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Franklin Cafe

American Restaurant$$$$
South End, Boston
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8.7/10
180
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Eater and Epicurious recommend this place
    • Eater
    • Epicurious
  • Tips
    Neal J.
    "Top steak frites in the city with the butter and demiglace"(6 Tips)
    Alex S.
    "Grilled octopus is stellar"(6 Tips)
    Alex M.
    "Also try the Old Cuban or the Cucumber Collins off the drink menu"(3 Tips)
    sheri k.
    "Get the black pepper seared sashimi tuna loin w/citron blanc."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon71 Tips and reviews
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  • cucumber collins
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  • Triciaheart icon on user image
    TriciaMay 17, 2016
    Vibrant & hip, service here is incredibly friendly, food is surprisely delicate & tasty for a late night menu. Old school cocktails like Sloegin Fizz & Collins makes for an exciting dining experience.
  • Amy G.heart icon on user image
    Amy GriffinSeptember 24, 2016
    The chowder was excellent and the steak frites and fish and chips were very good. Quaint spot and for the price, very good.
  • Eater
    EaterJanuary 12, 2012
    Even after The Franklin Cafe became known as an industry hangout, it remained an industry hangout. It's that good, which is why it has also expanded to new locations and concepts. [Eater 38 Member]
  • Heather A.heart icon on user image
    Heather AdeleSeptember 21, 2014
    Their duck is out of this world!!! Also the steak is a great choice! Cocktails are plenty strong and service is superior! 10/10 for this place
  • Eric H.
    Eric HonAugust 8, 2011
    Great atmo as usual; this place has an amazing eternal quality to it. Not too big not too small and fantastic food always. Last night had the grilled calamari and as usual was delighted with everythin
  • Alex M.heart icon on user image
    Alex MAugust 11, 2013
    Get the fried green tomatoes they are amazingly good. Also try the Old Cuban or the Cucumber Collins off the drink menu, both are excellent.
  • Melissa C.heart icon on user image
    Melissa ChaiAugust 8, 2017
    Great old school cocktails with vibes to match
  • Jeffrey C.heart icon on user image
    Jeffrey CurrierNovember 11, 2017
    I have been enjoying the Franklin for nearly 20 years, and it never disappoints. Food, cocktails, wine, perfection
  • Brian P.heart icon on user image
    Brian ParkNovember 11, 2015
    Some of the best grilled calamari I have had. Great Manhattans and the cheddar cheese grits are also great!!
  • Alessia M.
    Alessia MMay 21, 2012
    A small space with no reservations, but get there on the early side to put your name in and enjoy a delicious drink at the bar. It's well worth the wait.
  • Liz T.
    Liz TangJanuary 13, 2013
    Awesome quaint little place. Grilled calamari is AMAZING, just wish the portion was slightly bigger. Drinks are tasty as well.
  • Riley J.heart icon on user image
    Riley JohnsonSeptember 20, 2014
    Great atmosphere and creative twists on comfort foods. Korean BBQ pork with kimchi is spot on.
  • Joey K.heart icon on user image
    Joey KiernanFebruary 14, 2019
    Been here 10+ times
    Great wings and fries. Burger is enormous.
  • Alex M.heart icon on user image
    Alex MOctober 19, 2013
    Order the Cucumber Collins, and give the menu a chance. It changes often but most items are amazing.
  • Tommy W.
    Tommy WilesApril 1, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    late night food - served until 1:00am. Steak Frites stays on the menu all the time (and there's a reason), but the rotating specials are the way to go! Try one and you won't be disappointed.
  • Epicurious
    EpicuriousAugust 24, 2010
    A salad of seared soy-marinated chicken livers and crumbled bacon on sliced fennel, with mesclun & grated horseradish is the standout dish at this American pub grub/saloon hotspot.
  • Lily B.
    Lily BNovember 3, 2012
    Dark beers on tap, sushi on the late-night menu: two keys to this girl's heart. Worth the trek to the South End!
  • Tyler M.heart icon on user image
    Tyler MurphyOctober 19, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Awesome spot for delicious craft cocktails
  • Daniel B.heart icon on user image
    Daniel BartoliniAugust 22, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    The smoked mussels were a delight. Overall, the food is excellent, but those were the highlight.
  • Boston Phoenix
    Boston PhoenixJuly 29, 2010
    A hidden location, a modest sign, and a considerable reputation for simple dishes with a twist of brilliance — and it all works. Everyone must try the garlic mashed potatos. Read more
  • Bravo
    BravoNovember 12, 2010
    Thumping techno beats aside, the great comfort food draws chefs and restaurant crews post shift to grab real food late night. -Tania Peterson, Top Chef Just Desserts
  • BostonTweet
    BostonTweetNovember 22, 2010
    The Franklin Cafe has O'Hara's Irish Stout on draft for $5 and they serve really good food until 1:30am. It honestly doesn't get any better than that.
  • The Feast
    The FeastJune 10, 2011
    Offers quality comfort fare like shrimp toasts and seared steak tips; wash it all down with one (or more) stellar cocktails. Read more
  • Jeremy K.heart icon on user image
    Jeremy KrantzFebruary 23, 2015
    Their kitchen is open late and their food rocks!
  • Neal J.
    Neal JainApril 7, 2016
    Top steak frites in the city with the butter and demiglace
  • Jeff B.heart icon on user image
    Jeff ByrnesApril 8, 2016
    Go early in the week & hang out with Jay Cool!
  • Jessicaheart icon on user image
    JessicaNovember 30, 2014
    Mushroom ravioli! Order food until 1:30 am!
  • melanie w.
    melanie walitsFebruary 24, 2010
    the pomme puree is insatiable! the garlic grilled calamari is perfect with a glass of vermentino. (sigh) i love it here.
  • Steve S.heart icon on user image
    Steve SchnelwarApril 25, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Eat the Sugo, drink the Fernet, pray that Joy or Sabrina is your bartender
  • Jeremy B.heart icon on user image
    Jeremy BurnsAugust 18, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    Crab fritters and the ideal Manhattan... Yum!
  • Tommy W.
    Tommy WilesMarch 5, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Ever changing menu. Try the nightly special but when in doubt go with the steak frites. It's the only item that remains on the menu
  • Chefs Feed
    Chefs FeedAugust 22, 2014
    Frank McClelland, chef of L'Espalier, eats here on his nights off. He loves the Smokey skillet roasted mussels. Read more
  • Meg B.
    Meg B.July 31, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Amazing and strong cocktails: get the Easter Essence!
  • Marius C.
    Marius CraciunoiuOctober 10, 2013
    Good food, but the portions are tiny. Turkey meatloaf is pretty sizeable if you're a man.
  • sheri k.
    sheri kJuly 26, 2009
    Been here 5+ times
    Get the black pepper seared sashimi tuna loin w/citron blanc. They also don't eff around when they make a martini. Mine: dirty tanqueray martini, up.
  • Brea S.heart icon on user image
    Brea SimpsonOctober 30, 2017
    Crack fries
  • TV Food Maps
    TV Food MapsAugust 28, 2014
    Check out Franklin Cafe as seen on Best Thing I Ever Ate Read more
  • Jennifer C.
    Jennifer COctober 12, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Grilled artichoke on the menu right now is absolutely amazing!
  • Diane H.
    Diane HarriganOctober 12, 2011
    another awesome place. Never a bad meal here. They serve late night.
  • Katie A.heart icon on user image
    Katie AllenAugust 16, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Dumplings!!!!! (Order them now)
  • Eric B.
    Eric BrownAugust 6, 2011
    Very delicious food. The corned beef is a must-try!
  • Justin O.
    Justin OverdorffOctober 13, 2011
    In the Fall, get the MEATLOAF, it's incredible
  • Vanessa W.
    Vanessa WhiteJuly 11, 2011
    Grilled calamari - reminds me of Portugal. You can't get this stuff anywhere.
  • Molly B.
    Molly BakerJune 22, 2013
    Cucumber Collins is delicious!
  • Esther S.
    Esther SandvikMarch 17, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Everything here is delicious, especially the pork!
  • Peter James N.
    Peter James NelsomJanuary 15, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    Eat at the bar Thursday nights with Nancy are the best and Monday nights with Bethany are the bomb.
  • Matt S.heart icon on user image
    Matt SchmelzerAugust 16, 2015
    All the things
  • David D.
    David DoughtyAugust 1, 2011
    The Sashimi Tuna special is unrivialed Read more
  • Jamesheart icon on user image
    JamesSeptember 22, 2021
    Best corned beef
  • Kixhead H.heart icon on user image
    Kixhead HJuly 27, 2009
    Been here 5+ times
    get the steak frites and a good cocktail. beware, they don't do dessert. (i know. really.)
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