Service was pretty good, food was pretty generic and basic. while having their own brewery the beers were very so so. The Hef might have been the best one of the 3 or 4 I tried. Perhaps I'm spoiled by craft beers in CA but as a casual passerby I was left unenthused.
(3)
Nathalie K.
4 stars for the overall experience, because I believe that the shortcomings in its food quality (where I believe it merits a 3 star status) are made up for by the overall ambiance and energy of the place. That being said, the time of this review comes on a Saturday night dinner rush, so perhaps some errors are to be excused. We start this review by saying that the wait time for a Saturday night dinner is anywhere from 30 - 40 minutes; a word to the wise would call in for a reservation, or arrive early. Which ultimately doesn't much matter, because the general store adjacent to the restaurant is full of whirligigs and wonders that a person can easily spend an hour picking up the various gadgets and doo-dads until their table is called. it is hard to leave the general store without at least an impulse buy, for they have all the toys for your inner 6 year old self. Tonight, we were to be seated in the far back, near the toilets and sitting behind a clear pane next to boilers of some sort. I was not a fan of the seating - but a popular place this is, because it was just about the only table available. Being such a large establishment I was underwhelmed by the appearance of the restrooms, where it felt more akin to a gas station restaurant and not of this lively place that charges an average of $20-30 a meal. Now onto the reason why I was here in the first place: the lamb merguez burgers. Do yourself a favour and order these. They come as an appetizer or three sliders, or for an additional reasonable fee, you can make it a meal and get 4. ("meal" here being subjective; but filling enough for a person of my stature). It is not often that I get to eat merguez lamb burger sliders and it is well worth the trip to Franklin's. While it is hard to get what I call an appropriately cooked slider at that size - they were a tad overcooked for my liking - they were still delicious and I never once regretted my choice. That being said, perhaps it would serve better to make the burger the same size as the bun - we are not talking a huge stretch here, but no one likes to take a bite of pure bread. I have always eaten merguez with a spicy brown mustard - and while the Gulden's commercial mustard is all they have on tap (as long as it's not French's!) - my recommendation to the chef is to drop the tatziki sauce and opt instead for a less vinegary version of a creole mustard. The seasoning on the meat though! It makes my break away from red meats worth the return. The meat was perfectly seasoned and a joy to bit into with the bread and blend of sauces I put on. I preferred a mustard coating instead of the tatziki, but be warned, they are a bit spicy and for those with gentle pallet may not be able to handle it - perhaps explaining the need for the tatziki sauce in the first place. My biggest complaint is that for an establishment of that size, the fact that there was no fresh squeezed orange juice is what I would dare call appalling. I ordered my usual 50/50 blend of OJ and soda water, and was sorely disappointed that I got neither read soda water, and some from concentrate juice that just left me feeling cold. I think that a place of this caliber with its bright colors, varied beers, and large menu selection should be able to afford some fresh squeezed juice. There are kids aplenty and I really see no reason why they choose to opt for a "from concentrate" juice. The little that I had of the beer my companion ordered was artisinal, brewed on site (??), and tasty without being overbearing on the hops. If you're an adventuring sort I would recommend you try one of their list although there are plenty to choose from. A lively and fun place to come to celebrate, or even to have a night out among friends, with a general store that will keep you entertained and their approach to cuisine a fresh and fun look. Our waitress was wonderful, versed with the menu and kept the drinks filled as we dined; even as there was a long delay in the food, which was no fault of our waitress. A reservation will go miles by way of seating, and while you cannot go wrong with nearly anything on the list - stay away from juices because there is nothing of the sort to be had that qualifies as "passable".
(4)
Jennifer R.
Very interesting little place. Their crab dip is great. My hubby is really picky when it comes to his crab dip and even he enjoyed it. Highly recommend. Their beer battered onions are also well seasoned and nice and crispy. Their burgers are pretty good as well. Always had pleasant service. My only critique is for lunch - the times I've been. - has been a little slow so of your in a hurry you might wanna go when you have more time.
(3)
A. G.
I love Franklin's! The smoked oysters are like a religious experience. The ribs are the best in the land. The brownie sundae is all the decadent deliciousness a girl can handle. The pizzas are above decent. On top of that, you can get some pretty decent varieties of local brews. There's something for everyone and Franklin's hardly ever disappoints. The cute little General Store attached that has some neat things you won't find elsewhere is just a double bonus for good measure.
(4)
Regina B.
If hipster foodie craft brew localvores ever took over Cracker Barrel, it would morph into Franklin's. Seriously. Having occasion to be in College Park for one of the Young 'Un's competitions, we ventured just south of the UMD area, meeting The Birthday Twin and her family for dinner. This establishment is housed in an old hardware store, lovingly preserved on the exterior. The interior has two parts - a two-level dining space with open kitchen and upstairs bar, and an adjacent 'general store' full of the fun, funky and fabulous ephemera of coolness and pop art. We were seated promptly as we arrived an angel's hair ahead of the dinner rush. Drinks were brought promptly and orders taken. The onion rings are indeed fabulous, lightly seasoned with Old Bay, good batter, not greasy, all kinds of yum. Entrees were a bit more of a mixed bag: Enthusiastic joyous thumbs up for the lamb merguez burgers, which are what happens when you mix a lamb gyro with a slider. Also commendable was the burger, which was huge and delicious. Pasta with broccoli was very good. The soft spots were the pulled pork, which should be a sandwich, not an entree, and was disappointingly dry. In the 'sounds better than it was' category was the bacon wrapped meatloaf. The meatloaf had an odd, puree texture to it, the spicy ketchup overwhelmed everything such that there was almost no bacon flavor despite there being a substantial portion of bacon involved. I think it would have been OK except for that texture, though. Like a cross between baby food and pate. Not pleasing. Dessert was a very good as hoped brownie sundae. The general store was lots of fun for young 'us and adults both. Found: One Minecraft book. Found: One Illuminati Air Freshener ("smells like hegemony"). Found: Pac Man "ghost" salt & pepper shakers. You get the idea. Staff were fun and funky throughout our place. One young hipster dude encouraged the Young 'Un to kiss mommy (me) because even he does that, and he's 20, because "Moms are truly awesome, dude." We enjoyed Franklin's very much, and would definitely go there again the next time we're in the area. Parking in a public lot next door was easy and the municipal rate reasonable.
(4)
Michelle D.
I'm from TX so every time I visit MD I try to consume as much blue crab as humanly possible. Having been recently disappointed with another crab cake I ordered the night before, we walked in to Franklin's determined for redemption. I ordered their crab cake plate and the crab cakes themselves were very good. They were each fairly large but not full of filler bread. They definitely weren't jumbo lump or anything fancy but it didn't make one bit of difference to me. They were tasty and a fair price as well. Everything else on the plate was forgettable, but maybe that's because I was just so pleased to have decent crab in my midst! The beer menu is quite extensive, the service was prompt and friendly. I can't wait to come back!
(4)
Christopher W.
Love this place but honestly the food can be hit or miss. As with the service, although it's gotten much better in recent years. Beers are good, I like their IPA. The store hasn't an excellent wine selection. Pizza and burgers are standards but their entree's can be excellent as well.
(3)
Lee O.
Franklin's is an interesting place. It's almost as though a great bar was plucked from some really great location and accidentally dropped off in gloomy Hyattsville. The drinks are great as they have their own beer and you can purchase growlers to take with you. It was a lot of fun to go with coworkers and sample beer. I haven't had the food, but the friends who have, have been pleasantly surprised by it. Parking is limited and I swear someone checks this often. By the time I was out, I had two tickets on my vehicle (I didn't have a front license plate yet - I'm from out of state) and my tags were expired (I had just received my VA license plates and my MD ones expired, I just hadn't put them on). Take heed!
(3)
L.A. K.
Food was good. Atmosphere was fun. The little store attached had adorable things. Service was okay. Not great. fun place.
(4)
Brian G.
A solid meal all around -- wasn't sure what we are getting into when we walked in, but I'm glad that we kept going down through College Park to get there. I'm sure that if we had gone at a busier time it would have really been busy for the football games that afternoon. But getting there in the middle of the afternoon went well for all of us. Onion rings are certainly a go. They are worth the splurge. I went for a burger and really enjoyed it. Service was A-Ok as well.
(3)
Mel A.
I feel like Franklin's is the younger, hipper, trendier, version of Cracker Barrel. Why? There's a restaurant on one side and a store on the other side. The restaurant serves up a variety of food from pizzas to burgers to sandwiches to main courses. There's a pretty good selection of microbrews too. Tonight I felt like a burger so I had Franklin's Cheeseburger with Boursin cheese (yep, that spreadable cheese spread) and a Rubber Chicken Red (no, not a main dish, but their amber ale). Both hit the spot. Take some time to check out the store next door. If anything, you'll get a chuckle at a lot of quirky stuff for sale. 3.5 stars!
(3)
Jessica R.
Franklin's is one of the nicer restaurants in the Hyattsville area. I got the Thai Pie pizza and it was really good -- it had bean sprouts, peanut sauce, cilantro and chicken. Another at the table got the Catfish Po' Boy and it was really good as well -- the fish was perfectly cooked and the spicy remoulade was a nice touch. Make sure you also try the mussels as an appetizer. I would eat them all day if I could. I tried the pulled pork platter and I must have misread the menu and thought it was a sandwich, but the meal is just a heap of pulled pork with two sides you choose. It was still good, just really heavy and not what I thought it would be. My friend also tried the beer sampler, which was 11 sample sized beers. He had fun trying it and definitely had a buzz afterwards :) The atmosphere of Franklin's is also pretty cool. They have art by local artists on the walls and they also have a little store inside. Also be prepared to pay for parking (but it's free on Sundays).
(3)
Sebastian B.
Drawn in by the big bright neon sign and an adjacent parking lot I decided to give Franklins a try. The place was hopping for 7:45 on a Wednesday night, I had a 15 minuet wait so I walked through the general store. Lots of cool junk in there and a fantastic beer and wine store to boot. I got the booth right by the kitchen door but the seat wasn't that bad. My waiter was fabulous. He was fast precise and friendly. I had the sausage pretzel appetizer but didn't expect it to be like a hot dog. Well I ate it and it filled me up. I did make an effort to eat my way through the meatloaf entree. The host brought my entree literally 45 seconds after my appetizer was delivered but brought it back to the kitchen. I asked for a fresh plate but the first one was re-delivered, but it looked like the cook got ticked and beat the dish up. My waiter passed by and took that dish back and brought me a fresh one that came out beautiful and hot. Kudos to my waiter!!! Good looking out man! The food was hot and very good. The meatloaf was a little soft but surely delicious. Wrapped is tasty bacon and a sweet peppery catsup coating. I enjoyed my dinner but I'm not that psyched to return any time soon.
(4)
George S.
Great food and Great Service as well. Charles our server was excellent. Bases on the reviews I tried the corn pudding and it was very good. I had the bacon wrapped meatloaf very good with just a kick.
(4)
Viviana F.
This place was our first spot upon arriving in the DC area from NYC. I enjoyed my meal very much but my friends didn't fancy their meals. We started off by sharing a Margherita pizza which was tasty and thin. I then ordered the Glorious Gloria which was also flavory. We all ordered a round of their homemade beers. I can't seem to remember the name of the beer we had but it was citrusy and hoppy, sort of like blue moon. I would stop by again for another round of those homemade beers.
(3)
Erin B.
Got hungry between DC and the Ikea in College Park and ended up here for lunch. Friendly service, delicious food, and fabulous beer, especially the brews on the hoppy side. He had a Cuban sandwich, which he enjoyed. I had essentially a black bean burger with fresh avocado, one of two solid vegetarian mains. Both were great. The fries are on the big, chunky side and were also awesome. Love the general store, too. My grandmother is now getting a "Turning 21 Again" candle for her 90th birthday cake, thanks for Franklin's.
(5)
Sara L.
I love craft brews and they do a really great job! Pale ales are my favorite and they do a great job making them. They also have wonderful burgers!! The general store is also nice; they have bottles of their beer you can buy along with other micro brews.
(5)
Lorena B.
Some good things, some bad things- hence the 2 stars. Service: very good. The server was patient and did not rush our table, even though we waited maybe 15-20 minutes for the rest of our party to arrive (but it was also Sunday evening and not crowded). The hostesses were also friendly and greeted us/said goodbye. Food: The lamb sliders, called Nickel Curves, were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. However, we got them as part of the appetizer sampler, which is overpriced at $11. Way too much for exactly 2 sliders, 2 small ribs, and 2 small wings. I also ordered the Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf from the seasonal menu and was really excited since bacon is my favorite food. It came out bacon topped, not bacon wrapped. Furthermore, the meatloaf tasted like something I could've just whipped up at home. Very disappointing. The chipotle sweet potatoes and peas in a pod that came with the meatloaf were far better. For dessert, you can't go wrong with the brownie sundae. The brownie is served warm and gooey, with plenty of ice cream and whipped cream. Franklin's has a nice ambience and I like that it's not part of a chain, which is hard to find in P.G. County. Give it a try but stick to simple stuff like burgers, otherwise you risk paying too much for average food. For an excellent meal in Hyattsville, you're better off going to Hank's Tavern.
(2)
Jeff H.
Been here eight or so times in the last year. My g/f likes it more than I do, I'd give it a 2, she says 4. She likes the food at a 4 level, mostly eats sandwiches and salads, she's a big fan of the soups. For, me, the food, more meat n potatoes fare is below average, and the burgers and pizza are just not good. Pizza might be among the worst I've had. The service is inconsistent, sometimes fine, other times slow and rude. We do like the store
(3)
Martin B.
This is what Cracker Barrel would be like if it served a multitude of foods and brewed its own beer. Oh yeah, and if it had less rednecks. This brewery/restaurant/general store is a cool joint where you can get some really good food at a really good price and then wash it down with some beer. I ordered a meal off of their special Oktoberfest menu: the duck confit pasta. It's hard to remember what was in it besides egg noodles, duck confit and a white wine sauce, but it's easy to remember how delicious it was. The duck was tender and the sauce was rich, peppered with veggies to keep each bite interesting. Not only that, but the portion was enormous; I had enough for the next day! My friend ordered the chicken pot pie and it was similar in its prodigious size. While I'd like to come back and try a couple other meals, I'd definitely give this a 4.5 star rating going on 5. I did worry about the meals being so-so since they're trying to do so many different cuisines, but they really were on point with regards to our meals.
(4)
Kevin U.
As a student at University of Maryland I was always looking for a great place to take the fam when they came to visit me. I wanted to take them somewhere nicer than Chipotle or Potbelly's. Well, Franklin's is perfect for that. It has a great atmosphere and their brews are delicious! I tried one of the chocolate ales, which didn't disappoint I came here for dinner with my family graduation day. We had a party of about 13 people. The service was good, and the food was tastey too. Everything we got was savory and delicious! The only con of this place is that you have to pay for parking. Also I had a reservation for the second floor, but we ended up getting the first floor. It wasn't that big of a deal, though. Other than that it is a short drive down Rt. 1 from the UMD campus, and it's very accessible. Definitely come here if you want to have a good family dinner!
(4)
Brian B.
Great beer. Food is generally very good. Some dishes could use more development, but overall, a good bet. I am rarely disappointed here.
(4)
Kristina M.
I love Franklin's. Their Oktoberfest menu was divine. I ate the Duck n Awesome salad, which is the only salad I've ever loved. Duck confit, bacon, with a little wheel of fried goat cheese (You can see why I like this un-salad salad). Other great things on the menu - Dry-rub ribs, chicken pot pie (add your own pepper), and fried green tomatoes. The menu changes daily with different pastas, entrees and veggies of the day. Also everytime I go they have different bread offerings in their bread basket. One odd thing is the pricing seems a little inconsistent, in terms of what an item should cost. They also brew their own beer. Franklin's brews the only beer I've ever liked (Ludicrous) and you can purchase take-home growlers of whatever type you want. My husband, the beer afficionado, says the beers are not the best ever, but still pretty good. The general store next door offers also sorts of knick-knacks and gifts including, beer, wine, board games, cooking gadgets, and toys. So even if you go a totally packed night, you can check out the store and while away your time and money!
(4)
Marc L.
Good atmosphere, great food, fantastic selection of local brews
(5)
Becky C.
I truly do not understand the hype about this place. Maybe because it's in Hyattsville and there are limited choiced, but it is truly not deserving of some of these reviews. The food is ok. The service was ok. The beer was ok. Our party of 6 tried a variety of apps and dinner items, and it was on par with Friday's.
(2)
Sara M.
We've loved Franklin's since it was a simple sandwich counter. It's a place you can count on for a variety of occasions - a fun date, a family dinner, or even a birthday party. The restaurant spans two floors, with a bar on the upper floor that overlooks their brewery space. There's an attached "general store" that features toys, accessories, candy, novelty items, kitchen stuff, and an impressive assortment of wine and beer. It's definitely a fun place to shop while you're waiting for a table, which happens on a busy night. The restaurant is an open space with metal ceilings and fixtures, and it can get very loud at times. There are tables and booths available, and they can pack in some large parties. The walls are decorated with the work of local artists - all for sale. The waitstaff is generally friendly and efficient, though you can feel a little neglected during a particularly busy night. The menu is diverse, featuring sandwiches, salads, barbeque, pizza, and fairly traditional entrees. I think their BBQ is the highlight - the ribs fall right off the bone (love the dry rub) and the pulled pork is delicious and well-seasoned (especially the Carolina-style). They have some excellent salads, too. The sandwiches are good but largely uninspiring, and the pizza is worth passing over entirely. The entrees are hit-or-miss. I like their sausage platter, but anything with the word "pie" in the name should be avoided (cottage pie, shepherd's pie). Specials are equally unpredictable. I've gotten some amazing one-off dishes... but then I also think about my special order of Oktoberfest pretzels that came out frozen! The beer is excellent and brewed on-premises. They have several regular varieties as well as seasonal offerings. One beer is offered as a nitrogen-charged option. I highly recommend their samplers - a great way to try everything!
(5)
Clarke H.
We found this micro brewery on Yelp and were not disappointed. Beer and food were exceptional! Recommend very highly!
(5)
MarriedUtopianStriver W.
My husband and I decided to eat at Franklin Brewery this week to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary. The waitress served our food pretty quick and treated our courteously. It also meant a lot that she genuinely congratulated my husband and I on our ten year wedding anniversary. The food was scrumptious. My husband and I shared yummy goat cheese and architoke appetizers. I had a delicious South by Southwest pizza while my husband liked his dish of Cajun mac and cheese.
(5)
Michelle C.
I've only been here once and the food was good. I had the black bean burger, my husband had the veggie flatbread thing, and another person had a burger. We also ordered onion rings to share. They were almost like donuts with onions in the middle - super fluffy and good. Beer was also tasty and the general store was fun. I will go back.
(4)
Clifton B.
Food is very good and so is the beer selection. Service suffers a bit when they get busy, but that's to be expected. Definitely check out the store next door too.
(4)
Andrea H.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in my immediate area. I make a point with my husband or family when they are in town, to go here a handful of times every year and I always leave happy and full. I doubt I've had the same thing here twice because things change everytime due to a seasonal section to the menu. However, they do have menu items that don't change like their pizza, burgers/sandwiches, and some entree options. Little by little I've been trying their appetizers and dessert. They have yummy mussels and their bread pudding is so good. I frankly haven't tried their beers on tap, but their house root beer is fantastic. I wish they sold it in their general store because I'd buy it. And speaking of their general store - this is another great thing about Franklin's. Whether you are waiting for a table or want to peruse after a meal, this little store is full of everything from kids stuff, puzzles/games, candy, cards, jewelry, cooking gadgets to a humorous section for gags, a hot sauce section, and beer/wine to buy. I've gotten some great stocking stuffers here for friends/family and enjoy the novelty items. Keep in mind if you go to the restaurant before 6pm, especially on weekdays that the parking spaces technically aren't free. I usually go for dinner and by the time I've arrived, the parking charge never applied.
(5)
KM S.
Our first visit here was for their 10 year anniversary and we had an awesome experience! We were able to get a sweet tour with the brewer and we did a tasting of the beers. The brewer was really knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The beers were all different, yet tasty. K is more of a light and fruity beer drinker, where M enjoys more pale ales and IPAs....we both found beers that pleased us. You also often see patrons picking up growlers of beer. We also picked up the spinach and artichoke dip which was different and tasty. K and a friend ate there once as well and the food was great! We continued to return until K left the area. If we are ever in the College Park/Hyattsville area again--this would be the spot we would return to.
(5)
Emily H.
Our go-to restaurant and brewery. Never disappoints! And the general store is full of fun goodies to entertain everyone.
(5)
John D.
stopped for a quick lunch and a growler fill and must say the food was disappointing. i just got a chicken quesadilla. it was pretty crappy to be frank. the flour tortilla was fried and greasy instead of pressed, there was some chicken pieces with "mozzarella" cheese, with jarred salsa, tomatoes, jarred jalapenos, and sour cream. tasteless and unimaginative. my server was very good which created the second star
(2)
Ryan P.
Food is not very good, though some dishes are fine. The service is chequered...when you get a good one, you're lucky; more often, it's disinterested Sallie Slow-Thing Grunge. Beer is generally good. Order it; you'll need it. The interior design is ICK. The place is noisy. Not suitable for a romantic date. The bottoms are gone on most of the booth seating so you sink in...or you slide off along with the vinyl seat-base as you get up and down. Also one more thing offends me about Franklins: the handicap bathrooms are on the second floor...where there is no elevator for the person in the wheelchair to reach it. How does this kind of bull shit make it past code inspectors?!?! The best part about Franklin's is exploring the shop. I used to come here when it was a diner-type place, inside the old hardware store surrounded by toys and gifts. So when the addition -- the main restaurant -- opened, it was Hyattsville's greatest thing. But the facilities became worn pretty fast, and the food, which was also way better before it became a full-scale restaurant, has also declined significantly over the years. Mike Franklin is a great guy and tremendous member of the community, however, so I still patronize the place, in spite of its drawbacks, as often as I can stand to go there. (Like, once every six months, or with a visitor who has never been there). Now we have Busboys and Poets, instead. But don't get me started on THAT.
(2)
Sarah N.
Franklin's is a great restaurant for beer and burgers! Sometimes their service is a little slow, but I write this off to their dinner rushes. The gift shop, though, is what makes it a truly unique dining experience!
(4)
Bridget P.
I LOVE Franklins. The food is always good or fantastic. The beer is plentiful, diverse, and downright yummy. I've been eating their french fries since I was in elementary school and they're still the same - the best around (don't forget to ask for the spice!). If you want a quick meal with options for everyone, a garlic-tastic pizza, or a couple brews, this is definitely the place to go. Yum.
(5)
Gordon T.
YESSSSSSS THE BURGERS ARE GREAT. THE MUSSELS ARE GREAT. I also love the store. I love everything about this place. Its big, its never too crowded, at least when I go and the service is great :D I always come back.
(5)
Joseph I.
Great service! Went in without a reservation on Saturday night, and got a table right away. Our server was very knowledgeable about the beers and the menu, and made some awesome recommendations. (try the crab dip.. You won't be disappointed!!!!) I will definitely come back, on my next trip to Maryland.
(5)
Dominic L.
First of all the food was pretty good. The bbq chicken and buffalo french fries were great. The sauce was amazing too; I'm pretty sure I had the Kansas City barbecue. Portions were also decently sized. This place seemed to lack some details though. The soda I got and saw was very flat and watered down, the veggies were sparingly used and not fresh, and the service would disappear for extended amounts of time. The general store attached to the restaurant is a great place to kill time when waiting for your table. They have a lot of things you'd never find anywhere else. Everything was way overpriced though. Overall, nice place to grab some dinner. Enjoy!
(3)
Sarah O.
Yum, yum and did I mention yum! Franklin's is a pretty recent discovery for us. We found it on an art tour of Hyattsville and decided to give it a whirl for dinner one night. I can honestly say that the pulled pork (Carolina style) was the BEST that I have ever had. I think it may have been the vinegar that tingled my taste buds the right way. The place kinda reminds me of local brewery/pub where I used to live, so props to that. They also make their own root beer. Looking forward to going back and trying more things (although it will be very difficult not get the pulled pork again). The desserts going to other tables looked quite delicious as well.
(4)
Krystal D.
Franklin's is the place to go if you want some good comfort food. The menu is pretty expansive and they do have some out-of-the-ordinary offerings alongside the traditional pub fare. You won't find culinary masterpieces here, but you can bet that you'll find something to fulfill just about any craving you might be having. The house beers are definitely worth a try, and in my experience, the servers are more than happy to help you find a beer that suits your tastes. I'm not much of a beer drinker and there was one that I liked, so you'll probably find one too! As others have said, the real gem here is the store that is attached to the restaurant. They literally have thousands of products contained in a very small space. You can find everything from candy to wine to housewares to board games to gag gifts. It's really quite a fun little place. If you're looking for a unique gift, it's definitely the place to go.
(3)
Chontelle M.
Let me start off by saying I don't drink beer, so this review is only based on food and service. I went here with some friends and totally enjoyed my experience. We ordered some basic BBQ items and enjoyed some great conversation. Out waitress was phenomenal. She brought us everything we needed and even convinced me to buy a dessert. (I was on the fence and she made it sound so appetizing). We were not rushed to eat our food or bothered constantly. I wont be rushing to get back to this place, but it feels good to know that it exists. I'll be able to return knowing that I will get good service, good conversation and a decent meal.
(3)
David C.
I think I must have ordered on a day when the kitchen was at its worst. The service was good. I like the location. But I had the BBQ chicken and the presentation wasn't appetizing at all. The chicken had seen better days. The sauce was ladled onto the bird after it had been smoked/roasted too long, so the result was that the sauce (Kansas City) wasn't lacquered onto the meat and the meat itslef was dry and flavorless. The onion ring "appetizer" tried too hard with those GIGANTIC slices to give it an eye-popping look. I wasn't impressed because they weren't appetizing at all, although I liked the horseradish sauce and the Old Bay sprinkled over the top. For the price, it was disappointing. The food is better at Chipotle or Elevation Burger.
(2)
Jessica F.
I didn't get a chance to try the food or brews but I did wander the store. It is a great place to wander and find anything from candy to toys to jewelry to good beer and wine. This store definitely thrilled the wanderer (and the kid) inside me and I could have spent a lot more time here than I did.
(4)
Harald F.
(meant to write this several months ago) Franklin's replied to my review with an explanation and an apology. This won't make the burger taste better, but they were very nice about it (and explained that they were not in any way intending to be rude in the first place).
(4)
Cat B.
What's so great about Franklin's is that it is one of the only non-chain restaurants in the Hyattsville/College Park area. The food is pretty good, big portions! I would go for the unhealthy bar food rather than a salad. Salad isn't their forte. It's beer. Come for the beer. Taste a couple brews at the back bar to choose a growler to take home. The general store has a huge selection of bottles and cans, too.
(4)
Steve R.
I love the atmosphere of this place. The menu is pretty varied and has an offering for pretty much anyone... but I must say that the Thai Chicken pizza is a brilliant combination of flavors. The burgers are ok.. nothing to write home about. The real charm of this place, however, is the general store which is connected to the restaurant. It's a very eclectic mix of gifts, candy, oddities, and the craft and hard to find beer selection is fantastic. They always have a good mix of standards and seasonal brews in assorted sizes.
(4)
kevin c.
Went here a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised. I was worried about the combination of the three under one roof, but it works very well. House brewed beer was very good! Liked the Sierra Madre and the Twisted Turtle Pale. Good IPA as well. Food was very good as well(we had pizza). Service being good tops it off really. The store section is so-so, but that is a small fragment of a great place worth returning to.
(4)
Danielle P.
In my opinion, Franklin's is the "go to" place for people in the neighborhood as well as out of towners from near or far. I often see people I know here and it's where I bring folks who are hungry or just want to grab a snack and a drink. It's not a hipster wanna be chain restaurant, it's the real deal. It's got great food, I've never ordered anything here that wasn't tasty. Overall it's a fun atmosphere - downstairs is a bit more family friendly, upstairs is a little louder, with TV's and a larger bar. The attached "General Store" next door is a great place to buy wine, little hostess gifts (ironic refrigerator magnets) and ol'timey nostalgic candies. If you ever want to fill my Christmas stocking, they sell Squirrel Nut Zippers and Mary Jane's! This is right in "downtown" Hyattsville and has a parking lot next door. Ideal for family dinner, date night, breakfast and lunch.
(4)
Dan F.
Excellent beers, but I would strongly disagree that it holds a candle to Dogfish Head. It is definitely above-average IPA's however at good prices. The food was also very good. Try the Lamb Sliders and the Bar-b-q chicken. That chicken was VERY good with an excellent complex sauce. The pupusas were not bad at all, I have had better but these were good. They must have some Salvadorians in the kitchen. The bar, even on a Saturday night, was kind of empty. It seems this place is more restaurant than bar. There was plenty of parking. The service was polite but slow. The server seemed to disappear for long stretches of time and forget about drink orders. I guess if you want better service you may want to just try eating at the bar. Any beer lovers should definitely give this place a visit.
(4)
Jarrod H.
Franklin's Restaurant is everything you'd expect in a traditional eatery/brewery: The service is friendly enough, the craft beer selections are varied and the menu looks good enough so as to require a bit of studying, which is something I like. The dining experience is much better upstairs, near the copper tanks and bar, where the lighting is more appropriate and the atmosphere is better overall. When the food arrives the portions are large and there are few surprises. My Carolina sauce pulled pork was exactly what I expected. The crab cakes are huge. Not being very familiar with this neighborhood I can't comment on how Franklin's fits into the overall dining scene, but if you're hungry and want something reliable, I'd say this hits the spot.
(3)
Miguel N.
My girlfriend recommended this place last night as we were both starving for a good meal. The place was full and it took awhile to get seated. The service was slow and we were served stale, dry bread as we waited. The food tasted okay but later at home our stomachs were churning all night! Right before we left our table a couple next to us caught our attention. They were trying to kill a roach/bug that was crawling on the wall near their table. Luckily they had finished their dessert but that was our cue to leave asap. My girlfriend later recalled why she stopped going there. She and her son also had a similar dining experience.
(1)
Jon M.
I'm new to the area and have been trying out different places around town. I went here on a recommendation of a friend. It seems like a decent-enough place. There's always plenty of customers, so I'm sure it's good for some people. A previous reviewer said it best: "hodgepodge". I tend to favor restaurants that do a few things, and do them well. It seems like Franklin's does a bit of everything and does none of it great. Also, our service was really slow (I think our server took a break and nobody came by to check on us for about 15-20 minutes while we waited to pay). It's okay - but there is plenty of better places around the area (even within walking distance) that I would go to before I would go to Franklin's. I don't think I'll go back.
(2)
R C.
Love this place. The food never disappoints and the staff are great. Even though the place is always slammed with customers, I've never felt pressured to give up my table. The food is brought to the table quickly and never disappoints. The onion rings are worth the trip itself. The restaurant has good vegetarian options, plenty of parking out back, and a great little store next door. The staff are also very responsible when it comes to dealing with customers who have food allergies. I ran into one of the servers at a party and he told me that the owner of Franklin's treats his staff very well. That's one more reason why I'll be a loyal customer of this great, independently-owned restaurant that adds some vibrance to Hyattsville.
(5)
Alex A.
At Franklin's, I experienced one of the worst meals I've had in recent memory. The cheeseburger was "meh" at best -- and you expect more than "meh" for what they charge -- the salad a big pile of uninteresting leaves where they kept forgetting to bring me dressing until the main course arrived -- and the service veered from hapless to overwhelmed. I can't figure out why all the high ratings, except it proves my theory that if people have to pay a lot for something, and wait for it, they will conclude it must be awesome. On the plus side, the beer brewed on the premises was good.
(1)
Andrew C.
I am working in the area for a few weeks and I am making it my goal to try everything on the menu. The atmosphere, food and service are all great. They've got a portion of the menu that changes each month. They are very inventive with their dishes. The beer selection is amazing, try the "Rubber Chicken Red." The portions are huge most of the appetizers can serve as a meal and the bread pudding is as big as your head. The stuff I saw in the general store seemed to be overpriced, but stick to the restaurant and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Frank O.
We were up in Maryland the other weekend, so I convinced the wife to make a stop at Franklin's on our way back home that evening for dinner. It had been quite a long while since we had last been here, and I must say that they hadn't lost any quality since my last visit eons ago. We started off getting a beer sampler. I like the way they do their sampler. You can essentially try as many of their beers in sample sizes as you want. There really is no limit to how many you get. You just pay more to sample more. Smart!! They had a lot of good beers on the menu. Some of the highlight beers were the Blonde Bombshell, Rubber Chicken Red, Oktoberfest, Saison, Vanilla Bean Stout and Ludicrous. The Vanilla Bean Stout I ended up getting a full glass of with my meal. The light vanilla and bourbon flavors in the beer were very nice. The Ludicrous is unreal... it's made with a sour mash and it has a wine and grapefruit like flavor to it. VERY interesting. We started with the Maryland Crab Dip which was very good and very well made. I followed that with a bowl of cauliflower bacon soup which was amazing. They say bacon makes everything better... and that is definitely the case with this soup. The bacon flavor was subtle but very present and it just really added to the creamy cauliflower in the soup. Tastiness! For my main course, I had the brat platter. Four various sausages with sauerkraut, gorgonzola mashed potatoes and a grainy mustard. It was beyond tasty! My wife got the rabbit dish (forget what it was called) and she liked it. She said the rabbit was a tad dry, but otherwise, it was a great dish. Very happy to see this place still has it... and they really blew me away with their beers this time. Then again, never been disappointed with their brews. Food was great... overall, awesome meal and terrific place!
(4)
Arinze N.
DISCLAIMER: To be completely honest, i normally would give this place 4 stars, but I had to give it 5 to counteract the dummys on yelp who gave Frankin's 3 stars or less. Now back to the review... Franklins is one of the few really good "mom and pop" restaurants in northern Prince Georges County, and for that reason alone i continue my patronage. The staff is very very attentive and friendly even when the joint is PACKED (which it often gets on Fridays and Saturdays). The food is not too pricey and is very tasty. If you order the cowboy burger cooked "medium" you will fall in love with this place i guarantee. if you have a sweet tooth try the brownie sundae...wonderful! If you are looking to grab a quick appetizer, try the calamari The place also has above average beers and cocktails ...definitely check it out if ever in pg.
(5)
Megan S.
I really want to like Franklin's. The atmosphere is great - it's a nice neighborhood restaurant with lots of families and a great little store attached. Unfortunately, the food is always below average. And a little expensive for the quality of food you're getting. The pizzas are terrible. Entrees are hit or miss. Salads and burgers are ok, but uninspired. It's one of those places that tries to have everything, but succeeds at nothing. I wish they would pick a direction and get really good at making something, because I'd love another local food option!
(2)
Yuan Z.
This is a straight up bar and hangout place that happens to close rather early (especially since it's in college park....hello?). The beers are great, and vary with the season-BUT they are the only redeeming grace of this restaurant. While the food is edible, and improves drastically if you are sipping a beer alongside, its nothing special, and a bit overpriced. With the exception of their sandwiches/burgers, everything else is bland, sour, boring, or I could've made it better at home. I'm all about the food, and each time I go (about 8 x now), I'll try one of their seasonal specialties in hope of hitting on something spectacular and deeply inspirational, instead of their usual "trying to do something foodie" experience that fails. hardcore. I totally agree that it's hit or miss, and seriously dishes to avoid: vegetarian anything, shrimp &grits, dishes that have olives, and the onion rings. Oh the horror of their artery clogging doughnut batter. While its great that they are trying to do something different with their food. seriously guys? its like 6 layers of dough to one ring of onion!!! the grease!
(3)
Katrina C.
Visited from out of town for a Redskins game; this place was one of the highlights! The beer was delicious, service superb, great ambiance and delicious apps & pizzas! Pizza was also great leftover the next day. Will definitely visit again if in the area.
(4)
Christina G.
This is my go to place, when I want to relax because I know I I will like the food and beer. I love the beer and certain menu items, such as the pulled pork platter or the fried chicken salad. The store is awesome too. We have visitors all the time and I like to take them here for gift buying.
(4)
Jen W.
Can you possibly beat a great brew pub with good food, including some adventurous specials, that has a TOY STORE to boot! It's a go to destination for our family and has yet to dissapoint. I'm a fan of the Nickel Curve Lamb burgers, their pizzas are very tasty and their salad combinations are very tasty. Last night had a salad with grapefruit, spicy almond brittle, fresh local goat cheese and lemon poppy seed dressing over mixed greens - a combination I might not have put together at home, but incredibly tasty. Service is friendly and prompt. They also are very supportive of their community, with regular fundraising nights for local schools and other causes.
(5)
Aaron N.
One of my favorite resturants. Great food. The beer is awesome. I had one of the best beers i ever had here. It has a really cool general store attached that is awesome by itself.
(5)
Cathy B.
My husband and I have been enjoying Franklin's for many years now. We live in Cheverly, MD and there was a time when it was very difficult to find a place to eat that was close to where we live. Franklin's has been a rock in our community. The wait staff are friendly. The food is not 5-star but it's good. I love their crab cakes and my husband really enjoys their ribs.
(4)
Nick C.
I've been going to Franklin's for so long I couldn't hope to remember how many times I've been there. Now that I've said that, you might be wondering why I only gave it 4 stars. Short story: I would have given it 4.5 if I could. Long Story: Franklin's is great if you know what to get, but unpredictable if you stray off the beaten path. So let me fill you in... What keeps me coming back to Franklin's is the pork barbecue. They serve both pulled pork and pork ribs that are smoked for hours until they are falling off the bone. The pulled pork is probably of the best I've had, and it comes with your choice of several sauces (though if you don't get the Carolina style you're dead to me), but my favorite is the ribs with just a dry spice rub. I was never even that fond of ribs until I ate here, because I didn't realize they could be that tender and flavorful. There's one gotcha here: because the barbecue has to smoke for hours, it isn't ready at lunchtime. Also, silly though it may sound, do yourself a favor and get the mashed potatoes as your side. They have both Gorgonzola and roasted garlic (complete with whole roasted cloves) varieties, and they're both delicious. The two other Franklin's dishes I can't get enough of are the North African nickel curves and the spinach salad. The nickel curves are little burgers, except that the beef patty has been replaced with merguez sausage that is topped with tzatziki sauce. The combination of spicy kick and creamy coolness will pretty much make all other sliders look like a pile of puke. Even the famed Matchbox sliders don't compare IMHO. The spinach salad is arguably a lot less unique; it's just a really well executed salad with the perfect ingredients. At many places, the bacon and hard-boiled eggs utterly drown out the spinach in the so-called spinach salad, but this has just the right mix of spinach, onions, and egg topped with a tasty bacon-lentil vinaigrette. Like I said before, the rest of the menu is uneven. I've had some tasty specials there, from duck confit to mussels in a fennel cream sauce, but there had also been some pretty bad misses from some of the other dishes. Basically, given how phenomenal the few dishes I mentioned above are, I'd just stick to those, unless you end up there a lot. Stay on the beaten path and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
(4)
Tiffane C.
I attended a private Christmas party at Franklin's. We reserved the upstairs space and had a great time. It was my first and only time visiting and I'm definitely set on going back at some point. Since it was a private party, I was limited to the catering buffet, which consisted of bruschetta, quesadillas, and a few other finger foods, like veggies. Overall, I really enjoyed the options available, but it was such a tease! Everything was so delicious, I wanted to try more. I would definitely recommend Franklin's for a relaxing, casual private event. I look forward to coming back to dine from the full menu.
(4)
Kristen W.
I love Franklins. Its a fun neighborhood place, with good food and a fun atmosphere. Really good beer as well, and the store has a great wine and beer selection.
(5)
Phillip Y.
On the last day of our training/workshop at Univ of Md-College Park, we got this great recommendation from a friend. You definitely have to come here for the atmosphere which is hip and cool. It has a brewery so got to try a beer as well. Plus, it has a pretty cool general store to check out. Arriving at Franklin's, I remember that there was parking kiosk but it wasn't working at the time. So, free parking but get there early since it was pretty busy when we left. I tried the fish which was good since it was light and not heavy on the sauce. Overall, I would recommend this place since most everywhere we visited it was just either college hangouts or your regular TGIFridays near campus. At least, Mama Lucia and this place were local restaurants that had character.
(5)
Desiree H.
This place has good comfort food. Ate the ribs and they were pretty good. If I was hungrier, I would have tried the dessert. The atmosphere is pretty cool, it looks like it was converted from an old factory or something into this two level restaurant that boasts making its own beer. Too bad I don't like beer, but I would have drank it. I will go back and probably take my family when they visit. I rate as "a-ok" and not I am a fan, until I go back again.
(3)
Lawana H.
I've been coming here for years and Franklin's always has an interesting varied menu with good food and good beers, and an attached shop that is ALWAYS fun to visit. A former hardware store (adaptive use FTW!), you can't go wrong with almost anything on the menu--which changes seasonally. I love the nickel curve lamb sliders, the mussels, and I used to get the coconut curry chicken. Right now the menu is Oktoberfest, but I hope the chicken comes back! Service is good and the restaurant is really welcoming and kid-friendly. Now that I have a kid of my own, I really appreciate that about the place! You'll see lots of families downstairs on the main floor, but you can go upstairs where the bar is. I love this restaurant.
(5)
Katherine S.
Just went here recently and finally got my own Vulcan Mind Meld. WOW!! That is some good stuff. I just wish I had hours to go through the store....
(5)
Steve B.
The place was humming with activity on a Friday at 6:30. Only about 5 minutes to wait for a table for 5, though. Service was pretty good, with attention paid to things like extra napkins. The menu had some interesting items on it. Two of us ordered the noodleless lasagna, which was just as advertised. It was a great taste but without the worry of carbs. A well stocked kids menu. Very solid, and a good experience.
(4)
Monica W.
Seeing as my husband and I were new to the College Park area we went out looking for some local fare and we stumbled upon Franklin's when we moved here about 6 months ago and have been coming back, almost weekly, since. Service is always friendly, and i dont think we've had to wait more than 20 min on a crowded friday night. But if you do have to wait, browse the general store, you'll forget your wait! Lots of fun little trinkets and some good beer/wine selects too. The food has always been great, each time we go. I'm in LOVE with the crab dip, and the pizza is great for two people(or one rather hungery person). Pretty much all their sandwiches as amazing too. Being that its a brew-pub, i always have a new beer to try. They have their staples, but they also have some really great ocassional beers. By far, their Octoberfest beer was the best i've had. Hands down! I also like their Private IPA. Good beers, great food, and a fun atmosphere is why we keep coming back!
(5)
Adam R.
This is my spot! Beer is always top notch. I've been enjoying this place for nearly 8 yrs. You used to be able to get small, rental kegs with their delicious beer locked inside. Now you gotta grab a growler for carry out. Regardless, I highly recommend the tasty beers... oh and the food :-). Ps. Save room for the bread pudding. I know, i know... but it doesn't have any raisins, which is why it is so firkin good.
(4)
Nunya B.
I'm definitely a fan of Franklins and have been back many times. This brewery has a fantastic craft beer selection with solid creative and tasty food to match. It's reasonably priced and has never disappointed. If you go, try the Twisted Turtle Pale Ale or the Rubber Chicken Red. There is usually a short wait in the evenings to get in but it's the perfect opportunity to check out the general store. This is my go-to place for gifts when I don't know what to get for someone. They have everything from vintage games and candy to artsy craft gifts and science toys for geek kids. Definitely try Franklins.
(4)
Gwynne K.
I would love to give more stars, but it's a place that continues to try and effort is not enough. The beer is technically poor, and the food is very meh. It's like being experimented on--sometimes it's okay but when your hamburger tastes like fish, that's really really bad. That said, it has some energy and I really want them to succeed. But my kids don't want to go and be guinea pigs and are now too old for the joke shop to be the only pull. Good luck to Franklins, tho. I really love you all, in concept.
(2)
Tenecia Q.
Service was OK. Nothing special or particularly awful. The food was alright too. I had the cowboy burger, which was good and filling, with a side of fries. The fries were delicious. Probably the best part of the meal. And I enjoyed browsing their store. You could spend forever in there. And I like that it's accessible, with the parking lot beside it.
(3)
Mac O.
This spot is just about as much fun as you can have at a restaurant without a paper maze menu and a pack of primary color crayons. It's like a too-cool-for-school Cracker Barrel landed on top of a microbrewery. And magic happened. Franklin's atmosphere is bright and lively, with bold colors and fun art work (all for sale) like lino prints of vintage autos bedecking the walls. There are two levels, with the larger dining room and general store on the first, and the bar and brewery on the second. *Every day*, including weekends, from 4 - 6:30 is Happy Hour in the bar, with $1 off draughts, and half price onion rings and quesadillas -- both of which are excellent: massive rings of sweet onion coated in thick, crisp Old Bay beer batter and served with horseradish cream, or a warm flour tortilla stuffed with a blend of cheeses and green onions, served with diced tomato, jalapeño peppers, salsa, and sour cream. Can't beat a quesadilla made with tons of fresh crab for five bones, or those addictive rings for only $3.25. Other food is excellent as well, since Franklin's makes just about everything in-house, from the fresh mozzarella on the pizzas, to their nicely al dente, brown sugary baked beans, to their smoked barbeque ribs and chicken (ribs are meh, but the chicken with Carolina sauce is outstanding). Their Pupusas, filled with portabella and cheese, topped with queso fresco, crema, jalapeño-tomato sauce, and curtido, are surprisingly wonderful. They also feature seasonal specials from Fried Green Tomatoes to Spicy Yellowfin Salsa Salad. This is better-than-bar-food: fresh, inventive, and wholly affordable, even at full-price. Franklin's makes some truly special brews, too. Husband and his sister grew up in College Park and have been coming to Franklin's since they were awkward teenagers, so they have their old-faithfuls they always order. SIL likes the Twisted Turtle ESB, a smooth pale ale. Husband prefers the Bitter Markie Double IPA, tho for the life of me I can't get on board with *any* IPA, let alone a bitterer-than-bitter double. I like Saison Belgian Style, and -- most recently -- the special Ludicrous Sour Rye Saison '11, an awesomely tangy, fizzy, grapefruity beer with white wine tendencies. Really, tho, you can't go wrong with any of Franklin's specialty suds. No visit to Franklin's would be complete without a few laps around their fabulous general store. It makes Cracker Barrel's look like a 99 cent store. There is so much super fun stuff here for kids from 6 to 106: UglyDolls, cowboy hand puppets, children's books with titles like "All My Friends Are Dead" and "Go the Fuck to Sleep", penny candy from Bit o' Honey to Mary Janes, kitchen gadgets, board games, interesting beer and wines, vintage-looking dishtowels, play kitchen sets, sassy greeting cards...I can spend as much time in here as I spent downing beer and bar bites. Franklin's is a just a great, feel-good kinda place. It's impossible to leave in a bad mood, even if you came in with one.
(4)
Laurie K.
We bought a bottle of wine in the gift shop and drank it at the table, which was allowed. Cheaper than buying 4 glasses, which we did the time before.
(4)
Nicky R.
During the mid-90s Franklin's was a cute general store with an itty bitty ice cream parlor in the back. It was a great spot to go after school and have a cone with friends. In recent years it has grown into the dual-storefront mega indie restaurant with a wacky gifts shop on Rt. 1. Following a fifteen year departure from the area I was impressed to see the growth that this restaurant had experienced. A restaurant & brewery with wonderful interior and exterior designing that brightens Hyattsville, but alludes to the humble nature of Prince George's County. Pretty much a locals' spot, with long table waits on the weekends. The quality of the food is decent. The service, not so much. On a visit last spring I took a visiting foreign student to the restaurant and received service that was so terrible that I should've written the owner. We arrived following a normal lunching hour in the beginning of the week. Our server (chubby brunette male, tattoos), waited on and served people that were seated after us. Our appetizers arrived at our table with our entrees. Didn't check on us after we were served our meals, nor came around to refill our drinks. When it came time to pay the bill he was nowhere to be found.
(1)
Shannon W.
I recently (about three weeks ago and again last week) revisited Franklin's after a long break from being a regular (once a month or so) customer. The reason I stopped visiting is because the service seemed to be indifferent...well... My recent visits actually resulted in conversations with neighbors (we live within a mile) about how much the service has improved. We were promptly served, our very attentive waitress stopped multiple times to ensure our drinks were full and the most important part to me...she was genuinely happy...I felt like she was truly enjoying working there, meeting us, and making sure our meal was perfectly prepared. Franklins has a decor that I am fond of, reutilizes an old building (resulting in minimized energy cost from new construction), is vibrant, and the food good. I am in fact a fan again after a long separation! Hyattsville is a place that I feel is a hidden gem...inside the beltway but only a few miles from D.C. I feel like when I drive into Hyattsville I just drove twelve hours to a nice midwestern town. Bike stores, huge castle churches, beautiful houses, a GORGEOUS new development on previously vacant and unutilized asphalt parking lots (now known as the Arts District), and a police department that is rock-star modern but as nice as Mayberry PD...and restaurants like Franklins and their wonderful neon sign. Franklins and Hyattsville are worth the trip. Another thing for runners and bikers, Hyattsville downtown and Franklins is close to the Anacostia trail. Wheat beer tends to go down real well after a run or ride:) (but be advised that happy hour specials are not extended to the tables, only the bar).
(4)
Tony Z.
Great atmosphere. Interesting general store attached to restaurant. Fun beers that are brewed right on the spot, up on the second floor. I wouldn't say they are going to put Dogfish Head out of business any time soon, but this beer is tasty and I've enjoyed it several times with my meals. Definitely get the lamb sliders, called Nickel curves. The lunch menu, which contains amazing reubens, is not to be overlooked. Set aside any negative biases about Hyattsville and go here - I think Franklin's is helping to turn this town around!
(4)
Igor B.
This is my favorite restaurant in this area for a top-notch micro-brew with a good quality meal with fresh flavorful ingredients. Period. This one's it! Plenty of varieties of beer to choose from, and all the entrees and appetizers-- pastas, pizzas, meats, fish-- have been superior during all my visits. This last time I had the gnocci, with artichokes, fava beans, and ham, with cheese. Always good bread puddings and desserts, if you have room.
(5)
John D.
I give this 3 stars because they are so good for young children and my grand kids just love this place. Better than dinner is the visit next door to the general store (check out hte working rotary dial phone behind the cash register). Let's be real. The food is not gong to win any awards. Keep it simple. The less work is required in the kitchen the better the end product is going to be. I generally find the steaks and vegetables good. The salads are ok. I did not like the ribs. I think some of the items are prepared by Sysco and they just cook then in the microwave(?); you can guess how good these are. Anyway, they love kids, and the kids love this place. Have fun.
(3)
Brent F.
Been here a couple of times. Food is pretty good. Parking is rough. Service is good.
(4)
Dan W.
Franklin's is great. They brew their own beer (its good too, not just a gimmick), make good food, and have a quirky general store. I definitely recommend their Thursday night happy hour to get cheaper microbrews. Its hard to find a local place with the right local ambiance and flavor that Franklin's provides. It keeps me coming back.
(4)
Kathy M.
Franklin's Restaurant is a down home, all-American place with some of your back home favorites like corn beef hash and regular, American-style burgers. The prices are affordable and the food doesn't disappoint. And you can kill some serious time in their corner store which is jam packed with everything - and I do mean everything! Franklin's is perfect for a quick bite to eat, or a lunch date with your parents or friends. No frills, just good food at a good price.
(4)
Marjorie H.
The service was great, the drinks were good, and for the price you get your money's worth of food - wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad either - I'd say it was alright.
(3)
Bethany P.
This place is awesome. The food is good, the beer is great and the staff is wonderful. They get pretty busy on Friday and Saturday nights, but they give you a pager and you can go play with and buy things in their general store--there's tons of stuff you can get there. I went once with my little sister and we got an I Spy book, which occupied our time while we waited for our table. The thing I like most about their menu is the uniqueness of the seasonal food. I love food, what can I say? What I love most about food is the variety it comes in and Franklin's lets me try things I've never had before. I've been here numerous occasions and every time I get something different. I always have a good time and the staff is always on the ball. 5 stars out of 5.
(5)
Susy M.
Just had Franklin's summer arugula, watermelon and avocado salad with grilled salmon! Yum! The perfect dish for a hot summer night. The service is great and the beer is the best. We will definitely be back!!
(5)
Grant M.
Franklin's atmosphere and general store are great, their food however is mediocre. The general store is more like a toy store and liquor store combined (which seems like a pretty exciting combination). They have a lot of cool novelties including Jesus action figures and Sock'em Boppers (Which lead to really exciting Sock'em Bopper Fight Clubs. The first rule of Sock'em Bopper Fight Club is you always talk about Sock'em Bopper Fight Club). The liquor store has no hard liquor, but lots of imported and domestic microbrews and specialty wines. Having to wait for a table is not a chore at Franklin's because it gives you time to explore the general store. As for the food, their specialties are not very impressive, while they do well with basics. For example, the Knockwurst and Bratwurst dinner offered a very tastey Brat and a Knockwurst that was knot (horrible pun) so great. Also, a very forgiving vegetarian in my group had the Northern California Pizza. While he is known for his ability to eat practically anything that is vegetarian, he was not willing to finish the pizza and was very unimpressed. However, the Glorious Gloria, Franklin's basic grilled chicken sandwich, is tasty and has no obvious flaws (but also isn't out of this world.) I have also been told their barbecue meals are delicous, though I haven't tried any because I am not a big barbecue sauce fan. They also have a list of house-brewed beers which you can order at the restaurant or take home in a growler. These range from very mild, to full bodied flavors with imaginative ingredients. Overall, the Franklin's experience is a fun one, but don't expect wildly delicious food.
(3)
Helen H.
They have the best dinner rolls I ever had!!!! We went to Franklin's by accident. Our landlord told us this is the place where all local people go to when they eat out. So we went there and tried. We order the white pizza with cilantro on it and burger. We only finished the burger and half of the pizza and had to bring the rest of the pizza home.
(5)
Elissa O.
We ran across this place by accident and were pleasantly surprised. Normally I do not chance eating at places without a quick check on yelp, but I was smartphoneless at the time so we risked it. I liked the atmosphere. It was comfortable. The server we had was very nice and attentive. I give two thumbs up for the veggie options. Overall, I would say the food is very solid. The bread service had three different kinds of bread which strangely all tasted essentially the same. For lunch, I had the oh no hoagie which was a huge fresh mozzarella, avocado, portobello and pesto sandwich. It was quite tasty and I was informed that they make the mozzarella in house. I had the fries with it which were medium sized and crunchy. I applaud the crunchiness as I have been on a soggy fry run lately. My friend had the steak tacos. He said they were quite good and he especially liked the beans, which he never eats anywhere but loved here. The prices here were on the high side for the quality of the food but to keep a place like this in the area then I'm willing to pay an extra buck or two. If you go, or even if you don't, check out the general store. It is filled with the coolest little gifts. They also had a guy running the register who was super nice and very enthusiastic about the food. Note to Franklin's: put him at the host stand or have him work the dining room.
(3)
Chris M.
Prior to this past weekend, I had not been to Hyattsville since the mid-90s. I didn't exactly miss it. But as I was cruising up Rt. 1, I stumbled upon Hyattsville's multi-million dollar art district development. The whole area has been rebuilt with pseudo-urban rowhouses, condo's and artists residences. "What the hell happened here," I asked myself. Franklin's appeared just when I was feeling ready for lunch. So I decided to check it out. The parking lot is bizarre in that most of the spaces seem to require one to pay for parking. I got around this by just driving to the back of the lot, under the overpass, where many the spaces seemed to be free of charge. The interior of Franklin's reproduces the artist loft decor popularized in the 1980s and early 90s. You know the deal, exposed brick, exposed duct work, light fixtures with that half-industrial/half Williams Sonoma vibe. I was into that look back in '86 or so...along with INXS, the IBM XT, and styling mousse. Seating for one next to the window, I was greeted quickly, they took my order and I had my food in under 5 minutes. This is good because I was really hungry. It was bad because I knew it wasn't fresh. I went with the Curried Coconut Chicken lunch entree ($13). The menu describes it as 'Sauteed chicken breast chunks tossed with bean sprouts, roasted red peppers and basil in a spicy red curry-coconut milk sauce, served over jasmine rice'. The description is pretty accurate, although I should mention that there were lots of red peppers in there. The portion was nice, the price was fair and the chicken was okay. The curry had a little heat to it, but the flavor fell a bit flat. I finished my meal, paid the bill, and went on down the road. 3.5 stars - Pros: Seems like a clean place popular with some of the locals. There's a bar upstairs somewhere but I didn't check it out. Fast service. Cons: no one checked to make sure I was satisfied with my meal; I thought my dish was a bit flat on flavor; as far as I know this is a privately owned place...why they want it to feel like a chain restaurant from the Clinton-era is what I can't understand. Happy Dining!
(3)
Farida A.
I'm pleased to see a fresh new restaurant round these parts! Came for lunch with a coworker and they were pretty quick about service. The waitress recommended the grilled vegetable pita and against my instincts I went with her recommendation. Lucky for me it was FANTASTIC. There was a good variety of vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, artichokes, red bell peppers, etc) drizzled with a lovely little sauce, sitting atop a pita/naan. Served with a side of fries, it totally hit the spot. The prices aren't a steal, but for the portion and taste, it's a good deal. I look forward to coming back.
(4)
Faye V.
I'd give this place a 2.5. As a College Park local, there are not many "nicer" or even good places to sit down and grab a satisfying meal. That is slowly changing but I think Franklins has flourished primarily because they haven't had a lot of competition. The thing is, it tries too hard to be something it isn't. It fancies itself a more gourmet, upscale restaurant than it actually is. It is somewhat confused. Not exactly consistent. All you have to do is look at it's constantly changing "seasonal" menus to see that. And then look at some of the interesting but not always well-executed dishes that have one or two rouge ingredients you would not expect (or necessarily want). (It's kind of cool to see the creativity they use for the dishes but they don't always end up tasting quite how you expected). I've eaten here many times and it can really be hit or miss. Then you come in and find that amazing item only to come back 2 weeks later and it is off the menu. Grrr. I love their fried green tomatoes, their heirloom tomato pizza and LOVE LOVE LOVE their Poached Pear & Endive Salad. All seasonal items unfortunately. (I stalk their menu online to see if they put that pear salad back on the menu). Their staple items aren't so bad (the hubby really likes the sauce they use on their ribs and burgers are decent) but not always worth the prices they charge (and they do charge a lot, as if this was not a brewhouse but an upscale restaurant with a fancy chef). Service can be as inconsistent as their food. Normally pretty slow. Some waiters are more attentive than others, but I've never been blown away since none of them are over friendly or accommodating or quick. I dared to ask a new waitress if they could substitute the pomegranates in their pomegranate and orange seasonal salad (I'm sort of allergic to them) and she suggested broccoli...what?! So yeah, this place isn't quite the foodie or gourmet spot it wants to think it is. It is a nice place to relax (or bring out of town guests) but it can get really noisy and busy. And the husband likes one of their beers (but not enough to get a growler), so that is a plus. But the cost of the items (don't get me started on the 2 small and measly fried mozzarella balls appetizer for 7 bucks!) and the poor execution/taste of some recent entrees has left me deciding I will not be coming back for a while...at least not until they get that darn Pear & Endive salad back on the menu!
(2)
Sarah L.
We eat here regularly. The food is pretty good, it's close to home, not too expensive. My complaint is hoe often food comes to the table cold. Consistent problem.
(3)
M B.
Always have a good experience here. Service is professional and fast
(3)
Michael O.
I stopped in for lunch. The waiter I had was excellent. He was all business and no fluff; he refilled my coke when it was low but not empty. This is actually really important to me and shows attentiveness. The bathrooms were neat and clean and the retardant in general seemed to have a good ambience. The cowboy burger wasn't anything special, but hey, it was a burger. Entrees average from 10-20 dollars. Burgers 9 dollars. If your in the neighborhood it is definitely a good choice.
(4)
Angela M.
I want to give this place 4 stars, but I'm leaning towards 3 for now. I've only been to Franklin's a few times. Lately, it's become a great place to have work lunches. I actually just went there today. We ordered the onion ring app (OMG, there's like a doughnut worth of breading on top, mmm mmm good), and I got the cottage pie for my entree. The cottage pie came in a humongous bowl. I think I could feed a family of 10 with this dish. The mashed potatoes were scrumptious and the veggie chili on top was also very tasty. The server was good, intense and loud, but whatever. I'm not going to hate. The rest of our party enjoyed their food too. Two people got burgers, they said they were pretty good, but nothing to write home about. Someone got the turkey club and he said he always gets that, clearly he likes it. I forget what the others got. I got an Americano for the road. It was okay, I've had better. But, it's doing it's job as my first caffeine punch of the day. Not a beer drinker, so maybe I would give this place 4 stars if I were, I hear its good. The atmosphere is cute, sometimes I wish the kitchen weren't so part of the restaurant, but other than that- it's cute in there. I've never been in the store area, but I was eyeing it today, I can't wait to come on my own and do some exploring.
(3)
Ti C.
Top four reasons for Franklin's: 1. Beer, Oktoberfest and Anarchy lager are my favorites. If you are unsure, ask for a sampler, I'm sure you will find something you love. 2. Crab dip. Food at franklin's isn't the best, but their crab dip is the standout performer. 3. Service. I almost always sit upstaris in the bar area and the bartenders there are friendly and quick. 4. General store. Maybe it was the 3 beers I had the first time I visited Franklin's, but visiting the general store made me misty-eyed with happiness. Happy hour is 4- 6:30 $2.50 pints and half off select apps.
(5)
Charles P.
I've never had a bad experience at this restaurant. I've come in large groups and I've had dates here as well, and the staff is always well prepared for both kinds of parties. Even if there is a long wait, you can spend it in the general store, which always has fun knick-knacks and souvenirs. The atmosphere matches the food, which is fun and delicious. The staff is very friendly and there is hardly much waiting once you are seated. This place gets very crowded on the weekends, but even then, the restaurant is always a hit!
(5)
Hikari K.
This place is alright. Options are pretty limited in hyattsville, and its the closet thing to an active fun place to hang as it gets. So why not a higher rating? Its not open late enough for the type of atmosphere is tries to portray. Seriously, there is no place in hyattsville that's open past 11pm, and neither is Franklins. I imagine this place to be crawling with college kids and night owls, for the music to be turned up, everyone grooving....but sorry, bed time is 11 kiddies. Boo. Second, its a bit expensive. Mind you, you do kinda get a decent portion of food, but its nothing too hoot and holler over. Personally, there's nothing on the menu that I've tried that I crave or makes me want to come back and have it again. I'm always in the mood for something weird and all of their food is pretty down-to-earth. A lot of people are into that though, so by all means, don't let me stop you. Lastly, they have all of these cool beers that they make themselves, that is popular among the people who love the place...but I'm not old enough to try any of them. Boo. But I'm being too harsh. The food is good quality though not very flavorful, but I absolutely love that they have buffalo fries as one of their sides. Now that's what I'm talking about. And the service is usually pretty good. Slow on busy nights, yes, but I know a few people personally who work there and they are all very nice. There's a little gift shop next door that is pretty awesome as well. They have all kinds of cool things, last minute presents, weird gadgets, candy, hot sauces, and so on. They close early though. Again, boo. All in all, its a nice place for a lunch or an early evening down-to-earth meal. Not sooper-dee-dooper amazing, but pretty good. Someone other than myself might take more of a fancy to it, I'm sure. If you happen to be trapped in the hole in the ground that is Hyattsville, check this place out.
(3)
F D.
They brew there own beer, the ghetto folks don't come here, the food is cooked good, the patrons are friendly and will talk to you if you want them to. Good for family, friends or if you want to be alone. They have a parking lot that is metered by the city of hyattsville until 6pm, you'll pay to park at lunch or breakfast. The general store has gifts, prank toys and weird things found out in the country.
(5)
Jenny H.
I heart Franklin's. It's super cool that they make the beer on site - in fact, my favorite seat is in the little area with the... um... giant copper beermaking things. They really excel at American comfort foods - not so much Southern as just classic pizzas, pot pies, etc. But their chef is a little uneven. I always get the vegetarian cottage pie, and sometimes it is a delicious warm chili with yummy crust / potatoes... and sometimes it is a very not delicious soup. I've taken to asking the waiter to make sure it comes out the way I want because that's the only way to know what I'm ordering. But I don't *really* mind because it's just so delicious. I do wish they were open 24 hours... I miss having a 24 hour place by my house. And I don't like going when they're busy. But still... yum.
(4)
Jim M.
Not worthy of five stars, but definitely four for the beer alone. Appetizers are really good and if you get there before 6:30, select ones are half price along with discounts on beer. Being from California, I'm a huge Sierra Nevada fan and always have to order Franklin' version called "Sierra Madre." Although the bartenders swear theirs is better (go figure), I held back only to give them a "not even close" response :) Anyway, cool atmosphere, great beer...hit it up during happy hour and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
David L.
Like many living in Hyattsville, I appreciate having a place like Franklin's. The gift store is great, especially if you have kids with your. Their hot sause collection is outstanding, they even had Marie Sharp's, probably the finest hot sauce you can get, but I digress. I like the place overall, but the food is uneven. I am none too impressed with their BBQ pork, it is presented poorly and tastes like its been sitting around for a long time. The beer is hit and miss too. Order a sampler first. I really like the Anarchy Ale and the Wheat beer, but some of the others wern't so hot, almost too flavorful. My dining companions agreed. Everyone's tastes are different, so I do recommend sampling some first. The place has a good atmosphere though, and the uneven food and beer quality shouldn't keep you from trying this place. Especially if you live in the Hyattsville area. There aren't too many other options!
(3)
shawn g.
While it took a bit to find Franklins b/c we don't have GPS, or smart phones, it was worth the trip out to Hyattsville. Franklins has an easy-going atmosphere that is a lot brighter than your standard brew-pub. No dark wood and brass here. We had no trouble at lunch getting a table for six, and I had scoped out the menu ahead of time, so I knew exactly what I wanted, and I would order it again. You should too. We started with the Nickel Curves merguez sliders that disappeared really quickly. Might want to get a double order. The Thai Fried Ribs are also a must. Sweet, sticky, and over a bed of fried noodles. The main attraction was the Vulcan Mind Meld. A monster of a sandwich with two kids of meat and fries stuffed inside slices of toasted rye. I had a decent Oatmeal stout along with lunch. Beers aren't listed on the main website, but can be found listed on their blog, here franklinsbrewery.blogspo… Definitely a must stop in Hyattsville.
(4)
Christal T.
Franklin's has been a staple in my dining rotation for years. The menu is diverse, with several vegetarian options thrown in along with freshly made pizzas, barbecue and seriously happy-inducing dessert items. The beer menu is legendary, and the artistry on tap is undeniable. The atmosphere is relaxed, non-pretentious, and friendly. So why only 3 stars? Food/kitchen quality is inconsistent. There are times when I've been very happy indeed with every item ordered, but there are increasingly more times when the food is overcooked or overseasoned. The exception is the corn pudding, which is always, always spectacular. Keep your expectations in check, and you can't go wrong. Order the specials at your own peril, and by all means visit the attached general goods store! That alone is worth the trip.
(3)
Alexandra M.
Hyattsville is lacking in good dining options, so in all reality if you are in town, this is one of the best options. I am writing a dissenting opinion about their beer. I took my sister and her husband here, all three of us bought different brews, and we didn't like them. We even traded them all around so we could taste each others', and not one received a thumbs up. I wish I could tell you which ones they were, but now I just don't buy any of them. It's sad for me to go to a microbrewery and have to buy Heineken in a bottle. The food is mediocre in my opinion, but the portions are massive. You can probably get a good burger here, if you like burgers. There's a Thai green curry chicken that I usually get, which is decent. The best thing about this place is the general store. I go here relatively often to buy specialty/imported wine and beer. I go Christmas shopping here. I even have pictures of me and my friends in here. A selection of what they carry: funny greeting cards, Chimay, classic board games, toys, kitchen utensils, political satire, giant sunglasses, cute books.
(3)
Madhu D.
this place has many tasty food items. it's great for out of towners & locals who have a varying appetite. i personally had the chicken pot pie. i don't know about you, though when i think of pot pies i am reminded of my favorite one, as a wee little tyke- the swanson one that takes forever in an over & comes out oozing with it's liquid hot magma broth. franklin's pie holds up to that standard & then some. it's a grown up one, with a tad more spice & enormous portion. it's enough to feed a small girl scout troop. we also shared the lamb sliders & papusas - both very good, especially the papusas. if you get that shopping bug while you're eating or afterwards, they have a general store filled with oodles of toys, candy, stuffed animals, chocolate, hot sauce, wine, & beer. it balances adult & child items well. apparently the store came before the restaurant. either way, both are great for whatever you may need.
(4)
John S.
This review is for the Fin del Mundo beer. It was new in Dec. 2012. I was brewed with chile peppers. This gives it a really unique flavor. Peppery as you would expect. I like it and suggest that if you are open to something different, give it a try.
(4)
Eric P.
Looking for lunch? Paydoh for your nephew's birthday? Maybe a six pack of a beer you never heard of? If all of the above, Franklin's is the place to go. While you are waiting for a seat, check out the toystore, with an awesome selection for those young and old, along with a nice assortment of wine and beer. The restaurant itself has a large menu with plenty of good food, and many vegetarian options to go with the fun atmosphere and friendly wait staff .
(5)
Dorothy G.
I LOVE Franklin's. Great food at decent prices, casual atmosphere, and has the bonus of the general store attached. My office has done a few lunches there and it's one of our favorite places. They have plenty of room for big groups, and they do a pretty good job at getting the food out in a timely manner. Their fish and chips is the best I've had anywhere... but the last time I was there it wasn't as good. Either they've changed the batter (it wasn't as flavorful) or they were having an off day. I also love their lamb slider burgers (which come with sweet potato fries) but that's a seasonal dish which our waiter said should become available again January or February-ish. Their sandwhiches and burgers are all really good and they've upped their portion sizes... way more than I can eat in one meal! They also brew their own beer... I've only tried 1-2 of the variety they offer, but they were pretty good (but I'm more a mixed-drink/wine girl so I'm not the best authority on beer...). I also love the general store attached. They have a nice selection of wines as well as random novelty items that would make good gifts along with a variety of toys/games... I've picked up several gifts for my toddler nephew there.
(5)
Saad S.
Yeah, I don't think so. As far as food goes, I would give it a decent 3 stars. Nothing too impressive; and in my opinion the pulled pork (Carolina style) was way too vinegary. yes, I know it's vinegar based; but I would actually cough everytime I took a whif of the pork as I was eating. A bit much. But honestly, I could overlook that and would almost be willing to go back and try something else if it weren't for the bartender. My Terrible Bartender Story: I have no idea what was up this guy's but that evening, but he was not happy...and I guess he felt the need to try to spread the unhappiness reeling within him. Yes, we were ignored. Whatever, lots of bartenders do that for a little bit. But he really made a point to ignore hard. I kept trying to get his attention while he was simply putting up glasses and I really think he was hearing me but ignoring me. Anyways, on the third "excuse me, we're ready to order", he walks to us and says "what a coincidence, I'm ready to take your order". Huh??? Come again? What the hell was that? We should have just moved to a table right there and then, but were in a hurry to make it to a show. So we ordered. Food came out. He not once checked on us. And I mean not once. We finished. He dropped the bill. I left cash. It felt like I was having a silent fight. So in the end, he was successful in spreading some of his misery around. Good job. And I'll never go back to that restaurant just because I don't want to ever run into that idiot ever again. What a bad person!
(2)
Angelo B.
Food was average, nothing great... actually when I went there it was below average but I'm giving the benefit of the doubt. Service was poor--couldn't catch either waiter to ask for a single refill on ice tea. They never bothered to come around and ask. Would have been 3 stars if not for poor service. I'd say if you're going here just for the beer, 4 or 5 stars.
(2)
Natalie G.
Great food and delicious beers. Bar staff was exceptionally nice, even while being quite busy.
(5)
Kristin S.
I've been to Franklin's I think four times now. The beer is great (keep in mind it's a small brewery - it won't be the EXACT same every time, which is fun), they often use local ingredients, the food's probably 4 star (not 5), but it's really good, and the service is probably also 4 star. The reason I gave it 5, though, is that they're really into community stuff - they have a bulletin board up by the restrooms (upstairs, past the bar) where you can post community events; and I think best, they do fund raiser nights where they dontate 20% of each check to whatever group is putting the fundraiser on (most recently the Lakeland Community Project). Also, the general store is killer - SO many fun, inventive, artsy, etc. things - I could spend all day in there. So - maybe the food's not 5 star, but the vibe is, so that's what I'm giving it. Go support your local brewery and restaurant!
(5)
Amanda A.
Such good food and a fun atmosphere. I've never had to wait for a table either and the service was always great. They offer a good amount of vegetarian dishes which makes this place even better! Definately go to franklin's if you are in the area (and it's down street from UMD, for anyone visting the area) The general store is awesome too, definately browse through there after your meal
(4)
Matt H.
For a pub-quality burger in Hyattsville, this seems to be the best option. Franklin's atmosphere is family-friendly, the decor is quirky (lots of old Hyattsville signage), and the burgers are fine. The other alternative, Busboys & Poets, is overpriced. But Franklin's other food is only so-so. The complimentary bread is free for a reason; the rolls taste like week-old cheapies from the grocery store. I'd swear that the french fries we got during our last visit were frozen spuds, fried up then left under the warmer for hours.
(3)
D S.
I went here to celebrate birthdays in my family. Please read my previous review for our horrible experience last time. I WANT to like this restaurant and I WANT them to do well, so I've continued to go back (stupid or not?) from time to time for the past 8-10 years. Well, dang, I have to say that they got it right this time. The salads are, to me, the best items on the menu, which I think tries to be too many things to too many people. However, I was happy with my salad. My child had the mac and cheese and approved. The server, thankfully, warned us the desserts are enormous. We ordered two instead of three and enjoyed key lime pie and, I think, a tiramisu. The service was good! Let me say that again. The service WAS GOOD! At one point, the server was sitting at a table in the back and we had to hunt her down. However, I can forgive that since we were there at a weird time. After being pleasantly surprised, I made sure to tell my neighbors about my changed point of view. I know I should not base a lot on one visit--especially after so many bad ones--but, like I said, I want this place to do well.
(3)
Heather J.
Here's the thing about Franklin's - you have to know what to order and you have to be willing to get some truly terrible service on occasion. Not to say all the waitstaff at Franklin's is subpar, a few of them are fantastic and the general quality of service has gone up over time, but there are a couple of waiters here that are just terrible. So sometimes you cringe when you come in and see whose table you are at and accept that you are in for a long meal and a slow evening. That's ok though, the food usually makes up for it. Usually. There are some definite hits and misses on the menu. Pizzas are very safe. Not spectacular but solid. The soup of the day tend to be either stellar or pretty awful. Seasonal specials are generally very good -- they do a great job with duck and have had some really standout steaks too. Barbecue is a miss. Then again I don't know why I ordered barbecue at an eclectic Maryland restaurant in the first place, so that was probably my fault. The curry? Again, I'm not sure why it is on the menu at all. It's mediocre and doesn't seem to go with anything else. I can understand putting an oddball dish that is amazing on the menu, but the curry is not amazing. The sandwiches are also quite safe. But really, the beer is the main selling point. They have some good ones. Again, it is the special rotating ones that stand out. The store is also a great little feature, especially if you have kids and end up with one of the less good waiters. Another positive is the local philanthropy Franklin's promotes. They run fundraiser nights for local schools all the time. The restaurant is a good community citizen and I appreciate that.
(4)
Ryan B.
Not bad, not bad at all. Came on a Saturday evening and had to wait 20 minutes. Good service, nice selection of beers, and the food was quite tasty. Good vegetarian options, even though the ribs looked pretty darn delicious when they passed by.
(4)
Clare M.
Franklin's is really cool. The toy store thing attached to the restaurant was great-- I could spend hours in there! The restaurant itself was fun too. My dad goes there quite often and he always raves about the sandwiches. I've only been once, and I had the vegetarian flatbread with fries. It was delicious but I didn't understand how I was supposed to eat it because it was a mound of stuff piled onto one little circle of bread.. I thought it was going to be a sandwich. But I still liked it and ate the whole thing. Fries were good too. Really cool place overall!
(4)
Craig L.
This is one of those places where if I didn't have the heart condition, I'd give it four, or maybe five stars. They make great food, they brew good beer, but if you're stuck on a diet like mine, you're going to have to make some tough choices. The store attached to the restaurant is eclectic & nifty, with a great range of hot sauces. The parking here is a public lot.
(3)
Rob R.
I went to Franklin's earlier in the week for dinner, quite late at night, with a friend and the staff were very friendly and didn't mind the fact that they were almost closing. I ordered a cowboy burger, which came with bacon and barbecue sauce. The patty tasted great; it was juicy and tasted like actual meat. As opposed to some burgers, the Cowboy burger from Franklin's did not fall apart, adding to its good taste. it came with fries on the side, which added some extra flavor to the meal. I also ordered a beer there, which was good, just a bit sour. (I guess that depends on the drinker). I am not sure what it was called, but it was the third one down on their beer list, and resembles a regular california pop beer. It is worth mentioning that Franklin's brews all of the beer that they serve. I have come here previously on dates, and they have been quite impressed with the restaurant. The pizzas are great too.
(4)
Miguel W.
Great place for a relaxing meal w/ family on a random weekday or weekend. Food is fantastic, nice selection of microbrew beer (brewed on site?) and they have this really cool store downstairs w/ all sorts of interesting stuff. Word of warning, the portions are huge even for the salads so don't order a salad, a starter and a main course b/c you will end up taking half of it home or eat so much your stomach will explode.
(4)
Colin P.
There's a lot to like about Franklin's, and I do like it. Never turn down a chance to go there, and I've been many, many times. But a little more attention to the food could make it the best place in the area. A brewery needs good beers, and Franklin's doesn't disappoint on that score. I think it has even gotten better in the last couple of years. The standard half dozen brews are solid, but it's the rotating brews that I really enjoy. They're getting increasingly adventurous, and are fun to try. Most recently I had the Ludicrous Sour Rye Saison - unusual, but delicious. The attached store is an unusual but really cool feature. My daughter loves their quirky range of toys and candies, and it's the go-to place for finding presents for kids' birthday parties. And I really like their interesting beer and wine selection. The store is never boring, and sometimes you're even happy if you have to wait a few minutes for a table. The owner, Mike Franklin, is a great guy, and one who has done a lot for the neighborhood. I can't help but like him. The only problem is that the food is merely fine. Certainly not bad, and it can't be accused of being boring. But if only it was that wee bit better, then my wife would want to go there more often, and I'd be happier for that.
(4)
Shaun G.
The beer list is better than decent (like a previous reviewer said, it's IPA-heavy, but there's always a really nice malty beer in the list as well) and the prices aren't too bad. The cowboy burger was sort of bland and not enough burger for me, but the price was alright. I had the fish and chips another time, and the fish was very good, but honestly I'm not a fan of their potato wedges, because I think wedges are always inferior to real fries. Might revise this review if I have the Vulcan Mind Meld, which does sound awesome.
(3)
Owen S.
I love Franklin's and go there at least once any time I'm in the DC area. I fell in love with this place a decade ago when it was a funky little general store with a lunch counter in the back. It was one of those surprising finds, clearly an independent little business that had to be owned by someone following their heart and quirky passions; at that time the store had an *entire* wall devoted to hot sauces (seriously hundreds upon hundreds of little bottles), and the food choices included veggie and vegan items and there was a choice of 5 kinds of bread for a sandwich, which doesn't sound like much today, but a decade ago it was, especially in the outskirts of a college town in a store that was literally on the railroad tracks and surrounded by car lots, body shops, and bail bondsmen. Well, skip to today... the area has gone through some major rehab and Franklin's was one of the businesses that led the effort. And WOW, compared to the hole in the wall that it used to be, Franklin's is now HUGE, with two floors, and gleaming glass-enclosed beer vats towering above the large dining areas. The country store and hippy vibe is gone, but not in a bad way, it just grew up.... but the funky store with an almost bizarre obsession for hot sauce grew up to be... a microbrewery! And not just a microbrewery, but one with a funky gourmet-reaching menu, two floors of seating, *and* an also grown-up version of its general store with a surprisingly well chosen selection of wines and beers and quirky art, but still with a (more subdued) section of toys, gag gifts, and yes, hot sauces (though now only a bookcase-sized section.) The current menu offerings are as mish-mashed as the merchandise available in the general store, but I like that the whole business maintained an eccentric vibe. Um, I guess the main themes of the menu would be American bar meets fusion gourmet (especially Thai..?!) meets Maryland shore. There's something for everyone, including vegetarians, and none of it is bad, all is at least passable, and most is pretty darn good. It's not fine dining, but the dining is fine. One absolute standout: the mussels. Wow! Prepared simply with sea salt and garlic but presented with a bang on a red-hot and literally sizzling cast-iron flat skillet... they are always fresh, prepared perfectly and so delicious. Prices are reasonable, the on-premise brewed beers are good, and if like me you're not big on beer, they have a decent wine selection and a full bar. Service is friendly and tries hard. My only real complaint is that it's noisy, mostly because they're often really busy (which is great 'cuz it means they'll still be there when I next travel to DC!) but because of the very open design, it's often still really noisy even when they aren't busy. Definitely not a place to have an intimate conversation, but well, it IS a brew-pub-restaurant-general store, so, well, never mind, my complaint is silly. A great place for a quick or leisurely meal, to pop in to buy a great (and very reasonably priced) bottle of wine, or to spend some time poking around the unusual items in the store.
(4)
Martin S.
I've been here several times and recently I've been ordering the Vulcan Mind Meld exclusively. Its absolutely the best sandwich in Prince Georges County. High-quality corned beef and pastrami on marble rye with lettuce, tomatos, pickles, shoestring french fries, and hot peppers. I know it sounds like a weird combination, but it must be tried! I'm also a big fan of their crab dip, and others in my party have ordered some of the flatbread pizzas and enjoyed them. Franklins also does a great Thanksgiving sandwich around the holidays with turkey, stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, the works. The atmosphere is fine. They can get very busy for lunch, but we've never had a problem with the service. The microbrews are on par for what you'd expect in this area, but a step below Dogfish or Fordham in my opinion.
(5)
Jen T.
Wow- I have been desperate for years to find edible food in this part of Maryland, and I must say that the combo of good food and beer is great to know about! Plus- these guys know their bread pudding- really tasty stuff.
(4)
Liz M.
They make a great selection of tasty beers, and the food is really excellent for a family restaurant. Especially good for crab cakes, burgers, and they really have the crispy beer batter perfected for onion rings and fish-n-chips. Fun, friendly atmosphere with colorful walls, art, and the toy shop next door!
(5)
Karen A.
If you want a Coors Light, try Bentley's down the road. If you want a quality brew and are too lazy to venture downtown, Franklin's is going to be your best bet. Occasionally they will have a "guest" beer from another brewery, but for the most part the only beer served at Franklin's is brewed at Franklin's. The Stout and the Van Damme Belgian Ale are my favorites, but everything they offer is generally good. The food is decent enough: the nickel curves (mini sliders with ground lamb and tzatziki) and pizza are always delish, but the seasonal menu usually has something good to offer as well. The ribs and wings are also tasty appetizer/bar snack options. Franklin's is probably going to offer the best there is in bar fare in the immediate area. Service is friendly and, as they should, the bartenders know their beer (which is why you will get the stink eye if you try to pull monkey business by ordering a MGD 64). The gift shop is a quirky touch but trust me, it's so much more fun after you have a few beers in your belly. PENNY CANDY, PEOPLE! What's not to love? Franklin's does tend to get very crowded, especially during University of Maryland events such as sporting events, so I would recommend reservations if you want a table. The bar area recently expanded, which will hopefully open the area up during peak hours.
(4)
Nigel L.
Great beer and food done well. When you want good beer, but not the regular choices you find at most places, this is the place to come. When you want some good hearty eats and nothing too fancy or heavy on the wallet, this is the place to come. Great neighborhood hang out. I've even seen families eat here. There is even a shop kids of all ages will enjoy.
(4)
Alan D.
Having neighborhood places like this matters. There are few restaurants in this area and having a reliable place to go is nice. I always find they have good service, yummy beer, and a mostly strong menu. Occasionally I find something less to my liking (e.g. meatloaf, taco salad) but have some favorites (thai ribs, burgers, veggie burger) Recently, I've been trying the specials instead of sticking to the menu. A generous pork chop was delicious as was a bowl of gumbo with blackened catfish. The store is a must visit. I have a little song about it. . . Oh microbrews and licorice gum, lots of things to see at Franklin's there's a special store for kids like you and me. Fancy chocolates, unicorns, gummy candy frogs at Franklin's you can eat and shop and grab some lincoln logs. HEY!* *optional to yell "Hey!"
(3)
J. N.
Not only is the food good, but the store is so much fun to poke around in while you wait for your food!
(4)
scott e.
Always enjoy going to Franklins. Great beer. Good food. Sometimes the food surprises me by how good it is! The pulled pork is fantastic! Corn pudding is a must try! Visit the store before you leave.
(4)
Maria P.
When I was in middle school, Franklin's General Store and Deli was a place the kids would go after school for a sandwich or ice cream and to poke around the store full of toys, gifts and novelties. The tiny deli was in the back of the store and it was a real mom-and-pop type deal. A few years ago, Franklin's upgraded into a new addition with a brew pub and full-service restaurant. Since then it's become a fixture of the Route 1 Corridor. The beer is very good, and you can get a growler to take home, bring back and refill. They also make their own root beer. The barbecue and pub food are great. The daily specials are okay--I've had a couple that were pretty disappointing, although the last time I was there, I got salmon and colcannon and it was just right. The desserts are usually excellent. Franklin's is good choice for a group because of the variety of both food and drinks on the menu. The general store is still in operation and sells a good variety of wine and microbrew six-packs in addition to the toys and gifts. I wouldn't call the food top-notch; it's the atmosphere, the location and the local ownership that make this place a neighborhood favorite.
(4)
A K.
My husband, parents and in-laws dined here around Christmas time and really enjoyed our visit. This was my second visit and everyone else's first time dining here. My husband and father-in-law had the Vulcan Mind Meld and loved it (shortly after this visit, my husband went to Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh and thought the Franklins version was much better). The general store was cute and the service was great. We'll be back (hopefully the Vulcan Mind Meld stays on the menu!).
(5)
Vicki L.
Oh, Franklin's - I have tried for years to love you. But your food just isn't very good. Franklin's has such an opportunity to fill one of many gaps that exist in the neighborhood as far as food - but it tries to do everything at once and as a result, isn't very successful at any of them. They do a good business - so it's never been an issue, I think. But I wonder, as more and more restaurants come to the area - will you continue to maintain a thriving business on what is mediocre food (and rarely very good service, I hate to admit) at best? I think not. What you do well - your seasonal menu is the only menu I will order food from at this point. You have a chef back there somewhere who does really get how to make an amazing salad - the seasonal salads are almost always a hit, inventive and delicious. Work with that. Consider filling the gourmet burger gap - there are so many places at this point in the neighborhood that serve a "meh, it's edible but it's nothing special" burger. Why not revamp, get rid of the large menu and focus? Serve up the best steakhouse style burger in town, with variety on toppings? Or - gourmet pizza? Continue to serve salads and make that more of a focus. Consider improving your game on the fries/onion rings or just lose them. Definitely lose the BBQ - it's not your strong point. Maybe get a shtick like all local ingredients or something - fresh local beef with local artisan cheese - there are several farmers markets in the immediate area you could buy from. Whatever you do - pick something and do it well - but if you continue to serve the same mediocre food us locals have been tolerating due to the lack of competition and some loyalty to local businesses - well, I have choices now. I haven't eaten at Franklin's since BB&P opened. I'd love a reason to come back.....
(2)
Evil D.
One of my favorite places. Used to come here almost every day for a solid couple of years. The food is decent, not great, but the beer is amazing. Brewed entirely in-house, they feature 7-8 different styles, from IPA to blonde to porter and whatever is in between. A good place to bring your family, there's plenty of space across 2 floors for large parties. Menu items are hit and miss; the burgers and sandwiches are pretty good, the pizza is decent, the pulled pork, I've had better, but overall it's usually pretty good and the wait staff is very helpful and knowledgeable regarding both the food and the beer. They change the menu fairly regularly so if you keep coming back there will almost always be something new to try. Bonus is the general store next door. Full of novelty toys and games, also features a large assortment of exotic and hard-to-find hot sauces. They also sell bottled craft beers and wine. Definitely take a minute to check it out if you go. Bottom line, if you're in the Hyattsville area, this is, in my humble opinion, the best place in the vicinity by leaps and bounds. Decent food, GREAT beer, and a fun little store attached to play around in while you wait for your food.
(4)
Tu-van L.
One of the few places I know that's a restaurant, bar, and general store (Cracker Barrel is the only other place I know of, but this is special). If there's a long wait, definitely worth your time wandering through their general store, filled with kitchy toys and knick nacks that are fun to play with. If you're a beer enthusiast you should definitely try their brews (they do it themselves). For a bang for your buck get the sampler, where you get a dozen samples of their brews to try. I can't vouch for the food but I'll definitely try it next time I'm there.
(4)
Kevin W.
The portions are fairly enormous and the beer selection is ok. My favorite part was waiting to be seated while shopping in the quirky store inside. I got a bottle of kick ass ghost pepper hot sauce that I've never seen before. Their menu is a bit overpriced but still good.
(3)
Kellie D.
I give this place a solid 3, verging on a 4. Been here twice, first time was really good food wise, had the onion rings which are awesome, and the Cuban which was also really good. Tried the beer sampler and the beers weren't half bad either. The waiter was a tad slow the first time we came but not too bad, the second time killed it for me, waiter sucked, and messed up our orders, got burgers and mine at least was just meh, plus who puts NO sauce on a bacon and bleu burger? Icky. Oh and avoid the carrot cake the icing sucked. Plus I hit my knee on the table when we left, that's neither here nor there but it was insult to injury! :) so avoid the burgers and beware the tables and you'll be ok as long as you don't mind waiting for your waiter.
(3)
Dani E.
Great food and an interesting scene. Parking can be tough to find, either on the street or in the lot under the highway. We grabbed a table in the bar area upstairs. The in-house brewed beers offer something for everyone, and I am a fan of the unique pizzas. I've split a pizza in the past as well as eaten an entire on myself (depending on how hungry you are). Prices are very reasonable for large portions.
(4)
Heather R.
YUM! Fried Chicken Salad with honey mustard dressing. Plus I love their Thai Chicken pizza. I've gotten that at least 10 times. If you have a group, the hot spinach artichoke cheese dip is awesome. Plus they give you fresh bread and butter right when you sit down. The store next door is the icing on the cake! So fun to shop in there while you're waiting for your food or after you've eaten. Something for everyone! Toys, Jewelry, Candy, Greeting Cards, wine, gifts, So colorful! One of my faves!
(5)
Peter T.
Great, fun place for families. Very good American food. This is a real neighborhood place that draws lots of regulars. I've been here several times and always had a good experience and a wonderful meal. Enjoy!
(5)
Ed H.
I went on a sat for lunch with my BF, I had the southwest quesadilla which was really good ......it was the best i have ever had ......- I wanted to try a different type of quesadilla and that's what I got.... Service was fine and I give it an extra star because of the novelty shop inside!!!! I spent 1hr looking at the cool trinkets they have -
(5)
Cherry L.
This is my inaugural Yelp review! Franklin's holds dear memories for me, as it was the first restaurant I ever went to in College Park. It was part of school recruitment, blah blah blah...I was impressed by the menu selection, the food, and the cute quirky store next door. You can order dishes from coconut curry to flatbread pizza to shephard's pie. Granted the coconut curry isn't as good as Siri's, the pizza isn't as good as Pasta Plus, and the shepard's pie isn't as good as what I used to make at the Downtown Women's Shelter in LA; however, you gotta give Franklin's props for attempting so many different cuisines, right? The food is definitely shy of spectacular. But real draw is the beer, folks. I'm a fan of the blonde ales. Where else are you going to find a local brewery that isn't a disgusting chain? Go for the beer, munch on some onion rings, and try to ignore the families with whining kids. Really, I do like kids, just not when they're loud and messy and totally inappropriate in public spaces.
(3)
Meghan H.
Fun quirky place with a good vibe, good beer, and ok food. I'd probably give it three stars, if not for the fact that the place brings back memories, and as Hyattsville places go, it's definitely top-notch. I admit I miss the days when it was just a general store with a small deli (or whatever you want to call it) in the back - the milkshakes, spicy fries, and turkey sandwich were staples for me. Still, I'm happy to see the business expanding (but would like to have the good ol' sandwiches and spicy fries back!). They have a fairly wide offering of foods here, which is good, although the quality can be hit or miss. I think they do best with typical American/bar fare. The microbrewery is probably the best aspect of the "new" Franklins - try a sampler to see which ones you like.
(4)
Chava C.
I have really liked Franklin's since my University of Maryland days. It had what I thought was good beer and a 'foodie' menu. The decor was quirky and cool and the general store was an interesting (if not too tempting) place to spend time waiting for a table. I still think Franklin's is a fun bet to bring someone out of town for an interesting, off beat, unexpected place. However, its not a place to become a regular at. The food is okay, but the prices are DC high which makes it expensive for a casual dinner out. The past few times I've gone, I've been whelmed with the food which is not okay at $9-25 for an entree. Last night, I had a veggie burger that seemed to have come from a frozen package and luke warm french fries. I will give other spots (Rhode Island Reds?) a try before I come back to Franklin's without a special guest to show the atmosphere to.
(3)
Carol H.
The store is great for gifts - lots of fun things, lots of variety packed into a small space. Food can be really good and sometimes ok. I always enjoy the atmosphere. A wonderful neighborhood hangout.
(4)
marsha s.
I've been a few more times since May and I have some new things to report: I took a more extensive look thru the adjoining candy and novelty store and it really is terrific. I remember the 50's and this little area of Hyattsville really brings it back. There's a lot of kitch in the store along with some novelty food items, like pecan pie in a jar ( just add an egg.) There's loads of children's games and arts and crafts, refrigerator magnets and cards. They have more hot sauces than I've ever seen on a shelf. And they sell wine which you can drink at dinner for a $10 corkage fee. Now to dining at Franklin's. The food is average, but reasonably dependable and reasonably priced. Dinner is stepped up from lunch and I have had a delicious dish there a couple of times. The current dinner menu has a Bourbon and Maple Shellacked Duck that sounds tempting. I have to tell you guys about the funniest lunch special. I even asked the owner to print it out for me. Read about this special sandwich called "The Blue Hawaiian or The Unhappy Ho" described as follows on the menu: Alright, here's the story. We really wanted to reference Paul Lynde as a sandwich. Why? Just because. But the whole deal was getting complicated, much too much thought was going into it and then, in all reality we would have had to of had the " George Gobel to Block" sandwich and we were just getting out of hand. So then we thought, "What can we make that says Blue Hawaii?" Again, I can't explain this free fall of a thought process. Anyhow. Naturally, I thought "SPAM." So, a burger topped with Hormel's finest and Hawaii's favorite, grilled SPAM, grilled pineapple, hoisin sauce and bleu cheese. Now to qualify.......I would never order this! But I know there's many of you out there who would and I wanted to let you know. I actually am a little under the weather today and got chicken pot pie because I'm not up for any spice. It was good and a huge portion, so I brought 1/2 home. Franklin's is a brewery and restaurant. There are extensive beer choices.
(4)
Gemma P.
I remember when it was this teeny-weeny store / restaurant...(single tear trickling down cheek) Now it's a brewery!!! But you could still buy hand-crafted jewelry, mad-libs, wrapping paper, cheese grater, candy galore (sugar-free and healthy), tinker toys,and TONS more.... Food and beer are great, too. Franklin's make me proud of growing up in Hyattsville!!!
(5)
Lisa A.
The food is pretty damn good (love their daily specials) and the servers always give decent service. One of them even brought out a flight of beers so my picky father could figure out what he wanted. Best dish: Eggplant and Portobello Gratin.
(5)
Chuck N.
My wife and all her friends went to UMD at College Park. When we told her friends that they we were heading to Hyattsville for dinner, their question was WHY?... Well, to go to Franklin's of course. I must confess that as I'm typing this I'm wearing my Twisted Turtle IPA shirt. I liked their beers. Their super hop beer was not well balanced, but they had two other IPA selections that were excellent. I also really liked their porter. It had a bit of a smoky flavor that I really liked. They tried to put some veggie stuff on the menu and I give them credit for that, but my veggie Sheppard's pie was a bit bland. Texas Pete, however was able to help me with that.
(4)
Jane D.
We've been going since the early days, and it's always been just okay to us. The food is above average for the neighborhood, but there is always a service issue. On our latest trip, I specifically ordered the corned beef reuben. I got the turkey reuben instead. By the time this was corrected, the hubby was already finished his meal. We were not offered any compensation for this. I understand things happen, and the waiter was extremely apologetic and admitted right away he keyed it in wrong, but when the inconvenience is that great, where I have to watch the hubby eat and then he has to sit and watch me eat separately, I expect a comped meal or a free dessert or free drink or SOMETHING. But no, an apology had to suffice. Their in-house brewed root beer is to die for. It's annoying that you have to pay to park in their lot before 6pm. But they have a cool attached shop with lots of goodies, edible and otherwise, to peruse before or after your meal.
(3)
Eric G.
Franklin's has a solid menu, consistent service, and great beer. I like the speicals that change occasionally, and grabbing a growler to go of a great brew is always a treat.
(4)
Carly L.
There's just not much to eat in my neighborhood, so I'm glad that Franklins is just a short drive down RI Avenue to Hyattsville. The beer is great, the food is decent and the atmosphere is dandy. I generally can't resist a quick run through the general store where you can find everything from good wine to silly magic tricks and gum. I give it 3 stars as a neighborhood casual restaurant.
(3)
Patrick M.
Hands down one of the best spots in northern Prince George's and my favorite place near UMD. A nice variety of good food and, best of all, they brew their own beer! The beer selection is nice and quite good, although it will likely disappoint beer snobs of the highest degree. Their Thursday late night happy hour is the best: $3 cover for free food (e.g. chicken wings, chips and bean dip) and discounted pints. If you are ever in Hyattsville or College Park this a must try.
(4)
Carole C.
Can't believe I've read through most of these reviews and not seen anyone comment on the blues-but real blues on the jukebox....you'd go there just for the music, much less excellent beer and food. C'mon, did we notice how good the tunes are? And about the parking, poor little Hyattsville, are we going to deny them a couple of quarters from the bottom of our purse? C'mon, what's to complain about a few quarters to be able to saddle up right next to the building. I WISH this place was in Silver Spring or Takoma Park so I could walk home after having my fill of their great brewed beers....Unfortunately, I am always doing the driving, I have to see about that next time. Oh, and the store next door? Franklin's General Store is fun...managed to drop $300 right before Christmas with cute stocking stuffers...was fun. Yeah, I can't wait to try this for an office get together, Franklins is altogether cool. If you haven't tried it, you don't like micro-brewed beer.
(5)
Eric L.
Franklin's is a neighborhood spot that does pretty well for itself. The chef will surprise you because it looks like a beer and burger joint at first glance. It's certainly more than that. The beer is brewed on the premises and is worth sampling. But the food is far more than burgers and fries. There is always an interesting special and a good salmon dish. Drop in some day for lunch. Odds are that I'll be at the bar with a book.
(3)
J. R. H.
Franklin's get the full 5 stars for lots of reasons - great beers, great food, great atmosphere - visit once and you'll wish it was in your neighborhood. They can handle large groups well. Their service is above average. A few others have already covered the menu highlights (don't forget pulled pork, corn pudding are first rate) and some of the beers (Chaos, Anarchy also enjoyable/unique), but here's a few more things not to miss--take your favorite beer home in a growler, just like your Dad might have. You pay for the glass deposit, then bring it back for refills of your favorites. The beer stays crisp for a couple or three days--never had any around longer than that to tell otherwise. Also note, you'll have to drive to Red Bank, NJ for Funk & Standard Variety Store to match Franklin's General Store offerings. Cheers....
(5)
Mark G.
Great beer, good food and service. What else do you need?
(4)
Zak S.
Good beer and atmosphere. Went for happy hour on a Friday, beer was a good price and service was friendly. Ordered the mussels which came out sizzling and popping oil everywhere, but there were good. Went back again for dinner and Greek Salad was acceptable. The general store next door is excellent with a nice selection of wine and beer for the kids. It's probably one of the best spots to go in Hyattsville.
(4)
Amanda M.
This review is just for the restaurant; I didn't get a chance to check out the general store, but on a quick glance in, I saw quite a few colorful toys and knick-knacks that looked like they could be a fun way to keep the kids entertained while you're waiting for dinner! This struck me as a great, very casual family-style place. It has a large two-story restaurant with a good setup for big groups; when I went on a Friday night, I saw quite a few multi-family tables and several tables of college kids. The parking lot was full the first time I cruised through at 7pm, but when I circled the block and came back, a couple of spots had opened up. There are signs of meters/parking fees, but you don't have to pay at least on weekends. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, which was fine - between the seating area and perusing the store, waiting here isn't unpleasant. The food was decent but nothing special. We split two 10" pizzas between the two of us and had an entire pizza left over - if you were really hungry, you could probably make a bigger dent, but they are definitely big enough for two people if you get an appetizer and side salads. The house salad looked fresh, but it also looked like it was mostly iceburg lettuce - not my favorite. We tried the Northern Californian pizza (best of the two, but LOTS of garlic cloves!) and the Thai Chicken pizza (definitely not "spicy" as advertised, but it had a nice mild flavor; the peanuts added an odd crunch). The dough didn't have much flavor or substance, but I generally liked the pizza. There are a lengthy list of other homey American options on the menu, too, but the pizzas are a good safe choice. Our waitress was efficient and got our food out in a timely way, but she didn't come check on us more than she needed to... it was nice to be able to talk uninterrupted. Beers seemed great - I tried the Blonde and the Pale Ale, and the Pale Ale was definitely the winner, but the Blonde wasn't bad either. If I lived in the area, I might come here once in a while with friends, if just for beer and appetizers.
(3)
Alycia J.
I went last night and had their pizza special. It had caramelized onions, ricotta, prisciutto, Franklin's special blend of cheeses, and some very good Italian sausage. The crust was California style thin and overall I thought the pizza was tasty. My dad had the maple shellacked duck, he thought it was ok. I didn't get to try the microbrew, but I still give the place four stars for tasty food and good service.
(4)
Nikki F.
I end up at Franklin's about once a month, mostly because it serves both my pizza and cheeseburger needs in one easily accesible, reasonably priced location. The food is consistently good, service is good, and the beers are excellent (according to my husband, beer isn't my jam). Pizza isn't the best ever, but it'll fix what ails you. Some of their appetizers are epic though, namely the lamb sliders and crab dip. I swear there is nothing but crab in the crab dip, and none of that mayo cheese crapola they try to pass off on you at other places.
(3)
Tony F.
I grew up near here and remember what the area used to look like. Now they are tearing things down trying to create a new arts district with new structures. Franklins opened up a few years ago in an older structure, before the revitalization began. I give this place much kudos for that and for having the foresight on what type of business would be successful and having a lasting impact on the community. This is a multi level bar and restaurant that is kid, senior and everybody friendly. Service on several occasions has been consistently attentive and friendly. However, on major game days, probably any place gets a bit strained in terms of service. All said, the four stars are based on the above. I do have mixed emotions and taste buds about the entrees. The appetizers are well done btw!! A hanger steak was served with highly peppered and they wanted their special sauce on the steak which I could not eat...a burger was cooked a little bit more than requested and dry. I have issues with covering a good piece of meat like steak or fish in a heavy sauce....which cover up the quality and flavor of the meat which is how Franklin offers some entrees. However, I have not tried everything yet to be the overall critic of the entire menu. Finally, the very vibrant atmosphere, and diverse crowd with smiles on their faces...and sometimes the long lines to get a seat make you know they are doing something right and the community loves them! A little critical on the food main entrees I am, but in doing so, hoping all the best to this establishment find myself returning and recommending to others.
(4)
Darrius P.
We just found this place and rank it is a favorite. Great atmosphere and menu - very original. And they brew their own beer. A real gem. Cool gift shop too.
(5)
Sarah E.
Franklin's is really close to my house so I eat there all the time. The beer is good and the atmosphere is fun, although super loud. Franklin's has really improved over the past year. It used to be hit-or-miss, especially with the specials - but now its mostly hits, including the specials. My favorite dish is still the pulled pork. The pizza is just so-so.
(4)
Shane S.
Franklin's was an overall positive experience. Me and my comedian friend Jerry ate here on a Sunday night a couple of weeks ago. This place gives off the vibe of a nice home cooked meal from its outside appearance. The service was friendly and attentive as well. I had the Greek Salad which was a decent sized portion and tasty. My friend had a well cooked burger with a tasty bbq sauce on top. My only complaint is that the place is overall a little pricey, but other than that I will be returning soon.
(4)
Whitney N.
If you go to Franklin's you MUST get the Buffalo Fries!! They come with hot sauce and blue cheese dressing and are delicious. My coworkers and I like to go here for lunch and are always happy with our choice. (Although the quesidilla appetizer was majorly lacking) They also have the beer sampler which is very fun. The atmosphere is fun and friendly and the service was good. We will definitely be going back, even if it's just for buffalo fries and beers!
(4)
Adam J.
So they got a new brewer apparently and it really shows. I had the black IPA (very trendy right now) and was really pleasantly surprised and they even had a nice nitro beer on tap which is actually somewhat uncommon nowadays. Keep up the good work new guy!
(4)
Lisa Y.
This place would get four stars if I were ONLY rating their beer. I had the oatmeal stout and my boyfriend had their "anarchy ale" served by Che Guevara. Okay, not really. But both beers were really great! Now for the part that gave it three stars: I thought the food was kind of poor. The crab dip was good, and with a lot of crab and Old Bay. Unfortunately, the meatloaf was covered in exceptionally salty onion rings, and was only okay, and the Southwest Pizza was also only okay. The coffee, espresso, and chocolate cake were good. The other thing that bothered me was the FOUR flies on our table and the insect (hopefully another fly) that ran over my foot under the table....
(3)
Brett W.
I'll admit I was pretty skeptical of Franklin's when I first heard of it. "A brewery you say? In Hyattsville?! Shirley you jest!" I was delightfully surprised when in fact this neon sign adorned establishment did in fact house a brewery AND a general store! As my fiance and I sat down after a long days work and being delighted that the pay for parking isn't enforced after 6 pm we ordered some fine Pints of brew. I chose the Milk Stout and she chose the Seasonal Ocktoberfest. I was pretty impressed with the Stout, it was creamy and dark like I would have expected, and her Ocktoberfest was faintly spiced and had a nut brown tang. We were quickly given a basket of bread which, after a long day of work and lack of food, we quickly dived in. I was not impressed. This bread was lack luster and half of the rolls were hard has granite straight from the quarry. Meh. I'm not there for the rolls anyways. I ordered the fish and chips while she ordered a veggie flat bread. I'll be perfectly honest, it's pretty standard food. Not overly fantastic but not as bland as cardboard. I was not expecting culinary masterpieces. But the fish and chips could have at least had some seasoning!? or a beer batter, it is a brewery after all. My lady's flat bread was a strange cacophony of veggies, hummus and other non-meated items that I ended up eating because she wasn't quite sure what to think of it. Their menu was quite broad and had a lot to offer. This is my first visit and I was quite impressed with the beers, I'll most definitely go back. Not to mention the fact that its Hyattsville....where else am I going to go. Definitely after 6 though....no way in hell am I paying for parking at a restaurant in freakin Hyattsville.
(4)
adam o.
Great neighborhood place, but if you don't live in the neighborhood make the drive. Pizzas are great - especially the californian. My sandwich choice is the buffalo chicken, burger: the cowboy; beer: Private IPA. The wings are great too. I"m told the vegetarian stuff is good....though can't say I've tried much of it. Come by.
(5)
Jessica C.
Franklin's is great. Having graduated from UMD, which is right down the street from Franklin's, it was always a good place to go to when parents came into town or if you are looking for a somewhat "nicer" place to eat with friends while staying close by campus. Now, I am not saying this place is fancy AT ALL, but comparing the restaurants up and down Route 1, this place could be considered fine dining for undergrads. They brew their own beer and I would suggest trying out their sampler. Another great menu item is their duck quesadilla with a mango dipping sauce....mmmmMmmm. Their general/variety store is really fun to browse in after you eat. It reminds me of an old fashion mom and pop store that sells everything from plastic wind up kiddy toys to bottles of beer and wine. I actually found the funniest towel in there one time which one side was labeled the "butt" side and the other labeled "face" side....BRILLIANT!
(4)
Rachel E.
Franklin's has tasty food. I also enjoy browsing their store for gag gifts.
(3)
Ms. B.
This is a cool place full of interesting people usually. Great beer and food and there is even a little store that feels a little nostalgic almost. The owner goes out of the way to make sure your visit is a good one.
(4)
Mark L.
Franklin's is a unique experience. I went with my sister, who lives in Hyattsville and frequents the place often. The servers were friendly and the service was good (even though my order was wrong and took a few moments to correct, I didn't mind at all b/c of the way in which the situation was handled). My three kids loved the place, especially after lunch when we visited the general store. It was clever and nostalgic at the same time. There was so much to see (and buy) that I will have to come back again!
(4)
Rob W.
Disappointed that they were out of both chicken and ribs when I went there. Decided to get the crab cakes which were fine. Fries were not fresh; seemed like they had been sitting awhile. They have a nice selection of around 10 different beer that they brew.
(3)
Lauren G.
I think I've learned that the key to Franklin's is knowing what to order. Order well, and it can be a total pleasant experience. Order anything involving the vegetarian chili, and.... not a good plan. There aren't many options in Hyattsville, so we take company here for dinner a lot. The atmosphere is fun enough that even if the food is lackluster, it's still a good time, between the beer sampler, the general store, and the generally friendly service. The last time I went, with a group of six, we found some winners on the menu that I think we'll stick with when we go back. The mussels were great. Not just "great-for-Franklins" but sincerely really good, and different from how they're usually prepared. We've also always enjoyed the short ribs, I always get the corn pudding, and while the pulled pork Carolina style would not cut it back home (we're from NC), I wouldn't hesitate to order again. Chicken wings were also quite good. We've also often had good luck with specials (last time we enjoyed both the steak and salmon specials), and I find that the waiters are actually very helpful in their suggestions of what to try on the menu. Pizza is pretty meh, but probably a solid choice if you have kids. So in summary, the menu is hit-or-miss (and servers can often help you find the hits) but it's still a very pleasant place for a meal, has a lot of character, and is locally-owned; which means I'll gladly continue to support it.
(4)
Sharon W.
Wanted to take granddaughter someplace kind of fun and different so we headed to Franklin's for lunch and a stop in the General Store. The restaurant is spacious with dining on the first floor and a bar on the second level. We requested a booth in the dining area and were seated under the stairs that lead to the bar. We ordered crab dip for an appetizer. It was hot and cheesy and was served with two loaves of warm, soft bread that were addictive. I ordered cream of crab soup and a small Greek salad, husband and granddaughter split a pizza. My soup was shared, which I expected and didn't mind at all. It wasn't full of lump crab, but was good and had a nice little savory tang to it--Old Bay maybe. My "small" Greek salad was a generous serving, so that I ended up sharing it with my husband. It was a nice mix of field greens and the usual feta, olives, etc. The dressing was almost like a pesto, rich with basil. I didn't try the pizza but it looked good and husband and granddaughter proclaimed it was. I noticed the lady at the next table had a sandwich, maybe the Reuben, and it was huge. No surprise when she ate half, with a fork, and requested a take out box. Service was good. One note, the rest rooms were up a pretty steep flight of stairs. I can't imagine there isn't a rest room somewhere on the first level, but if you or someone in your party can't do stairs I'd call and ask ahead. After lunch, onto the General Store! Need a pink flamingo? Right there as you enter. Mother-in-law collect salt and pepper shakers? A whole display of eclectic ones. Love hot sauce? More choices than I could imagine. Another note, don't take a tween there if you are in a hurry. As you enter the store the front section is devoted to a lot of different things, but most of them seem kitchen/dining/drink oriented. As you move on there is a variety of sauces, and greeting cards, and jewelry. Keep going and you get to wine and beer. Among all these goodies are a number of unusual items, some silly, some "why didn't I think of that?" There is a side room full of toys and games. Another note, if you are a true foodie, check "use by" dates. The Elvis hot sauce we bought for a friend has a use by date just 2 months from now. But tween granddaughter showed restraint and we checked out at less than $30. And she loved the shop and has already announced we need to go back, and soon!
(3)
Sarah G.
Holy Crab Dip, Batman! Warning: the crab dip as an appetizer is meant to be shared even if you don't want to! This was a huge serving of crab dip with practically an entire loaf of fresh bread to dip in it. Plus, it was one of the best crab dips I've had in a while! Tasty, cheesy, yum! I ordered fries as well before I knew the ginormous portions but the fries were so good too! Wedge fries, perfectly fried and seasoned. Top it off with a glass of wine and they have figured out how to make me happy. I didn't get the chance to go into the general store before it closed and I wish I had because it looked like a fun place to explore. Oh Well! I'll just have to go again!
(5)
Clint R.
I am well traveled and love finding places exactly like this when I do travel. First off, you walk into the place and is smells amazing. That is a sign of good things to come. So many times I walk into a supposed nice restaurant and you can't smell anything. It's casual/funky/trendy and fun ambiance much like something you would find on Congress Ave in Austin, TX. The server was great. He knew a lot about the beers, the food, and the preparation (hardly any servers know this and is usually the biggest slam I have on Restaurants). This guy was attentive, knowledgeable, and you could tell genuinely enjoyed his job and it's environment. They were out of mussels but I went with the recommendation of the server to get the miso and soy based poached Mahi. I am picky on steaks and seafood, and this Mahi was fabulous. Slightly scared when on the menu it said it was market price, but was pleasantly surprised it was only $22. Much better than a dried out piece of Halibut I recently paid $39 for. The food was noticeably fresh and probably locally sourced. I followed that with a gluttony of bourbon pecan pie bread pudding. It was holy moly good. Maybe a tad to big of a serving size but maybe designed to share. (I personally would love to see places like this cut the portion and price in half. Probably sell a lot more of a great ending to the meal) But at $6 I took half home for another day and enjoyed what I did eat immensely. I will be back several times before I return to Chicago if at all possible. Nitpicky stuff... metered parking lot is best option and slightly annoying even if it's $1 an hour. Other than that it is a great place.
(5)
D.J. G.
Just got into town and were really hungry after a ten hour drive. The food was excellent, my wife, son and myself had three completely different dishes (pulled pork, pizza and a burger). We were all super happy. Would have liked a little better service, but being in the industry I understood he was running, the place was packed. If we were he for more than 2 nights we would definitely go back again to try a different meal.
(5)
Vania C.
I came here for the first time two years ago and I've still yet to go back! This place is a bit expensive but I really enjoy the unique style of this place. They also have happy hour from 4:30-6pm each day (beer + 1/2 off appetizers) Very friendly staff, and our gorup was seated and served fairly quickly upon arrival. I ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes for $25 and warning: prepare for the calories. The plate comes with a LARGE crab cake plus tartar sauce and a side of cole slaw. The crab cake was cooked nicely, soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Very flavorful but a bit too salty for my taste. I plan on coming back to try their beer sampler next time. Overall, I had a wonderful time with my friends here. Very caual environment with good food. I recommend checking out the general store - it sells some of the most unique, strangest, and cutest things!
(4)
Charnika P.
I live near the Hyattsville area and have repeatedly passed this restaurant always wondering if it was worth anything. I finally had an excuse to visit when sorority hosted a charity event at Franklin's. Apparently, they offer a deal where they will donate proceeds to party's dinner sells to a charity. HOW COOL IS THAT?! I'll admit that at first I was somewhat skeptical about the place. However, I was in for a pleasant surprise. The food is extremely good. I honestly didn't have any complaints. The service is even better. I would highly recommend the crab cakes, the crab dip, and onion rings. The pizza isn't bad either. The food is at a reasonable price and its definitely a family restaurant. I love the small town feel that you get inside. I haven't tried the beer but I hears its great. If you are in the area, I highly recommend that you opt for franklins over Busboys. Unfortunately, they don't offer brunch. I'm not sure why their management team decided to go that way. I actually think they are missing out on a lot of revenue.
(4)
Bryce Y.
Franklin's has a great atmosphere with great food. If you have to wait to be seated, you can spend your time in the general store and browse the beer and wine selection. If you get the chance, try to reserve a table in the brewing room (there are about 2-3 tables in there). The crab dip was delicious: a necessary appetizer if you're from Maryland. The ribs were also very good, with the choice of a dry rub, a Carolina sauce, or an in-house sauce. It was a very nice experience tucked away in Hyattsville.
(5)
Jay H.
I went here while I was trying to be healthy and that totally didn't work out. I wanted to try everything on the menu. The mussels are great and so is the bread pudding. Those two things alone will have me returning.
(5)
Ken M.
I've been here a few times over the years and I have mixed feelings about it. Since I'm not a beer drinker the fact that it has its own in house brewery complete with huge vats viewable from the bar doesn't do anything for me. The many different micro brews and beer tastings, etc. don't hold the attraction for me either. It is a nice, convivial place with a pretty steady stream of business both in the downstairs dining area and the upstairs bar/dining area.. There is also this kitschy general store that sells all kinds of wild and crazy stuff from days gone by and some newer and interesting stuff, too. It's the kind of place you go to try and find that thing you didn't think that made anymore. The food is good. I had the Thai grilled chicken salad. It was very tasty and. of course, huge. This is the kind of place for the local hipsters and beer snob and, every now and then, bring the family for a dinner out. I was there on a Saturday evening and it got pretty loud, pretty fast and I had a hard time hearing people I was talking to. I must be getting old.
(3)
Kristina P.
I really wish we had a better experience at Franklin's. The beer (I got the Bombshell Blonde) and my pizza (The Roni) were good, however the rolls were kind of gross. Our server brought out two different kinds and the one that I think had rye in it was, to be honest, disgusting. Our service was not great either. We had some questions for him since it was our first time there and he seemed very annoyed with us for asking questions. He didn't come back to check on us after he brought our food. When we needed refills and our check we had to wait for him to walk by and catch his attention. We were really disappointed with our experience.
(2)
Wills M.
I have been here many times and have had an ok experience. This time really not happy. I think we had the worst waitress on the east coast. Jyst the simple nice stuff. No water no rolls. Ordered an app for two and was asked if we needed another plate. The food was ok. But it looses it's savor when service us bad.
(2)
Ted C.
Not a bad place. I was taken here since it's a microbrew and it used to be a stop that my gf went to during her college days. The General Store section is kind of like a Cracker Barrel but on steroids and booze. Ordinarily, not a good combo but one that works here. We went upstairs to the taproom and instead of trying out one beer I thought I would try all of them. They had 10 on tap and I got 4 oz of each of them. Basically served in the order they have on the board. I think it would be best if they had arranged it from lightest to dark build up, but it wasn't hard to rearrange them. Their beers are okay-nothing particularly stood out except for their Private IPA which was had a fresh, hoppy flavor that made it extremely drinkable. The double was a little too resin-y in my opinion and their Farm ale was bitter and earthy tasting. I also had the onion rings-which were good. The gf talked them up as being the one ring to rule them, but they were a decent group of rings. Nostalgia is good, but probably not the best when it comes to talking up food.
(3)
Bob V.
Excellent food and a fun atmosphere. Service was outstanding. Will definitely stop here for lunch again when traveling they he area.!
(5)
Jessee M.
The food was pretty average, beer was good, wait staff was horrible. My party tried a variety of meals and nothing was totally stand out but nothing was bad. We did a beer sampler of 7 beers and I really liked their Red beer. Unfortunately our waitress was inattentive and very quick to blame the kitchen/anyone but her. We ordered dessert but never got it because it was taking way too long. The waitress was quick to tell us for the second time that night that there were a "bajillion" dessert orders. Poor effort to try and save a tip.
(3)
Rhome A.
The five stars isn't for the food, it's for the beer and the way this wonderful establishment anchors Hyattsville as a true neighborhood gathering place. I'm not saying the food is poor, it's hearty American style family dining and the burgers are pretty nice. The beer battered onion rings are also addictive. I'm just saying that the beer is the star of the show! Every time I go, the old favorites are balanced on the menu by some new elixirs they've brewed up. Get a sampler so you can try the many treats on tap. You'll always find a new favorite! Then you can get yourself a growler and take the goodness home to share. The attached general store is a lot of fun too. The staff is friendly and I see a lot of the same faces, so I'm guessing there isn't much turnover. That loyalty tells you something about the place. Sports buffs can also hang out at the bar to watch with other fans. I dropped in several times this summer for World Cup matches and took advantage of the happy hour specials. I really enjoy living in Hyattsville and Franklin's is part of that. I forgot to mention the coupons they send you on your birthday!
(5)
Sharon X C.
Since I'm a "regular" now that I've checked-in here TWO whole times, I figured a review was in order. I will try to keep it short and sweet although that's apparently impossible for me... Beer battered onion rings yes. North African nickel curves YES. Happy hour YES (half off apps and cheap beer). Blond Bombshell yes if you like light beers. Oyster Po Boy nooo...why did I think this was a good choice. It wasn't bad, but not worth the calories. Fries no...super bland. Also not worth the cals (I ate them anyways ugh) Summary: go for HH and get lots of beer and apps!
(4)
Jonetta F.
My family and I went to Franklin's for my birthday.. The appetizers were great, the ribs were delicious, we sampled and selected a nice new beer, and the service was excellent from William... Thank you William for making my Birthday so Special!!! Will definitely be coming back and telling all my friends!!!
(5)
Kyla C.
Been here a few times now and will probably make it a regular stop when we move to the neighborhood...fingers crossed. Everything I've ordered has been great. Really loved the fish and chips and the burger with Boursin cheese but the wings and beer are good too. Need to pick up a growler next time! And make sure to make a stop at the general store next door-could walk around there for hours!
(5)
Drew S.
OK, I'm a bit of a beer aficionado (snob, whatever), and I've heard about this Franklin's place. Upon entering, I'm greeted with the anonymous quote "Beer has food value, but food has no beer value." This is a step in the right direction... We were seated in the downstairs portion of the casual dining area (I did get a peek at the upstairs where there was more seating, television, and a full bar). Both areas were spacious and comfortable. On to the important stuff: While they may have been out of the double IPA I wanted, the Belgian style Tripel was amazing. I tried a few others and wound up going home with their Private IPA in a growler I just happened to have in my trunk. Doesn't everyone carry a spare growler in the trunk? Next: the food. We split a turkey Ruben and a Cuban sandwich, both of which were just amazing. They seem to use fresh ingredients, which goes a long way for taste. I look forward to heading back and trying other dishes. The service here was friendly, prompt, and very brew-knowledgeable. Abigail answered our questions, provided food and drink recommendations, and even knew of other awesome beer locals in the metro area. The gift shop had a lot of knick-knacks, but my favorite was the beer for sale section. Rows of IPAs, belgian styles, and other craft beers (some of which I haven't even heard of!). I was given a budget, else I may have gone overboard. All in all, I look forward to heading back to Franklin's for some food, brew, and a growler fill.
(5)
Matt C.
The crown Jewel of historic downtown Hyattsville. Great food and selection of micro brews. Love the quirky general store/gift shop attached.
(4)
Alyssa A.
I love coming to franklins. This past time that I went I got the Day After Thanksgiving entree and the hummus and pita starter. I loved it. I thought the hummus and pita was interesting as it comes with a few picked vegetables. Franklins has a great beer selection and they have a great store next door. If you come and there is a wait, just walk around the store. It's massive and there is literally something for everyone there. I have not been disappointed and can't wait to come back!
(5)
Roberto N.
Update. We've had good Sausage Pepperoni pizza, great iced tea. My friend had really good crab cakes. Since then, we've tried more traditional main course meals- the chicken, the pork, and every time, we've not been dissappointed. We've even dared the crowds to try to swing a birthday party there. The wait staff is REALLY well trained. Not just competent, but intelligent, and, somehow, involved. The place is a brewery, and has that cool vibe going for it. There's a general store next door that, well, defies description. All kinds of stuff you didn't think anyone made anymore. How good was it? We ate there two days in a row, that's how good.
(4)
Heli M.
Went here for my best friend's wedding rehearsal dinner and was stoked at the thought of it being at a brewery restaurant. We had a buffet-style dinner which was filled with a variety of all-American eats: cod, meatballs, mashed potatoes (my favorite), you name it. The drink prices were pretty reasonable and the beer selection accordingly was pretty extensive and impressive. Still there are some downsides to this place. First off, the inside is completely blah. Picture your average diner turned brewery. Nothing about the ambiance is that memorable or inviting. Secondly, it's a huge place with an even bigger parking lot that isn't free. That's right... forget the fact that It's a Maryland suburb, you'll still have to pay for parking on top of your dinner.
(3)
Jamie K.
I loved it. I had the Oktoberfest and my husband had the private IPA and the rubber chicken red. Those were as advertised accordingly. I had the Vulcan mind meld sandwich which is like a Ruben but with a lot of extras. It was flavorful. I recommend that. My husband played it safe with just a cheese burger with Munster cheese. He says his burger experience from 1-10 was a 9. I will come back to this place. Reminds me of other brewery's I have been to from other states.
(5)
Cheryl N.
This wonderfully odd combination of brewery, restaurant and general store is a bit of fun! You can go with a group of folks who are interested in say, "beer!", "burgers!", or even "shopping!" and all have a good time. Sit, if you can, upstairs where you can see the brewers going about their business. The crab cake sandwich with fries was yummy, and huge. The onion rings so crispy and lightly-beer-battered (sometimes they can be so soggy and ugh! - but not here.) And then you can toddle on down to the general store and surely find something that you didn't know you wanted! A great place to spend some time and $ in Hyattsville.
(3)
Brian H.
Frankin's has come a long way from the burger joint that catered almost entirely to the newly minted 21-year old co-eds from College Park. The beer selection and in-house quality has improved, as has the grub. The fish and chips were awesome, the service was excellent though spread a little thin. The "homemade" veggie burger had great flavor but was quite mushy. Overall, a welcome anchor for the prefab condos in the zoned Hyattsville "Arts" district.
(4)
Nick H.
Great home style food with excellent microbrews. We love Franklins enough to go once every couple weeks!
(5)
Priscilla P.
This place embodies the descriptor "Average." I'd even go so far as to say sub-par. The food was fine, nothing spectacular. The prices were not impressive for the average experience. The beers were a definite meh. With micro brews, I'm looking for above average; I'm looking for a beer that I really love and will keep coming back to this place to get it. That was not the case. One star off for boring beers (which, note, they couldn't even pour correctly. 2 inches of head on several of them - c'mon man!). Another star off for TERRIBLE service. I mean, really bad. It wasn't like this was a newbie server, or like he was horribly weeded. I know, I've been a server for years. He just didn't care to do a good job. This is the first time in 10 years I've left less than a 20% tip. Usually, I can come up with an excuse for a bad performance from a server. In this case - no excuse. Franklin's is at best a three star experience.
(3)
Lori J.
Lots of character. Fun decor. Service was excellent. Staff was fun. Gluten free menu. Great for kids and adults.
(5)
Annie L.
My first stop in D.C. after my bestie picked me up was at Franklin's. Mmmm mmmm gooooood. I ordered the veggie burger complete with avocado and ALL sauce on the side. The burger was extremely flavorful (my friend even tried it, a meat eater himself, and enjoyed it). Fries were thick cut, which aren't particularly my favorite. However, since I've been on more of a health kick I didn't eat too much of it anyway. They serve a variety of brews as well (hence the name "brewery"). Great place, great vibe, and best of all---great service. I really enjoyed my veggie burger here and was happy to see they had vegetarian options.
(4)
Marc L.
I've eaten here a half dozen times. We have a daughter at University of Maryland College Park, and this is our go-to place when we take her out (our choice, not hers). Also sometimes when I pick my wife up at BWI airport, we will stop here for a meal and to have some catch-up time. I like this place. The beers are quite good as is the food. There are many healthy options on the menu. I find the quality variable, sometimes truly excellent and sometimes mediocre. The last time I went, I took my daughter and her non-UMD sister, and they wondered why I like this place so much, as did I. The service was slow and unresponsive, the food was uninteresting. The beer is always good! I score it 4 stars because of good atmosphere, great beer, and sometimes good food and service. I will try this place again, and if they continue to underperform they will no longer be my go-to place.
(4)
Sara W.
I have been eating at this spot since it was nothing but a counter at the back of the general store. Over the years, we've seen nothing but growth, every few years with Franklin's expanding just a bit more. You will see the owner around just about every time you go in, and his love for the business and the neighborhood is easy to see. The interior is decorated with art by local artists, just ask your server about 'em! I am fairly certain eventually the tiny little strip it anchors, will actually be nothing but Franklin's. The beers are pretty good, but the menu is pretty great. Nothing pretentious, just a good variety of yummy dishes. The mealoaf with chipotle ketchup is so good it has ruined all other meatloaf for me (my mom agrees, so it's ok). The Cajun mac n' cheese is to die for - a huge portion of pasta sprinkled with plenty of crawfish, Andouille, chicken and Cajun seasoning. The cheese sauce is milky and not too heavy, which I prefer when mac n' cheese is the meal, not the side. My absolute favorite and my must-get every time I am home to visit is either the crab dip or the crabcake sandwich. The only complaint I have about the food is that they got rid of my former absolute favorite sandwich, the Julius Caesar. Sure, a grilled chicken sandwich topped with romaine, parmesan and Caesar dressing doesn't sound fabulous - but it was. And I miss it. Anywho, the service over the years has had it's ups and downs. Sometimes you have great servers, and other times you have grouchy ladies who tell you that if you want the Julius Caesar (right after it was taken off the menu), you can order a grilled chicken sandwich and an entire Caesar salad and assemble it yourself. She doesn't work there anymore, but she made it quite a few years...somehow. Lately, every time I've gone while home visiting we have gotten great service, so I'm happy to see the recent trend is a good one. The general store is fun, kitschy toys and gifts - and a really great wine and craft beer selection. Wines have star and heart stickers, indicating a good value or a staff favorite. You can ask for recommendations, they're more than happy to talk to you about what they love and help you narrow down your search by area or taste preference. Want to be left alone to browse? That's ok - they're fine with that too! Recently, they opened up another store-front to the right, so it's nearly doubled in size. Although there have been a lot more restaurants opening in the Hyattsville Arts District development, Franklin's remains a go-to in the rotation and still holds strong even though it's no longer the only place to eat!
(4)
Arthita G.
Sizzling black skillet mussels was the best food I had here. I also ordered beer battered onion rings and braised lamb shank and they were quite good. But what I will go back here for is their awesome cocktail -razputin.
(5)
Angela P.
Great service and decent brews. Had the lamb sliders and they were really freaking good. Good portion for a light-medium sized lunch and packed w/ flavor. You can't ask for more in a slider. Thai salad was sweet, crunchy, and fresh at the same time. Very filling as well. Overall we were surprised at the quality of this place. Definitely a nice place to grab a quick bite. Also, they have a super cool mural that lights up at night and the shop next door sells the coolest gadgets ever (dangerous for your wallet, but great place to pick up a gift) and beer&wine. Store's probably my favorite part!
(4)
Olive O.
The food, the brew and their ethics are excellent! EVERY restaurant should conduct business this way.... From their menu and website: We source our food locally whenever possible. Our partners include: Roseda Farms (Monkton): Burgers and Steaks Maple Lawn Farms (Fulton): Turkey Cherry Glen Farms (Boyds): Goat Cheese TGIF Farms (Upper Marlboro): Produce Harris Orchards (Jug Bay): Fruit Orinoco (Columbia): Organic Fair Trade Coffee Uptown Bakery (Bladensburg): Bread Clements Bakery (Bladensburg): Carrot Cake Recycling Harlowes Farm, Helen's Dream (Harwood): Recycles our spent grain Earnest Maier Co. (Bladensburg): Recycles our fryer oil for diesel fuel Plus, local art, plus ongoing fundraising support, plus a general store....need I say more.
(5)
Jeff H.
Read this review from someone who called himself Johnny B. He claimed that Franklins didn't have steak or unbattered fish. That is an out-an-out lie. They always have two steaks on the menu and two non-fried fish selections beside the fish and chips. Why does this guy write these things? They have the most interesting menu around. It changes all the time, but the hanger steak and the local Reseda farms NY strip steak are always there and are excellent.
(5)
Top B.
Went back for second visit and although the food was good on the first visit, my meal was bad enough to send it back (a noodle bowl; like Pho). It really had no flavor and the broth tasted like stale dishwater. Unfortunately, the worse part of the meal was the service (our first visit also suffered from terrible service). A young African-American man with a funny Mohawk haircut was our server. I describe him so the mgt. can train him correctly. He did not check on us during the meal until we had to flag him down; same for getting the check (had to get another server for this as well as bringing over the mgr to send back my food); did not stop by to get more drinks; did not ask us if we wanted dessert (we did) and he literally dropped off the check and took off again and did not thank us for coming to the restaurant. C'mon Franklin's-you can do better.
(2)
Tatenay M.
Came back to celebrate my birthday here, because there's no place we'd rather do so! The new seasonal menu has a fantastic lollipop kale that's a must order, fried crispy deliciousness. Their new beer, Tenacious C (a sour), was amazing, and another addition to the overwhelmingly good lineup of beers they have constantly rotating through their taps. Food, service, and beer were top notch, as usual, and as always, we headed home with a growler (of Tenacious C, natch) and several bottles of Franklin's barrel aged beers from the attached store next door (which also has an amazingly friendly/helpful staff, a great array of kitchen items, toys, knick-knacks, and beer), excited for our next visit!
(5)
Patti K.
Great place. Great service. The feta burger, vegetarian chili and chicken/cheese quesadilla were really good. Would definitely come back again. My only negative comment and the lack of 5 stars was the very dusty light fixtures upstairs. Hard to believe this is overlooked by management.
(4)
Galit d.
We always made this place a stop on the way down to DC, I think this would be the last time. The food was just not fit for eating. I'll start from the best part and then head down the hill. Wheat beer is nice, the bread basket in the beginning and the fries with kids meals were all good. The appetizers we started with were the quesedillas, the vegetarian chilli and the wings. Those were all descent. We should have stopped there because then the entrees were just worse and worst. The noodleless lasagna was not good, eggplant under cooked and didn't feel fresh, roasted peppers also seemed from a jar. Unfit to eat. I don't usually return food, but this I did, I didn't receive an offer to take it off the bill but order something else instead. I tried the spinach salad. Again, so disappointing, spinach wilty, vinaigrette was disgusting, couldn't eat it. My husband ordered fish and chips. That came out with a batter too thick and too oily. The worst insult of all was the kids meals, both chicken tenders and burger were awful, the burger just tasted gross, I couldn't even put my finger on it, but needless to say the kids didn't touch it.
(1)
Linda O.
Franklin's has the most extraordinary onion rings I have consumed. They are pricey, but out of this world. I am a huge onion ring lover, so know onion rings. Very difficult to get it right. I have eaten a lot of bad onion rings in my life, but these are really worth the drive. Franklin's has a very homey atmosphere; it's family friendly, and the staff tries to please. No snobby attitudes here. Their mico-brewery has some respectable beers, and that's saying a lot in a region where there are incredible breweries to choose from. The crab cakes are very generous, too. It's a bit of a throwback but I respect this restaurant for being what it is.
(4)
R B.
Mussels = excellent appetizer, especially for groups Crab cakes = quality + authentic
(4)
Tianna S.
I have been enjoying the fare at Franklin's for at least 13 years. Absolutely the BEST, skillet mussels I have had in the DMV. Hands down! Some dishes aren't my favorite, but the fried chicken salad, gnocchi with shrimp and roasted tomatoes are my go-to's. The pizzas are light and delicious. I always leave happy and fulfilled at Franklin's.
(4)
Sabrina W.
All I can say is Franklin's Brewery is awesome! I ate there with friends this evening. We ordered the mushroom quesadilla, grilled acorn squash, pulled pork, the black bean burger and the pecan bread pudding with ice cream. We all enjoyed our food. In fact, the acorn squash was the best I've ever had and the black bean burger was moist, well-seasoned and delicious! Dessert was too amazing to explain. I'm not the hugest fan of bread pudding but this bread pudding called my name. We ordered it, split it and almost fought over who would lick the bowl!! (just joking) When we were done, I headed into the general store to get a few treats for my kids. I picked up 2 shea butter soaps and some vintage candies and chocolate. It was a little pricey but who cares. We will definitely return to Franklin's Brewery for more meals and shopping!
(5)
Nicholas T.
It's great having Franklin's in the neighborhood. The Route 1 corridor is indeed undergoing a tremendous revitalization, and Franklin's is playing a great part in the overall effort. There are always several beers on tap, and they are mostly good. Some are a little sad and past their peak in freshness. The food is inconsistent. We've had very good meals there, and miserable ones. I once had a fried catfish that was HUGE and SO bland. Burgers are usually a safe bet, though I'd order them a step more well done than you'd usually. Our favorite thing about Franklin's is the General Store. In there, you'll find some of the best beers in the world, funny gifts, and great nostalgic candies. It's like those Cracker Barrel Stores but WAY more fun and less grandma.
(3)
Jim D.
Found this gem on yelp while visiting our sons at UMD. Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table but the time flew while perusing the quaint shop. Wife purchased a nice inexpensive bottle of red that we were able to cork for only $10. I started with a beer flight, the bombshell blonde, rubber chicken red and twisted turtle pale ale were all fantastic. The ridiculous red was a little too sour for me but our server Kristie sensed I did not like it and immediately replace it with the King Slayer ale and I ended with a pint of that. All 4 of our entrees were very good and the service was efficient and friendly... Will definitely go back on our next visit
(4)
Sofie S.
always good service. food is delicious, especially their burgers! love the store adjacent to the restaurant. they have such fun knick-knacks!
Delicious and a wonderful service. It can't not get better than that. Easy access and plenty parking spaces. Friendly servers and the little store next door is a place to visit before leaving the place.
(5)
Sarita R.
I love Franklins! I used to come here in grade school before it became a restaurant. Such a cool, funky place
(5)
Polly G.
Great food. Service can be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes we get a disgruntled waitress that is clearly not happy with her job - not something I need to know when I'm going to dinner to get away from my day. I like the little shop and always look around for a bit while I'm waiting for my table. Food is good, beer is nice, overall a lovely local little place to go. Just look out for the disgruntled waitress.
(4)
Corey W.
The food can sometimes be a hit or miss, but I have three stand by favorites that are almost always on point: Day After Thanksgiving, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, and the Pulled Pork Platter (Carolina style only- the house BBQ is awful). There is a decent amount of parking, which is rare for this area, and the little attached store is a fun way to pass the time if you end up having to wait for a table. I will say that if you come as a party of 1 or 2 during busy hours, you might end up at a long table dining with other small parties. For some people, that might be fine, but I'm not a fan. I haven't been very impressed with their pizza, and the burgers, while flavorful, sometimes come on very dry buns. The rolls they bring you before your meal are also very odd. It's like they just buy whatever is cheapest and about to expire and give that away. I've rarely had the same type of bread twice, and it's almost always borderline stale. Besides that, though, it is one of my favorite restaurants in the area, especially if you are a beer drinker.
(4)
Trevor O.
Huge fan of Franklin's. They always have an assortment of interesting beers and as a connoisseur of black bean burgers I am happy to report they have one of the best around. Along with that, the general store is fun to check out too. It's got all kinds of quirky gifts and a rather large selection of bottled beers, including a great selection of some of the more obscure dogfish head bottles. All in all it's a great place to get a meal and it's got loads of local charm too.
(5)
Travis S.
Late lunch with the boss, customer service was great....Stopped by the wine shop....Adam was phenomenal I recommend you find him for suggestions he took care of us no worries. The food was great I ordered the meatloaf with the sweet potatoe mash good deal for me.
(5)
Jessica V.
I've been going to Franklin's for awhile now. I'm a huge fan of the Glorious Gloria (grilled chicken with bacon and swiss on a soft bun). Delish. They have a great selection of brews to choose from, always something different.
(4)
Hima P.
I have been here so many times, I've lost count! The food here is great, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. I love their South by Southwest pizza (I am able to sub portobella mushrooms for the chicken, since I'm a vegetarian), as well as their beer battered onion rings!
(4)
Tom C.
ducken se awesome is back! try the duck salad!!
(4)
Tami B.
We started with fried green tomatoes and remoulade. The tomatoes were crispy and tasty (better without the remoulade) but they were very little (make a circle with your thumb and forefinger) and there were only four for $6. In the middle of summer you can easily get giant tomatoes, so I am not sure why they chose such small ones. We split the sandwich called the Vulcan Mind Meld (hot pastrami, corned beef, Swiss and Provolone, slaw, hot relish, pickles, skinny fries, 1000 island, and tomato on rye). It was plenty for two people and really good. Not a fan of the skinny fries, though. We mentioned to our server that we thought the tiny serving of fried green tomatoes was not worth the price and the manager halved the price. Our server said they "should have given us five." I appreciated that but five little slices would still be paltry for the cost. I won't get FGT here again. After lunch we had fun wandering through the treasures next door in the shop--too much to see in one visit! Oh--the parking is not free.
(4)
Libby F.
This review is strictly for the General Store part of Franklin's. I went here after eating at another Hyattsville establishment, and we were passing by, so we decided to stop on in and check the place out. I've never been; my pal hasn't been since they made all the renovations. The atmosphere on both the lower level and upstairs in the bar area is lively. We were there around the tail end of happy hour. So, I am now curious to sample their home-brewed ales. That will be another review... I am in love with their General Store! I can't begin to tell you what they have in there, except to say EVERYTHING! Do you want to get a coworker a little going away gift? The friend who has everything? The fussy mother-in-law? They have soaps, Maryland souvenirs, jewelry, puppets, cell phone gadgets, kooky glasses, and the list goes on and on. I can see how one reviewer managed to spend $300.00. About the parking... It's not their lot, so quit yer bellyaching. The county lot has a pay station, like parts of DC, and it's way, way less than DC... $0.50/hr. Someone wrote that it's free after 6pm, but I think, according to the sign, it's now 8pm (Mon-Sat). I'll have to check next time when I come back for a home brew and some of those gigantic onion rings (half off during happy hour!).
(4)
Chris S.
It's a great place for a group lunch, it's kinda pricey but the menu looks great. However if you don't eat meat then the tastiest thing available is pizza, overpriced and thin pizza. The deserts don't have a pictures so you never know what you might get. $8 for a chocolate tort?!
(3)
H W.
Again, they take off of the menu one of the only things I find tasty, the mango salad. Too bad. I have no reason left to go. Luckily there are now quite a few options in the area to choose from.
(1)
Theresa R.
BEST ONION RINGS EVER - I can't help but order them as an appetizer every time I eat here. They are HUGE, thick-cut, perfectly battered and fried and sprinkled with a little bit of old bay seasoning. If you want to be able to eat your dinner after these, sharing is a must! Their sandwiches, burgers, and ribs have always been wonderful and their pizza is pretty good too, but beware some of the items on the entree menu, like the noodleless lasagna or the flatbread "thing". I wish they would replace those monstrosities with a wider variety of more traditional dinner entrees, like chicken and steak dishes. The general store is a cute addition as well - always fun to look at while you wait for a table. (They always overestimate the wait time by double, FYI). They also sell beers and hard cider in single bottles, which is great for trying out something new.
(4)
Lauren M.
The best restaurant in the Hyattsville area. There's an extensive lot in the back, so parking isn't usually an issue. They brew their own beers, some of which are always available. They also offer seasonal brews, so it's nice to sample something new. This restaurant is almost always packed, with families, couples, groups. While you're waiting, spend some time in their general store. They do wine pourings on Thursdays, I believe. There's a lot offered, from kid toys, kitchen and house accessories, to beer and wine. Like their beers, Franklin's has a standard menu, then a rotating seasonal menu. We love the crab dip to start. My go-to is usually the bacon-wrapped meatloaf. I'm not even a meatloaf fan and I love this entree. I usually also order the corn pudding as an add-on because it's that delicious. The husband's standard order is the pulled pork, which is always tender and savory. But everything we've ever ordered has been delicious. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)
Michelle G.
We stopped in for some microbrews around 10PM on a Saturday night. The bar area was pretty full and the only seats available were at the bar. My friends and I just wanted drinks, but we also wanted to sit at a table so we could talk. There was a closed off section of tables and we asked if we could sit there. The hipster bartender answered with a very curt and final "no." He wasn't in a good mood. I felt that he could have been a little nicer, possibly offering some other options. I suggest that they come up with a new microbrew and name this one "Angry Bartender." It should be dark and very bitter.
(2)
Andra N.
I've been here many times and it's always my go to place when I'm looking for a good brew and comforting food. I've sat at the bar, at the restaurant and made reservations and each experience went along with no issues. There is such a variety of beers, but I'm particularly favored towards their stouts. Food: FRIED CALAMARI, their pulled pork, their burgers.. all a great meal. I feel like anything you get here will be delicious. It's nice to have a place you trust. Franklin's will never fail you.
(5)
Jeremy A.
While Franklin's doesn't accept reservations on the weekends, it's appended general store full of bagatelle, furbelows, and objet d'art provides ample conversation starters and gift ideas for your partygoers. The building itself is a former blacksmith and carriage maker dating back to 1880. If the building is the bones, then the kitchen is its soul, and here the Gastropub does not disappoint. Despite the ambitiously broad brush the menu is painted with, covering multiple regions and disciplines within cuisine, I have yet to be disappointed by something that the kitchen does not do well. The bacon wrapped meatloaf, sizzling black skillet mussels, gnocchi, penne, bourbon pecan bread pudding, apple crisp, and hot fudge brownie sundae are all meticulously crafted in an approachable unassuming setting. Chef Heckrotte's seasonal menu of locally sourced fare is well worth your evening out. This may be PG's only brewpub, but it is clear that it does not take the easy road, but rather strives to have guests choose the place as their new favorite at each visit.
(5)
Vincent R.
Hidden gem of PG county. Love this place. Great food with huge portions and great micro brews. I'd go for the "Day After Thanksgiving" meal and the Bombshell Blonde. Bring your growlers or buy one there. The store next door is pretty neat too. They sell a lot of micro brews and wine local and national.
(5)
Amanda B.
The general store attached to the restaurant was really awesome and had some cute, unique items. We started our meal with the Spinach dip which was fantastic. Also they give you a bread plate with a great assortment to start. Also I got one of their home brewed beers which was very good. For dinner we got the Gnocchi, which was terrible, it was way to salty, I would not recommend it. Also dessert was alright, we got the apple cobbler which was not the best I've ever had but was pretty good. So to sum up the appetizers were fantastic but our entree and dessert were a little lacking. But I will go back to Franklin's for the bread, beer, and appetizers!
(4)
Krissi H.
OK, I'm now officially a convert (and have been for a while). I think the food has been improving. And there's always at least one beer that is yummy. Plus, I just love the vibe of the place. And the (recently expanded!) store. I'm happy to call Franklin's my neighborhood spot.
(4)
Andromeda L.
Came back for salmon and special chicken soup contains Doritos(?). Salmon was slightly overlooked but not the worst I've had. Nice, quick and comfortable dinner service this time so I suppose we bumped into the traffic last time.
(4)
Hope L.
Finally tried this place out and I am ecstatic about the secret gem I have discovered!! Walked in and was greeted by the cheerful host, seated with Meghan as our server and MEGHAN IS THE BEST!!! It was my first time there and she gave my family and I the run down on all of the great dishes and her personal recommendations. It's great when you go to a restaurant that has servers who actually eat there, know what the food taste like, ENJOY THE FOOD and can tell you all about the menu. She was very passionate about her job and made our dining experience even better. Big Kudos to MEGHAN! :-) We ordered fish and chips, buffalo wings, onions rings, Franklin's Burger and the Pot Roast Dinner. EVERYTHING was delicious!! The fish and chips is fried in a awesome beer batter and I think the Onion Rings are too. Now let me tell you that I am a VERY picky person when it comes to Onion Rings. I don't like that mushy stuff that's inside of a "ring shaped" batter; I want REAL onions dipped in good, tasty batter and fried to perfection and that my friend is exactly what you get here at Franklin's! The fish wasn't overcooked; it had that perfect flake when you bit into it the fries were yummy too. Wings were good. I also ordered a Lemon Drop Martini and it was very good. I didn't try the burgers but they looked really good and no one was disappointed. OH! They have this cute little store right next door to the restaurant and it has some of the coolest old school toys, (nostalgia at it's best) candy and oh and let me not forget the unique and rare wines, beers (popular ones too). *COOL FACT* You can purchase a bottle of wine from the store and request to drink it while you have dinner ($10 cork fee) ;-) Btw I heard the mussels are EXCELLENT and they receive a fresh shipment every morning. I am looking forward to going back and will update my review...stay tuned...
(5)
Andrew B.
Awesome service. This is a great local business. The crab cake was good and did not have much filler. The wings were a little small but still tasty. The general store is great for kids and adults.
(5)
Jelece M.
The lamb burgers are everything!!! Great service and a wide variety of beer coming from a non beer drinker.
(5)
Natalie M.
Franklin's is the ultimate. Great food, TOP NOTCH beer, and great service. This is a must-try if you're in the area!
(5)
Ria H.
We finally tried this place and I'm so glad that we did. Great service, cool atmosphere and good food. You have to pay to park in their parking lot but it's not expensive.
(4)
John D.
Usually a good experience, but last night encountered one of the hosts (guy with tattoos and ear rings) that gave me the wrong info regarding a fundraiser, then seemed to catch an attitude when I spoke with the manager (who had the right info). Ended up ordering the meatloaf and spent most of the night in the bathroom. Not a good experience.
(2)
Christl A.
This is a great place for adults and little ones! We went to dinner with our 9 month old and another couple who has two little ones under 5. It's a two story establishment with the downstairs acting as the more family friendly area (with a gift shop, brewery, and toy store attached) and the upstairs serving as the more adult friendly area with a bar. Drinks and great beer can be ordered in both areas. We received spectacular service from our waiter who was cheerful and also interacted with the kids really nicely. As an appetizer we ordered the onion rings and I was quite impressed. These are not your typical frozen bland onion rings that many places try to pass off as an appetizer. They were well breaded, thick, flavorful, and had a perfect texture. As a main course I ordered a tai curry dish which I thought was bland and lacked the multi faceted taste that real curry possesses (hence the four stars instead of five.) My husband on the other hand, ordered a burger and fries and the burger was absolutely delicious! After trying a bite of his burger I felt I had made a mistake in ordering a more exotic dish. We will definitely eat there again, but next time I will play it safe and order a burger.
(4)
pomona k.
I've been to Franklin's several times. I really want to like this restaurant as it's near my house, it's a local business that supports the community, and Mr. enjoys this place, but the food does not speak to me. Pizzas and burgers are ok and I do like the steak fries, but I wouldn't recommend the meatloaf (it was undercooked when I got it) or the turkey dinner. I would frequent this restaurant if the food improved as I really want to support it, but for now, I will return only when Mr. insists.
(3)
Hellem H.
I really like Franklins! The food and staff are great! I just had some buffalo wings which btw, are delicious! They have a bar upstairs and flat screens which are handy for game nights. I need to find time to come more often!
(4)
Jill M.
I've been eating at Franklin's for years, well before all the recent development in Hyattsville (University Town Center and the new Arts District). Even with all the new restaurants in the area, Franklin's still stands out. It's totally unique, has a wide variety of good food, great beer that they brew themselves, and a quirky general store on site with stuff ranging from the old-fashioned to kitchy to useful. Some of my favorite menu items are: pizzas with tasty fresh toppings, crabcakes, fresh grilled mussels (simple salt and butter, not cooked in a broth), and their creative healthy salads. They do tours of the little microwbrewery that is on site, and they fill growlers of their beer to take home. My favorite is the Bitter Markie Double IPA, but they have a wide variety on tap any given day. The atmosphere is really laid back and fun, with friendly staff, and a diverse crowd.
(5)
Dawn R.
Stopped in for a late night drink after leaving an event at the university, so I didn't have a full meal and can't comment on the entire menu. My friend and I each had a beer, I had the red which was pretty tasty, and he had the pumpkin lager which was very tasty. We ordered some crab dip, which was served up beautifully with a nice loaf of crusty bread. However, it looked much better than it tasted.....it was loaded with way too much onion for my taste. I shouldn't have to crunch through chunks of onion to enjoy my crab dip. The service was friendly, the decor was pretty cool, so maybe if I try something else from the menu I'll like it better.....perhaps I'll stop in for lunch sometime.
(3)
Spencer H.
Love their turkey club.. None better!
(5)
Jen G.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Franklin's already. It's great! I recently moved to the area and was absolutely delighted to find a nearby brewery and restaurant (with a fun general store attached!). Everything I've ordered from Franklin's has been delicious. If the Day After Thanksgiving is on the menu, it's a must-try (seriously, who can resist turkey on top of mashed potatoes on top of bread, smothered in gravy with a side of cranberry sauce?). Franklin's also serves the best burgers in the area. The pizzas are yummy, and there are vegetarian options other than salads (but the salads are great, too!). I appreciate Franklin's attention to locally sourced items and friendly/attentive service, as well as high quality brewing. Their sour beers are out of this world! Aside from the sours, I also highly recommend the Stonehenge (so light for such a dark beer!) and the Rubber Chicken Red. But really, if there's a sour on the menu, I could drink it all day. Finally, the Franklin's General Store is fantastic. I stop by quite often just for their great selection of beer and wine but the rest of the store is filled with fun, kitschy stuff (plus a lot of useful items). It's easy to spend 30 minutes to an hour just browsing through the store. =)
(5)
Dave L.
Good food. Great beer. This was my third time at Franklin's but the first time I was there for something more than just beer. I had a pint of Modest ProposAle (Irish Stout), a Cuban sandwich (pulled pork on a roll), and coleslaw. The sandwich was good and filling. The coleslaw was how I like it, wet but not dripping wet and the seasoning was just right for me. The Modest ProposAle was excellent. I bought a growler and had them fill it with their IPA, because they don't fill growler's with the Modest ProposAle.
(4)
Stephanie E.
We have been coming here for years. Stopped in for lunch this afternoon and had some shrimp quesadillas and my husband had the crab cake sandwich. As always everything was delish. Usually good beers on tap, but we didn't indulge today. Definitely a little gem in hyattsville that was there even before they fancied up route 1.
(4)
Timir D.
This place is a solid 3. Most of the dishes are nothing special. A couple of them stand out. I have been here many times and have tried at least ten different dishes, but I can only remember a few of them, which in itself says a lot. Of the few that I do remember I particularly liked the hanger steak and the mussels. The steak is a good cut of meat which is properly cooked to the doneness that you request. The mussels are grilled, have a salt crust and are served with clarified butter. Grilled mussels if done correctly are often better than steaming/boiling them since the liquor/juice stays inside and is not lost to the boiling liquid. I do keep returning to this place because it stands out as just above mediocre amongst a plethora of horrible eating establishments in College Park.
(3)
Bryan H.
It made the food network for a reason! The place has "The Day After Thanksgiving" and Oh my stars is it ever! You get turkey,mashed potatoes, sourdough bread, and cranberry sauce. It is better then most home cooked Thanksgiving meals. I also highly recommend the "Fish & Chips" because it is some of the best I have ever had and as an Irish Man that is saying a lot . Just enough crunch and hardly any grease. Now onto the beer y'all! They make it in house and it is good. I love the" Twisted Turtle Pale Ale" I mean you're already eating fired so just have at it! Sit downstairs if you like peace and quit . They like to seat people upstairs but the service is never as good and it is to much waller and hallar for my taste.
(5)
M W.
Beer is good. Food is decent. Service is OK, not great. Atmosphere is poor. Feels more like a cafeteria.
(3)
Lhynette C. A.
The restaurant has a good laid back atmosphere...i have been here several times, usually with one of my close college friend. The food is american fare, nothing fancy, nothing different. But my favorite part of Franklin's is the shop! I can spend hours in that General store because they have REALLY awesome and one of a kind items!
(3)
Emily M.
2 words : Jam Jar Tip: Don't go in to their store...you will be broke as you exit. Consider this a fair warning.
(5)
Chard X.
This place is awesome, as long as you're not eating there. The store is really exciting, with all sorts of great kitschy toys, a really fantastic import beer selection, a wide variety of hot sauces; the store is awesome. The food here sucks. It's incredibly bad, boring, just awful on all accounts. Their in-house brewed beers are rather novice productions as well. Generally soapy and flavorless. Please Franklin's, just get your act together -- you could be so cool if you weren't so inedible.
(2)
Dani H.
Best burger I've ever had!! Excellent beer and great little shop. Beer lover's delight!
(5)
Amanda C.
No foreigner to craft brews, I am quite the fan of Franklin's selection. Their mussels are also delicious and their appetizers are well portioned. While the cozy-home brew atmosphere is a plus in my book, I wish the wait staff was consistently better at making pairing suggestions for their beers. For a spot that differentiates itself from the area by having such a unique drink menu (go for the Moo Cow!), I am surprised- and disappointed-- they don't incorporate pairing into their dining experience more. (perhaps some of their staff does, I just haven't been that lucky patron yet.) That said, if you're looking for a place to enjoy the game with tasty bar food, you can find that and more at Franklin's.
(4)
Tristan K.
The most unique dining option in Hyattsville. The menu is simple home-cooking crowd pleasers with only average execution and prices a dollar or two higher than you would like. Still, the pulled pork and post-thanksgiving platter hold up. Brewing your own beer means lots of variety and seasonality. Large space that still gets crowded during peak hours but plenty of parking attached. The attached general store is great for waiting out a table and features a good selection of beer/wine, candy, children's toys, hot sauces, kitchen gadgets, board games, and tchotchkes. (Needless to say, great for gifts.)
(4)
Jarrett S.
Love Franklin's. This is a Hyattsville institution and it is a community gathering place for the surrounding area. A great place to bring your folks - or your kids - or to get a drink with your friends. In-house beers (and their root beer) are fantastic. I *am* vegetarian, so while I can eat some of their entrees, there's a whole bunch that are meat-focused. So I can't comment on the latter - but the veggie options are tasty, filling and well-made. The General Store (think Spencer's?) is a great place to browse and buy some stuff while you're waiting for your table. Some people here on Yelp have complained about the service - in coming here at least 30 times, I've never had any problems. The staff is always friendly and helpful.
(5)
Jmarc P.
OK, been going to Franklin's since it opened and it is STILL our favorite place to go. Decent food and good beer. Over the years they have removed some of our favorite menu items (like the Muffaletta Pie) however, today was another change. The 2 stars is only for tonight. They have always had the Thai Chicken Coconut curry which had some great heat and a perfect meal to consume with beer...tonight I ordered that same dish HOWEVER I did not notice the change!! The food came but with NO CHICKEN!! I told the waitress that they forgot to put chicken in my meal and maybe I got someones vegetarian version because instead of chicken it had potatoes! Potatoes AND rice??? She got me some chicken to add. What a disappointment! The red "Thai" sauce no longer had that great Thai heat and is now a kiddie version of the old item! If you are going to make it vegetarian at least put tofu in it...but potatoes?? I say go back to the old version and if someone wants vegetarian they can request to leave the chicken out.! Otherwise my wifes Hanger Steak was good, daughters Fish and Chips was Fair...too much thick batter on the fish and not enough fish. The beer was good though!
(2)
Jen F.
Franklin's is one of the few restaurants close to College Park. It is American style food- burgers, salads, and pizzas are their main offerings. Their food is decent- beats Applebees any day. I like the vast selection of entrees on their menu. No matter who you come with, everyone will find something they'll eat. The seasonal menu is also pretty cool- definitely give it a look. My waitress was great, although there was one old guy who rolled his eyes when my table wasn't ready to order yet. How mean. The food comes out within a reasonable time period. The little gift shop is worth checking out. It's pretty neat! You don't even have to buy anything, just play.
(3)
Lisa S.
Family dinner while visiting kids attending UMD. Waited for about half hour but time flew by as we shopped in the general store which had something for all ages. Including a nice small wine niche. Our waitress was friendly and had some good suggestions. The nickel lamb sliders were great! Loved the spinach salad and kids killed the crab dip. All entrees were good. We has lump crab cakes, ribs with franklin BBQ sauce, pulled pork and hangar steak. Yes, we r meat eaters! Nice meal good vibe. Would definitely come back during our next visit.
(4)
Tisha V.
I have been here about 4 times now and I do love it. I have lived in Hyattsville for a while and never even noticed this place. I literally drove past this a billion times and didn't even know it was a restaurant. I will continue to go here. It seems like the food is consistent. Pros: Huge portions, good prices, food taste homemade, cool little store inside, and a parking lot located right next to the restaurant. Cons: Fries are kinda crappy and the service isn't that great. So if you live in Hyattsville I would def recommend this place over Busboys and Poets anyday.
(4)
Rick S.
Nice place, food is above average and staff is friendly and helpful. The ability to buy a wine at the attached store and bring it to the table (+$10 corkage fee) is a really nice feature. Very noisy by design.
(4)
Collin S.
Went here the other night after a long day and it was pretty good. Lots of tasty looking things on the menu, but I sprung for the pulled pork platter. Be warned, the portion of meat on this dish is HUGE. I have enough for lunch or dinner for a couple of days afterwards, and I'm usually a pretty big eater. Private IPA was a really good beer. Had a really good hoppy/skunky taste to it like a good IPA should. Finished up with a chocolate shake, since I've been craving one for upwards of three weeks now, and it was really good. I'll definitely be back at some point in the future. Reminds me of some of the
(4)
Monica G.
My review is for the food and the booze. My boyfriend and I are awful at getting anywhere on time, so we didn't make it in time to check out the store. He's from Cheverly, so he and his family grew up eating here, and he was excited to have dinner here with me. I was nervous because he hyped it up so much, but they definitely lived up to my expectations. We split a buffalo chicken sandwich and a burger with barbecue sauce and a few other things on it. They were both really, really delicious. They were so flavorful, and we had the option to get our burger cooked medium-rare. Soooooo good. Also, I got fries, and he got cole slaw. Normally, I hate cole slaw and never even try it. However, I sampled his, and it was really good. I don't know what was different about it, but it worked for me. As for the drinks......theymake a Game of Thrones trilogy of beer. I mean, how can you not get that? He had the Half Man and I had the Dragon Queen, which was something like 8 or 9% alcohol? Although it was strong, it didn't overpower the beer. It was so crisp and delicious. I also had a margarita, cause I had been away from Texas too long and I really wanted one. It tasted like a grown up margarita... it tasted kind of clean? I don't know how to describe it. I still enjoyed it, but I really wanted a fruity, trashy, frozen margarita. I guess I'm growing up.
(5)
Deanna C.
Love it! We went in at 10:00pm on a Friday and it was very quiet. I surmised that this was probably because UMD was on summer break. My hubs and I shared an onion ring appetizer. Which was fabulous (and I don't like onion rings normally). Hubs had a cheeseburger which he loved and I had the strawberry salad. That salad was the BEST strawberry salad that I have had EVER!
(5)
Chuq Y.
I've been here a handful of times, and they are consistently great. If you have to wait, and I don't think I ever have, either peruse the gift shop, or pop a squat at the bar upstairs. Their microbrews change pretty frequently, and if you really like what you're drinking, you can get a growler to take home! The food is very good there, and we've never had a problem with the service. They have a kid's menu in case you bring the little ones. And if you ask nicely, they might even make you a grilled cheese to go with the tomato soup that is on special there occasionally. if you want recommendations from me, I suggest the mussels for an appetizer and the bbq combination (half rack of ribs and half a chicken). You will likely have to take some food home. I honestly haven't had anything there that I didn't really like, so you're pretty safe getting anything.
(5)
Jennifer I.
This is a great staple restaurant in the area. They have a few stand out items and change some of the menu seasonally, which is awesome. Service is really good; beer is generally quite tasty. That said, we've noticed inconsistency on a few dishes (sometimes they are amazing, sometimes they're average), and many of the dishes - though quite tasty - disappoint. We definitely continue to visit Franklins for the convenience (and for the store - which is amazing) - just don't expect to be blown away.
(3)
Jenny T.
The food is a bit over-priced, but tasty and worth it for the fun. The onion rings were the biggest I've ever seen. HUGE and GREAT beer selection, awesome general store (HUGE selection of hot sauces). Honestly, I come back for the beer, and the fact that it's perhaps the only decent American restaurant near UMD. The service is pretty good, especially considering how busy it gets. The parking also isn't bad.
(4)
Nancy A.
My family loves this place! We like to go for family dinners or even birthdays. It's a really cute local restaurant with a lot of artsy style. The General Store is attached to the hostess area and it has some great finds - quirky gift items and wine/beer. Glad to have a locally owned place to go in PG County. The onion rings are a must try. And really, everything I have had at Franklin's was GOOD!!
(5)
Anita J.
Never had a bad meal. Love the burgers! Service is hit or miss, great decor. The store attached is AWESOME!!
(4)
Eva W.
You haven't been to Franklin's? What? That's crazy! So many, many reasons to love it: (1) Great vegetarian options, including the chili. (2) Amazing salads - Franklin's makes a mighty fine salad. They are never over-dressed. The Greek is awesome. They had an amazing celery root/apple salad on their Fall 2012 menu (I miss it!) (3) SIDES! - Every time I go with new people, I tell them to try one of the amazing sides. The corn pudding and the mashed sweet potatoes are INCREDIBLE. MUST-TRY! (4) Beer - The beers are cheap and delicious. There is always something new to try. (5) Service - Always great! (6) The Store - Classic toys, stuffed animals, jewelry, greeting cards, candy, wine, kitschy stuff galore! It's the perfect place to get a cool gift for your bizarre friend.
(5)
Karen S.
The food here is great and I always end up taking home some leftovers! I love the mussels appetizer (SIZZLING) and the crab dip appetizer to start, and the chicken pot pie or one of their pizzas as an entree. My boyfriend always gets their pulled pork, which is a HUGE platter, so he ends up taking a lot home. The waitresses are usually really friendly and helpful, and even though you can get crammed into a weird seat really close to other people, the environment is usually pretty good. Waiting here is a lot of fun-- I love exploring the general store and buying random candy, cards, and the strangest little knicknacks. They've got a lot of beer and wine that you can't find in other places, and you can even bring home some of their beer as well. It's great to have a non-chain restaurant to go to in the CP area. The parking can be kind of strange-- first-timers should know there's a lot of parking in the back, not just the area you can see from Baltimore Ave.
(4)
Charmie P.
Amazing! Loved the ginormous onion rings, chicken wings, great pork and even better craft beers. I loved the market store they have. The servers were very friendly and accomocating, would totally go back.
(4)
Johnnie B.
Really getting tired of Franklin's pedestrian, intransigent menu. How can they not have a steak or ribs of some sort listed? Come on. Steak?! And how about one real, unbattered fish selection? Wild trout, anyone?
(1)
Lisa R.
My family was visiting from out of town and we had the pleasure of coming here for dinner on Monday. Our party has young children so being in a restaurant is always a concern of mine. Other patrons had young children too, so I could tell this place has a great family-friendly vibe. The wait staff is accommodating and very friendly. The toy store / gift shop next door is cute and everyone who works there is laid-back and extremely social. I had a cosmo for a drink and ordered the crab-cake sandwich for dinner. My husband had the Fish and Chips - what a treat! The seasoning and especially the batter on the fish was excellent! When I come from out of town I will definitely come back here - bring your family and your appetite!
(5)
Luke M.
I have been going here for years! The beer is out of this world, the place is very cool and funky, and the general store is amazing. Only downfall is the food and the pricing. Food is just OK and it is overpriced. Everything else is great. Their beer is the best around!
(4)
Bekah E.
I finally got to dine in Hyattsville - the unofficial "what we wished we had in downtown college park " district. It's nice to have a sit-down restaurant to take the family to... because for some reason parental units aren't impressed by dirty greasy, but cheap, establishments in College Park. Franklin's has a nice, fun atmosphere. The food is above average. I ate the "vegetarian thing" in spite of warnings of how awkward it was to eat. No problem - I used both fork and knife to reduce it to bite-size, manageable pieces. It is nice to have a vegetarian "sandwich" that's not 90% grease, cheese, or vegetables cooked to oblivion. I was charged extra to substitute fries for the vegetable of the day (baked beans not vegetarian), but I wasn't paying, so whatevs. I found the prices to be a LITTLE higher than I would want to pay in general for the portion size/quality ($10 sandwich + $1 side), but I think that's the "nice ambiance and not having to order from the counter" tax kicking in. Plus, they try to get locally sourced stuff - I'll pay a few bucks extra in support of that. And yes, do check out the general store next door.
(4)
J E.
Keep up the good work! I used to come to this restaurant/brewery years ago and it was only so-so. Now, the food is top notch and the beers are much better. I have tried the vegetarian, pasta, and seafood options - all unique and tasty. The beers are good too - I am a little less adventurous in that department so my go to is the Bombshell Blond. Then there is the store - I could spend an hour looking at all the different knick knacks, foods, toys for kids, etc. Overall, this is one of the best spots in the College Park/Hyattsville area.
(4)
Vernique P.
Went for lunch with my DBBF for a pre-birthday celebration. This was both our first time eating there. When were seated my DBBF asked we can move to another table, without hesitation the hostess gladly moved us. We ordered 2 drinks( me a Lemon Drop Martini...she ordered a Cosmo) & some appetizers. I had the lamb sliders...they were very good. We also had there crab dip which was seasoned just right. After round 2 of drinks..we then tried the Verusivo cake. Very rich but oh soooo good! Not much of a real bar, but there is 2 floors and they do brew their own beer. Glad to have something local to visit instead of traveling elsewhere. Parking is right next door..it's metered but for .50 an hour you can't beat that. Next time I will have to check out the dinner scene.
(4)
Michelle S.
Great place to have a spectacular, but reasonably priced family dinner. They have a great choice of home brewed beers. I don't recommend having a martini there though - I only asked for it once, and it came to me warm and watery, not at all a martini. Go for some of the regular menu items like the meatloaf with spicy sauce, or the chicken ceasar - great with a nice glass of their ice cold beer. The novelty shop at the side of the store is also a great place to kill time while waiting for a table.
(5)
Lisa M.
Went here for the first time last night. The food was awful. My whole table was disappointed. We had a variety of food on the table and no one took any leftovers home. The only reason I have 2 stars was because our server Charles was amazing and they have a general store in the back that was cute. That's it.
(2)
Brian B.
As a 3rd year grad student at CUA this has become my favorite go to place. The food is always well done and the menu changes every so often. I especially enjoy the mussels and salmon dishes. I only wish they would offer a smaller version of the brownie sundae. The wait staff is always very friendly and the city parking lot right next store makes for convenient and cheap parking.
(5)
Kevin B.
This place is great! They brew their own beer here and everything that I have ordered was very tasty. You have to check out the general store- it's a great gag gift place!
(5)
Tavia P.
Food is very good! Nice selection of Micro brews and the waiter was extremely knowledgeable about everything available. Went with a large group and the service was speedy and everything was as ordered. Nice large parking lot and general store attached is cute.
(5)
Ben Y.
Just went to Franklin's for my first time last night and have nothing but good things to say about it. The service was great and we were never rushed, they didn't rush us at all as we lingered for a while after we finished and were just drinking. I drank four of their house-brewed beers: 1) Sierra Madre (5.5% ABV): A pale ale that goes down smooth and isn't filling. It has a distinct citrus flavor which I didn't love, but overall I enjoyed it. 2) Stonehenge (3.8% ABV): An English brown ale; this was my favorite of the four, though it was the least alcoholic. Refreshing ale that was just the right thickness. 3) Imperial Stout (9% ABV): This intrigued me because it has about twice the alcohol by volume of standard beer. It looks like dark-chocolate milk, and didn't taste a whole lot different. It was extremely thick, almost like syrup. It was similar to jager in its style. Definitely tasted the worst of the four, but interesting none-the-less. 4) Hop Zen (7.2% ABV): A very strong ale that had a caramel flavor. It almost tasted like a light version of the Imperial Stout. Not bad for its concentration. For food I had: 1) Our Balls: Unbelievable. Like fried mac and cheese balls but with risotto. So good, definitely an individual order though. Only came with two balls. 2) The Roni: Your standard pepperoni pizza. Very good. Fantastic place overall.
(5)
Susan L.
I go here for the burgers and the pizza; my fav is the bacon bleu burger, delicious! Even the french fries are great! The customer service is good too. I've gone here several times and had a positive experience every time. I also love the quirky general store!
(4)
Todd R.
Excellent, interesting food from a menu with quite a bit of variety. Excellent beer. I ordered fish and chips, and this was done the right way. Succulent fish in a crispy tasty crust. Fries were good, too. The beer was excellent. The service is good, but when they get busy, it doesn't excel like it could.
(4)
Amber Z.
This last time I went here I got the Oktoberfest beer, which was very good. We got the Asian wings, the creamy gnocchi, and the flank steak. The wings were very good, as always. Not spicy at all. The steak was excellent. Once we had an overcooked steak here so I was very happy to see how perfectly this one was cooked this time. The gnocchi was the disappointment of the night. It had so many good things in it, like really good mushrooms and pancetta and other stuff, but the whole thing was in this buttery cheesy alfredo sauce that was way too dense. I think a lighter olive-oil and Parmesan cheese sauce would have been much better, and that was really what I was expecting from the menu's description. Our waiter was all over the place, but it was the end of the night and he wanted to get his side-work done, so who can blame him.
(4)
Broseph N.
Let me first start by saying that this place has decent beers and a solid burger. So if you go there, order a burger, and do not order a pizza. I made that mistake, I got their South by Southwest Pizza: Grilled chicken, jalapeno, roasted red pepper, red onion, and cilantro. It was one of the worst tasting meals I have had in a long time. The dough is horrendous, it was dry like a saltine cracker with no taste. I am a huge fan of thin crust crispy pizza, but this was hard as a rock and tasteless. I don't think it was prepared incorrectly, I just think the dough they use is horrible and the topping combination, despite how good it may sound, did nothing to counteract the dryness and blandness of this dish, in fact it seemed to make it worse. I suggest that the management, waitstaff, bartenders, cooks, etc. at this place try the pizza and do a secret ballot judging it. If they did, I am sure they would take it off the menu or make some drastic changes. No one who has pride in their job or company should want a customer thinking of that pizza as a representation of their restaurant. Upside: The crab dip appetizer was scrumptious, and we were highly entertained when our waitress was asked for her number by some rando and she straight denied him.
(2)
Dahna S.
So I've experienced Franklin's in two ways: as a restaurant and as a microbrewery... and I was equally impressed with both visits! Their menu features your typical bar food as well as some gastro-pub surprises. I had a greek salad topped with a generous and tasty piece of grilled salmon. While greek salad is not necessarily the most exciting food in the world, Frankin's found a way to spice it up. Scattered throughout the salad were some fragrant basil leaves that kicked it up to the next level. The salad was also topped with balsamic roasted tomatos that were simply delish! In terms of its brewery, Franklin's is a fun place to try something different. As someone who's looking to learn more about the art of brewery, I always like to ask the bartender about their favorite pick. The staff was super friendly and took the time to answer any questions we had about the different brews. Don't forget to visit the general store when you come to Franklin's-- this place is packed with cool merch and unique knick knacks.
(4)
Z M.
Great place!! Especially if you can walk home! *hiccup* :D
(4)
Harry P.
Had the Rubber Chicken Red ale, and it was really great. Confident that every beer is fabulous, as well. Unfortunately most of the family was unsatisfied with the food. Wife had "Day After Thanksgiving": the turkey was too dry, the bread underneath had to be sawed, and overall it wasn't like the day after thanksgiving even at my house. I had Thai Pie: the hand-rolled crust sounds like a good idea, but it came out too thick and not cooked enough. It is supposed to be a thinner, crispier crust but the ingredients on top kept it pretty wet. Plus not enough chicken or other toppings to make up for the mediocre crust. Same complaints on my son's pizza. Daughter's crab cakes looked great, though. Service was very attentive and excellent; these guys really hustle. And as mentioned by others, the general store is a real hoot, worth a visit. Lots of people were ordering the skillet mussels; reading other reviews, this must be their most popular dish.
(2)
Clarence J.
This is a good microbrewery with a great, quirky gift shop attached. I think there were 11 beers on tap. The list is IPA-heavy but still pretty good [I'm not an IPA fan] and includes a few unique brews. (I really liked the stout fermented in Jack Daniels' barrels.) Samplers aren't listed on the menu but can be created for trying four or more beers. The food is excellent. It's mostly straightforward bar food, but for a smallish menu there's a decent variety of food. And the portion sizes are great! (Unless you're dieting...) The restaurant's a clean, bright place, with lots of seating spread over two floors. The bar on the ground floor is smallish but faces directly into the action of the kitchen, which is great. The bar upstairs is a long, dark-wood, more traditional bar, with views of some of the fermenters [at least I think that's what they were]. The gift shop attached to the restaurant is hilarious. It has a wealth of funky, kitschy toys (for kids and for adults), office supplies, cards, etc., plus a large and varied selection of affordable wines and beers, many - if not most - somewhat off the beaten path.
(4)
Robert T.
Great meal and great mix of brews. I have not been disappointed in the few visits. The descriptions of their brews are detailed and helpful. They have a fun general store attached and great selection of microbrew beers from across the states..
(4)
Eric P.
I've been here several times and it's about time to give Franklin's its due. It's a great place. I love that the have craft brews, which you can take home in growlers, and their small "country store" also has the best beer selection I've seen so far in Maryland. There's usually some rare big bottles, high-quality six packs, and other niceties. The food is high quality too. I've had the pulled pork, "day after thanksgiving", and black bean burger and would recommend them all. We come for the beer, but enjoy the food too.
(5)
Spandangalous A.
"One great and one poor experience. I guess that's a 50% success rate or "hit or miss" dining."
(2)
Kiara H.
versace versace! franklin's is my favorite restaurant! let's start with it being a brewery and general store AT THE SAME DAMN TIME. go in october and try the fried green tomatoes. i've been to Franklin's 6 times. dates, bday dinners, and random friday catch up meals with my dad.... EVERY TIME ITS DELICIOUS. the hostess is always polite and it's never more than a 2o mins (if any) wait. I've had everything on the menu.... seriously. EVERYTHING is good. tonight i had the salmon. i've tried the little nickel burgers, noodleless lasagna, steak, salads... everything is yummy. i would recommend this place for a first date. i mean, if it tanks, you can starer over at the brewery area and pretend you're not there. when you leave or while you wait make sure to check out the general store on the first floor that sells everything from wine, hot sauce, jewelry, books, and even candles. a great place for anyone who likes to eat. =D
(5)
Jee D.
A solid 3 star place. Here's the break down: Parking - you have to pay in their lot. Yes, it's cheap ($0.75 for 2 hours I think) but you still had to pay. Atmosphere - the vibe is different between floors; downstairs I'd characterize as a modern grille, yet upstairs was a strange mix of Southern style and bar. I would much rather have sat downstairs, but it was fine upstairs. Food - The complementary rolls were good; slightly dry but a nice variety. For my meal I had a special, the spicy salsa tuna salad. The tuna was super fresh but slightly under seasoned, and the corn-black bean salsa was solid. A major drawback was that all of this was on one piece of lettuce, and not a "bed of bibb lettuce" as they describe. If there was more lettuce I might have been satiated, but I left hungry. I also wouldn't characterize the salad as being spicy - couldn't figure out where the spicy was. Beer - I had their Bombshell Blonde, their lightest beer. It wasn't as cold as I would have liked, but it was pretty good for a light beer. I would have tried their hefeweizen only they were out. So sad. Service - Great! Hostess was nice, and waitress was super patient and nice.
(3)
Stacey M.
Just an all-around fun, happy place. Very kid-friendly. I like people watching here because the clientele is all across the board. It really is a meeting place for all kinds.
(5)
Paul M.
Food is good, it's crowded and noisy, but we like it. My kids 11 and 13 really enjoy going there. Even though I would not classify it as a family place, it is family friendly. The onion rings are super huge, and I am a fan of the meatloaf. Enjoy.
(4)
LaToya E.
This place has kind of been a hit or miss! :( the first time i went for lunch the food was decent and the service was good. the second time i went for dinner and drinks.. the food and service werent as good as before but the drinks were decent.
(3)
angela n.
My favorite thing about this place is the vegetarian McFranklins burger -- it has Thousand Island dressing and really hits the spot when you're craving a big mac but don't want the meat. mmmm.
(3)
Elaine S.
Had a fresh strawberry salad with a side of salmon. It was excellent. Their onion rings are pretty good - they were crispy and huge! I always ask for a side of honey-mustard for dipping. It comes with a horseradish dip too.
(4)
Katie K.
Recently went here with a large group and the service was great! Everyone enjoyed their food as well! Spinach dip was awesome and so was the pulled pork. It was also someone's birthday in the group and our waitress was very accommodating and brought out a little ice cream at the end! The store downstairs is really cool too, lots of neat little things you wouldn't find anywhere else.
(4)
Jeff T.
Before experiencing it, I didn't really know what to make of Franklin's. From the appearance, I couldn't tell if it was a 40s, 50s, or 60s theme. Was it art deco or vintage or indie? Why does the menu feature coconut curry and smoked ribs and pizza? I did not understand. The adventurous menu was intriguing though and I was very excited to try my pulled pork dish with sides of buffalo fries and gorgonzola mashed potatoes (I really like potatoes, ok?). And then I got it. Like Hyattsville itself, Franklin's is a hodgepodge mix of quirky and eclectic tastes. Unfortunately, Franklin's (like Hyattsville itself) doesn't quite pull it off. The mashed potatoes were kind of in between a "meh" and a "huh?" and the buffalo fries were haphazardly assembled from pretty basic ingredients. The pulled pork was just fine and the Carolina bbq sauce was nice-ish. The heart is there and if everything were executed perfectly this would be a wow restaurant. But as it stands, I'd probably only come here if I had three friends that were adamant about eating curry, ribs, and pizza respectively. Also, the bread was really stale. And from what I hear, this is a reoccurring problem. This seems weird for a place that is so busy. I keep imagining this giant bread making machine that is perpetually one day ahead in making bread. Maybe they should turn off the machine for one day.
(3)
Gia J.
Great place to grab dinner. I had a steak that was so good, the portions are pretty big. You would definitely have left overs. It's also very cheap. $6 Appetizers, $5 Beers... I never went into the general store but I will next time.. Here's a tip- Go after 6 PM, that way parking is free.
(5)
Erica Y.
Great place! I loved the food, the boyfriend loved the beer, everyone was happy! The bread pudding: sooo good. The general store downstairs is also really fun with lots of cool gifts, toys, and food items.
(5)
Jordan D.
What's not to love about Franklin's! The food is great, they are always willing to work with fundraisers in the community, it's a great place for large groups and you can't pass up on all the curious finds in the adjoining store!
(5)
Lex X.
I have only eaten here once and it was great. I had the Atlantic salmon off the summer menu and it was delicious. Spicy enough with a lot of flavor. The food was just as good as any but the real attraction was the General Store with all of its unique toys, books, candles and other stuff. They had a nice collection of Hot Sauces that seems to be rare and unique and from all parts of the world. They also had an awesome beer selection in the store. Not like your boring beers that are in your everyday store. This is special place I will be going back very soon.
(5)
A. C.
(09/14/2012) Great place in downtown main street Hyattsville to grab some food, specialty brewed beers and maybe watch some games (if you're into that). Place was bustling on a Friday night, we stopped in around happy hour time. Care was taken with all the dishes we tried, but some fared better than others. The best was the North African Nickel Curves (AKA "sliders", get it? baseball reference) were lamb merguez sausage burgers topped w/ tzatziki; juicy, spiced and spicy, cool with a creamy yogurt dressing on a soft brioche-like bun. Enjoyed the Apples and Celery Root salad with bleu cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, bacon, greens, and honey sherry vinaigrette; was slaw like, celery root was delicate in flavor, difficult to pick out, somewhat overdressed and heavy on the stuff to greens ratio, but nice mix of textures and flavors (piquant vinaigrette, chewy cranberries, crisp-cool-sweet apples, bacon gave a meaty mouthfeel). The pizza with Buttery Leeks and Shiitakes (and bacon) was good, not great, toppings were a nice mix of savory , umami flavors; crust was bready, not quite chewy, rather flat (neither crips nor deep). Onion rings were enormous (in individual size and portion), best when eaten hot and crisp, got doughy when cooled. The least successful was the Open-Faced Mediterranean Vegetarian Flatbread Thing -- a pita with hummus and topped with roasted artichokes, eggplant, red peppers, portobello mushrooms, Feta, and greens tossed in lemon-herb vinaigrette; difficult to eat (we attacked it with a knife and fork), vegetables could've used a little more roasting time to develop some caramelization, eggplant was somewhat spongy, flavors were nice together, but need to be bolder (especially the hummus), flatbread ended up difficult to chew and tough. The side of Aunt Deb's baked beans were a mix of stewed beans, sweet, maybe a little mustard powder, pretty standard. Service was a little harried, but pleasant and efficient.Large bar upstairs with plenty of stools and TVs seems to be a sports hangout. House-brewed beers are easy to drink, flavors not too extreme. Seems to be a very popular local place, but also somewhere you could take visitors to impress; there was a line out the door by the time we left, that's a good sign. Gotta check out the general store, "quirky" does not even begin to describe it. It is bursting at the seams with any kind of impractical, whimsical, knick knack/tchotchke/uni-tasker you can think of, and many things you've never thought of. Great toys to stimulate developing minds and gag gifts for those who need a little amusement in their life.
(4)
Christian M.
This place is awesome. The general store is fantastic. The restaurant has tasty beer, good food, and an all around good vibe.
(5)
Kitty B.
This is a great place to go for a group or party. You need to bring your appetite though. The place is cozy and welcoming. The general store is kitschy and eclectic. You can find a unique gift her foe almost anybody. The food is really good. Tasty and generous portions using fresh local ingredients. This place is a definite must try.
(4)
Sallie K.
As today, I have downgraded the restaurant to a three-star for its mediocre food and the snobby service I got last time. Without much competition in the area, maybe the place has become complacent. The hostess gave me attitude when we asked for a booth as opposed to a two-seater table, saying there was a wait (there was no line, and there were two booths open), which I knew to be a lie. When I offered to leave, she said that was fine, dumped the menus on the table and left. Not exactly welcoming, if you ask me. Then our server was not very friendly - not even a smile! I saw the hostess and the server talking about us at the service station. All this for asking for a booth??? Again, there was no wait, and with people finishing their meals and leaving, there were open booths galore, soon enough. And the food - the only items we really like there are the burgers and the sizzling mussels (although way undercooked last time). We have learned not to order outside of these after being constantly disappointed. I am still very glad that we have Franklin's in our neighborhood, but we really need some other options!
(3)
Chanel T.
Franklin's is the shit. In an area awash with chain restaurants, fast food and underwhelming college fare, this restaurant truly stands out. Try the mussels appetizer(this is a must-have), the barbecue or one of the unique pizzas. Most importantly, sample a couple of their tasty, high alcohol content beers. Once you're thoroughly stuffed, don't forget to stop by the general store attached to the restaurant. A lot of really cool stuff in there, the perfect place to find a gift for that person in your life that has everything. . Definitely come here if you have out-of-town visitors or want to celebrate with a group. This place has something for everyone and the quality (and quantity) of the food is excellent and reasonably-priced.
(5)
Allison O.
We like Franklin's a lot, for the atmosphere and beer. It's definitely a welcome addition to the College Park/Hyattsville area that doesn't have a lot of cool places for happy hour or dinner. The service is pretty reliably good, and the beers are good. I think the person in charge of making the beer recently changed but hopefully the quality won't change. The food is good about 75% of the time; certain things we've ordered haven't been great (like the pizza) and the hamburgers come out undercooked, but other things are awesome. Vegetarian options are limited but there are a few good ones. Definitely check out the general store!
(4)
Whitney A.
We love the general store - it's full of fun and funky items, and you can always find something you want for yourself or to gift. It's a relic of a bygone era that should never have passed...and somehow we keep going back to the place, despite the fact that every time we've been (about 6-7 times now) the food has been mediocre (at best), the beer has been flat and never wonderful, and the service is usually pretty odd, with one exception of a great waitress a few nights ago. That said, we wish they would open up for breakfast on weekends (it's hard to mess up breakfast food, right?) so we could enjoy the atmosphere and the store and not come away with a bellyache.
(3)
B D.
Driving through Route 1, passed the commercial college strip of UM, I spotted this handsome, filled restaurant. The buzz was definitely in the room, gracefully bouncing off the historic exposed brick wall - of a 120 year old building that is part of the building next door. The restaurant building is only about 10 years old -with an eclectic brewzy, contemporary blended mood. Attractive full portions with healthy appearances were on the plates of dinning guests as I gazed about. The sandwiches in particular were impressive and large, bread looked fresh cut and whole grained. The Greek salad I ordered was fresh, delicious and generous, as was the perfectly grilled piece of salmon I added to my salad for $5 more. No doubt when I am in these parts again I will be coming back, looking forward to trying their desserts. The restaurant has a "Houstons" mentality -quality ingredients, classy friendly service with comfort ambience. You pay a bit more, but you leave healthfully nourished and happy.
(4)
Simona P.
Franklins is a great place just to have a drink, watch a lil TV or even with the family. My husband and i use to be frequent patrons of fraklins but the made a change to their menu. They took Calimari off the menu and that was my favorite thing to order. So now the only reason we go back to to see Alex who is the freakn best. Justin who always remebered my extra sauce and the beer.
(4)
Logan G.
i have been going to franklins for almost my whole life. this review is based purely on the food because the service and the store are always great. this is what i do not understand: why is the food so inconsistent? everytime i order something it tastes different. there was a time franklins had a vegetarian reuban made with local sun dried tomatoes and it was a perfect sandwich. that thing hasnt been on the menu in years!!! and what happened to those delicious pot stickers? one day the salmon is perfect, the next its overcooked and the salad leaves look like the have been wilting in the fridge for days. and whoever is in charge of changing that menu all the time is an idiot. no one wants to eat bunny rabbit, especially in hyattsville. it was my most recent return to franklins that i was especially pissed. i have always ordered the chicken tenders or the chicken tender salad because for some reason its the only thing on the menu the kitchen does right. but when i opened up my carry out order i saw that there were only TWO chicken tenders when there used to be three per order i was outraged! i do not need franklins ripping me off for a chicken tender after years of loyalty to their restaurant. one of the store guys admitted to me that the "chef is cutting back on things to save money and that most kids only eat two tenders anyway". its a freakin fried piece of chicken. give me a break. further more, i ordered the salmon entree for my mom for her birthday- what the hell was that weird pasta shit in there?? i make better salmon. it was not worth anywhere near $20. $37 for salmon and 4 pieces of chicken tenders is a giant rip off. grab a bombshell blonde. go shop at the store on a thursday night for wine tasting. see the cute girl with tattoos who is extremely friendly and honest. buy a present and then take a walk over to bus boys to have those amazing nachos.
(1)
Esteban L.
Oh Franklins...we could've been so great together. This brewery, restaurant and gift shop/toy store has been an integral part of the city's life for over a century. With its brightly colored walls, lively ambiance and clearly visible, fully functional, brewery inside, Franklins is comfortable doing what it's doing. And by that I mean: their coasting. The quality of the food is Ok. Something I'd expect from my neighborhood dive bar. Their pizzas and pastas fall flat. Even their "signature" sandwiches confuse quantity for quality. And for a place that proudly brews their own beer, they sure haven't put much time into creating a decent place to drink it. They have two small bars (one of which is so small I considered not mentioning it), that have very little character, bad lighting, poor sight lines and TV's hung so high you'd get a stiff neck watching them. Remember those college bars you used to go to for $1 beers? Yeah, that kind of bar. Really, the best part of Franklins is the gift shop/toy store. They say you're hardest on the ones you love, and I really want to love Franklins (believe me, I've tried) but until they stop resting on their laurels, I doubt I'll stop in for more than the occasional beer or last minute gift.
(3)
Elsa M.
Very cute spot, especially for lunch. I had a great spinach salad and enjoyed a crab drip app with friends. Our server was nice enough, but not super knowledgeable about the menu, which was mildly annoying when asking for clarification about some items. The good news was that when the food came, none of us were disappointed. And don't get me started about the sundae dessert. Oh man! Don't you dare try to eat it alone. That dessert is a team sport right there! If you get time, head to the general store before or after your meal. I didn't even realize it was there until on my way out and I swear, if I wasn't in a rush, you might still find me there. There are an assortment of gourmet candies, toys for kids, and other random awesomeness to be found. Great for a thoughtful last minute gift for someone special. I hate that you have to pay for parking, but a) it's not that expensive and b) it's convenient as street parking in this area is difficult. All in all, a great place for lunch if you are in the area.
(4)
Kevin D.
A very fun, unique, eccentric place to eat. If there's ever a wait, is not bad at all because you get to browse through their shop, which is filled with a variety of things that range from old school toys and new gadgets. Food wise, my dishes were very yummy. Ordered the pulled pork platter with Franklins sauce. Tasted great, good blend of sweet and spices. Wish it came with more sauce mixed into it though. Come slaw and garlic mashed potatoes were great too. 4/5. Onion rings. A must have appetizer here. 5/5
(5)
Ellen K.
We lived in college park four years ago and franklins was our favorite place to go for good beer and delicious lamb sliders. We came back to visit friends and it was one of the places we could not want to go back to. Alex was still bartending and friendly as ever and the lamb sliders were better than I remembered. The happy hour here is also amazing!
(5)
GT W.
Has its own parking lot that you pay digitally for 25 cents an hour- super cheap. Interior is cavernous with odd lawn art decor. Funky/quirky vibe. Server was in a great mood, upbeat. Food was larger plate, lots of soups/salads/sandwiches for good prices some more expensive entrees like salmon that didn't look as interesting. The Mediterranean "thingy" was very good though not sure how to eat it as the pita wasn't big enough to eat as a gyro and not cut up so as to eat it in little morsels. Cole slaw actually very good. Beer was about 9+ taps of house beers only with a good dose of specialties and seasonals. Quality was average to above average. Their funky sour mash beer was very good, much better than the hoppy stuff. Pumpkin stout was disappointing. Flight of 4 samples was $5 and you can tack on more 3oz samplers for I'm guessing $1.25 each. So good value, good service, okay beer.
(3)
Allison W.
Only one star deduction for kinda absent service, but I do go through water like crazy when I'm out to eat. I bet if it wasn't lunch and I was having beer it wouldn't have been an issue. Otherwise this is a great option for food and drink in Hyattsville. Started with the mussels, sooooo good definitely a must. Smoky and rich and served scalding hot to your table. Loved the veggie sandwich -- Holy Frijoles v2.0. I felt so full and satisfied and don't regret skipping the burger one bit! I have my eye on the Vulcan Mind Meld and onion rings for next time. The gift shop next door has a lot of fun stuff for your drinker friends. Happily scooped up some 21st birthday goodies for my sisters! I really like it here. You can tell the food is fresh, and I hope to come back for beer next time.
(4)
Amber L.
BEST grilled mussels I have ever had! I came here for lunch today with my best friend and had an amazing experience. Megan is an amazing waitress who is down to earth and total pro. She's so awesome and knows the menu like the back of her hand. The crab dip was delicious but I was looking for lumps of crab instead of shreds. It's awesome how you can sample the beers before you buy and its a generous sample let me tell you!
(5)
Heidi F.
I was so excited to try this place and while what I ate was decent I just wasn't overwhelmed by the place. My burger while juicy was on the menu as a black and bleu burger it was served on a bun with bacon and two sides of bleu cheese dressing. No onions, no crumbles, no cheese. I asked for a slice of cheese and the server was nice and melt one on my burger. Additionally we were a large party and we felt very rushed so hurried to order. We went to add something and the server was like "that will come after your dinner." This felt like a strange way of putting in order and deterred us from ordering more. The beer sampler was cool and came out on a artist palette! Sadly it was dirty and made the experience eh. This was my graduation dinner and was overall disappointing and I don't plan to return.
(3)
Sandra W.
Since I started eating at Franklin's in the late 90's, I think I've had just about everything on the menu at least once. Wherever burgers appear on a menu, that is most likely what I'll be eating. Franklin's burgers do not disappoint. The onion rings are huge and delicious. The turkey club and Reuben sandwiches are generously proportioned. The steak fries are everything a steak fry should be: thick, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The salads are massive and very good. The pizzas are just okay, but obviously, there are better places to get pizza anyway. Franklin's attracts University of Maryland students and employees and hipsters from the Hyattsville "arts district" in equal numbers, so the people-watching can be fun. The servers are courteous, accommodating to special requests, and fast. The little general store near the entrance is full of interesting tchotchkes, wines, and gift items that rotate pretty frequently. Prices can be a bit high, but it's fun to browse. Beware the parking gestapo in the metered lot outside- they play no games.
(4)
Timothy C.
Attached to a pretty sweet gift store, I was excited to try the restaurant. There's a weird vibe up in this place, lots of colors, rubber chickens, weird art. And they make some funky beers! I tried an IPA that was a bit too pale, or maybe too Indian, DEFINITELY too hoppy for my taste. The star of the day was a sandwich called the Vulcan Mind Meld (don't ask me what that means, blame the weird vibe). Luckily there was a description: fries and slaw in a rueben. Great Idea! Just put the whole meal between bread! It wasn't too bad, a little pickly, but a pretty solid meal. Lots of cutesy/clever things in the gift store that would make good stocking-stuffers. Overall, a little too weird for my taste.
(3)
Heather S.
Why go to Franklin's? 1) The service is fantastic, 2) it has such history being the old hardware store in Hyattsville, 3) great artsy atmosphere 4) the store inside has some amazing gifts for the hipster in your life, gag gifts for anyone, and a toy section for the kids with some diverse books for all families 5) easy to park there compared to other places in the area. 6) it has its own brewery so nice beer selection. Why wouldn't you go to Franklin's? 1) Because you are looking to eat food that is better than good. Franklin's food is good, but I think Busboys and poets has much better food. Franklin's has way better service though.
(4)
MK F.
I have to give 5 stars just for the amazing service we received on 8/8/15. Not only were there 19 family members in our group, but we called trying to get a table at the last minute on a Sat--and the manager made it happen! Our waiter was fantastic, was incredibly patient and calm, even with separate checks. Now for the food... A smaller group of us stumbled upon Franklins the night before on Friday. The ones who went talked so much about the place that the entire family wanted to go the following night, hence the last minute reservations. Everybody loved what they ordered even the kids, but the standout dishes were the ribs, the meatloaf and, OMG--the blue cheese mashed potatoes! And do not skip dessert--but you may want split them as most were bigger than your head. Franklins really made the last night of our family trip to DC a special one--many thanks!
(5)
Jamie B.
Franklin's is THE BEST place around to get a good burger, brew, or really any other deliciously wonderful thing that's on their menu. It's a family owned business, with Mrs. Franklin being a Mathematics Professor at UMD, and so not only are they committed to providing delicious food and fun in a great atmosphere, but they are also committed to this community. It feels great to go into a place that supports the community as much as the Franklin's do, and the little gift shop housed inside gives the whole place a real small-town dive kind of a feel. The po-boys are also delicious, and the beer selection is on point. This is, by far, my favorite local spot to visit. I wish the kids from UMD would travel a little farther down Route 1 and give this place a visit (but maybe not - more burgers for us)!
(5)
Alonzo C.
Fun atmosphere, great food, good place to enjoy a meal or a beer. Franklin's has an amazing "meatloaf", "fish and chips", and burgers. The staff is very pleasant and food comes out in a timely manner. Lots of parking close by, rates are 50c and hour so pretty good in the College Park area.
(4)
Omar J.
We walked in and were seated promptly upstairs. The bartenders and waiters were very nice and courteous. The gentleman helping us order gave us great suggestions. We ordered the Quesadilla, wings and deviled eggs to start. Then for entrees we ordered the rack of ribs and pulled pork platter with baked beans, fries and mashed potatoes. The food was delicious! Just make sure you ask for bread for the pulled pork and extra BBQ on the side.
(5)
Ben S.
My friend was back in town from Amsterdam and he really wanted to go here. I'd never been so I agreed without hesitation. Franklin's is a brew pub and restaurant that also has a general store attached. It's in a cool old building and the general store sells old time candy, craft beer and wine, toys and other kitsch. The store is a fun place. I ordered a beer to start, an American sour, which was actually pretty tasty. We then started with crab dip and I had fish and chips. The food is where everything fell apart. It took forever to come up and just wasn't good. The fish was basically out of a bag and while the fries were wedges and not frozen, they also weren't delicious. I had a good time and it was cute restaurant but I wouldn't go back. I have, however, been told that it is good for kids, so I guess it has that going for it... for someone else.
(2)
Robert C.
Franklin's is a family-friendly restaurant-pub-store combo in the Hyattsville area. Big and colorful, it has an inviting atmosphere, so long as you don't feel uncomfortable hanging out with a bunch of children nearby. They make a pretty wide variety of beers, of which I thought they were quite tasty, but their food was really on the bland side. I had their Northern California pizza, and although the garlic, basil, and dried tomatoes were flavorful the cheese and bread had really no taste.
(3)
Adrienne M.
I really value establishments like Franklin's. The environment has an eclectic, down home feel. Kinda like the feeling you get when you walk into Cracker Barrel, Dutch Market, etc. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside because you know that there'll be a special on the menu with your name on it, and an item in the general store that makes you feel nostalgic (days past of running to the ice cream truck for $.05 candy and poppers). One that reminds you of family laughter and grandma making sweet potato pies at Thanksgiving dinner and falling asleep, allowing the pairs to caramelize on top- I thought that was how everyone made them (well not exactly, but you get the picture). Mmmmm. Warm bread in a basket, fried green tomatoes, meatloaf! This what my grandparent's...I mean Franklin's smells when I visit. I've never had anything I didn't like here and I think that speaks to the simplicity of the menu in terms of all American fare. I typically order the mentioned items above. The meatloaf, that is championed with ring of bacon, sided with mashed potatoes and a seasonal veggie. The meatloaf is on the softer side, but the ketchup mixture that its topped with is baked on, giving it a nice sweetened crust. The fried tomatoes are lightly battered in a cornmeal mixture. The dresses nah they use is tangy and topped with the potency of green onions. I also indulge in the bread pudding, which reminds me I never should take a second glance at the dessert menu. It's rich and smooth and sweet with a buttery pecan topping. Mmmmmm. Large enough for two or three to share, the bread pudding comes warm and bubbly in its bourbon concoction. I'm a big fan of Franklins, although I frequently forget about it because of its awkward positioning in middle of the street. Easily passed by if you're coming from the split side of Baltimore Ave. would I recommend Franklins? Absolutely! 4 stars for overall consistently good food and service.
(4)
Sally Y.
This place is quite a unique find and I enjoy the randomness of it all. The food is mediocre in my opinion but there are some rare gems like the mussels.
(3)
Gary W.
I live nearby and have been here at least 20 times the past few years. Although I keep coming back, it's always with the hope that the service will get better. I love the place and the food, but the service is very mediocre at best. I can't say that I've been there even one time when the service was outstanding. Tonight's was one of the worst and I don't thing I'll be back for a long time. I went at 4:00 thinking that it would be slow and the wait staff more attentive, but sadly not so. I had to wait over 10 minutes to be served, and then my drink took another 10. The appetizers took forever, and then literally 30 seconds later, here some the entrees. Brought by other people, our waitress was nowhere to be found although it was very slow. We asked that the entrees be brought back in few minutes. After finishing our appetizers, and waiting another 10 minutes after that, they came back but ice cold. We decided to leave. One positive - the manager did come over to apologize and offered to comp our meals. We decided to leave anyway. It's a cool place and a great spot in the neighborhood, just wish to god that the service was somewhat decent.
(1)
Katie D.
Very, very disappointed in Franklin's. We came in last night and sat at the bar around 9:30. I've been in before and work at a bar that has had some Franklin's brews on, so I'm definitely familiar with their beers. I knew their food was good, but I had questions (as my boyfriend is a vegan). We decided to opt out of Busboys & Poets (where we know they cater to vegans) and try Franklin's. Kinda bummed we did. I may be coming from an entirely biased point of view. I come from a bar that demands top customer service (and consistently gives it!) in many ways, including beer knowledge, food knowledge, attitude, and professionalism. I saw none of this last night, none. Here's why: - When we walked in, we walked by three different employees with absolutely no greeting. There was a man behind the front counter to the right of the door who didn't even look up as customers came in. I guess greetings are overrated. - We sit down at the bar. Still not greeting us, the bartender tosses some menus and immediately asks us for our drink orders. Seeing as we didn't even have a second to look, he looked annoyed when we took our time deciding. Both of us felt rushed. - The "I'm-really-bothered-by-my-customers" attitude stayed through the whole visit and was passed to other customers as well. I swear to you, I never saw this guy loosen up. We even tried to have friendly conversation with him and attempt to turn things around, but nope. At one point, after ordering my full beer (Hop Zen), I asked for a sip of the Sierra Madre. He didn't acknowledge me verbally, just grabbed a shot glass of beer, dropped it off in front of me, and walked away. After a minute, he walks back over and this happens: Bartender: "What, you don't like the Hop Zen?" Me: "Uhhh..." *flustered* " No, I do, I just wanted to try the Sier-" Bartender: *walks away* I get it, dude. You were having a bad night, but you *never* let it show. - Not only did he not know what menu items could be made vegan ("I don't know if the flatbread can be made vegan... I think there's egg in there somewhere." The flatbread is a pita sandwich with veggies and a vinaigrette dressing), but when I asked him to help me between the mussels and taco salad, he told me the taco salad is better because "sometimes the mussels come out gross". Seriously? - I asked him questions about the beer, which he did know a little about. However, not to toot my own horn, but I know a lot about beer. I also know how to not belittle your customers that ask questions about a beer. This guy, surprisingly, did not. Oh! The food was good. Boyfriend ended up with the flatbread, which he really enjoyed, and I had the taco salad with avocado added. Yum. We did bring in our own growler and had it filled, which was rather great. And, of course, the beer was delicious. If you don't care about quality service, then I would definitely head to Franklin's. You will not be treated like a special guest, but you will be delivered adequately good products. However, there is a good chance that at the end of your visit, you will have to stare into the back of the bartender's head as he eats his food behind the bar, directly in front of you, for 10 minutes before turning around. Seriously, is there nothing professional here?
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jason K.
Service was pretty good, food was pretty generic and basic. while having their own brewery the beers were very so so. The Hef might have been the best one of the 3 or 4 I tried. Perhaps I'm spoiled by craft beers in CA but as a casual passerby I was left unenthused.
(3)Nathalie K.
4 stars for the overall experience, because I believe that the shortcomings in its food quality (where I believe it merits a 3 star status) are made up for by the overall ambiance and energy of the place. That being said, the time of this review comes on a Saturday night dinner rush, so perhaps some errors are to be excused. We start this review by saying that the wait time for a Saturday night dinner is anywhere from 30 - 40 minutes; a word to the wise would call in for a reservation, or arrive early. Which ultimately doesn't much matter, because the general store adjacent to the restaurant is full of whirligigs and wonders that a person can easily spend an hour picking up the various gadgets and doo-dads until their table is called. it is hard to leave the general store without at least an impulse buy, for they have all the toys for your inner 6 year old self. Tonight, we were to be seated in the far back, near the toilets and sitting behind a clear pane next to boilers of some sort. I was not a fan of the seating - but a popular place this is, because it was just about the only table available. Being such a large establishment I was underwhelmed by the appearance of the restrooms, where it felt more akin to a gas station restaurant and not of this lively place that charges an average of $20-30 a meal. Now onto the reason why I was here in the first place: the lamb merguez burgers. Do yourself a favour and order these. They come as an appetizer or three sliders, or for an additional reasonable fee, you can make it a meal and get 4. ("meal" here being subjective; but filling enough for a person of my stature). It is not often that I get to eat merguez lamb burger sliders and it is well worth the trip to Franklin's. While it is hard to get what I call an appropriately cooked slider at that size - they were a tad overcooked for my liking - they were still delicious and I never once regretted my choice. That being said, perhaps it would serve better to make the burger the same size as the bun - we are not talking a huge stretch here, but no one likes to take a bite of pure bread. I have always eaten merguez with a spicy brown mustard - and while the Gulden's commercial mustard is all they have on tap (as long as it's not French's!) - my recommendation to the chef is to drop the tatziki sauce and opt instead for a less vinegary version of a creole mustard. The seasoning on the meat though! It makes my break away from red meats worth the return. The meat was perfectly seasoned and a joy to bit into with the bread and blend of sauces I put on. I preferred a mustard coating instead of the tatziki, but be warned, they are a bit spicy and for those with gentle pallet may not be able to handle it - perhaps explaining the need for the tatziki sauce in the first place. My biggest complaint is that for an establishment of that size, the fact that there was no fresh squeezed orange juice is what I would dare call appalling. I ordered my usual 50/50 blend of OJ and soda water, and was sorely disappointed that I got neither read soda water, and some from concentrate juice that just left me feeling cold. I think that a place of this caliber with its bright colors, varied beers, and large menu selection should be able to afford some fresh squeezed juice. There are kids aplenty and I really see no reason why they choose to opt for a "from concentrate" juice. The little that I had of the beer my companion ordered was artisinal, brewed on site (??), and tasty without being overbearing on the hops. If you're an adventuring sort I would recommend you try one of their list although there are plenty to choose from. A lively and fun place to come to celebrate, or even to have a night out among friends, with a general store that will keep you entertained and their approach to cuisine a fresh and fun look. Our waitress was wonderful, versed with the menu and kept the drinks filled as we dined; even as there was a long delay in the food, which was no fault of our waitress. A reservation will go miles by way of seating, and while you cannot go wrong with nearly anything on the list - stay away from juices because there is nothing of the sort to be had that qualifies as "passable".
(4)Jennifer R.
Very interesting little place. Their crab dip is great. My hubby is really picky when it comes to his crab dip and even he enjoyed it. Highly recommend. Their beer battered onions are also well seasoned and nice and crispy. Their burgers are pretty good as well. Always had pleasant service. My only critique is for lunch - the times I've been. - has been a little slow so of your in a hurry you might wanna go when you have more time.
(3)A. G.
I love Franklin's! The smoked oysters are like a religious experience. The ribs are the best in the land. The brownie sundae is all the decadent deliciousness a girl can handle. The pizzas are above decent. On top of that, you can get some pretty decent varieties of local brews. There's something for everyone and Franklin's hardly ever disappoints. The cute little General Store attached that has some neat things you won't find elsewhere is just a double bonus for good measure.
(4)Regina B.
If hipster foodie craft brew localvores ever took over Cracker Barrel, it would morph into Franklin's. Seriously. Having occasion to be in College Park for one of the Young 'Un's competitions, we ventured just south of the UMD area, meeting The Birthday Twin and her family for dinner. This establishment is housed in an old hardware store, lovingly preserved on the exterior. The interior has two parts - a two-level dining space with open kitchen and upstairs bar, and an adjacent 'general store' full of the fun, funky and fabulous ephemera of coolness and pop art. We were seated promptly as we arrived an angel's hair ahead of the dinner rush. Drinks were brought promptly and orders taken. The onion rings are indeed fabulous, lightly seasoned with Old Bay, good batter, not greasy, all kinds of yum. Entrees were a bit more of a mixed bag: Enthusiastic joyous thumbs up for the lamb merguez burgers, which are what happens when you mix a lamb gyro with a slider. Also commendable was the burger, which was huge and delicious. Pasta with broccoli was very good. The soft spots were the pulled pork, which should be a sandwich, not an entree, and was disappointingly dry. In the 'sounds better than it was' category was the bacon wrapped meatloaf. The meatloaf had an odd, puree texture to it, the spicy ketchup overwhelmed everything such that there was almost no bacon flavor despite there being a substantial portion of bacon involved. I think it would have been OK except for that texture, though. Like a cross between baby food and pate. Not pleasing. Dessert was a very good as hoped brownie sundae. The general store was lots of fun for young 'us and adults both. Found: One Minecraft book. Found: One Illuminati Air Freshener ("smells like hegemony"). Found: Pac Man "ghost" salt & pepper shakers. You get the idea. Staff were fun and funky throughout our place. One young hipster dude encouraged the Young 'Un to kiss mommy (me) because even he does that, and he's 20, because "Moms are truly awesome, dude." We enjoyed Franklin's very much, and would definitely go there again the next time we're in the area. Parking in a public lot next door was easy and the municipal rate reasonable.
(4)Michelle D.
I'm from TX so every time I visit MD I try to consume as much blue crab as humanly possible. Having been recently disappointed with another crab cake I ordered the night before, we walked in to Franklin's determined for redemption. I ordered their crab cake plate and the crab cakes themselves were very good. They were each fairly large but not full of filler bread. They definitely weren't jumbo lump or anything fancy but it didn't make one bit of difference to me. They were tasty and a fair price as well. Everything else on the plate was forgettable, but maybe that's because I was just so pleased to have decent crab in my midst! The beer menu is quite extensive, the service was prompt and friendly. I can't wait to come back!
(4)Christopher W.
Love this place but honestly the food can be hit or miss. As with the service, although it's gotten much better in recent years. Beers are good, I like their IPA. The store hasn't an excellent wine selection. Pizza and burgers are standards but their entree's can be excellent as well.
(3)Lee O.
Franklin's is an interesting place. It's almost as though a great bar was plucked from some really great location and accidentally dropped off in gloomy Hyattsville. The drinks are great as they have their own beer and you can purchase growlers to take with you. It was a lot of fun to go with coworkers and sample beer. I haven't had the food, but the friends who have, have been pleasantly surprised by it. Parking is limited and I swear someone checks this often. By the time I was out, I had two tickets on my vehicle (I didn't have a front license plate yet - I'm from out of state) and my tags were expired (I had just received my VA license plates and my MD ones expired, I just hadn't put them on). Take heed!
(3)L.A. K.
Food was good. Atmosphere was fun. The little store attached had adorable things. Service was okay. Not great. fun place.
(4)Brian G.
A solid meal all around -- wasn't sure what we are getting into when we walked in, but I'm glad that we kept going down through College Park to get there. I'm sure that if we had gone at a busier time it would have really been busy for the football games that afternoon. But getting there in the middle of the afternoon went well for all of us. Onion rings are certainly a go. They are worth the splurge. I went for a burger and really enjoyed it. Service was A-Ok as well.
(3)Mel A.
I feel like Franklin's is the younger, hipper, trendier, version of Cracker Barrel. Why? There's a restaurant on one side and a store on the other side. The restaurant serves up a variety of food from pizzas to burgers to sandwiches to main courses. There's a pretty good selection of microbrews too. Tonight I felt like a burger so I had Franklin's Cheeseburger with Boursin cheese (yep, that spreadable cheese spread) and a Rubber Chicken Red (no, not a main dish, but their amber ale). Both hit the spot. Take some time to check out the store next door. If anything, you'll get a chuckle at a lot of quirky stuff for sale. 3.5 stars!
(3)Jessica R.
Franklin's is one of the nicer restaurants in the Hyattsville area. I got the Thai Pie pizza and it was really good -- it had bean sprouts, peanut sauce, cilantro and chicken. Another at the table got the Catfish Po' Boy and it was really good as well -- the fish was perfectly cooked and the spicy remoulade was a nice touch. Make sure you also try the mussels as an appetizer. I would eat them all day if I could. I tried the pulled pork platter and I must have misread the menu and thought it was a sandwich, but the meal is just a heap of pulled pork with two sides you choose. It was still good, just really heavy and not what I thought it would be. My friend also tried the beer sampler, which was 11 sample sized beers. He had fun trying it and definitely had a buzz afterwards :) The atmosphere of Franklin's is also pretty cool. They have art by local artists on the walls and they also have a little store inside. Also be prepared to pay for parking (but it's free on Sundays).
(3)Sebastian B.
Drawn in by the big bright neon sign and an adjacent parking lot I decided to give Franklins a try. The place was hopping for 7:45 on a Wednesday night, I had a 15 minuet wait so I walked through the general store. Lots of cool junk in there and a fantastic beer and wine store to boot. I got the booth right by the kitchen door but the seat wasn't that bad. My waiter was fabulous. He was fast precise and friendly. I had the sausage pretzel appetizer but didn't expect it to be like a hot dog. Well I ate it and it filled me up. I did make an effort to eat my way through the meatloaf entree. The host brought my entree literally 45 seconds after my appetizer was delivered but brought it back to the kitchen. I asked for a fresh plate but the first one was re-delivered, but it looked like the cook got ticked and beat the dish up. My waiter passed by and took that dish back and brought me a fresh one that came out beautiful and hot. Kudos to my waiter!!! Good looking out man! The food was hot and very good. The meatloaf was a little soft but surely delicious. Wrapped is tasty bacon and a sweet peppery catsup coating. I enjoyed my dinner but I'm not that psyched to return any time soon.
(4)George S.
Great food and Great Service as well. Charles our server was excellent. Bases on the reviews I tried the corn pudding and it was very good. I had the bacon wrapped meatloaf very good with just a kick.
(4)Viviana F.
This place was our first spot upon arriving in the DC area from NYC. I enjoyed my meal very much but my friends didn't fancy their meals. We started off by sharing a Margherita pizza which was tasty and thin. I then ordered the Glorious Gloria which was also flavory. We all ordered a round of their homemade beers. I can't seem to remember the name of the beer we had but it was citrusy and hoppy, sort of like blue moon. I would stop by again for another round of those homemade beers.
(3)Erin B.
Got hungry between DC and the Ikea in College Park and ended up here for lunch. Friendly service, delicious food, and fabulous beer, especially the brews on the hoppy side. He had a Cuban sandwich, which he enjoyed. I had essentially a black bean burger with fresh avocado, one of two solid vegetarian mains. Both were great. The fries are on the big, chunky side and were also awesome. Love the general store, too. My grandmother is now getting a "Turning 21 Again" candle for her 90th birthday cake, thanks for Franklin's.
(5)Sara L.
I love craft brews and they do a really great job! Pale ales are my favorite and they do a great job making them. They also have wonderful burgers!! The general store is also nice; they have bottles of their beer you can buy along with other micro brews.
(5)Lorena B.
Some good things, some bad things- hence the 2 stars. Service: very good. The server was patient and did not rush our table, even though we waited maybe 15-20 minutes for the rest of our party to arrive (but it was also Sunday evening and not crowded). The hostesses were also friendly and greeted us/said goodbye. Food: The lamb sliders, called Nickel Curves, were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. However, we got them as part of the appetizer sampler, which is overpriced at $11. Way too much for exactly 2 sliders, 2 small ribs, and 2 small wings. I also ordered the Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf from the seasonal menu and was really excited since bacon is my favorite food. It came out bacon topped, not bacon wrapped. Furthermore, the meatloaf tasted like something I could've just whipped up at home. Very disappointing. The chipotle sweet potatoes and peas in a pod that came with the meatloaf were far better. For dessert, you can't go wrong with the brownie sundae. The brownie is served warm and gooey, with plenty of ice cream and whipped cream. Franklin's has a nice ambience and I like that it's not part of a chain, which is hard to find in P.G. County. Give it a try but stick to simple stuff like burgers, otherwise you risk paying too much for average food. For an excellent meal in Hyattsville, you're better off going to Hank's Tavern.
(2)Jeff H.
Been here eight or so times in the last year. My g/f likes it more than I do, I'd give it a 2, she says 4. She likes the food at a 4 level, mostly eats sandwiches and salads, she's a big fan of the soups. For, me, the food, more meat n potatoes fare is below average, and the burgers and pizza are just not good. Pizza might be among the worst I've had. The service is inconsistent, sometimes fine, other times slow and rude. We do like the store
(3)Martin B.
This is what Cracker Barrel would be like if it served a multitude of foods and brewed its own beer. Oh yeah, and if it had less rednecks. This brewery/restaurant/general store is a cool joint where you can get some really good food at a really good price and then wash it down with some beer. I ordered a meal off of their special Oktoberfest menu: the duck confit pasta. It's hard to remember what was in it besides egg noodles, duck confit and a white wine sauce, but it's easy to remember how delicious it was. The duck was tender and the sauce was rich, peppered with veggies to keep each bite interesting. Not only that, but the portion was enormous; I had enough for the next day! My friend ordered the chicken pot pie and it was similar in its prodigious size. While I'd like to come back and try a couple other meals, I'd definitely give this a 4.5 star rating going on 5. I did worry about the meals being so-so since they're trying to do so many different cuisines, but they really were on point with regards to our meals.
(4)Kevin U.
As a student at University of Maryland I was always looking for a great place to take the fam when they came to visit me. I wanted to take them somewhere nicer than Chipotle or Potbelly's. Well, Franklin's is perfect for that. It has a great atmosphere and their brews are delicious! I tried one of the chocolate ales, which didn't disappoint I came here for dinner with my family graduation day. We had a party of about 13 people. The service was good, and the food was tastey too. Everything we got was savory and delicious! The only con of this place is that you have to pay for parking. Also I had a reservation for the second floor, but we ended up getting the first floor. It wasn't that big of a deal, though. Other than that it is a short drive down Rt. 1 from the UMD campus, and it's very accessible. Definitely come here if you want to have a good family dinner!
(4)Brian B.
Great beer. Food is generally very good. Some dishes could use more development, but overall, a good bet. I am rarely disappointed here.
(4)Kristina M.
I love Franklin's. Their Oktoberfest menu was divine. I ate the Duck n Awesome salad, which is the only salad I've ever loved. Duck confit, bacon, with a little wheel of fried goat cheese (You can see why I like this un-salad salad). Other great things on the menu - Dry-rub ribs, chicken pot pie (add your own pepper), and fried green tomatoes. The menu changes daily with different pastas, entrees and veggies of the day. Also everytime I go they have different bread offerings in their bread basket. One odd thing is the pricing seems a little inconsistent, in terms of what an item should cost. They also brew their own beer. Franklin's brews the only beer I've ever liked (Ludicrous) and you can purchase take-home growlers of whatever type you want. My husband, the beer afficionado, says the beers are not the best ever, but still pretty good. The general store next door offers also sorts of knick-knacks and gifts including, beer, wine, board games, cooking gadgets, and toys. So even if you go a totally packed night, you can check out the store and while away your time and money!
(4)Marc L.
Good atmosphere, great food, fantastic selection of local brews
(5)Becky C.
I truly do not understand the hype about this place. Maybe because it's in Hyattsville and there are limited choiced, but it is truly not deserving of some of these reviews. The food is ok. The service was ok. The beer was ok. Our party of 6 tried a variety of apps and dinner items, and it was on par with Friday's.
(2)Sara M.
We've loved Franklin's since it was a simple sandwich counter. It's a place you can count on for a variety of occasions - a fun date, a family dinner, or even a birthday party. The restaurant spans two floors, with a bar on the upper floor that overlooks their brewery space. There's an attached "general store" that features toys, accessories, candy, novelty items, kitchen stuff, and an impressive assortment of wine and beer. It's definitely a fun place to shop while you're waiting for a table, which happens on a busy night. The restaurant is an open space with metal ceilings and fixtures, and it can get very loud at times. There are tables and booths available, and they can pack in some large parties. The walls are decorated with the work of local artists - all for sale. The waitstaff is generally friendly and efficient, though you can feel a little neglected during a particularly busy night. The menu is diverse, featuring sandwiches, salads, barbeque, pizza, and fairly traditional entrees. I think their BBQ is the highlight - the ribs fall right off the bone (love the dry rub) and the pulled pork is delicious and well-seasoned (especially the Carolina-style). They have some excellent salads, too. The sandwiches are good but largely uninspiring, and the pizza is worth passing over entirely. The entrees are hit-or-miss. I like their sausage platter, but anything with the word "pie" in the name should be avoided (cottage pie, shepherd's pie). Specials are equally unpredictable. I've gotten some amazing one-off dishes... but then I also think about my special order of Oktoberfest pretzels that came out frozen! The beer is excellent and brewed on-premises. They have several regular varieties as well as seasonal offerings. One beer is offered as a nitrogen-charged option. I highly recommend their samplers - a great way to try everything!
(5)Clarke H.
We found this micro brewery on Yelp and were not disappointed. Beer and food were exceptional! Recommend very highly!
(5)MarriedUtopianStriver W.
My husband and I decided to eat at Franklin Brewery this week to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary. The waitress served our food pretty quick and treated our courteously. It also meant a lot that she genuinely congratulated my husband and I on our ten year wedding anniversary. The food was scrumptious. My husband and I shared yummy goat cheese and architoke appetizers. I had a delicious South by Southwest pizza while my husband liked his dish of Cajun mac and cheese.
(5)Michelle C.
I've only been here once and the food was good. I had the black bean burger, my husband had the veggie flatbread thing, and another person had a burger. We also ordered onion rings to share. They were almost like donuts with onions in the middle - super fluffy and good. Beer was also tasty and the general store was fun. I will go back.
(4)Clifton B.
Food is very good and so is the beer selection. Service suffers a bit when they get busy, but that's to be expected. Definitely check out the store next door too.
(4)Andrea H.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in my immediate area. I make a point with my husband or family when they are in town, to go here a handful of times every year and I always leave happy and full. I doubt I've had the same thing here twice because things change everytime due to a seasonal section to the menu. However, they do have menu items that don't change like their pizza, burgers/sandwiches, and some entree options. Little by little I've been trying their appetizers and dessert. They have yummy mussels and their bread pudding is so good. I frankly haven't tried their beers on tap, but their house root beer is fantastic. I wish they sold it in their general store because I'd buy it. And speaking of their general store - this is another great thing about Franklin's. Whether you are waiting for a table or want to peruse after a meal, this little store is full of everything from kids stuff, puzzles/games, candy, cards, jewelry, cooking gadgets to a humorous section for gags, a hot sauce section, and beer/wine to buy. I've gotten some great stocking stuffers here for friends/family and enjoy the novelty items. Keep in mind if you go to the restaurant before 6pm, especially on weekdays that the parking spaces technically aren't free. I usually go for dinner and by the time I've arrived, the parking charge never applied.
(5)KM S.
Our first visit here was for their 10 year anniversary and we had an awesome experience! We were able to get a sweet tour with the brewer and we did a tasting of the beers. The brewer was really knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The beers were all different, yet tasty. K is more of a light and fruity beer drinker, where M enjoys more pale ales and IPAs....we both found beers that pleased us. You also often see patrons picking up growlers of beer. We also picked up the spinach and artichoke dip which was different and tasty. K and a friend ate there once as well and the food was great! We continued to return until K left the area. If we are ever in the College Park/Hyattsville area again--this would be the spot we would return to.
(5)Emily H.
Our go-to restaurant and brewery. Never disappoints! And the general store is full of fun goodies to entertain everyone.
(5)John D.
stopped for a quick lunch and a growler fill and must say the food was disappointing. i just got a chicken quesadilla. it was pretty crappy to be frank. the flour tortilla was fried and greasy instead of pressed, there was some chicken pieces with "mozzarella" cheese, with jarred salsa, tomatoes, jarred jalapenos, and sour cream. tasteless and unimaginative. my server was very good which created the second star
(2)Ryan P.
Food is not very good, though some dishes are fine. The service is chequered...when you get a good one, you're lucky; more often, it's disinterested Sallie Slow-Thing Grunge. Beer is generally good. Order it; you'll need it. The interior design is ICK. The place is noisy. Not suitable for a romantic date. The bottoms are gone on most of the booth seating so you sink in...or you slide off along with the vinyl seat-base as you get up and down. Also one more thing offends me about Franklins: the handicap bathrooms are on the second floor...where there is no elevator for the person in the wheelchair to reach it. How does this kind of bull shit make it past code inspectors?!?! The best part about Franklin's is exploring the shop. I used to come here when it was a diner-type place, inside the old hardware store surrounded by toys and gifts. So when the addition -- the main restaurant -- opened, it was Hyattsville's greatest thing. But the facilities became worn pretty fast, and the food, which was also way better before it became a full-scale restaurant, has also declined significantly over the years. Mike Franklin is a great guy and tremendous member of the community, however, so I still patronize the place, in spite of its drawbacks, as often as I can stand to go there. (Like, once every six months, or with a visitor who has never been there). Now we have Busboys and Poets, instead. But don't get me started on THAT.
(2)Sarah N.
Franklin's is a great restaurant for beer and burgers! Sometimes their service is a little slow, but I write this off to their dinner rushes. The gift shop, though, is what makes it a truly unique dining experience!
(4)Bridget P.
I LOVE Franklins. The food is always good or fantastic. The beer is plentiful, diverse, and downright yummy. I've been eating their french fries since I was in elementary school and they're still the same - the best around (don't forget to ask for the spice!). If you want a quick meal with options for everyone, a garlic-tastic pizza, or a couple brews, this is definitely the place to go. Yum.
(5)Gordon T.
YESSSSSSS THE BURGERS ARE GREAT. THE MUSSELS ARE GREAT. I also love the store. I love everything about this place. Its big, its never too crowded, at least when I go and the service is great :D I always come back.
(5)Joseph I.
Great service! Went in without a reservation on Saturday night, and got a table right away. Our server was very knowledgeable about the beers and the menu, and made some awesome recommendations. (try the crab dip.. You won't be disappointed!!!!) I will definitely come back, on my next trip to Maryland.
(5)Dominic L.
First of all the food was pretty good. The bbq chicken and buffalo french fries were great. The sauce was amazing too; I'm pretty sure I had the Kansas City barbecue. Portions were also decently sized. This place seemed to lack some details though. The soda I got and saw was very flat and watered down, the veggies were sparingly used and not fresh, and the service would disappear for extended amounts of time. The general store attached to the restaurant is a great place to kill time when waiting for your table. They have a lot of things you'd never find anywhere else. Everything was way overpriced though. Overall, nice place to grab some dinner. Enjoy!
(3)Sarah O.
Yum, yum and did I mention yum! Franklin's is a pretty recent discovery for us. We found it on an art tour of Hyattsville and decided to give it a whirl for dinner one night. I can honestly say that the pulled pork (Carolina style) was the BEST that I have ever had. I think it may have been the vinegar that tingled my taste buds the right way. The place kinda reminds me of local brewery/pub where I used to live, so props to that. They also make their own root beer. Looking forward to going back and trying more things (although it will be very difficult not get the pulled pork again). The desserts going to other tables looked quite delicious as well.
(4)Krystal D.
Franklin's is the place to go if you want some good comfort food. The menu is pretty expansive and they do have some out-of-the-ordinary offerings alongside the traditional pub fare. You won't find culinary masterpieces here, but you can bet that you'll find something to fulfill just about any craving you might be having. The house beers are definitely worth a try, and in my experience, the servers are more than happy to help you find a beer that suits your tastes. I'm not much of a beer drinker and there was one that I liked, so you'll probably find one too! As others have said, the real gem here is the store that is attached to the restaurant. They literally have thousands of products contained in a very small space. You can find everything from candy to wine to housewares to board games to gag gifts. It's really quite a fun little place. If you're looking for a unique gift, it's definitely the place to go.
(3)Chontelle M.
Let me start off by saying I don't drink beer, so this review is only based on food and service. I went here with some friends and totally enjoyed my experience. We ordered some basic BBQ items and enjoyed some great conversation. Out waitress was phenomenal. She brought us everything we needed and even convinced me to buy a dessert. (I was on the fence and she made it sound so appetizing). We were not rushed to eat our food or bothered constantly. I wont be rushing to get back to this place, but it feels good to know that it exists. I'll be able to return knowing that I will get good service, good conversation and a decent meal.
(3)David C.
I think I must have ordered on a day when the kitchen was at its worst. The service was good. I like the location. But I had the BBQ chicken and the presentation wasn't appetizing at all. The chicken had seen better days. The sauce was ladled onto the bird after it had been smoked/roasted too long, so the result was that the sauce (Kansas City) wasn't lacquered onto the meat and the meat itslef was dry and flavorless. The onion ring "appetizer" tried too hard with those GIGANTIC slices to give it an eye-popping look. I wasn't impressed because they weren't appetizing at all, although I liked the horseradish sauce and the Old Bay sprinkled over the top. For the price, it was disappointing. The food is better at Chipotle or Elevation Burger.
(2)Jessica F.
I didn't get a chance to try the food or brews but I did wander the store. It is a great place to wander and find anything from candy to toys to jewelry to good beer and wine. This store definitely thrilled the wanderer (and the kid) inside me and I could have spent a lot more time here than I did.
(4)Harald F.
(meant to write this several months ago) Franklin's replied to my review with an explanation and an apology. This won't make the burger taste better, but they were very nice about it (and explained that they were not in any way intending to be rude in the first place).
(4)Cat B.
What's so great about Franklin's is that it is one of the only non-chain restaurants in the Hyattsville/College Park area. The food is pretty good, big portions! I would go for the unhealthy bar food rather than a salad. Salad isn't their forte. It's beer. Come for the beer. Taste a couple brews at the back bar to choose a growler to take home. The general store has a huge selection of bottles and cans, too.
(4)Steve R.
I love the atmosphere of this place. The menu is pretty varied and has an offering for pretty much anyone... but I must say that the Thai Chicken pizza is a brilliant combination of flavors. The burgers are ok.. nothing to write home about. The real charm of this place, however, is the general store which is connected to the restaurant. It's a very eclectic mix of gifts, candy, oddities, and the craft and hard to find beer selection is fantastic. They always have a good mix of standards and seasonal brews in assorted sizes.
(4)kevin c.
Went here a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised. I was worried about the combination of the three under one roof, but it works very well. House brewed beer was very good! Liked the Sierra Madre and the Twisted Turtle Pale. Good IPA as well. Food was very good as well(we had pizza). Service being good tops it off really. The store section is so-so, but that is a small fragment of a great place worth returning to.
(4)Danielle P.
In my opinion, Franklin's is the "go to" place for people in the neighborhood as well as out of towners from near or far. I often see people I know here and it's where I bring folks who are hungry or just want to grab a snack and a drink. It's not a hipster wanna be chain restaurant, it's the real deal. It's got great food, I've never ordered anything here that wasn't tasty. Overall it's a fun atmosphere - downstairs is a bit more family friendly, upstairs is a little louder, with TV's and a larger bar. The attached "General Store" next door is a great place to buy wine, little hostess gifts (ironic refrigerator magnets) and ol'timey nostalgic candies. If you ever want to fill my Christmas stocking, they sell Squirrel Nut Zippers and Mary Jane's! This is right in "downtown" Hyattsville and has a parking lot next door. Ideal for family dinner, date night, breakfast and lunch.
(4)Dan F.
Excellent beers, but I would strongly disagree that it holds a candle to Dogfish Head. It is definitely above-average IPA's however at good prices. The food was also very good. Try the Lamb Sliders and the Bar-b-q chicken. That chicken was VERY good with an excellent complex sauce. The pupusas were not bad at all, I have had better but these were good. They must have some Salvadorians in the kitchen. The bar, even on a Saturday night, was kind of empty. It seems this place is more restaurant than bar. There was plenty of parking. The service was polite but slow. The server seemed to disappear for long stretches of time and forget about drink orders. I guess if you want better service you may want to just try eating at the bar. Any beer lovers should definitely give this place a visit.
(4)Jarrod H.
Franklin's Restaurant is everything you'd expect in a traditional eatery/brewery: The service is friendly enough, the craft beer selections are varied and the menu looks good enough so as to require a bit of studying, which is something I like. The dining experience is much better upstairs, near the copper tanks and bar, where the lighting is more appropriate and the atmosphere is better overall. When the food arrives the portions are large and there are few surprises. My Carolina sauce pulled pork was exactly what I expected. The crab cakes are huge. Not being very familiar with this neighborhood I can't comment on how Franklin's fits into the overall dining scene, but if you're hungry and want something reliable, I'd say this hits the spot.
(3)Miguel N.
My girlfriend recommended this place last night as we were both starving for a good meal. The place was full and it took awhile to get seated. The service was slow and we were served stale, dry bread as we waited. The food tasted okay but later at home our stomachs were churning all night! Right before we left our table a couple next to us caught our attention. They were trying to kill a roach/bug that was crawling on the wall near their table. Luckily they had finished their dessert but that was our cue to leave asap. My girlfriend later recalled why she stopped going there. She and her son also had a similar dining experience.
(1)Jon M.
I'm new to the area and have been trying out different places around town. I went here on a recommendation of a friend. It seems like a decent-enough place. There's always plenty of customers, so I'm sure it's good for some people. A previous reviewer said it best: "hodgepodge". I tend to favor restaurants that do a few things, and do them well. It seems like Franklin's does a bit of everything and does none of it great. Also, our service was really slow (I think our server took a break and nobody came by to check on us for about 15-20 minutes while we waited to pay). It's okay - but there is plenty of better places around the area (even within walking distance) that I would go to before I would go to Franklin's. I don't think I'll go back.
(2)R C.
Love this place. The food never disappoints and the staff are great. Even though the place is always slammed with customers, I've never felt pressured to give up my table. The food is brought to the table quickly and never disappoints. The onion rings are worth the trip itself. The restaurant has good vegetarian options, plenty of parking out back, and a great little store next door. The staff are also very responsible when it comes to dealing with customers who have food allergies. I ran into one of the servers at a party and he told me that the owner of Franklin's treats his staff very well. That's one more reason why I'll be a loyal customer of this great, independently-owned restaurant that adds some vibrance to Hyattsville.
(5)Alex A.
At Franklin's, I experienced one of the worst meals I've had in recent memory. The cheeseburger was "meh" at best -- and you expect more than "meh" for what they charge -- the salad a big pile of uninteresting leaves where they kept forgetting to bring me dressing until the main course arrived -- and the service veered from hapless to overwhelmed. I can't figure out why all the high ratings, except it proves my theory that if people have to pay a lot for something, and wait for it, they will conclude it must be awesome. On the plus side, the beer brewed on the premises was good.
(1)Andrew C.
I am working in the area for a few weeks and I am making it my goal to try everything on the menu. The atmosphere, food and service are all great. They've got a portion of the menu that changes each month. They are very inventive with their dishes. The beer selection is amazing, try the "Rubber Chicken Red." The portions are huge most of the appetizers can serve as a meal and the bread pudding is as big as your head. The stuff I saw in the general store seemed to be overpriced, but stick to the restaurant and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Frank O.
We were up in Maryland the other weekend, so I convinced the wife to make a stop at Franklin's on our way back home that evening for dinner. It had been quite a long while since we had last been here, and I must say that they hadn't lost any quality since my last visit eons ago. We started off getting a beer sampler. I like the way they do their sampler. You can essentially try as many of their beers in sample sizes as you want. There really is no limit to how many you get. You just pay more to sample more. Smart!! They had a lot of good beers on the menu. Some of the highlight beers were the Blonde Bombshell, Rubber Chicken Red, Oktoberfest, Saison, Vanilla Bean Stout and Ludicrous. The Vanilla Bean Stout I ended up getting a full glass of with my meal. The light vanilla and bourbon flavors in the beer were very nice. The Ludicrous is unreal... it's made with a sour mash and it has a wine and grapefruit like flavor to it. VERY interesting. We started with the Maryland Crab Dip which was very good and very well made. I followed that with a bowl of cauliflower bacon soup which was amazing. They say bacon makes everything better... and that is definitely the case with this soup. The bacon flavor was subtle but very present and it just really added to the creamy cauliflower in the soup. Tastiness! For my main course, I had the brat platter. Four various sausages with sauerkraut, gorgonzola mashed potatoes and a grainy mustard. It was beyond tasty! My wife got the rabbit dish (forget what it was called) and she liked it. She said the rabbit was a tad dry, but otherwise, it was a great dish. Very happy to see this place still has it... and they really blew me away with their beers this time. Then again, never been disappointed with their brews. Food was great... overall, awesome meal and terrific place!
(4)Arinze N.
DISCLAIMER: To be completely honest, i normally would give this place 4 stars, but I had to give it 5 to counteract the dummys on yelp who gave Frankin's 3 stars or less. Now back to the review... Franklins is one of the few really good "mom and pop" restaurants in northern Prince Georges County, and for that reason alone i continue my patronage. The staff is very very attentive and friendly even when the joint is PACKED (which it often gets on Fridays and Saturdays). The food is not too pricey and is very tasty. If you order the cowboy burger cooked "medium" you will fall in love with this place i guarantee. if you have a sweet tooth try the brownie sundae...wonderful! If you are looking to grab a quick appetizer, try the calamari The place also has above average beers and cocktails ...definitely check it out if ever in pg.
(5)Megan S.
I really want to like Franklin's. The atmosphere is great - it's a nice neighborhood restaurant with lots of families and a great little store attached. Unfortunately, the food is always below average. And a little expensive for the quality of food you're getting. The pizzas are terrible. Entrees are hit or miss. Salads and burgers are ok, but uninspired. It's one of those places that tries to have everything, but succeeds at nothing. I wish they would pick a direction and get really good at making something, because I'd love another local food option!
(2)Yuan Z.
This is a straight up bar and hangout place that happens to close rather early (especially since it's in college park....hello?). The beers are great, and vary with the season-BUT they are the only redeeming grace of this restaurant. While the food is edible, and improves drastically if you are sipping a beer alongside, its nothing special, and a bit overpriced. With the exception of their sandwiches/burgers, everything else is bland, sour, boring, or I could've made it better at home. I'm all about the food, and each time I go (about 8 x now), I'll try one of their seasonal specialties in hope of hitting on something spectacular and deeply inspirational, instead of their usual "trying to do something foodie" experience that fails. hardcore. I totally agree that it's hit or miss, and seriously dishes to avoid: vegetarian anything, shrimp &grits, dishes that have olives, and the onion rings. Oh the horror of their artery clogging doughnut batter. While its great that they are trying to do something different with their food. seriously guys? its like 6 layers of dough to one ring of onion!!! the grease!
(3)Katrina C.
Visited from out of town for a Redskins game; this place was one of the highlights! The beer was delicious, service superb, great ambiance and delicious apps & pizzas! Pizza was also great leftover the next day. Will definitely visit again if in the area.
(4)Christina G.
This is my go to place, when I want to relax because I know I I will like the food and beer. I love the beer and certain menu items, such as the pulled pork platter or the fried chicken salad. The store is awesome too. We have visitors all the time and I like to take them here for gift buying.
(4)Jen W.
Can you possibly beat a great brew pub with good food, including some adventurous specials, that has a TOY STORE to boot! It's a go to destination for our family and has yet to dissapoint. I'm a fan of the Nickel Curve Lamb burgers, their pizzas are very tasty and their salad combinations are very tasty. Last night had a salad with grapefruit, spicy almond brittle, fresh local goat cheese and lemon poppy seed dressing over mixed greens - a combination I might not have put together at home, but incredibly tasty. Service is friendly and prompt. They also are very supportive of their community, with regular fundraising nights for local schools and other causes.
(5)Aaron N.
One of my favorite resturants. Great food. The beer is awesome. I had one of the best beers i ever had here. It has a really cool general store attached that is awesome by itself.
(5)Cathy B.
My husband and I have been enjoying Franklin's for many years now. We live in Cheverly, MD and there was a time when it was very difficult to find a place to eat that was close to where we live. Franklin's has been a rock in our community. The wait staff are friendly. The food is not 5-star but it's good. I love their crab cakes and my husband really enjoys their ribs.
(4)Nick C.
I've been going to Franklin's for so long I couldn't hope to remember how many times I've been there. Now that I've said that, you might be wondering why I only gave it 4 stars. Short story: I would have given it 4.5 if I could. Long Story: Franklin's is great if you know what to get, but unpredictable if you stray off the beaten path. So let me fill you in... What keeps me coming back to Franklin's is the pork barbecue. They serve both pulled pork and pork ribs that are smoked for hours until they are falling off the bone. The pulled pork is probably of the best I've had, and it comes with your choice of several sauces (though if you don't get the Carolina style you're dead to me), but my favorite is the ribs with just a dry spice rub. I was never even that fond of ribs until I ate here, because I didn't realize they could be that tender and flavorful. There's one gotcha here: because the barbecue has to smoke for hours, it isn't ready at lunchtime. Also, silly though it may sound, do yourself a favor and get the mashed potatoes as your side. They have both Gorgonzola and roasted garlic (complete with whole roasted cloves) varieties, and they're both delicious. The two other Franklin's dishes I can't get enough of are the North African nickel curves and the spinach salad. The nickel curves are little burgers, except that the beef patty has been replaced with merguez sausage that is topped with tzatziki sauce. The combination of spicy kick and creamy coolness will pretty much make all other sliders look like a pile of puke. Even the famed Matchbox sliders don't compare IMHO. The spinach salad is arguably a lot less unique; it's just a really well executed salad with the perfect ingredients. At many places, the bacon and hard-boiled eggs utterly drown out the spinach in the so-called spinach salad, but this has just the right mix of spinach, onions, and egg topped with a tasty bacon-lentil vinaigrette. Like I said before, the rest of the menu is uneven. I've had some tasty specials there, from duck confit to mussels in a fennel cream sauce, but there had also been some pretty bad misses from some of the other dishes. Basically, given how phenomenal the few dishes I mentioned above are, I'd just stick to those, unless you end up there a lot. Stay on the beaten path and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
(4)Tiffane C.
I attended a private Christmas party at Franklin's. We reserved the upstairs space and had a great time. It was my first and only time visiting and I'm definitely set on going back at some point. Since it was a private party, I was limited to the catering buffet, which consisted of bruschetta, quesadillas, and a few other finger foods, like veggies. Overall, I really enjoyed the options available, but it was such a tease! Everything was so delicious, I wanted to try more. I would definitely recommend Franklin's for a relaxing, casual private event. I look forward to coming back to dine from the full menu.
(4)Kristen W.
I love Franklins. Its a fun neighborhood place, with good food and a fun atmosphere. Really good beer as well, and the store has a great wine and beer selection.
(5)Phillip Y.
On the last day of our training/workshop at Univ of Md-College Park, we got this great recommendation from a friend. You definitely have to come here for the atmosphere which is hip and cool. It has a brewery so got to try a beer as well. Plus, it has a pretty cool general store to check out. Arriving at Franklin's, I remember that there was parking kiosk but it wasn't working at the time. So, free parking but get there early since it was pretty busy when we left. I tried the fish which was good since it was light and not heavy on the sauce. Overall, I would recommend this place since most everywhere we visited it was just either college hangouts or your regular TGIFridays near campus. At least, Mama Lucia and this place were local restaurants that had character.
(5)Desiree H.
This place has good comfort food. Ate the ribs and they were pretty good. If I was hungrier, I would have tried the dessert. The atmosphere is pretty cool, it looks like it was converted from an old factory or something into this two level restaurant that boasts making its own beer. Too bad I don't like beer, but I would have drank it. I will go back and probably take my family when they visit. I rate as "a-ok" and not I am a fan, until I go back again.
(3)Lawana H.
I've been coming here for years and Franklin's always has an interesting varied menu with good food and good beers, and an attached shop that is ALWAYS fun to visit. A former hardware store (adaptive use FTW!), you can't go wrong with almost anything on the menu--which changes seasonally. I love the nickel curve lamb sliders, the mussels, and I used to get the coconut curry chicken. Right now the menu is Oktoberfest, but I hope the chicken comes back! Service is good and the restaurant is really welcoming and kid-friendly. Now that I have a kid of my own, I really appreciate that about the place! You'll see lots of families downstairs on the main floor, but you can go upstairs where the bar is. I love this restaurant.
(5)Katherine S.
Just went here recently and finally got my own Vulcan Mind Meld. WOW!! That is some good stuff. I just wish I had hours to go through the store....
(5)Steve B.
The place was humming with activity on a Friday at 6:30. Only about 5 minutes to wait for a table for 5, though. Service was pretty good, with attention paid to things like extra napkins. The menu had some interesting items on it. Two of us ordered the noodleless lasagna, which was just as advertised. It was a great taste but without the worry of carbs. A well stocked kids menu. Very solid, and a good experience.
(4)Monica W.
Seeing as my husband and I were new to the College Park area we went out looking for some local fare and we stumbled upon Franklin's when we moved here about 6 months ago and have been coming back, almost weekly, since. Service is always friendly, and i dont think we've had to wait more than 20 min on a crowded friday night. But if you do have to wait, browse the general store, you'll forget your wait! Lots of fun little trinkets and some good beer/wine selects too. The food has always been great, each time we go. I'm in LOVE with the crab dip, and the pizza is great for two people(or one rather hungery person). Pretty much all their sandwiches as amazing too. Being that its a brew-pub, i always have a new beer to try. They have their staples, but they also have some really great ocassional beers. By far, their Octoberfest beer was the best i've had. Hands down! I also like their Private IPA. Good beers, great food, and a fun atmosphere is why we keep coming back!
(5)Adam R.
This is my spot! Beer is always top notch. I've been enjoying this place for nearly 8 yrs. You used to be able to get small, rental kegs with their delicious beer locked inside. Now you gotta grab a growler for carry out. Regardless, I highly recommend the tasty beers... oh and the food :-). Ps. Save room for the bread pudding. I know, i know... but it doesn't have any raisins, which is why it is so firkin good.
(4)Nunya B.
I'm definitely a fan of Franklins and have been back many times. This brewery has a fantastic craft beer selection with solid creative and tasty food to match. It's reasonably priced and has never disappointed. If you go, try the Twisted Turtle Pale Ale or the Rubber Chicken Red. There is usually a short wait in the evenings to get in but it's the perfect opportunity to check out the general store. This is my go-to place for gifts when I don't know what to get for someone. They have everything from vintage games and candy to artsy craft gifts and science toys for geek kids. Definitely try Franklins.
(4)Gwynne K.
I would love to give more stars, but it's a place that continues to try and effort is not enough. The beer is technically poor, and the food is very meh. It's like being experimented on--sometimes it's okay but when your hamburger tastes like fish, that's really really bad. That said, it has some energy and I really want them to succeed. But my kids don't want to go and be guinea pigs and are now too old for the joke shop to be the only pull. Good luck to Franklins, tho. I really love you all, in concept.
(2)Tenecia Q.
Service was OK. Nothing special or particularly awful. The food was alright too. I had the cowboy burger, which was good and filling, with a side of fries. The fries were delicious. Probably the best part of the meal. And I enjoyed browsing their store. You could spend forever in there. And I like that it's accessible, with the parking lot beside it.
(3)Mac O.
This spot is just about as much fun as you can have at a restaurant without a paper maze menu and a pack of primary color crayons. It's like a too-cool-for-school Cracker Barrel landed on top of a microbrewery. And magic happened. Franklin's atmosphere is bright and lively, with bold colors and fun art work (all for sale) like lino prints of vintage autos bedecking the walls. There are two levels, with the larger dining room and general store on the first, and the bar and brewery on the second. *Every day*, including weekends, from 4 - 6:30 is Happy Hour in the bar, with $1 off draughts, and half price onion rings and quesadillas -- both of which are excellent: massive rings of sweet onion coated in thick, crisp Old Bay beer batter and served with horseradish cream, or a warm flour tortilla stuffed with a blend of cheeses and green onions, served with diced tomato, jalapeño peppers, salsa, and sour cream. Can't beat a quesadilla made with tons of fresh crab for five bones, or those addictive rings for only $3.25. Other food is excellent as well, since Franklin's makes just about everything in-house, from the fresh mozzarella on the pizzas, to their nicely al dente, brown sugary baked beans, to their smoked barbeque ribs and chicken (ribs are meh, but the chicken with Carolina sauce is outstanding). Their Pupusas, filled with portabella and cheese, topped with queso fresco, crema, jalapeño-tomato sauce, and curtido, are surprisingly wonderful. They also feature seasonal specials from Fried Green Tomatoes to Spicy Yellowfin Salsa Salad. This is better-than-bar-food: fresh, inventive, and wholly affordable, even at full-price. Franklin's makes some truly special brews, too. Husband and his sister grew up in College Park and have been coming to Franklin's since they were awkward teenagers, so they have their old-faithfuls they always order. SIL likes the Twisted Turtle ESB, a smooth pale ale. Husband prefers the Bitter Markie Double IPA, tho for the life of me I can't get on board with *any* IPA, let alone a bitterer-than-bitter double. I like Saison Belgian Style, and -- most recently -- the special Ludicrous Sour Rye Saison '11, an awesomely tangy, fizzy, grapefruity beer with white wine tendencies. Really, tho, you can't go wrong with any of Franklin's specialty suds. No visit to Franklin's would be complete without a few laps around their fabulous general store. It makes Cracker Barrel's look like a 99 cent store. There is so much super fun stuff here for kids from 6 to 106: UglyDolls, cowboy hand puppets, children's books with titles like "All My Friends Are Dead" and "Go the Fuck to Sleep", penny candy from Bit o' Honey to Mary Janes, kitchen gadgets, board games, interesting beer and wines, vintage-looking dishtowels, play kitchen sets, sassy greeting cards...I can spend as much time in here as I spent downing beer and bar bites. Franklin's is a just a great, feel-good kinda place. It's impossible to leave in a bad mood, even if you came in with one.
(4)Laurie K.
We bought a bottle of wine in the gift shop and drank it at the table, which was allowed. Cheaper than buying 4 glasses, which we did the time before.
(4)Nicky R.
During the mid-90s Franklin's was a cute general store with an itty bitty ice cream parlor in the back. It was a great spot to go after school and have a cone with friends. In recent years it has grown into the dual-storefront mega indie restaurant with a wacky gifts shop on Rt. 1. Following a fifteen year departure from the area I was impressed to see the growth that this restaurant had experienced. A restaurant & brewery with wonderful interior and exterior designing that brightens Hyattsville, but alludes to the humble nature of Prince George's County. Pretty much a locals' spot, with long table waits on the weekends. The quality of the food is decent. The service, not so much. On a visit last spring I took a visiting foreign student to the restaurant and received service that was so terrible that I should've written the owner. We arrived following a normal lunching hour in the beginning of the week. Our server (chubby brunette male, tattoos), waited on and served people that were seated after us. Our appetizers arrived at our table with our entrees. Didn't check on us after we were served our meals, nor came around to refill our drinks. When it came time to pay the bill he was nowhere to be found.
(1)Shannon W.
I recently (about three weeks ago and again last week) revisited Franklin's after a long break from being a regular (once a month or so) customer. The reason I stopped visiting is because the service seemed to be indifferent...well... My recent visits actually resulted in conversations with neighbors (we live within a mile) about how much the service has improved. We were promptly served, our very attentive waitress stopped multiple times to ensure our drinks were full and the most important part to me...she was genuinely happy...I felt like she was truly enjoying working there, meeting us, and making sure our meal was perfectly prepared. Franklins has a decor that I am fond of, reutilizes an old building (resulting in minimized energy cost from new construction), is vibrant, and the food good. I am in fact a fan again after a long separation! Hyattsville is a place that I feel is a hidden gem...inside the beltway but only a few miles from D.C. I feel like when I drive into Hyattsville I just drove twelve hours to a nice midwestern town. Bike stores, huge castle churches, beautiful houses, a GORGEOUS new development on previously vacant and unutilized asphalt parking lots (now known as the Arts District), and a police department that is rock-star modern but as nice as Mayberry PD...and restaurants like Franklins and their wonderful neon sign. Franklins and Hyattsville are worth the trip. Another thing for runners and bikers, Hyattsville downtown and Franklins is close to the Anacostia trail. Wheat beer tends to go down real well after a run or ride:) (but be advised that happy hour specials are not extended to the tables, only the bar).
(4)Tony Z.
Great atmosphere. Interesting general store attached to restaurant. Fun beers that are brewed right on the spot, up on the second floor. I wouldn't say they are going to put Dogfish Head out of business any time soon, but this beer is tasty and I've enjoyed it several times with my meals. Definitely get the lamb sliders, called Nickel curves. The lunch menu, which contains amazing reubens, is not to be overlooked. Set aside any negative biases about Hyattsville and go here - I think Franklin's is helping to turn this town around!
(4)Igor B.
This is my favorite restaurant in this area for a top-notch micro-brew with a good quality meal with fresh flavorful ingredients. Period. This one's it! Plenty of varieties of beer to choose from, and all the entrees and appetizers-- pastas, pizzas, meats, fish-- have been superior during all my visits. This last time I had the gnocci, with artichokes, fava beans, and ham, with cheese. Always good bread puddings and desserts, if you have room.
(5)John D.
I give this 3 stars because they are so good for young children and my grand kids just love this place. Better than dinner is the visit next door to the general store (check out hte working rotary dial phone behind the cash register). Let's be real. The food is not gong to win any awards. Keep it simple. The less work is required in the kitchen the better the end product is going to be. I generally find the steaks and vegetables good. The salads are ok. I did not like the ribs. I think some of the items are prepared by Sysco and they just cook then in the microwave(?); you can guess how good these are. Anyway, they love kids, and the kids love this place. Have fun.
(3)Brent F.
Been here a couple of times. Food is pretty good. Parking is rough. Service is good.
(4)Dan W.
Franklin's is great. They brew their own beer (its good too, not just a gimmick), make good food, and have a quirky general store. I definitely recommend their Thursday night happy hour to get cheaper microbrews. Its hard to find a local place with the right local ambiance and flavor that Franklin's provides. It keeps me coming back.
(4)Kathy M.
Franklin's Restaurant is a down home, all-American place with some of your back home favorites like corn beef hash and regular, American-style burgers. The prices are affordable and the food doesn't disappoint. And you can kill some serious time in their corner store which is jam packed with everything - and I do mean everything! Franklin's is perfect for a quick bite to eat, or a lunch date with your parents or friends. No frills, just good food at a good price.
(4)Marjorie H.
The service was great, the drinks were good, and for the price you get your money's worth of food - wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad either - I'd say it was alright.
(3)Bethany P.
This place is awesome. The food is good, the beer is great and the staff is wonderful. They get pretty busy on Friday and Saturday nights, but they give you a pager and you can go play with and buy things in their general store--there's tons of stuff you can get there. I went once with my little sister and we got an I Spy book, which occupied our time while we waited for our table. The thing I like most about their menu is the uniqueness of the seasonal food. I love food, what can I say? What I love most about food is the variety it comes in and Franklin's lets me try things I've never had before. I've been here numerous occasions and every time I get something different. I always have a good time and the staff is always on the ball. 5 stars out of 5.
(5)Susy M.
Just had Franklin's summer arugula, watermelon and avocado salad with grilled salmon! Yum! The perfect dish for a hot summer night. The service is great and the beer is the best. We will definitely be back!!
(5)Grant M.
Franklin's atmosphere and general store are great, their food however is mediocre. The general store is more like a toy store and liquor store combined (which seems like a pretty exciting combination). They have a lot of cool novelties including Jesus action figures and Sock'em Boppers (Which lead to really exciting Sock'em Bopper Fight Clubs. The first rule of Sock'em Bopper Fight Club is you always talk about Sock'em Bopper Fight Club). The liquor store has no hard liquor, but lots of imported and domestic microbrews and specialty wines. Having to wait for a table is not a chore at Franklin's because it gives you time to explore the general store. As for the food, their specialties are not very impressive, while they do well with basics. For example, the Knockwurst and Bratwurst dinner offered a very tastey Brat and a Knockwurst that was knot (horrible pun) so great. Also, a very forgiving vegetarian in my group had the Northern California Pizza. While he is known for his ability to eat practically anything that is vegetarian, he was not willing to finish the pizza and was very unimpressed. However, the Glorious Gloria, Franklin's basic grilled chicken sandwich, is tasty and has no obvious flaws (but also isn't out of this world.) I have also been told their barbecue meals are delicous, though I haven't tried any because I am not a big barbecue sauce fan. They also have a list of house-brewed beers which you can order at the restaurant or take home in a growler. These range from very mild, to full bodied flavors with imaginative ingredients. Overall, the Franklin's experience is a fun one, but don't expect wildly delicious food.
(3)Helen H.
They have the best dinner rolls I ever had!!!! We went to Franklin's by accident. Our landlord told us this is the place where all local people go to when they eat out. So we went there and tried. We order the white pizza with cilantro on it and burger. We only finished the burger and half of the pizza and had to bring the rest of the pizza home.
(5)Elissa O.
We ran across this place by accident and were pleasantly surprised. Normally I do not chance eating at places without a quick check on yelp, but I was smartphoneless at the time so we risked it. I liked the atmosphere. It was comfortable. The server we had was very nice and attentive. I give two thumbs up for the veggie options. Overall, I would say the food is very solid. The bread service had three different kinds of bread which strangely all tasted essentially the same. For lunch, I had the oh no hoagie which was a huge fresh mozzarella, avocado, portobello and pesto sandwich. It was quite tasty and I was informed that they make the mozzarella in house. I had the fries with it which were medium sized and crunchy. I applaud the crunchiness as I have been on a soggy fry run lately. My friend had the steak tacos. He said they were quite good and he especially liked the beans, which he never eats anywhere but loved here. The prices here were on the high side for the quality of the food but to keep a place like this in the area then I'm willing to pay an extra buck or two. If you go, or even if you don't, check out the general store. It is filled with the coolest little gifts. They also had a guy running the register who was super nice and very enthusiastic about the food. Note to Franklin's: put him at the host stand or have him work the dining room.
(3)Chris M.
Prior to this past weekend, I had not been to Hyattsville since the mid-90s. I didn't exactly miss it. But as I was cruising up Rt. 1, I stumbled upon Hyattsville's multi-million dollar art district development. The whole area has been rebuilt with pseudo-urban rowhouses, condo's and artists residences. "What the hell happened here," I asked myself. Franklin's appeared just when I was feeling ready for lunch. So I decided to check it out. The parking lot is bizarre in that most of the spaces seem to require one to pay for parking. I got around this by just driving to the back of the lot, under the overpass, where many the spaces seemed to be free of charge. The interior of Franklin's reproduces the artist loft decor popularized in the 1980s and early 90s. You know the deal, exposed brick, exposed duct work, light fixtures with that half-industrial/half Williams Sonoma vibe. I was into that look back in '86 or so...along with INXS, the IBM XT, and styling mousse. Seating for one next to the window, I was greeted quickly, they took my order and I had my food in under 5 minutes. This is good because I was really hungry. It was bad because I knew it wasn't fresh. I went with the Curried Coconut Chicken lunch entree ($13). The menu describes it as 'Sauteed chicken breast chunks tossed with bean sprouts, roasted red peppers and basil in a spicy red curry-coconut milk sauce, served over jasmine rice'. The description is pretty accurate, although I should mention that there were lots of red peppers in there. The portion was nice, the price was fair and the chicken was okay. The curry had a little heat to it, but the flavor fell a bit flat. I finished my meal, paid the bill, and went on down the road. 3.5 stars - Pros: Seems like a clean place popular with some of the locals. There's a bar upstairs somewhere but I didn't check it out. Fast service. Cons: no one checked to make sure I was satisfied with my meal; I thought my dish was a bit flat on flavor; as far as I know this is a privately owned place...why they want it to feel like a chain restaurant from the Clinton-era is what I can't understand. Happy Dining!
(3)Farida A.
I'm pleased to see a fresh new restaurant round these parts! Came for lunch with a coworker and they were pretty quick about service. The waitress recommended the grilled vegetable pita and against my instincts I went with her recommendation. Lucky for me it was FANTASTIC. There was a good variety of vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, artichokes, red bell peppers, etc) drizzled with a lovely little sauce, sitting atop a pita/naan. Served with a side of fries, it totally hit the spot. The prices aren't a steal, but for the portion and taste, it's a good deal. I look forward to coming back.
(4)Faye V.
I'd give this place a 2.5. As a College Park local, there are not many "nicer" or even good places to sit down and grab a satisfying meal. That is slowly changing but I think Franklins has flourished primarily because they haven't had a lot of competition. The thing is, it tries too hard to be something it isn't. It fancies itself a more gourmet, upscale restaurant than it actually is. It is somewhat confused. Not exactly consistent. All you have to do is look at it's constantly changing "seasonal" menus to see that. And then look at some of the interesting but not always well-executed dishes that have one or two rouge ingredients you would not expect (or necessarily want). (It's kind of cool to see the creativity they use for the dishes but they don't always end up tasting quite how you expected). I've eaten here many times and it can really be hit or miss. Then you come in and find that amazing item only to come back 2 weeks later and it is off the menu. Grrr. I love their fried green tomatoes, their heirloom tomato pizza and LOVE LOVE LOVE their Poached Pear & Endive Salad. All seasonal items unfortunately. (I stalk their menu online to see if they put that pear salad back on the menu). Their staple items aren't so bad (the hubby really likes the sauce they use on their ribs and burgers are decent) but not always worth the prices they charge (and they do charge a lot, as if this was not a brewhouse but an upscale restaurant with a fancy chef). Service can be as inconsistent as their food. Normally pretty slow. Some waiters are more attentive than others, but I've never been blown away since none of them are over friendly or accommodating or quick. I dared to ask a new waitress if they could substitute the pomegranates in their pomegranate and orange seasonal salad (I'm sort of allergic to them) and she suggested broccoli...what?! So yeah, this place isn't quite the foodie or gourmet spot it wants to think it is. It is a nice place to relax (or bring out of town guests) but it can get really noisy and busy. And the husband likes one of their beers (but not enough to get a growler), so that is a plus. But the cost of the items (don't get me started on the 2 small and measly fried mozzarella balls appetizer for 7 bucks!) and the poor execution/taste of some recent entrees has left me deciding I will not be coming back for a while...at least not until they get that darn Pear & Endive salad back on the menu!
(2)Sarah L.
We eat here regularly. The food is pretty good, it's close to home, not too expensive. My complaint is hoe often food comes to the table cold. Consistent problem.
(3)M B.
Always have a good experience here. Service is professional and fast
(3)Michael O.
I stopped in for lunch. The waiter I had was excellent. He was all business and no fluff; he refilled my coke when it was low but not empty. This is actually really important to me and shows attentiveness. The bathrooms were neat and clean and the retardant in general seemed to have a good ambience. The cowboy burger wasn't anything special, but hey, it was a burger. Entrees average from 10-20 dollars. Burgers 9 dollars. If your in the neighborhood it is definitely a good choice.
(4)Angela M.
I want to give this place 4 stars, but I'm leaning towards 3 for now. I've only been to Franklin's a few times. Lately, it's become a great place to have work lunches. I actually just went there today. We ordered the onion ring app (OMG, there's like a doughnut worth of breading on top, mmm mmm good), and I got the cottage pie for my entree. The cottage pie came in a humongous bowl. I think I could feed a family of 10 with this dish. The mashed potatoes were scrumptious and the veggie chili on top was also very tasty. The server was good, intense and loud, but whatever. I'm not going to hate. The rest of our party enjoyed their food too. Two people got burgers, they said they were pretty good, but nothing to write home about. Someone got the turkey club and he said he always gets that, clearly he likes it. I forget what the others got. I got an Americano for the road. It was okay, I've had better. But, it's doing it's job as my first caffeine punch of the day. Not a beer drinker, so maybe I would give this place 4 stars if I were, I hear its good. The atmosphere is cute, sometimes I wish the kitchen weren't so part of the restaurant, but other than that- it's cute in there. I've never been in the store area, but I was eyeing it today, I can't wait to come on my own and do some exploring.
(3)Ti C.
Top four reasons for Franklin's: 1. Beer, Oktoberfest and Anarchy lager are my favorites. If you are unsure, ask for a sampler, I'm sure you will find something you love. 2. Crab dip. Food at franklin's isn't the best, but their crab dip is the standout performer. 3. Service. I almost always sit upstaris in the bar area and the bartenders there are friendly and quick. 4. General store. Maybe it was the 3 beers I had the first time I visited Franklin's, but visiting the general store made me misty-eyed with happiness. Happy hour is 4- 6:30 $2.50 pints and half off select apps.
(5)Charles P.
I've never had a bad experience at this restaurant. I've come in large groups and I've had dates here as well, and the staff is always well prepared for both kinds of parties. Even if there is a long wait, you can spend it in the general store, which always has fun knick-knacks and souvenirs. The atmosphere matches the food, which is fun and delicious. The staff is very friendly and there is hardly much waiting once you are seated. This place gets very crowded on the weekends, but even then, the restaurant is always a hit!
(5)Hikari K.
This place is alright. Options are pretty limited in hyattsville, and its the closet thing to an active fun place to hang as it gets. So why not a higher rating? Its not open late enough for the type of atmosphere is tries to portray. Seriously, there is no place in hyattsville that's open past 11pm, and neither is Franklins. I imagine this place to be crawling with college kids and night owls, for the music to be turned up, everyone grooving....but sorry, bed time is 11 kiddies. Boo. Second, its a bit expensive. Mind you, you do kinda get a decent portion of food, but its nothing too hoot and holler over. Personally, there's nothing on the menu that I've tried that I crave or makes me want to come back and have it again. I'm always in the mood for something weird and all of their food is pretty down-to-earth. A lot of people are into that though, so by all means, don't let me stop you. Lastly, they have all of these cool beers that they make themselves, that is popular among the people who love the place...but I'm not old enough to try any of them. Boo. But I'm being too harsh. The food is good quality though not very flavorful, but I absolutely love that they have buffalo fries as one of their sides. Now that's what I'm talking about. And the service is usually pretty good. Slow on busy nights, yes, but I know a few people personally who work there and they are all very nice. There's a little gift shop next door that is pretty awesome as well. They have all kinds of cool things, last minute presents, weird gadgets, candy, hot sauces, and so on. They close early though. Again, boo. All in all, its a nice place for a lunch or an early evening down-to-earth meal. Not sooper-dee-dooper amazing, but pretty good. Someone other than myself might take more of a fancy to it, I'm sure. If you happen to be trapped in the hole in the ground that is Hyattsville, check this place out.
(3)F D.
They brew there own beer, the ghetto folks don't come here, the food is cooked good, the patrons are friendly and will talk to you if you want them to. Good for family, friends or if you want to be alone. They have a parking lot that is metered by the city of hyattsville until 6pm, you'll pay to park at lunch or breakfast. The general store has gifts, prank toys and weird things found out in the country.
(5)Jenny H.
I heart Franklin's. It's super cool that they make the beer on site - in fact, my favorite seat is in the little area with the... um... giant copper beermaking things. They really excel at American comfort foods - not so much Southern as just classic pizzas, pot pies, etc. But their chef is a little uneven. I always get the vegetarian cottage pie, and sometimes it is a delicious warm chili with yummy crust / potatoes... and sometimes it is a very not delicious soup. I've taken to asking the waiter to make sure it comes out the way I want because that's the only way to know what I'm ordering. But I don't *really* mind because it's just so delicious. I do wish they were open 24 hours... I miss having a 24 hour place by my house. And I don't like going when they're busy. But still... yum.
(4)Jim M.
Not worthy of five stars, but definitely four for the beer alone. Appetizers are really good and if you get there before 6:30, select ones are half price along with discounts on beer. Being from California, I'm a huge Sierra Nevada fan and always have to order Franklin' version called "Sierra Madre." Although the bartenders swear theirs is better (go figure), I held back only to give them a "not even close" response :) Anyway, cool atmosphere, great beer...hit it up during happy hour and you won't be disappointed.
(4)David L.
Like many living in Hyattsville, I appreciate having a place like Franklin's. The gift store is great, especially if you have kids with your. Their hot sause collection is outstanding, they even had Marie Sharp's, probably the finest hot sauce you can get, but I digress. I like the place overall, but the food is uneven. I am none too impressed with their BBQ pork, it is presented poorly and tastes like its been sitting around for a long time. The beer is hit and miss too. Order a sampler first. I really like the Anarchy Ale and the Wheat beer, but some of the others wern't so hot, almost too flavorful. My dining companions agreed. Everyone's tastes are different, so I do recommend sampling some first. The place has a good atmosphere though, and the uneven food and beer quality shouldn't keep you from trying this place. Especially if you live in the Hyattsville area. There aren't too many other options!
(3)shawn g.
While it took a bit to find Franklins b/c we don't have GPS, or smart phones, it was worth the trip out to Hyattsville. Franklins has an easy-going atmosphere that is a lot brighter than your standard brew-pub. No dark wood and brass here. We had no trouble at lunch getting a table for six, and I had scoped out the menu ahead of time, so I knew exactly what I wanted, and I would order it again. You should too. We started with the Nickel Curves merguez sliders that disappeared really quickly. Might want to get a double order. The Thai Fried Ribs are also a must. Sweet, sticky, and over a bed of fried noodles. The main attraction was the Vulcan Mind Meld. A monster of a sandwich with two kids of meat and fries stuffed inside slices of toasted rye. I had a decent Oatmeal stout along with lunch. Beers aren't listed on the main website, but can be found listed on their blog, here franklinsbrewery.blogspo… Definitely a must stop in Hyattsville.
(4)Christal T.
Franklin's has been a staple in my dining rotation for years. The menu is diverse, with several vegetarian options thrown in along with freshly made pizzas, barbecue and seriously happy-inducing dessert items. The beer menu is legendary, and the artistry on tap is undeniable. The atmosphere is relaxed, non-pretentious, and friendly. So why only 3 stars? Food/kitchen quality is inconsistent. There are times when I've been very happy indeed with every item ordered, but there are increasingly more times when the food is overcooked or overseasoned. The exception is the corn pudding, which is always, always spectacular. Keep your expectations in check, and you can't go wrong. Order the specials at your own peril, and by all means visit the attached general goods store! That alone is worth the trip.
(3)Alexandra M.
Hyattsville is lacking in good dining options, so in all reality if you are in town, this is one of the best options. I am writing a dissenting opinion about their beer. I took my sister and her husband here, all three of us bought different brews, and we didn't like them. We even traded them all around so we could taste each others', and not one received a thumbs up. I wish I could tell you which ones they were, but now I just don't buy any of them. It's sad for me to go to a microbrewery and have to buy Heineken in a bottle. The food is mediocre in my opinion, but the portions are massive. You can probably get a good burger here, if you like burgers. There's a Thai green curry chicken that I usually get, which is decent. The best thing about this place is the general store. I go here relatively often to buy specialty/imported wine and beer. I go Christmas shopping here. I even have pictures of me and my friends in here. A selection of what they carry: funny greeting cards, Chimay, classic board games, toys, kitchen utensils, political satire, giant sunglasses, cute books.
(3)Madhu D.
this place has many tasty food items. it's great for out of towners & locals who have a varying appetite. i personally had the chicken pot pie. i don't know about you, though when i think of pot pies i am reminded of my favorite one, as a wee little tyke- the swanson one that takes forever in an over & comes out oozing with it's liquid hot magma broth. franklin's pie holds up to that standard & then some. it's a grown up one, with a tad more spice & enormous portion. it's enough to feed a small girl scout troop. we also shared the lamb sliders & papusas - both very good, especially the papusas. if you get that shopping bug while you're eating or afterwards, they have a general store filled with oodles of toys, candy, stuffed animals, chocolate, hot sauce, wine, & beer. it balances adult & child items well. apparently the store came before the restaurant. either way, both are great for whatever you may need.
(4)John S.
This review is for the Fin del Mundo beer. It was new in Dec. 2012. I was brewed with chile peppers. This gives it a really unique flavor. Peppery as you would expect. I like it and suggest that if you are open to something different, give it a try.
(4)Eric P.
Looking for lunch? Paydoh for your nephew's birthday? Maybe a six pack of a beer you never heard of? If all of the above, Franklin's is the place to go. While you are waiting for a seat, check out the toystore, with an awesome selection for those young and old, along with a nice assortment of wine and beer. The restaurant itself has a large menu with plenty of good food, and many vegetarian options to go with the fun atmosphere and friendly wait staff .
(5)Dorothy G.
I LOVE Franklin's. Great food at decent prices, casual atmosphere, and has the bonus of the general store attached. My office has done a few lunches there and it's one of our favorite places. They have plenty of room for big groups, and they do a pretty good job at getting the food out in a timely manner. Their fish and chips is the best I've had anywhere... but the last time I was there it wasn't as good. Either they've changed the batter (it wasn't as flavorful) or they were having an off day. I also love their lamb slider burgers (which come with sweet potato fries) but that's a seasonal dish which our waiter said should become available again January or February-ish. Their sandwhiches and burgers are all really good and they've upped their portion sizes... way more than I can eat in one meal! They also brew their own beer... I've only tried 1-2 of the variety they offer, but they were pretty good (but I'm more a mixed-drink/wine girl so I'm not the best authority on beer...). I also love the general store attached. They have a nice selection of wines as well as random novelty items that would make good gifts along with a variety of toys/games... I've picked up several gifts for my toddler nephew there.
(5)Saad S.
Yeah, I don't think so. As far as food goes, I would give it a decent 3 stars. Nothing too impressive; and in my opinion the pulled pork (Carolina style) was way too vinegary. yes, I know it's vinegar based; but I would actually cough everytime I took a whif of the pork as I was eating. A bit much. But honestly, I could overlook that and would almost be willing to go back and try something else if it weren't for the bartender. My Terrible Bartender Story: I have no idea what was up this guy's but that evening, but he was not happy...and I guess he felt the need to try to spread the unhappiness reeling within him. Yes, we were ignored. Whatever, lots of bartenders do that for a little bit. But he really made a point to ignore hard. I kept trying to get his attention while he was simply putting up glasses and I really think he was hearing me but ignoring me. Anyways, on the third "excuse me, we're ready to order", he walks to us and says "what a coincidence, I'm ready to take your order". Huh??? Come again? What the hell was that? We should have just moved to a table right there and then, but were in a hurry to make it to a show. So we ordered. Food came out. He not once checked on us. And I mean not once. We finished. He dropped the bill. I left cash. It felt like I was having a silent fight. So in the end, he was successful in spreading some of his misery around. Good job. And I'll never go back to that restaurant just because I don't want to ever run into that idiot ever again. What a bad person!
(2)Angelo B.
Food was average, nothing great... actually when I went there it was below average but I'm giving the benefit of the doubt. Service was poor--couldn't catch either waiter to ask for a single refill on ice tea. They never bothered to come around and ask. Would have been 3 stars if not for poor service. I'd say if you're going here just for the beer, 4 or 5 stars.
(2)Natalie G.
Great food and delicious beers. Bar staff was exceptionally nice, even while being quite busy.
(5)Kristin S.
I've been to Franklin's I think four times now. The beer is great (keep in mind it's a small brewery - it won't be the EXACT same every time, which is fun), they often use local ingredients, the food's probably 4 star (not 5), but it's really good, and the service is probably also 4 star. The reason I gave it 5, though, is that they're really into community stuff - they have a bulletin board up by the restrooms (upstairs, past the bar) where you can post community events; and I think best, they do fund raiser nights where they dontate 20% of each check to whatever group is putting the fundraiser on (most recently the Lakeland Community Project). Also, the general store is killer - SO many fun, inventive, artsy, etc. things - I could spend all day in there. So - maybe the food's not 5 star, but the vibe is, so that's what I'm giving it. Go support your local brewery and restaurant!
(5)Amanda A.
Such good food and a fun atmosphere. I've never had to wait for a table either and the service was always great. They offer a good amount of vegetarian dishes which makes this place even better! Definately go to franklin's if you are in the area (and it's down street from UMD, for anyone visting the area) The general store is awesome too, definately browse through there after your meal
(4)Matt H.
For a pub-quality burger in Hyattsville, this seems to be the best option. Franklin's atmosphere is family-friendly, the decor is quirky (lots of old Hyattsville signage), and the burgers are fine. The other alternative, Busboys & Poets, is overpriced. But Franklin's other food is only so-so. The complimentary bread is free for a reason; the rolls taste like week-old cheapies from the grocery store. I'd swear that the french fries we got during our last visit were frozen spuds, fried up then left under the warmer for hours.
(3)D S.
I went here to celebrate birthdays in my family. Please read my previous review for our horrible experience last time. I WANT to like this restaurant and I WANT them to do well, so I've continued to go back (stupid or not?) from time to time for the past 8-10 years. Well, dang, I have to say that they got it right this time. The salads are, to me, the best items on the menu, which I think tries to be too many things to too many people. However, I was happy with my salad. My child had the mac and cheese and approved. The server, thankfully, warned us the desserts are enormous. We ordered two instead of three and enjoyed key lime pie and, I think, a tiramisu. The service was good! Let me say that again. The service WAS GOOD! At one point, the server was sitting at a table in the back and we had to hunt her down. However, I can forgive that since we were there at a weird time. After being pleasantly surprised, I made sure to tell my neighbors about my changed point of view. I know I should not base a lot on one visit--especially after so many bad ones--but, like I said, I want this place to do well.
(3)Heather J.
Here's the thing about Franklin's - you have to know what to order and you have to be willing to get some truly terrible service on occasion. Not to say all the waitstaff at Franklin's is subpar, a few of them are fantastic and the general quality of service has gone up over time, but there are a couple of waiters here that are just terrible. So sometimes you cringe when you come in and see whose table you are at and accept that you are in for a long meal and a slow evening. That's ok though, the food usually makes up for it. Usually. There are some definite hits and misses on the menu. Pizzas are very safe. Not spectacular but solid. The soup of the day tend to be either stellar or pretty awful. Seasonal specials are generally very good -- they do a great job with duck and have had some really standout steaks too. Barbecue is a miss. Then again I don't know why I ordered barbecue at an eclectic Maryland restaurant in the first place, so that was probably my fault. The curry? Again, I'm not sure why it is on the menu at all. It's mediocre and doesn't seem to go with anything else. I can understand putting an oddball dish that is amazing on the menu, but the curry is not amazing. The sandwiches are also quite safe. But really, the beer is the main selling point. They have some good ones. Again, it is the special rotating ones that stand out. The store is also a great little feature, especially if you have kids and end up with one of the less good waiters. Another positive is the local philanthropy Franklin's promotes. They run fundraiser nights for local schools all the time. The restaurant is a good community citizen and I appreciate that.
(4)Ryan B.
Not bad, not bad at all. Came on a Saturday evening and had to wait 20 minutes. Good service, nice selection of beers, and the food was quite tasty. Good vegetarian options, even though the ribs looked pretty darn delicious when they passed by.
(4)Clare M.
Franklin's is really cool. The toy store thing attached to the restaurant was great-- I could spend hours in there! The restaurant itself was fun too. My dad goes there quite often and he always raves about the sandwiches. I've only been once, and I had the vegetarian flatbread with fries. It was delicious but I didn't understand how I was supposed to eat it because it was a mound of stuff piled onto one little circle of bread.. I thought it was going to be a sandwich. But I still liked it and ate the whole thing. Fries were good too. Really cool place overall!
(4)Craig L.
This is one of those places where if I didn't have the heart condition, I'd give it four, or maybe five stars. They make great food, they brew good beer, but if you're stuck on a diet like mine, you're going to have to make some tough choices. The store attached to the restaurant is eclectic & nifty, with a great range of hot sauces. The parking here is a public lot.
(3)Rob R.
I went to Franklin's earlier in the week for dinner, quite late at night, with a friend and the staff were very friendly and didn't mind the fact that they were almost closing. I ordered a cowboy burger, which came with bacon and barbecue sauce. The patty tasted great; it was juicy and tasted like actual meat. As opposed to some burgers, the Cowboy burger from Franklin's did not fall apart, adding to its good taste. it came with fries on the side, which added some extra flavor to the meal. I also ordered a beer there, which was good, just a bit sour. (I guess that depends on the drinker). I am not sure what it was called, but it was the third one down on their beer list, and resembles a regular california pop beer. It is worth mentioning that Franklin's brews all of the beer that they serve. I have come here previously on dates, and they have been quite impressed with the restaurant. The pizzas are great too.
(4)Miguel W.
Great place for a relaxing meal w/ family on a random weekday or weekend. Food is fantastic, nice selection of microbrew beer (brewed on site?) and they have this really cool store downstairs w/ all sorts of interesting stuff. Word of warning, the portions are huge even for the salads so don't order a salad, a starter and a main course b/c you will end up taking half of it home or eat so much your stomach will explode.
(4)Colin P.
There's a lot to like about Franklin's, and I do like it. Never turn down a chance to go there, and I've been many, many times. But a little more attention to the food could make it the best place in the area. A brewery needs good beers, and Franklin's doesn't disappoint on that score. I think it has even gotten better in the last couple of years. The standard half dozen brews are solid, but it's the rotating brews that I really enjoy. They're getting increasingly adventurous, and are fun to try. Most recently I had the Ludicrous Sour Rye Saison - unusual, but delicious. The attached store is an unusual but really cool feature. My daughter loves their quirky range of toys and candies, and it's the go-to place for finding presents for kids' birthday parties. And I really like their interesting beer and wine selection. The store is never boring, and sometimes you're even happy if you have to wait a few minutes for a table. The owner, Mike Franklin, is a great guy, and one who has done a lot for the neighborhood. I can't help but like him. The only problem is that the food is merely fine. Certainly not bad, and it can't be accused of being boring. But if only it was that wee bit better, then my wife would want to go there more often, and I'd be happier for that.
(4)Shaun G.
The beer list is better than decent (like a previous reviewer said, it's IPA-heavy, but there's always a really nice malty beer in the list as well) and the prices aren't too bad. The cowboy burger was sort of bland and not enough burger for me, but the price was alright. I had the fish and chips another time, and the fish was very good, but honestly I'm not a fan of their potato wedges, because I think wedges are always inferior to real fries. Might revise this review if I have the Vulcan Mind Meld, which does sound awesome.
(3)Owen S.
I love Franklin's and go there at least once any time I'm in the DC area. I fell in love with this place a decade ago when it was a funky little general store with a lunch counter in the back. It was one of those surprising finds, clearly an independent little business that had to be owned by someone following their heart and quirky passions; at that time the store had an *entire* wall devoted to hot sauces (seriously hundreds upon hundreds of little bottles), and the food choices included veggie and vegan items and there was a choice of 5 kinds of bread for a sandwich, which doesn't sound like much today, but a decade ago it was, especially in the outskirts of a college town in a store that was literally on the railroad tracks and surrounded by car lots, body shops, and bail bondsmen. Well, skip to today... the area has gone through some major rehab and Franklin's was one of the businesses that led the effort. And WOW, compared to the hole in the wall that it used to be, Franklin's is now HUGE, with two floors, and gleaming glass-enclosed beer vats towering above the large dining areas. The country store and hippy vibe is gone, but not in a bad way, it just grew up.... but the funky store with an almost bizarre obsession for hot sauce grew up to be... a microbrewery! And not just a microbrewery, but one with a funky gourmet-reaching menu, two floors of seating, *and* an also grown-up version of its general store with a surprisingly well chosen selection of wines and beers and quirky art, but still with a (more subdued) section of toys, gag gifts, and yes, hot sauces (though now only a bookcase-sized section.) The current menu offerings are as mish-mashed as the merchandise available in the general store, but I like that the whole business maintained an eccentric vibe. Um, I guess the main themes of the menu would be American bar meets fusion gourmet (especially Thai..?!) meets Maryland shore. There's something for everyone, including vegetarians, and none of it is bad, all is at least passable, and most is pretty darn good. It's not fine dining, but the dining is fine. One absolute standout: the mussels. Wow! Prepared simply with sea salt and garlic but presented with a bang on a red-hot and literally sizzling cast-iron flat skillet... they are always fresh, prepared perfectly and so delicious. Prices are reasonable, the on-premise brewed beers are good, and if like me you're not big on beer, they have a decent wine selection and a full bar. Service is friendly and tries hard. My only real complaint is that it's noisy, mostly because they're often really busy (which is great 'cuz it means they'll still be there when I next travel to DC!) but because of the very open design, it's often still really noisy even when they aren't busy. Definitely not a place to have an intimate conversation, but well, it IS a brew-pub-restaurant-general store, so, well, never mind, my complaint is silly. A great place for a quick or leisurely meal, to pop in to buy a great (and very reasonably priced) bottle of wine, or to spend some time poking around the unusual items in the store.
(4)Martin S.
I've been here several times and recently I've been ordering the Vulcan Mind Meld exclusively. Its absolutely the best sandwich in Prince Georges County. High-quality corned beef and pastrami on marble rye with lettuce, tomatos, pickles, shoestring french fries, and hot peppers. I know it sounds like a weird combination, but it must be tried! I'm also a big fan of their crab dip, and others in my party have ordered some of the flatbread pizzas and enjoyed them. Franklins also does a great Thanksgiving sandwich around the holidays with turkey, stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, the works. The atmosphere is fine. They can get very busy for lunch, but we've never had a problem with the service. The microbrews are on par for what you'd expect in this area, but a step below Dogfish or Fordham in my opinion.
(5)Jen T.
Wow- I have been desperate for years to find edible food in this part of Maryland, and I must say that the combo of good food and beer is great to know about! Plus- these guys know their bread pudding- really tasty stuff.
(4)Liz M.
They make a great selection of tasty beers, and the food is really excellent for a family restaurant. Especially good for crab cakes, burgers, and they really have the crispy beer batter perfected for onion rings and fish-n-chips. Fun, friendly atmosphere with colorful walls, art, and the toy shop next door!
(5)Karen A.
If you want a Coors Light, try Bentley's down the road. If you want a quality brew and are too lazy to venture downtown, Franklin's is going to be your best bet. Occasionally they will have a "guest" beer from another brewery, but for the most part the only beer served at Franklin's is brewed at Franklin's. The Stout and the Van Damme Belgian Ale are my favorites, but everything they offer is generally good. The food is decent enough: the nickel curves (mini sliders with ground lamb and tzatziki) and pizza are always delish, but the seasonal menu usually has something good to offer as well. The ribs and wings are also tasty appetizer/bar snack options. Franklin's is probably going to offer the best there is in bar fare in the immediate area. Service is friendly and, as they should, the bartenders know their beer (which is why you will get the stink eye if you try to pull monkey business by ordering a MGD 64). The gift shop is a quirky touch but trust me, it's so much more fun after you have a few beers in your belly. PENNY CANDY, PEOPLE! What's not to love? Franklin's does tend to get very crowded, especially during University of Maryland events such as sporting events, so I would recommend reservations if you want a table. The bar area recently expanded, which will hopefully open the area up during peak hours.
(4)Nigel L.
Great beer and food done well. When you want good beer, but not the regular choices you find at most places, this is the place to come. When you want some good hearty eats and nothing too fancy or heavy on the wallet, this is the place to come. Great neighborhood hang out. I've even seen families eat here. There is even a shop kids of all ages will enjoy.
(4)Alan D.
Having neighborhood places like this matters. There are few restaurants in this area and having a reliable place to go is nice. I always find they have good service, yummy beer, and a mostly strong menu. Occasionally I find something less to my liking (e.g. meatloaf, taco salad) but have some favorites (thai ribs, burgers, veggie burger) Recently, I've been trying the specials instead of sticking to the menu. A generous pork chop was delicious as was a bowl of gumbo with blackened catfish. The store is a must visit. I have a little song about it. . . Oh microbrews and licorice gum, lots of things to see at Franklin's there's a special store for kids like you and me. Fancy chocolates, unicorns, gummy candy frogs at Franklin's you can eat and shop and grab some lincoln logs. HEY!* *optional to yell "Hey!"
(3)J. N.
Not only is the food good, but the store is so much fun to poke around in while you wait for your food!
(4)scott e.
Always enjoy going to Franklins. Great beer. Good food. Sometimes the food surprises me by how good it is! The pulled pork is fantastic! Corn pudding is a must try! Visit the store before you leave.
(4)Maria P.
When I was in middle school, Franklin's General Store and Deli was a place the kids would go after school for a sandwich or ice cream and to poke around the store full of toys, gifts and novelties. The tiny deli was in the back of the store and it was a real mom-and-pop type deal. A few years ago, Franklin's upgraded into a new addition with a brew pub and full-service restaurant. Since then it's become a fixture of the Route 1 Corridor. The beer is very good, and you can get a growler to take home, bring back and refill. They also make their own root beer. The barbecue and pub food are great. The daily specials are okay--I've had a couple that were pretty disappointing, although the last time I was there, I got salmon and colcannon and it was just right. The desserts are usually excellent. Franklin's is good choice for a group because of the variety of both food and drinks on the menu. The general store is still in operation and sells a good variety of wine and microbrew six-packs in addition to the toys and gifts. I wouldn't call the food top-notch; it's the atmosphere, the location and the local ownership that make this place a neighborhood favorite.
(4)A K.
My husband, parents and in-laws dined here around Christmas time and really enjoyed our visit. This was my second visit and everyone else's first time dining here. My husband and father-in-law had the Vulcan Mind Meld and loved it (shortly after this visit, my husband went to Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh and thought the Franklins version was much better). The general store was cute and the service was great. We'll be back (hopefully the Vulcan Mind Meld stays on the menu!).
(5)Vicki L.
Oh, Franklin's - I have tried for years to love you. But your food just isn't very good. Franklin's has such an opportunity to fill one of many gaps that exist in the neighborhood as far as food - but it tries to do everything at once and as a result, isn't very successful at any of them. They do a good business - so it's never been an issue, I think. But I wonder, as more and more restaurants come to the area - will you continue to maintain a thriving business on what is mediocre food (and rarely very good service, I hate to admit) at best? I think not. What you do well - your seasonal menu is the only menu I will order food from at this point. You have a chef back there somewhere who does really get how to make an amazing salad - the seasonal salads are almost always a hit, inventive and delicious. Work with that. Consider filling the gourmet burger gap - there are so many places at this point in the neighborhood that serve a "meh, it's edible but it's nothing special" burger. Why not revamp, get rid of the large menu and focus? Serve up the best steakhouse style burger in town, with variety on toppings? Or - gourmet pizza? Continue to serve salads and make that more of a focus. Consider improving your game on the fries/onion rings or just lose them. Definitely lose the BBQ - it's not your strong point. Maybe get a shtick like all local ingredients or something - fresh local beef with local artisan cheese - there are several farmers markets in the immediate area you could buy from. Whatever you do - pick something and do it well - but if you continue to serve the same mediocre food us locals have been tolerating due to the lack of competition and some loyalty to local businesses - well, I have choices now. I haven't eaten at Franklin's since BB&P opened. I'd love a reason to come back.....
(2)Evil D.
One of my favorite places. Used to come here almost every day for a solid couple of years. The food is decent, not great, but the beer is amazing. Brewed entirely in-house, they feature 7-8 different styles, from IPA to blonde to porter and whatever is in between. A good place to bring your family, there's plenty of space across 2 floors for large parties. Menu items are hit and miss; the burgers and sandwiches are pretty good, the pizza is decent, the pulled pork, I've had better, but overall it's usually pretty good and the wait staff is very helpful and knowledgeable regarding both the food and the beer. They change the menu fairly regularly so if you keep coming back there will almost always be something new to try. Bonus is the general store next door. Full of novelty toys and games, also features a large assortment of exotic and hard-to-find hot sauces. They also sell bottled craft beers and wine. Definitely take a minute to check it out if you go. Bottom line, if you're in the Hyattsville area, this is, in my humble opinion, the best place in the vicinity by leaps and bounds. Decent food, GREAT beer, and a fun little store attached to play around in while you wait for your food.
(4)Tu-van L.
One of the few places I know that's a restaurant, bar, and general store (Cracker Barrel is the only other place I know of, but this is special). If there's a long wait, definitely worth your time wandering through their general store, filled with kitchy toys and knick nacks that are fun to play with. If you're a beer enthusiast you should definitely try their brews (they do it themselves). For a bang for your buck get the sampler, where you get a dozen samples of their brews to try. I can't vouch for the food but I'll definitely try it next time I'm there.
(4)Kevin W.
The portions are fairly enormous and the beer selection is ok. My favorite part was waiting to be seated while shopping in the quirky store inside. I got a bottle of kick ass ghost pepper hot sauce that I've never seen before. Their menu is a bit overpriced but still good.
(3)Kellie D.
I give this place a solid 3, verging on a 4. Been here twice, first time was really good food wise, had the onion rings which are awesome, and the Cuban which was also really good. Tried the beer sampler and the beers weren't half bad either. The waiter was a tad slow the first time we came but not too bad, the second time killed it for me, waiter sucked, and messed up our orders, got burgers and mine at least was just meh, plus who puts NO sauce on a bacon and bleu burger? Icky. Oh and avoid the carrot cake the icing sucked. Plus I hit my knee on the table when we left, that's neither here nor there but it was insult to injury! :) so avoid the burgers and beware the tables and you'll be ok as long as you don't mind waiting for your waiter.
(3)Dani E.
Great food and an interesting scene. Parking can be tough to find, either on the street or in the lot under the highway. We grabbed a table in the bar area upstairs. The in-house brewed beers offer something for everyone, and I am a fan of the unique pizzas. I've split a pizza in the past as well as eaten an entire on myself (depending on how hungry you are). Prices are very reasonable for large portions.
(4)Heather R.
YUM! Fried Chicken Salad with honey mustard dressing. Plus I love their Thai Chicken pizza. I've gotten that at least 10 times. If you have a group, the hot spinach artichoke cheese dip is awesome. Plus they give you fresh bread and butter right when you sit down. The store next door is the icing on the cake! So fun to shop in there while you're waiting for your food or after you've eaten. Something for everyone! Toys, Jewelry, Candy, Greeting Cards, wine, gifts, So colorful! One of my faves!
(5)Peter T.
Great, fun place for families. Very good American food. This is a real neighborhood place that draws lots of regulars. I've been here several times and always had a good experience and a wonderful meal. Enjoy!
(5)Ed H.
I went on a sat for lunch with my BF, I had the southwest quesadilla which was really good ......it was the best i have ever had ......- I wanted to try a different type of quesadilla and that's what I got.... Service was fine and I give it an extra star because of the novelty shop inside!!!! I spent 1hr looking at the cool trinkets they have -
(5)Cherry L.
This is my inaugural Yelp review! Franklin's holds dear memories for me, as it was the first restaurant I ever went to in College Park. It was part of school recruitment, blah blah blah...I was impressed by the menu selection, the food, and the cute quirky store next door. You can order dishes from coconut curry to flatbread pizza to shephard's pie. Granted the coconut curry isn't as good as Siri's, the pizza isn't as good as Pasta Plus, and the shepard's pie isn't as good as what I used to make at the Downtown Women's Shelter in LA; however, you gotta give Franklin's props for attempting so many different cuisines, right? The food is definitely shy of spectacular. But real draw is the beer, folks. I'm a fan of the blonde ales. Where else are you going to find a local brewery that isn't a disgusting chain? Go for the beer, munch on some onion rings, and try to ignore the families with whining kids. Really, I do like kids, just not when they're loud and messy and totally inappropriate in public spaces.
(3)Meghan H.
Fun quirky place with a good vibe, good beer, and ok food. I'd probably give it three stars, if not for the fact that the place brings back memories, and as Hyattsville places go, it's definitely top-notch. I admit I miss the days when it was just a general store with a small deli (or whatever you want to call it) in the back - the milkshakes, spicy fries, and turkey sandwich were staples for me. Still, I'm happy to see the business expanding (but would like to have the good ol' sandwiches and spicy fries back!). They have a fairly wide offering of foods here, which is good, although the quality can be hit or miss. I think they do best with typical American/bar fare. The microbrewery is probably the best aspect of the "new" Franklins - try a sampler to see which ones you like.
(4)Chava C.
I have really liked Franklin's since my University of Maryland days. It had what I thought was good beer and a 'foodie' menu. The decor was quirky and cool and the general store was an interesting (if not too tempting) place to spend time waiting for a table. I still think Franklin's is a fun bet to bring someone out of town for an interesting, off beat, unexpected place. However, its not a place to become a regular at. The food is okay, but the prices are DC high which makes it expensive for a casual dinner out. The past few times I've gone, I've been whelmed with the food which is not okay at $9-25 for an entree. Last night, I had a veggie burger that seemed to have come from a frozen package and luke warm french fries. I will give other spots (Rhode Island Reds?) a try before I come back to Franklin's without a special guest to show the atmosphere to.
(3)Carol H.
The store is great for gifts - lots of fun things, lots of variety packed into a small space. Food can be really good and sometimes ok. I always enjoy the atmosphere. A wonderful neighborhood hangout.
(4)marsha s.
I've been a few more times since May and I have some new things to report: I took a more extensive look thru the adjoining candy and novelty store and it really is terrific. I remember the 50's and this little area of Hyattsville really brings it back. There's a lot of kitch in the store along with some novelty food items, like pecan pie in a jar ( just add an egg.) There's loads of children's games and arts and crafts, refrigerator magnets and cards. They have more hot sauces than I've ever seen on a shelf. And they sell wine which you can drink at dinner for a $10 corkage fee. Now to dining at Franklin's. The food is average, but reasonably dependable and reasonably priced. Dinner is stepped up from lunch and I have had a delicious dish there a couple of times. The current dinner menu has a Bourbon and Maple Shellacked Duck that sounds tempting. I have to tell you guys about the funniest lunch special. I even asked the owner to print it out for me. Read about this special sandwich called "The Blue Hawaiian or The Unhappy Ho" described as follows on the menu: Alright, here's the story. We really wanted to reference Paul Lynde as a sandwich. Why? Just because. But the whole deal was getting complicated, much too much thought was going into it and then, in all reality we would have had to of had the " George Gobel to Block" sandwich and we were just getting out of hand. So then we thought, "What can we make that says Blue Hawaii?" Again, I can't explain this free fall of a thought process. Anyhow. Naturally, I thought "SPAM." So, a burger topped with Hormel's finest and Hawaii's favorite, grilled SPAM, grilled pineapple, hoisin sauce and bleu cheese. Now to qualify.......I would never order this! But I know there's many of you out there who would and I wanted to let you know. I actually am a little under the weather today and got chicken pot pie because I'm not up for any spice. It was good and a huge portion, so I brought 1/2 home. Franklin's is a brewery and restaurant. There are extensive beer choices.
(4)Gemma P.
I remember when it was this teeny-weeny store / restaurant...(single tear trickling down cheek) Now it's a brewery!!! But you could still buy hand-crafted jewelry, mad-libs, wrapping paper, cheese grater, candy galore (sugar-free and healthy), tinker toys,and TONS more.... Food and beer are great, too. Franklin's make me proud of growing up in Hyattsville!!!
(5)Lisa A.
The food is pretty damn good (love their daily specials) and the servers always give decent service. One of them even brought out a flight of beers so my picky father could figure out what he wanted. Best dish: Eggplant and Portobello Gratin.
(5)Chuck N.
My wife and all her friends went to UMD at College Park. When we told her friends that they we were heading to Hyattsville for dinner, their question was WHY?... Well, to go to Franklin's of course. I must confess that as I'm typing this I'm wearing my Twisted Turtle IPA shirt. I liked their beers. Their super hop beer was not well balanced, but they had two other IPA selections that were excellent. I also really liked their porter. It had a bit of a smoky flavor that I really liked. They tried to put some veggie stuff on the menu and I give them credit for that, but my veggie Sheppard's pie was a bit bland. Texas Pete, however was able to help me with that.
(4)Jane D.
We've been going since the early days, and it's always been just okay to us. The food is above average for the neighborhood, but there is always a service issue. On our latest trip, I specifically ordered the corned beef reuben. I got the turkey reuben instead. By the time this was corrected, the hubby was already finished his meal. We were not offered any compensation for this. I understand things happen, and the waiter was extremely apologetic and admitted right away he keyed it in wrong, but when the inconvenience is that great, where I have to watch the hubby eat and then he has to sit and watch me eat separately, I expect a comped meal or a free dessert or free drink or SOMETHING. But no, an apology had to suffice. Their in-house brewed root beer is to die for. It's annoying that you have to pay to park in their lot before 6pm. But they have a cool attached shop with lots of goodies, edible and otherwise, to peruse before or after your meal.
(3)Eric G.
Franklin's has a solid menu, consistent service, and great beer. I like the speicals that change occasionally, and grabbing a growler to go of a great brew is always a treat.
(4)Carly L.
There's just not much to eat in my neighborhood, so I'm glad that Franklins is just a short drive down RI Avenue to Hyattsville. The beer is great, the food is decent and the atmosphere is dandy. I generally can't resist a quick run through the general store where you can find everything from good wine to silly magic tricks and gum. I give it 3 stars as a neighborhood casual restaurant.
(3)Patrick M.
Hands down one of the best spots in northern Prince George's and my favorite place near UMD. A nice variety of good food and, best of all, they brew their own beer! The beer selection is nice and quite good, although it will likely disappoint beer snobs of the highest degree. Their Thursday late night happy hour is the best: $3 cover for free food (e.g. chicken wings, chips and bean dip) and discounted pints. If you are ever in Hyattsville or College Park this a must try.
(4)Carole C.
Can't believe I've read through most of these reviews and not seen anyone comment on the blues-but real blues on the jukebox....you'd go there just for the music, much less excellent beer and food. C'mon, did we notice how good the tunes are? And about the parking, poor little Hyattsville, are we going to deny them a couple of quarters from the bottom of our purse? C'mon, what's to complain about a few quarters to be able to saddle up right next to the building. I WISH this place was in Silver Spring or Takoma Park so I could walk home after having my fill of their great brewed beers....Unfortunately, I am always doing the driving, I have to see about that next time. Oh, and the store next door? Franklin's General Store is fun...managed to drop $300 right before Christmas with cute stocking stuffers...was fun. Yeah, I can't wait to try this for an office get together, Franklins is altogether cool. If you haven't tried it, you don't like micro-brewed beer.
(5)Eric L.
Franklin's is a neighborhood spot that does pretty well for itself. The chef will surprise you because it looks like a beer and burger joint at first glance. It's certainly more than that. The beer is brewed on the premises and is worth sampling. But the food is far more than burgers and fries. There is always an interesting special and a good salmon dish. Drop in some day for lunch. Odds are that I'll be at the bar with a book.
(3)J. R. H.
Franklin's get the full 5 stars for lots of reasons - great beers, great food, great atmosphere - visit once and you'll wish it was in your neighborhood. They can handle large groups well. Their service is above average. A few others have already covered the menu highlights (don't forget pulled pork, corn pudding are first rate) and some of the beers (Chaos, Anarchy also enjoyable/unique), but here's a few more things not to miss--take your favorite beer home in a growler, just like your Dad might have. You pay for the glass deposit, then bring it back for refills of your favorites. The beer stays crisp for a couple or three days--never had any around longer than that to tell otherwise. Also note, you'll have to drive to Red Bank, NJ for Funk & Standard Variety Store to match Franklin's General Store offerings. Cheers....
(5)Mark G.
Great beer, good food and service. What else do you need?
(4)Zak S.
Good beer and atmosphere. Went for happy hour on a Friday, beer was a good price and service was friendly. Ordered the mussels which came out sizzling and popping oil everywhere, but there were good. Went back again for dinner and Greek Salad was acceptable. The general store next door is excellent with a nice selection of wine and beer for the kids. It's probably one of the best spots to go in Hyattsville.
(4)Amanda M.
This review is just for the restaurant; I didn't get a chance to check out the general store, but on a quick glance in, I saw quite a few colorful toys and knick-knacks that looked like they could be a fun way to keep the kids entertained while you're waiting for dinner! This struck me as a great, very casual family-style place. It has a large two-story restaurant with a good setup for big groups; when I went on a Friday night, I saw quite a few multi-family tables and several tables of college kids. The parking lot was full the first time I cruised through at 7pm, but when I circled the block and came back, a couple of spots had opened up. There are signs of meters/parking fees, but you don't have to pay at least on weekends. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, which was fine - between the seating area and perusing the store, waiting here isn't unpleasant. The food was decent but nothing special. We split two 10" pizzas between the two of us and had an entire pizza left over - if you were really hungry, you could probably make a bigger dent, but they are definitely big enough for two people if you get an appetizer and side salads. The house salad looked fresh, but it also looked like it was mostly iceburg lettuce - not my favorite. We tried the Northern Californian pizza (best of the two, but LOTS of garlic cloves!) and the Thai Chicken pizza (definitely not "spicy" as advertised, but it had a nice mild flavor; the peanuts added an odd crunch). The dough didn't have much flavor or substance, but I generally liked the pizza. There are a lengthy list of other homey American options on the menu, too, but the pizzas are a good safe choice. Our waitress was efficient and got our food out in a timely way, but she didn't come check on us more than she needed to... it was nice to be able to talk uninterrupted. Beers seemed great - I tried the Blonde and the Pale Ale, and the Pale Ale was definitely the winner, but the Blonde wasn't bad either. If I lived in the area, I might come here once in a while with friends, if just for beer and appetizers.
(3)Alycia J.
I went last night and had their pizza special. It had caramelized onions, ricotta, prisciutto, Franklin's special blend of cheeses, and some very good Italian sausage. The crust was California style thin and overall I thought the pizza was tasty. My dad had the maple shellacked duck, he thought it was ok. I didn't get to try the microbrew, but I still give the place four stars for tasty food and good service.
(4)Nikki F.
I end up at Franklin's about once a month, mostly because it serves both my pizza and cheeseburger needs in one easily accesible, reasonably priced location. The food is consistently good, service is good, and the beers are excellent (according to my husband, beer isn't my jam). Pizza isn't the best ever, but it'll fix what ails you. Some of their appetizers are epic though, namely the lamb sliders and crab dip. I swear there is nothing but crab in the crab dip, and none of that mayo cheese crapola they try to pass off on you at other places.
(3)Tony F.
I grew up near here and remember what the area used to look like. Now they are tearing things down trying to create a new arts district with new structures. Franklins opened up a few years ago in an older structure, before the revitalization began. I give this place much kudos for that and for having the foresight on what type of business would be successful and having a lasting impact on the community. This is a multi level bar and restaurant that is kid, senior and everybody friendly. Service on several occasions has been consistently attentive and friendly. However, on major game days, probably any place gets a bit strained in terms of service. All said, the four stars are based on the above. I do have mixed emotions and taste buds about the entrees. The appetizers are well done btw!! A hanger steak was served with highly peppered and they wanted their special sauce on the steak which I could not eat...a burger was cooked a little bit more than requested and dry. I have issues with covering a good piece of meat like steak or fish in a heavy sauce....which cover up the quality and flavor of the meat which is how Franklin offers some entrees. However, I have not tried everything yet to be the overall critic of the entire menu. Finally, the very vibrant atmosphere, and diverse crowd with smiles on their faces...and sometimes the long lines to get a seat make you know they are doing something right and the community loves them! A little critical on the food main entrees I am, but in doing so, hoping all the best to this establishment find myself returning and recommending to others.
(4)Darrius P.
We just found this place and rank it is a favorite. Great atmosphere and menu - very original. And they brew their own beer. A real gem. Cool gift shop too.
(5)Sarah E.
Franklin's is really close to my house so I eat there all the time. The beer is good and the atmosphere is fun, although super loud. Franklin's has really improved over the past year. It used to be hit-or-miss, especially with the specials - but now its mostly hits, including the specials. My favorite dish is still the pulled pork. The pizza is just so-so.
(4)Shane S.
Franklin's was an overall positive experience. Me and my comedian friend Jerry ate here on a Sunday night a couple of weeks ago. This place gives off the vibe of a nice home cooked meal from its outside appearance. The service was friendly and attentive as well. I had the Greek Salad which was a decent sized portion and tasty. My friend had a well cooked burger with a tasty bbq sauce on top. My only complaint is that the place is overall a little pricey, but other than that I will be returning soon.
(4)Whitney N.
If you go to Franklin's you MUST get the Buffalo Fries!! They come with hot sauce and blue cheese dressing and are delicious. My coworkers and I like to go here for lunch and are always happy with our choice. (Although the quesidilla appetizer was majorly lacking) They also have the beer sampler which is very fun. The atmosphere is fun and friendly and the service was good. We will definitely be going back, even if it's just for buffalo fries and beers!
(4)Adam J.
So they got a new brewer apparently and it really shows. I had the black IPA (very trendy right now) and was really pleasantly surprised and they even had a nice nitro beer on tap which is actually somewhat uncommon nowadays. Keep up the good work new guy!
(4)Lisa Y.
This place would get four stars if I were ONLY rating their beer. I had the oatmeal stout and my boyfriend had their "anarchy ale" served by Che Guevara. Okay, not really. But both beers were really great! Now for the part that gave it three stars: I thought the food was kind of poor. The crab dip was good, and with a lot of crab and Old Bay. Unfortunately, the meatloaf was covered in exceptionally salty onion rings, and was only okay, and the Southwest Pizza was also only okay. The coffee, espresso, and chocolate cake were good. The other thing that bothered me was the FOUR flies on our table and the insect (hopefully another fly) that ran over my foot under the table....
(3)Brett W.
I'll admit I was pretty skeptical of Franklin's when I first heard of it. "A brewery you say? In Hyattsville?! Shirley you jest!" I was delightfully surprised when in fact this neon sign adorned establishment did in fact house a brewery AND a general store! As my fiance and I sat down after a long days work and being delighted that the pay for parking isn't enforced after 6 pm we ordered some fine Pints of brew. I chose the Milk Stout and she chose the Seasonal Ocktoberfest. I was pretty impressed with the Stout, it was creamy and dark like I would have expected, and her Ocktoberfest was faintly spiced and had a nut brown tang. We were quickly given a basket of bread which, after a long day of work and lack of food, we quickly dived in. I was not impressed. This bread was lack luster and half of the rolls were hard has granite straight from the quarry. Meh. I'm not there for the rolls anyways. I ordered the fish and chips while she ordered a veggie flat bread. I'll be perfectly honest, it's pretty standard food. Not overly fantastic but not as bland as cardboard. I was not expecting culinary masterpieces. But the fish and chips could have at least had some seasoning!? or a beer batter, it is a brewery after all. My lady's flat bread was a strange cacophony of veggies, hummus and other non-meated items that I ended up eating because she wasn't quite sure what to think of it. Their menu was quite broad and had a lot to offer. This is my first visit and I was quite impressed with the beers, I'll most definitely go back. Not to mention the fact that its Hyattsville....where else am I going to go. Definitely after 6 though....no way in hell am I paying for parking at a restaurant in freakin Hyattsville.
(4)adam o.
Great neighborhood place, but if you don't live in the neighborhood make the drive. Pizzas are great - especially the californian. My sandwich choice is the buffalo chicken, burger: the cowboy; beer: Private IPA. The wings are great too. I"m told the vegetarian stuff is good....though can't say I've tried much of it. Come by.
(5)Jessica C.
Franklin's is great. Having graduated from UMD, which is right down the street from Franklin's, it was always a good place to go to when parents came into town or if you are looking for a somewhat "nicer" place to eat with friends while staying close by campus. Now, I am not saying this place is fancy AT ALL, but comparing the restaurants up and down Route 1, this place could be considered fine dining for undergrads. They brew their own beer and I would suggest trying out their sampler. Another great menu item is their duck quesadilla with a mango dipping sauce....mmmmMmmm. Their general/variety store is really fun to browse in after you eat. It reminds me of an old fashion mom and pop store that sells everything from plastic wind up kiddy toys to bottles of beer and wine. I actually found the funniest towel in there one time which one side was labeled the "butt" side and the other labeled "face" side....BRILLIANT!
(4)Rachel E.
Franklin's has tasty food. I also enjoy browsing their store for gag gifts.
(3)Ms. B.
This is a cool place full of interesting people usually. Great beer and food and there is even a little store that feels a little nostalgic almost. The owner goes out of the way to make sure your visit is a good one.
(4)Mark L.
Franklin's is a unique experience. I went with my sister, who lives in Hyattsville and frequents the place often. The servers were friendly and the service was good (even though my order was wrong and took a few moments to correct, I didn't mind at all b/c of the way in which the situation was handled). My three kids loved the place, especially after lunch when we visited the general store. It was clever and nostalgic at the same time. There was so much to see (and buy) that I will have to come back again!
(4)Rob W.
Disappointed that they were out of both chicken and ribs when I went there. Decided to get the crab cakes which were fine. Fries were not fresh; seemed like they had been sitting awhile. They have a nice selection of around 10 different beer that they brew.
(3)Lauren G.
I think I've learned that the key to Franklin's is knowing what to order. Order well, and it can be a total pleasant experience. Order anything involving the vegetarian chili, and.... not a good plan. There aren't many options in Hyattsville, so we take company here for dinner a lot. The atmosphere is fun enough that even if the food is lackluster, it's still a good time, between the beer sampler, the general store, and the generally friendly service. The last time I went, with a group of six, we found some winners on the menu that I think we'll stick with when we go back. The mussels were great. Not just "great-for-Franklins" but sincerely really good, and different from how they're usually prepared. We've also always enjoyed the short ribs, I always get the corn pudding, and while the pulled pork Carolina style would not cut it back home (we're from NC), I wouldn't hesitate to order again. Chicken wings were also quite good. We've also often had good luck with specials (last time we enjoyed both the steak and salmon specials), and I find that the waiters are actually very helpful in their suggestions of what to try on the menu. Pizza is pretty meh, but probably a solid choice if you have kids. So in summary, the menu is hit-or-miss (and servers can often help you find the hits) but it's still a very pleasant place for a meal, has a lot of character, and is locally-owned; which means I'll gladly continue to support it.
(4)Sharon W.
Wanted to take granddaughter someplace kind of fun and different so we headed to Franklin's for lunch and a stop in the General Store. The restaurant is spacious with dining on the first floor and a bar on the second level. We requested a booth in the dining area and were seated under the stairs that lead to the bar. We ordered crab dip for an appetizer. It was hot and cheesy and was served with two loaves of warm, soft bread that were addictive. I ordered cream of crab soup and a small Greek salad, husband and granddaughter split a pizza. My soup was shared, which I expected and didn't mind at all. It wasn't full of lump crab, but was good and had a nice little savory tang to it--Old Bay maybe. My "small" Greek salad was a generous serving, so that I ended up sharing it with my husband. It was a nice mix of field greens and the usual feta, olives, etc. The dressing was almost like a pesto, rich with basil. I didn't try the pizza but it looked good and husband and granddaughter proclaimed it was. I noticed the lady at the next table had a sandwich, maybe the Reuben, and it was huge. No surprise when she ate half, with a fork, and requested a take out box. Service was good. One note, the rest rooms were up a pretty steep flight of stairs. I can't imagine there isn't a rest room somewhere on the first level, but if you or someone in your party can't do stairs I'd call and ask ahead. After lunch, onto the General Store! Need a pink flamingo? Right there as you enter. Mother-in-law collect salt and pepper shakers? A whole display of eclectic ones. Love hot sauce? More choices than I could imagine. Another note, don't take a tween there if you are in a hurry. As you enter the store the front section is devoted to a lot of different things, but most of them seem kitchen/dining/drink oriented. As you move on there is a variety of sauces, and greeting cards, and jewelry. Keep going and you get to wine and beer. Among all these goodies are a number of unusual items, some silly, some "why didn't I think of that?" There is a side room full of toys and games. Another note, if you are a true foodie, check "use by" dates. The Elvis hot sauce we bought for a friend has a use by date just 2 months from now. But tween granddaughter showed restraint and we checked out at less than $30. And she loved the shop and has already announced we need to go back, and soon!
(3)Sarah G.
Holy Crab Dip, Batman! Warning: the crab dip as an appetizer is meant to be shared even if you don't want to! This was a huge serving of crab dip with practically an entire loaf of fresh bread to dip in it. Plus, it was one of the best crab dips I've had in a while! Tasty, cheesy, yum! I ordered fries as well before I knew the ginormous portions but the fries were so good too! Wedge fries, perfectly fried and seasoned. Top it off with a glass of wine and they have figured out how to make me happy. I didn't get the chance to go into the general store before it closed and I wish I had because it looked like a fun place to explore. Oh Well! I'll just have to go again!
(5)Clint R.
I am well traveled and love finding places exactly like this when I do travel. First off, you walk into the place and is smells amazing. That is a sign of good things to come. So many times I walk into a supposed nice restaurant and you can't smell anything. It's casual/funky/trendy and fun ambiance much like something you would find on Congress Ave in Austin, TX. The server was great. He knew a lot about the beers, the food, and the preparation (hardly any servers know this and is usually the biggest slam I have on Restaurants). This guy was attentive, knowledgeable, and you could tell genuinely enjoyed his job and it's environment. They were out of mussels but I went with the recommendation of the server to get the miso and soy based poached Mahi. I am picky on steaks and seafood, and this Mahi was fabulous. Slightly scared when on the menu it said it was market price, but was pleasantly surprised it was only $22. Much better than a dried out piece of Halibut I recently paid $39 for. The food was noticeably fresh and probably locally sourced. I followed that with a gluttony of bourbon pecan pie bread pudding. It was holy moly good. Maybe a tad to big of a serving size but maybe designed to share. (I personally would love to see places like this cut the portion and price in half. Probably sell a lot more of a great ending to the meal) But at $6 I took half home for another day and enjoyed what I did eat immensely. I will be back several times before I return to Chicago if at all possible. Nitpicky stuff... metered parking lot is best option and slightly annoying even if it's $1 an hour. Other than that it is a great place.
(5)D.J. G.
Just got into town and were really hungry after a ten hour drive. The food was excellent, my wife, son and myself had three completely different dishes (pulled pork, pizza and a burger). We were all super happy. Would have liked a little better service, but being in the industry I understood he was running, the place was packed. If we were he for more than 2 nights we would definitely go back again to try a different meal.
(5)Vania C.
I came here for the first time two years ago and I've still yet to go back! This place is a bit expensive but I really enjoy the unique style of this place. They also have happy hour from 4:30-6pm each day (beer + 1/2 off appetizers) Very friendly staff, and our gorup was seated and served fairly quickly upon arrival. I ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes for $25 and warning: prepare for the calories. The plate comes with a LARGE crab cake plus tartar sauce and a side of cole slaw. The crab cake was cooked nicely, soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Very flavorful but a bit too salty for my taste. I plan on coming back to try their beer sampler next time. Overall, I had a wonderful time with my friends here. Very caual environment with good food. I recommend checking out the general store - it sells some of the most unique, strangest, and cutest things!
(4)Charnika P.
I live near the Hyattsville area and have repeatedly passed this restaurant always wondering if it was worth anything. I finally had an excuse to visit when sorority hosted a charity event at Franklin's. Apparently, they offer a deal where they will donate proceeds to party's dinner sells to a charity. HOW COOL IS THAT?! I'll admit that at first I was somewhat skeptical about the place. However, I was in for a pleasant surprise. The food is extremely good. I honestly didn't have any complaints. The service is even better. I would highly recommend the crab cakes, the crab dip, and onion rings. The pizza isn't bad either. The food is at a reasonable price and its definitely a family restaurant. I love the small town feel that you get inside. I haven't tried the beer but I hears its great. If you are in the area, I highly recommend that you opt for franklins over Busboys. Unfortunately, they don't offer brunch. I'm not sure why their management team decided to go that way. I actually think they are missing out on a lot of revenue.
(4)Bryce Y.
Franklin's has a great atmosphere with great food. If you have to wait to be seated, you can spend your time in the general store and browse the beer and wine selection. If you get the chance, try to reserve a table in the brewing room (there are about 2-3 tables in there). The crab dip was delicious: a necessary appetizer if you're from Maryland. The ribs were also very good, with the choice of a dry rub, a Carolina sauce, or an in-house sauce. It was a very nice experience tucked away in Hyattsville.
(5)Jay H.
I went here while I was trying to be healthy and that totally didn't work out. I wanted to try everything on the menu. The mussels are great and so is the bread pudding. Those two things alone will have me returning.
(5)Ken M.
I've been here a few times over the years and I have mixed feelings about it. Since I'm not a beer drinker the fact that it has its own in house brewery complete with huge vats viewable from the bar doesn't do anything for me. The many different micro brews and beer tastings, etc. don't hold the attraction for me either. It is a nice, convivial place with a pretty steady stream of business both in the downstairs dining area and the upstairs bar/dining area.. There is also this kitschy general store that sells all kinds of wild and crazy stuff from days gone by and some newer and interesting stuff, too. It's the kind of place you go to try and find that thing you didn't think that made anymore. The food is good. I had the Thai grilled chicken salad. It was very tasty and. of course, huge. This is the kind of place for the local hipsters and beer snob and, every now and then, bring the family for a dinner out. I was there on a Saturday evening and it got pretty loud, pretty fast and I had a hard time hearing people I was talking to. I must be getting old.
(3)Kristina P.
I really wish we had a better experience at Franklin's. The beer (I got the Bombshell Blonde) and my pizza (The Roni) were good, however the rolls were kind of gross. Our server brought out two different kinds and the one that I think had rye in it was, to be honest, disgusting. Our service was not great either. We had some questions for him since it was our first time there and he seemed very annoyed with us for asking questions. He didn't come back to check on us after he brought our food. When we needed refills and our check we had to wait for him to walk by and catch his attention. We were really disappointed with our experience.
(2)Wills M.
I have been here many times and have had an ok experience. This time really not happy. I think we had the worst waitress on the east coast. Jyst the simple nice stuff. No water no rolls. Ordered an app for two and was asked if we needed another plate. The food was ok. But it looses it's savor when service us bad.
(2)Ted C.
Not a bad place. I was taken here since it's a microbrew and it used to be a stop that my gf went to during her college days. The General Store section is kind of like a Cracker Barrel but on steroids and booze. Ordinarily, not a good combo but one that works here. We went upstairs to the taproom and instead of trying out one beer I thought I would try all of them. They had 10 on tap and I got 4 oz of each of them. Basically served in the order they have on the board. I think it would be best if they had arranged it from lightest to dark build up, but it wasn't hard to rearrange them. Their beers are okay-nothing particularly stood out except for their Private IPA which was had a fresh, hoppy flavor that made it extremely drinkable. The double was a little too resin-y in my opinion and their Farm ale was bitter and earthy tasting. I also had the onion rings-which were good. The gf talked them up as being the one ring to rule them, but they were a decent group of rings. Nostalgia is good, but probably not the best when it comes to talking up food.
(3)Bob V.
Excellent food and a fun atmosphere. Service was outstanding. Will definitely stop here for lunch again when traveling they he area.!
(5)Jessee M.
The food was pretty average, beer was good, wait staff was horrible. My party tried a variety of meals and nothing was totally stand out but nothing was bad. We did a beer sampler of 7 beers and I really liked their Red beer. Unfortunately our waitress was inattentive and very quick to blame the kitchen/anyone but her. We ordered dessert but never got it because it was taking way too long. The waitress was quick to tell us for the second time that night that there were a "bajillion" dessert orders. Poor effort to try and save a tip.
(3)Rhome A.
The five stars isn't for the food, it's for the beer and the way this wonderful establishment anchors Hyattsville as a true neighborhood gathering place. I'm not saying the food is poor, it's hearty American style family dining and the burgers are pretty nice. The beer battered onion rings are also addictive. I'm just saying that the beer is the star of the show! Every time I go, the old favorites are balanced on the menu by some new elixirs they've brewed up. Get a sampler so you can try the many treats on tap. You'll always find a new favorite! Then you can get yourself a growler and take the goodness home to share. The attached general store is a lot of fun too. The staff is friendly and I see a lot of the same faces, so I'm guessing there isn't much turnover. That loyalty tells you something about the place. Sports buffs can also hang out at the bar to watch with other fans. I dropped in several times this summer for World Cup matches and took advantage of the happy hour specials. I really enjoy living in Hyattsville and Franklin's is part of that. I forgot to mention the coupons they send you on your birthday!
(5)Sharon X C.
Since I'm a "regular" now that I've checked-in here TWO whole times, I figured a review was in order. I will try to keep it short and sweet although that's apparently impossible for me... Beer battered onion rings yes. North African nickel curves YES. Happy hour YES (half off apps and cheap beer). Blond Bombshell yes if you like light beers. Oyster Po Boy nooo...why did I think this was a good choice. It wasn't bad, but not worth the calories. Fries no...super bland. Also not worth the cals (I ate them anyways ugh) Summary: go for HH and get lots of beer and apps!
(4)Jonetta F.
My family and I went to Franklin's for my birthday.. The appetizers were great, the ribs were delicious, we sampled and selected a nice new beer, and the service was excellent from William... Thank you William for making my Birthday so Special!!! Will definitely be coming back and telling all my friends!!!
(5)Kyla C.
Been here a few times now and will probably make it a regular stop when we move to the neighborhood...fingers crossed. Everything I've ordered has been great. Really loved the fish and chips and the burger with Boursin cheese but the wings and beer are good too. Need to pick up a growler next time! And make sure to make a stop at the general store next door-could walk around there for hours!
(5)Drew S.
OK, I'm a bit of a beer aficionado (snob, whatever), and I've heard about this Franklin's place. Upon entering, I'm greeted with the anonymous quote "Beer has food value, but food has no beer value." This is a step in the right direction... We were seated in the downstairs portion of the casual dining area (I did get a peek at the upstairs where there was more seating, television, and a full bar). Both areas were spacious and comfortable. On to the important stuff: While they may have been out of the double IPA I wanted, the Belgian style Tripel was amazing. I tried a few others and wound up going home with their Private IPA in a growler I just happened to have in my trunk. Doesn't everyone carry a spare growler in the trunk? Next: the food. We split a turkey Ruben and a Cuban sandwich, both of which were just amazing. They seem to use fresh ingredients, which goes a long way for taste. I look forward to heading back and trying other dishes. The service here was friendly, prompt, and very brew-knowledgeable. Abigail answered our questions, provided food and drink recommendations, and even knew of other awesome beer locals in the metro area. The gift shop had a lot of knick-knacks, but my favorite was the beer for sale section. Rows of IPAs, belgian styles, and other craft beers (some of which I haven't even heard of!). I was given a budget, else I may have gone overboard. All in all, I look forward to heading back to Franklin's for some food, brew, and a growler fill.
(5)Matt C.
The crown Jewel of historic downtown Hyattsville. Great food and selection of micro brews. Love the quirky general store/gift shop attached.
(4)Alyssa A.
I love coming to franklins. This past time that I went I got the Day After Thanksgiving entree and the hummus and pita starter. I loved it. I thought the hummus and pita was interesting as it comes with a few picked vegetables. Franklins has a great beer selection and they have a great store next door. If you come and there is a wait, just walk around the store. It's massive and there is literally something for everyone there. I have not been disappointed and can't wait to come back!
(5)Roberto N.
Update. We've had good Sausage Pepperoni pizza, great iced tea. My friend had really good crab cakes. Since then, we've tried more traditional main course meals- the chicken, the pork, and every time, we've not been dissappointed. We've even dared the crowds to try to swing a birthday party there. The wait staff is REALLY well trained. Not just competent, but intelligent, and, somehow, involved. The place is a brewery, and has that cool vibe going for it. There's a general store next door that, well, defies description. All kinds of stuff you didn't think anyone made anymore. How good was it? We ate there two days in a row, that's how good.
(4)Heli M.
Went here for my best friend's wedding rehearsal dinner and was stoked at the thought of it being at a brewery restaurant. We had a buffet-style dinner which was filled with a variety of all-American eats: cod, meatballs, mashed potatoes (my favorite), you name it. The drink prices were pretty reasonable and the beer selection accordingly was pretty extensive and impressive. Still there are some downsides to this place. First off, the inside is completely blah. Picture your average diner turned brewery. Nothing about the ambiance is that memorable or inviting. Secondly, it's a huge place with an even bigger parking lot that isn't free. That's right... forget the fact that It's a Maryland suburb, you'll still have to pay for parking on top of your dinner.
(3)Jamie K.
I loved it. I had the Oktoberfest and my husband had the private IPA and the rubber chicken red. Those were as advertised accordingly. I had the Vulcan mind meld sandwich which is like a Ruben but with a lot of extras. It was flavorful. I recommend that. My husband played it safe with just a cheese burger with Munster cheese. He says his burger experience from 1-10 was a 9. I will come back to this place. Reminds me of other brewery's I have been to from other states.
(5)Cheryl N.
This wonderfully odd combination of brewery, restaurant and general store is a bit of fun! You can go with a group of folks who are interested in say, "beer!", "burgers!", or even "shopping!" and all have a good time. Sit, if you can, upstairs where you can see the brewers going about their business. The crab cake sandwich with fries was yummy, and huge. The onion rings so crispy and lightly-beer-battered (sometimes they can be so soggy and ugh! - but not here.) And then you can toddle on down to the general store and surely find something that you didn't know you wanted! A great place to spend some time and $ in Hyattsville.
(3)Brian H.
Frankin's has come a long way from the burger joint that catered almost entirely to the newly minted 21-year old co-eds from College Park. The beer selection and in-house quality has improved, as has the grub. The fish and chips were awesome, the service was excellent though spread a little thin. The "homemade" veggie burger had great flavor but was quite mushy. Overall, a welcome anchor for the prefab condos in the zoned Hyattsville "Arts" district.
(4)Nick H.
Great home style food with excellent microbrews. We love Franklins enough to go once every couple weeks!
(5)Priscilla P.
This place embodies the descriptor "Average." I'd even go so far as to say sub-par. The food was fine, nothing spectacular. The prices were not impressive for the average experience. The beers were a definite meh. With micro brews, I'm looking for above average; I'm looking for a beer that I really love and will keep coming back to this place to get it. That was not the case. One star off for boring beers (which, note, they couldn't even pour correctly. 2 inches of head on several of them - c'mon man!). Another star off for TERRIBLE service. I mean, really bad. It wasn't like this was a newbie server, or like he was horribly weeded. I know, I've been a server for years. He just didn't care to do a good job. This is the first time in 10 years I've left less than a 20% tip. Usually, I can come up with an excuse for a bad performance from a server. In this case - no excuse. Franklin's is at best a three star experience.
(3)Lori J.
Lots of character. Fun decor. Service was excellent. Staff was fun. Gluten free menu. Great for kids and adults.
(5)Annie L.
My first stop in D.C. after my bestie picked me up was at Franklin's. Mmmm mmmm gooooood. I ordered the veggie burger complete with avocado and ALL sauce on the side. The burger was extremely flavorful (my friend even tried it, a meat eater himself, and enjoyed it). Fries were thick cut, which aren't particularly my favorite. However, since I've been on more of a health kick I didn't eat too much of it anyway. They serve a variety of brews as well (hence the name "brewery"). Great place, great vibe, and best of all---great service. I really enjoyed my veggie burger here and was happy to see they had vegetarian options.
(4)Marc L.
I've eaten here a half dozen times. We have a daughter at University of Maryland College Park, and this is our go-to place when we take her out (our choice, not hers). Also sometimes when I pick my wife up at BWI airport, we will stop here for a meal and to have some catch-up time. I like this place. The beers are quite good as is the food. There are many healthy options on the menu. I find the quality variable, sometimes truly excellent and sometimes mediocre. The last time I went, I took my daughter and her non-UMD sister, and they wondered why I like this place so much, as did I. The service was slow and unresponsive, the food was uninteresting. The beer is always good! I score it 4 stars because of good atmosphere, great beer, and sometimes good food and service. I will try this place again, and if they continue to underperform they will no longer be my go-to place.
(4)Sara W.
I have been eating at this spot since it was nothing but a counter at the back of the general store. Over the years, we've seen nothing but growth, every few years with Franklin's expanding just a bit more. You will see the owner around just about every time you go in, and his love for the business and the neighborhood is easy to see. The interior is decorated with art by local artists, just ask your server about 'em! I am fairly certain eventually the tiny little strip it anchors, will actually be nothing but Franklin's. The beers are pretty good, but the menu is pretty great. Nothing pretentious, just a good variety of yummy dishes. The mealoaf with chipotle ketchup is so good it has ruined all other meatloaf for me (my mom agrees, so it's ok). The Cajun mac n' cheese is to die for - a huge portion of pasta sprinkled with plenty of crawfish, Andouille, chicken and Cajun seasoning. The cheese sauce is milky and not too heavy, which I prefer when mac n' cheese is the meal, not the side. My absolute favorite and my must-get every time I am home to visit is either the crab dip or the crabcake sandwich. The only complaint I have about the food is that they got rid of my former absolute favorite sandwich, the Julius Caesar. Sure, a grilled chicken sandwich topped with romaine, parmesan and Caesar dressing doesn't sound fabulous - but it was. And I miss it. Anywho, the service over the years has had it's ups and downs. Sometimes you have great servers, and other times you have grouchy ladies who tell you that if you want the Julius Caesar (right after it was taken off the menu), you can order a grilled chicken sandwich and an entire Caesar salad and assemble it yourself. She doesn't work there anymore, but she made it quite a few years...somehow. Lately, every time I've gone while home visiting we have gotten great service, so I'm happy to see the recent trend is a good one. The general store is fun, kitschy toys and gifts - and a really great wine and craft beer selection. Wines have star and heart stickers, indicating a good value or a staff favorite. You can ask for recommendations, they're more than happy to talk to you about what they love and help you narrow down your search by area or taste preference. Want to be left alone to browse? That's ok - they're fine with that too! Recently, they opened up another store-front to the right, so it's nearly doubled in size. Although there have been a lot more restaurants opening in the Hyattsville Arts District development, Franklin's remains a go-to in the rotation and still holds strong even though it's no longer the only place to eat!
(4)Arthita G.
Sizzling black skillet mussels was the best food I had here. I also ordered beer battered onion rings and braised lamb shank and they were quite good. But what I will go back here for is their awesome cocktail -razputin.
(5)Angela P.
Great service and decent brews. Had the lamb sliders and they were really freaking good. Good portion for a light-medium sized lunch and packed w/ flavor. You can't ask for more in a slider. Thai salad was sweet, crunchy, and fresh at the same time. Very filling as well. Overall we were surprised at the quality of this place. Definitely a nice place to grab a quick bite. Also, they have a super cool mural that lights up at night and the shop next door sells the coolest gadgets ever (dangerous for your wallet, but great place to pick up a gift) and beer&wine. Store's probably my favorite part!
(4)Olive O.
The food, the brew and their ethics are excellent! EVERY restaurant should conduct business this way.... From their menu and website: We source our food locally whenever possible. Our partners include: Roseda Farms (Monkton): Burgers and Steaks Maple Lawn Farms (Fulton): Turkey Cherry Glen Farms (Boyds): Goat Cheese TGIF Farms (Upper Marlboro): Produce Harris Orchards (Jug Bay): Fruit Orinoco (Columbia): Organic Fair Trade Coffee Uptown Bakery (Bladensburg): Bread Clements Bakery (Bladensburg): Carrot Cake Recycling Harlowes Farm, Helen's Dream (Harwood): Recycles our spent grain Earnest Maier Co. (Bladensburg): Recycles our fryer oil for diesel fuel Plus, local art, plus ongoing fundraising support, plus a general store....need I say more.
(5)Jeff H.
Read this review from someone who called himself Johnny B. He claimed that Franklins didn't have steak or unbattered fish. That is an out-an-out lie. They always have two steaks on the menu and two non-fried fish selections beside the fish and chips. Why does this guy write these things? They have the most interesting menu around. It changes all the time, but the hanger steak and the local Reseda farms NY strip steak are always there and are excellent.
(5)Top B.
Went back for second visit and although the food was good on the first visit, my meal was bad enough to send it back (a noodle bowl; like Pho). It really had no flavor and the broth tasted like stale dishwater. Unfortunately, the worse part of the meal was the service (our first visit also suffered from terrible service). A young African-American man with a funny Mohawk haircut was our server. I describe him so the mgt. can train him correctly. He did not check on us during the meal until we had to flag him down; same for getting the check (had to get another server for this as well as bringing over the mgr to send back my food); did not stop by to get more drinks; did not ask us if we wanted dessert (we did) and he literally dropped off the check and took off again and did not thank us for coming to the restaurant. C'mon Franklin's-you can do better.
(2)Tatenay M.
Came back to celebrate my birthday here, because there's no place we'd rather do so! The new seasonal menu has a fantastic lollipop kale that's a must order, fried crispy deliciousness. Their new beer, Tenacious C (a sour), was amazing, and another addition to the overwhelmingly good lineup of beers they have constantly rotating through their taps. Food, service, and beer were top notch, as usual, and as always, we headed home with a growler (of Tenacious C, natch) and several bottles of Franklin's barrel aged beers from the attached store next door (which also has an amazingly friendly/helpful staff, a great array of kitchen items, toys, knick-knacks, and beer), excited for our next visit!
(5)Patti K.
Great place. Great service. The feta burger, vegetarian chili and chicken/cheese quesadilla were really good. Would definitely come back again. My only negative comment and the lack of 5 stars was the very dusty light fixtures upstairs. Hard to believe this is overlooked by management.
(4)Galit d.
We always made this place a stop on the way down to DC, I think this would be the last time. The food was just not fit for eating. I'll start from the best part and then head down the hill. Wheat beer is nice, the bread basket in the beginning and the fries with kids meals were all good. The appetizers we started with were the quesedillas, the vegetarian chilli and the wings. Those were all descent. We should have stopped there because then the entrees were just worse and worst. The noodleless lasagna was not good, eggplant under cooked and didn't feel fresh, roasted peppers also seemed from a jar. Unfit to eat. I don't usually return food, but this I did, I didn't receive an offer to take it off the bill but order something else instead. I tried the spinach salad. Again, so disappointing, spinach wilty, vinaigrette was disgusting, couldn't eat it. My husband ordered fish and chips. That came out with a batter too thick and too oily. The worst insult of all was the kids meals, both chicken tenders and burger were awful, the burger just tasted gross, I couldn't even put my finger on it, but needless to say the kids didn't touch it.
(1)Linda O.
Franklin's has the most extraordinary onion rings I have consumed. They are pricey, but out of this world. I am a huge onion ring lover, so know onion rings. Very difficult to get it right. I have eaten a lot of bad onion rings in my life, but these are really worth the drive. Franklin's has a very homey atmosphere; it's family friendly, and the staff tries to please. No snobby attitudes here. Their mico-brewery has some respectable beers, and that's saying a lot in a region where there are incredible breweries to choose from. The crab cakes are very generous, too. It's a bit of a throwback but I respect this restaurant for being what it is.
(4)R B.
Mussels = excellent appetizer, especially for groups Crab cakes = quality + authentic
(4)Tianna S.
I have been enjoying the fare at Franklin's for at least 13 years. Absolutely the BEST, skillet mussels I have had in the DMV. Hands down! Some dishes aren't my favorite, but the fried chicken salad, gnocchi with shrimp and roasted tomatoes are my go-to's. The pizzas are light and delicious. I always leave happy and fulfilled at Franklin's.
(4)Sabrina W.
All I can say is Franklin's Brewery is awesome! I ate there with friends this evening. We ordered the mushroom quesadilla, grilled acorn squash, pulled pork, the black bean burger and the pecan bread pudding with ice cream. We all enjoyed our food. In fact, the acorn squash was the best I've ever had and the black bean burger was moist, well-seasoned and delicious! Dessert was too amazing to explain. I'm not the hugest fan of bread pudding but this bread pudding called my name. We ordered it, split it and almost fought over who would lick the bowl!! (just joking) When we were done, I headed into the general store to get a few treats for my kids. I picked up 2 shea butter soaps and some vintage candies and chocolate. It was a little pricey but who cares. We will definitely return to Franklin's Brewery for more meals and shopping!
(5)Nicholas T.
It's great having Franklin's in the neighborhood. The Route 1 corridor is indeed undergoing a tremendous revitalization, and Franklin's is playing a great part in the overall effort. There are always several beers on tap, and they are mostly good. Some are a little sad and past their peak in freshness. The food is inconsistent. We've had very good meals there, and miserable ones. I once had a fried catfish that was HUGE and SO bland. Burgers are usually a safe bet, though I'd order them a step more well done than you'd usually. Our favorite thing about Franklin's is the General Store. In there, you'll find some of the best beers in the world, funny gifts, and great nostalgic candies. It's like those Cracker Barrel Stores but WAY more fun and less grandma.
(3)Jim D.
Found this gem on yelp while visiting our sons at UMD. Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table but the time flew while perusing the quaint shop. Wife purchased a nice inexpensive bottle of red that we were able to cork for only $10. I started with a beer flight, the bombshell blonde, rubber chicken red and twisted turtle pale ale were all fantastic. The ridiculous red was a little too sour for me but our server Kristie sensed I did not like it and immediately replace it with the King Slayer ale and I ended with a pint of that. All 4 of our entrees were very good and the service was efficient and friendly... Will definitely go back on our next visit
(4)Sofie S.
always good service. food is delicious, especially their burgers! love the store adjacent to the restaurant. they have such fun knick-knacks!
(5)Ritika K.
They have good food and great selection of Draft beer. I ordered the spinach dip for appetizer and portobello cap entrée and it was really good. Service is great and this place is very lively even on week nights. The parking lot next to the restaurant has free parking after 8 pm. I had a great time here.
(4)Max U.
Delicious and a wonderful service. It can't not get better than that. Easy access and plenty parking spaces. Friendly servers and the little store next door is a place to visit before leaving the place.
(5)Sarita R.
I love Franklins! I used to come here in grade school before it became a restaurant. Such a cool, funky place
(5)Polly G.
Great food. Service can be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes we get a disgruntled waitress that is clearly not happy with her job - not something I need to know when I'm going to dinner to get away from my day. I like the little shop and always look around for a bit while I'm waiting for my table. Food is good, beer is nice, overall a lovely local little place to go. Just look out for the disgruntled waitress.
(4)Corey W.
The food can sometimes be a hit or miss, but I have three stand by favorites that are almost always on point: Day After Thanksgiving, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, and the Pulled Pork Platter (Carolina style only- the house BBQ is awful). There is a decent amount of parking, which is rare for this area, and the little attached store is a fun way to pass the time if you end up having to wait for a table. I will say that if you come as a party of 1 or 2 during busy hours, you might end up at a long table dining with other small parties. For some people, that might be fine, but I'm not a fan. I haven't been very impressed with their pizza, and the burgers, while flavorful, sometimes come on very dry buns. The rolls they bring you before your meal are also very odd. It's like they just buy whatever is cheapest and about to expire and give that away. I've rarely had the same type of bread twice, and it's almost always borderline stale. Besides that, though, it is one of my favorite restaurants in the area, especially if you are a beer drinker.
(4)Trevor O.
Huge fan of Franklin's. They always have an assortment of interesting beers and as a connoisseur of black bean burgers I am happy to report they have one of the best around. Along with that, the general store is fun to check out too. It's got all kinds of quirky gifts and a rather large selection of bottled beers, including a great selection of some of the more obscure dogfish head bottles. All in all it's a great place to get a meal and it's got loads of local charm too.
(5)Travis S.
Late lunch with the boss, customer service was great....Stopped by the wine shop....Adam was phenomenal I recommend you find him for suggestions he took care of us no worries. The food was great I ordered the meatloaf with the sweet potatoe mash good deal for me.
(5)Jessica V.
I've been going to Franklin's for awhile now. I'm a huge fan of the Glorious Gloria (grilled chicken with bacon and swiss on a soft bun). Delish. They have a great selection of brews to choose from, always something different.
(4)Hima P.
I have been here so many times, I've lost count! The food here is great, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. I love their South by Southwest pizza (I am able to sub portobella mushrooms for the chicken, since I'm a vegetarian), as well as their beer battered onion rings!
(4)Tom C.
ducken se awesome is back! try the duck salad!!
(4)Tami B.
We started with fried green tomatoes and remoulade. The tomatoes were crispy and tasty (better without the remoulade) but they were very little (make a circle with your thumb and forefinger) and there were only four for $6. In the middle of summer you can easily get giant tomatoes, so I am not sure why they chose such small ones. We split the sandwich called the Vulcan Mind Meld (hot pastrami, corned beef, Swiss and Provolone, slaw, hot relish, pickles, skinny fries, 1000 island, and tomato on rye). It was plenty for two people and really good. Not a fan of the skinny fries, though. We mentioned to our server that we thought the tiny serving of fried green tomatoes was not worth the price and the manager halved the price. Our server said they "should have given us five." I appreciated that but five little slices would still be paltry for the cost. I won't get FGT here again. After lunch we had fun wandering through the treasures next door in the shop--too much to see in one visit! Oh--the parking is not free.
(4)Libby F.
This review is strictly for the General Store part of Franklin's. I went here after eating at another Hyattsville establishment, and we were passing by, so we decided to stop on in and check the place out. I've never been; my pal hasn't been since they made all the renovations. The atmosphere on both the lower level and upstairs in the bar area is lively. We were there around the tail end of happy hour. So, I am now curious to sample their home-brewed ales. That will be another review... I am in love with their General Store! I can't begin to tell you what they have in there, except to say EVERYTHING! Do you want to get a coworker a little going away gift? The friend who has everything? The fussy mother-in-law? They have soaps, Maryland souvenirs, jewelry, puppets, cell phone gadgets, kooky glasses, and the list goes on and on. I can see how one reviewer managed to spend $300.00. About the parking... It's not their lot, so quit yer bellyaching. The county lot has a pay station, like parts of DC, and it's way, way less than DC... $0.50/hr. Someone wrote that it's free after 6pm, but I think, according to the sign, it's now 8pm (Mon-Sat). I'll have to check next time when I come back for a home brew and some of those gigantic onion rings (half off during happy hour!).
(4)Chris S.
It's a great place for a group lunch, it's kinda pricey but the menu looks great. However if you don't eat meat then the tastiest thing available is pizza, overpriced and thin pizza. The deserts don't have a pictures so you never know what you might get. $8 for a chocolate tort?!
(3)H W.
Again, they take off of the menu one of the only things I find tasty, the mango salad. Too bad. I have no reason left to go. Luckily there are now quite a few options in the area to choose from.
(1)Theresa R.
BEST ONION RINGS EVER - I can't help but order them as an appetizer every time I eat here. They are HUGE, thick-cut, perfectly battered and fried and sprinkled with a little bit of old bay seasoning. If you want to be able to eat your dinner after these, sharing is a must! Their sandwiches, burgers, and ribs have always been wonderful and their pizza is pretty good too, but beware some of the items on the entree menu, like the noodleless lasagna or the flatbread "thing". I wish they would replace those monstrosities with a wider variety of more traditional dinner entrees, like chicken and steak dishes. The general store is a cute addition as well - always fun to look at while you wait for a table. (They always overestimate the wait time by double, FYI). They also sell beers and hard cider in single bottles, which is great for trying out something new.
(4)Lauren M.
The best restaurant in the Hyattsville area. There's an extensive lot in the back, so parking isn't usually an issue. They brew their own beers, some of which are always available. They also offer seasonal brews, so it's nice to sample something new. This restaurant is almost always packed, with families, couples, groups. While you're waiting, spend some time in their general store. They do wine pourings on Thursdays, I believe. There's a lot offered, from kid toys, kitchen and house accessories, to beer and wine. Like their beers, Franklin's has a standard menu, then a rotating seasonal menu. We love the crab dip to start. My go-to is usually the bacon-wrapped meatloaf. I'm not even a meatloaf fan and I love this entree. I usually also order the corn pudding as an add-on because it's that delicious. The husband's standard order is the pulled pork, which is always tender and savory. But everything we've ever ordered has been delicious. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)Michelle G.
We stopped in for some microbrews around 10PM on a Saturday night. The bar area was pretty full and the only seats available were at the bar. My friends and I just wanted drinks, but we also wanted to sit at a table so we could talk. There was a closed off section of tables and we asked if we could sit there. The hipster bartender answered with a very curt and final "no." He wasn't in a good mood. I felt that he could have been a little nicer, possibly offering some other options. I suggest that they come up with a new microbrew and name this one "Angry Bartender." It should be dark and very bitter.
(2)Andra N.
I've been here many times and it's always my go to place when I'm looking for a good brew and comforting food. I've sat at the bar, at the restaurant and made reservations and each experience went along with no issues. There is such a variety of beers, but I'm particularly favored towards their stouts. Food: FRIED CALAMARI, their pulled pork, their burgers.. all a great meal. I feel like anything you get here will be delicious. It's nice to have a place you trust. Franklin's will never fail you.
(5)Jeremy A.
While Franklin's doesn't accept reservations on the weekends, it's appended general store full of bagatelle, furbelows, and objet d'art provides ample conversation starters and gift ideas for your partygoers. The building itself is a former blacksmith and carriage maker dating back to 1880. If the building is the bones, then the kitchen is its soul, and here the Gastropub does not disappoint. Despite the ambitiously broad brush the menu is painted with, covering multiple regions and disciplines within cuisine, I have yet to be disappointed by something that the kitchen does not do well. The bacon wrapped meatloaf, sizzling black skillet mussels, gnocchi, penne, bourbon pecan bread pudding, apple crisp, and hot fudge brownie sundae are all meticulously crafted in an approachable unassuming setting. Chef Heckrotte's seasonal menu of locally sourced fare is well worth your evening out. This may be PG's only brewpub, but it is clear that it does not take the easy road, but rather strives to have guests choose the place as their new favorite at each visit.
(5)Vincent R.
Hidden gem of PG county. Love this place. Great food with huge portions and great micro brews. I'd go for the "Day After Thanksgiving" meal and the Bombshell Blonde. Bring your growlers or buy one there. The store next door is pretty neat too. They sell a lot of micro brews and wine local and national.
(5)Amanda B.
The general store attached to the restaurant was really awesome and had some cute, unique items. We started our meal with the Spinach dip which was fantastic. Also they give you a bread plate with a great assortment to start. Also I got one of their home brewed beers which was very good. For dinner we got the Gnocchi, which was terrible, it was way to salty, I would not recommend it. Also dessert was alright, we got the apple cobbler which was not the best I've ever had but was pretty good. So to sum up the appetizers were fantastic but our entree and dessert were a little lacking. But I will go back to Franklin's for the bread, beer, and appetizers!
(4)Krissi H.
OK, I'm now officially a convert (and have been for a while). I think the food has been improving. And there's always at least one beer that is yummy. Plus, I just love the vibe of the place. And the (recently expanded!) store. I'm happy to call Franklin's my neighborhood spot.
(4)Andromeda L.
Came back for salmon and special chicken soup contains Doritos(?). Salmon was slightly overlooked but not the worst I've had. Nice, quick and comfortable dinner service this time so I suppose we bumped into the traffic last time.
(4)Hope L.
Finally tried this place out and I am ecstatic about the secret gem I have discovered!! Walked in and was greeted by the cheerful host, seated with Meghan as our server and MEGHAN IS THE BEST!!! It was my first time there and she gave my family and I the run down on all of the great dishes and her personal recommendations. It's great when you go to a restaurant that has servers who actually eat there, know what the food taste like, ENJOY THE FOOD and can tell you all about the menu. She was very passionate about her job and made our dining experience even better. Big Kudos to MEGHAN! :-) We ordered fish and chips, buffalo wings, onions rings, Franklin's Burger and the Pot Roast Dinner. EVERYTHING was delicious!! The fish and chips is fried in a awesome beer batter and I think the Onion Rings are too. Now let me tell you that I am a VERY picky person when it comes to Onion Rings. I don't like that mushy stuff that's inside of a "ring shaped" batter; I want REAL onions dipped in good, tasty batter and fried to perfection and that my friend is exactly what you get here at Franklin's! The fish wasn't overcooked; it had that perfect flake when you bit into it the fries were yummy too. Wings were good. I also ordered a Lemon Drop Martini and it was very good. I didn't try the burgers but they looked really good and no one was disappointed. OH! They have this cute little store right next door to the restaurant and it has some of the coolest old school toys, (nostalgia at it's best) candy and oh and let me not forget the unique and rare wines, beers (popular ones too). *COOL FACT* You can purchase a bottle of wine from the store and request to drink it while you have dinner ($10 cork fee) ;-) Btw I heard the mussels are EXCELLENT and they receive a fresh shipment every morning. I am looking forward to going back and will update my review...stay tuned...
(5)Andrew B.
Awesome service. This is a great local business. The crab cake was good and did not have much filler. The wings were a little small but still tasty. The general store is great for kids and adults.
(5)Jelece M.
The lamb burgers are everything!!! Great service and a wide variety of beer coming from a non beer drinker.
(5)Natalie M.
Franklin's is the ultimate. Great food, TOP NOTCH beer, and great service. This is a must-try if you're in the area!
(5)Ria H.
We finally tried this place and I'm so glad that we did. Great service, cool atmosphere and good food. You have to pay to park in their parking lot but it's not expensive.
(4)John D.
Usually a good experience, but last night encountered one of the hosts (guy with tattoos and ear rings) that gave me the wrong info regarding a fundraiser, then seemed to catch an attitude when I spoke with the manager (who had the right info). Ended up ordering the meatloaf and spent most of the night in the bathroom. Not a good experience.
(2)Christl A.
This is a great place for adults and little ones! We went to dinner with our 9 month old and another couple who has two little ones under 5. It's a two story establishment with the downstairs acting as the more family friendly area (with a gift shop, brewery, and toy store attached) and the upstairs serving as the more adult friendly area with a bar. Drinks and great beer can be ordered in both areas. We received spectacular service from our waiter who was cheerful and also interacted with the kids really nicely. As an appetizer we ordered the onion rings and I was quite impressed. These are not your typical frozen bland onion rings that many places try to pass off as an appetizer. They were well breaded, thick, flavorful, and had a perfect texture. As a main course I ordered a tai curry dish which I thought was bland and lacked the multi faceted taste that real curry possesses (hence the four stars instead of five.) My husband on the other hand, ordered a burger and fries and the burger was absolutely delicious! After trying a bite of his burger I felt I had made a mistake in ordering a more exotic dish. We will definitely eat there again, but next time I will play it safe and order a burger.
(4)pomona k.
I've been to Franklin's several times. I really want to like this restaurant as it's near my house, it's a local business that supports the community, and Mr. enjoys this place, but the food does not speak to me. Pizzas and burgers are ok and I do like the steak fries, but I wouldn't recommend the meatloaf (it was undercooked when I got it) or the turkey dinner. I would frequent this restaurant if the food improved as I really want to support it, but for now, I will return only when Mr. insists.
(3)Hellem H.
I really like Franklins! The food and staff are great! I just had some buffalo wings which btw, are delicious! They have a bar upstairs and flat screens which are handy for game nights. I need to find time to come more often!
(4)Jill M.
I've been eating at Franklin's for years, well before all the recent development in Hyattsville (University Town Center and the new Arts District). Even with all the new restaurants in the area, Franklin's still stands out. It's totally unique, has a wide variety of good food, great beer that they brew themselves, and a quirky general store on site with stuff ranging from the old-fashioned to kitchy to useful. Some of my favorite menu items are: pizzas with tasty fresh toppings, crabcakes, fresh grilled mussels (simple salt and butter, not cooked in a broth), and their creative healthy salads. They do tours of the little microwbrewery that is on site, and they fill growlers of their beer to take home. My favorite is the Bitter Markie Double IPA, but they have a wide variety on tap any given day. The atmosphere is really laid back and fun, with friendly staff, and a diverse crowd.
(5)Dawn R.
Stopped in for a late night drink after leaving an event at the university, so I didn't have a full meal and can't comment on the entire menu. My friend and I each had a beer, I had the red which was pretty tasty, and he had the pumpkin lager which was very tasty. We ordered some crab dip, which was served up beautifully with a nice loaf of crusty bread. However, it looked much better than it tasted.....it was loaded with way too much onion for my taste. I shouldn't have to crunch through chunks of onion to enjoy my crab dip. The service was friendly, the decor was pretty cool, so maybe if I try something else from the menu I'll like it better.....perhaps I'll stop in for lunch sometime.
(3)Spencer H.
Love their turkey club.. None better!
(5)Jen G.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Franklin's already. It's great! I recently moved to the area and was absolutely delighted to find a nearby brewery and restaurant (with a fun general store attached!). Everything I've ordered from Franklin's has been delicious. If the Day After Thanksgiving is on the menu, it's a must-try (seriously, who can resist turkey on top of mashed potatoes on top of bread, smothered in gravy with a side of cranberry sauce?). Franklin's also serves the best burgers in the area. The pizzas are yummy, and there are vegetarian options other than salads (but the salads are great, too!). I appreciate Franklin's attention to locally sourced items and friendly/attentive service, as well as high quality brewing. Their sour beers are out of this world! Aside from the sours, I also highly recommend the Stonehenge (so light for such a dark beer!) and the Rubber Chicken Red. But really, if there's a sour on the menu, I could drink it all day. Finally, the Franklin's General Store is fantastic. I stop by quite often just for their great selection of beer and wine but the rest of the store is filled with fun, kitschy stuff (plus a lot of useful items). It's easy to spend 30 minutes to an hour just browsing through the store. =)
(5)Dave L.
Good food. Great beer. This was my third time at Franklin's but the first time I was there for something more than just beer. I had a pint of Modest ProposAle (Irish Stout), a Cuban sandwich (pulled pork on a roll), and coleslaw. The sandwich was good and filling. The coleslaw was how I like it, wet but not dripping wet and the seasoning was just right for me. The Modest ProposAle was excellent. I bought a growler and had them fill it with their IPA, because they don't fill growler's with the Modest ProposAle.
(4)Stephanie E.
We have been coming here for years. Stopped in for lunch this afternoon and had some shrimp quesadillas and my husband had the crab cake sandwich. As always everything was delish. Usually good beers on tap, but we didn't indulge today. Definitely a little gem in hyattsville that was there even before they fancied up route 1.
(4)Timir D.
This place is a solid 3. Most of the dishes are nothing special. A couple of them stand out. I have been here many times and have tried at least ten different dishes, but I can only remember a few of them, which in itself says a lot. Of the few that I do remember I particularly liked the hanger steak and the mussels. The steak is a good cut of meat which is properly cooked to the doneness that you request. The mussels are grilled, have a salt crust and are served with clarified butter. Grilled mussels if done correctly are often better than steaming/boiling them since the liquor/juice stays inside and is not lost to the boiling liquid. I do keep returning to this place because it stands out as just above mediocre amongst a plethora of horrible eating establishments in College Park.
(3)Bryan H.
It made the food network for a reason! The place has "The Day After Thanksgiving" and Oh my stars is it ever! You get turkey,mashed potatoes, sourdough bread, and cranberry sauce. It is better then most home cooked Thanksgiving meals. I also highly recommend the "Fish & Chips" because it is some of the best I have ever had and as an Irish Man that is saying a lot . Just enough crunch and hardly any grease. Now onto the beer y'all! They make it in house and it is good. I love the" Twisted Turtle Pale Ale" I mean you're already eating fired so just have at it! Sit downstairs if you like peace and quit . They like to seat people upstairs but the service is never as good and it is to much waller and hallar for my taste.
(5)M W.
Beer is good. Food is decent. Service is OK, not great. Atmosphere is poor. Feels more like a cafeteria.
(3)Lhynette C. A.
The restaurant has a good laid back atmosphere...i have been here several times, usually with one of my close college friend. The food is american fare, nothing fancy, nothing different. But my favorite part of Franklin's is the shop! I can spend hours in that General store because they have REALLY awesome and one of a kind items!
(3)Emily M.
2 words : Jam Jar Tip: Don't go in to their store...you will be broke as you exit. Consider this a fair warning.
(5)Chard X.
This place is awesome, as long as you're not eating there. The store is really exciting, with all sorts of great kitschy toys, a really fantastic import beer selection, a wide variety of hot sauces; the store is awesome. The food here sucks. It's incredibly bad, boring, just awful on all accounts. Their in-house brewed beers are rather novice productions as well. Generally soapy and flavorless. Please Franklin's, just get your act together -- you could be so cool if you weren't so inedible.
(2)Dani H.
Best burger I've ever had!! Excellent beer and great little shop. Beer lover's delight!
(5)Amanda C.
No foreigner to craft brews, I am quite the fan of Franklin's selection. Their mussels are also delicious and their appetizers are well portioned. While the cozy-home brew atmosphere is a plus in my book, I wish the wait staff was consistently better at making pairing suggestions for their beers. For a spot that differentiates itself from the area by having such a unique drink menu (go for the Moo Cow!), I am surprised- and disappointed-- they don't incorporate pairing into their dining experience more. (perhaps some of their staff does, I just haven't been that lucky patron yet.) That said, if you're looking for a place to enjoy the game with tasty bar food, you can find that and more at Franklin's.
(4)Tristan K.
The most unique dining option in Hyattsville. The menu is simple home-cooking crowd pleasers with only average execution and prices a dollar or two higher than you would like. Still, the pulled pork and post-thanksgiving platter hold up. Brewing your own beer means lots of variety and seasonality. Large space that still gets crowded during peak hours but plenty of parking attached. The attached general store is great for waiting out a table and features a good selection of beer/wine, candy, children's toys, hot sauces, kitchen gadgets, board games, and tchotchkes. (Needless to say, great for gifts.)
(4)Jarrett S.
Love Franklin's. This is a Hyattsville institution and it is a community gathering place for the surrounding area. A great place to bring your folks - or your kids - or to get a drink with your friends. In-house beers (and their root beer) are fantastic. I *am* vegetarian, so while I can eat some of their entrees, there's a whole bunch that are meat-focused. So I can't comment on the latter - but the veggie options are tasty, filling and well-made. The General Store (think Spencer's?) is a great place to browse and buy some stuff while you're waiting for your table. Some people here on Yelp have complained about the service - in coming here at least 30 times, I've never had any problems. The staff is always friendly and helpful.
(5)Jmarc P.
OK, been going to Franklin's since it opened and it is STILL our favorite place to go. Decent food and good beer. Over the years they have removed some of our favorite menu items (like the Muffaletta Pie) however, today was another change. The 2 stars is only for tonight. They have always had the Thai Chicken Coconut curry which had some great heat and a perfect meal to consume with beer...tonight I ordered that same dish HOWEVER I did not notice the change!! The food came but with NO CHICKEN!! I told the waitress that they forgot to put chicken in my meal and maybe I got someones vegetarian version because instead of chicken it had potatoes! Potatoes AND rice??? She got me some chicken to add. What a disappointment! The red "Thai" sauce no longer had that great Thai heat and is now a kiddie version of the old item! If you are going to make it vegetarian at least put tofu in it...but potatoes?? I say go back to the old version and if someone wants vegetarian they can request to leave the chicken out.! Otherwise my wifes Hanger Steak was good, daughters Fish and Chips was Fair...too much thick batter on the fish and not enough fish. The beer was good though!
(2)Jen F.
Franklin's is one of the few restaurants close to College Park. It is American style food- burgers, salads, and pizzas are their main offerings. Their food is decent- beats Applebees any day. I like the vast selection of entrees on their menu. No matter who you come with, everyone will find something they'll eat. The seasonal menu is also pretty cool- definitely give it a look. My waitress was great, although there was one old guy who rolled his eyes when my table wasn't ready to order yet. How mean. The food comes out within a reasonable time period. The little gift shop is worth checking out. It's pretty neat! You don't even have to buy anything, just play.
(3)Lisa S.
Family dinner while visiting kids attending UMD. Waited for about half hour but time flew by as we shopped in the general store which had something for all ages. Including a nice small wine niche. Our waitress was friendly and had some good suggestions. The nickel lamb sliders were great! Loved the spinach salad and kids killed the crab dip. All entrees were good. We has lump crab cakes, ribs with franklin BBQ sauce, pulled pork and hangar steak. Yes, we r meat eaters! Nice meal good vibe. Would definitely come back during our next visit.
(4)Tisha V.
I have been here about 4 times now and I do love it. I have lived in Hyattsville for a while and never even noticed this place. I literally drove past this a billion times and didn't even know it was a restaurant. I will continue to go here. It seems like the food is consistent. Pros: Huge portions, good prices, food taste homemade, cool little store inside, and a parking lot located right next to the restaurant. Cons: Fries are kinda crappy and the service isn't that great. So if you live in Hyattsville I would def recommend this place over Busboys and Poets anyday.
(4)Rick S.
Nice place, food is above average and staff is friendly and helpful. The ability to buy a wine at the attached store and bring it to the table (+$10 corkage fee) is a really nice feature. Very noisy by design.
(4)Collin S.
Went here the other night after a long day and it was pretty good. Lots of tasty looking things on the menu, but I sprung for the pulled pork platter. Be warned, the portion of meat on this dish is HUGE. I have enough for lunch or dinner for a couple of days afterwards, and I'm usually a pretty big eater. Private IPA was a really good beer. Had a really good hoppy/skunky taste to it like a good IPA should. Finished up with a chocolate shake, since I've been craving one for upwards of three weeks now, and it was really good. I'll definitely be back at some point in the future. Reminds me of some of the
(4)Monica G.
My review is for the food and the booze. My boyfriend and I are awful at getting anywhere on time, so we didn't make it in time to check out the store. He's from Cheverly, so he and his family grew up eating here, and he was excited to have dinner here with me. I was nervous because he hyped it up so much, but they definitely lived up to my expectations. We split a buffalo chicken sandwich and a burger with barbecue sauce and a few other things on it. They were both really, really delicious. They were so flavorful, and we had the option to get our burger cooked medium-rare. Soooooo good. Also, I got fries, and he got cole slaw. Normally, I hate cole slaw and never even try it. However, I sampled his, and it was really good. I don't know what was different about it, but it worked for me. As for the drinks......theymake a Game of Thrones trilogy of beer. I mean, how can you not get that? He had the Half Man and I had the Dragon Queen, which was something like 8 or 9% alcohol? Although it was strong, it didn't overpower the beer. It was so crisp and delicious. I also had a margarita, cause I had been away from Texas too long and I really wanted one. It tasted like a grown up margarita... it tasted kind of clean? I don't know how to describe it. I still enjoyed it, but I really wanted a fruity, trashy, frozen margarita. I guess I'm growing up.
(5)Deanna C.
Love it! We went in at 10:00pm on a Friday and it was very quiet. I surmised that this was probably because UMD was on summer break. My hubs and I shared an onion ring appetizer. Which was fabulous (and I don't like onion rings normally). Hubs had a cheeseburger which he loved and I had the strawberry salad. That salad was the BEST strawberry salad that I have had EVER!
(5)Chuq Y.
I've been here a handful of times, and they are consistently great. If you have to wait, and I don't think I ever have, either peruse the gift shop, or pop a squat at the bar upstairs. Their microbrews change pretty frequently, and if you really like what you're drinking, you can get a growler to take home! The food is very good there, and we've never had a problem with the service. They have a kid's menu in case you bring the little ones. And if you ask nicely, they might even make you a grilled cheese to go with the tomato soup that is on special there occasionally. if you want recommendations from me, I suggest the mussels for an appetizer and the bbq combination (half rack of ribs and half a chicken). You will likely have to take some food home. I honestly haven't had anything there that I didn't really like, so you're pretty safe getting anything.
(5)Jennifer I.
This is a great staple restaurant in the area. They have a few stand out items and change some of the menu seasonally, which is awesome. Service is really good; beer is generally quite tasty. That said, we've noticed inconsistency on a few dishes (sometimes they are amazing, sometimes they're average), and many of the dishes - though quite tasty - disappoint. We definitely continue to visit Franklins for the convenience (and for the store - which is amazing) - just don't expect to be blown away.
(3)Jenny T.
The food is a bit over-priced, but tasty and worth it for the fun. The onion rings were the biggest I've ever seen. HUGE and GREAT beer selection, awesome general store (HUGE selection of hot sauces). Honestly, I come back for the beer, and the fact that it's perhaps the only decent American restaurant near UMD. The service is pretty good, especially considering how busy it gets. The parking also isn't bad.
(4)Nancy A.
My family loves this place! We like to go for family dinners or even birthdays. It's a really cute local restaurant with a lot of artsy style. The General Store is attached to the hostess area and it has some great finds - quirky gift items and wine/beer. Glad to have a locally owned place to go in PG County. The onion rings are a must try. And really, everything I have had at Franklin's was GOOD!!
(5)Anita J.
Never had a bad meal. Love the burgers! Service is hit or miss, great decor. The store attached is AWESOME!!
(4)Eva W.
You haven't been to Franklin's? What? That's crazy! So many, many reasons to love it: (1) Great vegetarian options, including the chili. (2) Amazing salads - Franklin's makes a mighty fine salad. They are never over-dressed. The Greek is awesome. They had an amazing celery root/apple salad on their Fall 2012 menu (I miss it!) (3) SIDES! - Every time I go with new people, I tell them to try one of the amazing sides. The corn pudding and the mashed sweet potatoes are INCREDIBLE. MUST-TRY! (4) Beer - The beers are cheap and delicious. There is always something new to try. (5) Service - Always great! (6) The Store - Classic toys, stuffed animals, jewelry, greeting cards, candy, wine, kitschy stuff galore! It's the perfect place to get a cool gift for your bizarre friend.
(5)Karen S.
The food here is great and I always end up taking home some leftovers! I love the mussels appetizer (SIZZLING) and the crab dip appetizer to start, and the chicken pot pie or one of their pizzas as an entree. My boyfriend always gets their pulled pork, which is a HUGE platter, so he ends up taking a lot home. The waitresses are usually really friendly and helpful, and even though you can get crammed into a weird seat really close to other people, the environment is usually pretty good. Waiting here is a lot of fun-- I love exploring the general store and buying random candy, cards, and the strangest little knicknacks. They've got a lot of beer and wine that you can't find in other places, and you can even bring home some of their beer as well. It's great to have a non-chain restaurant to go to in the CP area. The parking can be kind of strange-- first-timers should know there's a lot of parking in the back, not just the area you can see from Baltimore Ave.
(4)Charmie P.
Amazing! Loved the ginormous onion rings, chicken wings, great pork and even better craft beers. I loved the market store they have. The servers were very friendly and accomocating, would totally go back.
(4)Johnnie B.
Really getting tired of Franklin's pedestrian, intransigent menu. How can they not have a steak or ribs of some sort listed? Come on. Steak?! And how about one real, unbattered fish selection? Wild trout, anyone?
(1)Lisa R.
My family was visiting from out of town and we had the pleasure of coming here for dinner on Monday. Our party has young children so being in a restaurant is always a concern of mine. Other patrons had young children too, so I could tell this place has a great family-friendly vibe. The wait staff is accommodating and very friendly. The toy store / gift shop next door is cute and everyone who works there is laid-back and extremely social. I had a cosmo for a drink and ordered the crab-cake sandwich for dinner. My husband had the Fish and Chips - what a treat! The seasoning and especially the batter on the fish was excellent! When I come from out of town I will definitely come back here - bring your family and your appetite!
(5)Luke M.
I have been going here for years! The beer is out of this world, the place is very cool and funky, and the general store is amazing. Only downfall is the food and the pricing. Food is just OK and it is overpriced. Everything else is great. Their beer is the best around!
(4)Bekah E.
I finally got to dine in Hyattsville - the unofficial "what we wished we had in downtown college park " district. It's nice to have a sit-down restaurant to take the family to... because for some reason parental units aren't impressed by dirty greasy, but cheap, establishments in College Park. Franklin's has a nice, fun atmosphere. The food is above average. I ate the "vegetarian thing" in spite of warnings of how awkward it was to eat. No problem - I used both fork and knife to reduce it to bite-size, manageable pieces. It is nice to have a vegetarian "sandwich" that's not 90% grease, cheese, or vegetables cooked to oblivion. I was charged extra to substitute fries for the vegetable of the day (baked beans not vegetarian), but I wasn't paying, so whatevs. I found the prices to be a LITTLE higher than I would want to pay in general for the portion size/quality ($10 sandwich + $1 side), but I think that's the "nice ambiance and not having to order from the counter" tax kicking in. Plus, they try to get locally sourced stuff - I'll pay a few bucks extra in support of that. And yes, do check out the general store next door.
(4)J E.
Keep up the good work! I used to come to this restaurant/brewery years ago and it was only so-so. Now, the food is top notch and the beers are much better. I have tried the vegetarian, pasta, and seafood options - all unique and tasty. The beers are good too - I am a little less adventurous in that department so my go to is the Bombshell Blond. Then there is the store - I could spend an hour looking at all the different knick knacks, foods, toys for kids, etc. Overall, this is one of the best spots in the College Park/Hyattsville area.
(4)Vernique P.
Went for lunch with my DBBF for a pre-birthday celebration. This was both our first time eating there. When were seated my DBBF asked we can move to another table, without hesitation the hostess gladly moved us. We ordered 2 drinks( me a Lemon Drop Martini...she ordered a Cosmo) & some appetizers. I had the lamb sliders...they were very good. We also had there crab dip which was seasoned just right. After round 2 of drinks..we then tried the Verusivo cake. Very rich but oh soooo good! Not much of a real bar, but there is 2 floors and they do brew their own beer. Glad to have something local to visit instead of traveling elsewhere. Parking is right next door..it's metered but for .50 an hour you can't beat that. Next time I will have to check out the dinner scene.
(4)Michelle S.
Great place to have a spectacular, but reasonably priced family dinner. They have a great choice of home brewed beers. I don't recommend having a martini there though - I only asked for it once, and it came to me warm and watery, not at all a martini. Go for some of the regular menu items like the meatloaf with spicy sauce, or the chicken ceasar - great with a nice glass of their ice cold beer. The novelty shop at the side of the store is also a great place to kill time while waiting for a table.
(5)Lisa M.
Went here for the first time last night. The food was awful. My whole table was disappointed. We had a variety of food on the table and no one took any leftovers home. The only reason I have 2 stars was because our server Charles was amazing and they have a general store in the back that was cute. That's it.
(2)Brian B.
As a 3rd year grad student at CUA this has become my favorite go to place. The food is always well done and the menu changes every so often. I especially enjoy the mussels and salmon dishes. I only wish they would offer a smaller version of the brownie sundae. The wait staff is always very friendly and the city parking lot right next store makes for convenient and cheap parking.
(5)Kevin B.
This place is great! They brew their own beer here and everything that I have ordered was very tasty. You have to check out the general store- it's a great gag gift place!
(5)Tavia P.
Food is very good! Nice selection of Micro brews and the waiter was extremely knowledgeable about everything available. Went with a large group and the service was speedy and everything was as ordered. Nice large parking lot and general store attached is cute.
(5)Ben Y.
Just went to Franklin's for my first time last night and have nothing but good things to say about it. The service was great and we were never rushed, they didn't rush us at all as we lingered for a while after we finished and were just drinking. I drank four of their house-brewed beers: 1) Sierra Madre (5.5% ABV): A pale ale that goes down smooth and isn't filling. It has a distinct citrus flavor which I didn't love, but overall I enjoyed it. 2) Stonehenge (3.8% ABV): An English brown ale; this was my favorite of the four, though it was the least alcoholic. Refreshing ale that was just the right thickness. 3) Imperial Stout (9% ABV): This intrigued me because it has about twice the alcohol by volume of standard beer. It looks like dark-chocolate milk, and didn't taste a whole lot different. It was extremely thick, almost like syrup. It was similar to jager in its style. Definitely tasted the worst of the four, but interesting none-the-less. 4) Hop Zen (7.2% ABV): A very strong ale that had a caramel flavor. It almost tasted like a light version of the Imperial Stout. Not bad for its concentration. For food I had: 1) Our Balls: Unbelievable. Like fried mac and cheese balls but with risotto. So good, definitely an individual order though. Only came with two balls. 2) The Roni: Your standard pepperoni pizza. Very good. Fantastic place overall.
(5)Susan L.
I go here for the burgers and the pizza; my fav is the bacon bleu burger, delicious! Even the french fries are great! The customer service is good too. I've gone here several times and had a positive experience every time. I also love the quirky general store!
(4)Todd R.
Excellent, interesting food from a menu with quite a bit of variety. Excellent beer. I ordered fish and chips, and this was done the right way. Succulent fish in a crispy tasty crust. Fries were good, too. The beer was excellent. The service is good, but when they get busy, it doesn't excel like it could.
(4)Amber Z.
This last time I went here I got the Oktoberfest beer, which was very good. We got the Asian wings, the creamy gnocchi, and the flank steak. The wings were very good, as always. Not spicy at all. The steak was excellent. Once we had an overcooked steak here so I was very happy to see how perfectly this one was cooked this time. The gnocchi was the disappointment of the night. It had so many good things in it, like really good mushrooms and pancetta and other stuff, but the whole thing was in this buttery cheesy alfredo sauce that was way too dense. I think a lighter olive-oil and Parmesan cheese sauce would have been much better, and that was really what I was expecting from the menu's description. Our waiter was all over the place, but it was the end of the night and he wanted to get his side-work done, so who can blame him.
(4)Broseph N.
Let me first start by saying that this place has decent beers and a solid burger. So if you go there, order a burger, and do not order a pizza. I made that mistake, I got their South by Southwest Pizza: Grilled chicken, jalapeno, roasted red pepper, red onion, and cilantro. It was one of the worst tasting meals I have had in a long time. The dough is horrendous, it was dry like a saltine cracker with no taste. I am a huge fan of thin crust crispy pizza, but this was hard as a rock and tasteless. I don't think it was prepared incorrectly, I just think the dough they use is horrible and the topping combination, despite how good it may sound, did nothing to counteract the dryness and blandness of this dish, in fact it seemed to make it worse. I suggest that the management, waitstaff, bartenders, cooks, etc. at this place try the pizza and do a secret ballot judging it. If they did, I am sure they would take it off the menu or make some drastic changes. No one who has pride in their job or company should want a customer thinking of that pizza as a representation of their restaurant. Upside: The crab dip appetizer was scrumptious, and we were highly entertained when our waitress was asked for her number by some rando and she straight denied him.
(2)Dahna S.
So I've experienced Franklin's in two ways: as a restaurant and as a microbrewery... and I was equally impressed with both visits! Their menu features your typical bar food as well as some gastro-pub surprises. I had a greek salad topped with a generous and tasty piece of grilled salmon. While greek salad is not necessarily the most exciting food in the world, Frankin's found a way to spice it up. Scattered throughout the salad were some fragrant basil leaves that kicked it up to the next level. The salad was also topped with balsamic roasted tomatos that were simply delish! In terms of its brewery, Franklin's is a fun place to try something different. As someone who's looking to learn more about the art of brewery, I always like to ask the bartender about their favorite pick. The staff was super friendly and took the time to answer any questions we had about the different brews. Don't forget to visit the general store when you come to Franklin's-- this place is packed with cool merch and unique knick knacks.
(4)Z M.
Great place!! Especially if you can walk home! *hiccup* :D
(4)Harry P.
Had the Rubber Chicken Red ale, and it was really great. Confident that every beer is fabulous, as well. Unfortunately most of the family was unsatisfied with the food. Wife had "Day After Thanksgiving": the turkey was too dry, the bread underneath had to be sawed, and overall it wasn't like the day after thanksgiving even at my house. I had Thai Pie: the hand-rolled crust sounds like a good idea, but it came out too thick and not cooked enough. It is supposed to be a thinner, crispier crust but the ingredients on top kept it pretty wet. Plus not enough chicken or other toppings to make up for the mediocre crust. Same complaints on my son's pizza. Daughter's crab cakes looked great, though. Service was very attentive and excellent; these guys really hustle. And as mentioned by others, the general store is a real hoot, worth a visit. Lots of people were ordering the skillet mussels; reading other reviews, this must be their most popular dish.
(2)Clarence J.
This is a good microbrewery with a great, quirky gift shop attached. I think there were 11 beers on tap. The list is IPA-heavy but still pretty good [I'm not an IPA fan] and includes a few unique brews. (I really liked the stout fermented in Jack Daniels' barrels.) Samplers aren't listed on the menu but can be created for trying four or more beers. The food is excellent. It's mostly straightforward bar food, but for a smallish menu there's a decent variety of food. And the portion sizes are great! (Unless you're dieting...) The restaurant's a clean, bright place, with lots of seating spread over two floors. The bar on the ground floor is smallish but faces directly into the action of the kitchen, which is great. The bar upstairs is a long, dark-wood, more traditional bar, with views of some of the fermenters [at least I think that's what they were]. The gift shop attached to the restaurant is hilarious. It has a wealth of funky, kitschy toys (for kids and for adults), office supplies, cards, etc., plus a large and varied selection of affordable wines and beers, many - if not most - somewhat off the beaten path.
(4)Robert T.
Great meal and great mix of brews. I have not been disappointed in the few visits. The descriptions of their brews are detailed and helpful. They have a fun general store attached and great selection of microbrew beers from across the states..
(4)Eric P.
I've been here several times and it's about time to give Franklin's its due. It's a great place. I love that the have craft brews, which you can take home in growlers, and their small "country store" also has the best beer selection I've seen so far in Maryland. There's usually some rare big bottles, high-quality six packs, and other niceties. The food is high quality too. I've had the pulled pork, "day after thanksgiving", and black bean burger and would recommend them all. We come for the beer, but enjoy the food too.
(5)Spandangalous A.
"One great and one poor experience. I guess that's a 50% success rate or "hit or miss" dining."
(2)Kiara H.
versace versace! franklin's is my favorite restaurant! let's start with it being a brewery and general store AT THE SAME DAMN TIME. go in october and try the fried green tomatoes. i've been to Franklin's 6 times. dates, bday dinners, and random friday catch up meals with my dad.... EVERY TIME ITS DELICIOUS. the hostess is always polite and it's never more than a 2o mins (if any) wait. I've had everything on the menu.... seriously. EVERYTHING is good. tonight i had the salmon. i've tried the little nickel burgers, noodleless lasagna, steak, salads... everything is yummy. i would recommend this place for a first date. i mean, if it tanks, you can starer over at the brewery area and pretend you're not there. when you leave or while you wait make sure to check out the general store on the first floor that sells everything from wine, hot sauce, jewelry, books, and even candles. a great place for anyone who likes to eat. =D
(5)Jee D.
A solid 3 star place. Here's the break down: Parking - you have to pay in their lot. Yes, it's cheap ($0.75 for 2 hours I think) but you still had to pay. Atmosphere - the vibe is different between floors; downstairs I'd characterize as a modern grille, yet upstairs was a strange mix of Southern style and bar. I would much rather have sat downstairs, but it was fine upstairs. Food - The complementary rolls were good; slightly dry but a nice variety. For my meal I had a special, the spicy salsa tuna salad. The tuna was super fresh but slightly under seasoned, and the corn-black bean salsa was solid. A major drawback was that all of this was on one piece of lettuce, and not a "bed of bibb lettuce" as they describe. If there was more lettuce I might have been satiated, but I left hungry. I also wouldn't characterize the salad as being spicy - couldn't figure out where the spicy was. Beer - I had their Bombshell Blonde, their lightest beer. It wasn't as cold as I would have liked, but it was pretty good for a light beer. I would have tried their hefeweizen only they were out. So sad. Service - Great! Hostess was nice, and waitress was super patient and nice.
(3)Stacey M.
Just an all-around fun, happy place. Very kid-friendly. I like people watching here because the clientele is all across the board. It really is a meeting place for all kinds.
(5)Paul M.
Food is good, it's crowded and noisy, but we like it. My kids 11 and 13 really enjoy going there. Even though I would not classify it as a family place, it is family friendly. The onion rings are super huge, and I am a fan of the meatloaf. Enjoy.
(4)LaToya E.
This place has kind of been a hit or miss! :( the first time i went for lunch the food was decent and the service was good. the second time i went for dinner and drinks.. the food and service werent as good as before but the drinks were decent.
(3)angela n.
My favorite thing about this place is the vegetarian McFranklins burger -- it has Thousand Island dressing and really hits the spot when you're craving a big mac but don't want the meat. mmmm.
(3)Elaine S.
Had a fresh strawberry salad with a side of salmon. It was excellent. Their onion rings are pretty good - they were crispy and huge! I always ask for a side of honey-mustard for dipping. It comes with a horseradish dip too.
(4)Katie K.
Recently went here with a large group and the service was great! Everyone enjoyed their food as well! Spinach dip was awesome and so was the pulled pork. It was also someone's birthday in the group and our waitress was very accommodating and brought out a little ice cream at the end! The store downstairs is really cool too, lots of neat little things you wouldn't find anywhere else.
(4)Jeff T.
Before experiencing it, I didn't really know what to make of Franklin's. From the appearance, I couldn't tell if it was a 40s, 50s, or 60s theme. Was it art deco or vintage or indie? Why does the menu feature coconut curry and smoked ribs and pizza? I did not understand. The adventurous menu was intriguing though and I was very excited to try my pulled pork dish with sides of buffalo fries and gorgonzola mashed potatoes (I really like potatoes, ok?). And then I got it. Like Hyattsville itself, Franklin's is a hodgepodge mix of quirky and eclectic tastes. Unfortunately, Franklin's (like Hyattsville itself) doesn't quite pull it off. The mashed potatoes were kind of in between a "meh" and a "huh?" and the buffalo fries were haphazardly assembled from pretty basic ingredients. The pulled pork was just fine and the Carolina bbq sauce was nice-ish. The heart is there and if everything were executed perfectly this would be a wow restaurant. But as it stands, I'd probably only come here if I had three friends that were adamant about eating curry, ribs, and pizza respectively. Also, the bread was really stale. And from what I hear, this is a reoccurring problem. This seems weird for a place that is so busy. I keep imagining this giant bread making machine that is perpetually one day ahead in making bread. Maybe they should turn off the machine for one day.
(3)Gia J.
Great place to grab dinner. I had a steak that was so good, the portions are pretty big. You would definitely have left overs. It's also very cheap. $6 Appetizers, $5 Beers... I never went into the general store but I will next time.. Here's a tip- Go after 6 PM, that way parking is free.
(5)Erica Y.
Great place! I loved the food, the boyfriend loved the beer, everyone was happy! The bread pudding: sooo good. The general store downstairs is also really fun with lots of cool gifts, toys, and food items.
(5)Jordan D.
What's not to love about Franklin's! The food is great, they are always willing to work with fundraisers in the community, it's a great place for large groups and you can't pass up on all the curious finds in the adjoining store!
(5)Lex X.
I have only eaten here once and it was great. I had the Atlantic salmon off the summer menu and it was delicious. Spicy enough with a lot of flavor. The food was just as good as any but the real attraction was the General Store with all of its unique toys, books, candles and other stuff. They had a nice collection of Hot Sauces that seems to be rare and unique and from all parts of the world. They also had an awesome beer selection in the store. Not like your boring beers that are in your everyday store. This is special place I will be going back very soon.
(5)A. C.
(09/14/2012) Great place in downtown main street Hyattsville to grab some food, specialty brewed beers and maybe watch some games (if you're into that). Place was bustling on a Friday night, we stopped in around happy hour time. Care was taken with all the dishes we tried, but some fared better than others. The best was the North African Nickel Curves (AKA "sliders", get it? baseball reference) were lamb merguez sausage burgers topped w/ tzatziki; juicy, spiced and spicy, cool with a creamy yogurt dressing on a soft brioche-like bun. Enjoyed the Apples and Celery Root salad with bleu cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, bacon, greens, and honey sherry vinaigrette; was slaw like, celery root was delicate in flavor, difficult to pick out, somewhat overdressed and heavy on the stuff to greens ratio, but nice mix of textures and flavors (piquant vinaigrette, chewy cranberries, crisp-cool-sweet apples, bacon gave a meaty mouthfeel). The pizza with Buttery Leeks and Shiitakes (and bacon) was good, not great, toppings were a nice mix of savory , umami flavors; crust was bready, not quite chewy, rather flat (neither crips nor deep). Onion rings were enormous (in individual size and portion), best when eaten hot and crisp, got doughy when cooled. The least successful was the Open-Faced Mediterranean Vegetarian Flatbread Thing -- a pita with hummus and topped with roasted artichokes, eggplant, red peppers, portobello mushrooms, Feta, and greens tossed in lemon-herb vinaigrette; difficult to eat (we attacked it with a knife and fork), vegetables could've used a little more roasting time to develop some caramelization, eggplant was somewhat spongy, flavors were nice together, but need to be bolder (especially the hummus), flatbread ended up difficult to chew and tough. The side of Aunt Deb's baked beans were a mix of stewed beans, sweet, maybe a little mustard powder, pretty standard. Service was a little harried, but pleasant and efficient.Large bar upstairs with plenty of stools and TVs seems to be a sports hangout. House-brewed beers are easy to drink, flavors not too extreme. Seems to be a very popular local place, but also somewhere you could take visitors to impress; there was a line out the door by the time we left, that's a good sign. Gotta check out the general store, "quirky" does not even begin to describe it. It is bursting at the seams with any kind of impractical, whimsical, knick knack/tchotchke/uni-tasker you can think of, and many things you've never thought of. Great toys to stimulate developing minds and gag gifts for those who need a little amusement in their life.
(4)Christian M.
This place is awesome. The general store is fantastic. The restaurant has tasty beer, good food, and an all around good vibe.
(5)Kitty B.
This is a great place to go for a group or party. You need to bring your appetite though. The place is cozy and welcoming. The general store is kitschy and eclectic. You can find a unique gift her foe almost anybody. The food is really good. Tasty and generous portions using fresh local ingredients. This place is a definite must try.
(4)Sallie K.
As today, I have downgraded the restaurant to a three-star for its mediocre food and the snobby service I got last time. Without much competition in the area, maybe the place has become complacent. The hostess gave me attitude when we asked for a booth as opposed to a two-seater table, saying there was a wait (there was no line, and there were two booths open), which I knew to be a lie. When I offered to leave, she said that was fine, dumped the menus on the table and left. Not exactly welcoming, if you ask me. Then our server was not very friendly - not even a smile! I saw the hostess and the server talking about us at the service station. All this for asking for a booth??? Again, there was no wait, and with people finishing their meals and leaving, there were open booths galore, soon enough. And the food - the only items we really like there are the burgers and the sizzling mussels (although way undercooked last time). We have learned not to order outside of these after being constantly disappointed. I am still very glad that we have Franklin's in our neighborhood, but we really need some other options!
(3)Chanel T.
Franklin's is the shit. In an area awash with chain restaurants, fast food and underwhelming college fare, this restaurant truly stands out. Try the mussels appetizer(this is a must-have), the barbecue or one of the unique pizzas. Most importantly, sample a couple of their tasty, high alcohol content beers. Once you're thoroughly stuffed, don't forget to stop by the general store attached to the restaurant. A lot of really cool stuff in there, the perfect place to find a gift for that person in your life that has everything. . Definitely come here if you have out-of-town visitors or want to celebrate with a group. This place has something for everyone and the quality (and quantity) of the food is excellent and reasonably-priced.
(5)Allison O.
We like Franklin's a lot, for the atmosphere and beer. It's definitely a welcome addition to the College Park/Hyattsville area that doesn't have a lot of cool places for happy hour or dinner. The service is pretty reliably good, and the beers are good. I think the person in charge of making the beer recently changed but hopefully the quality won't change. The food is good about 75% of the time; certain things we've ordered haven't been great (like the pizza) and the hamburgers come out undercooked, but other things are awesome. Vegetarian options are limited but there are a few good ones. Definitely check out the general store!
(4)Whitney A.
We love the general store - it's full of fun and funky items, and you can always find something you want for yourself or to gift. It's a relic of a bygone era that should never have passed...and somehow we keep going back to the place, despite the fact that every time we've been (about 6-7 times now) the food has been mediocre (at best), the beer has been flat and never wonderful, and the service is usually pretty odd, with one exception of a great waitress a few nights ago. That said, we wish they would open up for breakfast on weekends (it's hard to mess up breakfast food, right?) so we could enjoy the atmosphere and the store and not come away with a bellyache.
(3)B D.
Driving through Route 1, passed the commercial college strip of UM, I spotted this handsome, filled restaurant. The buzz was definitely in the room, gracefully bouncing off the historic exposed brick wall - of a 120 year old building that is part of the building next door. The restaurant building is only about 10 years old -with an eclectic brewzy, contemporary blended mood. Attractive full portions with healthy appearances were on the plates of dinning guests as I gazed about. The sandwiches in particular were impressive and large, bread looked fresh cut and whole grained. The Greek salad I ordered was fresh, delicious and generous, as was the perfectly grilled piece of salmon I added to my salad for $5 more. No doubt when I am in these parts again I will be coming back, looking forward to trying their desserts. The restaurant has a "Houstons" mentality -quality ingredients, classy friendly service with comfort ambience. You pay a bit more, but you leave healthfully nourished and happy.
(4)Simona P.
Franklins is a great place just to have a drink, watch a lil TV or even with the family. My husband and i use to be frequent patrons of fraklins but the made a change to their menu. They took Calimari off the menu and that was my favorite thing to order. So now the only reason we go back to to see Alex who is the freakn best. Justin who always remebered my extra sauce and the beer.
(4)Logan G.
i have been going to franklins for almost my whole life. this review is based purely on the food because the service and the store are always great. this is what i do not understand: why is the food so inconsistent? everytime i order something it tastes different. there was a time franklins had a vegetarian reuban made with local sun dried tomatoes and it was a perfect sandwich. that thing hasnt been on the menu in years!!! and what happened to those delicious pot stickers? one day the salmon is perfect, the next its overcooked and the salad leaves look like the have been wilting in the fridge for days. and whoever is in charge of changing that menu all the time is an idiot. no one wants to eat bunny rabbit, especially in hyattsville. it was my most recent return to franklins that i was especially pissed. i have always ordered the chicken tenders or the chicken tender salad because for some reason its the only thing on the menu the kitchen does right. but when i opened up my carry out order i saw that there were only TWO chicken tenders when there used to be three per order i was outraged! i do not need franklins ripping me off for a chicken tender after years of loyalty to their restaurant. one of the store guys admitted to me that the "chef is cutting back on things to save money and that most kids only eat two tenders anyway". its a freakin fried piece of chicken. give me a break. further more, i ordered the salmon entree for my mom for her birthday- what the hell was that weird pasta shit in there?? i make better salmon. it was not worth anywhere near $20. $37 for salmon and 4 pieces of chicken tenders is a giant rip off. grab a bombshell blonde. go shop at the store on a thursday night for wine tasting. see the cute girl with tattoos who is extremely friendly and honest. buy a present and then take a walk over to bus boys to have those amazing nachos.
(1)Esteban L.
Oh Franklins...we could've been so great together. This brewery, restaurant and gift shop/toy store has been an integral part of the city's life for over a century. With its brightly colored walls, lively ambiance and clearly visible, fully functional, brewery inside, Franklins is comfortable doing what it's doing. And by that I mean: their coasting. The quality of the food is Ok. Something I'd expect from my neighborhood dive bar. Their pizzas and pastas fall flat. Even their "signature" sandwiches confuse quantity for quality. And for a place that proudly brews their own beer, they sure haven't put much time into creating a decent place to drink it. They have two small bars (one of which is so small I considered not mentioning it), that have very little character, bad lighting, poor sight lines and TV's hung so high you'd get a stiff neck watching them. Remember those college bars you used to go to for $1 beers? Yeah, that kind of bar. Really, the best part of Franklins is the gift shop/toy store. They say you're hardest on the ones you love, and I really want to love Franklins (believe me, I've tried) but until they stop resting on their laurels, I doubt I'll stop in for more than the occasional beer or last minute gift.
(3)Elsa M.
Very cute spot, especially for lunch. I had a great spinach salad and enjoyed a crab drip app with friends. Our server was nice enough, but not super knowledgeable about the menu, which was mildly annoying when asking for clarification about some items. The good news was that when the food came, none of us were disappointed. And don't get me started about the sundae dessert. Oh man! Don't you dare try to eat it alone. That dessert is a team sport right there! If you get time, head to the general store before or after your meal. I didn't even realize it was there until on my way out and I swear, if I wasn't in a rush, you might still find me there. There are an assortment of gourmet candies, toys for kids, and other random awesomeness to be found. Great for a thoughtful last minute gift for someone special. I hate that you have to pay for parking, but a) it's not that expensive and b) it's convenient as street parking in this area is difficult. All in all, a great place for lunch if you are in the area.
(4)Kevin D.
A very fun, unique, eccentric place to eat. If there's ever a wait, is not bad at all because you get to browse through their shop, which is filled with a variety of things that range from old school toys and new gadgets. Food wise, my dishes were very yummy. Ordered the pulled pork platter with Franklins sauce. Tasted great, good blend of sweet and spices. Wish it came with more sauce mixed into it though. Come slaw and garlic mashed potatoes were great too. 4/5. Onion rings. A must have appetizer here. 5/5
(5)Ellen K.
We lived in college park four years ago and franklins was our favorite place to go for good beer and delicious lamb sliders. We came back to visit friends and it was one of the places we could not want to go back to. Alex was still bartending and friendly as ever and the lamb sliders were better than I remembered. The happy hour here is also amazing!
(5)GT W.
Has its own parking lot that you pay digitally for 25 cents an hour- super cheap. Interior is cavernous with odd lawn art decor. Funky/quirky vibe. Server was in a great mood, upbeat. Food was larger plate, lots of soups/salads/sandwiches for good prices some more expensive entrees like salmon that didn't look as interesting. The Mediterranean "thingy" was very good though not sure how to eat it as the pita wasn't big enough to eat as a gyro and not cut up so as to eat it in little morsels. Cole slaw actually very good. Beer was about 9+ taps of house beers only with a good dose of specialties and seasonals. Quality was average to above average. Their funky sour mash beer was very good, much better than the hoppy stuff. Pumpkin stout was disappointing. Flight of 4 samples was $5 and you can tack on more 3oz samplers for I'm guessing $1.25 each. So good value, good service, okay beer.
(3)Allison W.
Only one star deduction for kinda absent service, but I do go through water like crazy when I'm out to eat. I bet if it wasn't lunch and I was having beer it wouldn't have been an issue. Otherwise this is a great option for food and drink in Hyattsville. Started with the mussels, sooooo good definitely a must. Smoky and rich and served scalding hot to your table. Loved the veggie sandwich -- Holy Frijoles v2.0. I felt so full and satisfied and don't regret skipping the burger one bit! I have my eye on the Vulcan Mind Meld and onion rings for next time. The gift shop next door has a lot of fun stuff for your drinker friends. Happily scooped up some 21st birthday goodies for my sisters! I really like it here. You can tell the food is fresh, and I hope to come back for beer next time.
(4)Amber L.
BEST grilled mussels I have ever had! I came here for lunch today with my best friend and had an amazing experience. Megan is an amazing waitress who is down to earth and total pro. She's so awesome and knows the menu like the back of her hand. The crab dip was delicious but I was looking for lumps of crab instead of shreds. It's awesome how you can sample the beers before you buy and its a generous sample let me tell you!
(5)Heidi F.
I was so excited to try this place and while what I ate was decent I just wasn't overwhelmed by the place. My burger while juicy was on the menu as a black and bleu burger it was served on a bun with bacon and two sides of bleu cheese dressing. No onions, no crumbles, no cheese. I asked for a slice of cheese and the server was nice and melt one on my burger. Additionally we were a large party and we felt very rushed so hurried to order. We went to add something and the server was like "that will come after your dinner." This felt like a strange way of putting in order and deterred us from ordering more. The beer sampler was cool and came out on a artist palette! Sadly it was dirty and made the experience eh. This was my graduation dinner and was overall disappointing and I don't plan to return.
(3)Sandra W.
Since I started eating at Franklin's in the late 90's, I think I've had just about everything on the menu at least once. Wherever burgers appear on a menu, that is most likely what I'll be eating. Franklin's burgers do not disappoint. The onion rings are huge and delicious. The turkey club and Reuben sandwiches are generously proportioned. The steak fries are everything a steak fry should be: thick, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The salads are massive and very good. The pizzas are just okay, but obviously, there are better places to get pizza anyway. Franklin's attracts University of Maryland students and employees and hipsters from the Hyattsville "arts district" in equal numbers, so the people-watching can be fun. The servers are courteous, accommodating to special requests, and fast. The little general store near the entrance is full of interesting tchotchkes, wines, and gift items that rotate pretty frequently. Prices can be a bit high, but it's fun to browse. Beware the parking gestapo in the metered lot outside- they play no games.
(4)Timothy C.
Attached to a pretty sweet gift store, I was excited to try the restaurant. There's a weird vibe up in this place, lots of colors, rubber chickens, weird art. And they make some funky beers! I tried an IPA that was a bit too pale, or maybe too Indian, DEFINITELY too hoppy for my taste. The star of the day was a sandwich called the Vulcan Mind Meld (don't ask me what that means, blame the weird vibe). Luckily there was a description: fries and slaw in a rueben. Great Idea! Just put the whole meal between bread! It wasn't too bad, a little pickly, but a pretty solid meal. Lots of cutesy/clever things in the gift store that would make good stocking-stuffers. Overall, a little too weird for my taste.
(3)Heather S.
Why go to Franklin's? 1) The service is fantastic, 2) it has such history being the old hardware store in Hyattsville, 3) great artsy atmosphere 4) the store inside has some amazing gifts for the hipster in your life, gag gifts for anyone, and a toy section for the kids with some diverse books for all families 5) easy to park there compared to other places in the area. 6) it has its own brewery so nice beer selection. Why wouldn't you go to Franklin's? 1) Because you are looking to eat food that is better than good. Franklin's food is good, but I think Busboys and poets has much better food. Franklin's has way better service though.
(4)MK F.
I have to give 5 stars just for the amazing service we received on 8/8/15. Not only were there 19 family members in our group, but we called trying to get a table at the last minute on a Sat--and the manager made it happen! Our waiter was fantastic, was incredibly patient and calm, even with separate checks. Now for the food... A smaller group of us stumbled upon Franklins the night before on Friday. The ones who went talked so much about the place that the entire family wanted to go the following night, hence the last minute reservations. Everybody loved what they ordered even the kids, but the standout dishes were the ribs, the meatloaf and, OMG--the blue cheese mashed potatoes! And do not skip dessert--but you may want split them as most were bigger than your head. Franklins really made the last night of our family trip to DC a special one--many thanks!
(5)Jamie B.
Franklin's is THE BEST place around to get a good burger, brew, or really any other deliciously wonderful thing that's on their menu. It's a family owned business, with Mrs. Franklin being a Mathematics Professor at UMD, and so not only are they committed to providing delicious food and fun in a great atmosphere, but they are also committed to this community. It feels great to go into a place that supports the community as much as the Franklin's do, and the little gift shop housed inside gives the whole place a real small-town dive kind of a feel. The po-boys are also delicious, and the beer selection is on point. This is, by far, my favorite local spot to visit. I wish the kids from UMD would travel a little farther down Route 1 and give this place a visit (but maybe not - more burgers for us)!
(5)Alonzo C.
Fun atmosphere, great food, good place to enjoy a meal or a beer. Franklin's has an amazing "meatloaf", "fish and chips", and burgers. The staff is very pleasant and food comes out in a timely manner. Lots of parking close by, rates are 50c and hour so pretty good in the College Park area.
(4)Omar J.
We walked in and were seated promptly upstairs. The bartenders and waiters were very nice and courteous. The gentleman helping us order gave us great suggestions. We ordered the Quesadilla, wings and deviled eggs to start. Then for entrees we ordered the rack of ribs and pulled pork platter with baked beans, fries and mashed potatoes. The food was delicious! Just make sure you ask for bread for the pulled pork and extra BBQ on the side.
(5)Ben S.
My friend was back in town from Amsterdam and he really wanted to go here. I'd never been so I agreed without hesitation. Franklin's is a brew pub and restaurant that also has a general store attached. It's in a cool old building and the general store sells old time candy, craft beer and wine, toys and other kitsch. The store is a fun place. I ordered a beer to start, an American sour, which was actually pretty tasty. We then started with crab dip and I had fish and chips. The food is where everything fell apart. It took forever to come up and just wasn't good. The fish was basically out of a bag and while the fries were wedges and not frozen, they also weren't delicious. I had a good time and it was cute restaurant but I wouldn't go back. I have, however, been told that it is good for kids, so I guess it has that going for it... for someone else.
(2)Robert C.
Franklin's is a family-friendly restaurant-pub-store combo in the Hyattsville area. Big and colorful, it has an inviting atmosphere, so long as you don't feel uncomfortable hanging out with a bunch of children nearby. They make a pretty wide variety of beers, of which I thought they were quite tasty, but their food was really on the bland side. I had their Northern California pizza, and although the garlic, basil, and dried tomatoes were flavorful the cheese and bread had really no taste.
(3)Adrienne M.
I really value establishments like Franklin's. The environment has an eclectic, down home feel. Kinda like the feeling you get when you walk into Cracker Barrel, Dutch Market, etc. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside because you know that there'll be a special on the menu with your name on it, and an item in the general store that makes you feel nostalgic (days past of running to the ice cream truck for $.05 candy and poppers). One that reminds you of family laughter and grandma making sweet potato pies at Thanksgiving dinner and falling asleep, allowing the pairs to caramelize on top- I thought that was how everyone made them (well not exactly, but you get the picture). Mmmmm. Warm bread in a basket, fried green tomatoes, meatloaf! This what my grandparent's...I mean Franklin's smells when I visit. I've never had anything I didn't like here and I think that speaks to the simplicity of the menu in terms of all American fare. I typically order the mentioned items above. The meatloaf, that is championed with ring of bacon, sided with mashed potatoes and a seasonal veggie. The meatloaf is on the softer side, but the ketchup mixture that its topped with is baked on, giving it a nice sweetened crust. The fried tomatoes are lightly battered in a cornmeal mixture. The dresses nah they use is tangy and topped with the potency of green onions. I also indulge in the bread pudding, which reminds me I never should take a second glance at the dessert menu. It's rich and smooth and sweet with a buttery pecan topping. Mmmmmm. Large enough for two or three to share, the bread pudding comes warm and bubbly in its bourbon concoction. I'm a big fan of Franklins, although I frequently forget about it because of its awkward positioning in middle of the street. Easily passed by if you're coming from the split side of Baltimore Ave. would I recommend Franklins? Absolutely! 4 stars for overall consistently good food and service.
(4)Sally Y.
This place is quite a unique find and I enjoy the randomness of it all. The food is mediocre in my opinion but there are some rare gems like the mussels.
(3)Gary W.
I live nearby and have been here at least 20 times the past few years. Although I keep coming back, it's always with the hope that the service will get better. I love the place and the food, but the service is very mediocre at best. I can't say that I've been there even one time when the service was outstanding. Tonight's was one of the worst and I don't thing I'll be back for a long time. I went at 4:00 thinking that it would be slow and the wait staff more attentive, but sadly not so. I had to wait over 10 minutes to be served, and then my drink took another 10. The appetizers took forever, and then literally 30 seconds later, here some the entrees. Brought by other people, our waitress was nowhere to be found although it was very slow. We asked that the entrees be brought back in few minutes. After finishing our appetizers, and waiting another 10 minutes after that, they came back but ice cold. We decided to leave. One positive - the manager did come over to apologize and offered to comp our meals. We decided to leave anyway. It's a cool place and a great spot in the neighborhood, just wish to god that the service was somewhat decent.
(1)Katie D.
Very, very disappointed in Franklin's. We came in last night and sat at the bar around 9:30. I've been in before and work at a bar that has had some Franklin's brews on, so I'm definitely familiar with their beers. I knew their food was good, but I had questions (as my boyfriend is a vegan). We decided to opt out of Busboys & Poets (where we know they cater to vegans) and try Franklin's. Kinda bummed we did. I may be coming from an entirely biased point of view. I come from a bar that demands top customer service (and consistently gives it!) in many ways, including beer knowledge, food knowledge, attitude, and professionalism. I saw none of this last night, none. Here's why: - When we walked in, we walked by three different employees with absolutely no greeting. There was a man behind the front counter to the right of the door who didn't even look up as customers came in. I guess greetings are overrated. - We sit down at the bar. Still not greeting us, the bartender tosses some menus and immediately asks us for our drink orders. Seeing as we didn't even have a second to look, he looked annoyed when we took our time deciding. Both of us felt rushed. - The "I'm-really-bothered-by-my-customers" attitude stayed through the whole visit and was passed to other customers as well. I swear to you, I never saw this guy loosen up. We even tried to have friendly conversation with him and attempt to turn things around, but nope. At one point, after ordering my full beer (Hop Zen), I asked for a sip of the Sierra Madre. He didn't acknowledge me verbally, just grabbed a shot glass of beer, dropped it off in front of me, and walked away. After a minute, he walks back over and this happens: Bartender: "What, you don't like the Hop Zen?" Me: "Uhhh..." *flustered* " No, I do, I just wanted to try the Sier-" Bartender: *walks away* I get it, dude. You were having a bad night, but you *never* let it show. - Not only did he not know what menu items could be made vegan ("I don't know if the flatbread can be made vegan... I think there's egg in there somewhere." The flatbread is a pita sandwich with veggies and a vinaigrette dressing), but when I asked him to help me between the mussels and taco salad, he told me the taco salad is better because "sometimes the mussels come out gross". Seriously? - I asked him questions about the beer, which he did know a little about. However, not to toot my own horn, but I know a lot about beer. I also know how to not belittle your customers that ask questions about a beer. This guy, surprisingly, did not. Oh! The food was good. Boyfriend ended up with the flatbread, which he really enjoyed, and I had the taco salad with avocado added. Yum. We did bring in our own growler and had it filled, which was rather great. And, of course, the beer was delicious. If you don't care about quality service, then I would definitely head to Franklin's. You will not be treated like a special guest, but you will be delivered adequately good products. However, there is a good chance that at the end of your visit, you will have to stare into the back of the bartender's head as he eats his food behind the bar, directly in front of you, for 10 minutes before turning around. Seriously, is there nothing professional here?
(2)