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Franklin Cafe

278 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA | Map it  

02118 42.343001 -71.068900

(617) 350-0010 | View Website

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My Rating

Features

Neighborhoods:
Shawmut, South End
Price:
$$
Cuisine:
Traditional American, New American
Categories:
Restaurants

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Restaurant Special Features:
Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Notable Wine List, Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Hidden Find, Romantic Dining
Payment Methods:
Travelers Check, MasterCard, Cash, Discover, Visa, American Express

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Review Highlights

ambiance
100%
“Franklin Cafe comes close to being perfect for American fare dining; great food, great drinks and good atmosphere - what more can you ask for?”
dessert
0%
“The menu is not huge and there are no desserts, however almost everything that comes of the kitchen is done right.”
drinks
100%
“It's trendy, has great drinks, everything on the menu is delicious, and it's open super late - what's not to love?”
food quality
83%
“Consistently excellent food”
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menu variety
80%
“The menu is not huge and there are no desserts, however almost everything that comes of the kitchen is done right.”
overall
100%
“would even go as far as saying it is my favorite restaurant in Boston.”
service
93%
“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.”
value
87%
“It is one of the few places in the city where you can get a spectacular meal for a reasonable price.”
wait time
80%
“Service was friendly and quick.” View Less

Reviews for Franklin Cafe

Spiderwhisperer

Member since May, 2010 View Profile
4Reviews
0Photos
Joined 2 years ago
5.0
August 21, 2010

A perfect experience. 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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vizjer

Member since Feb, 2010 View Profile
8Reviews
0Photos
Joined 2 years ago
5.0
February 24, 2010

Impossible.. 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.

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Alex Rosenzweig

Member since Sep, 2009 View Profile
32Reviews
0Photos
Joined 3 years ago
5.0
January 13, 2010

Underrated. 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!

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Roxy20

Member since Feb, 2008 View Profile
2Reviews
0Photos
Joined 4 years ago
5.0
November 05, 2009

Delicious!!. 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.

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sjdnoho

Member since Dec, 2007 View Profile
3Reviews
0Photos
Joined 5 years ago
5.0
December 13, 2007

Consistently excellent food. 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.

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