The Franklin Bar
(Now Closed)Cocktail Bar, Speakeasy, and Bar$$$$
Center City West, Philadelphia
Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Philadelphia Magazine
141 Tips and reviews
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Robert AmezquitaJune 21, 2015The most unique and amazing "punches" you'll ever have to your palate..the bartenders are friendly, the atmosphere is laid back yet sophisticated, well worth any line you may encounter. Drinkeasy.
Pablo VladimirMay 18, 2015I got the punch bowl with 3 other friends and it was a great experience. It is meant to be an intimate experience but there was a pretty rowdy group when I last went. Definitely would go back.
Erin GreenawaldApril 28, 2015GET THE BLOOD RED MOON. Or a punch. Or anything--you won't be disappointed. Some of the best cocktails I've had ever. Plus fun staff and atmosphere.
If you are unsure what to order, ask for suggestions. They will ask you a few questions and give you a few options. The staff is well educated on the menus.
CITY GRITAugust 1, 2014At one point, this spot served as the front for the country's largest alcohol ring. Now it's a speakeasy (with limited seating) celebrating cocktails and the golden age of the pre-prohibition era.
Casey ChesterOctober 21, 2013This was worth the wait and probably only sat for about 15-20 minutes outside. The drinks are incredible. We were seated upstairs at first. It was nice, but moved downstairs and like it better.
Clay WilliamsOctober 3, 2012The hidden downstairs cocktail bar thing is a little passe these days, but Philly manages to keep even this unpretentious and fun. Tell them what you like & they'll make something wonderful.
Ron DizonDecember 8, 2013They were out of the porter beer on the menu and recommended this Perkulator beer. Loved it! It is a must try if you love dark beer and coffee!
Long CaoMarch 7, 2016Heavy influence from the NYC cocktail bar Death + Co, go on a weekday if you want to enjoy a lowkey night with fantastic cocktails.
Philadelphia MagazineJanuary 3, 2012Drinks like the Cowboy Killer and Oh, Sweet Nothing will change the way you think about cocktails. And the fact that you get to drink them underground and in the dark just makes them double-awesome.
Erica JulinJune 30, 2013Very nice place to get specialty drinks. Try the "sorry for partying" punch. Also the "little fury" is very delicious, tastes like an orange creamsicle!
OkCupid Daters' ChoiceJuly 13, 2017The Franklin Bar was voted the Best Boozy Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in Philadelphia. #daterschoice Read more
Alex HennesseyJuly 7, 2015Superb cocktails. Awesome vibe. They'll make you something great based on your tastes but their specials are worth trying.
Julia RDecember 9, 2014They know exactly what they're doing when it comes to making a stiff drink! Love this place for the ambiance too.
Timur AsarJuly 15, 2011My favourite bar in Philly, went back twice!! Ask the waiters to make a cocktail that's not on the menu and they come up with some funky mixes. Great place, crazy doorman and good atmosphere
Nathan FFebruary 16, 2012One of the few bars in the Philadelphia area that carries George Dickel. Yes, there are more Tennessee Whiskeys than Jack Daniels! Dickel is the better of the two anyway.
HomeSpeakeasyFebruary 3, 2012There isn't much to say about the Franklin that hasn't already been said. The drinks are phenomenal, and the menu changes every season, so make sure to stop in regularly to keep up!
Joe CFebruary 14, 2015Call me a stickler, but I think if you're running a modern speakeasy, its silly to have a line out the front with a bouncer. Inside is cramped and noisy, and not at all the upscale vibe.
Philadelphia MagazineOctober 11, 2010Should your mood dictate something classic, there’s the rum daiquiri (served up); if it dictates something smooth, perhaps the Purple Prose (gin, dry vermouth, blueberry syrup, absinthe, orange bitter Read more
chinselJanuary 5, 2015every drink is absolutely scrumptious. sit at the bar to chat with the bartenders to get the inside scoop!
Ricky SherrillJuly 28, 2015They make some very good bourbon drinks. I sampled the "Midnight's Child" & recommend you do the same.
A. CanSeptember 17, 2016really good, cozy bar! 🎉 you don't need something more.. remember to drink enough water 💦 in between cocktails!🍹
Ian LazzaraAugust 11, 2014Get here early to get a seat there's sometimes a wait. Knowledgeable bartenders will make you any type of drink.
VictoriaSeptember 15, 2018One of the best spicy mezcal drinks I’ve had... and it’s usually my go to cocktails 😍
SpikeFebruary 7, 2013Between its speak-easy vibe, seasonal menus and creative cocktails, The Franklin is one of the most bustling bars in Philly.
LindsaySeptember 27, 2013Lindsey was great! I had the Sneaky Feelings- really nicely balanced, spicy but not at all overwhelming. Highly recommend.
Raymond KingJuly 11, 2011Esquires top 10 best bars in America. Friendly crowd, without douchebags, and mixology drinks. Looks like a mortgage company door, but underneath we find a nice little speakeasy
Emilie FuttermanApril 17, 2015Great for dates! Lovely booths are super comfy, and they don't let it feel crowded.
Ben HennesyAugust 23, 2011Don't bother with the food but ask for the Billy Penn Club and the (Dead Cowboy?) ... can't remember the name of that last one, BT will be able to tell you, though. Best mixed drinks, bar none.
Diana FuFebruary 4, 2015Very cute, great for dates. Gets busy even on weeknights so be prepared for a wait.
Kyle FlowersFebruary 17, 2017Authentic SpeakEasy feel, off the beaten path, Great drinks and atmosphere!
Melissa WallaceFebruary 28, 2015Service is well done. However: Thinking people come to say they have "been" here. Good tables for a date who likes a good drink.
Kevin GardnerJanuary 26, 2014Pricey drinks but the quality is ALWAYS there. The drink list always changes so there is always something new to try- Philadelphia MagazineNovember 18, 2013Rock-solid booze, and an inspirational level of polish and expertise.” Read more
Matthew PalmerAugust 9, 2014Start with the classic cocktail (an Old Fashion) then get an unique drink from the menu.
Cameron BlankDecember 23, 2014Everything. The drink menu is top tier with regards to creativity. Don't go here if your favorite liquor is vodka.- Philadelphia MagazineDecember 2, 2011The Cowboy Killer and Oh, Sweet Nothing are just the kind of unforgettable classy cocktails you want to sip on in this underground getaway. Read more
- Anneliese KingFebruary 4, 2015Don't belabor too long on the options, they're all good. Camomile infused whiskey 😁
ask for something off-menu if you're feeling adventurous. if you fear certain flavors, they'll exclude those for you (but it's not quite as fun)!
Jenna Flateman PosnerOctober 18, 2012Be patient when visiting FMI, there's usually a wait...and it's well worth it!
- Rob McGowanJuly 17, 2018Underground bar considered by many to be Philly's premiere spot for craft cocktails.
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The Franklin Bar
112 S 18th St (btwn Chestnut & Sansom St)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Wed–Thu
- 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Fri–Sun
- 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
(267) 467-3277
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Free
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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