4. Restaurants

Franklin Café

278 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA, 02118
  • (617) 350-0010
  • Store is closed

Franklin Café Menu

  • Main

Healthy Meal suggestions for Franklin Café

  • Main

Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.

Boston Common Coffee Co. ( 97 Salem St )
Einstein Bros Bagels ( 725 Commonwealth Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 725 Commonwealth Ave )

  • Frank W.

    Bottom line: Nothing terribly special, but none-the-less delicious. When I visit my friends in the South End (I live in North Cambridge) I make them take me places i've never gone. That's half the fun of living in Boston, right? So today we went to Franklin Cafe Walked in around 6:30p on a Tuesday. It wasn't busy, easily got a table towards the front (so I could actully see stuff, it's a bit dark in there) and was immediately helped by a waiter. He was friendly enough, brought us some fresh baked bread (yesssss) and got us some drinks. He helped but didn't hover. Always a good thing. I got the Modern Tea, pretty strong, just the right about of stuff that made it not "on the rocks". A well done cocktail. We ordered the Biib salad which, when it arrived, was peculiarly spicy. Not that I minded (I'm all for a kick) but iti wasn't advertised as such, so I would be wary if it's not your thing. My friend got the corn ravioli which he enjoyed a bit too loudly (haha!) but I didn't think it was that delicious. My sesame steak tips were a little undercooked (as in.. the middle hadn't felt any heat) but they were good. Served with an interesting sauce and some sesame oil, which added a delightful taste to the meat. Overall the Service was great, the Drinks were good, and the Food was Ok. I won't fight coming here, but I also won't be its advocate.

    (3)

  • Winnie T.

    I stumbled upon this place after Yelping new places to check out in Boston. Sorry to say, but I don't think that I'll be coming back. The food was decent, but I do think it's pretty overpriced. I had the Fried Green Tomatoes with shrimp as an appetizer, and that was pretty good, but my entree (herb crusted mahi mahi) was kind of bland. The sauce that came in partner with the mahi mahi was also kind of weird. It tasted kind of minty/basily/confused. It just didn't pair well with the mahi mahi in my opinion. My friend had the seared tuna, which was also okay, but nothing that blew my mind and made me want to jump for joy. The ambiance is pretty cozy, which I liked, and our server was really conscious in always checking up on us. Overall though, nothing to rave about... it was okay. I think I could have gotten a better meal for the money.

    (2)

  • Dave D.

    Okay, long-awaited update to the update. ... The owners were gracious enough to extend an invite to me after my review, and they treated my wife and I like real VIPs, saving a seat, offering up a great mushroom appetizer that's not on the menu, and vegan-izing a regular dish for her as well. I had the sole. It was good--not great, good. The whole experience was good overall, and I am impressed that they took the time to contact me and attempt to patch up a bad review. I have yet to go in since, however ... mostly because I felt bad going in without updating my review, but also because again, it was just good. I would like to give it another shot without the red carpet and see if I really did end up there on a bad night oh so long ago, and that, as I surmised on the VIP night, sole just isn't my thing.

    (3)

  • Chris B.

    Drinks are still amazing. I love anyplace that serves Rittenhouse Rye. The brisket was falling apart, and was even more delicious at 1 am.

    (4)

  • Nicole R.

    I really, really liked Franklin. Small, super cute cozy space. Dimly lit, very intimate. Service is sort of odd. When we walked in no one was there to greet us, which was kind of confusing. But once she came around the hostess (?) was very nice. Our waiter was meh. Came around every so often, never refilled the big water bottle on the table though which was bad news for 6 thirsty girls. Nice enough but not very friendly. GREAT bar, GREAT wine selection. Had a super delicious, oaky pinot noir. Very well priced drinks, and carefully crafted cocktails. The food was extremely delicious. First of all, the bread & hummus alone would have made me totally happy. But then I got the gnocchi. I had been warned that it would be a small portion, but actually it was kind of perfect. Big, fluffy gnocchi with prunes (interesting and AMAZING combo), shiso leaf, and a gorgonzola crema. Very creative, and very delicious. On the side I had the seared pea tendrils which were equally as delicious. Actually I may have liked them even better. Made with ginger, sesame seeds, and soy sauce these were really delicious. GREAT vegetarian options -- I was not forced into a decision here as I so frequently am. Friends got the pumpkin ravioli, ENORMOUS turkey meatloaf, creste de gallo, and the special trout. Everyone either cleared their plates or happily took home left overs. Can't wait to go back, Franklin was a lovely lovely experience. I can't believe I've been in the South End 4 years without going here!

    (4)

  • James L.

    Great spot in the South End. I ordered the Lamb Riblets as an appetizer and the Steak frites as an entree, with a Grey goose pear drink. All amazing!! GREAT FOOD and super friendly staff. The waitress was friendly, and took time to talk to us about the food. Overall, a nice cozy place to have drinks and dinner, in a great neighborhood. Be prepared to search for parking, much of the space around is "Residential Parking", but there are a number of parking lots if your willing to pay, otherwise keep an eye out for those spots as you drive around. One star deduction due to the proximity of the front door and the intense cold that hits a number of tables due to a lack of entrance heater. We even moved seats after being sat at a table that was too cold to enjoy our time at. Appetizers - Approx $9 Entrees - Approx $19 Drinks - Vary, but there is a large selection!!! No desserts

    (4)

  • Joseph L.

    Parking was tough to find at 7pm on a Friday, but well worth it once I did! It was a 45-60 minute wait when we arrived, but we were seated at the bar withing 15 minutes of arriving, leaving us incredibly pleased. I had the seared Ahi tuna, which was amazing, and my friend had the roast chicken, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The wine list was fairly comprehensive, and we quickly found a reasonably priced cab sauv for us to sip on with our meal. I will echo other Yelpers and point out that the portions aren't huge. I ordered a side of vegetables, and could have kept eating afterward. Unfortunately, I did not try any desserts here, so I can't speak to the last course!

    (5)

  • Sara S.

    What a cute little restaurant hidden on a quiet street in Boston's South End. Despite receiving much praise on Yelp and other sites, the Franklin Cafe seems to be fairly undiscovered and overlooked- shhhhhh, don't tell. FC was a great place to take my friend for her birthday, despite them not offering dessert. Their cocktail menu is fabulous and I really enjoyed my Cherry Cobbler, make with bing cherries and homemade grenadine, not any of those kiddish Shirley Temple ingredients. Seeing I'm a big fan of grilled calamari, I order it whenever I see it on the menu, and this did not disappoint. Five generous pieces of calamari were served on a bed of wheat berries with a light pesto dressing and side of greens. Smoky, pesto-y, perfectly cooked and not chewy made for a downright delicious yet light appetizer. For an entree, I had the chicken and dumplings with root vegetables. It was served in a large iron skilled that was the perfect blend of cream, sherry, and herbs like thyme and parsley you associate with Fall entrees. The carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and parsnips were perfectly cooked. My personal favorite were the carrots- SO sweet and yummy. The chicken medallions were good, although I prefer my chicken without skin/tendons (EW), so I was extra careful not to eat any of that. The dish was topped with crispy chicken skin (like pieces of the wing), which I also avoided. Finally, the "dumplings"- good, but quite bland and frankly not worth eating. All in all, we had a delicious meal, and best of all, super reasonable! There's nowhere else in the city you can get such great cocktails for such a reasonable price. I've paid more for a vodka-soda at Harvard Gardens then I did for these carefully crafted, classic cocktails with a twist!

    (4)

  • Bret C.

    This place is awesome. I had been wanting to go for awhile and finally had the chance to try it out.......after taking a long time to find parking! Didn't realize that it's very small on the inside - only a handful of tables and a decent size bar. Great menu that changes periodically and they have a little of everything. I had a chicken dish that was outstanding. I'll be back! For a similar experience they have locations in South Boston, Gloucester and a similar concept is opening in Fenway.

    (5)

  • Justin B.

    I am still giving this place five stars despite a couple of things. One, when we arrived on a busy Saturday night, we put our names in and were told 30 minutes for a table. Well, we ended up waiting at the bar for close to two hours. And two, my dining companion ordered the pork chop dinner and it was served to her raw, like it is very dark in there, but that did not mask the raw-ness of what she cut into. Despite that, this place is just downright awesome. Bar drinks and the bartender were fantastic, the manager / hostess continually kept us posted on the status of our table, the waitress was great and the food was delightful. I got the steak frites. Very well done. My companion's pork chop, when it came back properly cooked, was fantastic as well. Prices are right on for what you get. Looking forward to returning.

    (5)

  • Allison C.

    Om nom nom. Decided to check out Franklin Cafe on a whim last night. It did not disappoint. The restaurant is cozy, but a little on the dark side. No seriously, there was one dim overhead light over our table and a small votive candle. Perhaps its just me, but I like being able to read my menu without strain and see the food on my plate. Interesting playlist for the crowd of people there on a Tuesday evening. No complaints on the musical selection - but I couldn't decide whether I should be eating or dancing. Anyways, enough about the ambiance - Lets talk food! My friend and I started with the short rib dumplings. It was delicious! Being A-Z-N and all, Id like to think I have fairly high standards when it comes to Asian inspired cuisine. Definitely two thumbs up! My friend had the Steak Frites and I had the turkey meatloaf with fig gravy - both of which were quite tasty. This place is definitely a great after work drink spot that leads to dinner. The drink menu was extensive. For those of you that have a sweet tooth however - you'll have to relocate for dessert, as Franklin Cafe does not have any :( In short, well priced, tasty, and good service. I would definitely revisit. Also - this place serves their full menu until 1:30 AM - How bueno is that?

    (4)

  • Donna Marie T.

    After a very bad meal at Sibling Rivalry our waiter told us about this place for good food and drinks...YAY!!! My wifey and I love this cute local neighborhood cafe!!!!! While vacationing in Boston we spent 2 of our 5 nights here. We both agree that if we lived here we would be regulars. The drinks are great!! The staff is awesome! The food is GOOD!!! Get the hanger steak with frites it's DELICIOUS!!!! Now that statement comes from a person who eats red meat once a month!!! The sole is incredibly well prepared!! I want a Franklin Cafe for San Diego!!!!! We're going to make special trips to Boston just to visit The Franklin Cafe!!!!

    (5)

  • Betty N.

    I will always come back for the calamari and mussels. Ask for B.J. The owner, that is.

    (3)

  • Gerald D.

    Not too bad if you're a foodie. I always decide based on whether I could do better at home. Occasionally I can't, but usually I can. For an app, I had the tuna fish meatballs in tomato sauce -- a smack upside the head with oregano, parsley, thyme. And some cute Arborio rice grains cooked in. Pretty cool. I'm a sucker for tuna. And the Tilia Malbec that Joy, my bar server, recommended to go with it was to inhale the South American air. Lovely. She was cool, too. Then I had the grilled octopus with cavatappi. A nice plum tomato reduction with shaved garlic, olive oil, fennel seeds, swathes of chopped fresh basil (in January?) and big grinds of black pepper. Alas, the chef shaved fresh parmesan on top of the dish, because that's what you're supposed to do right? Wrong. Cheese with fish is still the biggest faux pas in Italy. On the other hand, he was channeling Greece. Octopus with a tomato sauce and pasta says the Cycladic islands to me, not Venice. Not by a long shot. Bottom line is I left wonderfully warm, dreaming of scuba diving in the Aegean, Greek music bubbling up in my unconscious, dark eyes offering me another shot glass of Raki. (And the chef thought he was preparing something Italian, for sure.) Emotional time travel. Cheaper than a seat on Olympic Airlines. And faster. If you're lucky, there won't be a wait. Save yourself for a midweek night in January after a snowfall. Otherwise, the rest of the reviews have told you what may befall your party.

    (4)

  • Thuy L.

    I really loved Franklin Cafe. The food was great, the service was excellent, and the drinks were strong. The only downside is that they don't take reservations. They started taking names at 6pm. Fortunately, our friends live close by so we walked over and put our names down and at 6pm, it was a 2 hour wait. The food was excellent. We got calamari to share, and the calamari was crispy and chewy to the right degree. The sole was the special of the night, but they ran out. So I got the monkfish instead, and it was the best monkfishi i've ever had. The sauce was spectacular and without getting on all 4's, I pretty much licked the plate clean. The duck confit was also very tasty. I cannot wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Ali C V.

    The Franklin Cafe never disappoints and it was the perfect choice to take my friend in town from NYC. Not only has he eaten all over New York, work takes him all over the world and he liked the Franklin vibe and thought the Classic Steak Frites with Port Demi Glace and Roquefort Butter was great. As for me, I loved the refreshing Cucumber Collins and went gaga for the black pepper seared "sashimi" tuna loin with Citron Blanc and Field Greens. Note to Nate: You made up for your merciless teasing while I was at the bar by being a fabulous, informative, and friendly waiter. Good luck with med school. xoxo

    (4)

  • Diana G.

    This place is great! I stopped here for a couple of beers with a friend recently & I just loved the atmosphere! I also enjoyed the grilled calamari! The only reason I give this 4-stars is because I didn't have a meal here.. I'd love to go here with a date & sit near the window at a candle-lit table! :)

    (4)

  • Shen L.

    This is my favorite place in the South End. I just wish I didn't have to get there at 6pm to avoid a 45 min wait. Even on weekdays! Anyway they don't take reservations, and even late at night there can be a wait, but this place is totally worth it. The food is delicious, and prices are very moderate considering the quality you're getting. Yummy drinks too, but no dessert.

    (5)

  • Azella P.

    Love this place! Prices are totally reasonable, food is delicious, and the staff is chill and nice. The grilled calamari are yummy, the corned beef brisket is delicious (I don't even really eat beef brisket but figured I had to try it), and the truffle fries for 5/6 bucks are delish. the bartender makes a mean drink and the folks are really chill. I think they stay open pretty late too? Also - they have a gluten-free menu and it's delicious Music is always good and not too loud, like the ambience. Great for after work, or a dinner w a date :) has become my go-to in the South End

    (5)

  • K F.

    Skip the wait and get it to go! That is what we did last night, it was very busy and we were tired. Crisp local iceberg was a typical blue cheese salad but the dressing had a bit more flair then what you would normally find at a restaurant. The turkey meatloaf came highly recommended , it came with chive mashed and it was served with a fig sauce, it was quite tasty. The sweet corn ravioli with roasted chicken, pancetta, sage, cherry, and parm cheese was a beautiful medley of taste. The pancetta could have been a bit more crisp and not so fatty but it was really good to say the least. This is a consistently good restaurant /bar which seems to be a bit hard to find these days.

    (5)

  • Simona S.

    You know that feeling when you find that next great place you want to introduce all of your friends to? I got it tonight. We tried grabbing drinks at Stephi's but a friend of mine had some "history" with one of the employees, Beehive was seemingly too loud, and everything else didn't see as appealing. A quick search using my new Yelp app (on Blackberry, I don't do iPhones) and I was reminded of Franklin cafe. YES. This place is tiny. And they don't do reservations. But they are serious. And always busy. And with good reason. I shall list them: 1. Great staff. Clearly stressed but accommodating, and very willing to help. They moved a stool over for me because I was determined to sit and eat at the bar. 2. Great dirty martinis. I'm currently writing this post two of them. Not too much vodka, not too much olive juice. What delicious dirtyz are made of. 3. Steak tartare. The only thing I've had on the menu thus far but fries were perfect and this was just delicious. Tasted like relish, but I loved knowing I was eating rare meat. ROAR. 4. Conversation. You're sitting next to others and chances are the waiters will learn about all of your dirty laundry (dirty martinis = me airing out my dirty details) but they're totally cool with it. And you are allowed to sit for as long as you'd like. Savor, sip, and spill the beans! It might seem too loud but a few drinks in you'll feel like you're the only one there. And my voice carries so I make sure of it. 5. UM MY MARTINI WAS 8.50. I've paid more in New Jersey.

    (4)

  • Bryan C.

    I've heard a lot about Franklin Cafe, especially since the same group opened Tasty Burger by Fenway. They serve dinner late, because we didn't get there until about 11PM. Tried the Korean BBQ Shortrib Tacos, Chorizo Quesadillas, Oysters, Radiccio Salad, and the Miso Haddock. All were pretty good. The Oysters were especially superb, nice and fresh. The Chorizo Quesadillas were better then the BBQ Shortrib Tacas. My fiance enjoyed her Miso Haddock. I definitely would go back, our service was great as well.

    (4)

  • Piyali S.

    I expected more Franklin Cafe, but instead I got average to sub-par eats. Maybe my expectations were too high, I'm not sure. I want to caveat this review with "maybe I just didn't order the right things" because I went at the recommendation of a friend whose food opinions I generally hold in pretty high regard. Everything was doused in too much soy sauce and vinegar-based gravies, making it too salty. (I have a low tolerance for salt but my friend Annie who ate everything I did, agreed.) For our appetizer we ordered the grilled octopus, which had an unexpected consistency akin to chicken instead of its little cousin squid. While it had a pleasant char to it, whatever they put on the tentacles made them too salty. Next we had the fish which also undelivered on taste and over delivered on the salty factor. Okay so not the world's greatest meal but maybe dessert will make up for it right?? WRONG. Because here's the kicker: THEY DON'T HAVE A DESSERT MENU!! Honestly I felt like I'd been tricked. For the future: places without dessert not to be trusted. Getting back to the point, average food, I probably wouldn't recommend this to a friend but the only reason I might is: maybe I got all the wrong things. But hey, prove me wrong.

    (3)

  • Ellie W.

    I like the laid-back ambiance of Franklin, but my friends and I came here for drinks and were swiftly kicked out of tables/booths consistently because we weren't ordering food. At midnight. I mean, maybe it's bar policy because their kitchen is open until 1am, but I just found it quite ridiculous that the bar was half empty and we still weren't allowed to sit at a table that nobody else was sitting at. And nobody WOULD be sitting at through the end of the night. Alas, after 5 tries and possibly wearing down the staff, we hit progress. If you can call it that. We weren't allowed to sit at one 4-seater table but were, for some illogical reason, allowed to sit at the other 4-seater table across the room. Because apparently 4 seats are different from 4 other seats. I liked the chill crowd and ambiance of this place, but I'm not too keen on coming here again if I have to have a Gandhi-like Sit-in every time I come here in order to sit down.

    (2)

  • Courtney H.

    I started reviewing this place over a month ago, but I've been distracted. However, in the last few months this place has become my favorite restaurant. Since I moved half a block away, we go there from time to time for a drink, and when I have visitors I always take people there. I'm very excited because we are about to have several visitors over the next month, which means lots of excuses for eating at the Franklin. This place is what I am looking for all the time. It has great drinks and even better food. And the prices aren't too bad. I highly recommend the fried chicken which is AMAZING, but lately they took it off for the summer I believe. So I can't tell you how the roasted chicken is, but if you go and they have the fried chicken, get it! And the tuna is great also. Basically everything is awesome and you can't go wrong. It's a fantastic neighborhood place that I would suggest for a group of friends, a drink at the bar or a good date. GO HERE NOW.

    (5)

  • Beth G.

    The Franklin Cafe makes me wish that we lived in the South End. I mean, we're there a LOT, but I wish that we could walk down the street to someplace as comfortable and welcoming as Franklin Cafe. We've been multiple times in the last month, a couple of times we just sat at the bar for drinks and an app, another time for dinner. Each time, the staff and bartenders were amazingly friendly, chatting about what was in the drink they made us and the food has been delightful as well. Each time we're in, another patron will strike up a conversation with us and we'll end up having this fun talk with strangers that just seems to make the night more interesting. Franklin Cafe is one of those places that just seems to feel right :o)

    (4)

  • Bati K.

    We came upon the Franklin when we went out with friends and they wanted to go out to the South End. I had only been familiar with the places on Tremont, and the Franklin really looks more like a bar than a restaurant. But we were seated in a cozy window nook which we really enjoyed (but probably contributed to us being out of the way of the waitstaff). The drink menus were wonderful and when we were ordering, the waiter was very helpful and the four of us ordered double of two entrees - the duck and the turkey meatloaf. It was all wonderful. There is no doubt this food is delicious, and this place is so laid back - it's definitely the place to go for a delicious laid back meal.

    (4)

  • Kristin M.

    If I was a restaurant, when I grew up I'd want to be just like Franklin. In addition to unpretentious cocktails, they serve the epitome of comfort food in a unique new england way. Staff and service are second to none. The best part? It's hidden away so when you find it and (finally) get a table it's like you won the food lottery. Interesting choices for wines by the glass and extremely reasonable bottle prices. I almost didn't want to write this review because I don't like to share. This place is worthy of a new religion. Franklin Cafe, I love thee.

    (5)

  • Albert R.

    Pretty much everyone's favorite in the South End. A good small menu and they do everything on it very well. For the South End, it's also surprisingly on the affordable side. You MUST get here early, however, it fills up very quickly every night and it only has a small number of tables...

    (4)

  • Nadia K.

    My boyfriend and I went to Franklin cafe tonight to celebrate being together for 9 months (trust me, for me this is basically a lifetime) because they have a gluten free menu and he knows how much I agonize and tend to ignore my gluten intolerance when other things on the menu look so much better than a salad... anyways MAD PROPS on the gluten free menu that actually has real choices- two options is not a choice people. We started with the appetizer special of the night which was to die for- thinly sliced ham which I think was serrano ham with carmelized pears, arugula, manchego cheese and balsamic drizzle on top, absolutely divine. We had glasses of the house shiraz which would have benefited from being decanted initially but when allowed to sit for a little while was a very nice pairing with all of our dishes. Also, although I didn't have any the bread was warm and served with a home made hummus which I tried, and it was good (not fabulous, but some of the best I've had out here). For our main courses my boyfriend had the pork loin which he liked and I tried a small piece of, it was cooked very well, but be aware that the sauce is very spicy and although I liked it, I could see it being overwhelming if I had the whole dish. I had the corned beef and cabbage and when I got home, guess what was being featured on the show The best this I ever Ate on food network? that's right, Franklin Cafe's corned beef and cabbage. This will be the best cabbage you've ever had in your entire life. I mean the corned beef is epic too, and so is the spicy mustard they give you on the side, but I expect the meat (and honestly I like it a little leaner, but the fat came off easily) to be great, it's the cabbage component that takes this dish to the moon. EPIC. Go, eat and enjoy. Also, don't bring your 6'8'' boyfriend on the see-food eat-food diet if you don't want to share (note to self).

    (5)

  • Maria Z.

    So I went here for the first time, and ill start of by saying the atmosphere and the service was great. But do I think this was a worth a $100 meal..no. The bread to start with tasted like it came from stop and shop and the hummus was so so. The asparagus wrapped in prosciutto was good but a tad salty. The cornmeal catfish with the cornbread I found good but a tad bland. Maybe the steak frites/tuna would have been a better choice. On a positive note the st germain cocktail is muy muy yummy. It is a great summer drink...light and refreshing. I would say out of all the excellent restaurants in the south end, this one is good but not great. I will give it a second chance, but not in the near future.

    (3)

  • Nadine R.

    The Franklin Cafe is a great place to go for good food late at night. Why don't more places stay open later? Anyway, food is yummy! Atmosphere is relaxed and hip. It can get really loud in there on a Friday or Saturday evening. We went last weekend for a later dinner and were seated right away. Our waitress was attentive and really cool. Steak Frites were delicious. All in all a great meal and a great restaurant but not the place to go for a romatic quite meal, if that's what you're looking for.

    (4)

  • Stephen M.

    thank you, franklin, for having the wits to understand that all people living in boston don't necessarily subscribe to the puritanical laws of yore. the good ol' franklin is the only restaurant i know of in the area that serves a full menu of awesome food until 1 or 1:30 am (whatever it is, it's past midnight!). regarding the food, it's all very good. special mention for the steak frites. the dude changes the menu every season (i think) so things stay fresh. generally, the bar service is fast even on crowded weekend nights. plus, i keep a soft spot in my heart for places that have brooklyn lager on tap. prices are fair, especially for the quality of food. the only reason i didn't give it five stars is the space is pretty small and it can get quite tight in there on weekends. wait times of an hour or more are not uncommon. and those crazy kids with their rock n' roll music! apparently, i'm getting old. sad...

    (4)

  • Beth E.

    I've been here a bunch of times with different people. None of us has ever had a bad meal. I've been for drinks, I've been for dinner, and my experiences have always been good. I usually show up just after work during the week, and have never had to wait for very long, despite the restaurant's small size. One of my favorite things about the Franklin is that the menu changes with the seasons. The menu is small, but the food is really good. Sometimes I miss things I've had in the past, but I know there's always the chance that it might make it back on the menu...

    (5)

  • Hubert H.

    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.

    (3)

  • Sam S.

    The perfect late night spot - great food, great drinks, and great ppl. The first time i went here i ate the meat loaf. Huge portion and really heavy so don't order it unless you're hungry... very tasty though. The second time i went i tried the bone-in filet. WOW. i never thought a little bar like this could have a bone-in that tasted better then the local steak houses. This i will DEFINITELY come back for.

    (4)

  • Kerri D.

    I went to the Franklin Cafe for the first time last night. All in all, a great experience. The only issue I had was that it was initially difficult to figure out what the protocol was for getting a table because there was not a host/hostess near the door. After a few minutes, I was greeted by the host and he took my name. Problem solved. I'm not really bothered by waiting on the host since it was a very busy Friday night. We started off with cocktails, a gin martini for my friend and I tried the Sugar Cane Sling. The bartender offered my friend his choice of gin and made sure the drink was made to order. The Sugar Cane Sling was great too and I wouldn't mind going back to try a few of their other cocktails. While we waited for our meal, the server brought bread to the table that served with a yummy hummus. It was excellent and a welcome change to bread and butter or bread and oil that is normally served in other restaurants. For an app, we started off with the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, which was very good. I would like to go back and try the Fried Green Tomatoes. My friend ordered the Classic Steak Frites and I had the Pan Roasted Organic Chicken Au Jus. Both entrees were delectable. The chicken was juicy and tender. The potatoes were full of flavor and the peas and carrots gave the meal a nice home style feel. Overall, everything was so great and reasonably priced that I would not hesitate to go back again.

    (4)

  • Dave S.

    I heard about four Cure songs in a row here once. That's gotta be worth five stars right there! Luckily for us, everything else "The Franklin" has to offer is just as comforting and satisfying. I haven't ventured around the menu all that much, as the Benedict Popover is so damn good I have little reason to. I did at one point have a bite of one of my buddy's mussels, and it was down right exquisite... this coming from someone who does not eat seafood. They offer a good selection of good quality liquor. It's really freakin dark @ Franklin Cafe... which is a plus, as far as I'm concerned. The only thing I sometimes wish they did have is a little setup for a DJ, playing triphop or something of the sort. FWIW, I'm available for that gig :) Best late night food in the city, by far.

    (5)

  • Sam H.

    I have one word for this place: SOLID. Okay, maybe two more: AMAZING service. The two tomes I've been here, I feel like server got to know our table and genuinely wanted us to have a good experience and to start building a relationship withthe cafe. For example, when with family, he gave us a quieter spot in the cafe. All that is fine, but it's the food that makes this place solid. The turkey mealoaf, tuna tartar, and steak were hands down amazing. The others in my party loved the grilled calamari and beef brisket. If I didn't just move from Boston, this place would be a staple for me!

    (5)

  • Michelle S.

    The food at this restaurant is terrific but the service is terrible. The place is loud and extremely dark so it's hard to read the menu. I had the fried green tomatoes, which were delicious, and the corn ravioli, which were flavorful, with a nice light sauce. Our waiter would either disappear or chat with a table of friends. It was hard to get his attention. He kept asking if we had asked for drinks and he had forgotten, which was bizarre. Not surprisingly, the bill came with 3 extra drinks. He pointed out the error and it was quickly fixed. Don't think I'll return.

    (3)

  • Chrissy H.

    Franklin Cafe is located on Shawmut Ave in the South End. I have been there many times but now feel I am able to truly judge the food because there were four of us and we each got to sample each others dishes. The Franklin serves bread and hummus to start which is a nice change from the usual bread and butter. For appetizers we ordered the Duck Egg rolls which were more than just a little tasty. For dinner I ordered the fillet mignon which was tender, juicy and flavorful. It was served over a bed of spinach and portabello mushrooms. I also ordered a side of mashed potatoes which were okay. They are a more chunky style of potato and the portion is definitely large enough for at least two people to share. Not a one person side dish. My companions ordered the roast beef raviolis which were terribly delicious, a side dish of brussell sprouts, (I honestly did not try those.) the lamb shank with apricots (if you like lamb you'll love this,) and the buttermilk fried chicken. The chicken was a very large piece of meat that was battered to a golden brown and was super tender. It came served with collard greens. Pretty delicious. The food was really good and the prices weren't incredibly high. Luckily for us we did not have to wait for a table which is amazing since the Franklin is a very small restaurant with only about 9 tables and a bar. The service was pretty good, though it was hard for us to hear the waiter over the incredibly loud club music. The food came out relatively quickly though it took a little more time than usual because of the prep time of the fried chicken. For four entrees, three side dishes, three appetizers, a glass of wine and 2 cocktails the bill came to just over $140 before tip. Just a quick tip though- it's probably best if you don't try to drive to the Franklin Cafe. There are very few parking spots to be had in the vicinity because it is in a residential neighborhood. Try taking the T to New England medical center or a cab.

    (3)

  • S. M. S.

    Great neighborhood joint with a comfy vibe.

    (4)

  • Lickety Split N.

    This is one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Reliably delicious, thoughtfully prepared food that's reasonably priced. I like to share a few of their apps/small plates for dinner (I love the grilled calamari). Just go late on a weeknight, not worth the weekend wait.

    (4)

  • Erika F.

    Update! Went back and sat at the bar one Saturday night. Place was packed and loud, but we had a solid experience. The host was on top of his game, kept track of everyone waiting for a table, and let us know as soon as 2 seats at the bar opened up. I ordered 2 appetizers - garlic grilled calamari was especially good. Drinks were great too. Couldn't have been more different than my prior two visits to Franklin Cafe.

    (4)

  • Igor K.

    This was our second time there. Much more quiet this time (can hear across the table now), got seated within a couple of minutes. Drinks were great yet again so was the food. Chicken dish was delicious. I liked the service: never had my glass empty , but the server never showed up in the awkward moment. Oh, their bread is great (in house made?). Other than a slight whif of a chlorine cleaner - I am very happy and will come back. Also worth mentioning their atmosphere: feels like it is off the beaten path, waiter doesn't look at his clock 40 minutes into your stay - I felt comfortable there. Parking could be PITA on the weekend. I'd give Franklin Cafe a 4.5 star rating if I could.

    (4)

  • Katie M.

    Where else in Boston can you go to meet friends for great food, cool decor and a cool wait staff after midnight? The Franklin Cafe. I've only actually sat down for dinner there once (our server was very nice and the food was delicious) but I've sat at the bar numerous times for drinks and apps. The bartenders are friendly, chill, and extremely attentive (there is something to be said a bartender who can casually slip by and refill an empty wine glass with a bottle of wine that has already been purchased without being noticed). The Franklin Cafe does tend to get crowded late night. I've never had to wait outside to get in, but there are definitely times where I haven't been able to score a seat at the bar/at the tables.

    (4)

  • Aviva S.

    I travel to Boston every few months for work and I find myself at Franklin on almost every trip. The cocktails are great, and I'm always confident whatever I order will be tasty. It's not where I'd go for a quick, fast bite - but if you're looking to spend $40 on dinner and a drink, this is an enjoyable way to spend a little time.

    (3)

  • Anissa K.

    I've been here 4 times and each time it gets better and better!! From the drinks to the menu everything is a win. We had the mussels and winter lettuce for an appetizer, octopus and monk fish for entrees... everything was so tasteful! As a side note, they don't serve dessert.

    (5)

  • Brian D.

    This review is for the bar only. Went in on a Saturday night around 930ish. It was quite crowded, with the bar stacked about 3 deep the whole way around. It was surprisingly easy to get the bartender's attention despite the volume of people at the bar. The crowd seemed overall polite and relaxed ... if the people I had to reach over or between to get my drink were bothered by those actions, they didn't show it. We stayed for most of the night, and the crowd thinned somewhat, allowing us to eventually sit at the bar. I came to Franklin that night because of the reputation of the cocktails. I started with a gin drink that was indeed tasty, but by the end of the glass I was overwhelmed by the sweetness of the overly fruity beverage. This trend continued through several other drinks from their custom menu that I sampled that night. It is not that the drinks were bad, but that the non-alcoholic ingredients were allowed to overpower the base. The bartender was, however, competent and attentive, and when I ordered a cocktail that was not on the menu he poured it well. My other complaint about the cocktail menu at Franklin is the quality of ingredients used. I don't intend to sound like a complete snob, but if you are going to use captain morgan or jim beam in your custom cocktails, maybe don't advertise it. I've been debating my rating for Franklin, and I think 3 stars is appropriate, again ONLY for the bar. I give it an A for effort, but in Boston these days, if you hold yourself out as a purveyor of fine cocktails, you better be able to back up your talk. Perhaps to be revised if I return for food.

    (3)

  • erica c.

    After reading your fantastic reviews about this place I was of course compelled to check it out! I had two old friends in town and wanted dinner to be just perfect... Aside from the amazing company and entertaining conversation...the ambiance, service and food were in fact absolutely perfect. The meatloaf dish here is mouth -watering, as is the acorn squash dish..... They don't serve dessert --so if you have a sweet tooth, make after dinner dessert arrangements....but for caffeine addicts like myself, they do serve coffee....:)

    (4)

  • Steve k.

    This was the second stop on our Saturday night out in the South End. We started with drinks and apps at the Gallows and then made our way to the Franklin Cafe. As usual, it was PACKED, but since it was arctic cold with a razor wind outside, we weren't going anywhere. The host said the wait was 45 minutes, and before we had time to roll our eyes, 4 seats at the corner of the bar opened up. Sweeeeeet. Our bartender was friendly and attentive and mixed one of us a custom drink which was pretty damn tasty. Two of us had the steak frittes (medium and medium rare)- each one was cooked to perfection. We also had the chicken...and I thought "Who the hell goes out and orders chicken?"---And then I had a taste...and it blew my mind how moist, savory and perfectly cooked...we all tasted this chicken and swooned. I had the seared tuna with the chive mashed taters. It, too was cooked to perfection, albeit a wee bit small for my liking...but still worth the 19$. In short, we were all happy, satiated and impressed with the Franklin.

    (4)

  • Emily O.

    There seems to be two camps when it comes to this place: the lovers and the likers. Those who love Franklin Cafe give it five stars, emphasize the late night appeal, and "perfect"ly good food, service and atmosphere. They also note the reasonable pricing for what you get and the great bar service. Those who like Franklin Cafe give it three stars, as do I. The pricing is reasonable - yes. The food and the service are great - yes. However, the menu is short and features some not that inventive dishes (tuna tartare?) and some inventive ones (non-fried calamari appetizer). What took me by surprise was that a) we got the VIP table when we walked in around 6 on a Friday, and b) this place is so dark you cannot read the menu or see your food! There's not alot of seating, and I think they're focus is meant to be the bar (which I couldn't see from where we sat). This place is good, not stellar, but has some appeal due to it's slightly-off-the-beaten-path feel and relatively relaxed atmosphere (early in the evening).

    (3)

  • genevieve r.

    Franklin is great because they stay open so late.. The food is always prepared perfectly, and the menu chages every once in a while. The service is good, although my girlfriend asked for a drink reccomendation, and the server brought her a GROSS manhattan Mairtini, I only know 1 girl who would want that drink......That really was a poor reccomendation..I felt so bad for her while she cringed with every sip she took...Good for her for drinking it anyway... Sometimes the bar floor can reek of wet dishrags, But not always....Yuck! although I hav 2 negative remarks of this place, I will surely come back, Cause the space is cool, The music is always good, and the food is great... I will just always know what drink to order... Oh yeah, plan to wait sometime for a table, unless you go very late!!

    (3)

  • Angelina C.

    Update: I am CRUSHED. CRUSHED. By the Franklin's new decor. It is God-awful. So bad, it's hard to look at. I'm very upset, as this was probably one of my favorite places in Boston. More time at Toro, I suppose... -------------- The Franklin is basically my living room, but I do have one complaint: It seems to suffer from the curse of notoriety. Every dish that people rave about is pretty bad when I go (the steak frite, the Franklin Sidecar), but everything else (the scallops, the tuna, the cava) is to die for. Strange... I feel like the chef does not exert enough quality control. If you're charging the same price, the steak that you serve at 1 a.m. should be of the same quality as the one you serve at 7. Period.

    (4)

  • Kirs P.

    My girlfiends love the Franklin. I just can't get behind them on this. It's okay. They do have two very wonderful things: The Franklin Sidecar and, when on the menu, Mussels. Other than that? Crowded. Small. Long Wait. Kinda expensive. Decent, but not rave-worthy, food. Small, expensive wine list. And, I think they recently changed bartenders- because the previously to-die-for bloody mary was god-awful the last time I was there. And, I'm so sick of less than inspired vegetarian options. Enough with the pasta already! I will say this for the Franklin- there are always people in there- so if you are looking for a "scene" you will find it here.

    (3)

  • Christine L.

    My favorite place in Boston! The food is fantastic and interesting, and you can't beat the price. It can get crowded, but I've never had any trouble with service at a table. Too bad they didn't do desserts when I was living there.

    (5)

  • Hector D.

    Franklin cafe is not a bad place. I give it 2 stars because I've had better. I liked the look of the restaurant and the bartender that served us was nice, but the service from that point on wasn't all that great. The food was overly salted but it was still good. I wouldn't say that it is a bad place, but with the selection of restaurants in the South End, it is not a place I would go out of my way to visit again.

    (2)

  • Billy B.

    woohoo! bam! woosh! zap! onomatopoeias abound! yay Boston! This is without a doubt the best chichi american restaurant I have been to in Boston. Our appetizer was the **Warm Matchsticks Of Zucchini** with toasted almonds and pecorino ($8), which blanketed the vegetably goodness and added a nice sharp contrasting flavor. For entrees I had a **Blackened Catfish** special that contained only a hint of the usual catfish amine taste, while my colleague had the **Black Pepper Seared Tuna** ($19), a great dish that was seared perfectly and quite flavorful. +'s: Excellent food, intimate dim atmosphere, great service, good cocktails. -'s: No deserts! (Go a few doors down to The Dish for a stellar blueberry crème brûlée!), the 30min wait for a table on a Tuesday.

    (5)

  • Heather R.

    It's the neighborhood cafe which does not disappoint at dinner. Just get ready to wait for a seat if you do not arrive early.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    We always go there for birthdays, anniversaries and even being laid-off! The food is always wonderful, menu is always changing and the wait is always worth it. Usually good drinks (esp. martinis) but sometimes they do put in too much alcohol. Almost always crowded so they don't need to take reservations. Also, open late (1am).

    (5)

  • Daniel H.

    Reliable consistent good upscale food at this small neighborhood local. Long bar with booths along the wall. Food Rating = 4 Stars Service Rating = 3 Stars Decor Rating = 3 Stars

    (4)

  • Oz L.

    Great food at fantastic prices!!! The kitchen stays open after midnight which is def a plus for you night owls!! I highly recommend the place...

    (5)

  • Kate P.

    A work friend of mine recommended I check out Franklin Cafe when I told her I was going to be meet a friend after work for dinner and a drink and we were deciding on a place in the south end. I am so glad we went because I had a fabulous meal. I ordered the Classic Steak Frites. It was soo good, the two strips of beef were covered in a Roquefort Butter and piled on top of a mound of fries which were perfectly seasoned! The waiter told me it is their most popular dish and I say cheers to that! I will come back again!

    (4)

  • Byron M.

    This is a pub/bar/restaurant type of place. It is often crowded and there is typically a wait. The food is pretty decent, and the crowd is a 30 something group of people. Very festive place, I will definiately go back.

    (4)

  • Steven W.

    corned beef brisket.. wow! a bit dark in there and I think I got one slice of meat that wasnt cooked enough for me.. but whatever. the rest melted in my mouth! classy venue too!

    (4)

  • Illia V.

    I'll give it to the awesome woman bartender, for whom which we would have never been seated had she not pointed our wait time to the pretentious host who kept seating everyone that came after us first! everything we ordered was way to salty and our waittress spent the whole time talking to the table behind us and ignored us the whole time except when i guess she realized she was working but by then we just wanted the check....its a shame because i wanted to like this place as i live down the street. I only give it 2 stars b/c of the bartender.....

    (2)

  • Tessa C.

    wholeheartely agree with the other yelpers who love the franklin. laid back attitude with honest subdued decor. i've been here on the weekend when it's super busy - great for getting drinks with friends. and also during the week for dinner when it's relaxed. food is excellent. always comforting and well prepared. good value for the price. recently had the grilled chicken entree - skin was nicely charred and crisp, meat was firm and moist, and the sauce was delicate and slightly acidic to complement the chicken. the zucchini/squash side was good, but not outstanding. my friend had the pea shoot ravioli - delicious. another excellent sauce combining mint, parsley, and basil. i thought that the sauce would be very pungent and strong, but the flavors were gently blended together. i also ate the cappelini pasta with a fresh tomato garlic sauce - simple and fresh. yum! great place for a quality meal and great drinks.

    (5)

  • Mark P.

    Flew into Boston from SF getting in at 10 pm, checked into hotel (amateur hour) and called ahead, they told us the kitchen would be open until 11:30. We managed to get a taxi and were there by 10:45ish. This was a Thursday night, the place was happening but we got a lovely booth -- it is smallish -- and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing and exciting meal. The cocktails come from a very well-stocked bar. The appetizers are the first clue that the kitchen is turning out truly inventive food -- we had Scallops Rockefeller on a clamshell that featured fabulous chopped up scallops under spinach, absolutely phenomenal. The ravioli featured a oven-roasted tomato sauce and get this -- turkey sausage. It was very very good. We had decent pours of Dalwhinnie and Laguvulin to end up a perfect comfort meal in a warm and inviting atmosphere, kudos!

    (5)

  • Faye C.

    Love this place especially in the winter it is so warm and full of life. I would say constantly great food, especially the apps have three apps and a salad instead of a main you will be in heaven. Gets a little noisy and full on a Thursday and Friday night but really worth the wait. Faye C. Boston

    (4)

  • Christian H.

    It's pretty delicious. The menu changes a lot and it's a tiny place so either plan to wait at the bar for a while but you know, as far as restaurants in a neighborhood full of great restaurants go, this one is doing ok for itself. I like what they do with it and I enjoy the place. Good service, good food, good drinks. Not cheap, but what is these days. Their hummus spread with the bread makes me want to steal the whole container. I can't get enough of it.

    (4)

  • Jeffriana S.

    I once heard the Franklin referred to as a "carry out bar" because the clientele usually gets so drunk that they need to be carried out by the end of the night. (This is mainly due to the fact that many come here to take advantage of their 2am liquor license.) And with good reason! They have a good beer selection on tap and great mixed drinks (try the "Franklin Side Car"). However, what's really great about the bar at the Franklin is the newly added $5 jar shots (the name is deceiving as they are really mini-mixed drinks served in a super cool jar). Although the Franklin is a great end of the night bar, what's even better than the drinks is the food! The roasted tomato soup is the best I've ever had and it's even served with a wedge of the yummiest grilled cheese sandwich! The bone-in fillet mignon is delicious with a crispy outside, tender inside, and served on a bed of sauteed portobello mushrooms that are to die for! And to top it off, the prices are exceptionally reasonable!

    (4)

  • Meghann W.

    The grilled calamari is one of the best things I have EVER eaten, anywhere. I loved everything about this place, from the food to the atmosphere. The people who work their are very friendly. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Robert G.

    I'm not sure what all the hype is about here. The bar is nice, always happening and a place to see/be seen, but the menu is so limited and the wait is SO long! The times I've been here I haven't been too impressed with my food - it's good, but so are most other places in the South End and the waits are usually shorter. In terms of decoration - dark velvet, all the way.

    (3)

  • Kaka-Q S.

    If you're out there, Franklin Cafe, fire that overgrown sorority girl of a bartender. You know the one. That scratchy voiced lady, the brunette with the belly shirts. She's the pits. This is the second time I've recieved horrid service at your bar, and sadly, as much as I admire your unexpected food pairings and understated ambience, if she's still there when I go back next week, we're through. There are too many fish in the sea, Franklin Cafe, for me to waste any more time trying to make you good in every way. It's her or me.

    (3)

  • peter c.

    Such a disappointment! Our party of 5 went to Franklin on March 3, 2011 and only 1 of us had a decent meal with one steak dinner going back to the kitchen. One in our party (who lives around the corner from the restaurant) had warned us that this once-good place had gone down-hill, and this was clearly evident. The drinks were good, but the food absolutely was not. With so many excellent places in the Souh End, this is one to avoid.

    (1)

  • Jenna S.

    Probably some of the best food I've ever eaten, and the atmosphere is great--dark and cozy. I got some kinda sashimi tuna thing that was on special, and it tasted like wonderment. It was frigid outside, and the Franklin's cinnamon sugar-rimmed hot toddy hit the spot. The service was also excellent, including the waiter schooling us on Human Rights Day. Definitely some of the best food I've had...ever.

    (5)

  • Lisa M J.

    MMMMMM, the fall menu is back. Okay, I heart the food at the Franklin. Menu is fun, eclectic, changes seasonally and is consistently prepared. Now that the colder months have returned so has the delicious house cured corned beef. (Not sure why I am obsessed with this, but I am.) I skipped this, however, on my last visit due to an amazing sounding swordfish special, which did not disappoint. During the course of my frequent visits I have learned that the chef used to work in New Orleans and there are usually 1-2 items with a southerner influence (i.e. fried green tomatoes, southern fried chicken, etc). Now this fall there is a a new Southern item: a yummy gumbo. I wanted to lick the bowl it was so tasty & I almost ordered a second serving. (I did NOT lick the bowl, btw) As a girl who divides her time on both sides of the Mason-Dixie line I am pretty certain this is the tastiest, most authentic gumbo you might find in Boston (and a a hell-uva lot better than most spots in New Orleans in fact). Yes the restaurant is dark (ummm I don't need to see your pores across the table while I dine), and yes there is a healthy music volume - that said, it adds to the charm and appeal of the place. Going to have to commit on Yelp that this is my favorite spot to eat in Boston. There, I said it.

    (5)

  • Stacey H.

    One word: Fantastic! This South End gem offers some of the best martinis I have ever laid my lips on. Every time I've had dinner at the Franklin I swear its the best. Their grilled calamari is to die for and their seafood risotto is a heavenly mix of creamy goodness and perfectly paired spiciness. Did I mention the cocktails yet? I'm a pretty sharp critic of dirty martinis and this one passed with flying colors.

    (5)

  • Susan S.

    My favorite comfort food - their turkey meatloaf. It's SO good and so worth the hassle of waiting for a table there! I talked it up so much to a friend that he went there the following week to try it and couldn't stop talking about it either.

    (5)

  • M.A. F.

    AMAZING. That's it. The drinks were wonderful and very unique; the food was outstanding; the wait wasn't very long; and the service was great. My only complaint is that they don't have a dessert menu... but there are great places for that nearby. I gave it 5 stars only because there wasn't an option for more!

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    Love Franklin Cafe! Great for dinner or late night drinks. The atmosphere is so comfortable, not pretentious like many South End restaurants. This is a small place, and looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, so be prepared to walk in and be surprised at how crowded it is!

    (4)

  • Daisy J.

    Delicious food, great service. It just sucks to get there.

    (4)

  • Katie G.

    This restaurant, as simple and small as it is, is like no restaurant or bar I have ever been to before and I love it for that. It is small and discreet, but well known by a few. Even through every time I have been there it was very busy and full, its lay out keeps you from feeling over crowded. It is very dimly lit, making it cozy and comfortable. I would highly recommend the spinach raviolis and all of their specialty drinks. The bartender was knowledgeable and interesting, and his service is quick and efficient. I haven't been back in a long time, but I can't wait to give myself a reason to head back to the South End!

    (5)

  • Jorel F.

    Small restaurant that has a long wait at times, mostly weekends at peak dinner hour. But the food is exceptional!!! Amazing preparation, never over-spiced or cooked improperly. The menu is always interesting and based on the seasons. Delicious, casual date dining. It's a personal favorite of mine. The youthful and casual atmosphere may not be for everyone. Nice staff!

    (5)

  • Korri Leigh C.

    Franklin has never disappointed. Whether it is 9 PM or 2 AM the food is always simple and perfectly done. They have some of the best soups in town, and the drinks are always fantastic as well. This is one of the South End's best spots

    (5)

  • Thacher T.

    If you get a seat at this place, you have to stay for at least two drinks, it's just so pleasant. I highly recommend the Pimms beer, which I believe is an original creation involving the aperitif Pimms. My only meal at Franklin was a decadent filet mignon. The best part was that a friend covered the check.

    (5)

  • Gabor Z.

    My favority place in town, great chef and fantastic atmouspae

    (5)

  • L And E.

    At first, I was completely turned off; they wouldn't sit us, even with several open tables, because we didn't have a full party. There were two of us and the third was running ten minutes late. We were hungry and tired after a long day of work, so we agreed to sit at the bar. Thankfully, the bar tender was great and she served us some bread and hummus, which helped to turn us around. While the menu selection was limited everything we ordered was amazing. I ordered the pasta - a bit simplistic and overpriced - but still very good. We shared the scallops - absolutely delicious! As a bar/restaurant it gets a bit noisey, but this place is truly a gem.

    (5)

  • ack c.

    Delicous everytime, but go early & work out before hand... Love this place, great, cute, neighborhood joint.

    (5)

  • Kristen L.

    The food is phenomenal. Not a ton of variety in the nightly selections, but they do change the menu frequently- some fish, some beef, always great mashed potatoes and fries, and something good vegetarian. Plus, they have a killer drink list and a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Good for enjoying dinner & drinks with a small group of friends.

    (5)

  • Lauren G.

    Great food and drinks. I like that they're trying to make the atmosphere romantic, but it was a little too dim in there - I had trouble seeing the menu!

    (4)

  • Lynette M.

    Great grilled calamari.

    (4)

  • Jan L.

    The fall/winter menu at Franklin Cafe is awesome! Was in for dinner last week and a group of us shared several appetizers - yummy mussels and the lamb rib lets were superior! I can't rave enough about the chicken (would love the recipe) :-) I haven't had a gumbo this tasty since I was last in New Orleans! Compliments to the kitchen and our wonderful server Nate! So attentive and fun! If you are in the area, don't miss dining at the Franklin Cafe!!

    (5)

  • David H.

    Franklin Cafe is a place I have been eating and drinking at for many years and I have been here over one hundred times. Most of the time I go to Franklin after 11pm for drinks and late dinner. I have ate at the bar and at a table; have been here by myself; two, three and eight people. The atmosphere is low key; not fancy neighborhood small bar/restaurant in the South End neighhood in a mostly residential area. Parking is impossible so I have been lucky that I have just doubled parked and have not been towed. They have great food with moderate pricing; great cocktails; very inexpensive champagne prices (Cristal for under one hundred dollars) The place is young and noisey when it is full. Many industry people frequent Franklin. You will love this place as it serves full dinner till either 1 or 1:30 but no dessert. It is reliable but if it's busy be prepared to wait (no reservations)

    (4)

  • A. P.

    There isn't much I can tell you about The Franklin that hasn't already been said. They make amazing drinks (Try the tangerine gimlet), great food, and manage to maintain a cozy neighborhood feeling in the midst of the uber gentrified south end. What I can add, that no one else can, is my intense love of booth seating-- which is the only non-bar seating they have here. Booths allow the patron to engage in silly tickle fights without causing too much of a ruckus, hide the fact that you (I) are unable to sit still and therefore jam out to the cure for the entire duration of your meal, and finally booths are just so much more comfortable than chairs. In short, I love booths. See also my extreme love of bench seating in cars.

    (4)

  • Susan J.

    Vegetarians, be warned: you only have like two menu options. But it is a very classy, out of the way place for dinner and drinks. The layout is oddly similar to Matt Murphy's.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    Great hanger steak and frites. Only a few draught beers to choose from but the Irish stout is delicious. Great atmosphere and the staff was helpful and attentive.

    (4)

  • Mindy A.

    I went here for the third or fourth time last night with a group of girlfriends. It was a Tuesday night, so we were thinking it wouldn't be difficult to get a table, but the wait was actually a little long. Originally they told us 25 minutes but it ended up being around 45. I think this is because its difficult to estimate how long people are going to take at the tables. Anyways, we were happy to finally get our table and sit down. The drink list is good here -- the cocktails are all really unique and delicious. When you sit down, you get bread with hummus which is a nice touch. The hummus is really good. They change their menu a lot here to reflect seasonal food, but the menu is really eclectic and has some different combinations that are definitely unusual. Everything is delicious, though. Last night, my girlfriends and I tried the potato and leek soup, the skate, and a pasta dish with cheese, mushrooms and blueberries. All three were really good but the skate was definitely my favorite. The server was really friendly and this place definitely has kind of an upscale neighborhood feel.

    (4)

  • Jennafir E.

    I enjoyed the ambience. I enjoyed the location to where we were, literally a 3-minute walk. I enjoyed the wine list and the drink list. i really enjoyed the cranberry and vodka infused something or another. I, however, didn't enjoy the over salted food. Now I understand the steak and fries are suppose to be Parisian style, but I've been to Paris more then once and they wouldn't use that much salt. I think the fries were as close as one could get, but the charred, over-salted steak didn't impress and I gave half of it away. I cannot comment on much else, since I tried duck liver and really, I would never like that even if a world-renowned chef made it. The calamari was perfect though. The choices for dinner were limited and only about 4 things I would ever want to try. Seeing as how I didn't like the steak, I don't see myself going back anytime soon. However, the company and service was fantastic.

    (3)

  • a w.

    The absolute WORST dining experience...and I didn't even get to the ordering food part! The service was awful...and when I say awful I mean the kind that when I think about it now I start to tremble with rage! We were treated terribly by our server. Only when leaving and speaking with the manager were we told how incredibly sorry they were. Since then I have heard story after story from others who experienced the same treatment. I would give it another try because I am a fair person and hardly ever have a bad thing to say about any place...but I hate to imagine what my reaction would be when stepping back into that place.

    (1)

  • Matt R.

    Cute little restaurant in the South End off the main drags (Columbus, Tremont, Washington). Small, with a rich & lush atmosphere (red walls), and great food. I had bluefish for my first time ever here, highly recommended. I'd almost recommend selecting an entree that comes with the mashed potatoes though. Seriously, they're that good. See if you can do a substitute if need be!

    (4)

  • James T.

    5 because the food and service (Jeff) are Impossible to beat for the price. Awesome steak frites. I'll tell u a secret, they aren't mentioned on the menu, but there are 5 shrimp served with the fried green tomatoes. The fried green tomatoes are worth the price before the Shrimp.

    (5)

  • Brownstone Betty -.

    I have eaten here a couple of times & yes, the last time was some time ago. The Food is good and ecclectic. The atmosphere is great with the exception of the music. Very loud and the speakers are directly over the tables. We asked the waitress and the hostess if they could turn it down to no avail (their were not a lot of people left at the time). Bottom line - if you want to relax & have a conversation with someone I would not recommend going here.

    (2)

  • J B.

    It can be tough to find a place in the South End that serves up consistently good fare at prices that won't empty your wallet. Franklin Cafe fits the bill. You'll find yourself paying around $15 for entrees here that would easily go for over $20 at restaurants on Tremont or Washington Streets. This place is definitely worth a visit --but be warned, it's almost always packed (and that means a wait) --best bet is to head there on somewhat off peak hours.

    (3)

  • Seafoodie R.

    Went to this place last night, great atmosphere, great service, great food! the filet mignon on the bone was delicious and cooked to perfection, the grilled calamari app with garlic was equally delicious. Wines are reasonably priced as well, apparently they only mark the wine up $10 over cost (or what you would pay for it in a liquor store). The filet was an $18 entree, the grilled calamari $8, and my dates Salmon dish (which was excellent as well) was under $20. Great roasted acorn squash as a side dish! The place was bustling but we only had to wait 10 minutes for a table... Definitely plan on going back and starting the meal with the Scallops wrapped with Proscuitto app!!!!

    (4)

  • Laura A.

    nice place. i've been meaning to go for awhile but just got around to thanks to the recent reviews on yelp. i also knew to get there early to avoid crowds thanks to the reviews and ate at around 6, which was perfect because we didn't wait at all for the table. we shared veg. fresh rolls, each had a good beer (i had a brooklyn lager, my favorite), i had pasta, and my boyfriend had steak. the rolls were awesome (and vegan too, i'm pretty sure). my boyfriend said the meat itself in his dish wasn't as good quality as he had hoped/expected, but it was cooked really well. service wasn't fabulous or anything, but it was fine. i'm looking forward to going back once their menu changes to see what other kinds of dishes they might have in store for vegetarians since my dish wasn't particularly inventive. (it tasted like olive garden's capellini pomodoro..for twice the price. as a resident of the suburbs for 17 years i know my suburban cuisine.) ETA: the next time i came here, i had a bitchy waitress who really ruined the experience...i didn't see anything veg on the menu so i asked "can you make me anything vegetarian?" and she said "the salad [APPETIZER salad] is vegetarian" ummm..salad is NOT a meal, sorry to say. perhaps this makes me a fatty, but so be it. i need HOT FOOD for dinner. so i ended up ordering a seafood pasta dish that was $18 without the seafood. and guess what? they still charged me $18 anyway! fuck you, franklin cafe. ETA again 12/07 i tried this place again last night since we moved to the neighborhood and frankly it still sucks. i don't get what all the buzz is about. i am never that impressed with the service and i just can't stand the flavors they use in the food. it's a lot of sweet and savory together (i.e. prune crusted pork, the veg appetizer i ordered of crepes stuffed with ricotta and tomatoes that they used sweet crepes for instead of savory and i literally could not eat it because it tasted so gross/lemony). my mushroom ravioli entree was 4 ravioli for $18 and although it supposedly was topped with "sage brown butter" it did not taste like sage whatsoever. two years later and my boyfriend had THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINT about the steak..get a clue, franklin. i won't be back.

    (2)

  • Ryan W.

    You know the way you feel, coming home to your loving boyfriend or girlfriend after spending the night with friends out in the superficial singles scene, and realizing this really is the best thing out there? That's how I feel about the Franklin. No matter how many trendy, stylish wine bars momentarily catch my eye, I always find myself rounding the corner to see that martini sign blinking like a beacon and climbing into one of their long, dark benches with grateful familiarity. I don't even glance at the menu as I order their sweet pea ravioli, knowing that it's one of the best meals in town. If there's a seasonal side (like brussels sprouts or green beans), we order that and munch contentedly, sipping our beers and kicking back. The bartenders come along and give us a good-natured ribbing, but they never ask where we've been or why we're so late. They know we love them. And they always have on the kind of classic music I'd turn on to relax in my own home--I think the first time I came in here, they played "Houses of the Holy" from beginning to end. Me and the Franklin, we're just so compatible. Franklin, I have something to say to you. It's kind of a big deal and I know that a hundred other people probably feel the same, but I want to tell you anyway: Franklin, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to go through all your menu changes with you. All of those other Tremont Street hussies can go to hell. You had me at "Can I get you guys something to drink?"

    (5)

  • Scott T.

    One of my favorite dining spots in the city. I have been frequenting Franklin for several years and the drinks, food, people and atmosphere never disappoints. Modern takes on classic dishes such as Turkey Meatloaf, grilled calamari (yes kids, that's grilled, not fried) and my personal favorite side-dish, fresh brussel sprouts blackened in a cast-iron skillet. The warm, dark cozy atmosphere is so inviting that I have spent many a night hanging there. The only hassles are parking and waiting for a table (there is limited seating and the bar area is small so arriving at 8 is suicide). It also seems that over the years, this place has become more well-known, which makes getting in even more difficult. However, the quality has maintained over the years. When I come back to Boston, you can bet I will be stopping by here.

    (5)

  • David S.

    Awesome neighborhood bar with great food. The side dishes are almost better than the main courses...and that is saying a lot here where every dish is well prepared. Decor is dark and typically loud due to the bar, but it is open late. Could hang out here any night.

    (4)

  • E.G. S.

    Really good food, nice people - staff and patrons. Nice to place to chill after dinner time. Think semi-cozy.

    (5)

  • Noelle M.

    I love this place !!! I moved from Beantown to swampsott, and when my hubby and I want to have a NICE intimate atmosphere with killer dish : we had to the franklin. It's worth no rese's and waiting : or be an early bird like us on some saturdays to guarantee a seat --- I've never had a bad meal : I just wish they had dessert !

    (5)

  • Liza H.

    A perrenial South End favorite. The Franklin has been consistently serving up the yummy foodstuffs since 1997. The turkey meatloaf with fig gravy and mash is the menu item that always beckons me.

    (4)

  • Miquel R.

    i was there last friday night for dinner with my friend. we got there at 7 pm and were told by the host that the wait would be 45 minutes. The place was extremely busy at the bar and obviously the tables were all full. It was very difficult to get to the bar and many of the customers already there were pretty aggressive. The bartender did not help faciliate our order - she didnt seem like she was making any drinks so that was a little confusing. After several drinks, we were notified by the host that our table was ready. The wait lasted about 1 and half hours. We had a ricotta crepe app which was very good but filling. We also had some bread. We both had seafood for our entrees and it was very good. We plan on going back there again sometime and when we do we will try some of the other yummy selections on the menu. This place is great in the Fall , winter and late night. You just have to be in the right frame of mind to wait for a table. The crowd is fun as well.

    (4)

  • Anna B.

    Have been a few times & ALL the food is good. The place is pretty tucked away which is why I think more people don't know about it. I arrived before my friend and met a guy at the bar who's a chef at another restaurant - always a good sign. Parking can be tough - take a cab.

    (5)

  • Matt W.

    My expectations were perhaps a bit too high when I went to the Franklin Cafe. A co-worker has been talking this place up to me for the past month so I finally gave it a try this weekend. The food was good and staff were very friendly. My biggest issue was the noise! I could barely hear myself speak, much less the person sitting across from me. I understand it is a bar and that music is expected, but why make it so loud that you have to yell to your friends? The whole yelling thing sorta dropped my opinion on the food as well because I was concentrating so much on listening that I forgot I was eating. I will give this place another try on a weeknight and perhaps change my rating.

    (3)

  • Tim S.

    simple, good food. i love the atmosphere of this place... great neighborhood vibe.

    (4)

  • Bryan K.

    I went here in August and it was the BEST seared Ahi that I have ever had. When I took my first bite I tasted a lightly seared exterior followed by buttery raw fish on the inside. I knew right away that it was very high quality fish, although I was not prepared for what followed. It had a smoky/hickory aftertaste that made you think it was in a smoker all day. I just sat back in my seat, blinked, and said "Wow!" Everyone else at the table said the same thing about their dishes and we turned it into a family-style dinner. Besides the Ahi, you can't go wrong with the Steak Frites or Pork Tenderloin. Great Food, Great Price, Great Service, Great Atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Chase W.

    The only reason Franklin doesn't get a 5 is it's too hard to get into! Rest assured that the wait and food is worth it, as are the cocktails. Where else can you get a fruity (but I swear, manly) martini, while feasting on pan seared duck for under 28$ a plate?! The atmosphere isn't fancy, but makes up for it in South End cool neighborhood feel. I probably wouldn't hit this up on a Saturday night due to the cramped factor, but I'm a woos when it comes to being clostraphobic. With that said, on Tuesday night, this place is a solid 5-stars for fun, value, and cool...

    (4)

  • Sam C.

    What I used to think of as a go-to neighborhood spot for reliable food is a total waste of space now. The hostess/manager/bitter angry woman is rude and unpleasant. Asking her for a fork (because we had food without forks) was apparently an over the top request that was too difficult for her. The food doesn't make up for it. Everything is way too salty. A simple salad was more creamy salty dressing than salad, making it just the opposite of what everyone wants. Come on.....

    (1)

  • Evan G.

    This place has the best food I've ever had in my life. It's a nice relaxed atmosphere, not too expensive, but the food is extraordinary.

    (5)

  • Jonathan S.

    I took in a meal at Franklin Cafe while visiting Boston last year. My best friend and his gf, who are locals, took my gf and I here and it was worth it. My veal chop was excellent and Franklin Cafe's house ale complimented the veal very well. The restaurant is not cheap.

    (4)

  • S G.

    This place is the best in Boston. I come here and feel at home right away. Serves late and the prices are right. Nothing on the menu is over $20. Also great drinks! Everyone should try Franklin's other location in Gloucester too!

    (5)

  • Alissa T.

    Delicious. We were visiting Boston and read about this place in Bon Apetite so we decided to give it a try. For appetizers we tried the Soy Marinated Chicken Livers and the Grilled Calamari. Both excellent!! The kitchen is open until 1:30 AM. It is really dark in the restaurant but cozy not creepy dark. For entree we had the Olive crusted cod served with risotto and Prime Rib Ravioli which was again delicious. Different and yummy! Bread was served with a serving of hummus. It would have been nicer if the bread was worm since it was freezing cold when we were there..:)

    (4)

  • Little B.

    I have a very old dear friend in the South End so I though I would treat and take him to a safe place choice for a bite around 6pm. I was told later when you walk in for a table to go to the back (odd), this avoids the lost feeling yoiu get while standing near an empty booth with no wait to be seated sign. So we get seated and maybe 10 minutes goes by...she takes a drink order....another 10... and a foamy warm cosmo arrives. How do you get foam on a cosmo? I drink it...no liquor. Another 10 minutes and she takes our order and askes if we would like bread...you got it...another 10 minutes and we get bread. When the garden salad arrives, it's nice, but when the Steak Fritz arrives it's wonderful. A medium slab on a bed of fries, very good. I think this place is all about relaxing, almost European. BUT even my second foamy drink was weak. I will go back..and order a Margarita. I just have to get used to the slow service. They could have made double by pushing things out quicker and turning the table

    (4)

  • B L.

    Great place to wine or dine. I use to come here on a nightly basis when I worked at Union. The food here is great and the kitchen stays open pretty late. The bar is great as well and the crowd is always pretty hip. It's a good mix of South Enders and restaurant people. I hope too many people haven't found this place by the time I come back to visit... I guess I shouldn't have posted this review then...

    (4)

  • Jennifer B.

    Can't be beat! Late-night, reasonable prices, very hip "hidden" vibe. Delicious drinks (try the rasberry ricky) and fantastic lamb and mashed potatos. Franklin is one of the South End's true winners, with consistent quality and atmosphere. My boyfriend is angry that I'm not willing to go at 11 every night. There is always a tremendous wait, though, so plan to eat at the bar or have a few drinks before you get your table.

    (5)

  • Liz R.

    Love this place! Definately one of the best in Boston for an excellent meal in a laid back environment. There is almost always a wait- but the drinks are fantastic. Appetizers are great, and their seafood entrees.

    (5)

  • Mihir P.

    Wow!! This French/Creative American restaurant knows what it's doing. Entrees for the most part are under $20 and you'd pay $30 elsewhere. The chef is a true talent.Service is unpretentious, hip and fun. Sit at t he bar for a generous drink and if you run a tab they trust you to not run off. The music is fantastic but I can never place who the artists are, which makes it even more appealing.

    (5)

  • Anna P.

    definitely a south end favorite! Plusses include that it's open late and has nice decor. The one downside is that the menu is small and somewhat overpriced. But it's a great place for drinks and appetizers!

    (4)

  • Stephanie I.

    Comfort meets Trendy meets Neighborhood meets solid Amazing food. The food here is really unbelieveable. Service and atmosphere were pretty great too (thanks Dennis!) Highly recommend the zucchini matchsticks and the turkey meatloaf with fig sauce and chive mashed potatos. I plan to come here ever time I visit Boston. :)

    (5)

  • Robyn A.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in the boston area. consistently excellent food with excellent service. I've been ordering the Fresh Creste Di Gallo with THE HEAT (Shrimp, scallions with a Tomato base). It has just the perfect amount of ZING. go for an early dinner (around 5/6pm) to avoid waiting for a table as this place gets packed, even on a Monday or Tuesday. highly recommend this restaurant.

    (4)

  • Jonathan W.

    this place is tiny tiny tiny - so if you think you'll be in and out - think again. average wait time is about an hour on a busy weekend dinner adventure. is it worth it? the jury is still out - my vote - not bad to try if you aren't in a rush and can belly up to the bar for some cocktails while you wait. yes indeed - the menu was pretty planned out with delightful selections. i had the grilled cheese appetizer and followed up with the pork loin special with homemade dumplings. both fantastic however the pork was accompanied with a mustard reduction of some kind that i could have done without - but overall - not bad not bad at all. didn't break the bank either - was pretty average for what you'd expect for dinner on a friday night - with drinks, starters, and entrees. staff was pretty attentive as well. all in all - just expect a wait and that wait may yield wonderful results!

    (4)

  • Lacey P.

    Freakin awesome mashed potatoes. And cheap too. But usually packed with too many over dressed people. Don't bother if you can't get a seat. They're open late though, and on a nice street so I guess I understand.

    (4)

  • Patrick B.

    Tough spot on the last Thirsty Thursday before Christmas, especially with a group of 7. Were told the wait could be 45 minutes to 2 hours; quite a big range I thought. We eventually took seats at the bar as people left until we were all seated and decided to eat there, which turned out to be really convenient because you get drinks quicker and you get your own bill when you're done instead of trying to figure out who owes what. They didn't have any stuffed olives for my martini, but I drank a few anyway. Standard. The roasted turkey meatloaf with fig gravy and mashed potatoes with chives was as good as it sounds, but they were a bit skimpy with the mashed potatoes. I need a heaping pile of the mps. A friend got the grilled bone-in filet for just $19 and said it was fantastic. Everything looked great and filling. The bar staff was too busy to talk to, or maybe they were just creeped out by my friend's attentions. Yeah, that was probably it.

    (4)

  • Sarah C.

    I think I found my new favorite spot! Dinner at the Franklin Cafe last night could not have been better.... seriously we found parking within minutes (I know this is sometimes very difficult in the South End), were told there was about a 10 minute wait, but sat in 5 minutes. The wine list is not vast, but this is not the focus here...it's really all about a chill spot and atmosphere, great food and service... it's like a refuge. Our server was awesome, really friendly...very knowledgeable about all the wines and entrees, right on with timing.... Although the menu isn't huge, there IS something for everyone. It was very difficult to choose.. the shrimp appetizer was perfect and beautifully presented, my salad was maybe a bit overdressed but okay for my taste. I got the pan seared cod with mushrooms and scallions...delicious. No dessert though....which is fine because after dinner drinks do just fine here. I can't wait to go back and try more! Plus, it's right next to Formaggio kitchen... dangerous :)

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    So tasty! The roasted corn and pablano chowder is excellent. I had the veal chop, (I know, I know), but it was so good!

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    Wonderful adventurous food (including some of the best garlic mashed potatoes anywhere). High quality drinks. Relaxed atmosphere. It is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. The only major flaw for me is the possibility that I might run into my ex-GF there. Ah hahahaha

    (4)

  • Miss L.

    fairly priced awesome food, available late night served in a cozy/sexy atmosphere by friendly and professional servers. truly five star.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    if you can actually get a table before you pucke from drinking too much i would say this is one of the coolest places in boston to have a reasonably priced dinner which is very very good but not in a stuffy environment. maybe thats why its always crowded. they have a small but great menu and everyone is way cool

    (5)

  • Kim D.

    yum! this place was awesome. i met my hubby there after work on a wed evening around 5:45pm. he had already saved me a seat at the bar as it was starting to get full. by the time we left the place was packed! great atmosphere. i loved sitting at the bar and the bartender was super friendly (and poured a strong drink!). come to think of it...the entire staff was super friendly. one of the waiters kindly pointed me in the direction of the restroom with a really nice smile and as we were leaving the host (or maybe another server?) ran after us and out the door to tell us to have a great evening. we were impressed! now, the food. it was REALLY good. we had the grilled calamari w/ a white bean salad, a tuna carpaccio app, which was excellent (very fresh) and the ricotta stuffed salmon. i thought the salmon was going to be a bit odd w/ the ricotta but it was delicious. very light and creamy and the fish was cooked perfectly. it came served over fennel. really delicious. however, the seasoning they rubbed on the fish was a little on the salty side. and that is the only reason i'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5. prices were reasonable too. apps were about $7-9 and entrees $17-20. i'll be back for sure!

    (4)

  • Jen R.

    I like this place a lot. Its really a bar, not a restaurant. You walk through the dark curtains to get inside. On your left is a bar and on the right are about 9 booths. No tables. The food is un-barlike. We started with a glass of wine (decent) and I had a rasberry like rickey with chambord which was tasty and hit the spot. The scallops are to die for. They are sort of roasted or covered in this black crispy stuff. The caesar was just ok-- nothing to rave about. On top was an awkward large flat chip thing like a bagel chip which did not go and kept getting in my way. I ordered the pepper linguini with duck confit. The portion looked small but filled me up. There was not a ton of duck and for 18.00, I would have expected a bit more-- but what was there was good. My husband ordered the porkchop which he said was the best he ever had. Because they are a bar, they dont serve dessert-- bummer. The waiter was friendly and appropriate. We will definitely be back. BTW we went on a Tuesday night around 6:30 and by 7:30, every booth was taken

    (4)

  • Alexis L.

    I went into Franklin Cafe full of skepticism, ready to be let down. With reasonable prices and uninspiring name (I mean really, Franklin Cafe), what kind of food could I expect from this chainlet? Excellent food, as it turns out. My grilled pear and chevre salad was ambrosial. The pears were perfectly grilled and caramelized and worked beautifully with the drizzled balsamic vinegar. My mussels were out of this world and I don't even usually like mussels. The broth they were cooked in was amazingly flavorful and the portion was huge,though the price was slight. My husband had the lamb breast and he couldn't stop raving about the tenderness and flavor of the meat or the way it seamlessly blended with its bed of lentils or garnish of salad. Our cocktails, a Maple Manhattan and a Mo' Martini (?) were also very good. Service was prompt and polite and the sole waitress really earned her tip. If you are looking for a delicious late night dinner, consider the Franklin Cafe.

    (4)

  • Samuel H.

    tried it for the first time last week. it's not bad. drinks are decent, food was decent, atmosphere was great. parking was a drag though, like the entire south end. and it's so dark in there, i can barely read the menu even with candle light.

    (4)

  • Jessica C.

    Love the vibe here! Mellow and hip! Enjoyed the sweet pea ravioli, highly recommend it. I wish the menu was larger, but I have no complaints past that. Our waitress, Mandy, was attentive and friendly. Great little gem in the South End.

    (5)

  • Dorothy H.

    I was a little torn on how to rate this place - the grilled spicy bbq octupus was 4 stars - delicious!! The corned beef brisket was good, but not entirely... memorable? Fried chicken was ok, wouldn't qualify as good. The chicken was tender and juicy but isn't that a given? The crust was much too thick and doughy, and made the whole dish less than enjoyable. I would definitely go back for the octopus, and and if was specifically craving corned beef brisket, but otherwise.. sad.

    (3)

  • Jackie L.

    Spending the weekend in Boston, picked this spot because of menu, location and good reviews. It definitely seems like a neighborhood favorite and rightly so. The food is outstanding, the steak frites with roquefort butter are not to be missed. My husband had the short ribs which he describes as "banging" and he practically licked his plate clean. It has a fun lively atmosphere, although it is a little dark, but its a bar after all.

    (4)

  • Phillip W.

    This smallish bar/restaurant is great for dinner with a few friends. For whatever reason (acoustics of the space?) it gets quite loud--so it has a nice and vibrant feel. Good for a date if you can both project your voice. Somewhat dark lighting but comfortable booths. Solid and reasonably well priced "new american cuisine" and drinks. The muscles were very solid. Our server seemed a bit off his game and was pretty snarky (dare I say, kind of mean), but he wasn't able to ruin the good food and the overall good vibe!

    (4)

  • Laura A.

    We ate here on the recommendation of a waiter at a nearby bar/restaurant that we frequent. He said Franklin's was the industry favorite, perhaps because it serves decent food at a late hour. This is probably a great place to grab a drink, but not a dinner spot. It's not that our food wasn't good (it was fine, although nothing spectacular), but this is definitely a bar and it feels like you are eating in a bar. I much prefer The Gallows.

    (3)

  • Stacy H.

    this place gets 3.5 stars out of 5, but they get 4 because the eastern essence drink hits the jackpot. their creole stuffed pepper was really just a single pepper with a few okra pieces here and there, but you couldn't really tell they were there. the sauce was really good. though. about that eastern essence: it's like a dark and stormy, but with twice as much ginger punch. amazing. i'm not sure if you can make reservations, but you should call and ask. it was definitely busy when my boyfriend and i came on saturday -- we waited a pretty solid half hour before getting a table.

    (4)

  • Leah E.

    My wife and I often eat here (like one or twice a week). My favorite thing on the menu is the quinoa salad. Dead simple but still delicious and I always eat it thinking, I could make this but you know what? I'm too lazy and so I come here to have it and it's really good. The food is always solid and extremely reasonably priced. The vibe is low key and very hospitable. If you don't like something, you tell them and they will look to have it corrected right away. The bartenders are friendly as heck and if even you aren't a drinker (I'm not), they still take great care of ya! The crowd....well interesting. You kinda never know what you'll get and I guess that kinda goes along with the vibe in Southie and Dot these days.

    (5)

  • John H.

    Had the Mushroom ravioli and it was amazing. Also have Ommegang on tap which is amazing.

    (5)

  • Brian P.

    Came here for a low key dinner. A great find! Steak frites is the way to go. Everyone loves steak juice and fries. Finally a place that serves it together!! Server looks like jack black!

    (5)

  • Angela D.

    First stop on my Boston/Maine trip! Finally got into Logan @ 10pm so this was a great spot to hit up because it is a bar/restaurant! Serves food until 1:30am everyday! I got the Minted Pea Soup and Butter Leaf Salad, other members of my party got the Clams and Calamari. The bread and hummus they serve you is way delish. Dishes were fresh and tasty. Great ingredients. We also had a ScoutMob coupon so the meal was super tasty and affordable!! Check out ScoutMob here: scoutmob.com/revel/auzzi… :)

    (4)

  • Susan R.

    awwwwww. something about this place just didn't sit well with me. I feel like a black sheep giving this place a 3 star rating because all of my friends like it so much (so sorry Mom, look away from this review, your baby is a weirdo). In all fairness, I would give it 3.5- but that's rounding up from from 3.45. Yelp says to write a review like I would talk to a good friend... so here goes: The place is really cool... like rrrrrreeeeeaaaaalllyyyyy coooooooooooolllll. and it seemed like you should be equally as cool to be there... or at least dripping with south end money. The place is amazingly dark and the servers are super duper hip and funny. I suppose these should be good things (and usually ARE for me) but there was a disconnect. The first time that i went, four of us sat for dinner. I ordered my steak Medium... it came absolutely rare... totally rare... grossly rare. I should have complained but i was starving and had eaten the outsides off before our server came back. I KNOW that he saw how undercooked it was when he threw 1/2 of it away- but nothing was said- so its my fault. and the kitchen's for sending it out so rare. The server was funny and friendly- maybe too friendly. We had the misfortune of sitting near the bread-cutting stand, and he would chat it up every time he was there. Meh. Just meh. Sorry dude, but four ladies can drum up our own line of conversation. The second visit, I went for a little cocktail outing. I felt WAY under-dressed and WAY not wealthy enough to be there. Couldn't find a seat at the bar at 6:30pm... booooooooo..... but again, no fault of the restaurant. All in all, I just wouldn't call this a must-see place with must-eat food or must-meet customers. a 3.45... and the .45 is solely due to their connection to LUPEC. Great cocktails if you know what to order... good food kitchen till 12. If you can find parking and don't mind a 30-90 min wait... why not.

    (3)

  • Christopher M.

    Franklin Café is a small, relatively quiet, slightly-off-the-beaten-path kinda place that's best frequented Sunday-Wednesday nights. It's a comfortable place, small, intimate, and dark. The menu is short, but everything is delicious. There are some gems on the wine list (look for the wines made exclusively for the Franklin). Staff is friendly, but not overbearing. It's the kind of place you go with a date when you actually want to hear what she has to say, and you talk for hours. It's the kind of place where you order a glass of wine and an appetizer and write for a little bit. It's the kind of place you love to people watch, and try to guess the situation between the couple across the bar (is it a first date? is it going well?) It's the kind of place I wish I frequented more often.

    (4)

  • Carl G.

    The atmosphere here was amazing, it was quiet, no TV's and nice and dark. The music selection was awesome, and I've heard that it only gets better on a weekend night as well! Of course it's tiny, and I can imagine that if it gets busy it can be quite crowded and uncomfortable, however the night we were there it was comfortable crowded. I loved the craft drink menu and the beer selection. The service was attentive without being annoying - they were a little slow on the beer refills, but overall it was a perfect amount of paying attention to us. The server also didn't flinch at the multiple credit cards we tossed in - which is always a great sign - and we really appreciate that. The food was quick, the orders were right, the timing of the meal was impeccable. The food itself was good, but not great. I had the steak, and we shared the mussels. My entree was just average - didn't really stand out in any way, so I'm not sure that I'd try it again. The rest of the entrees got better reviews than mine did, so if I were to go back, I'd definitely try something else. Overall pretty great atmosphere and service. I'd definitely go back to try another entree item to see if the food gets better, either way, I'd be back for a quiet drink and a chat with friends.

    (4)

  • Meizi H.

    botton mushroom salad yum!

    (3)

  • Ido W.

    The bottom line: Inspiring vegetarian dishes (really - two of the best I've had), but mediocre steak and soup and loud atmosphere. The pro's: The vegetarian dishes. I had the carrot. The wife had the English pea ravioli. REALLY good. My friend said the beef tartar was very good. The con's: The place was too cold. The noise level was too loud. The steak my friend had was mediocre (a bit burned on the outside). The soup was a bit sour.

    (3)

  • Tara H.

    Franklin Sidecar, Steak Frites and any of their tasty deserts makes me a happy, happy woman. If I had more money, I probably would eat here all the time. Go with a date, go with friends, go NOW.

    (5)

  • Emily G.

    Franklin Cafe delivered a fantastically delicious meal, which was unfortunately marred by some frustrating snafus that leave me wavering between two and three stars. Though we show up at prime dinner hour, we are prepared to wait while enjoying some well crafted cocktails at the bar. For a table of four, we are quoted a wait time of 35 minutes when we give our name. No problem, we say. We occupy ourselves with drinks and a perusal of the menu at the far end of the bar. 50 minutes later, we are puzzled as to why we haven't seen the host even make his way over, and flag him at the first opportunity. "Oh shit" is the look on his face. We have clearly been forgotten, others seated before us. He comes back 15 minutes later to tell us he has three tables leaving, and we will be seated in just a few moments. 25 minutes later and many repeated eye avoidances, we are told just one more minute and finally sit down, 90 minutes after arriving. Our entrees actually arrive with relative speed, and though we are starving and shoe leather would probably be delicious if covered with sauce at this point, Franklin did give us extraordinarily tasty food. Swedish Meatballs in a flavorful shitake mushroom gravy, classic rendition of Steak Frites. My tempura cod has a lovely crunch coating with a delicious unnamed hot sauce, but my Szechuan eggplant & pork under is lukewarm. It seems unworthy of mention to our server, who is difficult to find as she forgets to bring another drink to the table. I understand it can be difficult to manage table seating for a host especially in a tiny place like Franklin, but when there isn't so much of an apology for skipping over us on the list, and the repeated duckings when brought to his attention did not leave me with an exceptional sense of professionalism.

    (3)

  • D M.

    You know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you're falling in love? The skies part, birds chirp, violins play and you have a constant silly smile pasted on your face? Yeah, gross. I know. But that's exactly what happens to me when I'm at Franklin. There's a warm comfort in the familiar ritual of walking down Shawmut and looking for the always unlit martini glass sign that is the grand entrance to Franklin. And yet, the heavy curtains shielding it from Boston's cold winters, dark, moody lighting and wooden benches make it mysterious enough to be edgy. The bartenders are infamous for their generous pour and making unquestionably good drinks; favorites being the St. Germain cocktail with beautiful prosecco flavors, Lost Barrel with Jameson and Domaine de Canton and of course the Eastern Essence with spiced rum and ginger. Ask for their classic steak frites, oxtail risotto and smoky skillet roasted mussels - they are delicious. Other picks include the mushroom and potato stew, butter poached cod and winter beets which is in my opinion, how an ideal salad should be made. With a wait staff that will make an effort to remember you by name and an interesting mix of people who will always engage you in great conversation, Franklin has much more to offer than you would expect out of a local neighborhood bar. They play old classics, jazz & blues and make you forget how much time has passed, making you even more grateful for the kitchen that is open till 1:30. If you're in Boston, go to Franklin. I miss it sorely.

    (5)

  • Yalgin O.

    I order a French laundry every single time I come here. It's simply perfect cocktail for any occasion.

    (5)

  • Debrin S.

    This gem was suggested by some guys outside of a spot we wanted to check out but the kitchen was closed bcz it was 11:00 pm. So, they graciously hailed us a cab & enthusiastically sent us here.What a cool surprise it was to end up here as we were only in for the weekend! Chill vibe is apparent upon entry. Low lighting- actually it was dark- the very best mix of loung tunes contributing to its uber hipness. Small bar, deep booths. Mixed crowd. So loved the white been dip w fresh cracked pepper & grassy olive oil. Fried green tomatoes were very good w solid tang & nice crunch, our party really didn't care for the chef's interpretation of carpaccio, spareribs- tender w good flavor, 2 orders- it was so good we ordered more- of the grilled spicy BBQ octopus which was oh so tender- just excellent. Cucumber salad w fresh dill fronds, shaved jalepeno & radish in a vinegerette. Solid service. Good cocktail options but really Limited wine list. Street parking. Local or just visiting & your looking for a hip joint w an eclectic menus serving tasty food- then check them out.

    (4)

  • Bridget L.

    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.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Why aren't there more places like Franklin Cafe in Boston? You can find tons of places with kitchens open late with a hip vibe in New York City. Franklin Cafe offers fun cocktails and a very reasonably priced wine menu. A starter of grilled calamari over a salad was excellent. The chicken was succulent and tender. All the flavors were there. Steak frites was cooked perfectly but the frites were way over seasoned. Side of fried pickles were very nice. If it weren't for the frites and if I accounted for the atmosphere this place would get 5/5.

    (4)

  • Lynn C.

    We went there on a Saturday night after midnight (came from the Beehive). The place was still busy but we managed to get a seat right away. The server was friendly and helpful and suggested very good stuff for us to eat when asked. The four of us shared three appetizers and one bottle of white wine. We got the Fried green tomatoes and shrimp, mussels, garlic grilled calamari, which were all very tasty. My favourite was definitely the Friend green tomatoes though. A little on the salty side but sooo good!! My only problem with the place is that it's so small and dingy!! We've been to the Franklin Cafe in the Southie and it was pretty good as well. I would say the ambiance in the Southie one is better because it's bigger and brighter. But the fried green tomatoes were so good I'm giving it a five start anyway!

    (5)

  • Dorise G.

    Had an overall very positive experience here. My dining companion and I headed here after hitting up the Museum of Science, and I'd never been to Franklin Cafe before. I was encouraged to try a cocktail, so I went with the Cucumber Collins. Though not the best cucumber drink I've ever downed (I like mine with more citrus), it tasted sort of like cucumber seltzer, and was still very refreshing. Our meals were outstanding. I got the olive-crusted cod and my friend got the steak. I'm not always big on fish but thought it sounded good, and Franklin Cafe delivered - the texture of the cod was spot-on, perfect amount of olives spread on top, and the portion was just right - any more and I would've made myself sick from eating too much! For the price, too, I think it's all quite reasonable. It's worth noting that it took us awhile for us to get our drinks, but our server was cute about it (joked that they needed to run to stop and shop to get the cukes), and then our meals came out at practically lightening speed, so all told the wait time wasn't too bad. I was told the slow service on the drinks is not standard. If you're in Southie, there are a handful of great places to check out, but if you make Franklin Cafe one of your stops, it's unlikely you'll be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Mallory C.

    Intimate and cozy are the best words to describe this place. This is my go-to spot on cold nights and always my top recommendation for those looking for a first date spot. Tucked on quiet Shawmut, the crowd is mostly local and the food is *always* wonderful. Drinks are strong, staff is nice and food is great - steak frites are super nommy. Even better - no entree is over $20. Also - the kitchen is open until 1:30am, which is always awesome.

    (4)

  • Wernher C.

    This place is THE PLACE. I went for a first date, and is perfect! Nice music, nice drinks, good food and cosy, low key. This is the place to go!

    (5)

  • Phoebe C.

    La Chouffe on tap? Yes, please. This is my favorite go-to place and I definitely don't get here quite as much as I'd like. Great place for date night or to bring the out of towners too. Walking through a picturesque neighborhood doesn't hurt either. Caution: they do not serve dessert but never fear, South End Buttery is a half a block away!

    (5)

  • Paul P.

    The Wait: We waited an hour and a half. This would not have been a problem. However, when we complained that they had given our table away, the man in charge of seating said, "They (the people who got our table) put their name on the list earlier this evening and came back in." Hmmm. Isn't that a reservation? This didn't bother me but clearly upset our hosts who had suggested this and appeared to be regulars. The Drink: Franklin Sidecar. Excellent. The Food: Excellent in all respects. We had: Mussels - perfectly prepared and seasoned. Liver - though I am not a fan, I had several bites and the liver was very good. But do not let it get cold. Seafood Chowder - as you would expect. Perfect. Duck Breast - perfectly cooked. Would have been Five Stars except for the distress they caused our hosts as set forth above.

    (4)

  • Min T.

    Liz L and I had been talking about where we were going to dinner for weeks and weeks. She decided on Franklin Cafe for the "yummy drinks and food." Depending on how you looked at it, this was either a tiny restaurant with a large attached bar or a big bar with an afterthought of a restaurant with 5 or 6 booths against one wall and one large booth by the kitchen. They don't take reservations so we waited over an hour for a table. We knocked back about three drinks a piece before sitting down for a meal. I tried: Franklin Sidecar- good, but left my hands super sticky Boston Bog- I took a sip of Liz's drink and thought it was light. It's very popular here and the overworked bartender was making them by the dozen. Black Current Old Fashioned- apparently not a popular drink as the bartender had to consult the menu for the ingredients. It was okay. Jack Rose- this was my favorite drink but unfortunately the first one I started out with. I kept trying new drinks hoping for the magic of this one. Simply, it was apple brandy, house-made grenadine and a little lime juice. It was similar to to my fave Ward 8 cocktail. All cocktails are $9. The gay boyfriend loved his Irish Stout. I was astonished to find all the draft beers to be between $3- $6 including Allagash White at $5. After consulting with the server, I went with the miso cod. I also got mussels as an appetizer and a side of brussel sprouts. I really enjoyed the grilled mussels. The smokiness was quite different and exciting. Plus at $8, I got what seemed like 2 dozen mussels. Great deal! The brussel sprouts ($5) were a great portion and quite likeable. All three of us ordered fish. The gay boyfriend had salmon ($18). Liz had the catfish with rice ($18) and I got the miso cod ($19) which came with pickled ginger and bok choy. All the fish dishes were served on the colder side leaving me to believe they had they sitting out for a while. I really wish the food was hotter. My miso cod was delicious but I probably shouldn't have ordered the mussels or just the mussels with a small salad because I became unbelievably full. The gay boyfriend had ordered the pear salad ($8) but it was really more of a cheese plate with this gorgeous pear. And Liz's grilled octopus ($8) was a strong contender for great grilled octopus (but I give Mare's an edge on that). Overall, we loved our drinks and apps but the mains could have been served more quickly.

    (4)

  • Cami F.

    This little hidden gem is just that. Great food, cozy ambiance, perfect for a date night, or a cold evening. Definitely gets a local crowd. They are tucked away in the south end not far from Tremont street, and almost hidden between brownstones. The inside is small, meaning you might have to wait a while for a table, but the bar is first come seating. My favorites are the beef carpaccio (they do a nice Asian spin on it), the spareribs and the beef brisket is amazing!

    (4)

  • Rita C.

    First time to visit - visited based on advice from yelp. Overall - hard to find restaurant that is poorly marked - you'll drive right by if you're not looking for it. Also hard to find parking at dinnertime - most of the street is either permit parking, or visitor parking only 'til 6 PM. Very cozy and intimate atmosphere. Friendly waitstaff. (Comparatively) reasonable prices. However food was only so-so. Got the steak frites medium rare - but it sure tasted pretty well done. Outside of it was intentionally blackened which kind of put me off. Overall, I'd go back for drinks but maybe not for the food.

    (3)

  • Karen M.

    We hadn't been here in a really long time, forgot how good the food is! We had a bunch of apps, this shrimp salad with shredded papaya, an eggplant parmesque type thing, steak tartare with homemade chips, smoked mussels and an heirloom tomato summer salad. The shrimp was the bf favorite, with scallion mixed into the papaya, I loved the smokey mussels and tomato summer salad with watermelon-so perfect and fresh for a hot summer night. We started with 2 specialty cocktails, I had a take on an aviation-a bit sweet for me, but made well, the bourbon drink with cinzano and Campari was really nice and smooth. It was kind of quiet, probably because it was Sunday and hot out, so we got a table right away, service was fast and efficient, over all the food was really delicious and the cocktails fun, we were really happy to have decided on Franklin spur of moment.

    (5)

  • Sarah T.

    My husband and I met our friends here for dinner one evening a couple of months ago. We have been to the Franklin Cape Ann numerous times but had heard about the homemade corned beef brisket here and wanted to try this location. This location is super popular and does not take reservations (people often come and drink for literally 2-3 hours waiting for a table!). Perhaps were are becoming too old, but our friends staked out the table by the window at opening (5 PM - eeesh). Once we found a parking spot, we joined them at the prime seating location. We started with drinks. My personal favorite is the Mo Cocktail (a stronger twist on the cosmo)! Love it and have enjoyed many, many of them in one sitting over the years on Cape Ann!! My husband is a fan of Jameson and was looking forward to trying The Lost Barrel, which was featured in an issue of Imbibe magazine. He said it was well-balanced and nicely done. He was pleasantly surprised as he was sure that the ginger liqueur would overpower the drink- thankfully not! The appetizers were well-received. The three of them RAVED over the Garlic Grilled Calamari...and were clamoring, ever so politely, over the white beans for the final taste at the end of the dish. As for the corned beef brisket, the flavor was excellent and a perfect "this side of salty" while packing plenty of flavor. The issue was that there was quite a lot of fat on ALL of our slices, which was somewhat of a turn-off. The caramelized cabbage was sweeter than I imagined and an interesting treat (especially once we realized that this location has no desserts). Our one friend had the Classic Steak Frites, which was a big hit! Our other friend had the Seasonal Fresh Fish, also enjoyable. Too bad that there is such a wait...I suppose the good thing is that we left at 8:30 PM and had the rest of the evening free to spend in search of drink and dessert at another bar until last call.

    (3)

  • Colleen H.

    The best thing the Franklin has going for it is it's scene. It definitely has that local hipster attraction. Most of my friends that work in the South End restaurants crash here after a shift and take over the bar. Which is really fun. The only problem I have is with the initial experience when you walk in the front door. You're "greeted" by this guy that practically wants to steam roll you. You get a short question in regards to whether your dining or drinking, and then practically shoved in the appropriate direction. I usually end up having a good time here once you get past the door keeper, or whatever he is.

    (3)

  • D H.

    Staff is friendly and helpful, atmosphere is cool. The pork belly is awesome and for drinks try the cucumber collins.

    (5)

  • Akash D.

    A hidden treasure in Boston's south end. Superb foodie spot- open late ~1am full kitchen service, some of my favs: Zucchini matchsticks steak frites chicken livers (i never knew how delicate these could be) i must return. Note- they do not do desserts...

    (4)

  • Julie N.

    I first came to the Franklin Cafe way back in 2002 by way of a chef I was dating. I was so young and new to the city that stepping into The Franklin made me feel so "underground Boston". It was as if my date was the only one who knew of this restaurant, even though every seat was taken. I remember bites of amazing food and thinking that The Franklin is where the best chefs in the city must go after work every night when they're too tired to create their own meal. This was a place that served real food. Chef's food. Nine years later... well, I'm embarrassed to say that I've only been to the Franklin a handful of times. With all of the great dining options in Boston, I'm not one to be a regular at any particular restaurant. I like trying new places and having new experiences and sometimes my favorite restaurants end up taking the back burner until I return to them a year or so later. That being said, if I were to be a regular at any restaurant, the Franklin Cafe would be my home. Stepping back in for dinner last weekend and belling up to the bar felt like going to an old friend's house that you haven't seen in awhile. The same familiar decor, the same amazing smells, the same feeling in your belly of excitement. There's just such an amazing energy in this place. Every single thing I have eaten here is absolutely divine. Every server I've ever had here has made me feel at home. Every experience at The Franklin Cafe has left me full, warm, and buzzing for days. If you haven't been to the Franklin Cafe, please, please go.

    (5)

  • Hayley M.

    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.

    (3)

  • Steve S.

    This place was great! Great neighborhood right in the heart of the south end. Nice cozy feel in the restaurant and the bar. My date and I both had the House-Cured Corn Beef and Cabbage, as we had seen it on the Food Network's TV show "The best thing I ever ate." And yes - it was delicious. Every bite of it was savory. It was the best corned beef I've ever had. It was huge too. Neither of us could finish. We also had the chive mashed (mashed potatoes with chives) and it was pretty tasty. The prices weren't too bad. Our entrees were $18. In fact, all the entrees hovered around $16-19 which isn't bad at all. And you really get your money's worth. I'm definitely planning on coming back here again, as their Fried Chicken dish looks really good!

    (4)

  • Shaun U.

    No one can argue with the amount of quality restaurants in the South End. The only thing I dislike from time to time is how much of a scene it can be with parking and occasionally the over done experience. If you feel the same, check out Franklin Cafe. Food is delicious and seems to have decent variation for my periodic visits. The general feel of the place is that of a quiet and dark neighborhood place. You walk in and feel like you stumbled upon a secret. Doesnt hurt that its virtually impossible to arrive there in a car unless you really planned to take that exact route. Its always dark in there, but in a good way. You feel like you are only really interacting with the person/people you are there with. The staff is responsive but never seem too involved with your meal. Great date spot It would be a 5 if it was just a shade less expensive. Would clinch the real neighborhood diamond in the rough.

    (4)

  • Ted M.

    Had a great meal here, sitting at the bar on a somewhat early Tuesday night. The bartender was great, and had a mean pour. Definitely a plus in my book! Bibb salad was phenomenal, and the braised lamb was out of this world! Parking might be a headache (unless you're a South End resident), but it's well worth the walk from wherever you park. The next time I'm in Boston, I'm definitely coming back to see what's new on the menu.

    (5)

  • Lauren L.

    I lucked out when I picked this restaurant out from Yelp during my trip to Boston last weekend. The ambiance of this small cafe in an affluent neighborhood is wonderful. It's a place I wish I lived down the street from and could pop in on a regular basis. It's cozy and lit softly and I loved the fact that it was quiet enough to talk without straining but still had a lively vibe. Our server, who's been there for years (I think his name is Nick...I'm terrible with names) made us feel like regulars. I can't decide if the service or the food is what's making me want to come back so much, and that's saying a lot since the food was really fresh and inspired. The menu seemed as though it is probably changed at least seasonally, if not more regularly and I love that it was simply a page long and not some mammoth overwhelming list lacking thoughtfulness. My husband and I shared some crab and sweet corn beignets (though I'm not sure of the name exactly) to start. They've only recently been added to the menu, and what a great addition. You could tell the crab was super fresh and there was just enough corn in them to lend a bit of sweetness on the back end, but not enough to take away from the delicate flavor of the crab. They came out perfectly crisp, were seasoned perfectly and were just wonderful. For dinner we both had the steak frittes, a classic and superb dish. It's served with Roquefort here, which tastes heavenly with the crispy fries and the slightly sweet juice from the steak. The portion was generous and tasted so good I wanted to keep eating even though I was more than satisfied. I also want to mention how reasonably priced I felt this restaurant was. Perhaps it's because I live in New York and I'm used to city prices which are astronomical, but I definitely felt like I got the better of the deal where that's concerned. That being said, please don't change a thing, except when you're changing up the menu and trying those new dishes. We will be back as soon as we make it back to Boston and hope to make that a regular stop.

    (5)

  • Jenn H.

    I was really looking forward to my visit here, and by the looks of the other reviews, the food is usually good. Maybe my visit was an off-night for them. The wine was alright (we tried a few kinds), but the server mixed up our order the first time around and fumbled the next time as to who ordered what. There were only 2 of us at the table.... The food was just below average. We got the mussels, which were lacking salt and flavor, and were way too watery. The braised short rib was disappointing. Shouldn't it fall off the bone? More like torn off, with the force of a steak knife. We also got a couple of other plates, but we weren't impressed with them, either. Eh. Maybe when I'm back in the South End, I'll stop by again to give this spot another try, but not likely.

    (2)

  • Jose L.

    Food was excellent, service even better. I had the chowder, Thai wings (Phenom), and salmon. My only complaint is that the restaurant is so dark I could hardly read the menu.

    (5)

  • M B.

    Condescending and disrespectful staff. I met some friends out on a Saturday night. There was only one bartender, who appeared to be new. She was doing her best, as she was the only one on. However, I stood directly at the bar for 20 minutes with money in hand, and she stayed to one area and never came to the other half of the bar, or acknowledged that the other half even existed (mind you there were people sitting all around the bar). I stepped away from the bar, because, clearly, she was making no effort to service the other half. I told my friends that I would not drink and not to worry. They felt bad and flagged down one of the waitresses. I don't recall her name, but she had short blond hair. She said, condescendingly and very slowly, like she was talking to a 2 year old "You have to stand at the bar,,,,, make eye contact....and then she will come over. I told her that I have already done that and she never came over. She repeated even more slowly than the first time.... Y o u H a v e T o Staaaannnnnnd at the bar. I told her that this was not my first time in a bar. I don't know what her problem was, however, I will spend my money where I feel respected, and appreciated. I excused myself from my friends and left. Because of her rude attitude, they lost money that evening. There are so many other good restaurants and bars in the area, I won't tolerate bad service. I don't know why they only had 1 bartender on.

    (1)

  • Skye W.

    Very san francisco- esque restuarant- grimy, good drinks, and unpretentious food. Downside: the food was very hit or miss. - bone marrow app was delicious - beef tar tar, not so much, pre-mixed and tasted full of pickles - steak frites were good - cod, not so much, kind of water logged

    (3)

  • Melanie M.

    Came here for the first time last week and had a great time. The drinks were different and quite tasty. I got the French Laundry cocktail, a little sour and very tasty. The bartender definitely knows how to make a good drink. My vegetarian husband had a lot of options and they even gave him a separate vegetarian menu. I ordered the oxtail risotto which was very creamy and cooked perfectly. The service was great. We started dinner around 6pm on a thursday night and by the time we were done eating the place was packed.

    (4)

  • Kelsey C.

    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!

    (4)

  • Lindsey S.

    Chad fox and late night shumai.. Oh AND Best steak frites in the city hands down. Can't beat that! Best night out ever (metal Mondays). This place rocks

    (5)

  • Meagan S.

    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.

    (3)

  • Beantown T.

    South end comfort food. I like this place most often in winter. Terrific and rich winter dishes. Their soups and bisque always warm the soul. It can be tough to get in the door because it's very popular and has been for a long long time. Same faces have been with Franklin for ever and it's always great to be in the bar area on a packed winter night.

    (4)

  • Natalie L.

    Great service, cozy atmosphere. Can get a bit cramped on weekends so might want to plan ahead but food is great, staff is very nice

    (5)

  • Paloma M.

    I went there with a group of friends for drinks and appetizers, I had a grilled shrimp that was a little burned! too bad. My husband had the ribs and it was ok, my friend had the beef tartare and it was meh, not very good. Drinks were good and service was ok.

    (3)

  • David C.

    Even though I was not impressed by the Franklin's famous corned beef brisket (too charred) or my dining companion's anemic plate of steak frites, I would consider coming back based on the strength of the braised lamb short rib we had to start. I can't remember the last time I had an appetizer that was so beautifully composed. The succulent meat fell off the bone at the slightest caress of a fork, and played well with a host of accoutrements including watermelon, figs, red onion, and some of the best feta I've ever had. Drinks are pretty affordable, not to mention potent. That being said, the Franklin may be best enjoyed at the bar, where you can order a few apps and sip on a host of fun cocktails. And last but never least...dessert. What do you mean there is none? Who are you people?!? At least Citizen has its signature sticky toffee pudding...

    (3)

  • Jim W.

    If the portion was just a little bigger it would have gotten 5 stars. Its small and you will probably have to wait but it was worth it. I had the steak frites and subbed the fries for mashed potatoes, those were just OK. Steak was delicious. I also had the smoked mussels app and that was different than used to having mussels but it was good. I like the atmosphere and the service was very good

    (4)

  • Alex H.

    Love this place. We frequent it often, and on every occasion it's been amazing. We had a drink mishap and our waiter handled the situation wonderfully. I for sure recommend to anyone who is in the South End.

    (5)

  • Jason L.

    Franklin cafe is supposedly where the industry likes to go (and with good reason). Located on the frequently passed Shawmut ave, in an unassuming row of brownstones, Franklin is a small, dark no-frills place that just serves great food and drinks at a sub-Tremont street price. Entrees seem to rotate, but certain delicious selections that I remember feature the oxtail risotto with smoked blue cheese, apple, red wine ($18). Other heavier entrees such as the steak frites and mushroom/potato stew are classically done and fall in line with most Boston restaurants. I'm a big seafood fan and both their catfish with black rice, mango, citrus aioli, and butter poached cod, eggplant, fried brussels sprouts, caramelized soy (a nice slight asian twist) are light and flavorful. Portions tend to run on the smaller side, and it certainly gets crowded on the weekends (stop by on the weekdays). Food (8/10) Service (4/5) Decor (2/5)

    (4)

  • James O.

    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.

    (4)

  • Travis A.

    Went to the Franklin Cafe for the first time last night with a friend. I've been to their location in Gloucester, so I was expecting an experience along the same lines. I'm not sure if it was my mood, but it just didn't live up to my expectations based on my previous visit. I was hoping they'd have more special martinis on their menu--yes, there's a full bar and you can just order whatever you want, but I guess I was hoping to find something new and interesting. For food, I had the Fried Green Tomatoes with crab, which was really tasty. All in all, I'd try this place again.

    (3)

  • Jeremy K.

    Had the pleasure of going to Franklin Cafe after the Taste of the South End event taking place nearby. Still tipsy from the wonderful Maker's Mark and Eastern Standard cocktails, I was in the lovely company of both Erick H. and Jen H. We briskly walked over there, famished and were immediately seated; It was a good thing that their kitchen is open until 1:30AM, because it was already nearing 11PM by the time we ordered our dinners. After much debate I decided to go for a very simple, classic steak frites which come moments later, cooked medium and I dug right in. It hit the spot, it was affordable and I left Franklin Cafe happy. Convenient, no frills, decently priced food with pretty good service. Me likey!

    (4)

  • Sharra C.

    I came across the Franklin Cafe by sheer accident. My friends and I were in Boston for St. Patty's day, and after a LONG day of drinking (and napping), we woke up too late to eat elsewhere. After Yelping, we found out that the Cafe serves their full menu until 1:30am (awesomeness when you're just getting out of bed at 11:30pm!). I am not going to lie... when we arrived, we were a little skeptical. Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, the street seemed very quiet and deserted. Once inside, my opinion totally changed. The restaurant was charming, dimly lit, and quaint. The three of us were seated at a table by the window. This was awesome, considering that I LOVE to people-watch. The menu had something for everyone. When the fresh bread and homemade hummus came out, I was in heaven! The hummus was all creamy deliciousness. For starters, I went with the Calamari and black-eyed peas, and the arugula salad. The arugula had pears and a date-paste (I am Middle Eastern and it reminded me of Harosit). The flavors melded together very nicely for a light pre-dinner 'eat'. For my main dish, I ordered the turkey meatloaf with fig gravy. It was a MAN-sized portion and I ended up sharing. It was definitely comfort food! Both of my friends went with pasta dishes and both were hearty and tasty. I wish that I could recall our waitresses name because she was amazing (she was working Saturday night, March 16th - does that help anyone?!). When again in Boston, I will absolutely be returning to this lil' neighborhood gem!

    (5)

  • Tim Y.

    I live in the South End and always support the local businesses. I had always wanted to try Franklin Cafe and stopped in one evening after the gym. The atmosphere is dark and intimate and I found the staff to be friendly and knowledgable of the menu. We ordered the mussels, half chicken and steak frites. The food was good but swimming in butter so not so much to my liking. I probably won't go back because I tend to gravitate to healthier options. But for the butter lovers out there.....GO FOR IT! You will probably love it.

    (3)

  • Christy L.

    After hearing this craze about the corned beef, I tried it. It was OK. Kinda dry. The cabbage was pretty good. One of the appetizers... with the thinly sliced raw meat was really good. Noticed this place had an Asian chef, so there were many asian inspired dishes. Chicken was just ok. Strong drinks. Kinda expensive, but at least you walk away full.

    (3)

  • Angela L.

    The best bar I've been to in a long time! The atmosphere and vibe were exactly what I needed, even if the food was a little salty. Our bartender Nate is fantastic, not in your face but always attentive and ready to chat. Thanks for a great night, we'll be back.

    (5)

  • Lolita Lee G.

    Been here just for drinks.. The cocktails was sooooo strong... Nice, but strong!! Lol perfect if you really wanna get smashed hahaha

    (4)

  • Vivian C.

    At 6pm on a Saturday (they opened for dinner at 5:30pm) we had our choice of four booths. It is a rather dark establishment, so we decided to sit near the front by the windows. Water was brought chilled in a bottle and freshly poured into glasses of ice at the table for us. Bread was perhaps a sour dough burnt a bit on the bottom, but tasty nontheless with the chickpea spread. I only have good things to say about the Garlic Grilled Calamari, Baby White Beans, Citron Blanc $8 appetizer. There were five pocket shaped bodies (one quite a bit smaller than the rest), tender and easy to cut. Even the beans, the sauce, and the lightly dressed greens were good! I would have appreciated more bread to use in sopping up the sauce. For the entrees we selected the two pasta dishes from the menu. The Sweet Corn Ravioli $17 handily beat the House-made Farfalle, Blistered Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Peas, Basil, Pecorino $18, despite being only 4 pieces to the order. The bowtie pasta dish was fine, just nothing special. The chicken accompanying the ravioli was a bit dry and the pancetta a bit hard in its diced form; it was mainly the sweet corn kernels hiding in the pasta that led the way. The side of chive mashed potato $4 was really rich and buttery and good. My DC left considering how to recreate it at home... The food was quite good, but not only was this place dark, but also rather noisy. The two unisex individual bathrooms are hiding in the back behind nondescript doors. Credit cards accepted, including American Express.

    (4)

  • Theodore Y.

    The mussels were smoked to perfection. Seriously. Hands down the best mussels I've ever had. Considering corn is in season right now, I expected the kernels on the cob to be larger than received. But still delicious none-the-less =) As a table my friends ordered Hake and the Steak Frites for entrees, where as I got the Duck. The Hake definitely took home the prize.

    (4)

  • Caro M.

    Still my favorite place in the 'hood! The last five times I've been here in the past three weeks, my boyfriend and I always opt for the Winter beets and the steak frites! Gah! Those steak frites are mindblowingly good. So good that every sliver ignites my palate and makes me want to shed tears... tears of ecstasy. Haha. Service is aces, drinks are balanced (the pear gimlet is the bomb!) and the wait is never ridiculous. Keep up the good work, Franklin! I love you.

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    hired new chef since my last gripe and meals again a treat. liking the spicy catfish dish, also turkey meat loaf. happy cuz i really couldn't keep away for long.

    (4)

  • Ross H.

    Food and drinks are awesome. Atmosphere is a little dark/dingy. 5 stars on the food, 3.5 on the ambiance. I got an Old Cuban (drink) and the Corn Agnolotti (ravioli with lobster meat on top, shiitake mushrooms and basil). Both were delicious and worth every penny. My friend got one of the drinks with Gin and Duck and loved both. Almost no wait on a Friday night too. +1 for South End dining.

    (4)

  • Sam M.

    I went here at the suggestion of a colleague for a late dinner and have to say it was one of the best places and meals I've every had in Boston. The food quality, the prices, the drinks and overall atmosphere seemed to be beautifully synched together. It's a nice hidden gem that is a wonderful change from the over advertised eateries nearby promoting traditional pub grub that is neither unique or captivating as the Franklin Cafe is. I like how there is no real sign other than a martini glass over the door. I had a crisp Narragansett from the tap to accompany my hand cured corned beef brisket with sauteed onions and new potatoes. My meal was skillfully presented in cast iron skillet and was more than I expected. The beef was prefect and tender and paired well with the sauteed onions along with sea salt that I sprinkled over the dish. The beef carpaccio (which I've haven't seen very often on any menu) was expertly crafted and tasted fabulous. Both of my colleagues and I continued to rave like "foodboys" (my take on restaurant fanboy) over how impressive our meals were. The service was a tad slow at the start and overall was attentive and hospitable. It's a small place so I assume that it would be hard to get a table during peak dining hours. People seemed to have no problem getting a table after 9pm. If you want to go somewhere, chill, and have a solid quality dining experience, this is the place.

    (5)

  • Matthew F.

    STAY AWAY from this place if you want genuine customer service - live a block away and was told to come over in 15 min to be seated (did so) only to be shocked to hear we would have to wait another 30 or so minutes - even worse, guy couldnt be bothered and did not seem to care that we would venture elsewhere. So much for trying! Why put up with this when there are so many better options within 100 yards?! Disappointed to say the least....

    (1)

  • Ella F.

    Came here with a group of 5, and everything was delicious. The service was attentive, the drinks were great, and the food was awesome. I have no complaints other than I spent more than I would have liked - but I was out on a Saturday night in the South End, so that's to be expected.

    (5)

  • Matt I.

    The Franklin deserves all the praise it gets, and more. From the ambiance, to the friendly service, to the drinks, and to the great, reliable menu, this place is my JAM! Many meals, many stars, if I could add 'em all up in one rating, I would. But I can't. So I will summarize my latest dining experience. We started with the special appetizer, fried oysters. Eight for $9. Great value, considering that blue points will set you back $2-$4/each at some restaurants. Very tasty. Complimented my French Laundry drink quite nicely. My buddy had the short ribs and the plate was clean when he finished. I suspect it was delicious but I didn't have time to get a taste. My favorite is the steak frites, always great. Cooked nicely, with a huge helping of french fries. I *almost* didn't finish them all. But I did. Overall, great spot, hidden gem even though it's been around for longer than I've been in Boston. A must-visit.

    (5)

  • Qanelle J.

    This place is the bomb. Located on the South End of Boston, this place is considered a local's joint. Small and intimate, this place has fantastic food. I definitely loved the chicken I ordered and the grilled calamari. The calamari wasn't rubbery like you'd typically get from other places. When I go back to Boston, I'll be sure to schedule dinner here again.

    (5)

  • Anne W.

    I did not think I would dislike it this much... but I really did. This place looked so trendy and packed with people when we walked in for dinner. I was expecting more of a cafe or restaurant.. but it was like a bar with some booths for food. We waited about 40 minutes for a table after I did a wine tasting down the street in the lovely South End neighborhood. I didn't mind the wait... when we sat down we could barely read the menu because this place is soooo poorly lit. The bread and hummus were good. I will give it that. The real downfall of the place was the waiter... and the food was less than stellar esp for South End standards. The waiter finally came by and was flat out rude to my friend. She couldn't drink that night because she was on medication so she asked for something non-alcoholic. He asked her if she liked non-alcoholic beers... she said no... he came back with a ginger beer. When she sent it back he gave us complete attitude. She asked is there any guava juice or any special blends of juice... nope, all they had was ginger beer, cranberry juice, and soda... was she going to take the ginger beer? I think he was miffed she didn't drink the entire night as he didn't come back to check on her. The mussels were bigger than most places but problem with it was they put so much salt on the outside of the shells and there was no broth in the bowl. I did try the mushrooms appetizer dish as well which was good... the polenta was cooked well but only one type of mushroom appeared on the dish. My friend told me the salad with the figs was gross as they used blue cheese instead of goat cheese. My other friend's shrimp pasta was bad.. he could barely finish it and the hanger steak didn't seem too good placed on top of a pile of frites and in a bowl. Aren't steaks supposed to be served on a plate? The only thing that could have made it worse was the uni-sex bathroom closets they had. It was so gross since they are uni-sex. Oh and it was really loud in there.. which would be fine if we were standing at the bar but it was really more like yelling across the table all night. Yelp... you have definitely let us down.

    (2)

  • M. N.

    Came here on a Saturday night for dinner and drinks. Food was cold and tasteless; we ordered steak, grilled calamari and arugula salad. Given the quality, not worth the price at all. Our server was high, he could not even tell us what was in the special menu: "winter salad". He rushed us by coming over to ask if we were done with the plate over and over again. We ended up being there for only an hour. The restaurant is gloomy, not romantic, too dark. Very disappointed given the good ratings on yelp.

    (1)

  • Amanda D.

    I'm between 3 1/2 and 4 stars on this one. It definitely has many redeeming qualities, but I'm not 100% sold yet. Went on a first date there on a gross rainy day, and when I walked in I could tell the guy had game because this is great date place. Small, intimate, dimmed lighting, candle light. You are looking to impress guys, this is a good spot to do it at. The drink menu is extensive and has tons of great options, but I unfotunately found my drinks to be too sweet. I started with the french laundry, which consists of gin, st. germain, lime juice, and grapefruit bitters. I enjoyed it, but definitely could only have one. I switched to the cucumber collins, had them omit the simple syrup (my waiters suggestion) and add a mint leaf. It was delicious. For an app we split the beef tartare with homemade potato chips. The beef was very tender and fresh, but I wasn't a huge fan of the marinade. The chips were a great touch though. For my main dish I got the baked stuffed hake, which was delicious. Good portion size, not too buttery, and the fish was very fresh. My date got the pork belly, which I tried and enjoyed quite a bit ( i preferred my dish though, so no order envy here). The food is definitely comfort food, well suited for the rainy gross day I was there, but I'm not sure it's great for the hot sunny weather we've been having as of late. I would definitely go back to try some other options, because I think the potential is definitely there with this one.

    (4)

  • Eric F.

    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.

    (4)

  • Abir H.

    I've been hearing about this place and been wanting to go for a while. Finally we decided to try it out last night. You can't make reservations so you may have to wait as it's small and very popular. The nice thing about it is that it serves food till 1:30 AM!!! We started with the arugula and the green salad (which is just another name for a Caesar salad). They were both good. I had to try the steak frites, I really enjoyed it. Also try their pasta, a mix of spicy and sweet made it unique. The chicken breast was very tender and the sauce was great as well, had kind of a Moroccan twist on it on it. Very well priced and a nice atmosphere.....most importantly for such a cold night they keep that place really nice and warm :)

    (4)

  • Shani T.

    Really love this cute dinner spot in South End. The spread that they provide with their bread is to die for. Seriously, make sure to eat their bread and use the spread! I ordered the Pork Shoulder and man, the plate was huge. The pork was flavorful and tender for the most part; one piece was a bit more tough but the amount of food on my plate was overwhelming and I was one happy girl. Boyfriend's penne carbonara was delicious as well, and the brussel sprouts with bacon were on point! Dishes were fairly affordable and service was friendly.

    (4)

  • Paul D.

    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!

    (5)

  • Raina B.

    Came here for dinner last night! Got there around 7 (on a weekday) and the tables / booths were all taken but there was plenty of bar space. We got drinks - a Moscow mule and an ideal Manhattan - that were pretty good. They also have a rotating selection of cocktails, which seemed fun. The food here was great! We got the goat cheese crostini to share - it came with candied walnuts and this fig purée which was delicious. I got the mushroom ravioli, which was pleasantly chewy and had a great balance between a cheese-based sauce and the mushrooms. Much different from the standard mushroom ravioli! My friend got the Thai wings, and she really enjoyed that as well. By 8pm, the tables were all full and the bar was pretty full - people were sitting on either side of us. Come early if you can! They do have a vegetarian and gluten free menu - it just highlights what's veg or gf on the normal menu (it's not that there are more options). For vegetarians there's a bunch of appetizers and 1-2 main dishes.

    (4)

  • Aj A.

    Amazing steak frites and bacon Brussels sprouts are amazing. Staff is wicked friendly! One of my fave places in the neighborhood!!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Ryan R.

    Went here with a friend to grab a bite to eat late on a Tuesday night. The bar was full so we grabbed a seat at one of the booths that was free. They start off the meal with french bread with a hummus spread that is delicious--I think the two of us went through two baskets. For my meal, I decided to go with the meatloaf. It came with chive mashed potatoes and was topped with a fig sauce. The fig sauce wasn't my favorite combination with the meatloaf, but the mashed potatoes were perfect. All together, the dish was very tasty and a decent portion size. Overall, this place has a great vibe and atmosphere and is very reasonably priced for the South End. The food is quality and the service is friendly. A great place to check out for dinner and/or drinks.

    (4)

  • Tammy L.

    I don't venture into the South End often so my friend took me here as a way to introduce me to the area. I can't say I was disappointed. The food was delicious enough for me to think about coming back again. We shared the wild mushroom ravioli and the slow roasted pork. I am particularly picky about the latter since my main meat staple has been pork for the last two years due to a medical condition. (I wish I was kidding. My Chinese herbalist/acupuncturist put me on that diet.) At most places, the slow roasted pork is still too dry enough for me to know that it was not exactly slow roasted. At Franklin Cafe, they do it right. It almost melted in my mouth. This would not have happened elsewhere. Service-wise, it was good enough for us since all we wanted to do was eat and talk, and not have our conversation randomly interrupted. They approached us at the right times, brought us our check, and did the whole nine yards.

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    A friend saw that the Franklin Cafe was open late, via a Google search, so we decided to try it at 11pm. Entering through heavy drapes was interesting. Be sure to veer towards the right, or you'll run into people seated at the bar on the left. I ordered the Beef & Tomato Sogu. It was a tasty pasta dish with ground meat. I only hit a few cold pieces, but mostly the food was hot. One of the other people in my party experienced a cold spot in the same dish, go figure. I liked how it was seasoned, but the portion could have been larger for the price being charged $17. Similar dishes at the Cheesecake Factory cost less and come with more, but they aren't open this late. The bowl maybe could have been warmed, but that's a minor detail. The service was good and attentive. Though, there was almost an altercation with the waiter and a patron seated at a table next to me. The other waiter was quick to diffuse that situation. Who knows what the deal was, because Boston? Dinner and a show? Possibly both. Looking to use the restroom? You may need to perform Cirque du Soleil level acrobatics to be able to fit inside the secondary WC, but once inside, it was clean. If you are even more than a little disabled, these bathrooms won't be accessible. There are two restrooms, but neither door is marked, so choose one already. Per typical big city, there's no available parking outside to speak of, so Uber over and save time trying to figure that out. Late night options are hard to come by, so the Franklin Cafe is a good option for food and drinks. The bar was busy with many types of lifestyle choices represented. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Erika A.

    Don't be scared by the small menu. Everything they make is amazing. We had the steak and the mushroom raviolis and bother were amazing. Soooooo good. The place was a bit too desk for us but if you sit by the windows it's perfect. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Paul L.

    I feel like I can securely appreciate the texture of the bar. The flavors compound the texture. Cubic bacon.

    (5)

  • Alice M.

    Nice people but food is really not good. Heavy and salty and too much sauce. The 90s are still alive on this menu.

    (2)

  • E S.

    Stopped in for drinks and an appetizer. The crab fritters have changed my life and that is all I can think about now. Run don't walk there and enjoy this wonderful spot !

    (5)

  • Nate T.

    One of my local favs! Small, neighborhoody, friendly, and delicious. Love the steak frites.

    (5)

  • Kevin G.

    I've been in Boston for just under a year now, and this is the best meal that I have had. My wife and I came in for our anniversary dinner on a Monday, and easily found a table right by the window. It's a cute place, tucked in a neighborhood with a bunch of brick rowhouses. Our waitress was friendly, funny, and took great care of us. All of the house drinks looked good; I tried the Ideal Manhattan and my she tried the French Laundry, both of which were excellent. The goat cheese crostini and mussel appetizers were tasty, and I was surprised by the portion size for the mussels. For our mains, I had the corned beef and she had the mushroom pasta. She must have really liked hers, since it disappeared before I could try it. Mine was also very, very good. We will definitely return.

    (5)

  • Teresa C.

    More of a bar than a restaurant. Mashed potatoes were grainy. Bf liked their steak and frites. I like their kale and chicory salad.

    (3)

  • Julie D.

    I came here for a first date, late night dinner and drinks. There was a "no pants" party going on but they happily seated us at a dark corner table. The kitchen is famously open late, so we ordered the grilled calamari, tuna tartare, and a bottle of red wine. It was all delicious and quick. Our waitress was a sweetheart, and when my date mentioned that he works at Franklin's sister restaurant outside the city, she had the manager come over who was equally welcoming and friendly. They even brought us two top shelf whiskey shots on the house even though we weren't part of the party! Couldn't have asked for a more fun, chill late night atmosphere. I will definitely visit again soon!

    (5)

  • Jessica H.

    Marked with a martini glass outside, this place is a neighborhood gem. SO cozy and warm inside and wonderful service AND food. The lighting is darker, there are just a few tables and most are booths. It makes for a great place to sit with good people and converse over craft cocktails and delicious food. The ceasar (grilled little gem) salad is sooooo good. So is the mushroom ravioli. And my friend got meatloaf and really enjoyed it. A great place for just drinks as well. Will be back!

    (4)

  • Monica O.

    Bit overrated. Good cocktails. Skip the tuna tartare (which tasted slightly off) - stick with fried bar food classics and you'll be fine... Just not blown away.

    (3)

  • Gus K.

    On our first trip to Boston, we waltzed over to Franklin Café. The place was packed like a can of sardines, we were told it would be a 20 minute wait and to hang our jackets at the back. We decided to stay and got two prime seats at the bar within in minutes. The potato gnocchi was fantastic and the smokey skillet roasted mussels was fresh and tasty. The bartender apologized for the lateness of our meal but all is forgiven since I had a drink in hand. Otherwise the service was excellent, food was top rate and the atmosphere made it feel like the place to be.

    (5)

  • Stephanie L.

    I love the Franklin Cafe! Been coming here for years, food quality dropped off a bit, but over the past three months I've been back four times, and found everything delicious! Quieter in the early evening, when it's neighborhood regulars, very busy when the other restaurants close and it becomes a gather place for their staff.

    (5)

  • Daniel B.

    I'm always surprised by how much I like this place, and I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's so unassuming. Maybe because the ambience is just right for date night, or for groups. Maybe because they do a mean cocktail and have a good beer selection (for the East Coast, anyway). Maybe it's because their smoked mussels, roasted chicken, or steak frites are ridiculously good. Whatever the reason, this has become one of my favorite places in Boston, and I highly recommend it.

    (4)

  • Kim F.

    Our first evening in Boston was a late one so we searched for a place open for food at 1am that would serve minors. The service was fabulous - very inviting people. The food was delicious - steak frittes will be purchased again in the future. The frisée salad was flavorful, as were the corn/crab fritters. The grilled calamari was chewy. It's a bar mostly, so it is loud and the smokers outside the entrance were annoying, but those are minor annoyances. Looking forward to returning!

    (4)

  • Erica S.

    VISIT MY BLOG FOR PICTURES AND MY FULL REVIEW: kands617.blogspot.com/20… 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.

    (4)

  • Ankur P.

    good american comfort food. good ambience. good place fo ra date

    (4)

  • Craig S.

    Always been here for delicious inventive drinks in a cool environment, never food. Starving and wanting to celebrate a big deal - I ordered the Steak Frites - not expecting "bar food" to be very good I was pleasantly surprised. Both the steak and fries were perfect in an amazing sauce --although it did look like a cow penis. Drinks were amazing as always - holdin it down for the South End

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    Small place serving tasty food. Visited early on a Saturday, only a few people in the cafe. By the time we left, all tables were occupied and the bar was full. Food was very good. Slow roasted pork was very tender, served over brussel sprouts. Others had turkey meatloaf over mashed potatoes and cioppino. Both were very good. There is a good selection of beers. Most tables are actually booths so it is easy to talk and have some privacy. Service was very good. Parking is tough as it is in most of Boston. Easier to park on Washington and walk to the Franklin Cafe.

    (4)

  • T W.

    I've been to Franklin cafe for dinner a few times and have enjoyed each visit. Overall the restaurant is somewhat small but serves good food and makes good drinks. I've only visited for dinner and it has been crowded, but I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes for a table. The drink menu is excellent, each cocktail I tried was well made and tasty. The food is somewhat rustic but enjoyable. Finally, the ambiance is casual and dim but does feel private despite the crowd. Tips: great date night spot, and the steak frites are tasty.

    (4)

  • Roger T.

    A hidden gem. Stellar food and late night dining. Tiny location and ZERO parking are the only downfalls. Love it here.

    (5)

  • Mat C.

    Absolutely amazing service. The roasted chicken was superb. The catfish was very delicious. If your in the area I highly recommend this café. Thanks to the Mgr Mike and the staff.

    (5)

  • Kiki P.

    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.

    (4)

  • Stacey S.

    I love the Franklin Cafe. It's just around the corner and is often my go-to place when I'm not sure what to do for dinner. I've tried many different things on the menu and have always been happy and love the beer and cocktail selection. Why not 5 stars? Because the servers don't write down orders, and on at least 3 occasions I've gotten the wrong meal (on one Saturday dining with friends, I got no meal!). They try to make it right with a free drink, etc., but if be happier and more relaxed if they just write down my order and get it right to begin with. Not sure if servers think it's a sign of weakness to have to take notes -- I take notes at work all the time!

    (4)

  • Sarah R.

    Franklin Cafe is without a doubt one of my favourite places to eat, drink and while away an evening in Boston. Actually, it's probably one of my favourite places anywhere. Franklin was recommended to us by a barman at another place, and we had been meaning to check it out. We finally came in for a drink after work one Friday - intending to spend an hour or two before heading home. We ended up staying much later than we planned (and much later than was wise...) due to the incredible service, friendly atmosphere, and spectacular food and drinks. We sat at the bar and had delicious cocktails and dinner. We are firmly of the opinion that Franklin has one of the best bartenders out there in Peter Cipriani, who took extremely good care of us, and has continued to do so on our return visits. He is incredibly knowledgable, as well as pleasant and friendly - never failing to greet us by name when we come in, even if it's been a while since we stopped by. He's also a master at crafting you the perfect drink for your mood, based on a very random and seemingly unhelpful set of criteria! We tend to sit at the bar, because it's fun and we like chatting to Peter, but we've also had dinner at a table and enjoyed that a lot as well. We've only ever had great service, and we think the food is extremely good and very good value. I'm always happy to go to Franklin Cafe - a true gem in an area full of excellent choices.

    (5)

  • Amy C.

    We were going to a show and had hoped to eat at Picco, but the wait there was two hours. My friend stopped a woman on the street as she entered her apartment building and asked her for suggestions of other restaurants in the area. She recommended the Franklin Cafe and what a find! I wish we could find that woman to thank her. Luckily she had warned us that the Franklin is very dark. It was so dark that I thought it was closed, but when we tried the door it was open! The menu isn't long but the food was delicious. We had the butternut squash soup which was wonderful on the cold night we were there. We had sides of Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Both of these were great. The bread came with hummus and was delicious. We are so glad we were led to the Franklin and we will return. The service was excellent and the prices were very reasonable.

    (4)

  • Jeff F.

    Franklin Café has a 5 star atmosphere w/ 3 star food. I'm rounding down since I'm not in a rush to come back. Food rundown: - Grilled shrimp app had a bit too much grill char - meh - Average steak frites with a little too much grill char were a miss. Pass - Crab ravioli - excellent; wish I had ordered this as my entree - Fried Chicken - average

    (3)

  • Nancy Y.

    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!

    (4)

  • Luckie D.

    I struggle with only 3 stars. On a late Friday night we stopped to continue drinking and get a bite to eat. I ordered a salad and a burger. both arrived quickly at the speedy hand of our server who was most pleasant. Both the salad and the burger were way too salty which distracted me from the taste. I ordered the burger without sauce and had to be sent back. The manager came over to apologize which was a nice touch and suggested they really do care about customer satisfaction. They were so nice I'd return and give a second shot. Based on good drinks, friendly staff and good service I will go again.

    (3)

  • Martin H.

    Good crowd, reasonable prices. We grabbed a table with our drinks, and a server immediately asked us to move because there might still be people who wanted food. So another group took the table with their drinks, and he let them be. Thanks, bro, I didn't want to sit down after being at a wedding all day or anything.

    (3)

  • Antonio B.

    Wow for Boston what a find a find a place in the south end where the kitchen is not closed by 10pm really. However I'm conveying to the waiter I would like some bar olives and he insist only to bring 3 at a time and after the first round u mentioned it again really. They are green olives the will hit break ur bank.

    (2)

  • Cat C.

    We had an AMAZING dinner here. I had the Steak Frites, and holy cow.. i wished I hadn't had lunch so i could have finished it. It's a small casual place with a very down to earth atmosphere. We had a fantastic server and everyone was happy with the service and the food. I will definitely be back when i'm back in town.

    (4)

  • Lauren P.

    Food was really good! I had steak frites and they were amazing, also really funny waiter. Neighborhood bar, more of a couples atmosphere rather than single people

    (4)

  • Sasha R.

    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!

    (4)

  • Alika Marie W.

    I had the pleasure of enjoying the Franklin cafe on a very late thursday evening. The food was so good i almost licked the plate. Some friends and myself ordered the matchstick Zucchini it was like no squash i've ever encountered. Fresh and litely sauteed with toasted nuts that tasted more like pumpkin seeds. There was also some chopped slab bacon in there. For the main i had the fresh pea raviolis...so delicious and fresh they may have grown the peas on the roof themselves. It was fantastic. This was one of the best meals i've had in years. I returned the following Wednesday to celebrate my boyfriends birthday. Mmmmm.... My new favorite.

    (4)

  • Derek C.

    Lots of locals rave about Franklin Cafe in the South End. I'm in the middle. Every time I go there I feel like it's a mediocre experience. The food is decent, but it never wows me. The interior is nice. Intimate lighting, and relatively comfortable booths. However, it gets PACKED, very loud, and the host tends to be very short with you to get you in & out as quickly as possible. I have to say I think it's a bit over rated.

    (3)

  • Lisa I.

    The food here is AMAZING. The menu changes all the time, so everything is really fresh and homemade. Some of the best food I've had in Boston. Their pastas are amazing. Also really reasonably priced (almost all entrees under $20), which is great for the South End. Taking away 1 star because they don't take reservations and the restaurant is tiny, so I only go if I'm eating a really early dinner and can beat the crowd.

    (4)

  • Steve S.

    This is sort of an off the beaten track type of bar in the South End that was actually quite nice. Went in for some drinks with the gf and her parents. They had an interesting selection of drinks that you do not often see in Boston pubs. Some beers I saw were: la Chouffe, Rapscallion, Saison Dupont, Brooklyn Lager (I had this one, it was delcious. Somewhat Harpoon IPA like, but less hoppy). Gf has a Cucumber Collins. This was a great light, fresh, summer drink that I thought tasted great! It had organic cucumber lime vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda. They topped it off with a slice of cucumber. We did not eat here, but saw several other people get food. It looked good and we would go back to try it.

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    Rude host and servers, but good food and ambiance. I recommend the steak frites. The hummus they bring with bread is yumm-o. I don't know why the staff is always unpleasant. The asian waitress is very inattentive and downright rude sometimes. The male host is always impersonal and unfriendly, and was unapologetic when my "20 minute wait" turned out to be over 45. I have had good experience with the young white waitress, she was friendly, helpful, and didn't murmur under her breath when I asked for more bread..

    (3)

  • Wayne F.

    I like the Franklin Cafe, I really do, but last night was just awful.. I have been going there for years. It wasn't the food, although they do have menu additions for spring and are still working out the kinks. It was our waiter. We go in at 11 p.m. for a late night dinner after finishing our taxes. The music is blasting and the place was half empty.. We sit down and the waiter came over and I politely asked him if he could turn the music down.... He looked at me and said ..Well... a little... Clearly he did not like my request, but he did turn it down, so we stayed. Just before our food was severed a few of his friends came in and he turned it even louder then it was before! So now we are trapped with loud music (and I love loud music, but when I am trying to have dinner and converse with someone) and a waiter who is ignoring us.. He whole attitude was just beyond the pale..

    (1)

  • Talia R.

    I try to hang out here when I am in Boston because it helps meI forget I've had to come to Boston for the weekend and it kind of feels like I am still home in New York. Haters gonna hate! But, no, really, I like this place a lot. They make a nice, very well-priced drink and all of the food is hearty, tasty and keeps you warm on a fall evening. I have enjoyed some above average meatloaf, some average mussels, some stellar (double fried) fries. Service can be a little odd, but just go with the flow. And maybe they could turn down the music just a little bit. Cool when I'm standing by the bar, less so when I'm trying to have a dinner conversation in a booth.

    (4)

  • Jon H.

    This is one of the best restaurants in Boston. Shoot, this is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. We started off with a few drinks - I'd recommend the side car - sweet and savory, with a good kick. We started off with Brussel Sprouts and Calamari. The sprouts are caramelized in butter with a little bit of salt, perfect sprouts (second to Toro). This dish would make me eat it as a kid. The calamari is grilled to perfection, sweet and buttery, falling apart in your mouth, great spice, great taste. Btw, the buttery hummus that is paired with the bread is amazing. For main courses, we had the agnolotti, the chicken & dumplings, and the cod. The agnolotti is divine. At first taste the sauce seems heavy, but the pasta is so light (and hand made) that it just dissolves in your mouth. The flavor is intense and beautiful, with the perfect amount of salt. The cod is perfectly cooked, with an amazing sauce, not fishy at all, tender and divine. The chicken & dumplings is RIDICULOUS. The sauce and taste remind you of thanksgiving dinner. The maltzo is amazing with little roots of potato, daikon, and carrots. The chicken is PERFECT, with crispy skin, juicy as hell chicken, and perfect herbs and spices. I could eat this any day for any meal. Price? Plus drinks we ended up paying on $35 each amongst three people. For the food quality and drinks, this is the best quality deal in the entire city. SERIOUSLY. Yeah, the wait can be long, but get one of their speciality drinks and you won't mind the wait. SO GOOD. SO LEGIT.

    (5)

  • Cecilia V.

    I had been here before twice: once for drinks and another time for a pre-theater dinner. Last night I was heading out to a show and really wanted to have dinner out. Though it was early the place was crowded but I did manage to get a seat at the bar. Due to my wait, the bartender kindly comped my drink! There was a pork belly starter special that was excellent, crunchy fried meat but also a mix of spice and apple flavor. The pork chop entree was perfectly cooked and the balance of the broccoli rabe and maple sauce was a great mix. They do not have dessert but you could count the craft cocktails.

    (5)

  • Mcslimj B.

    A paragon of the Neighborhood Bar With Great Food category. I've been dining and drinking here for years. It was one of my very favorite bars even before I moved to the neighborhood. I've made it one of my few regular hangouts, and it remains consistent and value-priced: generally excellent all around. Very solid, well-executed, slightly creative takes on American comfort food and bistro fare. I mean "bistro" as the French do: a modest, casual, unpretentious neighborhood place serving food at prices that won't make working-class folks blanch on a weeknight. Most dishes are full-flavored, hearty, and generously sized. Some favorite apps: skillet-roasted mussels in a buttery broth; pan-sauteed chicken livers; a warm salad of shredded Napa cabbage with bacon and bleu; great soups; frisee with duck confit; garlicky grilled (not fried) calamari. Favorite entrees: two pasta dishes that seem to change frequently, always worthwhile; turkey meatloaf with fig gravy (still unmatched at this price point); a solid steak-frites, always a couple of simple, healthy, delicious grilled-fish options. Excellent vegetable sides. It's very easy to put together a nice meal of a couple of apps and a side, or an app each with a pasta to share. Good beers on tap and in bottles; a short but pretty reasonably priced wine list, with a good half-bottle or two. I'm not often thrilled with the by-the-glass wines. Bartending is generally very solid, though in recent years I think the consistency has slipped a little bit on the shaker drinks; it used to be impossible to get a less-than-stellar drink here, and now you can. I love the dark atmosphere, the generally friendly (to me at least -- I'm a fairly familiar face there) service, the music on the iPod, the fact that the TV is usually off, the still fairly cool and multi-cultural South End crowd (an increasingly rare commodity). Plus it's one of the very few worthwhile places in the city whose kitchen stays open till 1:30am. Downside: it's small. Waits can stretch to 90 minutes on peak weekend times, and the bar can be uncomfortably crowded to wait in that long. There's only one table that can accommodate more than four people (back corner). The addition of many new nearby restaurants has made the Franklin a little easier to get into, especially on weeknights. I have been going long enough and frequently enough to identify some windows that yield relatively reliably short waits of 30 minutes or less (the staff is pretty expert at estimating wait times). This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston, as it pretty much epitomizes my favorite category of restaurant, the cool bar with excellent food, though the chef is unlikely to win a James Beard award with this menu. I'm really glad to have it in my neighborhood.

    (5)

  • Cindy C.

    I came here for my birthday dinner on wednesday - a warning to all, it is a SMALL place, not good for large groups - we ended up waiting at the bar area for about an hour before we were seated. Luckily, they had a great variety of cocktails which we tried while we were waiting, one of my favorites of the night was the gin crossed mojito, very refreshing. FOOD: we ordered calamaris, mussels, mac n cheese and the beef short ribs to start and share. The calamaris were absolutely delicious, but the flavor is very strong, because after having that dish, i could barely taste the mussels, which was a shame, because the broth was really good. The beef short ribs were cooked soft and tender, however, it was way too salty. i couldnt take more than 2 bites of the dish. For entree, i had the steak and frites. it was good, very juicy and tender, and it was cooked simply and perfectly. The cod my friend had however, was absolutely amazing. The fish was fresh and the flavors went together perfectly. Overall, I had a very enjoyable time here, but a lot of the food is very strong in flavor, i guess it's a good place to come after you've had a couple of drinks

    (4)

  • Renee B.

    I had the best braised short rib that I have ever had in my life here last night. It is crowded and jammed but we managed to get seats and have grilled calamari (which I am thankful that finally a place that offers something other than fried) which was tasty. I had the chicken livers which were excellent. Then we had the braised short rib that left us wow'd. We will be back.

    (5)

  • Janice T.

    What a great bar! Tasty looking menu options and a nice selection of interesting beers on tap (i.e. Victory Prima Pils and O'Hara's Irish Stout). And with cocktails like the Cocoa Old Fashioned and Cucumber Collins (along with gluten-free menu!) what's not to like?

    (5)

  • Deepa C.

    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!

    (4)

  • V Y.

    I love love this place! It's so cozy and the food is sooo good! Their menu changes a lot but they've never let me down! I love their small side dishes and laid back feel. Def. a nice place to grab a late night bite/drink!

    (5)

  • Kristen F.

    Cute, teeny, tiny place in the South End. Dimly lit, only a few booths and a bar. The staff all seemed pretty cool. The food was great. A decent place to go in this area and won't cost a fortune like some of its neighbors.

    (4)

  • Vanessa W.

    I was stuck between 4 and 5 stars on this one - the food was delicious - they even had grilled calamari, which were outstanding! You can't really find those many places. The service was also awesome; our waiter was very friendly and spent a good amount of time chatting with us. When I said I was biking, he actually brought me a bottle of water for me to take with me (it was in the 90s that day). Given, it wasn't super crowded when we were there (early dinner on a Monday), but it was a very personal experience. The prices were a little high for the portion sizes, but I guess that's standard at Boston restaurants, most of the time.

    (4)

  • Tony P.

    Love this place. The octopus dish is phenomenal. Pricey but so worth it. I'll be back.

    (5)

  • Laura B.

    I went out to dinner at the Franklin Cafe last Thursday with my boyfriend and a friend. We searched for parking in the South End for a half an hour... UGH! Once we found a spot (a 15 min walk away), we walked in to the restaurant and there was a 35 minute wait. Oops. We should have had someone wait for the table while the other parked. Our fault. We decided to have drinks at the bar. My wine was very good and my companions liked their drinks as well. We got a table and they brought over their delicious bread and butter. I loved the fact that the server did not even blink when we asked for more bread. Sometimes servers get annoyed since it is free but this server was very understanding that we were starving (it was 9:00PM at this point!I ordered the rare tuna that comes with salad and chive mashed potatoes. Let me start this by saying that I am an odd, odd person who hates mashed potatoes. I was planning on just eating the tuna and ignoring the mashed potatoes because there were no other sides I was interesting in subbing. When the dish arrived, I was immediately dissapointed by the miniscule amount of tuna on my plate. It tasted delicious but there was definitively less than 4oz! I accidentally tasted some of the chive mashed potatoes while eating my tuna. Oh my goodness, those chive mashed potatoes were AMAZING. I ate every bite. So, I was very happy to fill myself up on the healthy portion of mashed potatoes but still wish there was just a little bit more of the tasty tuna. My boyfriend started with the arugula salad and then had the tuna. He was very happy. My friend started with the mushroom crostini (from the vegetarian menu... we had to ask for it) and then had the rib app special. He liked both a lot. Then the moment of truth came, we asked for the dessert menu and the server said "we actually don't serve dessert." At first I thought he was kidding... but he wasn't! I was not a happy camper! Luckily, there are so many restaurants in the South End that we just went somewhere else... BUT STILL. No dessert?? All in all, great food, awesome appetizer but a few things I would love to see change (really just the tuna size and add dessert!).

    (4)

  • Khiem T.

    Finally got a chance to go here. It's pretty okay. Nice bar, but too dark for my liking. The menu is expensive. I tried the calamari and catfish, it's good, but not particularly impressed. Hard to give it a higher score when the South End has a lot of better places to stop by for dinner or a drink.

    (3)

  • Eric S.

    After reading the reviews for Franklin Cafe, I decided to give it a shot. I didn't even get to the food. I entered the restaurant with two of the four people in our party. The host told us we couldn't sit down until everyone was there, even though there were numerous empty tables. The host was glued to the football game on television. (That's another thing. I don't want to spend that much money on dinner with some stupid football game playing in the background.) As we stood around, the host returned and asked us if we wanted to sit in front or in back. We said "in front" as I pointed to the booth next to us. He mumbled something while walked away. We couldn't make out what he said. In the distance, he set the table in the back. He then reattached himself to the football game on the television. So we left, and went to The Beehive instead.

    (2)

  • Liz E.

    Ok. I have been here twice. The first time gets 5 big ol' fat stars, the second time gets 2 stars. So... 3 stars in the end. The food is amazing. It's some of my favorite in Boston, in fact. The first time I went there everything about the experience was wonderful: service, food, drinks. The second time, the food and drinks were amazing, but our service was really sub-par. Our waitress was unfriendly and upset at us for getting 5 apps (which was certainly enough for the 3 of us!) instead of each getting an app and entree. What? If you have a policy of that, just let us know, or print it on your menu. She was sort of passive-aggressive about the whole thing. All in all, I will certainly be back. The food.... oh, the food! Some of my favorites are the matchstick zucchinis, mashed potatoes, and calamari. Favorite drinks include Boston bog, Tangerine gimlet, and Poma cocktail.

    (3)

  • Jonathan T.

    Yo Franklin Cafe, you've delivered the goods. again. Came here with first time visitors and all was well on Shawmut as usual. Food was excellent, including the mussels, spring rolls (usually i'd never eat spring rolls except at an asian joint, but somehow this fusion version works), and pumpkin bisque appetizers. Ordered the tuna entree and it was made quick work of by our crew. Service good, the ambience is cozy, dark, and chill like a great lounge/bar should be. The place has a great crowd flow. Fills up for the post-work 6-8 time slot (even on a Wed), then empties out a bit from 8-10 or so (in this case, i overheard many rushing back to see the obama-mcsame debate--i elected to watch it on tape delay), and then the late night crowd shuffles in... if ever there was a Van Gogh meets Hopper moment, this place is it. I like to call this place the true 'Night Cafe' in the Van Gogh spirit. Good peeps, and the improvisational 'Jazz of Life.'--- Alive.

    (4)

  • Robby T.

    Thesis: Looks great, but lacks substance...... Been here for drinks before & enjoyed it. Down the street from my place & had never tried the food, so I took my parents for an early Sunday supper. Excited about their menu, which is more adventurous than the standard Boston bistro, we ordered tons of small plates and shared..... Disappointed! Half the food was under-seasoned. Roasted beets weren't roasted to their natural sweetness. Veal cheek was tender, but not tasty. Pumpkin bisque looked great, but lacked depth. This was the theme of the whole place. Menu looks great, but not well-executed. Franklin Cafe has a great space, but our blond waitress on Sunday night couldn't care less. She brought our side late (at the end of the meal) and kept heartlessly asking us if we wanted another beer (once when we had half-full beers and twice after we declined a second one). I didn't pay, but I think her 20% was rolled on to our next restaurant's waitstaff. Is Franklin Cafe slipping? Or do people like to reward sub-standard performances?

    (2)

  • Molly W.

    One of the Best restaurants in Boston. I've heard it described as "black clad" but it's way cooler than that. Sporting a martini glass as their only signage, this South End gem is frequented only by people who are in the know. Independently owned and run (so refreshing) - their menu changes seasonally to reflect the New England weather and tastes. There are only about 12 tables and there's a full length bar with a little tv that they hardly ever turn out (which is a good thing considering it caters to people who are there to have great conversation and amazing food) They offer inventive drinks, great affordable wine, and a beautifully tailored menu. I mean, WOW. It's so good. Good luck getting a seat right away - but it's SO worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Jennifer B.

    I really can't help but write an entire comment in response to the comment from "JM S." (I am not & have never been employed by FC) I've been dining at Franklin Cafe for 5 years and have not once been disappointed in the food. In fact, it's my "go-to" place when entertaining a group because FC always serves a good variety to please all palettes. The menu changes upon season... Not sure if Missy S is old enough to drink but the drinks are excellent. As for "some idiots walking outside, which put me off" - sorry, were those protesters or...? You gave 3 stars to Finale in Harvard Sq - did you look out the window?? Also, those curtains are hung at the entrance of Franklin to protect patrons from the elements - because there are ALWAYS people coming in and out- because it's good! Suffice it to say, the place is great - I've taken many foodies to Franklin over the years & it's been not just enjoyed but lauded by all... I digress.

    (5)

  • Alyssa N.

    A few thoughts about the Franklin: friendly staff good drinks great scallops steak was a little tough wins award for most frites with steak frites wish they had a larger menu

    (3)

  • Claudia H.

    Franklin Café is a south end go-to for me. The kitchen is open late, which works for me as I prefer to dine late at night. The menu is simple, changes occasionally and is consistently good. Many of the entrées are interesting plays on basic comfort food. On a recent trip, my friend had an excellent (but rich) turkey meatloaf while my monkfish was perfectly tempura-ed and served with tasty long beans. As they don't take reservations and the wait can be long on weekends, I often try to squeeze into a bar seat and eat there. Bartenders make a mean martini and the wine list is reasonably priced. All-in-all, the best value in the South End.

    (4)

  • Wendy W.

    We went after a Shecky's Girls night and we got a booth. Comfy and dark atmosphere. The people were very nice, making sure we had bread and hummus within 5 minutes of being sat down. Tried mostly apps, the fried tomateos were very good with the shrimp. The calamari was good but I think I preferred mine fried and the sweet potato gnocci was to die for.

    (4)

  • Thierry V.

    After reading about Franklin Cafe, me and my date were excited to see whether the food tastes as interesting as it sounded. Also, it was a social experiment, to see whether we'd blend in with the renowned South End crowd and ambiance. When entering this place in winter, it's not just the radiator that gives you the feeling of a preheated blanket over your shoulders. The small space, dim lights, halfway shut blinds and thick curtains make you feel cozy and special instantly. After arriving at the bar, however, you realize you're in South End with high-end liquor bottles stacked in an orderly fashion. The crowd that goes with it, is uptown, but not uptight. We felt right at home and wish to come here more often, just for the feel. Ordering drinks can be a bit of a struggle, since the bar is fairly broad and music is occasionally played loudly. The excellent selection of wines, however, will surely please you back into your state of cosiness. As for dinner: my date sticked with an appetizer. After sampling her Cauliflower and Chicken Pea Cakes, we agreed they were excellent. Moreover, my appetizer was a calamari experience like never before (garlic-grilled, yum!). For dinner, we shared the turkey meatloaf. The best ever, by a mile! Strong texture, distinctive meat flavor, onion-glazed top but not overwhelming, and creamy, zesty mashed potatoes. My momma could learn something, here! All in all, definitely a perfect (start to a) night out, amidst Boston's hottest food and coolest crowd, not spending too much in the process. The bartender even shakes your hand when you finish your meatloaf, that's how laid back this place is.

    (4)

  • Firefly B.

    My very favorite restaurant.

    (5)

  • Renee B.

    The food here is fantastic! A dinner for two with three glasses of wine, two apps, and two entrees was way under $100. I would highly recommend the scallop appetizer. Haven't had scallops that good in a long time. They were cooked to perfection and served under wilted spinach. I would also recommend the duck confit. The meat was tender and it was served cassoulet style with sausage and beans. I would have given this place five stars if it wasn't for the level of noise coming from the bar area..two feet away from the table.

    (4)

  • Sophia L.

    Where do I begin? I have finally found an exquisite meal in Boston! Went here on a Sunday night for dinner and drinks with a friend. Can I get a Hallelujah? First, they start you off with crispy bread and Hummus with fresh garlic (I hate garlic, but it was really good). The Tangerine Gimlet was most exhilarating, refreshing and delicious cocktail I've ever consumed. My friend had the Blood Orange Martini and shes seemed very pleased with it. We also enjoyed the Franklin Sidecar later in the meal. Anyway, back to the amazing food. We weren't too hungry so we decided to get a few apps and split them. Duck Quesadilla was much better then I had expected in fact it had the most amazing flavors and the duck was cooked perfectly. We had already decided that the Zucchini was a must (after our friend suggested it) and it did not disappoint. The corn on the cob was so buttery and delicious who wouldn't love it? After being recommended the Chowder from the waiter we decided to add that as well. I cannot believe how light yet delicious this was. FABULOUS. Lastly, we had the scallops wrapped in bacon. We really enjoyed the sauce on this dish, but it was a little too smokey for my taste. The lack of dessert was a little bit of a disappointment but more drinks really assuaged our sweet tooth. Overall, I had a marvelous experience. I cannot describe how excited I am to have found such an amazing place in Boston. FINALLY!!!!

    (5)

  • Ben K.

    I've always been a fan of Franklin-- their dinner menu is delicious, and the bartenders are always spunky and fabulous. The overall vibe of this place is just phenomenal, with the dim lighting and soft music... I will certainly be back, not just for Bethany's cocktails, but for the yummy food. Franklin is just one of those great neighborhood places. Love love love

    (4)

  • Foodforthought.m F.

    THIS PLACE IS FANTASTIC!! I can't say enough about it really, the menu is delicious and fresh and inexpensive. Every year I wait with drooly anticipation for the turkey meatloaf with figs gravy to come back on the menu (it is AMAZING). The atmosphere is laid back and they serve food until 1:30 ( great place to go in a snowstorm). Also the staff are very friendly and the bartenders are great. They do not take reservations and it gets very crowded so best to arrive early or late with the fact that you may have to wait for a table in mind. That said, it is WELL worth the wait. If you have not been here already you have missed out on a Boston gem!

    (5)

  • David D.

    You can't go wrong with this neighborhood gem

    (4)

  • Tyler B.

    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!

    (5)

  • John A.

    Why has it taken me so long to get around to writing about the Franklin Cafe?? The secret has been out for years now. A business partner (that lived in the South End) had recommended it shortly after it opened, and I went there with he and his wife, had a spectacular meal, and have been going back ever since. There is so much on the menu that is good (and it changes frequently) I don't want to talk particulars. Great "Vibe", great crowd, great staff, and my favorite place to eat. (Not the BEST, I've had better but for that you have to pay FAR more (Except perhaps at DBar in Dorchester)). It stays open late and (though I'm not as young as I like to think I am) had a great time at a great bar with great food, after midnight, in Boston. Almost felt like a small place on an off street in Manhattan. I LOVE this place PS: Parking is hard but, unless your still terrified of walking in the South End, I always find spaces a short walk away on Washington Street.

    (5)

  • Jessica B.

    Franklin Cafe offered some of the best food I have ever tasted. I orderd shrimp toasts to start. They were crunchy and delicious with a tasty red pepper sauce to dip in. I ordered the cannelloni with walnuts, cheese, mushrooms and blueberries. Yes, blueberries. It was heavenly. The blueberries really pulled the dish together. If I weren't out in public, I would have licked the bowl!

    (5)

  • James D.

    Ordered a delicious Ahi Tuna here. Cooked to perfection. Food is remarkable and the atmosphere is great. Avoided the crowd and wait by going mid day during the week.

    (4)

  • Mere L.

    I've had a few friends with negative experiences at Franklin Cafe in the recent past so I had to reflect on my meal there tonight. My friend and I split the Crispy Shrimp Toast as an appetizer - very good if not a little too much butter on the toast. It also seemed like the "shrimp" had quite a bit of tofu or some type of filler, which was fine for me but might not meet everyone's tastes. The sweet chili sauce was perfect for dipping, but the kim chee was too spicy for two spice loving patrons. I had the Boston Bibb Salad and thought it was great. The greens were fresh, the buttermilk dressing didn't over- or under-whelm the simple salad. Tasty and not over dressed (can't stand a soggy salad!) and the radishes and fried shallots were a great touch. I decided against a full entree for an additional appetizer - we asked if they could serve it as 3 courses and they were gracious enough to do so. I had the garlic grilled calamari which was very good but had more flavors of basil/pesto than it did of garlic. Nonetheless, I love non-fried calamari and was entirely satisfied! The waitress was attentive and knowledgeable - great service and meals arrived on time! Overall a very good meal, I'll be back and I would recommend it to someone new!

    (4)

  • Ari R.

    just went for an outstanding meal at the franklin cafe... the service was friendly and the drinks and food were equally excellent (I had a corn bread covered catfish with a poblano chile sauce---which was so good)

    (5)

  • Ryan B.

    I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this is my favorite restaurant in Boston. I ate here once over the winter at around 10:30pm on a week night. I remember it being good, but I had forgotten just how good until last night when I went back again. It was busy, but we were able to find spots at the bar. Both visits I ordered "the special" and both times it was amazing. The first visit it was a lamb dish and last night the special was a chicken scaloppini over spaghetti squash. We ordered the crab cakes for an appetizer on a recommendation from the guy sitting next to me, who happened to be enjoying the Classic Steak Frites. It smelled amazing, so my buddy actually ordered it. The beer was cold and they have some of my favorites on tap.

    (5)

  • Kim G.

    So after a very long, delayed flight out of BWI to Boston, darn you Airtran!, we came here for late night cocktails and snacks. We shared the calamari, shrimp toast, arugula mint salad and steak tartare. The food was delicious, our favorite was the salad, it was like eating and brushing your teeth at the same time. However, the cocktails were sadly lacking. I don't think we even finished them. And there was something weird with the music, it was loud, as to be expected, but not familiar in anyway. This Friday night was a mixture of hotties with cute couples. But the most entertaining was the guy patting his girlfriend's butt. The service is aloof, but helpful when asked. We'd go back, but probably stick with the wine/beer list.

    (4)

  • Griffith G.

    Friends of ours often joke that we bought I condo because of it's proximity to the Franklin Cafe. We have eaten here many times, and it's always good. Great drinks, and wonderful food. Last week we ran over and had dinner. We started with the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, and spiced prunes. The prunes were surprisingly yummy! The gorgonzola cream was not well blended and a sweeter gorgonzola might have blended the flavors better. The big hit of the evening was the House-cured corned beef brisket with caramelized cabbage and red potatoes... oh my!!!! It was amazing. I'm sure this will be a meal that I will have cravings for. We also ordered the House Made Farfalle "Reggiano, Spring Peas & Serrano Ham." This was disappointing, the pasta was tough, and the smokiness of the ham overpowered the dish. The ham was also dry and tough. But I have to say... this was the first miss we have had, after many, many visits. The Classic Steak Frites is always one of my favorites. My only complaint... no dessert. : ( But I'm willing to forgive them since everything else is so amazing. Besides, with so few tables, we don't really want people hanging around drinking coffee and lingering over a molten chocolate cake. I can't tell you how often I get stopped by people in my neighborhood, walking around looking for the Franklin Cafe. There is a very nondescript sign that hangs in front, and it's easy to miss. I so often want to send them somewhere else, just so the word does not get out to much about this Boston treasure.

    (4)

  • Brandon G.

    Although the Franklin Café is not a new establishment, it is a new find for me. Located one block from the "wish it was fashionable" So-Wa area of Boston, the neighborhood still has some of the shabbiness of the south-of-Tremont st. South End, but it does not have the dangerous feel that it had in the late 90s. If you can brave a few run-down buildings and some trash in the doorways, it is worth the trip. I was happy to see that after 13 years in business, the décor was still clean and well maintained, with ruby red walls and dark trim, heavy curtains and warm buttery lighting. It was extremely comfortable on a very hot July evening. I did have to break out the cellular flashlight to read the menu but after that, the dim lighting just works to make the room relaxing. The drink menu is inspired and heavy on the fruity cocktails. I recommend the Mo Cocktail as well as the Cucumber Vodka Collins. The bartender was fast and friendly and singlehandedly holding down about twenty-five feet of hardwood and thirsty patrons. Every drink came out to the same standard and I never felt like I was not receiving attention. Once we were seated, the wait-staff were fast and attentive; bread and water arrived immediately and another round of cocktails soon followed. The menu was exciting and there were options for our whole party, including vegetarian and seafood. The afore-mentioned bread was fresh and served with hummus instead of butter. The fried green tomatoes (not actually green) were buttery delicious. The asparagus & prosciutto appetizer was seared to perfection and the prosciutto could not have been sliced thinner. The dressing on the field greens, both with the appetizers and with the meals was much too heavy on the sea salt, which destroyed the freshness of the green course. The steak was slightly over time but the Tuna was exactly where it needed to be. It was also a wonderfully fresh tuna steak and you could taste the quality of the cuts in both dishes. The crowd was boisterous but not unreasonably loud, although the proximity of the bar to the tables made it uncomfortable later in the evening as the agenda went from dining to drinking. The seating is primarily booth, and evenly apportioned. There are two tables that I would warn against; one in the window became quickly isolated by the bar crowd and the wait staff struggled to attend to it, and one table was so close to the restrooms and storage room that it became a holding area for bar patrons. Overall out of ten; décor 7, service 8, menu 8.

    (3)

  • John V.

    I had to adjust my rating, I went again to FC, and had bad service, and didn't really enjoy myself. A rule of thumb is: If you have a table (which you must eat a meal to get) it's a 4 star experience. Standing Room Only = 2 stars, and it wasn't even that busy.

    (2)

  • Ting S.

    A Cozy Pub With the Opposite of Bar Food: The quality and execution of the food here definitely warrants the price, although the portions do not. At about 9pm on a Saturday night, this place was PACKED, with several tables of people who had been waiting for about an hour already. Having scored seats at the bar, I enjoyed eating under the wing of the expertly tended bar. The steak was a good cut, perfectly grilled and accompanied by tasty fries. The roasted chicken was the envy of our group, and I couldn't stop wiping the gravy off the plate with my fries! The well-seared tuna steak was also tasty, although the portion extremely modest. I loved the pea shoots side on the menu, but was a bit disappointed that the beautiful veggies were drowned in oil, and it was a tiny portion. All I all, I'd prefer to enjoy this type of chef'ed up food in a space that nurtures the plated food, or have larger portions of bar/comfort food in the this casual pub space.

    (3)

  • M B.

    Just landed after a 5 hour flight from SF. It was midnight and we were starving. Found Franklin Cafe on Yelp and trusted the good reviews. Food was outstanding: Shaved mushroom salad was refreshing. Shrimp beignets were amazing. Fried chicken - delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. Price was right. Without any alcohol, two of us ate well for under $40 (including gratuity). Awesome meal. Will happily return when back in Boston.

    (5)

  • Timothy R.

    Franklin Cafe is where the neighborhood locals eat. Whenever my boyfriend and I don't want to cook dinner we find ourselves down at the end of our street, in the Franklin, ordering their amazing steak-fritte and a bottle of good, inexpensive red wine. Seriously, their steak-fritte is the high-water mark by which all other hanger steaks with french fries are judged. No valet parking and no reservation list means that if you live in the city you can walk here and get a table on a Friday or Saturday night without too much of a wait. Use the time to have a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar and meet the coolest cross-section of your neighbors. Good mix of patrons: gay and straight; old and young. Can be a bit noisy when crowded, but that's the only complaint I could make. All-in-all, a fine night out. Tim

    (5)

  • Milee S.

    I guess I'm in the minority when I say I didn't love this place. We had no wait, which was nice, but were seated near the door which let in a ton of cold air (regardless of the curtain that was used to block such air being pulled back). We started with drinks; I had the Jack Rose and my friend originally ordered a cosmo with Belevedere. Somehow the bartender (who apparantly has a reputation for not making the best drinks) screwed it up twice. So she ended up with the wine special, a Cabernet Faust. The menu isn't too big and there are several options but nothing really was so appealing. We started with a sweet potato brulee which I thought would be sweeter; it was pretty much mashed sweet potatoes. For the meal, we got salmon and cod. Bread was given to start, and I wish there was a side of butter as I am sadly allergic to hummus. But it looked good. Presentation is nice; for sure. I thought my cod wasn't tasty enough; I couldn't taste the miso and the bok choy was rather bland. I needed to add salt and lots of lemon to make it edible. The tahini sauce wasn't refined enough; I could taste the sesame seeds in the sauce (and there wasn't much of it). There were large pieces of peppercorn in the miso crust as well. My friend liked her salmon but said the risotto was extremely cheesy. Service was great though. Our server checked on us regularly but not in an intrusive fashion. It was really dark inside which made it hard to read the menus(drink and meal). No dessert here which meant going to Picco. The prices were reasonable which is nice for the South End but I don't think I'll be revisiting.

    (3)

  • Kalun L.

    I got dinner here the other night. I ordered a side of the deep-fried lime pickles for chuckles. They were delicious. Slices of sweet/tart pickles in a delicious crisp batter, served with ketchup. They were wonderous. Fried pickles shouldn't taste this good. The turkey meatloaf was good. My bartender? Awesome! The "No Fur" shirt someone else was wearing? Annoying, because it was "No Fur" in a circle with a line through it, which means "no 'no fur'." Unless the wearer intended to communicate the double-negative. In which case, awesome. Also, the no-no-fur person was not vegetarian. Please, a little consistency, yes?

    (5)

  • Logan J.

    this place is pretty small and can get really loud/crowded on a busy night. off peak hours though, this place is a really nice place to get a drink and grab a bite to eat with a friend. if youre just stopping in for a drink though and youre comfortable standing, you can go at any time. they have a pretty good selection of drinks and a pretty short list of food choices...but what they do offer is pretty good. they offer grilled calamari that is particularly memorable. ive definitely had things here that i wouldnt recommend (e.g. watermelon gazpacho) but in general, im usually pretty happy with what ive ordered. ill definitely be back again, and i have to give a shout out to one of the servers there, who goes by squirrel, because she is so friendly and helps make the place as memorable as it is.

    (4)

  • Pam S.

    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!

    (4)

  • Matt G.

    I got a very nice Yelp message from the owner Dave offering to buy me dinner to prove that Franklin Cafe isn't what I have portrayed. He also informed me that he would be talking to all service people about how to treat guests. I replied to his message, thanking him for his interest in his restaurant's online presence, as well as his kind words. However, I did point out that my experience was over two years old and my opinion is rather mired at this point. No changing my mind now... but appreciated none the less.

    (2)

  • Sam J.

    Was denied service without good cause, and the restaurant did not follow up on my complaint. Thankfully, there are plenty of cozy places nearby, in the same price range, with better food and better service. I recommend, for example, Coppa, across the street; or Metropolis Cafe, just a few blocks away. Franklin Cafe is quite good, but I would advise against going somewhere that apparently holds their customers in such low regard. It's not worth it.

    (1)

  • Calli C.

    Wandering around the South End with friends one Friday night, we couldn't decide on a place for dinner when we walked by Franklin Café. Having heard good things about it (thanks Yelp!), we wandered in, found seats at the bar and put our names in for a table for dinner. The cocktails were tasty and well-mixed, and it was fun to drink and chat and people-watch while waiting. We didn't have to wait too long till we were seated, which was great as all the wafting dinner smells were making us ravenous. We dove into the warm bread and chickpea spread, which we demolished twice over - we asked them to bring us more. I ordered up the char siu ravioli, and my friends had the roasted chicken, the corned beef brisket, and the steak frites. Everything was substantial and flavorful, with the exception of my own ravioli, which were a little limp and sad and lonely, as there were only about six of them on my plate, all alone. It was made up for though with the bites I stole of the brisket, which was tender and juicy, and the frites which were warm and crispy. All in all, a great place for drinks and grub.

    (4)

  • Tony N.

    I would say this is one of my top 3 places to go in the South End. The service is a friendly edgy. The food is simple and tasty. The prices could not be more honest.

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    I must have tried to come here 100 times, but it's always packed. I have found the secret: Go on a Sunday night. The place was so empty that the waiter was dancing in the dining room. So empty that we were left, unbothered, at a table for hours...a table that would, just 24 hours prior, be considered precious real estate and money in the bank for the Saturday night waiter. I would say that our experience - quiet, intimate, cozy, dark, leisurely - is probably not the norm. However, that's what you get for dining in the off-hours, and I like it that way. To start, they serve a basket of fluffy bread with hummus. I am very much a bread person, and I certainly ate half the basket myself. We ordered the grilled calamari appetizer, on the waiter's recommendation. The issue I usually have with grilled calamari is that it's so tough and has entirely too much chew (and too little flavor) to really enjoy. This, however, was the only exception I have ever found. This grilled calamari was light, flavorful, and had only a bit of chew. It was very tender and didn't require jaw-relocation after consuming. Really, this dish was a beautiful start. As an entrée, the waiter recommended the shrimp pasta (after I protested that I could not order salmon because it's uniformly disappointing everywhere I go). He told me the shrimp pasta was very good, so I went for it. I should have known better. The pasta was gummy and chewy (boxed, dried), but the tomato sauce and shrimp were both great. The sauce did its best to save the chewy pasta, and was tangy and a bit spicy. Shrimp were cooked perfectly; not dry at all. Overall, it was a decent dish but I certainly wouldn't get it again. I almost think I should have taken my chances with the salmon. The menu options are a bit sparse and, in my opinion, a bit higher-priced than the value they bring to the table (if you know my at all by now, you'll know that was intentional. No, I will not stop). I think this food would be priced "correctly" for its quality and the restaurant's atmosphere if each entrée came down about $2-3. However, the service is fantastic and the space is cozy. I may not ever have another meal here (pretty sure that's going to end up being the case), but I could see myself at the bar having a few drinks with the "regulars" on an off-night, while nibbling on the delicious calamari.

    (3)

  • Debbie E.

    I'm not sure what else to say about the Franklin that has not already been yelped. I liked the ambiance. Smaller inside, a wait for tables in the evening, but a fun bar setting to sit and have a cocktail pre dinner. We started with a Bibb salad (nice, refreshing dressing), and split the pork chops (SO moist! And the sauce was delicious) and the ravioli (it has chicken with it). With a bottle of wine, it was a great dinner. No dessert is served at the restaurant. The only thing I did not like was how loud it was in there. Probably because there was loud dance/club music playing, which then made everyone have to shout at their companions. But not enough to deter me from going again.

    (4)

  • Dandan L.

    The ambiance was good, especially for a date, but the food was OK. I ordered the famous corned beef brisket. The flavor was good, but the beef itself was a bit dry. Not bad, but nothing special.

    (3)

  • Taylor V.

    Everytime my boyfriend and I are in Boston, Franklin Cafe is always on our list. We have been to some of the grandest restaurants but always fall in love with Franklin Cafe. From the food to the ambiance, this is a wonderful spot for a intimate conversation, dinner and drinks with your significant other or a group of friends. We've always been for a late night eat in between drinking and it has never failed us. It has become a tradition for us to visit Franklin Cafe every trip to Boston, no matter how full we are.

    (4)

  • Sally F.

    Went here with a friend after he did some research on gluten free menus and I was thrilled with it. I know, those of you who know me are sick of me writing about gluten-free items/restaurants/menus, etc., but it's not always all that obvious which places are safe for celiacs to eat, so these reviews will hopefully help spread the word...grassroots-style. My friend and I split the pan-roasted chicken and the steak frites and dove into the succulent dishes with abandon. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The fryer they used for the fries is dedicated for gluten-free items, so no cross-contamination issues (for me, anyway). An additional plus is the fact that it's very dark and sexy in Franklin Cafe, meaning if you aren't looking your best and/or you spill some food on your cute top, no one will notice. Until you walk outside. Shame-free dining garners bonus stars for my reviews. This place is also pretty affordable, especially for the area. The bartender made me a wicked margarita that was delicious and clearly made from scratch and not some gross, syrupy pre-made mixer. Delicious. Does a margarita go with steak and chicken? Um...just....don't judge me, okay?

    (5)

  • Preethi C.

    Reasonably priced, frequently rotating menu of absolutely delicious food. They also make some fun cocktails here that are delicious and strong. Service has always been really good - the servers are knowledgeable about the menu and the wine selection & they have always been really friendly. The bread/hummus that starts every meal is delicious - we always have to request more hummus. I've been here many, many times - it's my go-to spot in Boston. They don't take reservations, so it's not a good place to plan a party, but it's a great spot to go with a small group of friends or a date.

    (5)

  • Marisa M.

    Having lived in the South End and walked past the Franklin cafe countless times, I decided I should finally go in and see what all the fuss was about. The atmosphere is wonderful in this funky and urban chic restaurant. Although the atmosphere is vibrant and fun, the service I received was horrendous. The host was absolutely rude and unbecoming. There is always a wait at the Franklin cafe, but this does not warrant a rude host. We were finally seated after being snubbed by the host, ate (the food was good), only to be told about 2 seconds after we had paid that we needed to get up from our table! WOW...about describes my reaction. I understand the need to turn over tables in a quick manner, but two seconds after paying the bill, is not the way to do it. Although the food was good, and we had planned to stay for drinks after eating we quickly scrapped that plan to go elsewhere for drinks. A bit disappointed by this, but felt the need to post my review.

    (3)

  • Sarah C.

    I've had Franklin on my list for quite a while, and finally made it in last night. Got there around 10:30 for a late dinner, expecting it to be packed, but it wasn't! We walked in and they were clearing a booth, so we sat right down. As we stayed there longer it certainly got busier - my guess is that this place really picks up around 11:30 or 12 since they serve their whole menu until 1:30am. One thing to know is that though they serve food uber-late, there isn't "bar food" as one might expect. This is a good restaurant, with prices to reflect. Their apps are $7-9, and their entrees are $17-19. However, for the quality of food, it's spot on. The atmosphere is nice - traditional dimly lit bar, small, cozy, clean. They start you off with some bread + hummus, a nice touch especially when you've put dinner off til 10:30pm. I had a pretty hard time passing up the pulled pork slider and duck quesadilla apps, as well as the sweet pea ravioli, but that Lavender Honey Glazed Salmon was calling my name - and with sweet potatoes! Yum! It was seriously good. The salmon was perfectly cooked, and the sauce drizzled over the sweet potatoes was so delicious I almost licked my plate (key word being almost). My friend had the steak frites + fries, which I had heard about, and it was very very good. She ordered medium and it was more like medium-rare, but my opinion is better in that direction than the other. The fries look unassuming, but holy crap they're good. Especially when you let them sit and they soak in the steak juices...gaaaaah... Oh, also the steak came with a huge fuckin' SLAB of roquefort (cheese) butter on top. It was a bit much, but a nice touch nonetheless. I didn't do any drinking (saved that for Silvertone post-dinner), but my friend got an old fashioned and said it was decent. My only complaint would be that the service was a little too intense. It felt like our waiter wanted to get us out of there fast to clear up the table, and that's not really a pleasant experience. He basically dropped our food on the table and ran away, and came back to ask how things were before I had even taken a bite. Then, as soon as I was finished while my friend was still eating, he cleared my plates + silverware, and about 2 seconds after she was done with hers he was back to take her plate. Very quickly he asked if we needed anything else and brought the check. We were definitely being rushed. So sad - if it hadn't been for that I might have gone for 5 stars. The end!

    (4)

  • Meghan M.

    I used to love Franklin Cafe. The table service is attentive and the food is really quite good for the price. The no-reservation policy can be a pain on a busy night with waits over an hour at times. Here's my beef with Franklin, though... The bartenders. On several occasions, I went to Franklin for drinks and received crummy service. The last time I was there is was deplorable. I consider myself a very patient person but I waited 45 minutes to be served. No joke. The two others in my party had their drink orders taken and they never came back for mine. To make matters worse, the bartenders I have encountered there are unfriendly and seem perpetually irritated when you order a drink, any drink. There are many bars in the neighborhood that have drinks that compare, if not exceed, Franklin's so I won't ever go to the bar there again.

    (2)

  • Christina C.

    Though I'm saddened to see the Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade leave the menu, the Franklin Cafe's take on the recipe motivated me to grow my own this past summer. Always kind to cater to those of us that work in the service industry, this dark, cozy neighborhood spot keeps its kitchen open until 1:30am, which, I've gotta tell you, turned so many of my post-work frowns upside down. Try the ravioli, no matter what they are and no matter what the season and their muscles are always fresh and fantastic. Baskets of bread with delicious home-made hummus come out before your food and it might just be my favorite thing to sit there with a glass of wine and my mouth-watering crusty bread and drift off into a book until my food arrives. ...Or, until an interesting neighborhood character asks,"is this seat taken?" because I never turn down a good conversation. If wine isn't your thing, ask for a cucumber collins. You won't be disappointed. If ravioli isn't your thing, go for steak frites. My only gripe is that I live so far away now!

    (5)

  • Jolene S.

    At least the food was better this time around. I would recommend the grilled calamari ($8) and the complimentary bread with hummus (again one of the best features of this restaurant). While the people who patronize the restaurant were warm and friendly, the bartender was rude to our group of five and we were not allowed to secure a booth until all members of our party were there (even though many booths were open at 6:30pm). (See what Marisa S. wrote--totally agree with her). The ravioli was too al dente for one of the members of our party. All of these things together make Toro a better place for a girls' night out than Franklin Cafe.

    (2)

  • Kara S.

    Went here with friends when I was in town. Arrived just before 7 on a Saturday night and the wait was about 30 minutes. It's a rather small place, but with a nice vibe and a good bar. Had a St Germain cocktail which was fantastic, although probably not very alcoholic. My friend had the French Laundry cocktail which was certainly stronger and really interesting and good. Food was great. Got the special steak tartare which came with frieds in the middle. Quite tasty. I got the butternut squash agnolotti with apples and browned butter sage sauce. It was fantastic! Friends got steak frites (pretty good), and the cod, I believe. Overall a nice meal. The server was fine, although a little aloof. Recommend a try!

    (4)

  • H. G.

    I'm bumping to five stars for two reasons: 1) I've begun to explore their cocktail menu. The gina's ginger beer ($9) is one of my favorite drinks in the city. It has PBR, Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, and Fresh Ginger. 2) Huge gluten free menu. Much appreciated. I'm just sad that the summer is almost over, which means the wait times are going to get long again soon.

    (5)

  • Meaghan M.

    Intimate and cozy, but not pretentious. The bartenders were extremely helpful and the drinks incredibly delicious and strong. I think I had the start of a good buzz going after two, which is a rarity. Great place for drinks or a date - I hear it gets crowded, but it had the perfect balance of enough people to create noise and people watching opportunities, but not so many that I had to strain to hear my date. I'll definitely be back for a few more of those drinks...

    (4)

  • Nick H.

    GLUTEN CONTAMINATION ISSUES. Yep..I went for the one star. I went to the South End location with my girlfriend just once and the experience was so rough that we can't bring ourselves to return. She and I went on a Monday night around 5:30 (not packed yet) and she got "glutenated". We did it right. They did it wrong. 1. Informed waiter. He then asked if everything needed to be GF, and we said 'yes'. 2. We ordered off the gluten free menu and asked about the Pea Tendrils side dish (Listed in the on-line Gluten-Free menu but not the paper menu, in front of us). We were told they were GF and we went with them. 3. When the food arrived, My girlfriend tried the Pea Tendrils and asked if I thought tasted like they had Soy Sauce on them. They did and I Let the waiter know that this made them glutenous. 4. He was obviously surprised and explained that the restaurant POS system did not have a 'Gluten-Free' Sub-menu; just menu items that happen to be GF. 5. The next day, my girlfriend was sick with all the glorious symptoms of gluten-poisoning. I immediately called the restaurant at (4:30 pm on a Tuesday). 6. I spoke with a woman who first told me "If the pea tendrils are not on the GF menu, then they are not GF." When I let her know that they ARE listed as being GF in their online menu, suggesting that this then needed to be updated, She checked with the chef and returned to tell me that Tamari is used for everything; that Soy Sauce isn't even stocked in the kitchen. She took my number and said that a Manager would call me back. It's been a month. I still haven't heard from anyone at the restaurant and only last week did my girlfriend fully bounce-back. At the heart of this is a communication issue. Waiters dealing with sensitivities/Allergies shouldn't guess, but they should be able to inform the Chef or Sous, whether via verbal, note, or Computer system. All three would be ideal. Restaurant Managers/Owners are busy folks who don't return all phone calls nor do they update the website daily, but if you declare your Gluten-Free menu as being...gluten free...You need to address an issue like this. Even if you call me to assert that the menu is accurate but that the restaurant will look for potential cross-contamination risks. They didn't get one star because the waiter didn't know that what is in Soy Sauce or what was in the food. They get one star because so many communications failures make this restaurant UNSAFE for people with Allergies or Sensitivities

    (1)

  • Anthony C.

    Potentially moving to the South End in the foreseeable future, Franklin could become one of my neighborhood ole-reliables in no time, especially given that their kitchen is open late. The space could be any trendy bar/restaurant in any major city in North America - from what I've seen in New York, Montreal, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc. etc. etc., these places are a dime a dozen. But that doesn't mean they aren't good! On the contrary, there are so many places like this scattered around the Western metropolis for good reason: we love them. And Franklin is one of the better ones. As I mentioned earlier today, my date and I ended up here after being denied alcohol service across the street at Coppa ( ow.ly/5v1Tb ). No problems here - I don't even think they carded us (we're both of age, and really don't look too young to drink...). Having not seen my dining companion in quite some time, we wanted to take the evening slow and allow plenty of time to catch up. Our server, a sexually ambiguous (though I think female), very cool, sort of a bit emo/hipster type (think Shane from the L-Word), understood right away and made for a no-pressure evening going forward. For example, when we asked for a couple of minutes to look at the menu, she simply said, "no worries, just put your menus on the end of the table when you're ready so I know to come back" - this is exactly what we wanted. Nice moves Franklin server! We had cocktails, then wine, then more cocktails, food with the wine. Cocktails were well mixed and reasonable, wine list had some decent options by the glass. Food was simple but tasty - we started with the mussels, which are cooked in a skillet, very good. I had the steak frites and she had the special, which was fish. The steak was done just how I asked (rare-medium-rare) and the truffle fries were an excellent accompaniment. I had a bite of her fish and it was quite good, too. As others have mentioned, Franklin Café is not going to blow your socks off, but doesn't seem like it disappoints often either. I'll surely return, probably time and again.

    (3)

  • Leslie P.

    THANK YOU Boston yelpers, for your recommendations! I will definitely be back, and I don't see how I could order anything else. I'm okay with that though. The place is quaint, so I don't see myself going on a popular night out, but a group of 5 of us went on a Monday night and were seated right away. It's a cute little pub atmosphere. Service was great and friendly. In terms of what to order, that's simple for me: steak frites and ginger beer. A couple of people ordered the turkey meatloaf and loved that as well. I just don't see how I could order anything else though. I love a good ginger beer, but it often tastes too sweet for me. I asked the waiter for his honest opinion, and he promised me I would like this one. He couldn't have been more right. Especially in the summer, I could drink those all day. Can't wait to go back...but not too often since steak frites isn't the healthiest option.

    (5)

  • Steph S.

    Had a dinner date, on a Monday night and loved every aspect of the restaurant. Parking in the S. End is always a trick- just giving ya a heads up! We ordered a dirty Goose martini to start- so yummy. For apps we had the fried green tomatoes and the grilled BBQ octopus, both were so incredible I can't imagine having missed out on them! For dinner we had the shrimp entree and the beef tenderloin (I think that's what he had, I was too involved in my shrimp with polenta!). Also- great choices! The wine felt like a steal- $30 for an AWESOME Malbec (Primus from Argentina). I know a lot of the restaurants in the area are not as decently priced for as beautiful of a dinner...not that this was "cheap" by any means, but I'm sure anywhere else the bill would have been double what ours was. I highly recommend this place!

    (5)

  • Bryan E.

    This is another one of those restaurants that you'll see Chefs make a b-line for after their own restaurants close. Something about the great vibe, dark cozy spot, and great late night menu and drinks. I've always found that if your friendly and relaxed with the staff, they will take good care of you and make sure you have a good time. I once got to relax here one evening while it was snowing and it to this day is one of the best dining-out experiences I've had in Boston. Super relaxing night with great drinks to warm me up and comfort food for my soul. Definitely a place to go when you are with friends or its later on.

    (5)

  • Cindy T.

    We were starving and ended up urbanspooning it and found The Franklin Cafe. I, personally would never go back there. It wasn't that the food wasn't good - it was okay but I didn't enjoy my service there. First, they moved us from a booth of 4 to a table of 4 because they wanted to reserve the booth for a bigger party. Fine. Then, when we were finished eating, they just slipped us the bill. It's a bar! One would think they would want us to stay for drinks, right? Clearly, not the case. THEN, the waiter messes up the bill and charged us for someone else's bill which was clearly wrong. Our bill was 66.88 and he charged 107 something onto the credit card. It's over 50% more than our original bill! He immediately rips the bill in front of us, which made me suspicious of his intentions. So I asked for a receipt of the refund. I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN!

    (2)

  • Acherona S.

    One of my neighborhood staples. I know I can count on Franklin Cafe for consistently good food, not overpriced given the quality like a lot of places in Boston. I've come here with out-of-towners, dates, and local friends and it's always a success. It's also one of the few places in boston that serves food past like 10pm. The ambiance is great, may be a little dark for some people. The only downsides are the lack of dessert, and the fact that they don't take reservations and so it can get really crowded with long waits. Also since there is booth-seating it's not the best place for a large crowd.

    (4)

  • Felecia C.

    I was recently informed by a celiac-aware friend that the Franklin restaurants/bars had gluten-free menus. So when I was asked to recommend a restaurant for a birthday gathering, I took the opportunity to suggest Franklin Cafe in the new-to-us South End. We arrived around 6:15 on a Wednesday night, and while parking was a pain, we were able to snag the last available booth for our party of 4. Decor was dark and minimal yet homey, and it definitely had the feel of a neighborhood bar. I asked for the gluten-free menu and was told that there were no tangible copies but the server could review options with me. We chose to start with the calamari and steak appetizers, which were both delicious. For drinks, I played it safe slash boring with a glass of shiraz, but my dining companions enjoyed a selection of cocktails made with ingredients like cucumbers and ginger beer. For my main course, I went the comfort-food route with the brisket, which was served over carrots and cabbage. I also got a side of chive mashed potatoes. Everything was cooked to perfection and totally hit the spot after a very long day. Others in our party ordered the steak frite and the salmon, and all plates were cleared by the end of the evening. A couple ending points: first, this place got CROWDED by the time we were eating our meals. People were hovering, albeit subtly, by our table by around 7:45-8, and this place does not take reservations, so we were glad we got there for the Early Bird Special. Second, we were there for a birthday celebration and were disappointed by the lack of dessert. No public embarrassment and tiny birthday cake? Wah Wah. Overall, I'd go back to try some of the other options on the menu and some of the house cocktails, but I'm curious to experience the South Boston location first.

    (4)

  • Andrew L.

    Wow those drinks are strong. Came here about a year ago and the drinks stand out the most, in a good way. On the other hand, the corned beef was piss poor. Dry and pretty unpalatable; pretty much worse than what you could do on your own. The fried green tomatoes were excellent as was the beef carpaccio, but how can you go so wrong with corned beef...

    (3)

  • Arthur V.

    I travel heavy, love good food, and honestly became spoiled with top notch restaurants around the country, but my experience here was so good I had to leave a note. Finding this high level in late dining is tough so just wanted to share. Great neighborhood bar with unbelievable service, food that could compair to top restaurants and great drinks. Must have Gaspacho soup and salmon entree.

    (5)

  • Liz D.

    After years, this place is still a delicious, friendly and reliable! I haven't been in years, but 7 friends and I went last Friday night as a plan B venue. We were seated in 15 minutes and enjoyed strong and creative cocktails as well as great entres. The steak frites is always deliciously marinated (three of us ordered and finished ours), two others ordered the salmon and loved it. The turkey meatloaf was also enjoyed. I like the bread and hummus before the meal as well. One downfall was no desserts... my friend suprised me with a round of "dessert" shots for us all.. mine with a candle in the lime wedge for my birthday! Great idea from our server :) One of the best spot to frequent for strong drinks, reliable food and reasonable prices. They also have a growing wine menu. If you want to miss the crowd, however, go very early, this place is small so it stays full all night.

    (4)

  • Jane D.

    We were seated right next to the expo window from the ktichen (after waiting like 45 minutes and being the first in "line" for a table). The food was really good. I got some pasta with mushrooms and sweet potato. The drinks were made really well -- French Laundry was just what I needed. Staff was honest and helpful; I felt overdressed in heels and a dress. I would go here again to hang out rather than for a date.

    (3)

  • Victoria B.

    Breaks my heart to post this rating but it has to be shared. Used to live a block from Franklin and have frequented it many times... my last visit though was such a disappointment. On a busy Sunday evening a distracted hostess left my date and I stranded watching seats at the bar open up and be taken. We finally sat and discovered a new, small menu. I ordered the steak frites which is usually epic. Our server greeted us and took our order, he repeated mine back with "Medium Well" and I had actually clearly ordered "Med Rare" so I made sure to say to him to him "No Med Rare, Rare, Rare." Well the steak came back med well to well done. I cut the steak every which way to make sure I wasn't being a pain and because I've racked up many years of serving/bartending to know/appreciate how annoying it is when steaks get sent back. I waited for the server to come check on me. In my experience as a server, you always do a 5-10 minute check on your table after foods arrive ESPECIALLY steak since so many people will try to eat half and then send it back either getting a comp'd meal or another full meal. He never came - my date finished his plate clean. I ate the french fries. He finally came and I APOLOGIZED "Sorry but the steak came out Medium Well." His response "What do you want me to do?" UM, what? How about "I'm sorry, I can have another made for you either for here or to go, or I can have the steak removed from your bill, or order you another meal that is quick to cook, or how about a complimentary dessert" .... That wasn't offered. I said he could charge me for the fries I ate, he took the plate without a word and dropped the bill off alerting us that "the steak was taken off." He did not once apologize on behalf of anyone, himself, the kitchen, an error or miscommunication...he did not say good bye etc. This is the first time in my life that I did not leave a 20% tip. Normally Franklin has fantastic food and atmosphere. If the server had been polite and done what a service is supposed to do in this scenario Franklin would be getting a 4 or 5 star rating. Go but be weary of steak.

    (2)

  • Stephanie S.

    I really wanted to love this place. Unfortunately, everything about Franklin Cafe was mediocre. My drinks were standard and the food was unmemorable, aside from the eggplant caviar which was Not. Good. At. All. In the South End, spectacular restaurants are found on every corner. Franklin Cafe just doesn't compete.

    (2)

  • Daina E.

    Something about Franklin Cafe has managed to bring out my inner colony of bats. It starts getting dark outside, and before I know it I am lured out of my cave to the south end, salivating at the thought of their assorted delights. The menu isn't extensive, but everything that Mr E and I have tried has been delightful. Don't miss the barbecued octopus; chili glazed spare ribs; mussels, classic steak frites with Roquefort butter; or pan roasted chicken with chive mashed potatoes, English peas, and carrots...okay, you're going to need to stop in a couple of times. They serve the full menu until 1am, and we have never waited too long for a table. The light level is pleasantly dim, you can easily hear a conversation across your table, and the wait staff is attentive without being terribly in your face, which I appreciate. No dessert, but why bother when you could have any of their perfectly balanced and playful cocktails instead? Modern tea? French laundry? Inversion? Yes, yes, and yes.

    (5)

  • Joy Y.

    A dark restaurant/bar lit only by candlelight, the Franklin Cafe is the perfect place for your next romantic date and/or illicit affair. You can slip in through the thick velvet curtains, and slip out just as covertly....perhaps just a little bit fuller and a little bit drunker than you entered. My drinking companion and I came in to catch up with one another the other night and as the wine and cocktails kept flowing (my vote is for the Mo Cockail- ketel one, chambord and lemon juice) it was necessary for the food to start coming too. So we started off with the garlic grilled calamari. Given the state my friend and I were in, it should come as no surprise that we were completely confused by our order of calamari, which as stated on the menu, were grilled, not fried. But what serendipity! They were delicious! And as I like to tell myself, healthier too (actually, I have no idea, but just humor me...) We then moved on to the mussels. Now I get the mussels every time I go to the Franklin, but for some reason, on this evening, they were extra tasty and huge. Sadly, I did not win the fight for the last mussel though and was forced to trade off for the last of Yukon Potato Gnocchi, (which was certainly not really a loss for either of us.) The gnocchi were perfectly pillowy puffs of potatoey goodness- with just a touch of sweet and spicy cheesiness from the prune and gorgonzola combo sprinkled on top. Yum. The Franklin Cafe has yet to disappoint, and this evening was no exception. So when it was time to head back to reality, we paid the very reasonable check, stumbled out the door and headed out into the cold, full and happy.

    (5)

  • Andrea M.

    I have mixed feelings here - since it's around the corner from my house, I usually just go here for convenience. The first few times, the service was horrible. Our bartender was smug, and made weird comments about our bill. Our waiter was completely absent, inaccurately described the dish I got (so I regretted getting it) and never asked us if we wanted drinks. Another time, a waitress rushed us on ordering, and made me feel like she had better things to do. The food and drinks have been hit or miss, too. I'm usually entranced by unique cocktails, but theirs always end up falling short, or not mentioning a huge ingredient - like anise on the menu. I like that they have vegetarian and gluten free menus, but often there aren't protein substitutions, just meatless options. Two weeks ago, however, we had a great experience. Our server was chatty and personable, and when he didn't know the answer to my question, he paused and asked the chef. He perfectly described my meal, and I got exactly what he said I would (and loved it - the veggie kabobs with jalepeno jus). This time, I got wine, and it was fine. My boyfriend got the pork ravioli which was rich and amazing, but his drink was (as I said) flat and uninteresting. The décor is dark and tavern-like, and can get really loud on the weekends. I'll keep coming back because it's a neighborhood joint with veggie options, but it's not my favorite place.

    (3)

  • Stu L.

    Drinks - prepared as ordered. Service - When the first thing your waitress says is "what do you want to drink?" you know you're in for an experience. Food - ill prepared, lukewarm, salty. Pork belly was a disgustingly large hunk floating in a briney stew. Voted "best of Boston for casual romantic." How is this possible. What a disappointment. We'll not be returning to any of their family of restaurants.

    (2)

  • Christine D.

    Stopped by here on our way to the Boston Arts (Publick Theater) and we were early enough to get a table on a Sat. night. The place filled up quickly. I loved the Cucumber Collins (very refreshing on a hot night) and also the Texas Mule (Ginger Beer, Ttio Tequila). Enjoyed the Fried Green Tomatoes and the very BEST fried Calamari I've ever had. Nothing like the stuff they serve at the tourist traps. For dinner we split the Steak Frittes which was a nice dish to split. The guys down the block at Formaggio said the place really gets busy late as it is a favorite of lots of Boston chefs just getting off work. Obviously a good sign! Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Katherine D.

    I've recently taken to putting all of the planning off onto whoever is going to accompany me for dinner. I'm always hoping that they'll pick some place I've never been, but always wanted to go. Luckily for me, my date chose Franklin Cafe. We sat at the bar and stuck with beers. An immediate accolade is that my PBR was served to me in an icy frosted glass. We decided to eat dinner at the bar. I got the turkey meatloaf and he got the chicken. We didn't try each other's food because we were so intent on our own. This was by far the best meatloaf I've ever had. The chive mashed potatoes were also superb. I cant wait to go back, trysome of the amazing sounding appetizers and some of their cocktails.

    (4)

  • Alaina H.

    Unless I happen to move down the street one day, I have no reason to come back here. The drinks and the steak frites are fantastic, but the carpaccio was nearly inedible. I may as well have eaten a bowl of vinegar. The waiter even expressed to us that it had been prepared incorrectly when we mentioned the overwhelming vinegar taste. As someone who has worked in the restaurant business for six years, I know a restaurant should not charge someone for a dish that has been prepared wrong. I get it if someone just doesn't like something - too bad. But if a restaurant owns up to its mistake, don't have me pay for it.

    (3)

  • Melody D.

    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.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    I almost burned down the Franklin Cafe last night. True story, sort of. Ask me about that sometime. I'll be the guy looking guilty and smelling like smoke. Picture if you will, 3 very average looking white males sitting at the bar at the Franklin Cafe. If you haven't been there, this would look like 3 very average looking white guys sitting at any really clean, neat, dimly lit and lively bar. Now picture these guys all sauced up, getting loud, swearing like truck drivers, getting stared at and getting hungry. SURPRISE I was the drunk loud guy at the Franklin Cafe! Sorry! But, Franklin Cafe, you got me drunk so it's your fault! It's also your fault that I ate that much food. Pretty decent food too. I ate the crap out of that steak tartar and I did damage to your mussels and then I laid waste to whatever my drunken cronies did not finish. Franklin Cafe, I thought you just a wee obnoxious, relatively well priced, very crowded with all make and model of bar-space vultures but I liked your bartender. She was very nice to us rummies. I'm really sorry about almost burning you down.

    (3)

  • Raoul C.

    Came here with the parentals for dinner in the summer. The place was packed, so we had a drink before eating - the bartender whipped up some capirinhas that were aight, they tasted like limeade which my dad liked, but my mother and i needed our fix, and we didn't get it. We had the steak frites, the salmon and the chicken. only the salmon is worth mentioning, the others were, as the "rating" so aptly puts it, "Meh. I've experienced better." cool atmosphere though, i liked the neighbourhood feel.

    (2)

  • Erick H.

    After Yelp's Taste of the South End kickoff event at Villa Victoria Center for The Arts, a few of us were still hungry and, after some wandering, ended up at Franklin Cafe. By the time we arrived, sometime after 10pm, the restaurant was fairly empty and we secured a secluded corner table instantly. As an aside, the overall decor is very dark, which reinforces the private nature of the dining room's layout, which comprised largely of banquette seating. Our waiter, doubling as host, immediately took our drink order before departing to give us some time to review the menu. He returned in short order, just as we made our respective decisions regarding entrees, which was greatly appreciated given how famished we all were. Likely because it was a slow evening, our food arrived quite quickly as well. I ordered the sweet corn ravioli with chicken and pancetta, which was simultaneously delicious and disappointing. The sweet corn ravioli were excellent and, with an appropriate sauce, would make a fine dish on their own. The chicken and pancetta, on the other hand, were both underwhelming; the former had both an odd texture and little flavor, while the latter was extremely overcooked. Recognizing this dichotomy early on, I simply ate the ravioli and ignored the dish's other components. Were it not for the superb flavor and preparation of the ravioli, I likely would have sent the dish back. Thanks to the prompt service and quality ravioli, I look forward to giving Franklin Cafe another chance. My hope is that my experience with the chicken and pancetta was nothing more than a fluke as I rather enjoyed my evening here and noticed a number of other menu items I'd like to try.

    (3)

  • Mitch D.

    Vegetarians: If you are OK with having four, exactly f-o-u-r, pieces of ravioli, while everyone else has generously portioned meat entrees -- that they can barely finish, long long after your skimpy serving of ravioli has disappeared -- then you may be delighted with this place. But I paid the same amount for my dinner as everyone else, and left hungry. Hey, it tasted good...perhaps if Franklin Cafe could bring themselves to serve up double the amount of ravioli, then I'd say I've actually had a whole meal there.

    (2)

  • Libby T.

    great place to grab a drink on the weekends - the tiny bar area gets packed. loved the ambiance of the curtained front entrance and the dark wood bar. we skipped waiting for a table and snacked in a corner nook at the bar. the bartender was funny and friendly with great recommendations - the food was delicious.

    (4)

  • stephanie c.

    Tiny Cozy little spot in the south end. Small so beware, big parties might wait for quite some time. They don't take reservations so it's first-come-first serve. Very dimly lit. Cozy spot for close friends or intimate date. Food was awesome. Fried green tomatoes were suggested for appetizer and they were by far our favorite-even for those of us not really a huge fan of tomatoes. They were delicious! Also tried the gumbo (yummy smoky flavor) and Gnocchi for apps. All yum. Most of the ladies had the salmon as an entree. Light crisp on the exterior and moist interior, tasty, delicate, and incredibly fresh. I tried the Corn Beef Brisket (i was hungrier :P). Yum...a solid hearty meal. One girl had the chicken-which I thought was just okay... All in all, great food, strong cocktails. Fun place and I'd def come again. Note: No desserts :( but oh well..we were stuffed enough!

    (4)

  • Sheila S.

    I've loved this place since almost three years ago when my cab driver said "Here, I'll take you guys to my favorite place in this neighborhood." That was for my 21st birthday, and the drinks were soooo good. Last night we sat at the bar again and shared a bottle of wine and the two daily specials. The wine, suggested by the bartender, was excellent - and I don't really like wine. The appetizer was a tuna tartar that was fairly disappointing. I was looking forward to large, fresh chunks of tuna, and I got a little mound of fishy-ness covered with a mayo sauce. Everything else on that plate though, was very good. When the bartender asked how it was, I told him it was a bit fishy and he IMMEDIATELY offered to switch it up. Plus 20 points for you! He was super cool about it, but the boy was chomping it down, so I told him a switch wouldn't be necessary. (EDIT: Apparently my understanding of tuna tartar is differently from reality. I guess chucks of tuna are appropriately called "sashimi" o.O) The entree - swordfish over a seafood stew - was INCREDIBLE. It made up for the appetizer and all those dark moments in my life. I have never, ever eaten a seafood dish so delectable (and I don't like seafood). For $19 we got a nice meaty piece of fish, four giant muscles, and two huge shrimp in a fragrant sweet corn and tomato sauce. Plus 50 points -- it really made the night. So, great food, good portions, reasonable prices, and one awesome bartender. He was so nice he even humored us as we tried to play "name-the-bottle" with the liquors on the wall. Plus 10!

    (5)

  • Christina G.

    The Franklin is great for after work drinks in the South End. I come here often just for that purpose. It's a nice place to sit back, relax with a drink, and pick on some tasty appetizers. It's got a nice vibe late in the evening, and the staff is always friendly and accommodating. The kitchen stays open late, which is a major plus and if you are from the area, you're bound to run into some of your friends.

    (4)

  • Ronie B.

    This place is off the beaten path, and a quite a surprise. I went here with 6 other guys one rainy night last week, and we were desperate to find any place to eat. This place is more of a couples place, with dim light and candles and romantic stuff. But they were able to accommodate 7 guys at one table very nicely. It wasnt the typical place were 7 dudes should go to dine, but we did and it was good. They serve nice bread and hummus, and i got some carpacio and mushroom salad that were both real good. They bar is also really nice, and got a good selection of drinks, and draft brews. The entrees ranged from 15-20, with smaller aptz 5-9, but the food was really good.

    (5)

  • Barney B.

    in my 12 years in Boston, the South End has morphed dramatically into the yuppie-coolish place that it is. in all that time, Franklin has stayed pretty damn consistent. Always packed, always satisfying, and always damn good bartenders. I guess the only thing that has changed slightly is the crowd, which is part due to the changing demographics in the neighborhood - and part due to Yelp which exposes hidden gems like this to suburbanites who venture into the city in their Yukon, have no concept of bar real estate etiquette, and make comments like "the menu here is just like Cheesecake Factory - it's very new American, I think" i hope you have something to wipe up your puke after reading that. (disclaimer: I am no snob - some of my best friends are suburbanites) all entrees still under $20, and they squeeze comfort out of ever damn penny of it. great solo, great on a date - for a snack and a glass of wine, or to get stuffed on turkey meatloaf and some tasty cocktails. Or when you just have that hankering for a 'Cheesecake Factory' moment - but can deal with a 2-page menu

    (5)

  • Michelle H.

    Walking in, i immediately had the feeling of a most loved neighborhood joint. The bar is along the left wall with just enough seats to make you have to work for one of them. The right wall is lined with booths - cozy, desirable booths! It's busy in a bustling kind of way. I give it 4 stars for atmosphere. The food was pretty solid. We enjoyed several appetizers and were pleased by the robust flavors and fresh food. The salt & pepper shrimp were exceptional. As was the tuna tartare. For an entree, I had steak frites and will say that my cut of meat wasn't so great and the taste factor wasn't high. Funny what one remembers as overall my friends and I had a great experience here!

    (4)

  • Alicia B.

    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.

    (2)

  • John R.

    I ate here recently with a large group. The service was prompt and forthcoming. The chef took special efforts to make sure we were all pleased with our meals. Everything was delicious!!! Kudos!!!

    (5)

  • Zach R.

    this is my favorite food among restaurants in the south end, which is saying a lot. franklin isn't flashy and it isn't a social scene, but the food is just the best. if they have their roast chicken dish available I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Marcus C.

    It's like I've returned home to San Francisco! Great, interesting cocktails, down-to-earth and efficient staff, really good food! I'd been here for drinks several times, but finally had the chance to sample dinner the other night. To start, my dining companion and I split the fried green tomatoes special (I basically ate all the delish shrimp!) and I ended up having the pork belly, which was just as fatty and decadent and tasty as I wanted! I shall return.

    (4)

  • Daniel M.

    I'm a slow eater. Seriously. By the time I'm done, it's like a Bugs Bunny cartoon after Daffy tries his best to put on a show....crickets...and I'm all by my lonesome. That said, the other night my wife could only stare in amazement as I beat the hell out of my chicken fricassee with dumplings before she had even remotely dented her meal. I left the Franklin Cafe with what I can only describe as...a food buzz(I was ok to drive). If you know about this place then you're pickin' up what I'm puttin' down. Service was a bit slow but I attribute that to how busy the place was.

    (5)

  • Hiherson D.

    I was told by my co-worker to try this place out for drinks and dinner. Since, I don't really drink much I figured my wife and I would try it out for dinner. We went here on a Sunday, early evening. There was no wait, we pretty much got seated right when we stepped in. The host, I believe his name was Nick, was very friendly and welcoming. We started off with the Fried Green Tomatoes and it was delicious. Then followed by Black pepper seared tuna loin for me and Southern Style Fried Chicken for my wife. Both were really good but the fried green tomatoes are highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Kristy W.

    I came here with a couple friends a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it! The atmosphere is great- made you feel like you were in a nicer place without being pretentious (which can totally kill a meal for me). Our server was very nice, not as attentive as we would have liked but still was very knowledgeable and polite. For my meal I got the salmon with lobster and butternut squash risotto which was alright! The salmon was excellent but there were only about two pieces of lobster in the risotto (they should just drop the lobster because the butternut squash was great by itself!). A few of the people at our table got burgers which were good, but the fries were veeery good! And one other person we were with got the pan roasted chicken which she said was very good! Overall it was definitely a positive dining experience! If you're in Southie it is definitely a place to check out!

    (4)

  • Arjun N.

    we came on a saturday night and this was our first stop in the south end. It was crowded at the bar so we had to get a table. I wanted to try some new drinks so I had the ginger beer and cucumber collins. both were refreshing and pretty tasty. appetizers: fried green tomatoes mussels prosciutto-wrapped asparagus all really good.

    (4)

  • T C.

    I ate here just over a week ago and had a great experience. They were serving char-sui (chinese bbq) pork ravioli. It was heaven on a plate. I usually don't order ravioli b/c the portion sizes are too small for me. However, I was totally glad that I made the exception this time! The people I was with enjoyed their food as well, but I can't remember what they got. :) Interestingly, for a Saturday night, we were able to be seated without any wait, which was cool. The place was busy, but not jam-packed like I know it can get. The only bummer for me is that there's no dessert. However, we rectified that by going for a walk for some chocolate elsewhere... Bottom line, I need to eat here more often.

    (4)

  • Aaron W.

    Hadn't been to the Franklin in about a decade and had a rare night without kids, so we stopped in for dinner. Pros - great atmosphere. Phenomenal drinks (pear gimlet and the french laundry). Wait staff was perfect - friendly, attentive, not doting. House pickles were heavenly. Hangar Steak and Fries were great. Cons - grilled calamari was nearly tasteless, though a bit of salt helped, which is ironic because the pea-shoots were so salty we couldn't eat them (and I'm a salt-eater!), and the fries were VERY salty as were the sauteed mushrooms that came with the trout. Overall, it's not somewhere we'll go back to anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Win O.

    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.

    (1)

  • Scott S.

    We took our daughter here for her birthday. Went early enough so did not have a wait. Staff was great. I had the mussels app. It was by far the BEST mussel dish that I have ever had. Perfect blend of smoke and spice. I would come back just for this. Main dishes were all retry good. Great atmosphere and will surely be back.

    (4)

  • Julie T.

    I really did not expect to enjoy this place as much as I did. My friend told me that he had an amazing place to take me and I didn't think much of it, but sure, I went along anyways. We were assisted as soon as we came in which was great cuz we were both starving. Shortly after, a bread basket with hummus was served to us and I've never felt so much relief. I was incredibly hungry and the bread they served tasted amazing. The hummus was fresh and creamy and tasty. My goodness, I've never raved this much about the free bread at a restaurant ever before. We ordered mussels to start and the steak frites as an entree. The mussels were to DIE FOR. They slipped right out of the shell and slid into my tummy. They were cooked in a lobster broth which gave them this unique flavor and garnished with scallions. I couldn't help it so I dunked a huge wedge of bread into the broth and it was amazing, let me tell you. If you go, don't be embarrassed to do this. I don't know if it's looked down upon but it tastes so good so...who cares? We polished off that baby right when the steak frites came. *drool* Yummy steak topped a huge mound of shoestrings, crisp and hot right out the fryer. The fries soaked up all of the port demi glaze that was drizzled over the steak. I haven't enjoyed steak and fries so much...EVER. I'm an incredibly slow eater, but I wolfed the whole plate down in 25 minutes which may seem like a long time, but hey, it's better than 55 minutes. The atmosphere was nice and relaxing that I didn't even want to get up after the meal was over. I was comfortable that I wish I could just snap my fingers and be automatically changed and in bed. (Sigh...if only...) It's been a long time since I've had a five star meal and let me tell ya, I definitely did.

    (5)

  • Jessica F.

    We came in at around 6:30 -- right before the place got super busy -- and managed to grab two seats at the bar. Our bar tender was a little bit on the cold side. But that's where the complaints stop. Everything else was solid to solid-plus. The atmosphere/ambience was stylish but also comforting and friendly. The cocktails were priced right and delicious. For the price, the food was pretty good. The grilled calamari was incredibly tender. The steak tartare was well spiced and buttery. Overall, a great apps and drinks experience. Try it!

    (4)

  • Laura G.

    Been here twice and loved it both times. The best: The steak and fries my boyfriend ordered. Salty, crispy, deliciousness + blue cheese butter + medium rare steak. Does it get any better than that? (And I don't even eat meat!). The good: Wonderful host (a little miscommunication here - he thought we were going to sit at the bar and we were waiting for about 45 minutes, but he apologized profusely and sat us at a great table by the window). Starter salad was tasty (buttermilk dressing? yes please.). Drinks are great (had the Franklin Sidecar, a touch strong but tasty). Good beers on tap. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus (huge plus). The location (how cute is the South End?). The not-so-great: Gnocchi was a little to sweet. The calamari was a little chewy.

    (4)

  • Brendan Jude L.

    I'm back in town visiting the family for the next two weeks, and I was lucky enough to score two Celtics tickets thanks to my sister. Since my father didn't feel like going, I called up my friend Jason, a huge Celts fan and someone who's always down for some good food. He'd been wanting to try Franklin Cafe, so we made the trek over before the game with another friend. Situated in the idyllic South End, Franklin Cafe is small and chic. You have to push your way through series of heavy curtains to enter the place, which I found a tad pretentious. Where the hell was I? Hogwarts? Anyways, I met my friends at the restaurant with my menu item already selected from having done some reconnaissance work the night before. Problem was, they changed the menu that day, at least according to our brusque waitress. No more gnocchi. Damn. Anyways, I ordered crab cakes with a cucumber salad. Light, refreshing, lots of delicious crab. My friends tried the pulled pork slider, while the other tried the ravioli. Both enjoyed their meals, but I didn't think anything was stellar. Good, but nowhere near great. However, where Franklin Cafe went the extra mile was with their bread. From one bread whore to another, this was some of the best. The bread was an Italian boule cut into large, hearty slices. Tough crust, soft interior. Usually I like bread to be served warm, but not here because instead of butter, the restaurant provides you with DELICIOUS hummus! Absolutely fantastic, and the place didn't smack a fee on its bread selection. Having just visited the Linkery in San Diego, which charges you $2 for burnt toast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, this was a steal. I would go back to Franklin Cafe just to be the cheap bastard I know I can be, and I would order a Coke and bread. More bread, please. Stat! Overall, a decent place. Prices fall around $17-$19 per entree, appetizers $9. Worth trying for bread/hummus alone.

    (3)

  • Blake D.

    Loved this place! Custom drinks were delicious, hummus instead of the typical olive oil or butter was a nice touch, and my coq au vin was perfect! Would have been 5 stars had they sat us in the order we arrived at the restaurant relative to the other people (a couple jumped us and the host didn't correct them).

    (4)

  • Whytnee B.

    I am sorry to say I ended up here because Coppa was too packed (shocker), but of course dinner was fantastic. We came in, were seated immediately, and the waiter was very friendly. Drinks were good, I had the Boston Bog and definitely recommend it. For an app, we had the Duck Prosciutto Croque Monsieurs. They were good, but a little too much bread with the thinly-sliced meat. For dinner I had the blueberry cannelloni. I had to try a dish like that, and it was delicious. Simple and creative and full of flavor. One of my friends got the Coq au Vin and liked it. One of the drawbacks here is that they change the menu seasonally. I understand that chefs probably like this, but I was really jonesing for the pulled pork on cheddar cheese biscuits I had had last spring. So if you like a menu item, be sure to point it out to the waiter. Ours said that they bring things back by popular demand. Good food, good drinks, open late, and not terribly priced; I highly recommend the Franklin !

    (5)

  • Heather D.

    What I recommend to order: -Fried Green Tomatoes -Black Pepper Seared Tuna Go there early if you want to be seated quickly. We went there around 6:30 and was seated immediately, people say this place gets crowded. We started off with Fried Green Tomatoes, because my friend and I both loved the movie. Some of the tomatoes were green but most were red, color didn't matter they were perfectly crunchy, sweet and salty. I had the fried chicken I give it 3 Stars. There was just too much black pepper, other than that the fried chicken was good. Reason why I'm giving this place 4 stars, is because our waiter was very attentive and had a great personality. Also because my husband's tuna steak was cooked really well, but still juicy and full of flavor. I wish I ordered that instead of my fried chicken

    (4)

  • Kevin F.

    I use Yelp often to find restaurants in the Boston area, but I have never really taken the time to write a review. Well that changed after going to Franklin Cafe last night for my birthday. Hidden on a side street in the South End, this place is by far a hidden gem in Boston. The atmosphere is very cozy and special. Although we had to wait a bit for a table late on a Wednesday night, the bartenders kept the drinks coming during the wait. When we finally sat down, our server "Squirrel" was very attentive and entertaining. When she was told it was my birthday, my next drink came with a napkin Rose. How awesome is that?! My friends and I all had different items off the menu and shared everything. The food was great, huge fan of the fried chicken and steak frites! And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, our server brings out a "birtday shot" with a candle! This place was the perfect restaurant to celebrate a birthday with a small group of friends. I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Caroline A.

    I would have to agree with Erica C. The food, ambiance and service were fantastic. The sirloin was delicious, with mashed potatoes that are very flavorful. However, the meatloaf and acorn squash dishes were the stars of the night. The meatloaf comes with this deliciously sweet/tart sauce that reminded me of pears and cranberries with a bit of a kick. I would so full by the end of dinner, but could have eaten it again. I also think this restaurant invites an interesting crowd of friendly people. Would definitely recommend. Had a blast.

    (4)

  • Ryan T.

    Man it's fucking dark in here. I can hardly find my dick when I try to piss underneath the table. Food's good though.

    (4)

  • Arquimedes A.

    I love Franklin Cafe. Every time I go, my meal is great. I am met with a smile and great drinks!

    (5)

  • Angel L.

    Our waitress had an attitude and ignored our table even though we were the only table she had. The tables were only for people who were eating. Not a good place to take a date.

    (2)

  • Jess M.

    This was my third time to Franklin but my first time dining, and I'm glad I gave it another chance! The "scene" isn't my favorite so I wasn't huge on it for drinks, but after having a meal there I am now, officially, a fan. We got there at 730ish on a Thursday and we were greeted by a laid back host who quoted us 30 minutes. After a couple rounds of a nice and big house cab we were given a booth. Right next to the door so it was a little bit chilly when people came in an out, but the wine helped with that... The bread that they dropped was okay, and I was really fond of the garlicky hummus. I wasn't super hungry so we didn't get any starters, and I was really torn with their menu for entrees so I asked the server what she liked. Right away she listed the Crispy Duck Leg, which I had been toying with anyway, so I immediately took her advice on that. And I was really glad that I did! A confit duck leg topped with crispy skin and served over a pomme puree with currants. It was awesomeee. Even my dining companion, who does not have very adventurous tastes, was picking at my plate all night. (He got the Steak Frites and he liked it. He said the steak wasn't the best, but the fries were pretty delicious - I tried some with the blue cheese buttery-ness melted over them and I was in heaven. Fries, with blue cheese, and butter? How delicious does that sound?!?) Our service was great and the vibe was really relaxed and nice on a Thursday. And the prices were super reasonable - around $10 a drink and $20 entrees. I'll definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Andrea S.

    The food here is really really good, period. Just ask the server what to order if it's your first time, they'll let you know honestly. I'm a little disappointed that the menu changes seasonally, because some of their menu items are hard to let go I.e; sweet potato gnocchi, steak hanger and frites. Try to sit by the window so you can people watch, shawmut street is always interesting.

    (5)

  • Doug W.

    Franklin Cafe lived up to every expectation that I had going in, which is saying a lot considering the heaps of praise that my friends have always lavished on it. Despite hearing rumors about the hour(s) long waits to secure a table here, I was pleasantly surprised when our booth was available after only a 15 minute wait during peak hours (Friday at 8/830ish). While much of the drink list looked appealing, I went with the Ginger Rodgers, essentially a gin and ginger-based take on the mojito, which was delicious enough that I had several. My gf opted for the shochu white cranberry and the sparkling peach, both of which she enjoyed. As part of my continuing quest to sample every plate of mac and cheese that Boston has to offer, I decided to start with the mac and cheese gnocci. While it offered a perfect balance of roasted tomato, sausage, gnocci and goat cheese, they are probably taking a bit of a liberty with the term 'mac and cheese'. No matter, it was excellent just the same. For our main course, I went for the classic steak frites. The meat was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and having the roquefort butter as a complement only made it better. Similarly, the frites alone would have been fantastic, but when paired with the port demi glace, they became even more flavorful. My gf also really enjoyed her miso grilled salmon with orange glaze and bok choy. Considering the VERY reasonable prices (all entrees under $20), cozy atmosphere, and fun speak-easy nature of the place, I don't think it's a stretch to say that this may already be one of my favorite spots in Boston, even after only one visit. Can't wait to come back soon to try the meatloaf that everyone keeps raving about.

    (5)

  • Wayne C.

    I went to the Franklin Cafe for the first time the other night after hearing so many positive things about it. Sad to say it did not live up to the hype. The ambiance was great -- classic neighborhood spot, intimate, warm. Had a drink at the bar before sitting at a booth with a couple of friends. I ordered the frisee salad with bacon and the duck confit. The salad was very small for the price and the bacon on top was so thin as to be nearly translucent. I would have expected applewood smoked bacon or something similar, not something you'd find on a fastfood breakfast sandwich. The dressing was very good, however. The real problem with the meal was the duck confit. My leg was so overcooked that it was charred black. The meat was was dry as Jack Link's beef jerky! This is the place where chefs go after work for a late-night bite? Seriously? I will mention that the waitress took the duck off our bill, thus a two-star rating instead of one. Damn, I really wanted to like this place.

    (2)

  • Nina O.

    I love going to Franklin Cafe when I am out with friends. AMAZING amazing food. They have a seasonal menu, but my favorites are usually still on there. Great place to go to late at night and for drinks. Bartenders and hosts have been friendly every time I have gone. It is a small place but worth the wait if you're eating.

    (5)

  • Leighann F.

    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.

    (5)

  • Gary J.

    Normally I like this place but really disappointed this visit. Poor service, food was slow and quality not where is should be. Hope this isn't a sign that they're going down hill.

    (2)

  • Douglas D.

    I've been to the Franklin Cafe a bunch of times, and had great experiences every time. Though it's tucked away down a small side street in the South End, this place is always hoppin'. If you're heading in for dinner, be forewarned there is usually a wait, as there aren't a lot of tables. But servers move quickly to turn over tables without making you feel like you're being rushed out. The drinks are great, too. For such a great hotspot, there's no attitude and the servers, bartenders and customers are all friendly. It's also a great place to bring a friend from out of town.

    (4)

  • Kate E.

    Romantic, great food / drinks and decent service. Very intimate, warm with good musica.

    (5)

  • ToniAnn G.

    Excellent food and service and wine! Tuna steak special and the bowl of clams was amazing!

    (5)

  • Andi P.

    As of, like, two hours after my original visit, Franklin Cafe has a gluten-free menu, go figure. It looks pretty much like the regular menu with its many variations on the theme of "comfort food"--but it's minus the sweetcorn ravioli, cappelini, cornmeal-crusted catfish, Creole shrimp and corn soup.... Moving on to some of the many many things that those of us who are gluten-challenged can actually eat: --The pan-roasted organic chicken with chive mashed potatoes and peas and carrots ($18) is seriously good. It turned out perfectly crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside. (This is the first time in years that I've ordered chicken, in part because our adorable waiter insisted I'd like it--I may even have to order chicken again sometime. It should also be mentioned that every single waiter/waitress here is so damn adorable--may I take them all home with me please?) --For a gluten-free appetizer, check out the Arugula and Mint salad with chevre and walnut vinaigrette ($7)--the mint is a seriously nice addition. --If you have something against vegetables, try the grilled (not fried!) calamari appetizer ($8), topped with pesto-y blissfulness. If, on the other hand, you have something against foods that are NOT fried, look no further than the.... fries. The fries are gluten-free as well as done up in truffle oil, and our waiter appropriately described them as "crack fries" they're so addictive. (It's worth it to ask your waiter or waitress about the preparation processes for the foods here; even if you don't ask, you still might be regaled with enthusiastic stories on the topic.) Although the fries aren't listed as a side, if you'd like them but aren't ordering the steak frites, you can definitely get them as a side (or all by themselves at the bar for that matter), or you can just command the person you're with to order the steak frites so that you can engage in some pilferage. This way, you'll be able to take advantage of the port wine demi-glace accompanying the steak (which you should get medium rare), and that's definitely something you should want to take advantage of. Truffle oil + blood + demi-glace = Will you marry me? (The steak is also gluten-free, and comes with a large slab of Roquefort butter atop it.) You can even order all of the above until 1:30 AM, as the full menu is served right up to that point. (It also tends to be easier to get a table if you show up for a midnight dinner as opposed to at 7 PM, although I've never had a problem grabbing a seat or two at the bar even when it's been a little bit of a mob-scene. If you'd like to do dinner right at 7 on a Saturday with no wait, however, the ideal scenario would be to go Fourth of July weekend, when apparently every single South End resident has conveniently fled to the Cape, thereby leaving open many booths as well as the nice tables by the windows. As the host told us last night, my date and I could sit at separate tables if we so desired.) Although I'm all about the cocktails here, the wine selection is also worth mentioning, especially the Robert Foley Charbono (and the Syrah he made especially for the Franklin, but they're currently all out of that). Furthermore, all the wines-by-the-bottle are priced incredibly reasonably (as is the food, with entrees ranging from $15-$19); a bottle of the Charbono is $44. If they had desserts, I'm sure those would be priced reasonably too, but they don't do desserts (or reservations), so after dinner I'd advise meandering to one of the nearby restaurants to get your chocolate on. (For a gluten-free chocolate torte topped with almonds and accompanied by gelato that's made in-house, check out Via Matta.) Or just order some more "crack fries" along with another bottle of wine. Yours truly = an enabler.

    (4)

  • Jordan M.

    Reasonable prices and exceptional food. The only downside is that everyone in the city knows what this place is offering.

    (5)

  • Jeni S.

    This is my favorite place in Boston. Great food and an ever changing menu. The chef's are AMAZING! It can get loud and crowded, but it's still the best food in Boston.

    (4)

  • Matthew A.

    I have dined here quite a few times w/ my SE friends and we have been very pleased with our experiences. This place can be busy so come early or later....that is another great thing is that the Franklin is OPEN LATE (1:00am!!!) as most other Boston restaurants close at say 10:00 or 11:00. The menu is diverse as the clientele. The martinis are FABULOUS! Hope to see you there!

    (4)

  • Morgan Y.

    As the cold weather encroaches, dining out calls to mind one place in particular. Just thinking about it sends me skipping down the sidewalk of Shawmut Ave. in the South End. I pause beneath the sign, a simple outline of a martini glass, and prepare. Entering is an experience in itself. I feel as though I am pushing through the garments in the Narnia wardrobe to discover a secret world on the other side. The garments in this case, however, are heavy, velvet curtains and the secret world is the dim, cozy, chattered-filled Franklin Café. The bar boasts an original, to-die-for cocktail menu. Bartenders are generous with their pours as they mix the tasty concoctions. My favorites are The Fresca and Tangerine Gimlet, while my usual partner in crime never leaves without sipping The Raspberry Ricky. The manageable wine list is seasonal and chosen to complement current dishes. New World and Old World varietals range in bottle prices from $25 to $90. All entrées are $20 or less. The menu frequently rotates to accommodate fresh, local ingredients. Two delicious mainstays, no matter the weather, are the Garlic Grilled Calamari and the Steak Frites. Unique seafood dishes provide options for non-meat eaters. Currently I am looking forward to indulging in the Olive Crusted Cod. Upon ordering, warm bread and fresh hummus arrive at each table. Helpful tips to remember: They don't take reservations and won't seat you until your full party has arrived. Most booths can accommodate parties of five by adding a chair to the end but there is really only one table that comfortably seats six. The space can get quite loud and congested with people waiting for tables. If there are only two or three in your party, consider snagging stools and eating at the bar. The servers tend to possess a laid-back attitude that sometimes can come across as a bit uncouth. As long as you are aware of the vibe ahead of time, it should not damper your experience. Frankly, I find it refreshing when I can dine out without the server hovering over my table or pushing items that don't interest me. Overall, Franklin Café's consistently mouthwatering menu and warm atmosphere have made it a hotspot for locals and a prize find. I trust you will leave smiling and vowing to return.

    (5)

  • R.A. C.

    Good NESS well, i will start with the bad, their sazerac was a bit off, pop open "the joy of mixology" reread the back story for the cocktail and remember that it is a cocktail that calls for simple syrup, or some equivilent sweetener. not to be picky but it is by and large a bartender's favorite cocktail in boston. other than that the atmosphere and cuisine were outstanding. We had scallops and meatloaf for the table and wine to go around. Our server was sweet as hell. it is one of my favorite things about industry tailored places when the staff looks uninviting but turns out to be so damned sweet, that is when you show yourself not to be another pretentious bostonian diner. simple rule about going out, dont be a douche to your servers. i loved it, get the meatloaf, get wine, and get served well, but make reservations for the weekends there are only 7 tables? in the place.

    (4)

  • Jess C.

    So glad I finally got to try this place! A friend and I stopped in here after the Daniel Tosh show, and had a great time reliving and sharing all the lines with the friendly bartender. It was VERY busy, but we snagged two seats the bar (woo!) and ordered some delicious food. Really cool that they have a completely separate Vegetarian menu, so my friend Shawna ordered the special off that. The night we went the theme was Southern, apparently the chef was taking a trip down memory lane from time spent in New Orleans. I wish I could remember what delicious dish I had that started with an M and is based around corn... Something from the south. I tried googling to no avail.. so you will have to just take my word on it and try this place out, and then let me know what it was if the chef is cookin it again! I mean, I obviously have to return anyway because it was so delish!!

    (4)

  • Wendy L.

    The wait is at least 30-40 minutes...but the bar is big enough to pass your time... The food is great, especially the steak frites - one of the most reasonably priced steak frites I've had! It's such a fun little restaurant with lots of other bars and watering holes in the area. Judging by the other reviews, apparently I'm not the only person who has been on a first date here...and there are probably many more. When I was at Franklin Cafe and my date was in the restroom, the waiter asked, is this your first or second date? I asked, how could you tell? He said, I can always tell. But I know why there are so many dates going on at Franklin Cafe - it's a great, reasonably-priced spot with consistently good food. How could you go wrong??

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    Great service in a relaxing environment. Get there before 6:00 to avoid waiting. Great liquor and wine list.

    (4)

  • Diana B.

    strong drinks n nice bartenders =) I have been here twice. The first time i came after my hostess shift and shared an order of scallops and had a long island ice tea- left there almost drunk!! haha The second time I went was for drinks with a friend. Again good drinks and nice service =)

    (4)

  • Susan D.

    I honestly adore this place. It is an amazing first date place. Unpretenious, cool vibe, cozy comfortable private booth seating. I must have eaten here in its early years because I have never had an issue getting a seat. I suppose the news spread quickly! I love the complimentary garlic hummus and toasties they start you with. You won't find fresher, un-pureed-similar-to-babyfood hummus here. I've had the pork chop (fabulous) and filet mignon. Gorgeous food for under $20 an entree. I have eaten at restaurants at this caliber in NYC, Chicago, and downtown Boston and it doesn't come cheaper than this. Great atmosphere, food, reasonably priced, attentive service. This is one of my most favorite places to dine. (Get there early 5-6pm)

    (5)

  • Karen M.

    As a member of an average nuclear family, I was afraid I was not going to be cool enough for this south end "cafe" but in fact, the vibe felt incredibly friendly, we were greeted from the back of the room when we came in, and the host came to the front to say goodbye to us when we left. I was in pretty unremarkable clothes, I didn't feel out of place, and I don't think there was anything pretentious there. It was a lively scene. The service was very good, not rushed, but attentive. (Know that I am not a person who cares about super-snappy service anyway, I am fine with lingering over a meal.) I was driving or I would have loved a cocktail, this looks like a place that takes cocktails seriously. The food is where I was a bit disappointed. It has aspirations, yes it does, it is more than just a burger and pasta place. What I liked: lime pickle, could not stop eating it mashed potatoes, likewise the by-the-glass wines are quite good. the grilled calimari and the beans on the side of it Some of my concerns: Steak was not cooked to order, a little too rare Fries were in a gravy that was almost sugary it was so sweet we couldn't eat them. Also a bit soggy/greasy Tuna was meant to be rare, which is I love, and I think it was a good fresh piece of fish, but it was charred black on the outside, so I had to scrape that off, even so , the burned flavor had permeated the whole thing and it wasn't delicious. Much too heavy a hand with the salt on everything. This is forgivable with potatoes, but when you have beautiful vegetables, it's not. I was unable to eat the gorgeous salad greens, they were so salty. Also the pea soup tasted like salt and pepper with pea flavor instead of the other way around. crawfish etouffee was unremarkable, even though you could taste there was some yummy fish hiding in there trying to get its flavor out. Something was missing, maybe some bay leaf or Worcestershire or something? I don't know. Overall: a great concept, a great location, friendly, attentive staff and host fresh ingredients and good recipe ideas, some easily fixable errors in the cooking I would probably watch the reviews and see if things seem to be improving before going back myself, because for me the food is the most important thing. But if you want friendly ambiance and bar, and you're easygoing about food, I would definitely recommend it.

    (3)

  • John M.

    I've been going to the Franklin Cafe for the better part of about 5 years now and my most recent trip is likely going to be my last. It isn't the food, since that has been consistently good (especially considering that the prices are low compared to other area restaurants). No, the reason I won't go anymore is the service. For starters, after being seated the waitress comes to the table and says, "Do you want something to drink?" No greeting, nothing. When we tell her that we'll need a second to look at the drink menu and wine list she says... nothing. She just walks away. When she comes back she asks, "Ready?". We give our drink order and she just stands there looking at us. After realizing that she's waiting for us to give our dinner order I tell her that we're going to need some time to think about what we want and ask if there are any specials. Her answer? A single, "No". And again, she departs without another word. The rest of the evening was much of the same. Non-attentive service with a pouty expression and a piss-poor attitude. If I leave a restaurant with the distinct feeling that I have somehow inconvenienced the server (my dinner companion felt the same way), then something is clearly wrong. Judging by the amount of empty tables on a Saturday night I'd say that I'm not the only person to notice.

    (2)

  • Chucky Y.

    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.

    (5)

  • Patty M.

    Had dinner here around 6pm after a play at the Calderwood and we got the last table by the window on a brisk winter evening. From that time on people came pouring in for warmth and good food. This place has a sexy/romantic vibe that would be great for a date or dinner and drinks with your best girlfriends.The bar was full of low-key and stylish people. I enjoyed the chill music and the fab lighting. Oh yeah, we ate here too. The Tuscan tomato, bean and bread soup, was great for dipping with their toasty bread and creamy hummus spread. I also had the steak frites, which were as good as they get with butter melting over the top.

    (4)

  • Arestia R.

    Tucked into quiet Shawmut Avenue in the South End is one of Boston's gems - Franklin Cafe. Their food is just decadent and special. It's comfort with a flare and delightful flavor. It's a little dark, but that helps when you're trying to unwind. The staff is really nice and helpful. My friend's cocktail just didn't taste right and they were happy to bring her a new one. It can get a little crowded and there's no reservations, but it's worth taking the risk.

    (5)

  • Scott M.

    One of the best places to eat in Boston, especially late night. Good menu and prices. Music is too loud for me so I won't give it 5 stars.

    (4)

  • Jeffrey H.

    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!

    (4)

  • Marilyn T.

    If you can get in on a weeknight, it's the ultimate comfort food. I have to admit, the potential wait is a bit of a deterrent, but just time it right, and you won't be standing outside for that long. Plus, I think service is a little less rushed and hectic on weekdays. It's a very small and cozy place in a random stretch on Shawmut, dark and intimate. The menu is small but has a good variety of offerings, including options for vegetarians. I had a really good grilled cheese there once, and side dishes are also nice to share. My favorite is definitely the turkey meatloaf because of the sweet and tangy fig sauce that highlights it so well. I really like the warm, neighborhood feel of the place.. just don't try to go on a Friday or Saturday night.

    (4)

  • Mike M.

    I'm in the mood to review my favorite restaurant in Boston so here is comes. Go there. Be patient, you are not the most important person there. I see some people have a problem waiting in a restaurant that serves the tastiest food in the South End and houses only 8 tables. Can you understand why a wait staff that deals with angry customers all night would be less than forthcoming and open? World, be thankful for places like this. I don't mind waiting when every drink is creative and flavorful, and since dining here is more experiential than anywhere else in the city just work with it. Like many have said, the Steak Frites are spectacular. This is the type of place where you try new things because everything is done with care, awareness and a high-level of focus. If you don't want to wait go late, they are open 'til 1:30. Have a few Margarita's while you wait, don't use the coat-rack, and patiently wait for a spectacular meal. You won't regret it.

    (5)

  • Jason C.

    One of the best dinners I've had in a really long time. We started off with the calamari, which was different than expected. It wasn't pre-cut or battered, but was rather a full in-tact piece of calamari accompanied with an amazing dipping sauce. Different but in a good way. For my entree I had their "pork two-ways" which was perfectly cooked; not too dry and nicely seasoned. The tangerine gimlet was really nice and refreshing. I believe their menu changes every season so it gives diners something new to try every once in a while. There seems to always be a decent wait but a good tip is to just try and get a seat at the bar. The place is small and can get a little too crowded, but it's well worth the wait.

    (4)

  • lance c.

    I have never had a bad meal here. Love the neighborhood atmosphere. Cocktails are amazing(too amazing). They need to turn the lights up a bit though.

    (4)

  • Arik C.

    The Franklin Cafe has a great following with my friends and I finally was able to sample the treats here. Was it epic? No. Was i disappointed? No. You get a very good meal for the money you pay. First, its tough to get in on a Saturday night. Probably about an hour wait if you are patient but the bar makes good drinks and its a very fun, hip crowd. The menu is small but had a wide array of diversity. A good amount of fish on the menu too which always gets me excited. We started off with the smokey mussels and spring rolls. Mussels were fantastic.One friend loved the steak frites and we also enjoyed the pork tornados. A little dry but still pretty good. Didn't make my hidden gem list but I would have no problem going back. Wine list could use a little more adventure. Not as boring as Sage's but in that direction.

    (3)

  • luke b.

    Good ol' reliable Franklin Cafe. MMMM. The food is consistently good. it's always fun and cozy and delicious and they make delicious drinks. And who doesn't like a good drink? Crazy people maybe. I think the person who wrote a review saying the the host was glued to the TV was somewhere else. Maybe it's just me but I don't think i've even seen a TV in there... maybe you THOUGHT you were at the franklin but were at some crappy bar?

    (5)

  • Isaiah B.

    A quintessential South End bar. I don't really know how else to describe it besides that it kicks ass. It's intimate but doesn't feel forced. It's cozy but doesn't feel cramped. The food is good, but I'll come back for the scene and the drinks all the time.

    (4)

  • Katie M.

    I love Franklin Cafe. Yeah, there is always a long wait and they don't take reservations, but that's the only downside - the food is delicious and the menu changes seasonally (get the seared ahi tuna with the black pepper crust and garlic mashed potatoes and you will be googling my phone number to thank me). They have a decent wine list, and some of my favorites, so I am always happy there. The parking can be tough, but I live in the neighborhood so it's only a hop, skip and a jump away. It's a spot on the small side and is usually jam-packed, but that speaks volumes about how much this place rocks.

    (4)

  • P L.

    I have been back to Franklin Cafe about a 1/2 dozen times. This is a cozy little place that is great for the casual date, a small group (4 people), and perfect for a late night meal. They don't take reservations, so be prepared for a 30min+ wait on weekend nights. Fortunately, they have a full bar, with a very creative cocktail list, so waiting isn't that bad. They always have a simple, straight forward menu. I guess you could call it comfort food. It's one of those menus where I'm always happy with multiple options, so hopefully you have friends willing to share a bite. Everything is always delicious and well proportioned, and incredibly well priced (entrees are always under $20!). I just hope they bring back the meatloaf! Other than the cocktails, they have a great wine list that suits all budgets and tastes, and they have a couple of decent beers on draft too, so whatever your mood, you're all set. The only downside is a couple of rude bar staff (not all of them, just a couple). I would like to think it's because they are really busy, but I think it is just one of those attitudes that creeps into some staff working at "cool" spots. I can manage it, however the fact that I even have to means they don't get 5 stars.

    (4)

  • Doug T.

    Yes, this place really is as good as people say. It's arguably my favorite restaurant in the city. Why? I'll tell you. Every time I leave there, I walk away thinking to myself "That was really good." The drink menu is filled with great choices. They spice up traditional drinks and even make bourbon taste like a summertime favorite. The food is never "good." It's always "very good" or "great." I'm a big fan of the mussels, followed by hanger steak w/ steak fries. But I always make sure I try everyone else's food so that I know what to order next time. The meatloaf is a knock-out, but not always on the menu (I think it changes seasonally?). The atmosphere is superb...dimly lit, rich colors without the distraction of a tv over the bar. Don't be put off by their lack of reservations or small size. We walked in with 8 people one time, and before we ordered our second round they had us seated. The drinks are so good that you'll want a second one anyways! Do yourself a favor and get your a$$ in there. On second thought, don't bother. I want it all to myself.

    (5)

  • Susan M.

    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.

    (4)

  • Paul D.

    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!

    (5)

  • Shani T.

    Really love this cute dinner spot in South End. The spread that they provide with their bread is to die for. Seriously, make sure to eat their bread and use the spread! I ordered the Pork Shoulder and man, the plate was huge. The pork was flavorful and tender for the most part; one piece was a bit more tough but the amount of food on my plate was overwhelming and I was one happy girl. Boyfriend's penne carbonara was delicious as well, and the brussel sprouts with bacon were on point! Dishes were fairly affordable and service was friendly.

    (4)

  • Raina B.

    Came here for dinner last night! Got there around 7 (on a weekday) and the tables / booths were all taken but there was plenty of bar space. We got drinks - a Moscow mule and an ideal Manhattan - that were pretty good. They also have a rotating selection of cocktails, which seemed fun. The food here was great! We got the goat cheese crostini to share - it came with candied walnuts and this fig purée which was delicious. I got the mushroom ravioli, which was pleasantly chewy and had a great balance between a cheese-based sauce and the mushrooms. Much different from the standard mushroom ravioli! My friend got the Thai wings, and she really enjoyed that as well. By 8pm, the tables were all full and the bar was pretty full - people were sitting on either side of us. Come early if you can! They do have a vegetarian and gluten free menu - it just highlights what's veg or gf on the normal menu (it's not that there are more options). For vegetarians there's a bunch of appetizers and 1-2 main dishes.

    (4)

  • Aj A.

    Amazing steak frites and bacon Brussels sprouts are amazing. Staff is wicked friendly! One of my fave places in the neighborhood!!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Jeremy K.

    Had the pleasure of going to Franklin Cafe after the Taste of the South End event taking place nearby. Still tipsy from the wonderful Maker's Mark and Eastern Standard cocktails, I was in the lovely company of both Erick H. and Jen H. We briskly walked over there, famished and were immediately seated; It was a good thing that their kitchen is open until 1:30AM, because it was already nearing 11PM by the time we ordered our dinners. After much debate I decided to go for a very simple, classic steak frites which come moments later, cooked medium and I dug right in. It hit the spot, it was affordable and I left Franklin Cafe happy. Convenient, no frills, decently priced food with pretty good service. Me likey!

    (4)

  • Sharra C.

    I came across the Franklin Cafe by sheer accident. My friends and I were in Boston for St. Patty's day, and after a LONG day of drinking (and napping), we woke up too late to eat elsewhere. After Yelping, we found out that the Cafe serves their full menu until 1:30am (awesomeness when you're just getting out of bed at 11:30pm!). I am not going to lie... when we arrived, we were a little skeptical. Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, the street seemed very quiet and deserted. Once inside, my opinion totally changed. The restaurant was charming, dimly lit, and quaint. The three of us were seated at a table by the window. This was awesome, considering that I LOVE to people-watch. The menu had something for everyone. When the fresh bread and homemade hummus came out, I was in heaven! The hummus was all creamy deliciousness. For starters, I went with the Calamari and black-eyed peas, and the arugula salad. The arugula had pears and a date-paste (I am Middle Eastern and it reminded me of Harosit). The flavors melded together very nicely for a light pre-dinner 'eat'. For my main dish, I ordered the turkey meatloaf with fig gravy. It was a MAN-sized portion and I ended up sharing. It was definitely comfort food! Both of my friends went with pasta dishes and both were hearty and tasty. I wish that I could recall our waitresses name because she was amazing (she was working Saturday night, March 16th - does that help anyone?!). When again in Boston, I will absolutely be returning to this lil' neighborhood gem!

    (5)

  • Tim Y.

    I live in the South End and always support the local businesses. I had always wanted to try Franklin Cafe and stopped in one evening after the gym. The atmosphere is dark and intimate and I found the staff to be friendly and knowledgable of the menu. We ordered the mussels, half chicken and steak frites. The food was good but swimming in butter so not so much to my liking. I probably won't go back because I tend to gravitate to healthier options. But for the butter lovers out there.....GO FOR IT! You will probably love it.

    (3)

  • Christy L.

    After hearing this craze about the corned beef, I tried it. It was OK. Kinda dry. The cabbage was pretty good. One of the appetizers... with the thinly sliced raw meat was really good. Noticed this place had an Asian chef, so there were many asian inspired dishes. Chicken was just ok. Strong drinks. Kinda expensive, but at least you walk away full.

    (3)

  • Angela L.

    The best bar I've been to in a long time! The atmosphere and vibe were exactly what I needed, even if the food was a little salty. Our bartender Nate is fantastic, not in your face but always attentive and ready to chat. Thanks for a great night, we'll be back.

    (5)

  • Vivian C.

    At 6pm on a Saturday (they opened for dinner at 5:30pm) we had our choice of four booths. It is a rather dark establishment, so we decided to sit near the front by the windows. Water was brought chilled in a bottle and freshly poured into glasses of ice at the table for us. Bread was perhaps a sour dough burnt a bit on the bottom, but tasty nontheless with the chickpea spread. I only have good things to say about the Garlic Grilled Calamari, Baby White Beans, Citron Blanc $8 appetizer. There were five pocket shaped bodies (one quite a bit smaller than the rest), tender and easy to cut. Even the beans, the sauce, and the lightly dressed greens were good! I would have appreciated more bread to use in sopping up the sauce. For the entrees we selected the two pasta dishes from the menu. The Sweet Corn Ravioli $17 handily beat the House-made Farfalle, Blistered Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Peas, Basil, Pecorino $18, despite being only 4 pieces to the order. The bowtie pasta dish was fine, just nothing special. The chicken accompanying the ravioli was a bit dry and the pancetta a bit hard in its diced form; it was mainly the sweet corn kernels hiding in the pasta that led the way. The side of chive mashed potato $4 was really rich and buttery and good. My DC left considering how to recreate it at home... The food was quite good, but not only was this place dark, but also rather noisy. The two unisex individual bathrooms are hiding in the back behind nondescript doors. Credit cards accepted, including American Express.

    (4)

  • Theodore Y.

    The mussels were smoked to perfection. Seriously. Hands down the best mussels I've ever had. Considering corn is in season right now, I expected the kernels on the cob to be larger than received. But still delicious none-the-less =) As a table my friends ordered Hake and the Steak Frites for entrees, where as I got the Duck. The Hake definitely took home the prize.

    (4)

  • Caro M.

    Still my favorite place in the 'hood! The last five times I've been here in the past three weeks, my boyfriend and I always opt for the Winter beets and the steak frites! Gah! Those steak frites are mindblowingly good. So good that every sliver ignites my palate and makes me want to shed tears... tears of ecstasy. Haha. Service is aces, drinks are balanced (the pear gimlet is the bomb!) and the wait is never ridiculous. Keep up the good work, Franklin! I love you.

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    hired new chef since my last gripe and meals again a treat. liking the spicy catfish dish, also turkey meat loaf. happy cuz i really couldn't keep away for long.

    (4)

  • Sam M.

    I went here at the suggestion of a colleague for a late dinner and have to say it was one of the best places and meals I've every had in Boston. The food quality, the prices, the drinks and overall atmosphere seemed to be beautifully synched together. It's a nice hidden gem that is a wonderful change from the over advertised eateries nearby promoting traditional pub grub that is neither unique or captivating as the Franklin Cafe is. I like how there is no real sign other than a martini glass over the door. I had a crisp Narragansett from the tap to accompany my hand cured corned beef brisket with sauteed onions and new potatoes. My meal was skillfully presented in cast iron skillet and was more than I expected. The beef was prefect and tender and paired well with the sauteed onions along with sea salt that I sprinkled over the dish. The beef carpaccio (which I've haven't seen very often on any menu) was expertly crafted and tasted fabulous. Both of my colleagues and I continued to rave like "foodboys" (my take on restaurant fanboy) over how impressive our meals were. The service was a tad slow at the start and overall was attentive and hospitable. It's a small place so I assume that it would be hard to get a table during peak dining hours. People seemed to have no problem getting a table after 9pm. If you want to go somewhere, chill, and have a solid quality dining experience, this is the place.

    (5)

  • Matthew F.

    STAY AWAY from this place if you want genuine customer service - live a block away and was told to come over in 15 min to be seated (did so) only to be shocked to hear we would have to wait another 30 or so minutes - even worse, guy couldnt be bothered and did not seem to care that we would venture elsewhere. So much for trying! Why put up with this when there are so many better options within 100 yards?! Disappointed to say the least....

    (1)

  • Ella F.

    Came here with a group of 5, and everything was delicious. The service was attentive, the drinks were great, and the food was awesome. I have no complaints other than I spent more than I would have liked - but I was out on a Saturday night in the South End, so that's to be expected.

    (5)

  • Matt I.

    The Franklin deserves all the praise it gets, and more. From the ambiance, to the friendly service, to the drinks, and to the great, reliable menu, this place is my JAM! Many meals, many stars, if I could add 'em all up in one rating, I would. But I can't. So I will summarize my latest dining experience. We started with the special appetizer, fried oysters. Eight for $9. Great value, considering that blue points will set you back $2-$4/each at some restaurants. Very tasty. Complimented my French Laundry drink quite nicely. My buddy had the short ribs and the plate was clean when he finished. I suspect it was delicious but I didn't have time to get a taste. My favorite is the steak frites, always great. Cooked nicely, with a huge helping of french fries. I *almost* didn't finish them all. But I did. Overall, great spot, hidden gem even though it's been around for longer than I've been in Boston. A must-visit.

    (5)

  • Qanelle J.

    This place is the bomb. Located on the South End of Boston, this place is considered a local's joint. Small and intimate, this place has fantastic food. I definitely loved the chicken I ordered and the grilled calamari. The calamari wasn't rubbery like you'd typically get from other places. When I go back to Boston, I'll be sure to schedule dinner here again.

    (5)

  • Anne W.

    I did not think I would dislike it this much... but I really did. This place looked so trendy and packed with people when we walked in for dinner. I was expecting more of a cafe or restaurant.. but it was like a bar with some booths for food. We waited about 40 minutes for a table after I did a wine tasting down the street in the lovely South End neighborhood. I didn't mind the wait... when we sat down we could barely read the menu because this place is soooo poorly lit. The bread and hummus were good. I will give it that. The real downfall of the place was the waiter... and the food was less than stellar esp for South End standards. The waiter finally came by and was flat out rude to my friend. She couldn't drink that night because she was on medication so she asked for something non-alcoholic. He asked her if she liked non-alcoholic beers... she said no... he came back with a ginger beer. When she sent it back he gave us complete attitude. She asked is there any guava juice or any special blends of juice... nope, all they had was ginger beer, cranberry juice, and soda... was she going to take the ginger beer? I think he was miffed she didn't drink the entire night as he didn't come back to check on her. The mussels were bigger than most places but problem with it was they put so much salt on the outside of the shells and there was no broth in the bowl. I did try the mushrooms appetizer dish as well which was good... the polenta was cooked well but only one type of mushroom appeared on the dish. My friend told me the salad with the figs was gross as they used blue cheese instead of goat cheese. My other friend's shrimp pasta was bad.. he could barely finish it and the hanger steak didn't seem too good placed on top of a pile of frites and in a bowl. Aren't steaks supposed to be served on a plate? The only thing that could have made it worse was the uni-sex bathroom closets they had. It was so gross since they are uni-sex. Oh and it was really loud in there.. which would be fine if we were standing at the bar but it was really more like yelling across the table all night. Yelp... you have definitely let us down.

    (2)

  • M. N.

    Came here on a Saturday night for dinner and drinks. Food was cold and tasteless; we ordered steak, grilled calamari and arugula salad. Given the quality, not worth the price at all. Our server was high, he could not even tell us what was in the special menu: "winter salad". He rushed us by coming over to ask if we were done with the plate over and over again. We ended up being there for only an hour. The restaurant is gloomy, not romantic, too dark. Very disappointed given the good ratings on yelp.

    (1)

  • Ross H.

    Food and drinks are awesome. Atmosphere is a little dark/dingy. 5 stars on the food, 3.5 on the ambiance. I got an Old Cuban (drink) and the Corn Agnolotti (ravioli with lobster meat on top, shiitake mushrooms and basil). Both were delicious and worth every penny. My friend got one of the drinks with Gin and Duck and loved both. Almost no wait on a Friday night too. +1 for South End dining.

    (4)

  • Amanda D.

    I'm between 3 1/2 and 4 stars on this one. It definitely has many redeeming qualities, but I'm not 100% sold yet. Went on a first date there on a gross rainy day, and when I walked in I could tell the guy had game because this is great date place. Small, intimate, dimmed lighting, candle light. You are looking to impress guys, this is a good spot to do it at. The drink menu is extensive and has tons of great options, but I unfotunately found my drinks to be too sweet. I started with the french laundry, which consists of gin, st. germain, lime juice, and grapefruit bitters. I enjoyed it, but definitely could only have one. I switched to the cucumber collins, had them omit the simple syrup (my waiters suggestion) and add a mint leaf. It was delicious. For an app we split the beef tartare with homemade potato chips. The beef was very tender and fresh, but I wasn't a huge fan of the marinade. The chips were a great touch though. For my main dish I got the baked stuffed hake, which was delicious. Good portion size, not too buttery, and the fish was very fresh. My date got the pork belly, which I tried and enjoyed quite a bit ( i preferred my dish though, so no order envy here). The food is definitely comfort food, well suited for the rainy gross day I was there, but I'm not sure it's great for the hot sunny weather we've been having as of late. I would definitely go back to try some other options, because I think the potential is definitely there with this one.

    (4)

  • Eric F.

    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.

    (4)

  • Abir H.

    I've been hearing about this place and been wanting to go for a while. Finally we decided to try it out last night. You can't make reservations so you may have to wait as it's small and very popular. The nice thing about it is that it serves food till 1:30 AM!!! We started with the arugula and the green salad (which is just another name for a Caesar salad). They were both good. I had to try the steak frites, I really enjoyed it. Also try their pasta, a mix of spicy and sweet made it unique. The chicken breast was very tender and the sauce was great as well, had kind of a Moroccan twist on it on it. Very well priced and a nice atmosphere.....most importantly for such a cold night they keep that place really nice and warm :)

    (4)

  • Phillip W.

    This smallish bar/restaurant is great for dinner with a few friends. For whatever reason (acoustics of the space?) it gets quite loud--so it has a nice and vibrant feel. Good for a date if you can both project your voice. Somewhat dark lighting but comfortable booths. Solid and reasonably well priced "new american cuisine" and drinks. The muscles were very solid. Our server seemed a bit off his game and was pretty snarky (dare I say, kind of mean), but he wasn't able to ruin the good food and the overall good vibe!

    (4)

  • Jackie L.

    Spending the weekend in Boston, picked this spot because of menu, location and good reviews. It definitely seems like a neighborhood favorite and rightly so. The food is outstanding, the steak frites with roquefort butter are not to be missed. My husband had the short ribs which he describes as "banging" and he practically licked his plate clean. It has a fun lively atmosphere, although it is a little dark, but its a bar after all.

    (4)

  • Laura A.

    We ate here on the recommendation of a waiter at a nearby bar/restaurant that we frequent. He said Franklin's was the industry favorite, perhaps because it serves decent food at a late hour. This is probably a great place to grab a drink, but not a dinner spot. It's not that our food wasn't good (it was fine, although nothing spectacular), but this is definitely a bar and it feels like you are eating in a bar. I much prefer The Gallows.

    (3)

  • Leah E.

    My wife and I often eat here (like one or twice a week). My favorite thing on the menu is the quinoa salad. Dead simple but still delicious and I always eat it thinking, I could make this but you know what? I'm too lazy and so I come here to have it and it's really good. The food is always solid and extremely reasonably priced. The vibe is low key and very hospitable. If you don't like something, you tell them and they will look to have it corrected right away. The bartenders are friendly as heck and if even you aren't a drinker (I'm not), they still take great care of ya! The crowd....well interesting. You kinda never know what you'll get and I guess that kinda goes along with the vibe in Southie and Dot these days.

    (5)

  • John H.

    Had the Mushroom ravioli and it was amazing. Also have Ommegang on tap which is amazing.

    (5)

  • Brian P.

    Came here for a low key dinner. A great find! Steak frites is the way to go. Everyone loves steak juice and fries. Finally a place that serves it together!! Server looks like jack black!

    (5)

  • Angela D.

    First stop on my Boston/Maine trip! Finally got into Logan @ 10pm so this was a great spot to hit up because it is a bar/restaurant! Serves food until 1:30am everyday! I got the Minted Pea Soup and Butter Leaf Salad, other members of my party got the Clams and Calamari. The bread and hummus they serve you is way delish. Dishes were fresh and tasty. Great ingredients. We also had a ScoutMob coupon so the meal was super tasty and affordable!! Check out ScoutMob here: scoutmob.com/revel/auzzi… :)

    (4)

  • Ted M.

    Had a great meal here, sitting at the bar on a somewhat early Tuesday night. The bartender was great, and had a mean pour. Definitely a plus in my book! Bibb salad was phenomenal, and the braised lamb was out of this world! Parking might be a headache (unless you're a South End resident), but it's well worth the walk from wherever you park. The next time I'm in Boston, I'm definitely coming back to see what's new on the menu.

    (5)

  • Beantown T.

    South end comfort food. I like this place most often in winter. Terrific and rich winter dishes. Their soups and bisque always warm the soul. It can be tough to get in the door because it's very popular and has been for a long long time. Same faces have been with Franklin for ever and it's always great to be in the bar area on a packed winter night.

    (4)

  • Natalie L.

    Great service, cozy atmosphere. Can get a bit cramped on weekends so might want to plan ahead but food is great, staff is very nice

    (5)

  • Susan R.

    awwwwww. something about this place just didn't sit well with me. I feel like a black sheep giving this place a 3 star rating because all of my friends like it so much (so sorry Mom, look away from this review, your baby is a weirdo). In all fairness, I would give it 3.5- but that's rounding up from from 3.45. Yelp says to write a review like I would talk to a good friend... so here goes: The place is really cool... like rrrrrreeeeeaaaaalllyyyyy coooooooooooolllll. and it seemed like you should be equally as cool to be there... or at least dripping with south end money. The place is amazingly dark and the servers are super duper hip and funny. I suppose these should be good things (and usually ARE for me) but there was a disconnect. The first time that i went, four of us sat for dinner. I ordered my steak Medium... it came absolutely rare... totally rare... grossly rare. I should have complained but i was starving and had eaten the outsides off before our server came back. I KNOW that he saw how undercooked it was when he threw 1/2 of it away- but nothing was said- so its my fault. and the kitchen's for sending it out so rare. The server was funny and friendly- maybe too friendly. We had the misfortune of sitting near the bread-cutting stand, and he would chat it up every time he was there. Meh. Just meh. Sorry dude, but four ladies can drum up our own line of conversation. The second visit, I went for a little cocktail outing. I felt WAY under-dressed and WAY not wealthy enough to be there. Couldn't find a seat at the bar at 6:30pm... booooooooo..... but again, no fault of the restaurant. All in all, I just wouldn't call this a must-see place with must-eat food or must-meet customers. a 3.45... and the .45 is solely due to their connection to LUPEC. Great cocktails if you know what to order... good food kitchen till 12. If you can find parking and don't mind a 30-90 min wait... why not.

    (3)

  • Christopher M.

    Franklin Café is a small, relatively quiet, slightly-off-the-beaten-path kinda place that's best frequented Sunday-Wednesday nights. It's a comfortable place, small, intimate, and dark. The menu is short, but everything is delicious. There are some gems on the wine list (look for the wines made exclusively for the Franklin). Staff is friendly, but not overbearing. It's the kind of place you go with a date when you actually want to hear what she has to say, and you talk for hours. It's the kind of place where you order a glass of wine and an appetizer and write for a little bit. It's the kind of place you love to people watch, and try to guess the situation between the couple across the bar (is it a first date? is it going well?) It's the kind of place I wish I frequented more often.

    (4)

  • Paloma M.

    I went there with a group of friends for drinks and appetizers, I had a grilled shrimp that was a little burned! too bad. My husband had the ribs and it was ok, my friend had the beef tartare and it was meh, not very good. Drinks were good and service was ok.

    (3)

  • Carl G.

    The atmosphere here was amazing, it was quiet, no TV's and nice and dark. The music selection was awesome, and I've heard that it only gets better on a weekend night as well! Of course it's tiny, and I can imagine that if it gets busy it can be quite crowded and uncomfortable, however the night we were there it was comfortable crowded. I loved the craft drink menu and the beer selection. The service was attentive without being annoying - they were a little slow on the beer refills, but overall it was a perfect amount of paying attention to us. The server also didn't flinch at the multiple credit cards we tossed in - which is always a great sign - and we really appreciate that. The food was quick, the orders were right, the timing of the meal was impeccable. The food itself was good, but not great. I had the steak, and we shared the mussels. My entree was just average - didn't really stand out in any way, so I'm not sure that I'd try it again. The rest of the entrees got better reviews than mine did, so if I were to go back, I'd definitely try something else. Overall pretty great atmosphere and service. I'd definitely go back to try another entree item to see if the food gets better, either way, I'd be back for a quiet drink and a chat with friends.

    (4)

  • Meizi H.

    botton mushroom salad yum!

    (3)

  • Emily G.

    Franklin Cafe delivered a fantastically delicious meal, which was unfortunately marred by some frustrating snafus that leave me wavering between two and three stars. Though we show up at prime dinner hour, we are prepared to wait while enjoying some well crafted cocktails at the bar. For a table of four, we are quoted a wait time of 35 minutes when we give our name. No problem, we say. We occupy ourselves with drinks and a perusal of the menu at the far end of the bar. 50 minutes later, we are puzzled as to why we haven't seen the host even make his way over, and flag him at the first opportunity. "Oh shit" is the look on his face. We have clearly been forgotten, others seated before us. He comes back 15 minutes later to tell us he has three tables leaving, and we will be seated in just a few moments. 25 minutes later and many repeated eye avoidances, we are told just one more minute and finally sit down, 90 minutes after arriving. Our entrees actually arrive with relative speed, and though we are starving and shoe leather would probably be delicious if covered with sauce at this point, Franklin did give us extraordinarily tasty food. Swedish Meatballs in a flavorful shitake mushroom gravy, classic rendition of Steak Frites. My tempura cod has a lovely crunch coating with a delicious unnamed hot sauce, but my Szechuan eggplant & pork under is lukewarm. It seems unworthy of mention to our server, who is difficult to find as she forgets to bring another drink to the table. I understand it can be difficult to manage table seating for a host especially in a tiny place like Franklin, but when there isn't so much of an apology for skipping over us on the list, and the repeated duckings when brought to his attention did not leave me with an exceptional sense of professionalism.

    (3)

  • D M.

    You know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you're falling in love? The skies part, birds chirp, violins play and you have a constant silly smile pasted on your face? Yeah, gross. I know. But that's exactly what happens to me when I'm at Franklin. There's a warm comfort in the familiar ritual of walking down Shawmut and looking for the always unlit martini glass sign that is the grand entrance to Franklin. And yet, the heavy curtains shielding it from Boston's cold winters, dark, moody lighting and wooden benches make it mysterious enough to be edgy. The bartenders are infamous for their generous pour and making unquestionably good drinks; favorites being the St. Germain cocktail with beautiful prosecco flavors, Lost Barrel with Jameson and Domaine de Canton and of course the Eastern Essence with spiced rum and ginger. Ask for their classic steak frites, oxtail risotto and smoky skillet roasted mussels - they are delicious. Other picks include the mushroom and potato stew, butter poached cod and winter beets which is in my opinion, how an ideal salad should be made. With a wait staff that will make an effort to remember you by name and an interesting mix of people who will always engage you in great conversation, Franklin has much more to offer than you would expect out of a local neighborhood bar. They play old classics, jazz & blues and make you forget how much time has passed, making you even more grateful for the kitchen that is open till 1:30. If you're in Boston, go to Franklin. I miss it sorely.

    (5)

  • Yalgin O.

    I order a French laundry every single time I come here. It's simply perfect cocktail for any occasion.

    (5)

  • Jessica C.

    Love the vibe here! Mellow and hip! Enjoyed the sweet pea ravioli, highly recommend it. I wish the menu was larger, but I have no complaints past that. Our waitress, Mandy, was attentive and friendly. Great little gem in the South End.

    (5)

  • Dorothy H.

    I was a little torn on how to rate this place - the grilled spicy bbq octupus was 4 stars - delicious!! The corned beef brisket was good, but not entirely... memorable? Fried chicken was ok, wouldn't qualify as good. The chicken was tender and juicy but isn't that a given? The crust was much too thick and doughy, and made the whole dish less than enjoyable. I would definitely go back for the octopus, and and if was specifically craving corned beef brisket, but otherwise.. sad.

    (3)

  • Stacy H.

    this place gets 3.5 stars out of 5, but they get 4 because the eastern essence drink hits the jackpot. their creole stuffed pepper was really just a single pepper with a few okra pieces here and there, but you couldn't really tell they were there. the sauce was really good. though. about that eastern essence: it's like a dark and stormy, but with twice as much ginger punch. amazing. i'm not sure if you can make reservations, but you should call and ask. it was definitely busy when my boyfriend and i came on saturday -- we waited a pretty solid half hour before getting a table.

    (4)

  • Debrin S.

    This gem was suggested by some guys outside of a spot we wanted to check out but the kitchen was closed bcz it was 11:00 pm. So, they graciously hailed us a cab & enthusiastically sent us here.What a cool surprise it was to end up here as we were only in for the weekend! Chill vibe is apparent upon entry. Low lighting- actually it was dark- the very best mix of loung tunes contributing to its uber hipness. Small bar, deep booths. Mixed crowd. So loved the white been dip w fresh cracked pepper & grassy olive oil. Fried green tomatoes were very good w solid tang & nice crunch, our party really didn't care for the chef's interpretation of carpaccio, spareribs- tender w good flavor, 2 orders- it was so good we ordered more- of the grilled spicy BBQ octopus which was oh so tender- just excellent. Cucumber salad w fresh dill fronds, shaved jalepeno & radish in a vinegerette. Solid service. Good cocktail options but really Limited wine list. Street parking. Local or just visiting & your looking for a hip joint w an eclectic menus serving tasty food- then check them out.

    (4)

  • Bridget L.

    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.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Why aren't there more places like Franklin Cafe in Boston? You can find tons of places with kitchens open late with a hip vibe in New York City. Franklin Cafe offers fun cocktails and a very reasonably priced wine menu. A starter of grilled calamari over a salad was excellent. The chicken was succulent and tender. All the flavors were there. Steak frites was cooked perfectly but the frites were way over seasoned. Side of fried pickles were very nice. If it weren't for the frites and if I accounted for the atmosphere this place would get 5/5.

    (4)

  • Lynn C.

    We went there on a Saturday night after midnight (came from the Beehive). The place was still busy but we managed to get a seat right away. The server was friendly and helpful and suggested very good stuff for us to eat when asked. The four of us shared three appetizers and one bottle of white wine. We got the Fried green tomatoes and shrimp, mussels, garlic grilled calamari, which were all very tasty. My favourite was definitely the Friend green tomatoes though. A little on the salty side but sooo good!! My only problem with the place is that it's so small and dingy!! We've been to the Franklin Cafe in the Southie and it was pretty good as well. I would say the ambiance in the Southie one is better because it's bigger and brighter. But the fried green tomatoes were so good I'm giving it a five start anyway!

    (5)

  • Dorise G.

    Had an overall very positive experience here. My dining companion and I headed here after hitting up the Museum of Science, and I'd never been to Franklin Cafe before. I was encouraged to try a cocktail, so I went with the Cucumber Collins. Though not the best cucumber drink I've ever downed (I like mine with more citrus), it tasted sort of like cucumber seltzer, and was still very refreshing. Our meals were outstanding. I got the olive-crusted cod and my friend got the steak. I'm not always big on fish but thought it sounded good, and Franklin Cafe delivered - the texture of the cod was spot-on, perfect amount of olives spread on top, and the portion was just right - any more and I would've made myself sick from eating too much! For the price, too, I think it's all quite reasonable. It's worth noting that it took us awhile for us to get our drinks, but our server was cute about it (joked that they needed to run to stop and shop to get the cukes), and then our meals came out at practically lightening speed, so all told the wait time wasn't too bad. I was told the slow service on the drinks is not standard. If you're in Southie, there are a handful of great places to check out, but if you make Franklin Cafe one of your stops, it's unlikely you'll be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Mallory C.

    Intimate and cozy are the best words to describe this place. This is my go-to spot on cold nights and always my top recommendation for those looking for a first date spot. Tucked on quiet Shawmut, the crowd is mostly local and the food is *always* wonderful. Drinks are strong, staff is nice and food is great - steak frites are super nommy. Even better - no entree is over $20. Also - the kitchen is open until 1:30am, which is always awesome.

    (4)

  • Wernher C.

    This place is THE PLACE. I went for a first date, and is perfect! Nice music, nice drinks, good food and cosy, low key. This is the place to go!

    (5)

  • Phoebe C.

    La Chouffe on tap? Yes, please. This is my favorite go-to place and I definitely don't get here quite as much as I'd like. Great place for date night or to bring the out of towners too. Walking through a picturesque neighborhood doesn't hurt either. Caution: they do not serve dessert but never fear, South End Buttery is a half a block away!

    (5)

  • Paul P.

    The Wait: We waited an hour and a half. This would not have been a problem. However, when we complained that they had given our table away, the man in charge of seating said, "They (the people who got our table) put their name on the list earlier this evening and came back in." Hmmm. Isn't that a reservation? This didn't bother me but clearly upset our hosts who had suggested this and appeared to be regulars. The Drink: Franklin Sidecar. Excellent. The Food: Excellent in all respects. We had: Mussels - perfectly prepared and seasoned. Liver - though I am not a fan, I had several bites and the liver was very good. But do not let it get cold. Seafood Chowder - as you would expect. Perfect. Duck Breast - perfectly cooked. Would have been Five Stars except for the distress they caused our hosts as set forth above.

    (4)

  • Min T.

    Liz L and I had been talking about where we were going to dinner for weeks and weeks. She decided on Franklin Cafe for the "yummy drinks and food." Depending on how you looked at it, this was either a tiny restaurant with a large attached bar or a big bar with an afterthought of a restaurant with 5 or 6 booths against one wall and one large booth by the kitchen. They don't take reservations so we waited over an hour for a table. We knocked back about three drinks a piece before sitting down for a meal. I tried: Franklin Sidecar- good, but left my hands super sticky Boston Bog- I took a sip of Liz's drink and thought it was light. It's very popular here and the overworked bartender was making them by the dozen. Black Current Old Fashioned- apparently not a popular drink as the bartender had to consult the menu for the ingredients. It was okay. Jack Rose- this was my favorite drink but unfortunately the first one I started out with. I kept trying new drinks hoping for the magic of this one. Simply, it was apple brandy, house-made grenadine and a little lime juice. It was similar to to my fave Ward 8 cocktail. All cocktails are $9. The gay boyfriend loved his Irish Stout. I was astonished to find all the draft beers to be between $3- $6 including Allagash White at $5. After consulting with the server, I went with the miso cod. I also got mussels as an appetizer and a side of brussel sprouts. I really enjoyed the grilled mussels. The smokiness was quite different and exciting. Plus at $8, I got what seemed like 2 dozen mussels. Great deal! The brussel sprouts ($5) were a great portion and quite likeable. All three of us ordered fish. The gay boyfriend had salmon ($18). Liz had the catfish with rice ($18) and I got the miso cod ($19) which came with pickled ginger and bok choy. All the fish dishes were served on the colder side leaving me to believe they had they sitting out for a while. I really wish the food was hotter. My miso cod was delicious but I probably shouldn't have ordered the mussels or just the mussels with a small salad because I became unbelievably full. The gay boyfriend had ordered the pear salad ($8) but it was really more of a cheese plate with this gorgeous pear. And Liz's grilled octopus ($8) was a strong contender for great grilled octopus (but I give Mare's an edge on that). Overall, we loved our drinks and apps but the mains could have been served more quickly.

    (4)

  • Cami F.

    This little hidden gem is just that. Great food, cozy ambiance, perfect for a date night, or a cold evening. Definitely gets a local crowd. They are tucked away in the south end not far from Tremont street, and almost hidden between brownstones. The inside is small, meaning you might have to wait a while for a table, but the bar is first come seating. My favorites are the beef carpaccio (they do a nice Asian spin on it), the spareribs and the beef brisket is amazing!

    (4)

  • Rita C.

    First time to visit - visited based on advice from yelp. Overall - hard to find restaurant that is poorly marked - you'll drive right by if you're not looking for it. Also hard to find parking at dinnertime - most of the street is either permit parking, or visitor parking only 'til 6 PM. Very cozy and intimate atmosphere. Friendly waitstaff. (Comparatively) reasonable prices. However food was only so-so. Got the steak frites medium rare - but it sure tasted pretty well done. Outside of it was intentionally blackened which kind of put me off. Overall, I'd go back for drinks but maybe not for the food.

    (3)

  • David C.

    Even though I was not impressed by the Franklin's famous corned beef brisket (too charred) or my dining companion's anemic plate of steak frites, I would consider coming back based on the strength of the braised lamb short rib we had to start. I can't remember the last time I had an appetizer that was so beautifully composed. The succulent meat fell off the bone at the slightest caress of a fork, and played well with a host of accoutrements including watermelon, figs, red onion, and some of the best feta I've ever had. Drinks are pretty affordable, not to mention potent. That being said, the Franklin may be best enjoyed at the bar, where you can order a few apps and sip on a host of fun cocktails. And last but never least...dessert. What do you mean there is none? Who are you people?!? At least Citizen has its signature sticky toffee pudding...

    (3)

  • Jim W.

    If the portion was just a little bigger it would have gotten 5 stars. Its small and you will probably have to wait but it was worth it. I had the steak frites and subbed the fries for mashed potatoes, those were just OK. Steak was delicious. I also had the smoked mussels app and that was different than used to having mussels but it was good. I like the atmosphere and the service was very good

    (4)

  • Alex H.

    Love this place. We frequent it often, and on every occasion it's been amazing. We had a drink mishap and our waiter handled the situation wonderfully. I for sure recommend to anyone who is in the South End.

    (5)

  • Jason L.

    Franklin cafe is supposedly where the industry likes to go (and with good reason). Located on the frequently passed Shawmut ave, in an unassuming row of brownstones, Franklin is a small, dark no-frills place that just serves great food and drinks at a sub-Tremont street price. Entrees seem to rotate, but certain delicious selections that I remember feature the oxtail risotto with smoked blue cheese, apple, red wine ($18). Other heavier entrees such as the steak frites and mushroom/potato stew are classically done and fall in line with most Boston restaurants. I'm a big seafood fan and both their catfish with black rice, mango, citrus aioli, and butter poached cod, eggplant, fried brussels sprouts, caramelized soy (a nice slight asian twist) are light and flavorful. Portions tend to run on the smaller side, and it certainly gets crowded on the weekends (stop by on the weekdays). Food (8/10) Service (4/5) Decor (2/5)

    (4)

  • James O.

    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.

    (4)

  • Travis A.

    Went to the Franklin Cafe for the first time last night with a friend. I've been to their location in Gloucester, so I was expecting an experience along the same lines. I'm not sure if it was my mood, but it just didn't live up to my expectations based on my previous visit. I was hoping they'd have more special martinis on their menu--yes, there's a full bar and you can just order whatever you want, but I guess I was hoping to find something new and interesting. For food, I had the Fried Green Tomatoes with crab, which was really tasty. All in all, I'd try this place again.

    (3)

  • Shaun U.

    No one can argue with the amount of quality restaurants in the South End. The only thing I dislike from time to time is how much of a scene it can be with parking and occasionally the over done experience. If you feel the same, check out Franklin Cafe. Food is delicious and seems to have decent variation for my periodic visits. The general feel of the place is that of a quiet and dark neighborhood place. You walk in and feel like you stumbled upon a secret. Doesnt hurt that its virtually impossible to arrive there in a car unless you really planned to take that exact route. Its always dark in there, but in a good way. You feel like you are only really interacting with the person/people you are there with. The staff is responsive but never seem too involved with your meal. Great date spot It would be a 5 if it was just a shade less expensive. Would clinch the real neighborhood diamond in the rough.

    (4)

  • Lisa I.

    The food here is AMAZING. The menu changes all the time, so everything is really fresh and homemade. Some of the best food I've had in Boston. Their pastas are amazing. Also really reasonably priced (almost all entrees under $20), which is great for the South End. Taking away 1 star because they don't take reservations and the restaurant is tiny, so I only go if I'm eating a really early dinner and can beat the crowd.

    (4)

  • Steve S.

    This is sort of an off the beaten track type of bar in the South End that was actually quite nice. Went in for some drinks with the gf and her parents. They had an interesting selection of drinks that you do not often see in Boston pubs. Some beers I saw were: la Chouffe, Rapscallion, Saison Dupont, Brooklyn Lager (I had this one, it was delcious. Somewhat Harpoon IPA like, but less hoppy). Gf has a Cucumber Collins. This was a great light, fresh, summer drink that I thought tasted great! It had organic cucumber lime vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda. They topped it off with a slice of cucumber. We did not eat here, but saw several other people get food. It looked good and we would go back to try it.

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    Rude host and servers, but good food and ambiance. I recommend the steak frites. The hummus they bring with bread is yumm-o. I don't know why the staff is always unpleasant. The asian waitress is very inattentive and downright rude sometimes. The male host is always impersonal and unfriendly, and was unapologetic when my "20 minute wait" turned out to be over 45. I have had good experience with the young white waitress, she was friendly, helpful, and didn't murmur under her breath when I asked for more bread..

    (3)

  • Wayne F.

    I like the Franklin Cafe, I really do, but last night was just awful.. I have been going there for years. It wasn't the food, although they do have menu additions for spring and are still working out the kinks. It was our waiter. We go in at 11 p.m. for a late night dinner after finishing our taxes. The music is blasting and the place was half empty.. We sit down and the waiter came over and I politely asked him if he could turn the music down.... He looked at me and said ..Well... a little... Clearly he did not like my request, but he did turn it down, so we stayed. Just before our food was severed a few of his friends came in and he turned it even louder then it was before! So now we are trapped with loud music (and I love loud music, but when I am trying to have dinner and converse with someone) and a waiter who is ignoring us.. He whole attitude was just beyond the pale..

    (1)

  • Talia R.

    I try to hang out here when I am in Boston because it helps meI forget I've had to come to Boston for the weekend and it kind of feels like I am still home in New York. Haters gonna hate! But, no, really, I like this place a lot. They make a nice, very well-priced drink and all of the food is hearty, tasty and keeps you warm on a fall evening. I have enjoyed some above average meatloaf, some average mussels, some stellar (double fried) fries. Service can be a little odd, but just go with the flow. And maybe they could turn down the music just a little bit. Cool when I'm standing by the bar, less so when I'm trying to have a dinner conversation in a booth.

    (4)

  • Jon H.

    This is one of the best restaurants in Boston. Shoot, this is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. We started off with a few drinks - I'd recommend the side car - sweet and savory, with a good kick. We started off with Brussel Sprouts and Calamari. The sprouts are caramelized in butter with a little bit of salt, perfect sprouts (second to Toro). This dish would make me eat it as a kid. The calamari is grilled to perfection, sweet and buttery, falling apart in your mouth, great spice, great taste. Btw, the buttery hummus that is paired with the bread is amazing. For main courses, we had the agnolotti, the chicken & dumplings, and the cod. The agnolotti is divine. At first taste the sauce seems heavy, but the pasta is so light (and hand made) that it just dissolves in your mouth. The flavor is intense and beautiful, with the perfect amount of salt. The cod is perfectly cooked, with an amazing sauce, not fishy at all, tender and divine. The chicken & dumplings is RIDICULOUS. The sauce and taste remind you of thanksgiving dinner. The maltzo is amazing with little roots of potato, daikon, and carrots. The chicken is PERFECT, with crispy skin, juicy as hell chicken, and perfect herbs and spices. I could eat this any day for any meal. Price? Plus drinks we ended up paying on $35 each amongst three people. For the food quality and drinks, this is the best quality deal in the entire city. SERIOUSLY. Yeah, the wait can be long, but get one of their speciality drinks and you won't mind the wait. SO GOOD. SO LEGIT.

    (5)

  • Cecilia V.

    I had been here before twice: once for drinks and another time for a pre-theater dinner. Last night I was heading out to a show and really wanted to have dinner out. Though it was early the place was crowded but I did manage to get a seat at the bar. Due to my wait, the bartender kindly comped my drink! There was a pork belly starter special that was excellent, crunchy fried meat but also a mix of spice and apple flavor. The pork chop entree was perfectly cooked and the balance of the broccoli rabe and maple sauce was a great mix. They do not have dessert but you could count the craft cocktails.

    (5)

  • Ting S.

    A Cozy Pub With the Opposite of Bar Food: The quality and execution of the food here definitely warrants the price, although the portions do not. At about 9pm on a Saturday night, this place was PACKED, with several tables of people who had been waiting for about an hour already. Having scored seats at the bar, I enjoyed eating under the wing of the expertly tended bar. The steak was a good cut, perfectly grilled and accompanied by tasty fries. The roasted chicken was the envy of our group, and I couldn't stop wiping the gravy off the plate with my fries! The well-seared tuna steak was also tasty, although the portion extremely modest. I loved the pea shoots side on the menu, but was a bit disappointed that the beautiful veggies were drowned in oil, and it was a tiny portion. All I all, I'd prefer to enjoy this type of chef'ed up food in a space that nurtures the plated food, or have larger portions of bar/comfort food in the this casual pub space.

    (3)

  • M B.

    Just landed after a 5 hour flight from SF. It was midnight and we were starving. Found Franklin Cafe on Yelp and trusted the good reviews. Food was outstanding: Shaved mushroom salad was refreshing. Shrimp beignets were amazing. Fried chicken - delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. Price was right. Without any alcohol, two of us ate well for under $40 (including gratuity). Awesome meal. Will happily return when back in Boston.

    (5)

  • Timothy R.

    Franklin Cafe is where the neighborhood locals eat. Whenever my boyfriend and I don't want to cook dinner we find ourselves down at the end of our street, in the Franklin, ordering their amazing steak-fritte and a bottle of good, inexpensive red wine. Seriously, their steak-fritte is the high-water mark by which all other hanger steaks with french fries are judged. No valet parking and no reservation list means that if you live in the city you can walk here and get a table on a Friday or Saturday night without too much of a wait. Use the time to have a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar and meet the coolest cross-section of your neighbors. Good mix of patrons: gay and straight; old and young. Can be a bit noisy when crowded, but that's the only complaint I could make. All-in-all, a fine night out. Tim

    (5)

  • Milee S.

    I guess I'm in the minority when I say I didn't love this place. We had no wait, which was nice, but were seated near the door which let in a ton of cold air (regardless of the curtain that was used to block such air being pulled back). We started with drinks; I had the Jack Rose and my friend originally ordered a cosmo with Belevedere. Somehow the bartender (who apparantly has a reputation for not making the best drinks) screwed it up twice. So she ended up with the wine special, a Cabernet Faust. The menu isn't too big and there are several options but nothing really was so appealing. We started with a sweet potato brulee which I thought would be sweeter; it was pretty much mashed sweet potatoes. For the meal, we got salmon and cod. Bread was given to start, and I wish there was a side of butter as I am sadly allergic to hummus. But it looked good. Presentation is nice; for sure. I thought my cod wasn't tasty enough; I couldn't taste the miso and the bok choy was rather bland. I needed to add salt and lots of lemon to make it edible. The tahini sauce wasn't refined enough; I could taste the sesame seeds in the sauce (and there wasn't much of it). There were large pieces of peppercorn in the miso crust as well. My friend liked her salmon but said the risotto was extremely cheesy. Service was great though. Our server checked on us regularly but not in an intrusive fashion. It was really dark inside which made it hard to read the menus(drink and meal). No dessert here which meant going to Picco. The prices were reasonable which is nice for the South End but I don't think I'll be revisiting.

    (3)

  • Kalun L.

    I got dinner here the other night. I ordered a side of the deep-fried lime pickles for chuckles. They were delicious. Slices of sweet/tart pickles in a delicious crisp batter, served with ketchup. They were wonderous. Fried pickles shouldn't taste this good. The turkey meatloaf was good. My bartender? Awesome! The "No Fur" shirt someone else was wearing? Annoying, because it was "No Fur" in a circle with a line through it, which means "no 'no fur'." Unless the wearer intended to communicate the double-negative. In which case, awesome. Also, the no-no-fur person was not vegetarian. Please, a little consistency, yes?

    (5)

  • Logan J.

    this place is pretty small and can get really loud/crowded on a busy night. off peak hours though, this place is a really nice place to get a drink and grab a bite to eat with a friend. if youre just stopping in for a drink though and youre comfortable standing, you can go at any time. they have a pretty good selection of drinks and a pretty short list of food choices...but what they do offer is pretty good. they offer grilled calamari that is particularly memorable. ive definitely had things here that i wouldnt recommend (e.g. watermelon gazpacho) but in general, im usually pretty happy with what ive ordered. ill definitely be back again, and i have to give a shout out to one of the servers there, who goes by squirrel, because she is so friendly and helps make the place as memorable as it is.

    (4)

  • Pam S.

    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!

    (4)

  • Matt G.

    I got a very nice Yelp message from the owner Dave offering to buy me dinner to prove that Franklin Cafe isn't what I have portrayed. He also informed me that he would be talking to all service people about how to treat guests. I replied to his message, thanking him for his interest in his restaurant's online presence, as well as his kind words. However, I did point out that my experience was over two years old and my opinion is rather mired at this point. No changing my mind now... but appreciated none the less.

    (2)

  • Sam J.

    Was denied service without good cause, and the restaurant did not follow up on my complaint. Thankfully, there are plenty of cozy places nearby, in the same price range, with better food and better service. I recommend, for example, Coppa, across the street; or Metropolis Cafe, just a few blocks away. Franklin Cafe is quite good, but I would advise against going somewhere that apparently holds their customers in such low regard. It's not worth it.

    (1)

  • Calli C.

    Wandering around the South End with friends one Friday night, we couldn't decide on a place for dinner when we walked by Franklin Café. Having heard good things about it (thanks Yelp!), we wandered in, found seats at the bar and put our names in for a table for dinner. The cocktails were tasty and well-mixed, and it was fun to drink and chat and people-watch while waiting. We didn't have to wait too long till we were seated, which was great as all the wafting dinner smells were making us ravenous. We dove into the warm bread and chickpea spread, which we demolished twice over - we asked them to bring us more. I ordered up the char siu ravioli, and my friends had the roasted chicken, the corned beef brisket, and the steak frites. Everything was substantial and flavorful, with the exception of my own ravioli, which were a little limp and sad and lonely, as there were only about six of them on my plate, all alone. It was made up for though with the bites I stole of the brisket, which was tender and juicy, and the frites which were warm and crispy. All in all, a great place for drinks and grub.

    (4)

  • Tony N.

    I would say this is one of my top 3 places to go in the South End. The service is a friendly edgy. The food is simple and tasty. The prices could not be more honest.

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    I must have tried to come here 100 times, but it's always packed. I have found the secret: Go on a Sunday night. The place was so empty that the waiter was dancing in the dining room. So empty that we were left, unbothered, at a table for hours...a table that would, just 24 hours prior, be considered precious real estate and money in the bank for the Saturday night waiter. I would say that our experience - quiet, intimate, cozy, dark, leisurely - is probably not the norm. However, that's what you get for dining in the off-hours, and I like it that way. To start, they serve a basket of fluffy bread with hummus. I am very much a bread person, and I certainly ate half the basket myself. We ordered the grilled calamari appetizer, on the waiter's recommendation. The issue I usually have with grilled calamari is that it's so tough and has entirely too much chew (and too little flavor) to really enjoy. This, however, was the only exception I have ever found. This grilled calamari was light, flavorful, and had only a bit of chew. It was very tender and didn't require jaw-relocation after consuming. Really, this dish was a beautiful start. As an entrée, the waiter recommended the shrimp pasta (after I protested that I could not order salmon because it's uniformly disappointing everywhere I go). He told me the shrimp pasta was very good, so I went for it. I should have known better. The pasta was gummy and chewy (boxed, dried), but the tomato sauce and shrimp were both great. The sauce did its best to save the chewy pasta, and was tangy and a bit spicy. Shrimp were cooked perfectly; not dry at all. Overall, it was a decent dish but I certainly wouldn't get it again. I almost think I should have taken my chances with the salmon. The menu options are a bit sparse and, in my opinion, a bit higher-priced than the value they bring to the table (if you know my at all by now, you'll know that was intentional. No, I will not stop). I think this food would be priced "correctly" for its quality and the restaurant's atmosphere if each entrée came down about $2-3. However, the service is fantastic and the space is cozy. I may not ever have another meal here (pretty sure that's going to end up being the case), but I could see myself at the bar having a few drinks with the "regulars" on an off-night, while nibbling on the delicious calamari.

    (3)

  • Debbie E.

    I'm not sure what else to say about the Franklin that has not already been yelped. I liked the ambiance. Smaller inside, a wait for tables in the evening, but a fun bar setting to sit and have a cocktail pre dinner. We started with a Bibb salad (nice, refreshing dressing), and split the pork chops (SO moist! And the sauce was delicious) and the ravioli (it has chicken with it). With a bottle of wine, it was a great dinner. No dessert is served at the restaurant. The only thing I did not like was how loud it was in there. Probably because there was loud dance/club music playing, which then made everyone have to shout at their companions. But not enough to deter me from going again.

    (4)

  • Dandan L.

    The ambiance was good, especially for a date, but the food was OK. I ordered the famous corned beef brisket. The flavor was good, but the beef itself was a bit dry. Not bad, but nothing special.

    (3)

  • Taylor V.

    Everytime my boyfriend and I are in Boston, Franklin Cafe is always on our list. We have been to some of the grandest restaurants but always fall in love with Franklin Cafe. From the food to the ambiance, this is a wonderful spot for a intimate conversation, dinner and drinks with your significant other or a group of friends. We've always been for a late night eat in between drinking and it has never failed us. It has become a tradition for us to visit Franklin Cafe every trip to Boston, no matter how full we are.

    (4)

  • Sally F.

    Went here with a friend after he did some research on gluten free menus and I was thrilled with it. I know, those of you who know me are sick of me writing about gluten-free items/restaurants/menus, etc., but it's not always all that obvious which places are safe for celiacs to eat, so these reviews will hopefully help spread the word...grassroots-style. My friend and I split the pan-roasted chicken and the steak frites and dove into the succulent dishes with abandon. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The fryer they used for the fries is dedicated for gluten-free items, so no cross-contamination issues (for me, anyway). An additional plus is the fact that it's very dark and sexy in Franklin Cafe, meaning if you aren't looking your best and/or you spill some food on your cute top, no one will notice. Until you walk outside. Shame-free dining garners bonus stars for my reviews. This place is also pretty affordable, especially for the area. The bartender made me a wicked margarita that was delicious and clearly made from scratch and not some gross, syrupy pre-made mixer. Delicious. Does a margarita go with steak and chicken? Um...just....don't judge me, okay?

    (5)

  • Preethi C.

    Reasonably priced, frequently rotating menu of absolutely delicious food. They also make some fun cocktails here that are delicious and strong. Service has always been really good - the servers are knowledgeable about the menu and the wine selection & they have always been really friendly. The bread/hummus that starts every meal is delicious - we always have to request more hummus. I've been here many, many times - it's my go-to spot in Boston. They don't take reservations, so it's not a good place to plan a party, but it's a great spot to go with a small group of friends or a date.

    (5)

  • Marisa M.

    Having lived in the South End and walked past the Franklin cafe countless times, I decided I should finally go in and see what all the fuss was about. The atmosphere is wonderful in this funky and urban chic restaurant. Although the atmosphere is vibrant and fun, the service I received was horrendous. The host was absolutely rude and unbecoming. There is always a wait at the Franklin cafe, but this does not warrant a rude host. We were finally seated after being snubbed by the host, ate (the food was good), only to be told about 2 seconds after we had paid that we needed to get up from our table! WOW...about describes my reaction. I understand the need to turn over tables in a quick manner, but two seconds after paying the bill, is not the way to do it. Although the food was good, and we had planned to stay for drinks after eating we quickly scrapped that plan to go elsewhere for drinks. A bit disappointed by this, but felt the need to post my review.

    (3)

  • Sarah C.

    I've had Franklin on my list for quite a while, and finally made it in last night. Got there around 10:30 for a late dinner, expecting it to be packed, but it wasn't! We walked in and they were clearing a booth, so we sat right down. As we stayed there longer it certainly got busier - my guess is that this place really picks up around 11:30 or 12 since they serve their whole menu until 1:30am. One thing to know is that though they serve food uber-late, there isn't "bar food" as one might expect. This is a good restaurant, with prices to reflect. Their apps are $7-9, and their entrees are $17-19. However, for the quality of food, it's spot on. The atmosphere is nice - traditional dimly lit bar, small, cozy, clean. They start you off with some bread + hummus, a nice touch especially when you've put dinner off til 10:30pm. I had a pretty hard time passing up the pulled pork slider and duck quesadilla apps, as well as the sweet pea ravioli, but that Lavender Honey Glazed Salmon was calling my name - and with sweet potatoes! Yum! It was seriously good. The salmon was perfectly cooked, and the sauce drizzled over the sweet potatoes was so delicious I almost licked my plate (key word being almost). My friend had the steak frites + fries, which I had heard about, and it was very very good. She ordered medium and it was more like medium-rare, but my opinion is better in that direction than the other. The fries look unassuming, but holy crap they're good. Especially when you let them sit and they soak in the steak juices...gaaaaah... Oh, also the steak came with a huge fuckin' SLAB of roquefort (cheese) butter on top. It was a bit much, but a nice touch nonetheless. I didn't do any drinking (saved that for Silvertone post-dinner), but my friend got an old fashioned and said it was decent. My only complaint would be that the service was a little too intense. It felt like our waiter wanted to get us out of there fast to clear up the table, and that's not really a pleasant experience. He basically dropped our food on the table and ran away, and came back to ask how things were before I had even taken a bite. Then, as soon as I was finished while my friend was still eating, he cleared my plates + silverware, and about 2 seconds after she was done with hers he was back to take her plate. Very quickly he asked if we needed anything else and brought the check. We were definitely being rushed. So sad - if it hadn't been for that I might have gone for 5 stars. The end!

    (4)

  • Meghan M.

    I used to love Franklin Cafe. The table service is attentive and the food is really quite good for the price. The no-reservation policy can be a pain on a busy night with waits over an hour at times. Here's my beef with Franklin, though... The bartenders. On several occasions, I went to Franklin for drinks and received crummy service. The last time I was there is was deplorable. I consider myself a very patient person but I waited 45 minutes to be served. No joke. The two others in my party had their drink orders taken and they never came back for mine. To make matters worse, the bartenders I have encountered there are unfriendly and seem perpetually irritated when you order a drink, any drink. There are many bars in the neighborhood that have drinks that compare, if not exceed, Franklin's so I won't ever go to the bar there again.

    (2)

  • Christina C.

    Though I'm saddened to see the Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade leave the menu, the Franklin Cafe's take on the recipe motivated me to grow my own this past summer. Always kind to cater to those of us that work in the service industry, this dark, cozy neighborhood spot keeps its kitchen open until 1:30am, which, I've gotta tell you, turned so many of my post-work frowns upside down. Try the ravioli, no matter what they are and no matter what the season and their muscles are always fresh and fantastic. Baskets of bread with delicious home-made hummus come out before your food and it might just be my favorite thing to sit there with a glass of wine and my mouth-watering crusty bread and drift off into a book until my food arrives. ...Or, until an interesting neighborhood character asks,"is this seat taken?" because I never turn down a good conversation. If wine isn't your thing, ask for a cucumber collins. You won't be disappointed. If ravioli isn't your thing, go for steak frites. My only gripe is that I live so far away now!

    (5)

  • Jolene S.

    At least the food was better this time around. I would recommend the grilled calamari ($8) and the complimentary bread with hummus (again one of the best features of this restaurant). While the people who patronize the restaurant were warm and friendly, the bartender was rude to our group of five and we were not allowed to secure a booth until all members of our party were there (even though many booths were open at 6:30pm). (See what Marisa S. wrote--totally agree with her). The ravioli was too al dente for one of the members of our party. All of these things together make Toro a better place for a girls' night out than Franklin Cafe.

    (2)

  • Kara S.

    Went here with friends when I was in town. Arrived just before 7 on a Saturday night and the wait was about 30 minutes. It's a rather small place, but with a nice vibe and a good bar. Had a St Germain cocktail which was fantastic, although probably not very alcoholic. My friend had the French Laundry cocktail which was certainly stronger and really interesting and good. Food was great. Got the special steak tartare which came with frieds in the middle. Quite tasty. I got the butternut squash agnolotti with apples and browned butter sage sauce. It was fantastic! Friends got steak frites (pretty good), and the cod, I believe. Overall a nice meal. The server was fine, although a little aloof. Recommend a try!

    (4)

  • H. G.

    I'm bumping to five stars for two reasons: 1) I've begun to explore their cocktail menu. The gina's ginger beer ($9) is one of my favorite drinks in the city. It has PBR, Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, and Fresh Ginger. 2) Huge gluten free menu. Much appreciated. I'm just sad that the summer is almost over, which means the wait times are going to get long again soon.

    (5)

  • Meaghan M.

    Intimate and cozy, but not pretentious. The bartenders were extremely helpful and the drinks incredibly delicious and strong. I think I had the start of a good buzz going after two, which is a rarity. Great place for drinks or a date - I hear it gets crowded, but it had the perfect balance of enough people to create noise and people watching opportunities, but not so many that I had to strain to hear my date. I'll definitely be back for a few more of those drinks...

    (4)

  • Nick H.

    GLUTEN CONTAMINATION ISSUES. Yep..I went for the one star. I went to the South End location with my girlfriend just once and the experience was so rough that we can't bring ourselves to return. She and I went on a Monday night around 5:30 (not packed yet) and she got "glutenated". We did it right. They did it wrong. 1. Informed waiter. He then asked if everything needed to be GF, and we said 'yes'. 2. We ordered off the gluten free menu and asked about the Pea Tendrils side dish (Listed in the on-line Gluten-Free menu but not the paper menu, in front of us). We were told they were GF and we went with them. 3. When the food arrived, My girlfriend tried the Pea Tendrils and asked if I thought tasted like they had Soy Sauce on them. They did and I Let the waiter know that this made them glutenous. 4. He was obviously surprised and explained that the restaurant POS system did not have a 'Gluten-Free' Sub-menu; just menu items that happen to be GF. 5. The next day, my girlfriend was sick with all the glorious symptoms of gluten-poisoning. I immediately called the restaurant at (4:30 pm on a Tuesday). 6. I spoke with a woman who first told me "If the pea tendrils are not on the GF menu, then they are not GF." When I let her know that they ARE listed as being GF in their online menu, suggesting that this then needed to be updated, She checked with the chef and returned to tell me that Tamari is used for everything; that Soy Sauce isn't even stocked in the kitchen. She took my number and said that a Manager would call me back. It's been a month. I still haven't heard from anyone at the restaurant and only last week did my girlfriend fully bounce-back. At the heart of this is a communication issue. Waiters dealing with sensitivities/Allergies shouldn't guess, but they should be able to inform the Chef or Sous, whether via verbal, note, or Computer system. All three would be ideal. Restaurant Managers/Owners are busy folks who don't return all phone calls nor do they update the website daily, but if you declare your Gluten-Free menu as being...gluten free...You need to address an issue like this. Even if you call me to assert that the menu is accurate but that the restaurant will look for potential cross-contamination risks. They didn't get one star because the waiter didn't know that what is in Soy Sauce or what was in the food. They get one star because so many communications failures make this restaurant UNSAFE for people with Allergies or Sensitivities

    (1)

  • Anthony C.

    Potentially moving to the South End in the foreseeable future, Franklin could become one of my neighborhood ole-reliables in no time, especially given that their kitchen is open late. The space could be any trendy bar/restaurant in any major city in North America - from what I've seen in New York, Montreal, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc. etc. etc., these places are a dime a dozen. But that doesn't mean they aren't good! On the contrary, there are so many places like this scattered around the Western metropolis for good reason: we love them. And Franklin is one of the better ones. As I mentioned earlier today, my date and I ended up here after being denied alcohol service across the street at Coppa ( ow.ly/5v1Tb ). No problems here - I don't even think they carded us (we're both of age, and really don't look too young to drink...). Having not seen my dining companion in quite some time, we wanted to take the evening slow and allow plenty of time to catch up. Our server, a sexually ambiguous (though I think female), very cool, sort of a bit emo/hipster type (think Shane from the L-Word), understood right away and made for a no-pressure evening going forward. For example, when we asked for a couple of minutes to look at the menu, she simply said, "no worries, just put your menus on the end of the table when you're ready so I know to come back" - this is exactly what we wanted. Nice moves Franklin server! We had cocktails, then wine, then more cocktails, food with the wine. Cocktails were well mixed and reasonable, wine list had some decent options by the glass. Food was simple but tasty - we started with the mussels, which are cooked in a skillet, very good. I had the steak frites and she had the special, which was fish. The steak was done just how I asked (rare-medium-rare) and the truffle fries were an excellent accompaniment. I had a bite of her fish and it was quite good, too. As others have mentioned, Franklin Café is not going to blow your socks off, but doesn't seem like it disappoints often either. I'll surely return, probably time and again.

    (3)

  • Leslie P.

    THANK YOU Boston yelpers, for your recommendations! I will definitely be back, and I don't see how I could order anything else. I'm okay with that though. The place is quaint, so I don't see myself going on a popular night out, but a group of 5 of us went on a Monday night and were seated right away. It's a cute little pub atmosphere. Service was great and friendly. In terms of what to order, that's simple for me: steak frites and ginger beer. A couple of people ordered the turkey meatloaf and loved that as well. I just don't see how I could order anything else though. I love a good ginger beer, but it often tastes too sweet for me. I asked the waiter for his honest opinion, and he promised me I would like this one. He couldn't have been more right. Especially in the summer, I could drink those all day. Can't wait to go back...but not too often since steak frites isn't the healthiest option.

    (5)

  • Steph S.

    Had a dinner date, on a Monday night and loved every aspect of the restaurant. Parking in the S. End is always a trick- just giving ya a heads up! We ordered a dirty Goose martini to start- so yummy. For apps we had the fried green tomatoes and the grilled BBQ octopus, both were so incredible I can't imagine having missed out on them! For dinner we had the shrimp entree and the beef tenderloin (I think that's what he had, I was too involved in my shrimp with polenta!). Also- great choices! The wine felt like a steal- $30 for an AWESOME Malbec (Primus from Argentina). I know a lot of the restaurants in the area are not as decently priced for as beautiful of a dinner...not that this was "cheap" by any means, but I'm sure anywhere else the bill would have been double what ours was. I highly recommend this place!

    (5)

  • Bryan E.

    This is another one of those restaurants that you'll see Chefs make a b-line for after their own restaurants close. Something about the great vibe, dark cozy spot, and great late night menu and drinks. I've always found that if your friendly and relaxed with the staff, they will take good care of you and make sure you have a good time. I once got to relax here one evening while it was snowing and it to this day is one of the best dining-out experiences I've had in Boston. Super relaxing night with great drinks to warm me up and comfort food for my soul. Definitely a place to go when you are with friends or its later on.

    (5)

  • Cindy T.

    We were starving and ended up urbanspooning it and found The Franklin Cafe. I, personally would never go back there. It wasn't that the food wasn't good - it was okay but I didn't enjoy my service there. First, they moved us from a booth of 4 to a table of 4 because they wanted to reserve the booth for a bigger party. Fine. Then, when we were finished eating, they just slipped us the bill. It's a bar! One would think they would want us to stay for drinks, right? Clearly, not the case. THEN, the waiter messes up the bill and charged us for someone else's bill which was clearly wrong. Our bill was 66.88 and he charged 107 something onto the credit card. It's over 50% more than our original bill! He immediately rips the bill in front of us, which made me suspicious of his intentions. So I asked for a receipt of the refund. I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN!

    (2)

  • Acherona S.

    One of my neighborhood staples. I know I can count on Franklin Cafe for consistently good food, not overpriced given the quality like a lot of places in Boston. I've come here with out-of-towners, dates, and local friends and it's always a success. It's also one of the few places in boston that serves food past like 10pm. The ambiance is great, may be a little dark for some people. The only downsides are the lack of dessert, and the fact that they don't take reservations and so it can get really crowded with long waits. Also since there is booth-seating it's not the best place for a large crowd.

    (4)

  • Felecia C.

    I was recently informed by a celiac-aware friend that the Franklin restaurants/bars had gluten-free menus. So when I was asked to recommend a restaurant for a birthday gathering, I took the opportunity to suggest Franklin Cafe in the new-to-us South End. We arrived around 6:15 on a Wednesday night, and while parking was a pain, we were able to snag the last available booth for our party of 4. Decor was dark and minimal yet homey, and it definitely had the feel of a neighborhood bar. I asked for the gluten-free menu and was told that there were no tangible copies but the server could review options with me. We chose to start with the calamari and steak appetizers, which were both delicious. For drinks, I played it safe slash boring with a glass of shiraz, but my dining companions enjoyed a selection of cocktails made with ingredients like cucumbers and ginger beer. For my main course, I went the comfort-food route with the brisket, which was served over carrots and cabbage. I also got a side of chive mashed potatoes. Everything was cooked to perfection and totally hit the spot after a very long day. Others in our party ordered the steak frite and the salmon, and all plates were cleared by the end of the evening. A couple ending points: first, this place got CROWDED by the time we were eating our meals. People were hovering, albeit subtly, by our table by around 7:45-8, and this place does not take reservations, so we were glad we got there for the Early Bird Special. Second, we were there for a birthday celebration and were disappointed by the lack of dessert. No public embarrassment and tiny birthday cake? Wah Wah. Overall, I'd go back to try some of the other options on the menu and some of the house cocktails, but I'm curious to experience the South Boston location first.

    (4)

  • Ido W.

    The bottom line: Inspiring vegetarian dishes (really - two of the best I've had), but mediocre steak and soup and loud atmosphere. The pro's: The vegetarian dishes. I had the carrot. The wife had the English pea ravioli. REALLY good. My friend said the beef tartar was very good. The con's: The place was too cold. The noise level was too loud. The steak my friend had was mediocre (a bit burned on the outside). The soup was a bit sour.

    (3)

  • Tara H.

    Franklin Sidecar, Steak Frites and any of their tasty deserts makes me a happy, happy woman. If I had more money, I probably would eat here all the time. Go with a date, go with friends, go NOW.

    (5)

  • Karen M.

    We hadn't been here in a really long time, forgot how good the food is! We had a bunch of apps, this shrimp salad with shredded papaya, an eggplant parmesque type thing, steak tartare with homemade chips, smoked mussels and an heirloom tomato summer salad. The shrimp was the bf favorite, with scallion mixed into the papaya, I loved the smokey mussels and tomato summer salad with watermelon-so perfect and fresh for a hot summer night. We started with 2 specialty cocktails, I had a take on an aviation-a bit sweet for me, but made well, the bourbon drink with cinzano and Campari was really nice and smooth. It was kind of quiet, probably because it was Sunday and hot out, so we got a table right away, service was fast and efficient, over all the food was really delicious and the cocktails fun, we were really happy to have decided on Franklin spur of moment.

    (5)

  • Sarah T.

    My husband and I met our friends here for dinner one evening a couple of months ago. We have been to the Franklin Cape Ann numerous times but had heard about the homemade corned beef brisket here and wanted to try this location. This location is super popular and does not take reservations (people often come and drink for literally 2-3 hours waiting for a table!). Perhaps were are becoming too old, but our friends staked out the table by the window at opening (5 PM - eeesh). Once we found a parking spot, we joined them at the prime seating location. We started with drinks. My personal favorite is the Mo Cocktail (a stronger twist on the cosmo)! Love it and have enjoyed many, many of them in one sitting over the years on Cape Ann!! My husband is a fan of Jameson and was looking forward to trying The Lost Barrel, which was featured in an issue of Imbibe magazine. He said it was well-balanced and nicely done. He was pleasantly surprised as he was sure that the ginger liqueur would overpower the drink- thankfully not! The appetizers were well-received. The three of them RAVED over the Garlic Grilled Calamari...and were clamoring, ever so politely, over the white beans for the final taste at the end of the dish. As for the corned beef brisket, the flavor was excellent and a perfect "this side of salty" while packing plenty of flavor. The issue was that there was quite a lot of fat on ALL of our slices, which was somewhat of a turn-off. The caramelized cabbage was sweeter than I imagined and an interesting treat (especially once we realized that this location has no desserts). Our one friend had the Classic Steak Frites, which was a big hit! Our other friend had the Seasonal Fresh Fish, also enjoyable. Too bad that there is such a wait...I suppose the good thing is that we left at 8:30 PM and had the rest of the evening free to spend in search of drink and dessert at another bar until last call.

    (3)

  • Colleen H.

    The best thing the Franklin has going for it is it's scene. It definitely has that local hipster attraction. Most of my friends that work in the South End restaurants crash here after a shift and take over the bar. Which is really fun. The only problem I have is with the initial experience when you walk in the front door. You're "greeted" by this guy that practically wants to steam roll you. You get a short question in regards to whether your dining or drinking, and then practically shoved in the appropriate direction. I usually end up having a good time here once you get past the door keeper, or whatever he is.

    (3)

  • D H.

    Staff is friendly and helpful, atmosphere is cool. The pork belly is awesome and for drinks try the cucumber collins.

    (5)

  • Akash D.

    A hidden treasure in Boston's south end. Superb foodie spot- open late ~1am full kitchen service, some of my favs: Zucchini matchsticks steak frites chicken livers (i never knew how delicate these could be) i must return. Note- they do not do desserts...

    (4)

  • Julie N.

    I first came to the Franklin Cafe way back in 2002 by way of a chef I was dating. I was so young and new to the city that stepping into The Franklin made me feel so "underground Boston". It was as if my date was the only one who knew of this restaurant, even though every seat was taken. I remember bites of amazing food and thinking that The Franklin is where the best chefs in the city must go after work every night when they're too tired to create their own meal. This was a place that served real food. Chef's food. Nine years later... well, I'm embarrassed to say that I've only been to the Franklin a handful of times. With all of the great dining options in Boston, I'm not one to be a regular at any particular restaurant. I like trying new places and having new experiences and sometimes my favorite restaurants end up taking the back burner until I return to them a year or so later. That being said, if I were to be a regular at any restaurant, the Franklin Cafe would be my home. Stepping back in for dinner last weekend and belling up to the bar felt like going to an old friend's house that you haven't seen in awhile. The same familiar decor, the same amazing smells, the same feeling in your belly of excitement. There's just such an amazing energy in this place. Every single thing I have eaten here is absolutely divine. Every server I've ever had here has made me feel at home. Every experience at The Franklin Cafe has left me full, warm, and buzzing for days. If you haven't been to the Franklin Cafe, please, please go.

    (5)

  • Andrew L.

    Wow those drinks are strong. Came here about a year ago and the drinks stand out the most, in a good way. On the other hand, the corned beef was piss poor. Dry and pretty unpalatable; pretty much worse than what you could do on your own. The fried green tomatoes were excellent as was the beef carpaccio, but how can you go so wrong with corned beef...

    (3)

  • Hayley M.

    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.

    (3)

  • Steve S.

    This place was great! Great neighborhood right in the heart of the south end. Nice cozy feel in the restaurant and the bar. My date and I both had the House-Cured Corn Beef and Cabbage, as we had seen it on the Food Network's TV show "The best thing I ever ate." And yes - it was delicious. Every bite of it was savory. It was the best corned beef I've ever had. It was huge too. Neither of us could finish. We also had the chive mashed (mashed potatoes with chives) and it was pretty tasty. The prices weren't too bad. Our entrees were $18. In fact, all the entrees hovered around $16-19 which isn't bad at all. And you really get your money's worth. I'm definitely planning on coming back here again, as their Fried Chicken dish looks really good!

    (4)

  • Arthur V.

    I travel heavy, love good food, and honestly became spoiled with top notch restaurants around the country, but my experience here was so good I had to leave a note. Finding this high level in late dining is tough so just wanted to share. Great neighborhood bar with unbelievable service, food that could compair to top restaurants and great drinks. Must have Gaspacho soup and salmon entree.

    (5)

  • Liz D.

    After years, this place is still a delicious, friendly and reliable! I haven't been in years, but 7 friends and I went last Friday night as a plan B venue. We were seated in 15 minutes and enjoyed strong and creative cocktails as well as great entres. The steak frites is always deliciously marinated (three of us ordered and finished ours), two others ordered the salmon and loved it. The turkey meatloaf was also enjoyed. I like the bread and hummus before the meal as well. One downfall was no desserts... my friend suprised me with a round of "dessert" shots for us all.. mine with a candle in the lime wedge for my birthday! Great idea from our server :) One of the best spot to frequent for strong drinks, reliable food and reasonable prices. They also have a growing wine menu. If you want to miss the crowd, however, go very early, this place is small so it stays full all night.

    (4)

  • Jane D.

    We were seated right next to the expo window from the ktichen (after waiting like 45 minutes and being the first in "line" for a table). The food was really good. I got some pasta with mushrooms and sweet potato. The drinks were made really well -- French Laundry was just what I needed. Staff was honest and helpful; I felt overdressed in heels and a dress. I would go here again to hang out rather than for a date.

    (3)

  • Victoria B.

    Breaks my heart to post this rating but it has to be shared. Used to live a block from Franklin and have frequented it many times... my last visit though was such a disappointment. On a busy Sunday evening a distracted hostess left my date and I stranded watching seats at the bar open up and be taken. We finally sat and discovered a new, small menu. I ordered the steak frites which is usually epic. Our server greeted us and took our order, he repeated mine back with "Medium Well" and I had actually clearly ordered "Med Rare" so I made sure to say to him to him "No Med Rare, Rare, Rare." Well the steak came back med well to well done. I cut the steak every which way to make sure I wasn't being a pain and because I've racked up many years of serving/bartending to know/appreciate how annoying it is when steaks get sent back. I waited for the server to come check on me. In my experience as a server, you always do a 5-10 minute check on your table after foods arrive ESPECIALLY steak since so many people will try to eat half and then send it back either getting a comp'd meal or another full meal. He never came - my date finished his plate clean. I ate the french fries. He finally came and I APOLOGIZED "Sorry but the steak came out Medium Well." His response "What do you want me to do?" UM, what? How about "I'm sorry, I can have another made for you either for here or to go, or I can have the steak removed from your bill, or order you another meal that is quick to cook, or how about a complimentary dessert" .... That wasn't offered. I said he could charge me for the fries I ate, he took the plate without a word and dropped the bill off alerting us that "the steak was taken off." He did not once apologize on behalf of anyone, himself, the kitchen, an error or miscommunication...he did not say good bye etc. This is the first time in my life that I did not leave a 20% tip. Normally Franklin has fantastic food and atmosphere. If the server had been polite and done what a service is supposed to do in this scenario Franklin would be getting a 4 or 5 star rating. Go but be weary of steak.

    (2)

  • Stephanie S.

    I really wanted to love this place. Unfortunately, everything about Franklin Cafe was mediocre. My drinks were standard and the food was unmemorable, aside from the eggplant caviar which was Not. Good. At. All. In the South End, spectacular restaurants are found on every corner. Franklin Cafe just doesn't compete.

    (2)

  • Daina E.

    Something about Franklin Cafe has managed to bring out my inner colony of bats. It starts getting dark outside, and before I know it I am lured out of my cave to the south end, salivating at the thought of their assorted delights. The menu isn't extensive, but everything that Mr E and I have tried has been delightful. Don't miss the barbecued octopus; chili glazed spare ribs; mussels, classic steak frites with Roquefort butter; or pan roasted chicken with chive mashed potatoes, English peas, and carrots...okay, you're going to need to stop in a couple of times. They serve the full menu until 1am, and we have never waited too long for a table. The light level is pleasantly dim, you can easily hear a conversation across your table, and the wait staff is attentive without being terribly in your face, which I appreciate. No dessert, but why bother when you could have any of their perfectly balanced and playful cocktails instead? Modern tea? French laundry? Inversion? Yes, yes, and yes.

    (5)

  • Joy Y.

    A dark restaurant/bar lit only by candlelight, the Franklin Cafe is the perfect place for your next romantic date and/or illicit affair. You can slip in through the thick velvet curtains, and slip out just as covertly....perhaps just a little bit fuller and a little bit drunker than you entered. My drinking companion and I came in to catch up with one another the other night and as the wine and cocktails kept flowing (my vote is for the Mo Cockail- ketel one, chambord and lemon juice) it was necessary for the food to start coming too. So we started off with the garlic grilled calamari. Given the state my friend and I were in, it should come as no surprise that we were completely confused by our order of calamari, which as stated on the menu, were grilled, not fried. But what serendipity! They were delicious! And as I like to tell myself, healthier too (actually, I have no idea, but just humor me...) We then moved on to the mussels. Now I get the mussels every time I go to the Franklin, but for some reason, on this evening, they were extra tasty and huge. Sadly, I did not win the fight for the last mussel though and was forced to trade off for the last of Yukon Potato Gnocchi, (which was certainly not really a loss for either of us.) The gnocchi were perfectly pillowy puffs of potatoey goodness- with just a touch of sweet and spicy cheesiness from the prune and gorgonzola combo sprinkled on top. Yum. The Franklin Cafe has yet to disappoint, and this evening was no exception. So when it was time to head back to reality, we paid the very reasonable check, stumbled out the door and headed out into the cold, full and happy.

    (5)

  • Andrea M.

    I have mixed feelings here - since it's around the corner from my house, I usually just go here for convenience. The first few times, the service was horrible. Our bartender was smug, and made weird comments about our bill. Our waiter was completely absent, inaccurately described the dish I got (so I regretted getting it) and never asked us if we wanted drinks. Another time, a waitress rushed us on ordering, and made me feel like she had better things to do. The food and drinks have been hit or miss, too. I'm usually entranced by unique cocktails, but theirs always end up falling short, or not mentioning a huge ingredient - like anise on the menu. I like that they have vegetarian and gluten free menus, but often there aren't protein substitutions, just meatless options. Two weeks ago, however, we had a great experience. Our server was chatty and personable, and when he didn't know the answer to my question, he paused and asked the chef. He perfectly described my meal, and I got exactly what he said I would (and loved it - the veggie kabobs with jalepeno jus). This time, I got wine, and it was fine. My boyfriend got the pork ravioli which was rich and amazing, but his drink was (as I said) flat and uninteresting. The décor is dark and tavern-like, and can get really loud on the weekends. I'll keep coming back because it's a neighborhood joint with veggie options, but it's not my favorite place.

    (3)

  • Stu L.

    Drinks - prepared as ordered. Service - When the first thing your waitress says is "what do you want to drink?" you know you're in for an experience. Food - ill prepared, lukewarm, salty. Pork belly was a disgustingly large hunk floating in a briney stew. Voted "best of Boston for casual romantic." How is this possible. What a disappointment. We'll not be returning to any of their family of restaurants.

    (2)

  • Christine D.

    Stopped by here on our way to the Boston Arts (Publick Theater) and we were early enough to get a table on a Sat. night. The place filled up quickly. I loved the Cucumber Collins (very refreshing on a hot night) and also the Texas Mule (Ginger Beer, Ttio Tequila). Enjoyed the Fried Green Tomatoes and the very BEST fried Calamari I've ever had. Nothing like the stuff they serve at the tourist traps. For dinner we split the Steak Frittes which was a nice dish to split. The guys down the block at Formaggio said the place really gets busy late as it is a favorite of lots of Boston chefs just getting off work. Obviously a good sign! Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Katherine D.

    I've recently taken to putting all of the planning off onto whoever is going to accompany me for dinner. I'm always hoping that they'll pick some place I've never been, but always wanted to go. Luckily for me, my date chose Franklin Cafe. We sat at the bar and stuck with beers. An immediate accolade is that my PBR was served to me in an icy frosted glass. We decided to eat dinner at the bar. I got the turkey meatloaf and he got the chicken. We didn't try each other's food because we were so intent on our own. This was by far the best meatloaf I've ever had. The chive mashed potatoes were also superb. I cant wait to go back, trysome of the amazing sounding appetizers and some of their cocktails.

    (4)

  • Alaina H.

    Unless I happen to move down the street one day, I have no reason to come back here. The drinks and the steak frites are fantastic, but the carpaccio was nearly inedible. I may as well have eaten a bowl of vinegar. The waiter even expressed to us that it had been prepared incorrectly when we mentioned the overwhelming vinegar taste. As someone who has worked in the restaurant business for six years, I know a restaurant should not charge someone for a dish that has been prepared wrong. I get it if someone just doesn't like something - too bad. But if a restaurant owns up to its mistake, don't have me pay for it.

    (3)

  • Melody D.

    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.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    I almost burned down the Franklin Cafe last night. True story, sort of. Ask me about that sometime. I'll be the guy looking guilty and smelling like smoke. Picture if you will, 3 very average looking white males sitting at the bar at the Franklin Cafe. If you haven't been there, this would look like 3 very average looking white guys sitting at any really clean, neat, dimly lit and lively bar. Now picture these guys all sauced up, getting loud, swearing like truck drivers, getting stared at and getting hungry. SURPRISE I was the drunk loud guy at the Franklin Cafe! Sorry! But, Franklin Cafe, you got me drunk so it's your fault! It's also your fault that I ate that much food. Pretty decent food too. I ate the crap out of that steak tartar and I did damage to your mussels and then I laid waste to whatever my drunken cronies did not finish. Franklin Cafe, I thought you just a wee obnoxious, relatively well priced, very crowded with all make and model of bar-space vultures but I liked your bartender. She was very nice to us rummies. I'm really sorry about almost burning you down.

    (3)

  • Raoul C.

    Came here with the parentals for dinner in the summer. The place was packed, so we had a drink before eating - the bartender whipped up some capirinhas that were aight, they tasted like limeade which my dad liked, but my mother and i needed our fix, and we didn't get it. We had the steak frites, the salmon and the chicken. only the salmon is worth mentioning, the others were, as the "rating" so aptly puts it, "Meh. I've experienced better." cool atmosphere though, i liked the neighbourhood feel.

    (2)

  • Erick H.

    After Yelp's Taste of the South End kickoff event at Villa Victoria Center for The Arts, a few of us were still hungry and, after some wandering, ended up at Franklin Cafe. By the time we arrived, sometime after 10pm, the restaurant was fairly empty and we secured a secluded corner table instantly. As an aside, the overall decor is very dark, which reinforces the private nature of the dining room's layout, which comprised largely of banquette seating. Our waiter, doubling as host, immediately took our drink order before departing to give us some time to review the menu. He returned in short order, just as we made our respective decisions regarding entrees, which was greatly appreciated given how famished we all were. Likely because it was a slow evening, our food arrived quite quickly as well. I ordered the sweet corn ravioli with chicken and pancetta, which was simultaneously delicious and disappointing. The sweet corn ravioli were excellent and, with an appropriate sauce, would make a fine dish on their own. The chicken and pancetta, on the other hand, were both underwhelming; the former had both an odd texture and little flavor, while the latter was extremely overcooked. Recognizing this dichotomy early on, I simply ate the ravioli and ignored the dish's other components. Were it not for the superb flavor and preparation of the ravioli, I likely would have sent the dish back. Thanks to the prompt service and quality ravioli, I look forward to giving Franklin Cafe another chance. My hope is that my experience with the chicken and pancetta was nothing more than a fluke as I rather enjoyed my evening here and noticed a number of other menu items I'd like to try.

    (3)

  • Mitch D.

    Vegetarians: If you are OK with having four, exactly f-o-u-r, pieces of ravioli, while everyone else has generously portioned meat entrees -- that they can barely finish, long long after your skimpy serving of ravioli has disappeared -- then you may be delighted with this place. But I paid the same amount for my dinner as everyone else, and left hungry. Hey, it tasted good...perhaps if Franklin Cafe could bring themselves to serve up double the amount of ravioli, then I'd say I've actually had a whole meal there.

    (2)

  • Libby T.

    great place to grab a drink on the weekends - the tiny bar area gets packed. loved the ambiance of the curtained front entrance and the dark wood bar. we skipped waiting for a table and snacked in a corner nook at the bar. the bartender was funny and friendly with great recommendations - the food was delicious.

    (4)

  • stephanie c.

    Tiny Cozy little spot in the south end. Small so beware, big parties might wait for quite some time. They don't take reservations so it's first-come-first serve. Very dimly lit. Cozy spot for close friends or intimate date. Food was awesome. Fried green tomatoes were suggested for appetizer and they were by far our favorite-even for those of us not really a huge fan of tomatoes. They were delicious! Also tried the gumbo (yummy smoky flavor) and Gnocchi for apps. All yum. Most of the ladies had the salmon as an entree. Light crisp on the exterior and moist interior, tasty, delicate, and incredibly fresh. I tried the Corn Beef Brisket (i was hungrier :P). Yum...a solid hearty meal. One girl had the chicken-which I thought was just okay... All in all, great food, strong cocktails. Fun place and I'd def come again. Note: No desserts :( but oh well..we were stuffed enough!

    (4)

  • Sheila S.

    I've loved this place since almost three years ago when my cab driver said "Here, I'll take you guys to my favorite place in this neighborhood." That was for my 21st birthday, and the drinks were soooo good. Last night we sat at the bar again and shared a bottle of wine and the two daily specials. The wine, suggested by the bartender, was excellent - and I don't really like wine. The appetizer was a tuna tartar that was fairly disappointing. I was looking forward to large, fresh chunks of tuna, and I got a little mound of fishy-ness covered with a mayo sauce. Everything else on that plate though, was very good. When the bartender asked how it was, I told him it was a bit fishy and he IMMEDIATELY offered to switch it up. Plus 20 points for you! He was super cool about it, but the boy was chomping it down, so I told him a switch wouldn't be necessary. (EDIT: Apparently my understanding of tuna tartar is differently from reality. I guess chucks of tuna are appropriately called "sashimi" o.O) The entree - swordfish over a seafood stew - was INCREDIBLE. It made up for the appetizer and all those dark moments in my life. I have never, ever eaten a seafood dish so delectable (and I don't like seafood). For $19 we got a nice meaty piece of fish, four giant muscles, and two huge shrimp in a fragrant sweet corn and tomato sauce. Plus 50 points -- it really made the night. So, great food, good portions, reasonable prices, and one awesome bartender. He was so nice he even humored us as we tried to play "name-the-bottle" with the liquors on the wall. Plus 10!

    (5)

  • Christina G.

    The Franklin is great for after work drinks in the South End. I come here often just for that purpose. It's a nice place to sit back, relax with a drink, and pick on some tasty appetizers. It's got a nice vibe late in the evening, and the staff is always friendly and accommodating. The kitchen stays open late, which is a major plus and if you are from the area, you're bound to run into some of your friends.

    (4)

  • Ronie B.

    This place is off the beaten path, and a quite a surprise. I went here with 6 other guys one rainy night last week, and we were desperate to find any place to eat. This place is more of a couples place, with dim light and candles and romantic stuff. But they were able to accommodate 7 guys at one table very nicely. It wasnt the typical place were 7 dudes should go to dine, but we did and it was good. They serve nice bread and hummus, and i got some carpacio and mushroom salad that were both real good. They bar is also really nice, and got a good selection of drinks, and draft brews. The entrees ranged from 15-20, with smaller aptz 5-9, but the food was really good.

    (5)

  • Frank W.

    Bottom line: Nothing terribly special, but none-the-less delicious. When I visit my friends in the South End (I live in North Cambridge) I make them take me places i've never gone. That's half the fun of living in Boston, right? So today we went to Franklin Cafe Walked in around 6:30p on a Tuesday. It wasn't busy, easily got a table towards the front (so I could actully see stuff, it's a bit dark in there) and was immediately helped by a waiter. He was friendly enough, brought us some fresh baked bread (yesssss) and got us some drinks. He helped but didn't hover. Always a good thing. I got the Modern Tea, pretty strong, just the right about of stuff that made it not "on the rocks". A well done cocktail. We ordered the Biib salad which, when it arrived, was peculiarly spicy. Not that I minded (I'm all for a kick) but iti wasn't advertised as such, so I would be wary if it's not your thing. My friend got the corn ravioli which he enjoyed a bit too loudly (haha!) but I didn't think it was that delicious. My sesame steak tips were a little undercooked (as in.. the middle hadn't felt any heat) but they were good. Served with an interesting sauce and some sesame oil, which added a delightful taste to the meat. Overall the Service was great, the Drinks were good, and the Food was Ok. I won't fight coming here, but I also won't be its advocate.

    (3)

  • Winnie T.

    I stumbled upon this place after Yelping new places to check out in Boston. Sorry to say, but I don't think that I'll be coming back. The food was decent, but I do think it's pretty overpriced. I had the Fried Green Tomatoes with shrimp as an appetizer, and that was pretty good, but my entree (herb crusted mahi mahi) was kind of bland. The sauce that came in partner with the mahi mahi was also kind of weird. It tasted kind of minty/basily/confused. It just didn't pair well with the mahi mahi in my opinion. My friend had the seared tuna, which was also okay, but nothing that blew my mind and made me want to jump for joy. The ambiance is pretty cozy, which I liked, and our server was really conscious in always checking up on us. Overall though, nothing to rave about... it was okay. I think I could have gotten a better meal for the money.

    (2)

  • Dave D.

    Okay, long-awaited update to the update. ... The owners were gracious enough to extend an invite to me after my review, and they treated my wife and I like real VIPs, saving a seat, offering up a great mushroom appetizer that's not on the menu, and vegan-izing a regular dish for her as well. I had the sole. It was good--not great, good. The whole experience was good overall, and I am impressed that they took the time to contact me and attempt to patch up a bad review. I have yet to go in since, however ... mostly because I felt bad going in without updating my review, but also because again, it was just good. I would like to give it another shot without the red carpet and see if I really did end up there on a bad night oh so long ago, and that, as I surmised on the VIP night, sole just isn't my thing.

    (3)

  • Chris B.

    Drinks are still amazing. I love anyplace that serves Rittenhouse Rye. The brisket was falling apart, and was even more delicious at 1 am.

    (4)

  • Nicole R.

    I really, really liked Franklin. Small, super cute cozy space. Dimly lit, very intimate. Service is sort of odd. When we walked in no one was there to greet us, which was kind of confusing. But once she came around the hostess (?) was very nice. Our waiter was meh. Came around every so often, never refilled the big water bottle on the table though which was bad news for 6 thirsty girls. Nice enough but not very friendly. GREAT bar, GREAT wine selection. Had a super delicious, oaky pinot noir. Very well priced drinks, and carefully crafted cocktails. The food was extremely delicious. First of all, the bread & hummus alone would have made me totally happy. But then I got the gnocchi. I had been warned that it would be a small portion, but actually it was kind of perfect. Big, fluffy gnocchi with prunes (interesting and AMAZING combo), shiso leaf, and a gorgonzola crema. Very creative, and very delicious. On the side I had the seared pea tendrils which were equally as delicious. Actually I may have liked them even better. Made with ginger, sesame seeds, and soy sauce these were really delicious. GREAT vegetarian options -- I was not forced into a decision here as I so frequently am. Friends got the pumpkin ravioli, ENORMOUS turkey meatloaf, creste de gallo, and the special trout. Everyone either cleared their plates or happily took home left overs. Can't wait to go back, Franklin was a lovely lovely experience. I can't believe I've been in the South End 4 years without going here!

    (4)

  • James L.

    Great spot in the South End. I ordered the Lamb Riblets as an appetizer and the Steak frites as an entree, with a Grey goose pear drink. All amazing!! GREAT FOOD and super friendly staff. The waitress was friendly, and took time to talk to us about the food. Overall, a nice cozy place to have drinks and dinner, in a great neighborhood. Be prepared to search for parking, much of the space around is "Residential Parking", but there are a number of parking lots if your willing to pay, otherwise keep an eye out for those spots as you drive around. One star deduction due to the proximity of the front door and the intense cold that hits a number of tables due to a lack of entrance heater. We even moved seats after being sat at a table that was too cold to enjoy our time at. Appetizers - Approx $9 Entrees - Approx $19 Drinks - Vary, but there is a large selection!!! No desserts

    (4)

  • Susan M.

    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.

    (4)

  • Sara S.

    What a cute little restaurant hidden on a quiet street in Boston's South End. Despite receiving much praise on Yelp and other sites, the Franklin Cafe seems to be fairly undiscovered and overlooked- shhhhhh, don't tell. FC was a great place to take my friend for her birthday, despite them not offering dessert. Their cocktail menu is fabulous and I really enjoyed my Cherry Cobbler, make with bing cherries and homemade grenadine, not any of those kiddish Shirley Temple ingredients. Seeing I'm a big fan of grilled calamari, I order it whenever I see it on the menu, and this did not disappoint. Five generous pieces of calamari were served on a bed of wheat berries with a light pesto dressing and side of greens. Smoky, pesto-y, perfectly cooked and not chewy made for a downright delicious yet light appetizer. For an entree, I had the chicken and dumplings with root vegetables. It was served in a large iron skilled that was the perfect blend of cream, sherry, and herbs like thyme and parsley you associate with Fall entrees. The carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and parsnips were perfectly cooked. My personal favorite were the carrots- SO sweet and yummy. The chicken medallions were good, although I prefer my chicken without skin/tendons (EW), so I was extra careful not to eat any of that. The dish was topped with crispy chicken skin (like pieces of the wing), which I also avoided. Finally, the "dumplings"- good, but quite bland and frankly not worth eating. All in all, we had a delicious meal, and best of all, super reasonable! There's nowhere else in the city you can get such great cocktails for such a reasonable price. I've paid more for a vodka-soda at Harvard Gardens then I did for these carefully crafted, classic cocktails with a twist!

    (4)

  • Bret C.

    This place is awesome. I had been wanting to go for awhile and finally had the chance to try it out.......after taking a long time to find parking! Didn't realize that it's very small on the inside - only a handful of tables and a decent size bar. Great menu that changes periodically and they have a little of everything. I had a chicken dish that was outstanding. I'll be back! For a similar experience they have locations in South Boston, Gloucester and a similar concept is opening in Fenway.

    (5)

  • Justin B.

    I am still giving this place five stars despite a couple of things. One, when we arrived on a busy Saturday night, we put our names in and were told 30 minutes for a table. Well, we ended up waiting at the bar for close to two hours. And two, my dining companion ordered the pork chop dinner and it was served to her raw, like it is very dark in there, but that did not mask the raw-ness of what she cut into. Despite that, this place is just downright awesome. Bar drinks and the bartender were fantastic, the manager / hostess continually kept us posted on the status of our table, the waitress was great and the food was delightful. I got the steak frites. Very well done. My companion's pork chop, when it came back properly cooked, was fantastic as well. Prices are right on for what you get. Looking forward to returning.

    (5)

  • Allison C.

    Om nom nom. Decided to check out Franklin Cafe on a whim last night. It did not disappoint. The restaurant is cozy, but a little on the dark side. No seriously, there was one dim overhead light over our table and a small votive candle. Perhaps its just me, but I like being able to read my menu without strain and see the food on my plate. Interesting playlist for the crowd of people there on a Tuesday evening. No complaints on the musical selection - but I couldn't decide whether I should be eating or dancing. Anyways, enough about the ambiance - Lets talk food! My friend and I started with the short rib dumplings. It was delicious! Being A-Z-N and all, Id like to think I have fairly high standards when it comes to Asian inspired cuisine. Definitely two thumbs up! My friend had the Steak Frites and I had the turkey meatloaf with fig gravy - both of which were quite tasty. This place is definitely a great after work drink spot that leads to dinner. The drink menu was extensive. For those of you that have a sweet tooth however - you'll have to relocate for dessert, as Franklin Cafe does not have any :( In short, well priced, tasty, and good service. I would definitely revisit. Also - this place serves their full menu until 1:30 AM - How bueno is that?

    (4)

  • Donna Marie T.

    After a very bad meal at Sibling Rivalry our waiter told us about this place for good food and drinks...YAY!!! My wifey and I love this cute local neighborhood cafe!!!!! While vacationing in Boston we spent 2 of our 5 nights here. We both agree that if we lived here we would be regulars. The drinks are great!! The staff is awesome! The food is GOOD!!! Get the hanger steak with frites it's DELICIOUS!!!! Now that statement comes from a person who eats red meat once a month!!! The sole is incredibly well prepared!! I want a Franklin Cafe for San Diego!!!!! We're going to make special trips to Boston just to visit The Franklin Cafe!!!!

    (5)

  • Betty N.

    I will always come back for the calamari and mussels. Ask for B.J. The owner, that is.

    (3)

  • Gerald D.

    Not too bad if you're a foodie. I always decide based on whether I could do better at home. Occasionally I can't, but usually I can. For an app, I had the tuna fish meatballs in tomato sauce -- a smack upside the head with oregano, parsley, thyme. And some cute Arborio rice grains cooked in. Pretty cool. I'm a sucker for tuna. And the Tilia Malbec that Joy, my bar server, recommended to go with it was to inhale the South American air. Lovely. She was cool, too. Then I had the grilled octopus with cavatappi. A nice plum tomato reduction with shaved garlic, olive oil, fennel seeds, swathes of chopped fresh basil (in January?) and big grinds of black pepper. Alas, the chef shaved fresh parmesan on top of the dish, because that's what you're supposed to do right? Wrong. Cheese with fish is still the biggest faux pas in Italy. On the other hand, he was channeling Greece. Octopus with a tomato sauce and pasta says the Cycladic islands to me, not Venice. Not by a long shot. Bottom line is I left wonderfully warm, dreaming of scuba diving in the Aegean, Greek music bubbling up in my unconscious, dark eyes offering me another shot glass of Raki. (And the chef thought he was preparing something Italian, for sure.) Emotional time travel. Cheaper than a seat on Olympic Airlines. And faster. If you're lucky, there won't be a wait. Save yourself for a midweek night in January after a snowfall. Otherwise, the rest of the reviews have told you what may befall your party.

    (4)

  • Thuy L.

    I really loved Franklin Cafe. The food was great, the service was excellent, and the drinks were strong. The only downside is that they don't take reservations. They started taking names at 6pm. Fortunately, our friends live close by so we walked over and put our names down and at 6pm, it was a 2 hour wait. The food was excellent. We got calamari to share, and the calamari was crispy and chewy to the right degree. The sole was the special of the night, but they ran out. So I got the monkfish instead, and it was the best monkfishi i've ever had. The sauce was spectacular and without getting on all 4's, I pretty much licked the plate clean. The duck confit was also very tasty. I cannot wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Ali C V.

    The Franklin Cafe never disappoints and it was the perfect choice to take my friend in town from NYC. Not only has he eaten all over New York, work takes him all over the world and he liked the Franklin vibe and thought the Classic Steak Frites with Port Demi Glace and Roquefort Butter was great. As for me, I loved the refreshing Cucumber Collins and went gaga for the black pepper seared "sashimi" tuna loin with Citron Blanc and Field Greens. Note to Nate: You made up for your merciless teasing while I was at the bar by being a fabulous, informative, and friendly waiter. Good luck with med school. xoxo

    (4)

  • Diana G.

    This place is great! I stopped here for a couple of beers with a friend recently & I just loved the atmosphere! I also enjoyed the grilled calamari! The only reason I give this 4-stars is because I didn't have a meal here.. I'd love to go here with a date & sit near the window at a candle-lit table! :)

    (4)

  • Shen L.

    This is my favorite place in the South End. I just wish I didn't have to get there at 6pm to avoid a 45 min wait. Even on weekdays! Anyway they don't take reservations, and even late at night there can be a wait, but this place is totally worth it. The food is delicious, and prices are very moderate considering the quality you're getting. Yummy drinks too, but no dessert.

    (5)

  • Barney B.

    in my 12 years in Boston, the South End has morphed dramatically into the yuppie-coolish place that it is. in all that time, Franklin has stayed pretty damn consistent. Always packed, always satisfying, and always damn good bartenders. I guess the only thing that has changed slightly is the crowd, which is part due to the changing demographics in the neighborhood - and part due to Yelp which exposes hidden gems like this to suburbanites who venture into the city in their Yukon, have no concept of bar real estate etiquette, and make comments like "the menu here is just like Cheesecake Factory - it's very new American, I think" i hope you have something to wipe up your puke after reading that. (disclaimer: I am no snob - some of my best friends are suburbanites) all entrees still under $20, and they squeeze comfort out of ever damn penny of it. great solo, great on a date - for a snack and a glass of wine, or to get stuffed on turkey meatloaf and some tasty cocktails. Or when you just have that hankering for a 'Cheesecake Factory' moment - but can deal with a 2-page menu

    (5)

  • Michelle H.

    Walking in, i immediately had the feeling of a most loved neighborhood joint. The bar is along the left wall with just enough seats to make you have to work for one of them. The right wall is lined with booths - cozy, desirable booths! It's busy in a bustling kind of way. I give it 4 stars for atmosphere. The food was pretty solid. We enjoyed several appetizers and were pleased by the robust flavors and fresh food. The salt & pepper shrimp were exceptional. As was the tuna tartare. For an entree, I had steak frites and will say that my cut of meat wasn't so great and the taste factor wasn't high. Funny what one remembers as overall my friends and I had a great experience here!

    (4)

  • Alicia B.

    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.

    (2)

  • John R.

    I ate here recently with a large group. The service was prompt and forthcoming. The chef took special efforts to make sure we were all pleased with our meals. Everything was delicious!!! Kudos!!!

    (5)

  • Zach R.

    this is my favorite food among restaurants in the south end, which is saying a lot. franklin isn't flashy and it isn't a social scene, but the food is just the best. if they have their roast chicken dish available I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Marcus C.

    It's like I've returned home to San Francisco! Great, interesting cocktails, down-to-earth and efficient staff, really good food! I'd been here for drinks several times, but finally had the chance to sample dinner the other night. To start, my dining companion and I split the fried green tomatoes special (I basically ate all the delish shrimp!) and I ended up having the pork belly, which was just as fatty and decadent and tasty as I wanted! I shall return.

    (4)

  • Daniel M.

    I'm a slow eater. Seriously. By the time I'm done, it's like a Bugs Bunny cartoon after Daffy tries his best to put on a show....crickets...and I'm all by my lonesome. That said, the other night my wife could only stare in amazement as I beat the hell out of my chicken fricassee with dumplings before she had even remotely dented her meal. I left the Franklin Cafe with what I can only describe as...a food buzz(I was ok to drive). If you know about this place then you're pickin' up what I'm puttin' down. Service was a bit slow but I attribute that to how busy the place was.

    (5)

  • Hiherson D.

    I was told by my co-worker to try this place out for drinks and dinner. Since, I don't really drink much I figured my wife and I would try it out for dinner. We went here on a Sunday, early evening. There was no wait, we pretty much got seated right when we stepped in. The host, I believe his name was Nick, was very friendly and welcoming. We started off with the Fried Green Tomatoes and it was delicious. Then followed by Black pepper seared tuna loin for me and Southern Style Fried Chicken for my wife. Both were really good but the fried green tomatoes are highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    We took our daughter here for her birthday. Went early enough so did not have a wait. Staff was great. I had the mussels app. It was by far the BEST mussel dish that I have ever had. Perfect blend of smoke and spice. I would come back just for this. Main dishes were all retry good. Great atmosphere and will surely be back.

    (4)

  • Blake D.

    Loved this place! Custom drinks were delicious, hummus instead of the typical olive oil or butter was a nice touch, and my coq au vin was perfect! Would have been 5 stars had they sat us in the order we arrived at the restaurant relative to the other people (a couple jumped us and the host didn't correct them).

    (4)

  • Ryan T.

    Man it's fucking dark in here. I can hardly find my dick when I try to piss underneath the table. Food's good though.

    (4)

  • Arquimedes A.

    I love Franklin Cafe. Every time I go, my meal is great. I am met with a smile and great drinks!

    (5)

  • Angel L.

    Our waitress had an attitude and ignored our table even though we were the only table she had. The tables were only for people who were eating. Not a good place to take a date.

    (2)

  • Nadia K.

    My boyfriend and I went to Franklin cafe tonight to celebrate being together for 9 months (trust me, for me this is basically a lifetime) because they have a gluten free menu and he knows how much I agonize and tend to ignore my gluten intolerance when other things on the menu look so much better than a salad... anyways MAD PROPS on the gluten free menu that actually has real choices- two options is not a choice people. We started with the appetizer special of the night which was to die for- thinly sliced ham which I think was serrano ham with carmelized pears, arugula, manchego cheese and balsamic drizzle on top, absolutely divine. We had glasses of the house shiraz which would have benefited from being decanted initially but when allowed to sit for a little while was a very nice pairing with all of our dishes. Also, although I didn't have any the bread was warm and served with a home made hummus which I tried, and it was good (not fabulous, but some of the best I've had out here). For our main courses my boyfriend had the pork loin which he liked and I tried a small piece of, it was cooked very well, but be aware that the sauce is very spicy and although I liked it, I could see it being overwhelming if I had the whole dish. I had the corned beef and cabbage and when I got home, guess what was being featured on the show The best this I ever Ate on food network? that's right, Franklin Cafe's corned beef and cabbage. This will be the best cabbage you've ever had in your entire life. I mean the corned beef is epic too, and so is the spicy mustard they give you on the side, but I expect the meat (and honestly I like it a little leaner, but the fat came off easily) to be great, it's the cabbage component that takes this dish to the moon. EPIC. Go, eat and enjoy. Also, don't bring your 6'8'' boyfriend on the see-food eat-food diet if you don't want to share (note to self).

    (5)

  • Kristy W.

    I came here with a couple friends a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it! The atmosphere is great- made you feel like you were in a nicer place without being pretentious (which can totally kill a meal for me). Our server was very nice, not as attentive as we would have liked but still was very knowledgeable and polite. For my meal I got the salmon with lobster and butternut squash risotto which was alright! The salmon was excellent but there were only about two pieces of lobster in the risotto (they should just drop the lobster because the butternut squash was great by itself!). A few of the people at our table got burgers which were good, but the fries were veeery good! And one other person we were with got the pan roasted chicken which she said was very good! Overall it was definitely a positive dining experience! If you're in Southie it is definitely a place to check out!

    (4)

  • Arjun N.

    we came on a saturday night and this was our first stop in the south end. It was crowded at the bar so we had to get a table. I wanted to try some new drinks so I had the ginger beer and cucumber collins. both were refreshing and pretty tasty. appetizers: fried green tomatoes mussels prosciutto-wrapped asparagus all really good.

    (4)

  • T C.

    I ate here just over a week ago and had a great experience. They were serving char-sui (chinese bbq) pork ravioli. It was heaven on a plate. I usually don't order ravioli b/c the portion sizes are too small for me. However, I was totally glad that I made the exception this time! The people I was with enjoyed their food as well, but I can't remember what they got. :) Interestingly, for a Saturday night, we were able to be seated without any wait, which was cool. The place was busy, but not jam-packed like I know it can get. The only bummer for me is that there's no dessert. However, we rectified that by going for a walk for some chocolate elsewhere... Bottom line, I need to eat here more often.

    (4)

  • Aaron W.

    Hadn't been to the Franklin in about a decade and had a rare night without kids, so we stopped in for dinner. Pros - great atmosphere. Phenomenal drinks (pear gimlet and the french laundry). Wait staff was perfect - friendly, attentive, not doting. House pickles were heavenly. Hangar Steak and Fries were great. Cons - grilled calamari was nearly tasteless, though a bit of salt helped, which is ironic because the pea-shoots were so salty we couldn't eat them (and I'm a salt-eater!), and the fries were VERY salty as were the sauteed mushrooms that came with the trout. Overall, it's not somewhere we'll go back to anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Win O.

    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.

    (1)

  • Julie T.

    I really did not expect to enjoy this place as much as I did. My friend told me that he had an amazing place to take me and I didn't think much of it, but sure, I went along anyways. We were assisted as soon as we came in which was great cuz we were both starving. Shortly after, a bread basket with hummus was served to us and I've never felt so much relief. I was incredibly hungry and the bread they served tasted amazing. The hummus was fresh and creamy and tasty. My goodness, I've never raved this much about the free bread at a restaurant ever before. We ordered mussels to start and the steak frites as an entree. The mussels were to DIE FOR. They slipped right out of the shell and slid into my tummy. They were cooked in a lobster broth which gave them this unique flavor and garnished with scallions. I couldn't help it so I dunked a huge wedge of bread into the broth and it was amazing, let me tell you. If you go, don't be embarrassed to do this. I don't know if it's looked down upon but it tastes so good so...who cares? We polished off that baby right when the steak frites came. *drool* Yummy steak topped a huge mound of shoestrings, crisp and hot right out the fryer. The fries soaked up all of the port demi glaze that was drizzled over the steak. I haven't enjoyed steak and fries so much...EVER. I'm an incredibly slow eater, but I wolfed the whole plate down in 25 minutes which may seem like a long time, but hey, it's better than 55 minutes. The atmosphere was nice and relaxing that I didn't even want to get up after the meal was over. I was comfortable that I wish I could just snap my fingers and be automatically changed and in bed. (Sigh...if only...) It's been a long time since I've had a five star meal and let me tell ya, I definitely did.

    (5)

  • Brendan Jude L.

    I'm back in town visiting the family for the next two weeks, and I was lucky enough to score two Celtics tickets thanks to my sister. Since my father didn't feel like going, I called up my friend Jason, a huge Celts fan and someone who's always down for some good food. He'd been wanting to try Franklin Cafe, so we made the trek over before the game with another friend. Situated in the idyllic South End, Franklin Cafe is small and chic. You have to push your way through series of heavy curtains to enter the place, which I found a tad pretentious. Where the hell was I? Hogwarts? Anyways, I met my friends at the restaurant with my menu item already selected from having done some reconnaissance work the night before. Problem was, they changed the menu that day, at least according to our brusque waitress. No more gnocchi. Damn. Anyways, I ordered crab cakes with a cucumber salad. Light, refreshing, lots of delicious crab. My friends tried the pulled pork slider, while the other tried the ravioli. Both enjoyed their meals, but I didn't think anything was stellar. Good, but nowhere near great. However, where Franklin Cafe went the extra mile was with their bread. From one bread whore to another, this was some of the best. The bread was an Italian boule cut into large, hearty slices. Tough crust, soft interior. Usually I like bread to be served warm, but not here because instead of butter, the restaurant provides you with DELICIOUS hummus! Absolutely fantastic, and the place didn't smack a fee on its bread selection. Having just visited the Linkery in San Diego, which charges you $2 for burnt toast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, this was a steal. I would go back to Franklin Cafe just to be the cheap bastard I know I can be, and I would order a Coke and bread. More bread, please. Stat! Overall, a decent place. Prices fall around $17-$19 per entree, appetizers $9. Worth trying for bread/hummus alone.

    (3)

  • Whytnee B.

    I am sorry to say I ended up here because Coppa was too packed (shocker), but of course dinner was fantastic. We came in, were seated immediately, and the waiter was very friendly. Drinks were good, I had the Boston Bog and definitely recommend it. For an app, we had the Duck Prosciutto Croque Monsieurs. They were good, but a little too much bread with the thinly-sliced meat. For dinner I had the blueberry cannelloni. I had to try a dish like that, and it was delicious. Simple and creative and full of flavor. One of my friends got the Coq au Vin and liked it. One of the drawbacks here is that they change the menu seasonally. I understand that chefs probably like this, but I was really jonesing for the pulled pork on cheddar cheese biscuits I had had last spring. So if you like a menu item, be sure to point it out to the waiter. Ours said that they bring things back by popular demand. Good food, good drinks, open late, and not terribly priced; I highly recommend the Franklin !

    (5)

  • Heather D.

    What I recommend to order: -Fried Green Tomatoes -Black Pepper Seared Tuna Go there early if you want to be seated quickly. We went there around 6:30 and was seated immediately, people say this place gets crowded. We started off with Fried Green Tomatoes, because my friend and I both loved the movie. Some of the tomatoes were green but most were red, color didn't matter they were perfectly crunchy, sweet and salty. I had the fried chicken I give it 3 Stars. There was just too much black pepper, other than that the fried chicken was good. Reason why I'm giving this place 4 stars, is because our waiter was very attentive and had a great personality. Also because my husband's tuna steak was cooked really well, but still juicy and full of flavor. I wish I ordered that instead of my fried chicken

    (4)

  • Kevin F.

    I use Yelp often to find restaurants in the Boston area, but I have never really taken the time to write a review. Well that changed after going to Franklin Cafe last night for my birthday. Hidden on a side street in the South End, this place is by far a hidden gem in Boston. The atmosphere is very cozy and special. Although we had to wait a bit for a table late on a Wednesday night, the bartenders kept the drinks coming during the wait. When we finally sat down, our server "Squirrel" was very attentive and entertaining. When she was told it was my birthday, my next drink came with a napkin Rose. How awesome is that?! My friends and I all had different items off the menu and shared everything. The food was great, huge fan of the fried chicken and steak frites! And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, our server brings out a "birtday shot" with a candle! This place was the perfect restaurant to celebrate a birthday with a small group of friends. I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Caroline A.

    I would have to agree with Erica C. The food, ambiance and service were fantastic. The sirloin was delicious, with mashed potatoes that are very flavorful. However, the meatloaf and acorn squash dishes were the stars of the night. The meatloaf comes with this deliciously sweet/tart sauce that reminded me of pears and cranberries with a bit of a kick. I would so full by the end of dinner, but could have eaten it again. I also think this restaurant invites an interesting crowd of friendly people. Would definitely recommend. Had a blast.

    (4)

  • Jessica F.

    We came in at around 6:30 -- right before the place got super busy -- and managed to grab two seats at the bar. Our bar tender was a little bit on the cold side. But that's where the complaints stop. Everything else was solid to solid-plus. The atmosphere/ambience was stylish but also comforting and friendly. The cocktails were priced right and delicious. For the price, the food was pretty good. The grilled calamari was incredibly tender. The steak tartare was well spiced and buttery. Overall, a great apps and drinks experience. Try it!

    (4)

  • Laura G.

    Been here twice and loved it both times. The best: The steak and fries my boyfriend ordered. Salty, crispy, deliciousness + blue cheese butter + medium rare steak. Does it get any better than that? (And I don't even eat meat!). The good: Wonderful host (a little miscommunication here - he thought we were going to sit at the bar and we were waiting for about 45 minutes, but he apologized profusely and sat us at a great table by the window). Starter salad was tasty (buttermilk dressing? yes please.). Drinks are great (had the Franklin Sidecar, a touch strong but tasty). Good beers on tap. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus (huge plus). The location (how cute is the South End?). The not-so-great: Gnocchi was a little to sweet. The calamari was a little chewy.

    (4)

  • Jess M.

    This was my third time to Franklin but my first time dining, and I'm glad I gave it another chance! The "scene" isn't my favorite so I wasn't huge on it for drinks, but after having a meal there I am now, officially, a fan. We got there at 730ish on a Thursday and we were greeted by a laid back host who quoted us 30 minutes. After a couple rounds of a nice and big house cab we were given a booth. Right next to the door so it was a little bit chilly when people came in an out, but the wine helped with that... The bread that they dropped was okay, and I was really fond of the garlicky hummus. I wasn't super hungry so we didn't get any starters, and I was really torn with their menu for entrees so I asked the server what she liked. Right away she listed the Crispy Duck Leg, which I had been toying with anyway, so I immediately took her advice on that. And I was really glad that I did! A confit duck leg topped with crispy skin and served over a pomme puree with currants. It was awesomeee. Even my dining companion, who does not have very adventurous tastes, was picking at my plate all night. (He got the Steak Frites and he liked it. He said the steak wasn't the best, but the fries were pretty delicious - I tried some with the blue cheese buttery-ness melted over them and I was in heaven. Fries, with blue cheese, and butter? How delicious does that sound?!?) Our service was great and the vibe was really relaxed and nice on a Thursday. And the prices were super reasonable - around $10 a drink and $20 entrees. I'll definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Andrea S.

    The food here is really really good, period. Just ask the server what to order if it's your first time, they'll let you know honestly. I'm a little disappointed that the menu changes seasonally, because some of their menu items are hard to let go I.e; sweet potato gnocchi, steak hanger and frites. Try to sit by the window so you can people watch, shawmut street is always interesting.

    (5)

  • Doug W.

    Franklin Cafe lived up to every expectation that I had going in, which is saying a lot considering the heaps of praise that my friends have always lavished on it. Despite hearing rumors about the hour(s) long waits to secure a table here, I was pleasantly surprised when our booth was available after only a 15 minute wait during peak hours (Friday at 8/830ish). While much of the drink list looked appealing, I went with the Ginger Rodgers, essentially a gin and ginger-based take on the mojito, which was delicious enough that I had several. My gf opted for the shochu white cranberry and the sparkling peach, both of which she enjoyed. As part of my continuing quest to sample every plate of mac and cheese that Boston has to offer, I decided to start with the mac and cheese gnocci. While it offered a perfect balance of roasted tomato, sausage, gnocci and goat cheese, they are probably taking a bit of a liberty with the term 'mac and cheese'. No matter, it was excellent just the same. For our main course, I went for the classic steak frites. The meat was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and having the roquefort butter as a complement only made it better. Similarly, the frites alone would have been fantastic, but when paired with the port demi glace, they became even more flavorful. My gf also really enjoyed her miso grilled salmon with orange glaze and bok choy. Considering the VERY reasonable prices (all entrees under $20), cozy atmosphere, and fun speak-easy nature of the place, I don't think it's a stretch to say that this may already be one of my favorite spots in Boston, even after only one visit. Can't wait to come back soon to try the meatloaf that everyone keeps raving about.

    (5)

  • Wayne C.

    I went to the Franklin Cafe for the first time the other night after hearing so many positive things about it. Sad to say it did not live up to the hype. The ambiance was great -- classic neighborhood spot, intimate, warm. Had a drink at the bar before sitting at a booth with a couple of friends. I ordered the frisee salad with bacon and the duck confit. The salad was very small for the price and the bacon on top was so thin as to be nearly translucent. I would have expected applewood smoked bacon or something similar, not something you'd find on a fastfood breakfast sandwich. The dressing was very good, however. The real problem with the meal was the duck confit. My leg was so overcooked that it was charred black. The meat was was dry as Jack Link's beef jerky! This is the place where chefs go after work for a late-night bite? Seriously? I will mention that the waitress took the duck off our bill, thus a two-star rating instead of one. Damn, I really wanted to like this place.

    (2)

  • Nina O.

    I love going to Franklin Cafe when I am out with friends. AMAZING amazing food. They have a seasonal menu, but my favorites are usually still on there. Great place to go to late at night and for drinks. Bartenders and hosts have been friendly every time I have gone. It is a small place but worth the wait if you're eating.

    (5)

  • Leighann F.

    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.

    (5)

  • Gary J.

    Normally I like this place but really disappointed this visit. Poor service, food was slow and quality not where is should be. Hope this isn't a sign that they're going down hill.

    (2)

  • Douglas D.

    I've been to the Franklin Cafe a bunch of times, and had great experiences every time. Though it's tucked away down a small side street in the South End, this place is always hoppin'. If you're heading in for dinner, be forewarned there is usually a wait, as there aren't a lot of tables. But servers move quickly to turn over tables without making you feel like you're being rushed out. The drinks are great, too. For such a great hotspot, there's no attitude and the servers, bartenders and customers are all friendly. It's also a great place to bring a friend from out of town.

    (4)

  • Kate E.

    Romantic, great food / drinks and decent service. Very intimate, warm with good musica.

    (5)

  • ToniAnn G.

    Excellent food and service and wine! Tuna steak special and the bowl of clams was amazing!

    (5)

  • Jordan M.

    Reasonable prices and exceptional food. The only downside is that everyone in the city knows what this place is offering.

    (5)

  • Jeni S.

    This is my favorite place in Boston. Great food and an ever changing menu. The chef's are AMAZING! It can get loud and crowded, but it's still the best food in Boston.

    (4)

  • Matthew A.

    I have dined here quite a few times w/ my SE friends and we have been very pleased with our experiences. This place can be busy so come early or later....that is another great thing is that the Franklin is OPEN LATE (1:00am!!!) as most other Boston restaurants close at say 10:00 or 11:00. The menu is diverse as the clientele. The martinis are FABULOUS! Hope to see you there!

    (4)

  • Andi P.

    As of, like, two hours after my original visit, Franklin Cafe has a gluten-free menu, go figure. It looks pretty much like the regular menu with its many variations on the theme of "comfort food"--but it's minus the sweetcorn ravioli, cappelini, cornmeal-crusted catfish, Creole shrimp and corn soup.... Moving on to some of the many many things that those of us who are gluten-challenged can actually eat: --The pan-roasted organic chicken with chive mashed potatoes and peas and carrots ($18) is seriously good. It turned out perfectly crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside. (This is the first time in years that I've ordered chicken, in part because our adorable waiter insisted I'd like it--I may even have to order chicken again sometime. It should also be mentioned that every single waiter/waitress here is so damn adorable--may I take them all home with me please?) --For a gluten-free appetizer, check out the Arugula and Mint salad with chevre and walnut vinaigrette ($7)--the mint is a seriously nice addition. --If you have something against vegetables, try the grilled (not fried!) calamari appetizer ($8), topped with pesto-y blissfulness. If, on the other hand, you have something against foods that are NOT fried, look no further than the.... fries. The fries are gluten-free as well as done up in truffle oil, and our waiter appropriately described them as "crack fries" they're so addictive. (It's worth it to ask your waiter or waitress about the preparation processes for the foods here; even if you don't ask, you still might be regaled with enthusiastic stories on the topic.) Although the fries aren't listed as a side, if you'd like them but aren't ordering the steak frites, you can definitely get them as a side (or all by themselves at the bar for that matter), or you can just command the person you're with to order the steak frites so that you can engage in some pilferage. This way, you'll be able to take advantage of the port wine demi-glace accompanying the steak (which you should get medium rare), and that's definitely something you should want to take advantage of. Truffle oil + blood + demi-glace = Will you marry me? (The steak is also gluten-free, and comes with a large slab of Roquefort butter atop it.) You can even order all of the above until 1:30 AM, as the full menu is served right up to that point. (It also tends to be easier to get a table if you show up for a midnight dinner as opposed to at 7 PM, although I've never had a problem grabbing a seat or two at the bar even when it's been a little bit of a mob-scene. If you'd like to do dinner right at 7 on a Saturday with no wait, however, the ideal scenario would be to go Fourth of July weekend, when apparently every single South End resident has conveniently fled to the Cape, thereby leaving open many booths as well as the nice tables by the windows. As the host told us last night, my date and I could sit at separate tables if we so desired.) Although I'm all about the cocktails here, the wine selection is also worth mentioning, especially the Robert Foley Charbono (and the Syrah he made especially for the Franklin, but they're currently all out of that). Furthermore, all the wines-by-the-bottle are priced incredibly reasonably (as is the food, with entrees ranging from $15-$19); a bottle of the Charbono is $44. If they had desserts, I'm sure those would be priced reasonably too, but they don't do desserts (or reservations), so after dinner I'd advise meandering to one of the nearby restaurants to get your chocolate on. (For a gluten-free chocolate torte topped with almonds and accompanied by gelato that's made in-house, check out Via Matta.) Or just order some more "crack fries" along with another bottle of wine. Yours truly = an enabler.

    (4)

  • Morgan Y.

    As the cold weather encroaches, dining out calls to mind one place in particular. Just thinking about it sends me skipping down the sidewalk of Shawmut Ave. in the South End. I pause beneath the sign, a simple outline of a martini glass, and prepare. Entering is an experience in itself. I feel as though I am pushing through the garments in the Narnia wardrobe to discover a secret world on the other side. The garments in this case, however, are heavy, velvet curtains and the secret world is the dim, cozy, chattered-filled Franklin Café. The bar boasts an original, to-die-for cocktail menu. Bartenders are generous with their pours as they mix the tasty concoctions. My favorites are The Fresca and Tangerine Gimlet, while my usual partner in crime never leaves without sipping The Raspberry Ricky. The manageable wine list is seasonal and chosen to complement current dishes. New World and Old World varietals range in bottle prices from $25 to $90. All entrées are $20 or less. The menu frequently rotates to accommodate fresh, local ingredients. Two delicious mainstays, no matter the weather, are the Garlic Grilled Calamari and the Steak Frites. Unique seafood dishes provide options for non-meat eaters. Currently I am looking forward to indulging in the Olive Crusted Cod. Upon ordering, warm bread and fresh hummus arrive at each table. Helpful tips to remember: They don't take reservations and won't seat you until your full party has arrived. Most booths can accommodate parties of five by adding a chair to the end but there is really only one table that comfortably seats six. The space can get quite loud and congested with people waiting for tables. If there are only two or three in your party, consider snagging stools and eating at the bar. The servers tend to possess a laid-back attitude that sometimes can come across as a bit uncouth. As long as you are aware of the vibe ahead of time, it should not damper your experience. Frankly, I find it refreshing when I can dine out without the server hovering over my table or pushing items that don't interest me. Overall, Franklin Café's consistently mouthwatering menu and warm atmosphere have made it a hotspot for locals and a prize find. I trust you will leave smiling and vowing to return.

    (5)

  • R.A. C.

    Good NESS well, i will start with the bad, their sazerac was a bit off, pop open "the joy of mixology" reread the back story for the cocktail and remember that it is a cocktail that calls for simple syrup, or some equivilent sweetener. not to be picky but it is by and large a bartender's favorite cocktail in boston. other than that the atmosphere and cuisine were outstanding. We had scallops and meatloaf for the table and wine to go around. Our server was sweet as hell. it is one of my favorite things about industry tailored places when the staff looks uninviting but turns out to be so damned sweet, that is when you show yourself not to be another pretentious bostonian diner. simple rule about going out, dont be a douche to your servers. i loved it, get the meatloaf, get wine, and get served well, but make reservations for the weekends there are only 7 tables? in the place.

    (4)

  • Jess C.

    So glad I finally got to try this place! A friend and I stopped in here after the Daniel Tosh show, and had a great time reliving and sharing all the lines with the friendly bartender. It was VERY busy, but we snagged two seats the bar (woo!) and ordered some delicious food. Really cool that they have a completely separate Vegetarian menu, so my friend Shawna ordered the special off that. The night we went the theme was Southern, apparently the chef was taking a trip down memory lane from time spent in New Orleans. I wish I could remember what delicious dish I had that started with an M and is based around corn... Something from the south. I tried googling to no avail.. so you will have to just take my word on it and try this place out, and then let me know what it was if the chef is cookin it again! I mean, I obviously have to return anyway because it was so delish!!

    (4)

  • Wendy L.

    The wait is at least 30-40 minutes...but the bar is big enough to pass your time... The food is great, especially the steak frites - one of the most reasonably priced steak frites I've had! It's such a fun little restaurant with lots of other bars and watering holes in the area. Judging by the other reviews, apparently I'm not the only person who has been on a first date here...and there are probably many more. When I was at Franklin Cafe and my date was in the restroom, the waiter asked, is this your first or second date? I asked, how could you tell? He said, I can always tell. But I know why there are so many dates going on at Franklin Cafe - it's a great, reasonably-priced spot with consistently good food. How could you go wrong??

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    Great service in a relaxing environment. Get there before 6:00 to avoid waiting. Great liquor and wine list.

    (4)

  • Diana B.

    strong drinks n nice bartenders =) I have been here twice. The first time i came after my hostess shift and shared an order of scallops and had a long island ice tea- left there almost drunk!! haha The second time I went was for drinks with a friend. Again good drinks and nice service =)

    (4)

  • Susan D.

    I honestly adore this place. It is an amazing first date place. Unpretenious, cool vibe, cozy comfortable private booth seating. I must have eaten here in its early years because I have never had an issue getting a seat. I suppose the news spread quickly! I love the complimentary garlic hummus and toasties they start you with. You won't find fresher, un-pureed-similar-to-babyfood hummus here. I've had the pork chop (fabulous) and filet mignon. Gorgeous food for under $20 an entree. I have eaten at restaurants at this caliber in NYC, Chicago, and downtown Boston and it doesn't come cheaper than this. Great atmosphere, food, reasonably priced, attentive service. This is one of my most favorite places to dine. (Get there early 5-6pm)

    (5)

  • Karen M.

    As a member of an average nuclear family, I was afraid I was not going to be cool enough for this south end "cafe" but in fact, the vibe felt incredibly friendly, we were greeted from the back of the room when we came in, and the host came to the front to say goodbye to us when we left. I was in pretty unremarkable clothes, I didn't feel out of place, and I don't think there was anything pretentious there. It was a lively scene. The service was very good, not rushed, but attentive. (Know that I am not a person who cares about super-snappy service anyway, I am fine with lingering over a meal.) I was driving or I would have loved a cocktail, this looks like a place that takes cocktails seriously. The food is where I was a bit disappointed. It has aspirations, yes it does, it is more than just a burger and pasta place. What I liked: lime pickle, could not stop eating it mashed potatoes, likewise the by-the-glass wines are quite good. the grilled calimari and the beans on the side of it Some of my concerns: Steak was not cooked to order, a little too rare Fries were in a gravy that was almost sugary it was so sweet we couldn't eat them. Also a bit soggy/greasy Tuna was meant to be rare, which is I love, and I think it was a good fresh piece of fish, but it was charred black on the outside, so I had to scrape that off, even so , the burned flavor had permeated the whole thing and it wasn't delicious. Much too heavy a hand with the salt on everything. This is forgivable with potatoes, but when you have beautiful vegetables, it's not. I was unable to eat the gorgeous salad greens, they were so salty. Also the pea soup tasted like salt and pepper with pea flavor instead of the other way around. crawfish etouffee was unremarkable, even though you could taste there was some yummy fish hiding in there trying to get its flavor out. Something was missing, maybe some bay leaf or Worcestershire or something? I don't know. Overall: a great concept, a great location, friendly, attentive staff and host fresh ingredients and good recipe ideas, some easily fixable errors in the cooking I would probably watch the reviews and see if things seem to be improving before going back myself, because for me the food is the most important thing. But if you want friendly ambiance and bar, and you're easygoing about food, I would definitely recommend it.

    (3)

  • Azella P.

    Love this place! Prices are totally reasonable, food is delicious, and the staff is chill and nice. The grilled calamari are yummy, the corned beef brisket is delicious (I don't even really eat beef brisket but figured I had to try it), and the truffle fries for 5/6 bucks are delish. the bartender makes a mean drink and the folks are really chill. I think they stay open pretty late too? Also - they have a gluten-free menu and it's delicious Music is always good and not too loud, like the ambience. Great for after work, or a dinner w a date :) has become my go-to in the South End

    (5)

  • Joseph L.

    Parking was tough to find at 7pm on a Friday, but well worth it once I did! It was a 45-60 minute wait when we arrived, but we were seated at the bar withing 15 minutes of arriving, leaving us incredibly pleased. I had the seared Ahi tuna, which was amazing, and my friend had the roast chicken, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The wine list was fairly comprehensive, and we quickly found a reasonably priced cab sauv for us to sip on with our meal. I will echo other Yelpers and point out that the portions aren't huge. I ordered a side of vegetables, and could have kept eating afterward. Unfortunately, I did not try any desserts here, so I can't speak to the last course!

    (5)

  • Simona S.

    You know that feeling when you find that next great place you want to introduce all of your friends to? I got it tonight. We tried grabbing drinks at Stephi's but a friend of mine had some "history" with one of the employees, Beehive was seemingly too loud, and everything else didn't see as appealing. A quick search using my new Yelp app (on Blackberry, I don't do iPhones) and I was reminded of Franklin cafe. YES. This place is tiny. And they don't do reservations. But they are serious. And always busy. And with good reason. I shall list them: 1. Great staff. Clearly stressed but accommodating, and very willing to help. They moved a stool over for me because I was determined to sit and eat at the bar. 2. Great dirty martinis. I'm currently writing this post two of them. Not too much vodka, not too much olive juice. What delicious dirtyz are made of. 3. Steak tartare. The only thing I've had on the menu thus far but fries were perfect and this was just delicious. Tasted like relish, but I loved knowing I was eating rare meat. ROAR. 4. Conversation. You're sitting next to others and chances are the waiters will learn about all of your dirty laundry (dirty martinis = me airing out my dirty details) but they're totally cool with it. And you are allowed to sit for as long as you'd like. Savor, sip, and spill the beans! It might seem too loud but a few drinks in you'll feel like you're the only one there. And my voice carries so I make sure of it. 5. UM MY MARTINI WAS 8.50. I've paid more in New Jersey.

    (4)

  • Bryan C.

    I've heard a lot about Franklin Cafe, especially since the same group opened Tasty Burger by Fenway. They serve dinner late, because we didn't get there until about 11PM. Tried the Korean BBQ Shortrib Tacos, Chorizo Quesadillas, Oysters, Radiccio Salad, and the Miso Haddock. All were pretty good. The Oysters were especially superb, nice and fresh. The Chorizo Quesadillas were better then the BBQ Shortrib Tacas. My fiance enjoyed her Miso Haddock. I definitely would go back, our service was great as well.

    (4)

  • Piyali S.

    I expected more Franklin Cafe, but instead I got average to sub-par eats. Maybe my expectations were too high, I'm not sure. I want to caveat this review with "maybe I just didn't order the right things" because I went at the recommendation of a friend whose food opinions I generally hold in pretty high regard. Everything was doused in too much soy sauce and vinegar-based gravies, making it too salty. (I have a low tolerance for salt but my friend Annie who ate everything I did, agreed.) For our appetizer we ordered the grilled octopus, which had an unexpected consistency akin to chicken instead of its little cousin squid. While it had a pleasant char to it, whatever they put on the tentacles made them too salty. Next we had the fish which also undelivered on taste and over delivered on the salty factor. Okay so not the world's greatest meal but maybe dessert will make up for it right?? WRONG. Because here's the kicker: THEY DON'T HAVE A DESSERT MENU!! Honestly I felt like I'd been tricked. For the future: places without dessert not to be trusted. Getting back to the point, average food, I probably wouldn't recommend this to a friend but the only reason I might is: maybe I got all the wrong things. But hey, prove me wrong.

    (3)

  • Courtney H.

    I started reviewing this place over a month ago, but I've been distracted. However, in the last few months this place has become my favorite restaurant. Since I moved half a block away, we go there from time to time for a drink, and when I have visitors I always take people there. I'm very excited because we are about to have several visitors over the next month, which means lots of excuses for eating at the Franklin. This place is what I am looking for all the time. It has great drinks and even better food. And the prices aren't too bad. I highly recommend the fried chicken which is AMAZING, but lately they took it off for the summer I believe. So I can't tell you how the roasted chicken is, but if you go and they have the fried chicken, get it! And the tuna is great also. Basically everything is awesome and you can't go wrong. It's a fantastic neighborhood place that I would suggest for a group of friends, a drink at the bar or a good date. GO HERE NOW.

    (5)

  • Beth G.

    The Franklin Cafe makes me wish that we lived in the South End. I mean, we're there a LOT, but I wish that we could walk down the street to someplace as comfortable and welcoming as Franklin Cafe. We've been multiple times in the last month, a couple of times we just sat at the bar for drinks and an app, another time for dinner. Each time, the staff and bartenders were amazingly friendly, chatting about what was in the drink they made us and the food has been delightful as well. Each time we're in, another patron will strike up a conversation with us and we'll end up having this fun talk with strangers that just seems to make the night more interesting. Franklin Cafe is one of those places that just seems to feel right :o)

    (4)

  • Bati K.

    We came upon the Franklin when we went out with friends and they wanted to go out to the South End. I had only been familiar with the places on Tremont, and the Franklin really looks more like a bar than a restaurant. But we were seated in a cozy window nook which we really enjoyed (but probably contributed to us being out of the way of the waitstaff). The drink menus were wonderful and when we were ordering, the waiter was very helpful and the four of us ordered double of two entrees - the duck and the turkey meatloaf. It was all wonderful. There is no doubt this food is delicious, and this place is so laid back - it's definitely the place to go for a delicious laid back meal.

    (4)

  • Isaiah B.

    A quintessential South End bar. I don't really know how else to describe it besides that it kicks ass. It's intimate but doesn't feel forced. It's cozy but doesn't feel cramped. The food is good, but I'll come back for the scene and the drinks all the time.

    (4)

  • Katie M.

    I love Franklin Cafe. Yeah, there is always a long wait and they don't take reservations, but that's the only downside - the food is delicious and the menu changes seasonally (get the seared ahi tuna with the black pepper crust and garlic mashed potatoes and you will be googling my phone number to thank me). They have a decent wine list, and some of my favorites, so I am always happy there. The parking can be tough, but I live in the neighborhood so it's only a hop, skip and a jump away. It's a spot on the small side and is usually jam-packed, but that speaks volumes about how much this place rocks.

    (4)

  • P L.

    I have been back to Franklin Cafe about a 1/2 dozen times. This is a cozy little place that is great for the casual date, a small group (4 people), and perfect for a late night meal. They don't take reservations, so be prepared for a 30min+ wait on weekend nights. Fortunately, they have a full bar, with a very creative cocktail list, so waiting isn't that bad. They always have a simple, straight forward menu. I guess you could call it comfort food. It's one of those menus where I'm always happy with multiple options, so hopefully you have friends willing to share a bite. Everything is always delicious and well proportioned, and incredibly well priced (entrees are always under $20!). I just hope they bring back the meatloaf! Other than the cocktails, they have a great wine list that suits all budgets and tastes, and they have a couple of decent beers on draft too, so whatever your mood, you're all set. The only downside is a couple of rude bar staff (not all of them, just a couple). I would like to think it's because they are really busy, but I think it is just one of those attitudes that creeps into some staff working at "cool" spots. I can manage it, however the fact that I even have to means they don't get 5 stars.

    (4)

  • Doug T.

    Yes, this place really is as good as people say. It's arguably my favorite restaurant in the city. Why? I'll tell you. Every time I leave there, I walk away thinking to myself "That was really good." The drink menu is filled with great choices. They spice up traditional drinks and even make bourbon taste like a summertime favorite. The food is never "good." It's always "very good" or "great." I'm a big fan of the mussels, followed by hanger steak w/ steak fries. But I always make sure I try everyone else's food so that I know what to order next time. The meatloaf is a knock-out, but not always on the menu (I think it changes seasonally?). The atmosphere is superb...dimly lit, rich colors without the distraction of a tv over the bar. Don't be put off by their lack of reservations or small size. We walked in with 8 people one time, and before we ordered our second round they had us seated. The drinks are so good that you'll want a second one anyways! Do yourself a favor and get your a$$ in there. On second thought, don't bother. I want it all to myself.

    (5)

  • Patty M.

    Had dinner here around 6pm after a play at the Calderwood and we got the last table by the window on a brisk winter evening. From that time on people came pouring in for warmth and good food. This place has a sexy/romantic vibe that would be great for a date or dinner and drinks with your best girlfriends.The bar was full of low-key and stylish people. I enjoyed the chill music and the fab lighting. Oh yeah, we ate here too. The Tuscan tomato, bean and bread soup, was great for dipping with their toasty bread and creamy hummus spread. I also had the steak frites, which were as good as they get with butter melting over the top.

    (4)

  • Mcslimj B.

    A paragon of the Neighborhood Bar With Great Food category. I've been dining and drinking here for years. It was one of my very favorite bars even before I moved to the neighborhood. I've made it one of my few regular hangouts, and it remains consistent and value-priced: generally excellent all around. Very solid, well-executed, slightly creative takes on American comfort food and bistro fare. I mean "bistro" as the French do: a modest, casual, unpretentious neighborhood place serving food at prices that won't make working-class folks blanch on a weeknight. Most dishes are full-flavored, hearty, and generously sized. Some favorite apps: skillet-roasted mussels in a buttery broth; pan-sauteed chicken livers; a warm salad of shredded Napa cabbage with bacon and bleu; great soups; frisee with duck confit; garlicky grilled (not fried) calamari. Favorite entrees: two pasta dishes that seem to change frequently, always worthwhile; turkey meatloaf with fig gravy (still unmatched at this price point); a solid steak-frites, always a couple of simple, healthy, delicious grilled-fish options. Excellent vegetable sides. It's very easy to put together a nice meal of a couple of apps and a side, or an app each with a pasta to share. Good beers on tap and in bottles; a short but pretty reasonably priced wine list, with a good half-bottle or two. I'm not often thrilled with the by-the-glass wines. Bartending is generally very solid, though in recent years I think the consistency has slipped a little bit on the shaker drinks; it used to be impossible to get a less-than-stellar drink here, and now you can. I love the dark atmosphere, the generally friendly (to me at least -- I'm a fairly familiar face there) service, the music on the iPod, the fact that the TV is usually off, the still fairly cool and multi-cultural South End crowd (an increasingly rare commodity). Plus it's one of the very few worthwhile places in the city whose kitchen stays open till 1:30am. Downside: it's small. Waits can stretch to 90 minutes on peak weekend times, and the bar can be uncomfortably crowded to wait in that long. There's only one table that can accommodate more than four people (back corner). The addition of many new nearby restaurants has made the Franklin a little easier to get into, especially on weeknights. I have been going long enough and frequently enough to identify some windows that yield relatively reliably short waits of 30 minutes or less (the staff is pretty expert at estimating wait times). This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston, as it pretty much epitomizes my favorite category of restaurant, the cool bar with excellent food, though the chef is unlikely to win a James Beard award with this menu. I'm really glad to have it in my neighborhood.

    (5)

  • Arestia R.

    Tucked into quiet Shawmut Avenue in the South End is one of Boston's gems - Franklin Cafe. Their food is just decadent and special. It's comfort with a flare and delightful flavor. It's a little dark, but that helps when you're trying to unwind. The staff is really nice and helpful. My friend's cocktail just didn't taste right and they were happy to bring her a new one. It can get a little crowded and there's no reservations, but it's worth taking the risk.

    (5)

  • Scott M.

    One of the best places to eat in Boston, especially late night. Good menu and prices. Music is too loud for me so I won't give it 5 stars.

    (4)

  • Cindy C.

    I came here for my birthday dinner on wednesday - a warning to all, it is a SMALL place, not good for large groups - we ended up waiting at the bar area for about an hour before we were seated. Luckily, they had a great variety of cocktails which we tried while we were waiting, one of my favorites of the night was the gin crossed mojito, very refreshing. FOOD: we ordered calamaris, mussels, mac n cheese and the beef short ribs to start and share. The calamaris were absolutely delicious, but the flavor is very strong, because after having that dish, i could barely taste the mussels, which was a shame, because the broth was really good. The beef short ribs were cooked soft and tender, however, it was way too salty. i couldnt take more than 2 bites of the dish. For entree, i had the steak and frites. it was good, very juicy and tender, and it was cooked simply and perfectly. The cod my friend had however, was absolutely amazing. The fish was fresh and the flavors went together perfectly. Overall, I had a very enjoyable time here, but a lot of the food is very strong in flavor, i guess it's a good place to come after you've had a couple of drinks

    (4)

  • Renee B.

    I had the best braised short rib that I have ever had in my life here last night. It is crowded and jammed but we managed to get seats and have grilled calamari (which I am thankful that finally a place that offers something other than fried) which was tasty. I had the chicken livers which were excellent. Then we had the braised short rib that left us wow'd. We will be back.

    (5)

  • Janice T.

    What a great bar! Tasty looking menu options and a nice selection of interesting beers on tap (i.e. Victory Prima Pils and O'Hara's Irish Stout). And with cocktails like the Cocoa Old Fashioned and Cucumber Collins (along with gluten-free menu!) what's not to like?

    (5)

  • Deepa C.

    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!

    (4)

  • V Y.

    I love love this place! It's so cozy and the food is sooo good! Their menu changes a lot but they've never let me down! I love their small side dishes and laid back feel. Def. a nice place to grab a late night bite/drink!

    (5)

  • Kristen F.

    Cute, teeny, tiny place in the South End. Dimly lit, only a few booths and a bar. The staff all seemed pretty cool. The food was great. A decent place to go in this area and won't cost a fortune like some of its neighbors.

    (4)

  • Paul L.

    I feel like I can securely appreciate the texture of the bar. The flavors compound the texture. Cubic bacon.

    (5)

  • Alice M.

    Nice people but food is really not good. Heavy and salty and too much sauce. The 90s are still alive on this menu.

    (2)

  • E S.

    Stopped in for drinks and an appetizer. The crab fritters have changed my life and that is all I can think about now. Run don't walk there and enjoy this wonderful spot !

    (5)

  • Nate T.

    One of my local favs! Small, neighborhoody, friendly, and delicious. Love the steak frites.

    (5)

  • Daniel B.

    I'm always surprised by how much I like this place, and I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's so unassuming. Maybe because the ambience is just right for date night, or for groups. Maybe because they do a mean cocktail and have a good beer selection (for the East Coast, anyway). Maybe it's because their smoked mussels, roasted chicken, or steak frites are ridiculously good. Whatever the reason, this has become one of my favorite places in Boston, and I highly recommend it.

    (4)

  • Kim F.

    Our first evening in Boston was a late one so we searched for a place open for food at 1am that would serve minors. The service was fabulous - very inviting people. The food was delicious - steak frittes will be purchased again in the future. The frisée salad was flavorful, as were the corn/crab fritters. The grilled calamari was chewy. It's a bar mostly, so it is loud and the smokers outside the entrance were annoying, but those are minor annoyances. Looking forward to returning!

    (4)

  • Ryan R.

    Went here with a friend to grab a bite to eat late on a Tuesday night. The bar was full so we grabbed a seat at one of the booths that was free. They start off the meal with french bread with a hummus spread that is delicious--I think the two of us went through two baskets. For my meal, I decided to go with the meatloaf. It came with chive mashed potatoes and was topped with a fig sauce. The fig sauce wasn't my favorite combination with the meatloaf, but the mashed potatoes were perfect. All together, the dish was very tasty and a decent portion size. Overall, this place has a great vibe and atmosphere and is very reasonably priced for the South End. The food is quality and the service is friendly. A great place to check out for dinner and/or drinks.

    (4)

  • Tammy L.

    I don't venture into the South End often so my friend took me here as a way to introduce me to the area. I can't say I was disappointed. The food was delicious enough for me to think about coming back again. We shared the wild mushroom ravioli and the slow roasted pork. I am particularly picky about the latter since my main meat staple has been pork for the last two years due to a medical condition. (I wish I was kidding. My Chinese herbalist/acupuncturist put me on that diet.) At most places, the slow roasted pork is still too dry enough for me to know that it was not exactly slow roasted. At Franklin Cafe, they do it right. It almost melted in my mouth. This would not have happened elsewhere. Service-wise, it was good enough for us since all we wanted to do was eat and talk, and not have our conversation randomly interrupted. They approached us at the right times, brought us our check, and did the whole nine yards.

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    A friend saw that the Franklin Cafe was open late, via a Google search, so we decided to try it at 11pm. Entering through heavy drapes was interesting. Be sure to veer towards the right, or you'll run into people seated at the bar on the left. I ordered the Beef & Tomato Sogu. It was a tasty pasta dish with ground meat. I only hit a few cold pieces, but mostly the food was hot. One of the other people in my party experienced a cold spot in the same dish, go figure. I liked how it was seasoned, but the portion could have been larger for the price being charged $17. Similar dishes at the Cheesecake Factory cost less and come with more, but they aren't open this late. The bowl maybe could have been warmed, but that's a minor detail. The service was good and attentive. Though, there was almost an altercation with the waiter and a patron seated at a table next to me. The other waiter was quick to diffuse that situation. Who knows what the deal was, because Boston? Dinner and a show? Possibly both. Looking to use the restroom? You may need to perform Cirque du Soleil level acrobatics to be able to fit inside the secondary WC, but once inside, it was clean. If you are even more than a little disabled, these bathrooms won't be accessible. There are two restrooms, but neither door is marked, so choose one already. Per typical big city, there's no available parking outside to speak of, so Uber over and save time trying to figure that out. Late night options are hard to come by, so the Franklin Cafe is a good option for food and drinks. The bar was busy with many types of lifestyle choices represented. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Erika F.

    Update! Went back and sat at the bar one Saturday night. Place was packed and loud, but we had a solid experience. The host was on top of his game, kept track of everyone waiting for a table, and let us know as soon as 2 seats at the bar opened up. I ordered 2 appetizers - garlic grilled calamari was especially good. Drinks were great too. Couldn't have been more different than my prior two visits to Franklin Cafe.

    (4)

  • Igor K.

    This was our second time there. Much more quiet this time (can hear across the table now), got seated within a couple of minutes. Drinks were great yet again so was the food. Chicken dish was delicious. I liked the service: never had my glass empty , but the server never showed up in the awkward moment. Oh, their bread is great (in house made?). Other than a slight whif of a chlorine cleaner - I am very happy and will come back. Also worth mentioning their atmosphere: feels like it is off the beaten path, waiter doesn't look at his clock 40 minutes into your stay - I felt comfortable there. Parking could be PITA on the weekend. I'd give Franklin Cafe a 4.5 star rating if I could.

    (4)

  • K F.

    Skip the wait and get it to go! That is what we did last night, it was very busy and we were tired. Crisp local iceberg was a typical blue cheese salad but the dressing had a bit more flair then what you would normally find at a restaurant. The turkey meatloaf came highly recommended , it came with chive mashed and it was served with a fig sauce, it was quite tasty. The sweet corn ravioli with roasted chicken, pancetta, sage, cherry, and parm cheese was a beautiful medley of taste. The pancetta could have been a bit more crisp and not so fatty but it was really good to say the least. This is a consistently good restaurant /bar which seems to be a bit hard to find these days.

    (5)

  • Katie M.

    Where else in Boston can you go to meet friends for great food, cool decor and a cool wait staff after midnight? The Franklin Cafe. I've only actually sat down for dinner there once (our server was very nice and the food was delicious) but I've sat at the bar numerous times for drinks and apps. The bartenders are friendly, chill, and extremely attentive (there is something to be said a bartender who can casually slip by and refill an empty wine glass with a bottle of wine that has already been purchased without being noticed). The Franklin Cafe does tend to get crowded late night. I've never had to wait outside to get in, but there are definitely times where I haven't been able to score a seat at the bar/at the tables.

    (4)

  • Aviva S.

    I travel to Boston every few months for work and I find myself at Franklin on almost every trip. The cocktails are great, and I'm always confident whatever I order will be tasty. It's not where I'd go for a quick, fast bite - but if you're looking to spend $40 on dinner and a drink, this is an enjoyable way to spend a little time.

    (3)

  • Anissa K.

    I've been here 4 times and each time it gets better and better!! From the drinks to the menu everything is a win. We had the mussels and winter lettuce for an appetizer, octopus and monk fish for entrees... everything was so tasteful! As a side note, they don't serve dessert.

    (5)

  • Brian D.

    This review is for the bar only. Went in on a Saturday night around 930ish. It was quite crowded, with the bar stacked about 3 deep the whole way around. It was surprisingly easy to get the bartender's attention despite the volume of people at the bar. The crowd seemed overall polite and relaxed ... if the people I had to reach over or between to get my drink were bothered by those actions, they didn't show it. We stayed for most of the night, and the crowd thinned somewhat, allowing us to eventually sit at the bar. I came to Franklin that night because of the reputation of the cocktails. I started with a gin drink that was indeed tasty, but by the end of the glass I was overwhelmed by the sweetness of the overly fruity beverage. This trend continued through several other drinks from their custom menu that I sampled that night. It is not that the drinks were bad, but that the non-alcoholic ingredients were allowed to overpower the base. The bartender was, however, competent and attentive, and when I ordered a cocktail that was not on the menu he poured it well. My other complaint about the cocktail menu at Franklin is the quality of ingredients used. I don't intend to sound like a complete snob, but if you are going to use captain morgan or jim beam in your custom cocktails, maybe don't advertise it. I've been debating my rating for Franklin, and I think 3 stars is appropriate, again ONLY for the bar. I give it an A for effort, but in Boston these days, if you hold yourself out as a purveyor of fine cocktails, you better be able to back up your talk. Perhaps to be revised if I return for food.

    (3)

  • erica c.

    After reading your fantastic reviews about this place I was of course compelled to check it out! I had two old friends in town and wanted dinner to be just perfect... Aside from the amazing company and entertaining conversation...the ambiance, service and food were in fact absolutely perfect. The meatloaf dish here is mouth -watering, as is the acorn squash dish..... They don't serve dessert --so if you have a sweet tooth, make after dinner dessert arrangements....but for caffeine addicts like myself, they do serve coffee....:)

    (4)

  • Steve k.

    This was the second stop on our Saturday night out in the South End. We started with drinks and apps at the Gallows and then made our way to the Franklin Cafe. As usual, it was PACKED, but since it was arctic cold with a razor wind outside, we weren't going anywhere. The host said the wait was 45 minutes, and before we had time to roll our eyes, 4 seats at the corner of the bar opened up. Sweeeeeet. Our bartender was friendly and attentive and mixed one of us a custom drink which was pretty damn tasty. Two of us had the steak frittes (medium and medium rare)- each one was cooked to perfection. We also had the chicken...and I thought "Who the hell goes out and orders chicken?"---And then I had a taste...and it blew my mind how moist, savory and perfectly cooked...we all tasted this chicken and swooned. I had the seared tuna with the chive mashed taters. It, too was cooked to perfection, albeit a wee bit small for my liking...but still worth the 19$. In short, we were all happy, satiated and impressed with the Franklin.

    (4)

  • Emily O.

    There seems to be two camps when it comes to this place: the lovers and the likers. Those who love Franklin Cafe give it five stars, emphasize the late night appeal, and "perfect"ly good food, service and atmosphere. They also note the reasonable pricing for what you get and the great bar service. Those who like Franklin Cafe give it three stars, as do I. The pricing is reasonable - yes. The food and the service are great - yes. However, the menu is short and features some not that inventive dishes (tuna tartare?) and some inventive ones (non-fried calamari appetizer). What took me by surprise was that a) we got the VIP table when we walked in around 6 on a Friday, and b) this place is so dark you cannot read the menu or see your food! There's not alot of seating, and I think they're focus is meant to be the bar (which I couldn't see from where we sat). This place is good, not stellar, but has some appeal due to it's slightly-off-the-beaten-path feel and relatively relaxed atmosphere (early in the evening).

    (3)

  • genevieve r.

    Franklin is great because they stay open so late.. The food is always prepared perfectly, and the menu chages every once in a while. The service is good, although my girlfriend asked for a drink reccomendation, and the server brought her a GROSS manhattan Mairtini, I only know 1 girl who would want that drink......That really was a poor reccomendation..I felt so bad for her while she cringed with every sip she took...Good for her for drinking it anyway... Sometimes the bar floor can reek of wet dishrags, But not always....Yuck! although I hav 2 negative remarks of this place, I will surely come back, Cause the space is cool, The music is always good, and the food is great... I will just always know what drink to order... Oh yeah, plan to wait sometime for a table, unless you go very late!!

    (3)

  • Angelina C.

    Update: I am CRUSHED. CRUSHED. By the Franklin's new decor. It is God-awful. So bad, it's hard to look at. I'm very upset, as this was probably one of my favorite places in Boston. More time at Toro, I suppose... -------------- The Franklin is basically my living room, but I do have one complaint: It seems to suffer from the curse of notoriety. Every dish that people rave about is pretty bad when I go (the steak frite, the Franklin Sidecar), but everything else (the scallops, the tuna, the cava) is to die for. Strange... I feel like the chef does not exert enough quality control. If you're charging the same price, the steak that you serve at 1 a.m. should be of the same quality as the one you serve at 7. Period.

    (4)

  • Kirs P.

    My girlfiends love the Franklin. I just can't get behind them on this. It's okay. They do have two very wonderful things: The Franklin Sidecar and, when on the menu, Mussels. Other than that? Crowded. Small. Long Wait. Kinda expensive. Decent, but not rave-worthy, food. Small, expensive wine list. And, I think they recently changed bartenders- because the previously to-die-for bloody mary was god-awful the last time I was there. And, I'm so sick of less than inspired vegetarian options. Enough with the pasta already! I will say this for the Franklin- there are always people in there- so if you are looking for a "scene" you will find it here.

    (3)

  • Christine L.

    My favorite place in Boston! The food is fantastic and interesting, and you can't beat the price. It can get crowded, but I've never had any trouble with service at a table. Too bad they didn't do desserts when I was living there.

    (5)

  • Hector D.

    Franklin cafe is not a bad place. I give it 2 stars because I've had better. I liked the look of the restaurant and the bartender that served us was nice, but the service from that point on wasn't all that great. The food was overly salted but it was still good. I wouldn't say that it is a bad place, but with the selection of restaurants in the South End, it is not a place I would go out of my way to visit again.

    (2)

  • Billy B.

    woohoo! bam! woosh! zap! onomatopoeias abound! yay Boston! This is without a doubt the best chichi american restaurant I have been to in Boston. Our appetizer was the **Warm Matchsticks Of Zucchini** with toasted almonds and pecorino ($8), which blanketed the vegetably goodness and added a nice sharp contrasting flavor. For entrees I had a **Blackened Catfish** special that contained only a hint of the usual catfish amine taste, while my colleague had the **Black Pepper Seared Tuna** ($19), a great dish that was seared perfectly and quite flavorful. +'s: Excellent food, intimate dim atmosphere, great service, good cocktails. -'s: No deserts! (Go a few doors down to The Dish for a stellar blueberry crème brûlée!), the 30min wait for a table on a Tuesday.

    (5)

  • Heather R.

    It's the neighborhood cafe which does not disappoint at dinner. Just get ready to wait for a seat if you do not arrive early.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    We always go there for birthdays, anniversaries and even being laid-off! The food is always wonderful, menu is always changing and the wait is always worth it. Usually good drinks (esp. martinis) but sometimes they do put in too much alcohol. Almost always crowded so they don't need to take reservations. Also, open late (1am).

    (5)

  • Daniel H.

    Reliable consistent good upscale food at this small neighborhood local. Long bar with booths along the wall. Food Rating = 4 Stars Service Rating = 3 Stars Decor Rating = 3 Stars

    (4)

  • Oz L.

    Great food at fantastic prices!!! The kitchen stays open after midnight which is def a plus for you night owls!! I highly recommend the place...

    (5)

  • Kate P.

    A work friend of mine recommended I check out Franklin Cafe when I told her I was going to be meet a friend after work for dinner and a drink and we were deciding on a place in the south end. I am so glad we went because I had a fabulous meal. I ordered the Classic Steak Frites. It was soo good, the two strips of beef were covered in a Roquefort Butter and piled on top of a mound of fries which were perfectly seasoned! The waiter told me it is their most popular dish and I say cheers to that! I will come back again!

    (4)

  • Byron M.

    This is a pub/bar/restaurant type of place. It is often crowded and there is typically a wait. The food is pretty decent, and the crowd is a 30 something group of people. Very festive place, I will definiately go back.

    (4)

  • Steven W.

    corned beef brisket.. wow! a bit dark in there and I think I got one slice of meat that wasnt cooked enough for me.. but whatever. the rest melted in my mouth! classy venue too!

    (4)

  • Illia V.

    I'll give it to the awesome woman bartender, for whom which we would have never been seated had she not pointed our wait time to the pretentious host who kept seating everyone that came after us first! everything we ordered was way to salty and our waittress spent the whole time talking to the table behind us and ignored us the whole time except when i guess she realized she was working but by then we just wanted the check....its a shame because i wanted to like this place as i live down the street. I only give it 2 stars b/c of the bartender.....

    (2)

  • Tessa C.

    wholeheartely agree with the other yelpers who love the franklin. laid back attitude with honest subdued decor. i've been here on the weekend when it's super busy - great for getting drinks with friends. and also during the week for dinner when it's relaxed. food is excellent. always comforting and well prepared. good value for the price. recently had the grilled chicken entree - skin was nicely charred and crisp, meat was firm and moist, and the sauce was delicate and slightly acidic to complement the chicken. the zucchini/squash side was good, but not outstanding. my friend had the pea shoot ravioli - delicious. another excellent sauce combining mint, parsley, and basil. i thought that the sauce would be very pungent and strong, but the flavors were gently blended together. i also ate the cappelini pasta with a fresh tomato garlic sauce - simple and fresh. yum! great place for a quality meal and great drinks.

    (5)

  • Mark P.

    Flew into Boston from SF getting in at 10 pm, checked into hotel (amateur hour) and called ahead, they told us the kitchen would be open until 11:30. We managed to get a taxi and were there by 10:45ish. This was a Thursday night, the place was happening but we got a lovely booth -- it is smallish -- and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing and exciting meal. The cocktails come from a very well-stocked bar. The appetizers are the first clue that the kitchen is turning out truly inventive food -- we had Scallops Rockefeller on a clamshell that featured fabulous chopped up scallops under spinach, absolutely phenomenal. The ravioli featured a oven-roasted tomato sauce and get this -- turkey sausage. It was very very good. We had decent pours of Dalwhinnie and Laguvulin to end up a perfect comfort meal in a warm and inviting atmosphere, kudos!

    (5)

  • Faye C.

    Love this place especially in the winter it is so warm and full of life. I would say constantly great food, especially the apps have three apps and a salad instead of a main you will be in heaven. Gets a little noisy and full on a Thursday and Friday night but really worth the wait. Faye C. Boston

    (4)

  • Christian H.

    It's pretty delicious. The menu changes a lot and it's a tiny place so either plan to wait at the bar for a while but you know, as far as restaurants in a neighborhood full of great restaurants go, this one is doing ok for itself. I like what they do with it and I enjoy the place. Good service, good food, good drinks. Not cheap, but what is these days. Their hummus spread with the bread makes me want to steal the whole container. I can't get enough of it.

    (4)

  • Jeffriana S.

    I once heard the Franklin referred to as a "carry out bar" because the clientele usually gets so drunk that they need to be carried out by the end of the night. (This is mainly due to the fact that many come here to take advantage of their 2am liquor license.) And with good reason! They have a good beer selection on tap and great mixed drinks (try the "Franklin Side Car"). However, what's really great about the bar at the Franklin is the newly added $5 jar shots (the name is deceiving as they are really mini-mixed drinks served in a super cool jar). Although the Franklin is a great end of the night bar, what's even better than the drinks is the food! The roasted tomato soup is the best I've ever had and it's even served with a wedge of the yummiest grilled cheese sandwich! The bone-in fillet mignon is delicious with a crispy outside, tender inside, and served on a bed of sauteed portobello mushrooms that are to die for! And to top it off, the prices are exceptionally reasonable!

    (4)

  • Meghann W.

    The grilled calamari is one of the best things I have EVER eaten, anywhere. I loved everything about this place, from the food to the atmosphere. The people who work their are very friendly. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Beth E.

    I've been here a bunch of times with different people. None of us has ever had a bad meal. I've been for drinks, I've been for dinner, and my experiences have always been good. I usually show up just after work during the week, and have never had to wait for very long, despite the restaurant's small size. One of my favorite things about the Franklin is that the menu changes with the seasons. The menu is small, but the food is really good. Sometimes I miss things I've had in the past, but I know there's always the chance that it might make it back on the menu...

    (5)

  • Hubert H.

    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.

    (3)

  • Robert G.

    I'm not sure what all the hype is about here. The bar is nice, always happening and a place to see/be seen, but the menu is so limited and the wait is SO long! The times I've been here I haven't been too impressed with my food - it's good, but so are most other places in the South End and the waits are usually shorter. In terms of decoration - dark velvet, all the way.

    (3)

  • Kaka-Q S.

    If you're out there, Franklin Cafe, fire that overgrown sorority girl of a bartender. You know the one. That scratchy voiced lady, the brunette with the belly shirts. She's the pits. This is the second time I've recieved horrid service at your bar, and sadly, as much as I admire your unexpected food pairings and understated ambience, if she's still there when I go back next week, we're through. There are too many fish in the sea, Franklin Cafe, for me to waste any more time trying to make you good in every way. It's her or me.

    (3)

  • peter c.

    Such a disappointment! Our party of 5 went to Franklin on March 3, 2011 and only 1 of us had a decent meal with one steak dinner going back to the kitchen. One in our party (who lives around the corner from the restaurant) had warned us that this once-good place had gone down-hill, and this was clearly evident. The drinks were good, but the food absolutely was not. With so many excellent places in the Souh End, this is one to avoid.

    (1)

  • Jenna S.

    Probably some of the best food I've ever eaten, and the atmosphere is great--dark and cozy. I got some kinda sashimi tuna thing that was on special, and it tasted like wonderment. It was frigid outside, and the Franklin's cinnamon sugar-rimmed hot toddy hit the spot. The service was also excellent, including the waiter schooling us on Human Rights Day. Definitely some of the best food I've had...ever.

    (5)

  • Lisa M J.

    MMMMMM, the fall menu is back. Okay, I heart the food at the Franklin. Menu is fun, eclectic, changes seasonally and is consistently prepared. Now that the colder months have returned so has the delicious house cured corned beef. (Not sure why I am obsessed with this, but I am.) I skipped this, however, on my last visit due to an amazing sounding swordfish special, which did not disappoint. During the course of my frequent visits I have learned that the chef used to work in New Orleans and there are usually 1-2 items with a southerner influence (i.e. fried green tomatoes, southern fried chicken, etc). Now this fall there is a a new Southern item: a yummy gumbo. I wanted to lick the bowl it was so tasty & I almost ordered a second serving. (I did NOT lick the bowl, btw) As a girl who divides her time on both sides of the Mason-Dixie line I am pretty certain this is the tastiest, most authentic gumbo you might find in Boston (and a a hell-uva lot better than most spots in New Orleans in fact). Yes the restaurant is dark (ummm I don't need to see your pores across the table while I dine), and yes there is a healthy music volume - that said, it adds to the charm and appeal of the place. Going to have to commit on Yelp that this is my favorite spot to eat in Boston. There, I said it.

    (5)

  • Stacey H.

    One word: Fantastic! This South End gem offers some of the best martinis I have ever laid my lips on. Every time I've had dinner at the Franklin I swear its the best. Their grilled calamari is to die for and their seafood risotto is a heavenly mix of creamy goodness and perfectly paired spiciness. Did I mention the cocktails yet? I'm a pretty sharp critic of dirty martinis and this one passed with flying colors.

    (5)

  • Susan S.

    My favorite comfort food - their turkey meatloaf. It's SO good and so worth the hassle of waiting for a table there! I talked it up so much to a friend that he went there the following week to try it and couldn't stop talking about it either.

    (5)

  • M.A. F.

    AMAZING. That's it. The drinks were wonderful and very unique; the food was outstanding; the wait wasn't very long; and the service was great. My only complaint is that they don't have a dessert menu... but there are great places for that nearby. I gave it 5 stars only because there wasn't an option for more!

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    Love Franklin Cafe! Great for dinner or late night drinks. The atmosphere is so comfortable, not pretentious like many South End restaurants. This is a small place, and looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, so be prepared to walk in and be surprised at how crowded it is!

    (4)

  • Daisy J.

    Delicious food, great service. It just sucks to get there.

    (4)

  • Katie G.

    This restaurant, as simple and small as it is, is like no restaurant or bar I have ever been to before and I love it for that. It is small and discreet, but well known by a few. Even through every time I have been there it was very busy and full, its lay out keeps you from feeling over crowded. It is very dimly lit, making it cozy and comfortable. I would highly recommend the spinach raviolis and all of their specialty drinks. The bartender was knowledgeable and interesting, and his service is quick and efficient. I haven't been back in a long time, but I can't wait to give myself a reason to head back to the South End!

    (5)

  • Jorel F.

    Small restaurant that has a long wait at times, mostly weekends at peak dinner hour. But the food is exceptional!!! Amazing preparation, never over-spiced or cooked improperly. The menu is always interesting and based on the seasons. Delicious, casual date dining. It's a personal favorite of mine. The youthful and casual atmosphere may not be for everyone. Nice staff!

    (5)

  • Korri Leigh C.

    Franklin has never disappointed. Whether it is 9 PM or 2 AM the food is always simple and perfectly done. They have some of the best soups in town, and the drinks are always fantastic as well. This is one of the South End's best spots

    (5)

  • Thacher T.

    If you get a seat at this place, you have to stay for at least two drinks, it's just so pleasant. I highly recommend the Pimms beer, which I believe is an original creation involving the aperitif Pimms. My only meal at Franklin was a decadent filet mignon. The best part was that a friend covered the check.

    (5)

  • Gabor Z.

    My favority place in town, great chef and fantastic atmouspae

    (5)

  • L And E.

    At first, I was completely turned off; they wouldn't sit us, even with several open tables, because we didn't have a full party. There were two of us and the third was running ten minutes late. We were hungry and tired after a long day of work, so we agreed to sit at the bar. Thankfully, the bar tender was great and she served us some bread and hummus, which helped to turn us around. While the menu selection was limited everything we ordered was amazing. I ordered the pasta - a bit simplistic and overpriced - but still very good. We shared the scallops - absolutely delicious! As a bar/restaurant it gets a bit noisey, but this place is truly a gem.

    (5)

  • ack c.

    Delicous everytime, but go early & work out before hand... Love this place, great, cute, neighborhood joint.

    (5)

  • Kristen L.

    The food is phenomenal. Not a ton of variety in the nightly selections, but they do change the menu frequently- some fish, some beef, always great mashed potatoes and fries, and something good vegetarian. Plus, they have a killer drink list and a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Good for enjoying dinner & drinks with a small group of friends.

    (5)

  • Lauren G.

    Great food and drinks. I like that they're trying to make the atmosphere romantic, but it was a little too dim in there - I had trouble seeing the menu!

    (4)

  • Lynette M.

    Great grilled calamari.

    (4)

  • Jan L.

    The fall/winter menu at Franklin Cafe is awesome! Was in for dinner last week and a group of us shared several appetizers - yummy mussels and the lamb rib lets were superior! I can't rave enough about the chicken (would love the recipe) :-) I haven't had a gumbo this tasty since I was last in New Orleans! Compliments to the kitchen and our wonderful server Nate! So attentive and fun! If you are in the area, don't miss dining at the Franklin Cafe!!

    (5)

  • David H.

    Franklin Cafe is a place I have been eating and drinking at for many years and I have been here over one hundred times. Most of the time I go to Franklin after 11pm for drinks and late dinner. I have ate at the bar and at a table; have been here by myself; two, three and eight people. The atmosphere is low key; not fancy neighborhood small bar/restaurant in the South End neighhood in a mostly residential area. Parking is impossible so I have been lucky that I have just doubled parked and have not been towed. They have great food with moderate pricing; great cocktails; very inexpensive champagne prices (Cristal for under one hundred dollars) The place is young and noisey when it is full. Many industry people frequent Franklin. You will love this place as it serves full dinner till either 1 or 1:30 but no dessert. It is reliable but if it's busy be prepared to wait (no reservations)

    (4)

  • A. P.

    There isn't much I can tell you about The Franklin that hasn't already been said. They make amazing drinks (Try the tangerine gimlet), great food, and manage to maintain a cozy neighborhood feeling in the midst of the uber gentrified south end. What I can add, that no one else can, is my intense love of booth seating-- which is the only non-bar seating they have here. Booths allow the patron to engage in silly tickle fights without causing too much of a ruckus, hide the fact that you (I) are unable to sit still and therefore jam out to the cure for the entire duration of your meal, and finally booths are just so much more comfortable than chairs. In short, I love booths. See also my extreme love of bench seating in cars.

    (4)

  • Susan J.

    Vegetarians, be warned: you only have like two menu options. But it is a very classy, out of the way place for dinner and drinks. The layout is oddly similar to Matt Murphy's.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    Great hanger steak and frites. Only a few draught beers to choose from but the Irish stout is delicious. Great atmosphere and the staff was helpful and attentive.

    (4)

  • Mindy A.

    I went here for the third or fourth time last night with a group of girlfriends. It was a Tuesday night, so we were thinking it wouldn't be difficult to get a table, but the wait was actually a little long. Originally they told us 25 minutes but it ended up being around 45. I think this is because its difficult to estimate how long people are going to take at the tables. Anyways, we were happy to finally get our table and sit down. The drink list is good here -- the cocktails are all really unique and delicious. When you sit down, you get bread with hummus which is a nice touch. The hummus is really good. They change their menu a lot here to reflect seasonal food, but the menu is really eclectic and has some different combinations that are definitely unusual. Everything is delicious, though. Last night, my girlfriends and I tried the potato and leek soup, the skate, and a pasta dish with cheese, mushrooms and blueberries. All three were really good but the skate was definitely my favorite. The server was really friendly and this place definitely has kind of an upscale neighborhood feel.

    (4)

  • Erika A.

    Don't be scared by the small menu. Everything they make is amazing. We had the steak and the mushroom raviolis and bother were amazing. Soooooo good. The place was a bit too desk for us but if you sit by the windows it's perfect. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Sasha R.

    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!

    (4)

  • Alika Marie W.

    I had the pleasure of enjoying the Franklin cafe on a very late thursday evening. The food was so good i almost licked the plate. Some friends and myself ordered the matchstick Zucchini it was like no squash i've ever encountered. Fresh and litely sauteed with toasted nuts that tasted more like pumpkin seeds. There was also some chopped slab bacon in there. For the main i had the fresh pea raviolis...so delicious and fresh they may have grown the peas on the roof themselves. It was fantastic. This was one of the best meals i've had in years. I returned the following Wednesday to celebrate my boyfriends birthday. Mmmmm.... My new favorite.

    (4)

  • Derek C.

    Lots of locals rave about Franklin Cafe in the South End. I'm in the middle. Every time I go there I feel like it's a mediocre experience. The food is decent, but it never wows me. The interior is nice. Intimate lighting, and relatively comfortable booths. However, it gets PACKED, very loud, and the host tends to be very short with you to get you in & out as quickly as possible. I have to say I think it's a bit over rated.

    (3)

  • Vanessa W.

    I was stuck between 4 and 5 stars on this one - the food was delicious - they even had grilled calamari, which were outstanding! You can't really find those many places. The service was also awesome; our waiter was very friendly and spent a good amount of time chatting with us. When I said I was biking, he actually brought me a bottle of water for me to take with me (it was in the 90s that day). Given, it wasn't super crowded when we were there (early dinner on a Monday), but it was a very personal experience. The prices were a little high for the portion sizes, but I guess that's standard at Boston restaurants, most of the time.

    (4)

  • Tony P.

    Love this place. The octopus dish is phenomenal. Pricey but so worth it. I'll be back.

    (5)

  • Laura B.

    I went out to dinner at the Franklin Cafe last Thursday with my boyfriend and a friend. We searched for parking in the South End for a half an hour... UGH! Once we found a spot (a 15 min walk away), we walked in to the restaurant and there was a 35 minute wait. Oops. We should have had someone wait for the table while the other parked. Our fault. We decided to have drinks at the bar. My wine was very good and my companions liked their drinks as well. We got a table and they brought over their delicious bread and butter. I loved the fact that the server did not even blink when we asked for more bread. Sometimes servers get annoyed since it is free but this server was very understanding that we were starving (it was 9:00PM at this point!I ordered the rare tuna that comes with salad and chive mashed potatoes. Let me start this by saying that I am an odd, odd person who hates mashed potatoes. I was planning on just eating the tuna and ignoring the mashed potatoes because there were no other sides I was interesting in subbing. When the dish arrived, I was immediately dissapointed by the miniscule amount of tuna on my plate. It tasted delicious but there was definitively less than 4oz! I accidentally tasted some of the chive mashed potatoes while eating my tuna. Oh my goodness, those chive mashed potatoes were AMAZING. I ate every bite. So, I was very happy to fill myself up on the healthy portion of mashed potatoes but still wish there was just a little bit more of the tasty tuna. My boyfriend started with the arugula salad and then had the tuna. He was very happy. My friend started with the mushroom crostini (from the vegetarian menu... we had to ask for it) and then had the rib app special. He liked both a lot. Then the moment of truth came, we asked for the dessert menu and the server said "we actually don't serve dessert." At first I thought he was kidding... but he wasn't! I was not a happy camper! Luckily, there are so many restaurants in the South End that we just went somewhere else... BUT STILL. No dessert?? All in all, great food, awesome appetizer but a few things I would love to see change (really just the tuna size and add dessert!).

    (4)

  • Khiem T.

    Finally got a chance to go here. It's pretty okay. Nice bar, but too dark for my liking. The menu is expensive. I tried the calamari and catfish, it's good, but not particularly impressed. Hard to give it a higher score when the South End has a lot of better places to stop by for dinner or a drink.

    (3)

  • Eric S.

    After reading the reviews for Franklin Cafe, I decided to give it a shot. I didn't even get to the food. I entered the restaurant with two of the four people in our party. The host told us we couldn't sit down until everyone was there, even though there were numerous empty tables. The host was glued to the football game on television. (That's another thing. I don't want to spend that much money on dinner with some stupid football game playing in the background.) As we stood around, the host returned and asked us if we wanted to sit in front or in back. We said "in front" as I pointed to the booth next to us. He mumbled something while walked away. We couldn't make out what he said. In the distance, he set the table in the back. He then reattached himself to the football game on the television. So we left, and went to The Beehive instead.

    (2)

  • Liz E.

    Ok. I have been here twice. The first time gets 5 big ol' fat stars, the second time gets 2 stars. So... 3 stars in the end. The food is amazing. It's some of my favorite in Boston, in fact. The first time I went there everything about the experience was wonderful: service, food, drinks. The second time, the food and drinks were amazing, but our service was really sub-par. Our waitress was unfriendly and upset at us for getting 5 apps (which was certainly enough for the 3 of us!) instead of each getting an app and entree. What? If you have a policy of that, just let us know, or print it on your menu. She was sort of passive-aggressive about the whole thing. All in all, I will certainly be back. The food.... oh, the food! Some of my favorites are the matchstick zucchinis, mashed potatoes, and calamari. Favorite drinks include Boston bog, Tangerine gimlet, and Poma cocktail.

    (3)

  • Jonathan T.

    Yo Franklin Cafe, you've delivered the goods. again. Came here with first time visitors and all was well on Shawmut as usual. Food was excellent, including the mussels, spring rolls (usually i'd never eat spring rolls except at an asian joint, but somehow this fusion version works), and pumpkin bisque appetizers. Ordered the tuna entree and it was made quick work of by our crew. Service good, the ambience is cozy, dark, and chill like a great lounge/bar should be. The place has a great crowd flow. Fills up for the post-work 6-8 time slot (even on a Wed), then empties out a bit from 8-10 or so (in this case, i overheard many rushing back to see the obama-mcsame debate--i elected to watch it on tape delay), and then the late night crowd shuffles in... if ever there was a Van Gogh meets Hopper moment, this place is it. I like to call this place the true 'Night Cafe' in the Van Gogh spirit. Good peeps, and the improvisational 'Jazz of Life.'--- Alive.

    (4)

  • Robby T.

    Thesis: Looks great, but lacks substance...... Been here for drinks before & enjoyed it. Down the street from my place & had never tried the food, so I took my parents for an early Sunday supper. Excited about their menu, which is more adventurous than the standard Boston bistro, we ordered tons of small plates and shared..... Disappointed! Half the food was under-seasoned. Roasted beets weren't roasted to their natural sweetness. Veal cheek was tender, but not tasty. Pumpkin bisque looked great, but lacked depth. This was the theme of the whole place. Menu looks great, but not well-executed. Franklin Cafe has a great space, but our blond waitress on Sunday night couldn't care less. She brought our side late (at the end of the meal) and kept heartlessly asking us if we wanted another beer (once when we had half-full beers and twice after we declined a second one). I didn't pay, but I think her 20% was rolled on to our next restaurant's waitstaff. Is Franklin Cafe slipping? Or do people like to reward sub-standard performances?

    (2)

  • Molly W.

    One of the Best restaurants in Boston. I've heard it described as "black clad" but it's way cooler than that. Sporting a martini glass as their only signage, this South End gem is frequented only by people who are in the know. Independently owned and run (so refreshing) - their menu changes seasonally to reflect the New England weather and tastes. There are only about 12 tables and there's a full length bar with a little tv that they hardly ever turn out (which is a good thing considering it caters to people who are there to have great conversation and amazing food) They offer inventive drinks, great affordable wine, and a beautifully tailored menu. I mean, WOW. It's so good. Good luck getting a seat right away - but it's SO worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Jennifer B.

    I really can't help but write an entire comment in response to the comment from "JM S." (I am not & have never been employed by FC) I've been dining at Franklin Cafe for 5 years and have not once been disappointed in the food. In fact, it's my "go-to" place when entertaining a group because FC always serves a good variety to please all palettes. The menu changes upon season... Not sure if Missy S is old enough to drink but the drinks are excellent. As for "some idiots walking outside, which put me off" - sorry, were those protesters or...? You gave 3 stars to Finale in Harvard Sq - did you look out the window?? Also, those curtains are hung at the entrance of Franklin to protect patrons from the elements - because there are ALWAYS people coming in and out- because it's good! Suffice it to say, the place is great - I've taken many foodies to Franklin over the years & it's been not just enjoyed but lauded by all... I digress.

    (5)

  • Alyssa N.

    A few thoughts about the Franklin: friendly staff good drinks great scallops steak was a little tough wins award for most frites with steak frites wish they had a larger menu

    (3)

  • Claudia H.

    Franklin Café is a south end go-to for me. The kitchen is open late, which works for me as I prefer to dine late at night. The menu is simple, changes occasionally and is consistently good. Many of the entrées are interesting plays on basic comfort food. On a recent trip, my friend had an excellent (but rich) turkey meatloaf while my monkfish was perfectly tempura-ed and served with tasty long beans. As they don't take reservations and the wait can be long on weekends, I often try to squeeze into a bar seat and eat there. Bartenders make a mean martini and the wine list is reasonably priced. All-in-all, the best value in the South End.

    (4)

  • Wendy W.

    We went after a Shecky's Girls night and we got a booth. Comfy and dark atmosphere. The people were very nice, making sure we had bread and hummus within 5 minutes of being sat down. Tried mostly apps, the fried tomateos were very good with the shrimp. The calamari was good but I think I preferred mine fried and the sweet potato gnocci was to die for.

    (4)

  • Thierry V.

    After reading about Franklin Cafe, me and my date were excited to see whether the food tastes as interesting as it sounded. Also, it was a social experiment, to see whether we'd blend in with the renowned South End crowd and ambiance. When entering this place in winter, it's not just the radiator that gives you the feeling of a preheated blanket over your shoulders. The small space, dim lights, halfway shut blinds and thick curtains make you feel cozy and special instantly. After arriving at the bar, however, you realize you're in South End with high-end liquor bottles stacked in an orderly fashion. The crowd that goes with it, is uptown, but not uptight. We felt right at home and wish to come here more often, just for the feel. Ordering drinks can be a bit of a struggle, since the bar is fairly broad and music is occasionally played loudly. The excellent selection of wines, however, will surely please you back into your state of cosiness. As for dinner: my date sticked with an appetizer. After sampling her Cauliflower and Chicken Pea Cakes, we agreed they were excellent. Moreover, my appetizer was a calamari experience like never before (garlic-grilled, yum!). For dinner, we shared the turkey meatloaf. The best ever, by a mile! Strong texture, distinctive meat flavor, onion-glazed top but not overwhelming, and creamy, zesty mashed potatoes. My momma could learn something, here! All in all, definitely a perfect (start to a) night out, amidst Boston's hottest food and coolest crowd, not spending too much in the process. The bartender even shakes your hand when you finish your meatloaf, that's how laid back this place is.

    (4)

  • Firefly B.

    My very favorite restaurant.

    (5)

  • Renee B.

    The food here is fantastic! A dinner for two with three glasses of wine, two apps, and two entrees was way under $100. I would highly recommend the scallop appetizer. Haven't had scallops that good in a long time. They were cooked to perfection and served under wilted spinach. I would also recommend the duck confit. The meat was tender and it was served cassoulet style with sausage and beans. I would have given this place five stars if it wasn't for the level of noise coming from the bar area..two feet away from the table.

    (4)

  • Tyler B.

    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!

    (5)

  • Sophia L.

    Where do I begin? I have finally found an exquisite meal in Boston! Went here on a Sunday night for dinner and drinks with a friend. Can I get a Hallelujah? First, they start you off with crispy bread and Hummus with fresh garlic (I hate garlic, but it was really good). The Tangerine Gimlet was most exhilarating, refreshing and delicious cocktail I've ever consumed. My friend had the Blood Orange Martini and shes seemed very pleased with it. We also enjoyed the Franklin Sidecar later in the meal. Anyway, back to the amazing food. We weren't too hungry so we decided to get a few apps and split them. Duck Quesadilla was much better then I had expected in fact it had the most amazing flavors and the duck was cooked perfectly. We had already decided that the Zucchini was a must (after our friend suggested it) and it did not disappoint. The corn on the cob was so buttery and delicious who wouldn't love it? After being recommended the Chowder from the waiter we decided to add that as well. I cannot believe how light yet delicious this was. FABULOUS. Lastly, we had the scallops wrapped in bacon. We really enjoyed the sauce on this dish, but it was a little too smokey for my taste. The lack of dessert was a little bit of a disappointment but more drinks really assuaged our sweet tooth. Overall, I had a marvelous experience. I cannot describe how excited I am to have found such an amazing place in Boston. FINALLY!!!!

    (5)

  • Ben K.

    I've always been a fan of Franklin-- their dinner menu is delicious, and the bartenders are always spunky and fabulous. The overall vibe of this place is just phenomenal, with the dim lighting and soft music... I will certainly be back, not just for Bethany's cocktails, but for the yummy food. Franklin is just one of those great neighborhood places. Love love love

    (4)

  • Foodforthought.m F.

    THIS PLACE IS FANTASTIC!! I can't say enough about it really, the menu is delicious and fresh and inexpensive. Every year I wait with drooly anticipation for the turkey meatloaf with figs gravy to come back on the menu (it is AMAZING). The atmosphere is laid back and they serve food until 1:30 ( great place to go in a snowstorm). Also the staff are very friendly and the bartenders are great. They do not take reservations and it gets very crowded so best to arrive early or late with the fact that you may have to wait for a table in mind. That said, it is WELL worth the wait. If you have not been here already you have missed out on a Boston gem!

    (5)

  • David D.

    You can't go wrong with this neighborhood gem

    (4)

  • Nadine R.

    The Franklin Cafe is a great place to go for good food late at night. Why don't more places stay open later? Anyway, food is yummy! Atmosphere is relaxed and hip. It can get really loud in there on a Friday or Saturday evening. We went last weekend for a later dinner and were seated right away. Our waitress was attentive and really cool. Steak Frites were delicious. All in all a great meal and a great restaurant but not the place to go for a romatic quite meal, if that's what you're looking for.

    (4)

  • John A.

    Why has it taken me so long to get around to writing about the Franklin Cafe?? The secret has been out for years now. A business partner (that lived in the South End) had recommended it shortly after it opened, and I went there with he and his wife, had a spectacular meal, and have been going back ever since. There is so much on the menu that is good (and it changes frequently) I don't want to talk particulars. Great "Vibe", great crowd, great staff, and my favorite place to eat. (Not the BEST, I've had better but for that you have to pay FAR more (Except perhaps at DBar in Dorchester)). It stays open late and (though I'm not as young as I like to think I am) had a great time at a great bar with great food, after midnight, in Boston. Almost felt like a small place on an off street in Manhattan. I LOVE this place PS: Parking is hard but, unless your still terrified of walking in the South End, I always find spaces a short walk away on Washington Street.

    (5)

  • Jessica B.

    Franklin Cafe offered some of the best food I have ever tasted. I orderd shrimp toasts to start. They were crunchy and delicious with a tasty red pepper sauce to dip in. I ordered the cannelloni with walnuts, cheese, mushrooms and blueberries. Yes, blueberries. It was heavenly. The blueberries really pulled the dish together. If I weren't out in public, I would have licked the bowl!

    (5)

  • James D.

    Ordered a delicious Ahi Tuna here. Cooked to perfection. Food is remarkable and the atmosphere is great. Avoided the crowd and wait by going mid day during the week.

    (4)

  • Mere L.

    I've had a few friends with negative experiences at Franklin Cafe in the recent past so I had to reflect on my meal there tonight. My friend and I split the Crispy Shrimp Toast as an appetizer - very good if not a little too much butter on the toast. It also seemed like the "shrimp" had quite a bit of tofu or some type of filler, which was fine for me but might not meet everyone's tastes. The sweet chili sauce was perfect for dipping, but the kim chee was too spicy for two spice loving patrons. I had the Boston Bibb Salad and thought it was great. The greens were fresh, the buttermilk dressing didn't over- or under-whelm the simple salad. Tasty and not over dressed (can't stand a soggy salad!) and the radishes and fried shallots were a great touch. I decided against a full entree for an additional appetizer - we asked if they could serve it as 3 courses and they were gracious enough to do so. I had the garlic grilled calamari which was very good but had more flavors of basil/pesto than it did of garlic. Nonetheless, I love non-fried calamari and was entirely satisfied! The waitress was attentive and knowledgeable - great service and meals arrived on time! Overall a very good meal, I'll be back and I would recommend it to someone new!

    (4)

  • Ari R.

    just went for an outstanding meal at the franklin cafe... the service was friendly and the drinks and food were equally excellent (I had a corn bread covered catfish with a poblano chile sauce---which was so good)

    (5)

  • Ryan B.

    I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this is my favorite restaurant in Boston. I ate here once over the winter at around 10:30pm on a week night. I remember it being good, but I had forgotten just how good until last night when I went back again. It was busy, but we were able to find spots at the bar. Both visits I ordered "the special" and both times it was amazing. The first visit it was a lamb dish and last night the special was a chicken scaloppini over spaghetti squash. We ordered the crab cakes for an appetizer on a recommendation from the guy sitting next to me, who happened to be enjoying the Classic Steak Frites. It smelled amazing, so my buddy actually ordered it. The beer was cold and they have some of my favorites on tap.

    (5)

  • Kim G.

    So after a very long, delayed flight out of BWI to Boston, darn you Airtran!, we came here for late night cocktails and snacks. We shared the calamari, shrimp toast, arugula mint salad and steak tartare. The food was delicious, our favorite was the salad, it was like eating and brushing your teeth at the same time. However, the cocktails were sadly lacking. I don't think we even finished them. And there was something weird with the music, it was loud, as to be expected, but not familiar in anyway. This Friday night was a mixture of hotties with cute couples. But the most entertaining was the guy patting his girlfriend's butt. The service is aloof, but helpful when asked. We'd go back, but probably stick with the wine/beer list.

    (4)

  • Griffith G.

    Friends of ours often joke that we bought I condo because of it's proximity to the Franklin Cafe. We have eaten here many times, and it's always good. Great drinks, and wonderful food. Last week we ran over and had dinner. We started with the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, and spiced prunes. The prunes were surprisingly yummy! The gorgonzola cream was not well blended and a sweeter gorgonzola might have blended the flavors better. The big hit of the evening was the House-cured corned beef brisket with caramelized cabbage and red potatoes... oh my!!!! It was amazing. I'm sure this will be a meal that I will have cravings for. We also ordered the House Made Farfalle "Reggiano, Spring Peas & Serrano Ham." This was disappointing, the pasta was tough, and the smokiness of the ham overpowered the dish. The ham was also dry and tough. But I have to say... this was the first miss we have had, after many, many visits. The Classic Steak Frites is always one of my favorites. My only complaint... no dessert. : ( But I'm willing to forgive them since everything else is so amazing. Besides, with so few tables, we don't really want people hanging around drinking coffee and lingering over a molten chocolate cake. I can't tell you how often I get stopped by people in my neighborhood, walking around looking for the Franklin Cafe. There is a very nondescript sign that hangs in front, and it's easy to miss. I so often want to send them somewhere else, just so the word does not get out to much about this Boston treasure.

    (4)

  • Brandon G.

    Although the Franklin Café is not a new establishment, it is a new find for me. Located one block from the "wish it was fashionable" So-Wa area of Boston, the neighborhood still has some of the shabbiness of the south-of-Tremont st. South End, but it does not have the dangerous feel that it had in the late 90s. If you can brave a few run-down buildings and some trash in the doorways, it is worth the trip. I was happy to see that after 13 years in business, the décor was still clean and well maintained, with ruby red walls and dark trim, heavy curtains and warm buttery lighting. It was extremely comfortable on a very hot July evening. I did have to break out the cellular flashlight to read the menu but after that, the dim lighting just works to make the room relaxing. The drink menu is inspired and heavy on the fruity cocktails. I recommend the Mo Cocktail as well as the Cucumber Vodka Collins. The bartender was fast and friendly and singlehandedly holding down about twenty-five feet of hardwood and thirsty patrons. Every drink came out to the same standard and I never felt like I was not receiving attention. Once we were seated, the wait-staff were fast and attentive; bread and water arrived immediately and another round of cocktails soon followed. The menu was exciting and there were options for our whole party, including vegetarian and seafood. The afore-mentioned bread was fresh and served with hummus instead of butter. The fried green tomatoes (not actually green) were buttery delicious. The asparagus & prosciutto appetizer was seared to perfection and the prosciutto could not have been sliced thinner. The dressing on the field greens, both with the appetizers and with the meals was much too heavy on the sea salt, which destroyed the freshness of the green course. The steak was slightly over time but the Tuna was exactly where it needed to be. It was also a wonderfully fresh tuna steak and you could taste the quality of the cuts in both dishes. The crowd was boisterous but not unreasonably loud, although the proximity of the bar to the tables made it uncomfortable later in the evening as the agenda went from dining to drinking. The seating is primarily booth, and evenly apportioned. There are two tables that I would warn against; one in the window became quickly isolated by the bar crowd and the wait staff struggled to attend to it, and one table was so close to the restrooms and storage room that it became a holding area for bar patrons. Overall out of ten; décor 7, service 8, menu 8.

    (3)

  • John V.

    I had to adjust my rating, I went again to FC, and had bad service, and didn't really enjoy myself. A rule of thumb is: If you have a table (which you must eat a meal to get) it's a 4 star experience. Standing Room Only = 2 stars, and it wasn't even that busy.

    (2)

  • Maria Z.

    So I went here for the first time, and ill start of by saying the atmosphere and the service was great. But do I think this was a worth a $100 meal..no. The bread to start with tasted like it came from stop and shop and the hummus was so so. The asparagus wrapped in prosciutto was good but a tad salty. The cornmeal catfish with the cornbread I found good but a tad bland. Maybe the steak frites/tuna would have been a better choice. On a positive note the st germain cocktail is muy muy yummy. It is a great summer drink...light and refreshing. I would say out of all the excellent restaurants in the south end, this one is good but not great. I will give it a second chance, but not in the near future.

    (3)

  • Stephen M.

    thank you, franklin, for having the wits to understand that all people living in boston don't necessarily subscribe to the puritanical laws of yore. the good ol' franklin is the only restaurant i know of in the area that serves a full menu of awesome food until 1 or 1:30 am (whatever it is, it's past midnight!). regarding the food, it's all very good. special mention for the steak frites. the dude changes the menu every season (i think) so things stay fresh. generally, the bar service is fast even on crowded weekend nights. plus, i keep a soft spot in my heart for places that have brooklyn lager on tap. prices are fair, especially for the quality of food. the only reason i didn't give it five stars is the space is pretty small and it can get quite tight in there on weekends. wait times of an hour or more are not uncommon. and those crazy kids with their rock n' roll music! apparently, i'm getting old. sad...

    (4)

  • John M.

    I've been going to the Franklin Cafe for the better part of about 5 years now and my most recent trip is likely going to be my last. It isn't the food, since that has been consistently good (especially considering that the prices are low compared to other area restaurants). No, the reason I won't go anymore is the service. For starters, after being seated the waitress comes to the table and says, "Do you want something to drink?" No greeting, nothing. When we tell her that we'll need a second to look at the drink menu and wine list she says... nothing. She just walks away. When she comes back she asks, "Ready?". We give our drink order and she just stands there looking at us. After realizing that she's waiting for us to give our dinner order I tell her that we're going to need some time to think about what we want and ask if there are any specials. Her answer? A single, "No". And again, she departs without another word. The rest of the evening was much of the same. Non-attentive service with a pouty expression and a piss-poor attitude. If I leave a restaurant with the distinct feeling that I have somehow inconvenienced the server (my dinner companion felt the same way), then something is clearly wrong. Judging by the amount of empty tables on a Saturday night I'd say that I'm not the only person to notice.

    (2)

  • Chucky Y.

    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.

    (5)

  • Jeffrey H.

    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!

    (4)

  • Marilyn T.

    If you can get in on a weeknight, it's the ultimate comfort food. I have to admit, the potential wait is a bit of a deterrent, but just time it right, and you won't be standing outside for that long. Plus, I think service is a little less rushed and hectic on weekdays. It's a very small and cozy place in a random stretch on Shawmut, dark and intimate. The menu is small but has a good variety of offerings, including options for vegetarians. I had a really good grilled cheese there once, and side dishes are also nice to share. My favorite is definitely the turkey meatloaf because of the sweet and tangy fig sauce that highlights it so well. I really like the warm, neighborhood feel of the place.. just don't try to go on a Friday or Saturday night.

    (4)

  • Mike M.

    I'm in the mood to review my favorite restaurant in Boston so here is comes. Go there. Be patient, you are not the most important person there. I see some people have a problem waiting in a restaurant that serves the tastiest food in the South End and houses only 8 tables. Can you understand why a wait staff that deals with angry customers all night would be less than forthcoming and open? World, be thankful for places like this. I don't mind waiting when every drink is creative and flavorful, and since dining here is more experiential than anywhere else in the city just work with it. Like many have said, the Steak Frites are spectacular. This is the type of place where you try new things because everything is done with care, awareness and a high-level of focus. If you don't want to wait go late, they are open 'til 1:30. Have a few Margarita's while you wait, don't use the coat-rack, and patiently wait for a spectacular meal. You won't regret it.

    (5)

  • Jason C.

    One of the best dinners I've had in a really long time. We started off with the calamari, which was different than expected. It wasn't pre-cut or battered, but was rather a full in-tact piece of calamari accompanied with an amazing dipping sauce. Different but in a good way. For my entree I had their "pork two-ways" which was perfectly cooked; not too dry and nicely seasoned. The tangerine gimlet was really nice and refreshing. I believe their menu changes every season so it gives diners something new to try every once in a while. There seems to always be a decent wait but a good tip is to just try and get a seat at the bar. The place is small and can get a little too crowded, but it's well worth the wait.

    (4)

  • lance c.

    I have never had a bad meal here. Love the neighborhood atmosphere. Cocktails are amazing(too amazing). They need to turn the lights up a bit though.

    (4)

  • Arik C.

    The Franklin Cafe has a great following with my friends and I finally was able to sample the treats here. Was it epic? No. Was i disappointed? No. You get a very good meal for the money you pay. First, its tough to get in on a Saturday night. Probably about an hour wait if you are patient but the bar makes good drinks and its a very fun, hip crowd. The menu is small but had a wide array of diversity. A good amount of fish on the menu too which always gets me excited. We started off with the smokey mussels and spring rolls. Mussels were fantastic.One friend loved the steak frites and we also enjoyed the pork tornados. A little dry but still pretty good. Didn't make my hidden gem list but I would have no problem going back. Wine list could use a little more adventure. Not as boring as Sage's but in that direction.

    (3)

  • luke b.

    Good ol' reliable Franklin Cafe. MMMM. The food is consistently good. it's always fun and cozy and delicious and they make delicious drinks. And who doesn't like a good drink? Crazy people maybe. I think the person who wrote a review saying the the host was glued to the TV was somewhere else. Maybe it's just me but I don't think i've even seen a TV in there... maybe you THOUGHT you were at the franklin but were at some crappy bar?

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    The perfect late night spot - great food, great drinks, and great ppl. The first time i went here i ate the meat loaf. Huge portion and really heavy so don't order it unless you're hungry... very tasty though. The second time i went i tried the bone-in filet. WOW. i never thought a little bar like this could have a bone-in that tasted better then the local steak houses. This i will DEFINITELY come back for.

    (4)

  • Kristin M.

    If I was a restaurant, when I grew up I'd want to be just like Franklin. In addition to unpretentious cocktails, they serve the epitome of comfort food in a unique new england way. Staff and service are second to none. The best part? It's hidden away so when you find it and (finally) get a table it's like you won the food lottery. Interesting choices for wines by the glass and extremely reasonable bottle prices. I almost didn't want to write this review because I don't like to share. This place is worthy of a new religion. Franklin Cafe, I love thee.

    (5)

  • Kerri D.

    I went to the Franklin Cafe for the first time last night. All in all, a great experience. The only issue I had was that it was initially difficult to figure out what the protocol was for getting a table because there was not a host/hostess near the door. After a few minutes, I was greeted by the host and he took my name. Problem solved. I'm not really bothered by waiting on the host since it was a very busy Friday night. We started off with cocktails, a gin martini for my friend and I tried the Sugar Cane Sling. The bartender offered my friend his choice of gin and made sure the drink was made to order. The Sugar Cane Sling was great too and I wouldn't mind going back to try a few of their other cocktails. While we waited for our meal, the server brought bread to the table that served with a yummy hummus. It was excellent and a welcome change to bread and butter or bread and oil that is normally served in other restaurants. For an app, we started off with the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, which was very good. I would like to go back and try the Fried Green Tomatoes. My friend ordered the Classic Steak Frites and I had the Pan Roasted Organic Chicken Au Jus. Both entrees were delectable. The chicken was juicy and tender. The potatoes were full of flavor and the peas and carrots gave the meal a nice home style feel. Overall, everything was so great and reasonably priced that I would not hesitate to go back again.

    (4)

  • Dave S.

    I heard about four Cure songs in a row here once. That's gotta be worth five stars right there! Luckily for us, everything else "The Franklin" has to offer is just as comforting and satisfying. I haven't ventured around the menu all that much, as the Benedict Popover is so damn good I have little reason to. I did at one point have a bite of one of my buddy's mussels, and it was down right exquisite... this coming from someone who does not eat seafood. They offer a good selection of good quality liquor. It's really freakin dark @ Franklin Cafe... which is a plus, as far as I'm concerned. The only thing I sometimes wish they did have is a little setup for a DJ, playing triphop or something of the sort. FWIW, I'm available for that gig :) Best late night food in the city, by far.

    (5)

  • Sam H.

    I have one word for this place: SOLID. Okay, maybe two more: AMAZING service. The two tomes I've been here, I feel like server got to know our table and genuinely wanted us to have a good experience and to start building a relationship withthe cafe. For example, when with family, he gave us a quieter spot in the cafe. All that is fine, but it's the food that makes this place solid. The turkey mealoaf, tuna tartar, and steak were hands down amazing. The others in my party loved the grilled calamari and beef brisket. If I didn't just move from Boston, this place would be a staple for me!

    (5)

  • Michelle S.

    The food at this restaurant is terrific but the service is terrible. The place is loud and extremely dark so it's hard to read the menu. I had the fried green tomatoes, which were delicious, and the corn ravioli, which were flavorful, with a nice light sauce. Our waiter would either disappear or chat with a table of friends. It was hard to get his attention. He kept asking if we had asked for drinks and he had forgotten, which was bizarre. Not surprisingly, the bill came with 3 extra drinks. He pointed out the error and it was quickly fixed. Don't think I'll return.

    (3)

  • Albert R.

    Pretty much everyone's favorite in the South End. A good small menu and they do everything on it very well. For the South End, it's also surprisingly on the affordable side. You MUST get here early, however, it fills up very quickly every night and it only has a small number of tables...

    (4)

  • Chrissy H.

    Franklin Cafe is located on Shawmut Ave in the South End. I have been there many times but now feel I am able to truly judge the food because there were four of us and we each got to sample each others dishes. The Franklin serves bread and hummus to start which is a nice change from the usual bread and butter. For appetizers we ordered the Duck Egg rolls which were more than just a little tasty. For dinner I ordered the fillet mignon which was tender, juicy and flavorful. It was served over a bed of spinach and portabello mushrooms. I also ordered a side of mashed potatoes which were okay. They are a more chunky style of potato and the portion is definitely large enough for at least two people to share. Not a one person side dish. My companions ordered the roast beef raviolis which were terribly delicious, a side dish of brussell sprouts, (I honestly did not try those.) the lamb shank with apricots (if you like lamb you'll love this,) and the buttermilk fried chicken. The chicken was a very large piece of meat that was battered to a golden brown and was super tender. It came served with collard greens. Pretty delicious. The food was really good and the prices weren't incredibly high. Luckily for us we did not have to wait for a table which is amazing since the Franklin is a very small restaurant with only about 9 tables and a bar. The service was pretty good, though it was hard for us to hear the waiter over the incredibly loud club music. The food came out relatively quickly though it took a little more time than usual because of the prep time of the fried chicken. For four entrees, three side dishes, three appetizers, a glass of wine and 2 cocktails the bill came to just over $140 before tip. Just a quick tip though- it's probably best if you don't try to drive to the Franklin Cafe. There are very few parking spots to be had in the vicinity because it is in a residential neighborhood. Try taking the T to New England medical center or a cab.

    (3)

  • S. M. S.

    Great neighborhood joint with a comfy vibe.

    (4)

  • Lickety Split N.

    This is one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Reliably delicious, thoughtfully prepared food that's reasonably priced. I like to share a few of their apps/small plates for dinner (I love the grilled calamari). Just go late on a weeknight, not worth the weekend wait.

    (4)

  • Jennafir E.

    I enjoyed the ambience. I enjoyed the location to where we were, literally a 3-minute walk. I enjoyed the wine list and the drink list. i really enjoyed the cranberry and vodka infused something or another. I, however, didn't enjoy the over salted food. Now I understand the steak and fries are suppose to be Parisian style, but I've been to Paris more then once and they wouldn't use that much salt. I think the fries were as close as one could get, but the charred, over-salted steak didn't impress and I gave half of it away. I cannot comment on much else, since I tried duck liver and really, I would never like that even if a world-renowned chef made it. The calamari was perfect though. The choices for dinner were limited and only about 4 things I would ever want to try. Seeing as how I didn't like the steak, I don't see myself going back anytime soon. However, the company and service was fantastic.

    (3)

  • a w.

    The absolute WORST dining experience...and I didn't even get to the ordering food part! The service was awful...and when I say awful I mean the kind that when I think about it now I start to tremble with rage! We were treated terribly by our server. Only when leaving and speaking with the manager were we told how incredibly sorry they were. Since then I have heard story after story from others who experienced the same treatment. I would give it another try because I am a fair person and hardly ever have a bad thing to say about any place...but I hate to imagine what my reaction would be when stepping back into that place.

    (1)

  • Matt R.

    Cute little restaurant in the South End off the main drags (Columbus, Tremont, Washington). Small, with a rich & lush atmosphere (red walls), and great food. I had bluefish for my first time ever here, highly recommended. I'd almost recommend selecting an entree that comes with the mashed potatoes though. Seriously, they're that good. See if you can do a substitute if need be!

    (4)

  • James T.

    5 because the food and service (Jeff) are Impossible to beat for the price. Awesome steak frites. I'll tell u a secret, they aren't mentioned on the menu, but there are 5 shrimp served with the fried green tomatoes. The fried green tomatoes are worth the price before the Shrimp.

    (5)

  • Brownstone Betty -.

    I have eaten here a couple of times & yes, the last time was some time ago. The Food is good and ecclectic. The atmosphere is great with the exception of the music. Very loud and the speakers are directly over the tables. We asked the waitress and the hostess if they could turn it down to no avail (their were not a lot of people left at the time). Bottom line - if you want to relax & have a conversation with someone I would not recommend going here.

    (2)

  • J B.

    It can be tough to find a place in the South End that serves up consistently good fare at prices that won't empty your wallet. Franklin Cafe fits the bill. You'll find yourself paying around $15 for entrees here that would easily go for over $20 at restaurants on Tremont or Washington Streets. This place is definitely worth a visit --but be warned, it's almost always packed (and that means a wait) --best bet is to head there on somewhat off peak hours.

    (3)

  • Seafoodie R.

    Went to this place last night, great atmosphere, great service, great food! the filet mignon on the bone was delicious and cooked to perfection, the grilled calamari app with garlic was equally delicious. Wines are reasonably priced as well, apparently they only mark the wine up $10 over cost (or what you would pay for it in a liquor store). The filet was an $18 entree, the grilled calamari $8, and my dates Salmon dish (which was excellent as well) was under $20. Great roasted acorn squash as a side dish! The place was bustling but we only had to wait 10 minutes for a table... Definitely plan on going back and starting the meal with the Scallops wrapped with Proscuitto app!!!!

    (4)

  • Laura A.

    nice place. i've been meaning to go for awhile but just got around to thanks to the recent reviews on yelp. i also knew to get there early to avoid crowds thanks to the reviews and ate at around 6, which was perfect because we didn't wait at all for the table. we shared veg. fresh rolls, each had a good beer (i had a brooklyn lager, my favorite), i had pasta, and my boyfriend had steak. the rolls were awesome (and vegan too, i'm pretty sure). my boyfriend said the meat itself in his dish wasn't as good quality as he had hoped/expected, but it was cooked really well. service wasn't fabulous or anything, but it was fine. i'm looking forward to going back once their menu changes to see what other kinds of dishes they might have in store for vegetarians since my dish wasn't particularly inventive. (it tasted like olive garden's capellini pomodoro..for twice the price. as a resident of the suburbs for 17 years i know my suburban cuisine.) ETA: the next time i came here, i had a bitchy waitress who really ruined the experience...i didn't see anything veg on the menu so i asked "can you make me anything vegetarian?" and she said "the salad [APPETIZER salad] is vegetarian" ummm..salad is NOT a meal, sorry to say. perhaps this makes me a fatty, but so be it. i need HOT FOOD for dinner. so i ended up ordering a seafood pasta dish that was $18 without the seafood. and guess what? they still charged me $18 anyway! fuck you, franklin cafe. ETA again 12/07 i tried this place again last night since we moved to the neighborhood and frankly it still sucks. i don't get what all the buzz is about. i am never that impressed with the service and i just can't stand the flavors they use in the food. it's a lot of sweet and savory together (i.e. prune crusted pork, the veg appetizer i ordered of crepes stuffed with ricotta and tomatoes that they used sweet crepes for instead of savory and i literally could not eat it because it tasted so gross/lemony). my mushroom ravioli entree was 4 ravioli for $18 and although it supposedly was topped with "sage brown butter" it did not taste like sage whatsoever. two years later and my boyfriend had THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINT about the steak..get a clue, franklin. i won't be back.

    (2)

  • Ryan W.

    You know the way you feel, coming home to your loving boyfriend or girlfriend after spending the night with friends out in the superficial singles scene, and realizing this really is the best thing out there? That's how I feel about the Franklin. No matter how many trendy, stylish wine bars momentarily catch my eye, I always find myself rounding the corner to see that martini sign blinking like a beacon and climbing into one of their long, dark benches with grateful familiarity. I don't even glance at the menu as I order their sweet pea ravioli, knowing that it's one of the best meals in town. If there's a seasonal side (like brussels sprouts or green beans), we order that and munch contentedly, sipping our beers and kicking back. The bartenders come along and give us a good-natured ribbing, but they never ask where we've been or why we're so late. They know we love them. And they always have on the kind of classic music I'd turn on to relax in my own home--I think the first time I came in here, they played "Houses of the Holy" from beginning to end. Me and the Franklin, we're just so compatible. Franklin, I have something to say to you. It's kind of a big deal and I know that a hundred other people probably feel the same, but I want to tell you anyway: Franklin, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to go through all your menu changes with you. All of those other Tremont Street hussies can go to hell. You had me at "Can I get you guys something to drink?"

    (5)

  • Scott T.

    One of my favorite dining spots in the city. I have been frequenting Franklin for several years and the drinks, food, people and atmosphere never disappoints. Modern takes on classic dishes such as Turkey Meatloaf, grilled calamari (yes kids, that's grilled, not fried) and my personal favorite side-dish, fresh brussel sprouts blackened in a cast-iron skillet. The warm, dark cozy atmosphere is so inviting that I have spent many a night hanging there. The only hassles are parking and waiting for a table (there is limited seating and the bar area is small so arriving at 8 is suicide). It also seems that over the years, this place has become more well-known, which makes getting in even more difficult. However, the quality has maintained over the years. When I come back to Boston, you can bet I will be stopping by here.

    (5)

  • David S.

    Awesome neighborhood bar with great food. The side dishes are almost better than the main courses...and that is saying a lot here where every dish is well prepared. Decor is dark and typically loud due to the bar, but it is open late. Could hang out here any night.

    (4)

  • E.G. S.

    Really good food, nice people - staff and patrons. Nice to place to chill after dinner time. Think semi-cozy.

    (5)

  • Noelle M.

    I love this place !!! I moved from Beantown to swampsott, and when my hubby and I want to have a NICE intimate atmosphere with killer dish : we had to the franklin. It's worth no rese's and waiting : or be an early bird like us on some saturdays to guarantee a seat --- I've never had a bad meal : I just wish they had dessert !

    (5)

  • Liza H.

    A perrenial South End favorite. The Franklin has been consistently serving up the yummy foodstuffs since 1997. The turkey meatloaf with fig gravy and mash is the menu item that always beckons me.

    (4)

  • Jonathan S.

    I took in a meal at Franklin Cafe while visiting Boston last year. My best friend and his gf, who are locals, took my gf and I here and it was worth it. My veal chop was excellent and Franklin Cafe's house ale complimented the veal very well. The restaurant is not cheap.

    (4)

  • S G.

    This place is the best in Boston. I come here and feel at home right away. Serves late and the prices are right. Nothing on the menu is over $20. Also great drinks! Everyone should try Franklin's other location in Gloucester too!

    (5)

  • Alissa T.

    Delicious. We were visiting Boston and read about this place in Bon Apetite so we decided to give it a try. For appetizers we tried the Soy Marinated Chicken Livers and the Grilled Calamari. Both excellent!! The kitchen is open until 1:30 AM. It is really dark in the restaurant but cozy not creepy dark. For entree we had the Olive crusted cod served with risotto and Prime Rib Ravioli which was again delicious. Different and yummy! Bread was served with a serving of hummus. It would have been nicer if the bread was worm since it was freezing cold when we were there..:)

    (4)

  • Little B.

    I have a very old dear friend in the South End so I though I would treat and take him to a safe place choice for a bite around 6pm. I was told later when you walk in for a table to go to the back (odd), this avoids the lost feeling yoiu get while standing near an empty booth with no wait to be seated sign. So we get seated and maybe 10 minutes goes by...she takes a drink order....another 10... and a foamy warm cosmo arrives. How do you get foam on a cosmo? I drink it...no liquor. Another 10 minutes and she takes our order and askes if we would like bread...you got it...another 10 minutes and we get bread. When the garden salad arrives, it's nice, but when the Steak Fritz arrives it's wonderful. A medium slab on a bed of fries, very good. I think this place is all about relaxing, almost European. BUT even my second foamy drink was weak. I will go back..and order a Margarita. I just have to get used to the slow service. They could have made double by pushing things out quicker and turning the table

    (4)

  • B L.

    Great place to wine or dine. I use to come here on a nightly basis when I worked at Union. The food here is great and the kitchen stays open pretty late. The bar is great as well and the crowd is always pretty hip. It's a good mix of South Enders and restaurant people. I hope too many people haven't found this place by the time I come back to visit... I guess I shouldn't have posted this review then...

    (4)

  • Jennifer B.

    Can't be beat! Late-night, reasonable prices, very hip "hidden" vibe. Delicious drinks (try the rasberry ricky) and fantastic lamb and mashed potatos. Franklin is one of the South End's true winners, with consistent quality and atmosphere. My boyfriend is angry that I'm not willing to go at 11 every night. There is always a tremendous wait, though, so plan to eat at the bar or have a few drinks before you get your table.

    (5)

  • Liz R.

    Love this place! Definately one of the best in Boston for an excellent meal in a laid back environment. There is almost always a wait- but the drinks are fantastic. Appetizers are great, and their seafood entrees.

    (5)

  • Mihir P.

    Wow!! This French/Creative American restaurant knows what it's doing. Entrees for the most part are under $20 and you'd pay $30 elsewhere. The chef is a true talent.Service is unpretentious, hip and fun. Sit at t he bar for a generous drink and if you run a tab they trust you to not run off. The music is fantastic but I can never place who the artists are, which makes it even more appealing.

    (5)

  • Anna P.

    definitely a south end favorite! Plusses include that it's open late and has nice decor. The one downside is that the menu is small and somewhat overpriced. But it's a great place for drinks and appetizers!

    (4)

  • Stephanie I.

    Comfort meets Trendy meets Neighborhood meets solid Amazing food. The food here is really unbelieveable. Service and atmosphere were pretty great too (thanks Dennis!) Highly recommend the zucchini matchsticks and the turkey meatloaf with fig sauce and chive mashed potatos. I plan to come here ever time I visit Boston. :)

    (5)

  • Robyn A.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in the boston area. consistently excellent food with excellent service. I've been ordering the Fresh Creste Di Gallo with THE HEAT (Shrimp, scallions with a Tomato base). It has just the perfect amount of ZING. go for an early dinner (around 5/6pm) to avoid waiting for a table as this place gets packed, even on a Monday or Tuesday. highly recommend this restaurant.

    (4)

  • Jonathan W.

    this place is tiny tiny tiny - so if you think you'll be in and out - think again. average wait time is about an hour on a busy weekend dinner adventure. is it worth it? the jury is still out - my vote - not bad to try if you aren't in a rush and can belly up to the bar for some cocktails while you wait. yes indeed - the menu was pretty planned out with delightful selections. i had the grilled cheese appetizer and followed up with the pork loin special with homemade dumplings. both fantastic however the pork was accompanied with a mustard reduction of some kind that i could have done without - but overall - not bad not bad at all. didn't break the bank either - was pretty average for what you'd expect for dinner on a friday night - with drinks, starters, and entrees. staff was pretty attentive as well. all in all - just expect a wait and that wait may yield wonderful results!

    (4)

  • Lacey P.

    Freakin awesome mashed potatoes. And cheap too. But usually packed with too many over dressed people. Don't bother if you can't get a seat. They're open late though, and on a nice street so I guess I understand.

    (4)

  • Patrick B.

    Tough spot on the last Thirsty Thursday before Christmas, especially with a group of 7. Were told the wait could be 45 minutes to 2 hours; quite a big range I thought. We eventually took seats at the bar as people left until we were all seated and decided to eat there, which turned out to be really convenient because you get drinks quicker and you get your own bill when you're done instead of trying to figure out who owes what. They didn't have any stuffed olives for my martini, but I drank a few anyway. Standard. The roasted turkey meatloaf with fig gravy and mashed potatoes with chives was as good as it sounds, but they were a bit skimpy with the mashed potatoes. I need a heaping pile of the mps. A friend got the grilled bone-in filet for just $19 and said it was fantastic. Everything looked great and filling. The bar staff was too busy to talk to, or maybe they were just creeped out by my friend's attentions. Yeah, that was probably it.

    (4)

  • Sarah C.

    I think I found my new favorite spot! Dinner at the Franklin Cafe last night could not have been better.... seriously we found parking within minutes (I know this is sometimes very difficult in the South End), were told there was about a 10 minute wait, but sat in 5 minutes. The wine list is not vast, but this is not the focus here...it's really all about a chill spot and atmosphere, great food and service... it's like a refuge. Our server was awesome, really friendly...very knowledgeable about all the wines and entrees, right on with timing.... Although the menu isn't huge, there IS something for everyone. It was very difficult to choose.. the shrimp appetizer was perfect and beautifully presented, my salad was maybe a bit overdressed but okay for my taste. I got the pan seared cod with mushrooms and scallions...delicious. No dessert though....which is fine because after dinner drinks do just fine here. I can't wait to go back and try more! Plus, it's right next to Formaggio kitchen... dangerous :)

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    So tasty! The roasted corn and pablano chowder is excellent. I had the veal chop, (I know, I know), but it was so good!

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    Wonderful adventurous food (including some of the best garlic mashed potatoes anywhere). High quality drinks. Relaxed atmosphere. It is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. The only major flaw for me is the possibility that I might run into my ex-GF there. Ah hahahaha

    (4)

  • Kim D.

    yum! this place was awesome. i met my hubby there after work on a wed evening around 5:45pm. he had already saved me a seat at the bar as it was starting to get full. by the time we left the place was packed! great atmosphere. i loved sitting at the bar and the bartender was super friendly (and poured a strong drink!). come to think of it...the entire staff was super friendly. one of the waiters kindly pointed me in the direction of the restroom with a really nice smile and as we were leaving the host (or maybe another server?) ran after us and out the door to tell us to have a great evening. we were impressed! now, the food. it was REALLY good. we had the grilled calamari w/ a white bean salad, a tuna carpaccio app, which was excellent (very fresh) and the ricotta stuffed salmon. i thought the salmon was going to be a bit odd w/ the ricotta but it was delicious. very light and creamy and the fish was cooked perfectly. it came served over fennel. really delicious. however, the seasoning they rubbed on the fish was a little on the salty side. and that is the only reason i'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5. prices were reasonable too. apps were about $7-9 and entrees $17-20. i'll be back for sure!

    (4)

  • Jen R.

    I like this place a lot. Its really a bar, not a restaurant. You walk through the dark curtains to get inside. On your left is a bar and on the right are about 9 booths. No tables. The food is un-barlike. We started with a glass of wine (decent) and I had a rasberry like rickey with chambord which was tasty and hit the spot. The scallops are to die for. They are sort of roasted or covered in this black crispy stuff. The caesar was just ok-- nothing to rave about. On top was an awkward large flat chip thing like a bagel chip which did not go and kept getting in my way. I ordered the pepper linguini with duck confit. The portion looked small but filled me up. There was not a ton of duck and for 18.00, I would have expected a bit more-- but what was there was good. My husband ordered the porkchop which he said was the best he ever had. Because they are a bar, they dont serve dessert-- bummer. The waiter was friendly and appropriate. We will definitely be back. BTW we went on a Tuesday night around 6:30 and by 7:30, every booth was taken

    (4)

  • Alexis L.

    I went into Franklin Cafe full of skepticism, ready to be let down. With reasonable prices and uninspiring name (I mean really, Franklin Cafe), what kind of food could I expect from this chainlet? Excellent food, as it turns out. My grilled pear and chevre salad was ambrosial. The pears were perfectly grilled and caramelized and worked beautifully with the drizzled balsamic vinegar. My mussels were out of this world and I don't even usually like mussels. The broth they were cooked in was amazingly flavorful and the portion was huge,though the price was slight. My husband had the lamb breast and he couldn't stop raving about the tenderness and flavor of the meat or the way it seamlessly blended with its bed of lentils or garnish of salad. Our cocktails, a Maple Manhattan and a Mo' Martini (?) were also very good. Service was prompt and polite and the sole waitress really earned her tip. If you are looking for a delicious late night dinner, consider the Franklin Cafe.

    (4)

  • Samuel H.

    tried it for the first time last week. it's not bad. drinks are decent, food was decent, atmosphere was great. parking was a drag though, like the entire south end. and it's so dark in there, i can barely read the menu even with candle light.

    (4)

  • Miss L.

    fairly priced awesome food, available late night served in a cozy/sexy atmosphere by friendly and professional servers. truly five star.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    if you can actually get a table before you pucke from drinking too much i would say this is one of the coolest places in boston to have a reasonably priced dinner which is very very good but not in a stuffy environment. maybe thats why its always crowded. they have a small but great menu and everyone is way cool

    (5)

  • Miquel R.

    i was there last friday night for dinner with my friend. we got there at 7 pm and were told by the host that the wait would be 45 minutes. The place was extremely busy at the bar and obviously the tables were all full. It was very difficult to get to the bar and many of the customers already there were pretty aggressive. The bartender did not help faciliate our order - she didnt seem like she was making any drinks so that was a little confusing. After several drinks, we were notified by the host that our table was ready. The wait lasted about 1 and half hours. We had a ricotta crepe app which was very good but filling. We also had some bread. We both had seafood for our entrees and it was very good. We plan on going back there again sometime and when we do we will try some of the other yummy selections on the menu. This place is great in the Fall , winter and late night. You just have to be in the right frame of mind to wait for a table. The crowd is fun as well.

    (4)

  • Anna B.

    Have been a few times & ALL the food is good. The place is pretty tucked away which is why I think more people don't know about it. I arrived before my friend and met a guy at the bar who's a chef at another restaurant - always a good sign. Parking can be tough - take a cab.

    (5)

  • Matt W.

    My expectations were perhaps a bit too high when I went to the Franklin Cafe. A co-worker has been talking this place up to me for the past month so I finally gave it a try this weekend. The food was good and staff were very friendly. My biggest issue was the noise! I could barely hear myself speak, much less the person sitting across from me. I understand it is a bar and that music is expected, but why make it so loud that you have to yell to your friends? The whole yelling thing sorta dropped my opinion on the food as well because I was concentrating so much on listening that I forgot I was eating. I will give this place another try on a weeknight and perhaps change my rating.

    (3)

  • Tim S.

    simple, good food. i love the atmosphere of this place... great neighborhood vibe.

    (4)

  • Bryan K.

    I went here in August and it was the BEST seared Ahi that I have ever had. When I took my first bite I tasted a lightly seared exterior followed by buttery raw fish on the inside. I knew right away that it was very high quality fish, although I was not prepared for what followed. It had a smoky/hickory aftertaste that made you think it was in a smoker all day. I just sat back in my seat, blinked, and said "Wow!" Everyone else at the table said the same thing about their dishes and we turned it into a family-style dinner. Besides the Ahi, you can't go wrong with the Steak Frites or Pork Tenderloin. Great Food, Great Price, Great Service, Great Atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Chase W.

    The only reason Franklin doesn't get a 5 is it's too hard to get into! Rest assured that the wait and food is worth it, as are the cocktails. Where else can you get a fruity (but I swear, manly) martini, while feasting on pan seared duck for under 28$ a plate?! The atmosphere isn't fancy, but makes up for it in South End cool neighborhood feel. I probably wouldn't hit this up on a Saturday night due to the cramped factor, but I'm a woos when it comes to being clostraphobic. With that said, on Tuesday night, this place is a solid 5-stars for fun, value, and cool...

    (4)

  • Sam C.

    What I used to think of as a go-to neighborhood spot for reliable food is a total waste of space now. The hostess/manager/bitter angry woman is rude and unpleasant. Asking her for a fork (because we had food without forks) was apparently an over the top request that was too difficult for her. The food doesn't make up for it. Everything is way too salty. A simple salad was more creamy salty dressing than salad, making it just the opposite of what everyone wants. Come on.....

    (1)

  • Evan G.

    This place has the best food I've ever had in my life. It's a nice relaxed atmosphere, not too expensive, but the food is extraordinary.

    (5)

  • Kevin G.

    I've been in Boston for just under a year now, and this is the best meal that I have had. My wife and I came in for our anniversary dinner on a Monday, and easily found a table right by the window. It's a cute place, tucked in a neighborhood with a bunch of brick rowhouses. Our waitress was friendly, funny, and took great care of us. All of the house drinks looked good; I tried the Ideal Manhattan and my she tried the French Laundry, both of which were excellent. The goat cheese crostini and mussel appetizers were tasty, and I was surprised by the portion size for the mussels. For our mains, I had the corned beef and she had the mushroom pasta. She must have really liked hers, since it disappeared before I could try it. Mine was also very, very good. We will definitely return.

    (5)

  • Teresa C.

    More of a bar than a restaurant. Mashed potatoes were grainy. Bf liked their steak and frites. I like their kale and chicory salad.

    (3)

  • Julie D.

    I came here for a first date, late night dinner and drinks. There was a "no pants" party going on but they happily seated us at a dark corner table. The kitchen is famously open late, so we ordered the grilled calamari, tuna tartare, and a bottle of red wine. It was all delicious and quick. Our waitress was a sweetheart, and when my date mentioned that he works at Franklin's sister restaurant outside the city, she had the manager come over who was equally welcoming and friendly. They even brought us two top shelf whiskey shots on the house even though we weren't part of the party! Couldn't have asked for a more fun, chill late night atmosphere. I will definitely visit again soon!

    (5)

  • Jessica H.

    Marked with a martini glass outside, this place is a neighborhood gem. SO cozy and warm inside and wonderful service AND food. The lighting is darker, there are just a few tables and most are booths. It makes for a great place to sit with good people and converse over craft cocktails and delicious food. The ceasar (grilled little gem) salad is sooooo good. So is the mushroom ravioli. And my friend got meatloaf and really enjoyed it. A great place for just drinks as well. Will be back!

    (4)

  • Monica O.

    Bit overrated. Good cocktails. Skip the tuna tartare (which tasted slightly off) - stick with fried bar food classics and you'll be fine... Just not blown away.

    (3)

  • Gus K.

    On our first trip to Boston, we waltzed over to Franklin Café. The place was packed like a can of sardines, we were told it would be a 20 minute wait and to hang our jackets at the back. We decided to stay and got two prime seats at the bar within in minutes. The potato gnocchi was fantastic and the smokey skillet roasted mussels was fresh and tasty. The bartender apologized for the lateness of our meal but all is forgiven since I had a drink in hand. Otherwise the service was excellent, food was top rate and the atmosphere made it feel like the place to be.

    (5)

  • Stephanie L.

    I love the Franklin Cafe! Been coming here for years, food quality dropped off a bit, but over the past three months I've been back four times, and found everything delicious! Quieter in the early evening, when it's neighborhood regulars, very busy when the other restaurants close and it becomes a gather place for their staff.

    (5)

  • Erica S.

    VISIT MY BLOG FOR PICTURES AND MY FULL REVIEW: kands617.blogspot.com/20… 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.

    (4)

  • Ankur P.

    good american comfort food. good ambience. good place fo ra date

    (4)

  • Craig S.

    Always been here for delicious inventive drinks in a cool environment, never food. Starving and wanting to celebrate a big deal - I ordered the Steak Frites - not expecting "bar food" to be very good I was pleasantly surprised. Both the steak and fries were perfect in an amazing sauce --although it did look like a cow penis. Drinks were amazing as always - holdin it down for the South End

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    Small place serving tasty food. Visited early on a Saturday, only a few people in the cafe. By the time we left, all tables were occupied and the bar was full. Food was very good. Slow roasted pork was very tender, served over brussel sprouts. Others had turkey meatloaf over mashed potatoes and cioppino. Both were very good. There is a good selection of beers. Most tables are actually booths so it is easy to talk and have some privacy. Service was very good. Parking is tough as it is in most of Boston. Easier to park on Washington and walk to the Franklin Cafe.

    (4)

  • T W.

    I've been to Franklin cafe for dinner a few times and have enjoyed each visit. Overall the restaurant is somewhat small but serves good food and makes good drinks. I've only visited for dinner and it has been crowded, but I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes for a table. The drink menu is excellent, each cocktail I tried was well made and tasty. The food is somewhat rustic but enjoyable. Finally, the ambiance is casual and dim but does feel private despite the crowd. Tips: great date night spot, and the steak frites are tasty.

    (4)

  • Roger T.

    A hidden gem. Stellar food and late night dining. Tiny location and ZERO parking are the only downfalls. Love it here.

    (5)

  • Mat C.

    Absolutely amazing service. The roasted chicken was superb. The catfish was very delicious. If your in the area I highly recommend this café. Thanks to the Mgr Mike and the staff.

    (5)

  • Kiki P.

    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.

    (4)

  • Sarah R.

    Franklin Cafe is without a doubt one of my favourite places to eat, drink and while away an evening in Boston. Actually, it's probably one of my favourite places anywhere. Franklin was recommended to us by a barman at another place, and we had been meaning to check it out. We finally came in for a drink after work one Friday - intending to spend an hour or two before heading home. We ended up staying much later than we planned (and much later than was wise...) due to the incredible service, friendly atmosphere, and spectacular food and drinks. We sat at the bar and had delicious cocktails and dinner. We are firmly of the opinion that Franklin has one of the best bartenders out there in Peter Cipriani, who took extremely good care of us, and has continued to do so on our return visits. He is incredibly knowledgable, as well as pleasant and friendly - never failing to greet us by name when we come in, even if it's been a while since we stopped by. He's also a master at crafting you the perfect drink for your mood, based on a very random and seemingly unhelpful set of criteria! We tend to sit at the bar, because it's fun and we like chatting to Peter, but we've also had dinner at a table and enjoyed that a lot as well. We've only ever had great service, and we think the food is extremely good and very good value. I'm always happy to go to Franklin Cafe - a true gem in an area full of excellent choices.

    (5)

  • Amy C.

    We were going to a show and had hoped to eat at Picco, but the wait there was two hours. My friend stopped a woman on the street as she entered her apartment building and asked her for suggestions of other restaurants in the area. She recommended the Franklin Cafe and what a find! I wish we could find that woman to thank her. Luckily she had warned us that the Franklin is very dark. It was so dark that I thought it was closed, but when we tried the door it was open! The menu isn't long but the food was delicious. We had the butternut squash soup which was wonderful on the cold night we were there. We had sides of Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Both of these were great. The bread came with hummus and was delicious. We are so glad we were led to the Franklin and we will return. The service was excellent and the prices were very reasonable.

    (4)

  • Jeff F.

    Franklin Café has a 5 star atmosphere w/ 3 star food. I'm rounding down since I'm not in a rush to come back. Food rundown: - Grilled shrimp app had a bit too much grill char - meh - Average steak frites with a little too much grill char were a miss. Pass - Crab ravioli - excellent; wish I had ordered this as my entree - Fried Chicken - average

    (3)

  • Nancy Y.

    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!

    (4)

  • Stacey S.

    I love the Franklin Cafe. It's just around the corner and is often my go-to place when I'm not sure what to do for dinner. I've tried many different things on the menu and have always been happy and love the beer and cocktail selection. Why not 5 stars? Because the servers don't write down orders, and on at least 3 occasions I've gotten the wrong meal (on one Saturday dining with friends, I got no meal!). They try to make it right with a free drink, etc., but if be happier and more relaxed if they just write down my order and get it right to begin with. Not sure if servers think it's a sign of weakness to have to take notes -- I take notes at work all the time!

    (4)

  • Luckie D.

    I struggle with only 3 stars. On a late Friday night we stopped to continue drinking and get a bite to eat. I ordered a salad and a burger. both arrived quickly at the speedy hand of our server who was most pleasant. Both the salad and the burger were way too salty which distracted me from the taste. I ordered the burger without sauce and had to be sent back. The manager came over to apologize which was a nice touch and suggested they really do care about customer satisfaction. They were so nice I'd return and give a second shot. Based on good drinks, friendly staff and good service I will go again.

    (3)

  • Martin H.

    Good crowd, reasonable prices. We grabbed a table with our drinks, and a server immediately asked us to move because there might still be people who wanted food. So another group took the table with their drinks, and he let them be. Thanks, bro, I didn't want to sit down after being at a wedding all day or anything.

    (3)

  • Antonio B.

    Wow for Boston what a find a find a place in the south end where the kitchen is not closed by 10pm really. However I'm conveying to the waiter I would like some bar olives and he insist only to bring 3 at a time and after the first round u mentioned it again really. They are green olives the will hit break ur bank.

    (2)

  • Cat C.

    We had an AMAZING dinner here. I had the Steak Frites, and holy cow.. i wished I hadn't had lunch so i could have finished it. It's a small casual place with a very down to earth atmosphere. We had a fantastic server and everyone was happy with the service and the food. I will definitely be back when i'm back in town.

    (4)

  • Lauren P.

    Food was really good! I had steak frites and they were amazing, also really funny waiter. Neighborhood bar, more of a couples atmosphere rather than single people

    (4)

  • Ellie W.

    I like the laid-back ambiance of Franklin, but my friends and I came here for drinks and were swiftly kicked out of tables/booths consistently because we weren't ordering food. At midnight. I mean, maybe it's bar policy because their kitchen is open until 1am, but I just found it quite ridiculous that the bar was half empty and we still weren't allowed to sit at a table that nobody else was sitting at. And nobody WOULD be sitting at through the end of the night. Alas, after 5 tries and possibly wearing down the staff, we hit progress. If you can call it that. We weren't allowed to sit at one 4-seater table but were, for some illogical reason, allowed to sit at the other 4-seater table across the room. Because apparently 4 seats are different from 4 other seats. I liked the chill crowd and ambiance of this place, but I'm not too keen on coming here again if I have to have a Gandhi-like Sit-in every time I come here in order to sit down.

    (2)

  • Lauren L.

    I lucked out when I picked this restaurant out from Yelp during my trip to Boston last weekend. The ambiance of this small cafe in an affluent neighborhood is wonderful. It's a place I wish I lived down the street from and could pop in on a regular basis. It's cozy and lit softly and I loved the fact that it was quiet enough to talk without straining but still had a lively vibe. Our server, who's been there for years (I think his name is Nick...I'm terrible with names) made us feel like regulars. I can't decide if the service or the food is what's making me want to come back so much, and that's saying a lot since the food was really fresh and inspired. The menu seemed as though it is probably changed at least seasonally, if not more regularly and I love that it was simply a page long and not some mammoth overwhelming list lacking thoughtfulness. My husband and I shared some crab and sweet corn beignets (though I'm not sure of the name exactly) to start. They've only recently been added to the menu, and what a great addition. You could tell the crab was super fresh and there was just enough corn in them to lend a bit of sweetness on the back end, but not enough to take away from the delicate flavor of the crab. They came out perfectly crisp, were seasoned perfectly and were just wonderful. For dinner we both had the steak frittes, a classic and superb dish. It's served with Roquefort here, which tastes heavenly with the crispy fries and the slightly sweet juice from the steak. The portion was generous and tasted so good I wanted to keep eating even though I was more than satisfied. I also want to mention how reasonably priced I felt this restaurant was. Perhaps it's because I live in New York and I'm used to city prices which are astronomical, but I definitely felt like I got the better of the deal where that's concerned. That being said, please don't change a thing, except when you're changing up the menu and trying those new dishes. We will be back as soon as we make it back to Boston and hope to make that a regular stop.

    (5)

  • Jenn H.

    I was really looking forward to my visit here, and by the looks of the other reviews, the food is usually good. Maybe my visit was an off-night for them. The wine was alright (we tried a few kinds), but the server mixed up our order the first time around and fumbled the next time as to who ordered what. There were only 2 of us at the table.... The food was just below average. We got the mussels, which were lacking salt and flavor, and were way too watery. The braised short rib was disappointing. Shouldn't it fall off the bone? More like torn off, with the force of a steak knife. We also got a couple of other plates, but we weren't impressed with them, either. Eh. Maybe when I'm back in the South End, I'll stop by again to give this spot another try, but not likely.

    (2)

  • Jose L.

    Food was excellent, service even better. I had the chowder, Thai wings (Phenom), and salmon. My only complaint is that the restaurant is so dark I could hardly read the menu.

    (5)

  • M B.

    Condescending and disrespectful staff. I met some friends out on a Saturday night. There was only one bartender, who appeared to be new. She was doing her best, as she was the only one on. However, I stood directly at the bar for 20 minutes with money in hand, and she stayed to one area and never came to the other half of the bar, or acknowledged that the other half even existed (mind you there were people sitting all around the bar). I stepped away from the bar, because, clearly, she was making no effort to service the other half. I told my friends that I would not drink and not to worry. They felt bad and flagged down one of the waitresses. I don't recall her name, but she had short blond hair. She said, condescendingly and very slowly, like she was talking to a 2 year old "You have to stand at the bar,,,,, make eye contact....and then she will come over. I told her that I have already done that and she never came over. She repeated even more slowly than the first time.... Y o u H a v e T o Staaaannnnnnd at the bar. I told her that this was not my first time in a bar. I don't know what her problem was, however, I will spend my money where I feel respected, and appreciated. I excused myself from my friends and left. Because of her rude attitude, they lost money that evening. There are so many other good restaurants and bars in the area, I won't tolerate bad service. I don't know why they only had 1 bartender on.

    (1)

  • Kelsey C.

    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!

    (4)

  • Lindsey S.

    Chad fox and late night shumai.. Oh AND Best steak frites in the city hands down. Can't beat that! Best night out ever (metal Mondays). This place rocks

    (5)

  • Meagan S.

    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.

    (3)

  • Skye W.

    Very san francisco- esque restuarant- grimy, good drinks, and unpretentious food. Downside: the food was very hit or miss. - bone marrow app was delicious - beef tar tar, not so much, pre-mixed and tasted full of pickles - steak frites were good - cod, not so much, kind of water logged

    (3)

  • Melanie M.

    Came here for the first time last week and had a great time. The drinks were different and quite tasty. I got the French Laundry cocktail, a little sour and very tasty. The bartender definitely knows how to make a good drink. My vegetarian husband had a lot of options and they even gave him a separate vegetarian menu. I ordered the oxtail risotto which was very creamy and cooked perfectly. The service was great. We started dinner around 6pm on a thursday night and by the time we were done eating the place was packed.

    (4)

  • Lolita Lee G.

    Been here just for drinks.. The cocktails was sooooo strong... Nice, but strong!! Lol perfect if you really wanna get smashed hahaha

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :5:00 pm - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner, Late Night
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : No
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Intimate
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Background
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Franklin Café

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