Franklin Cafe

The Scene – A consistently cool crowd--does the South End know any other kind?--heads to this acclaimed hipster hangout to drink and dine the night away. After finding the restaurant, which can be a bit of a challenge (it's located on quiet, residential Shawmut Avenue), most patrons face a lengthy wait for one of the dining area's nine tables--no reservations are taken. A dark, stylish bar serves up some of the city's most creative drinks, including a tangy blood orange martini. Given the tres chic atmosphere, knowledgeable waiters are surprisingly friendly. – – The Food…

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Editor's Tips

When to Go:: Craving post-midnight munchies? The restaurant's full menu is served nightly until 1:30am, making it a favorite of visiting Europeans and off-duty chefs.
Know Before You Go:: Look for the unmarked storefront with the martini-glass signage.

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User Reviews (40)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“Franklin Cafe is comfortable, cozy, friendly, and warm.” “The food is very good though and the atmosphere is pretty fun.” “It is a cozy spot that is mo.” “Great menu, reasonable price, trendy atmosphere” “LOVE this restaurant - swanky bar, sultry ambience, low-key but efficient staff, and the food is always an A+.” “Franklin Cafe comes close to being perfect for American fare dining; great food, great drinks and good atmosphere - what more can you ask for?” “think the food is amazing, I love the ambiance and the drinks are great!”
dessert	0.0% positive	“The menu is not huge and there are no desserts, however almost everything that comes of the kitchen is done right.” “The calamari in a garlic cream sauce demonstrates the kitchen's ability to provide a decadent treat that wasn't overly rich.”
drinks	100.0% positive	“LOVE this restaurant - swanky bar, sultry ambience, low-key but efficient staff, and the food is always an A+.” “good place to go for drinks and dinner if you're not in a hurry and not looking for a quiet, intimate experience.” “This neighborhood spot in the South End is great meeting place for late dinner or drinks.” “After 45 minutes I asked the Host in a very nice way, how long do I have to wait, I was told that he did have not idea, at the same time partys of 4 or 6 were sitting and my friend and I just waiting for a table, I finished my wine, he finished his drink,” “The food is delicious, fresh, and interesting and on top of that, the drinks were great too.” “Those are the only cons - otherwise, the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable especially considering the quality of the food, service, and wine list.” “great food, good service, awesome drinks!” “The drinks are good and the Cristal Champagne is the cheapest in the city.” “Franklin Cafe comes close to being perfect for American fare dining; great food, great drinks and good atmosphere - what more can you ask for?” “Waited forever to order drinks with frazzled bartender & were barked at for trying to order food at same time - told us to wait until he was ready.” “Franklin Cafe is a great late night bar” “The drinks are great too.” “Delicious Steak frites, cocktails and service always superb!” “Amazing food, good service, and the best Long Island iced tea in Boston make up for the usually horrendously long waits.” “Franklin Cafe remains on the short list of best places for cocktails and dinner in the city.” “The bar is a nice spot.” “think the food is amazing, I love the ambiance and the drinks are great!” “It's trendy, has great drinks, everything on the menu is delicious, and it's open super late - what's not to love?” “Great bar, great food”
food quality	83.8700008392334% positive	“Franklin Cafe comes close to being perfect for American fare dining; great food, great drinks and good atmosphere - what more can you ask for?” “Those are the only cons - otherwise, the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable especially considering the quality of the food, service, and wine list.” “Franklin Cafe is a hip restaurant that serves up delicious food and large portions.” “Waited forever to order drinks with frazzled bartender & were barked at for trying to order food at same time - told us to wait until he was ready.” “Never a bad meal!” “great food, good service, awesome drinks!” “It stays open until 2 am and serves incredible food.” “The menu is creative, fresh, and inviting.” “My steak frites was simply perfect.” “Amazing food, good service, and the best Long Island iced tea in Boston make up for the usually horrendously long waits.” “This place is great for food at 1:00 AM and probably is one the best kept secrets in the South End or even Boston.” “the food is good (make sure you get a higher temp on your food, i ordered med rare and got a raw steak instead.)” “think the food is amazing, I love the ambiance and the drinks are great!” “It is one of the few places in the city where you can get a spectacular meal for a reasonable price.” “Great bar, great food” “The food is very good though and the atmosphere is pretty fun.” “It is impossible to have a bad meal here.” “It's trendy, has great drinks, everything on the menu is delicious, and it's open super late - what's not to love?” “The calamari in a garlic cream sauce demonstrates the kitchen's ability to provide a decadent treat that wasn't overly rich.” “Consistently excellent food” “could hardly believe how amazing the food was.” “The food is nearly perfect.” “The food is delicious, fresh, and interesting and on top of that, the drinks were great too.” “I've eaten at Franklin at least 100 times and have a great food.” “have been numerous times for dinner and always have a delicious meal.” “The food is absolutely great and rivals restaurants that charge 2 to 3 times more.” “Cool place with great food.” “The food is as good as it gets and rivals other great dinner restaurants in the city.” “LOVE this restaurant - swanky bar, sultry ambience, low-key but efficient staff, and the food is always an A+.” “not fresh catch) the entree of tilapia and purple sticky rice was AMAZING and lived up to the reputation.” “Had to ask for bread, my dinner arrived cold, bartender ignored/mistreated other customers including one group who'd had coats on for 10 minutes waiting for bill.”
menu variety	80.0% positive	“It's trendy, has great drinks, everything on the menu is delicious, and it's open super late - what's not to love?” “Great menu, reasonable price, trendy atmosphere” “The menu is not huge and there are no desserts, however almost everything that comes of the kitchen is done right.” “The menu is creative, fresh, and inviting.” “The menu is quite nice and the specials are always there for us to look out for.”
overall	100.0% positive	“This past weekend I was visiting Boston for 3 rd time, I always hear that this restaurant is pretty good, so we decided to try, we arrived at 7:00 pm, the place was pack, the host told me 30 to 45 minutes, I have a glass of Wine, very good attention by th” “good place to go for drinks and dinner if you're not in a hurry and not looking for a quiet, intimate experience.” “Either way, just go prepared for that fact, and it's the best restaurant in town.” “This neighborhood spot in the South End is great meeting place for late dinner or drinks.” “would even go as far as saying it is my favorite restaurant in Boston.”
service	93.75% positive	“This past weekend I was visiting Boston for 3 rd time, I always hear that this restaurant is pretty good, so we decided to try, we arrived at 7:00 pm, the place was pack, the host told me 30 to 45 minutes, I have a glass of Wine, very good attention by th” “Amazing food, good service, and the best Long Island iced tea in Boston make up for the usually horrendously long waits.” “Franklin Cafe is comfortable, cozy, friendly, and warm.” “It almost seems as if he knows the restaurant is great and there is no need to try since people would come anyway.” “was recommending this place to people three days after I went.” “great food, good service, awesome drinks!” “The staff are attentive, friendly and professional.” “The service at this restaurant is also very good - highly recommended!” “Service was friendly and quick.” “Those are the only cons - otherwise, the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable especially considering the quality of the food, service, and wine list.” “LOVE this restaurant - swanky bar, sultry ambience, low-key but efficient staff, and the food is always an A+.” “got some fantastic recommendations from the bartenders, and they are machines when it comes to consistency!” “Had to ask for bread, my dinner arrived cold, bartender ignored/mistreated other customers including one group who'd had coats on for 10 minutes waiting for bill.” “The staff is quite friendly.” “Delicious Steak frites, cocktails and service always superb!” “Waited forever to order drinks with frazzled bartender & were barked at for trying to order food at same time - told us to wait until he was ready.”
value	87.5% positive	“The menu is not huge and there are no desserts, however almost everything that comes of the kitchen is done right.” “Those are the only cons - otherwise, the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable especially considering the quality of the food, service, and wine list.” “Franklin Cafe is a hip restaurant that serves up delicious food and large portions.” “Great menu, reasonable price, trendy atmosphere” “We both love the neighborhood feeling and the prices are very reasonable.” “Very casual and a great value for the money.” “It is one of the few places in the city where you can get a spectacular meal for a reasonable price.” “This place is great for the amount of money you are paying.”
wait time	80.0% positive	“Had to ask for bread, my dinner arrived cold, bartender ignored/mistreated other customers including one group who'd had coats on for 10 minutes waiting for bill.” “After 45 minutes I asked the Host in a very nice way, how long do I have to wait, I was told that he did have not idea, at the same time partys of 4 or 6 were sitting and my friend and I just waiting for a table, I finished my wine, he finished his drink,” “Amazing food, good service, and the best Long Island iced tea in Boston make up for the usually horrendously long waits.” “This past weekend I was visiting Boston for 3 rd time, I always hear that this restaurant is pretty good, so we decided to try, we arrived at 7:00 pm, the place was pack, the host told me 30 to 45 minutes, I have a glass of Wine, very good attention by th” “Service was friendly and quick.”

08/21/10

A perfect experience

by Spiderwhisperer at Citysearch

This place was reccommended by a bartender at another restaurant when I asked where I could go eat at that time of night (around 11:00 PM). I was on vacation, my mother was in the hospital, and I had spent most of my time either there or lost somewhere. When I called the Franklin for directions, whoever answered the phone was very patient and specific. When I finally found the place, it was full except for one seat at the bar. The bartender acknowledged me right away. The menu isn't huge, but it's got all the essential fine-dining options even though the place is casual. I ordered the steak frites and a pinot noir from Chile, which the bartender let me taste before pouring the whole glass out, then served some crusty bread with a side of garlicky white bean hummus. The steak arrived quickly and was perfectly cooked...I enjoyed my meal as The Roots played on the cafe's sound system. I took note of the extensive liquor options also. I will make sure to go back next time I am in Boston and hopefully I can bring some people.

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02/24/10

Impossible.

by vizjer , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

Franklin cafe is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. It is impossible to have a bad meal here. I have been numerous times for dinner and always have a delicious meal. This place is also a great date spot if you are inclined; however, be aware that they do not take reservations, so if you are coming on a Friday or Saturday, be prepared to wait...or eat late.

Pros: Never a bad meal, late night dining
Cons: No reservations

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01/13/10

Underrated

by Alex Rosenzweig , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

Consistently one of my favorite restaurants/bars in Boston. Hats off to the staff for making this place time and time again great. I never hesitate to bring an out of town guest or come to Franklin for a special meal. The menu is not huge and there are no desserts, however almost everything that comes of the kitchen is done right. My only complaint is that you have to come early. They dont take reservations and if you expect to be seated right away, opt for an early or late dinner. Keep up the good work, Franklin!

Pros: Food, Location, Consistency
Cons: Size (small place), wait

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11/05/09

Delicious!!

by Roxy20 at Citysearch

I went to Franklin Cafe a few weeks ago with some friends for dinner, and was super impressed with everything! The food is delicious, fresh, and interesting and on top of that, the drinks were great too. I got some fantastic recommendations from the bartenders, and they are machines when it comes to consistency!

great food, good service, awesome drinks! I will definitely be back.

Pros: Great food, even better drinks!
Cons: On the small side, can get crowded.

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12/13/07

Consistently excellent food

by sjdnoho at Citysearch

The consistent quality of this restaurant makes it a popular, but crowded choice, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. The menu is creative, fresh, and inviting. The staff are attentive, friendly and professional. It is a high quality neighborhood place, not a destination for a relaxed lingering dining experience. Crowds waiting to eat lead to not so subtle pressure to finish up and leave.

Franklin Cafe

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What People Are Saying About Franklin Cafe

Eric Grossman

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Editor's Tips

08/21/10

A perfect experience

by Spiderwhisperer at Citysearch

02/24/10

Impossible.

by vizjer , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

01/13/10

Underrated

by Alex Rosenzweig , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

11/05/09

Delicious!!

by Roxy20 at Citysearch

12/13/07

Consistently excellent food

by sjdnoho at Citysearch

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