. This spot certainly has a fun vibe and check their events calendar for weekend live entertainment.

    Ambiance: Bub City is a southern BBQ style restaurant…read moreresembling many restaurants from the south from the country music playing, to the sports TVs and very American theme'd decor. There's both indoor high top, a bar, booth, and outdoor seating to choose from with plenty of space between tables. Service: The servers were extremely nice greeting guests upon entry and engaging with the menu and any questions that may have been asked. The Brisket sandwich said sliced but they were able to do chopped instead without any upcharge which was extremely nice and substitute for the regular fries with another for a one dollar upcharge. Wait time: The wait time was not long at all between ordering and when the food arrived. Food: As a born and raised southerner, the barbecue was very flavorful and had a good mix of lean and fatty bits on the brisket in the sandwich with a hardy serving of meat. The sweet potato fries were some of the absolute best I have ever had at a restaurant with a crisp exterior and slightly soft interior flavorfully seasoned with a mixture of seasonings. Overall, bub city was a happy surprise to find in the Midwest bringing good flavored barbecue and a homey feeling outside of South and I'd recommend anyone to try it for some very solid Southern style brisket.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Bub City
    Jell-O shots

    See all

    Jell-O shots
    Il Porcellino

    Il Porcellino

    4.4
    (1.8k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Il Porcellino has been around for ten years, but my lovely wife and I finally visited this…read morerestaurant on Hubbard Street to enjoy the Happy Hour specials. We had visited Florence last year, and one of the numerous wonderful moments of our trip to Italy was seeing "Il Porcellino" - the lucky bronze boar fountain that draws tourists from around the world. A copy of the boar stands proudly near the entrance of the restaurant, and though it is not as old as the original 1634 sculpture, it was a charming reminder of our amazing Italian holiday. Did I mention that the weekday Happy Hour (4-6PM) specials are quite good? The specials are served only at the bar area, so you might have to wait a few minutes for available seating. We started with some drinks, including two kinds of Negroni. The wild mushroom arancini (5 little balls for $6) were the smallest I've tried, but they were creamy and melt-in-your mouth delicious. The whipped ricotta and jam beautifully served on a strip of toasty focaccia was a unique taste sensation. Prime beef meatballs and short rib sliders on toasted ciabatta bread also hit the spot. Even though we were merely dining at the bar, we enjoyed the overall vibe of the restaurant. There are lots of photos on the walls, interesting lighting from the ceiling, nice serving dishes, and servers who seem to know who their regular diners are. We look forward to returning to Il Porcellino, to bask in that indescribable feeling of being in Italy again.

    Great vibe. Has the dark and moody you want for a date night but also some airiness when the…read more"patio" doors to the street our open. I ended up at a table right by said doors, which was perfect because it had a view of the 1 TV during the World Cup. There is a downside that random people or servers will walk through and be closer than you'd like vs using the regular door like they should. Serviced is good but not exceptional. Attentiveness could be increased a bit, especially relative to water refills, more drinks, dessert time, etc. Food is quite good, but probably won't break into most people's very top tier. That said, there's nothing to really complain about and you won't leave hungry. Overall, it's a solid place that is worth the visit but may not make your "Best Places in Chicago" list.

    Photos
    Dining room/Bar
    Dining room/Bar
    Grilled Calamari
    Grilled Calamari
    Burrata Lasagna

    See all

    Burrata Lasagna

    The Franklin Room - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...