I stopped in Bar Franco for drink before dinner nearby. It was literally just when they opened but everything was ready to go and Alex the bartender seemed to already have some creative ideas in mind! He asked what I like. I told him the spirits and style(s) I prefer. Then I simply said "surprise me". His creation was a take on the Paper Plane, a bit less tart and perfect for a broiling hot day outside. Two other dinners guests joined me soon after and had equally impressive drinks. In fact, the entire dinner party returned at the end of the night so everyone could have their own experience! The space is small, but the atmosphere is very intentional and there is a great, low seating area in the front window that can fit several people comfortably. That's where we sat later as a group. If you've been meaning to try this place too, make it a priority next time you are downtown! Note: Bar Franco also has a food menu connected to the restaurant next door. read more

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Quaint little bar that is affiliated with Fresco da Franco (which we have tried a few times and is also excellent). We sat on the couches in front of the bar area and started with wine followed by the most delicious calamari-the sauce is to die for. Their bread is fluffy and amazing as well. All of the staff is friendly and attentive. Highly recommended for drinks and appetizers. read more

2'nd time I came here . 1st time I would have rated it 5 stars . My drink was delish. This time 10/2025. Eh . Drinks were ok. Definitely not like the 1st time I was here . Place is small but pretty inside . Not much seating . You have to be lucky to snag a spot read more

Bar Franco - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Came here for a quick drink and some food before movies around the corner. As per all of Montclair, parking is sparse, but especially on this street. It was early and I was the only person there until others showed up. There were a few cocktails on the menu, but I chose a lychee martini instead. I also ordered the shrimp app. My lychee martini was good and just strong enough. However, it did come in a sort of miniature martini glass for $20. The shrimp ($24) was 4 grilled shrimps, noting special. I left there hungry. The place itself has beautiful green velvet chairs at the bar and the few tables that were there. Also a nice green velvet couch. Service was good. read more

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I was craving a cocktail while visiting NJ and came across this place. The cocktails were well done overall. I don't usually enjoy pre-made drinks. They pre-batch many of their bespoke cocktails in advance because of large crowds, so next time I'll probably just order something directly off the menu. read more

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Perfect little bar with amazing drinks! A cute place to meet up before or after dinner. Not as big inside, but so good!

We sat at the bar and the ambience was great! It was a nice place to go nearby before our dinner reservation elsewhere. Caprese e burrata and ricotta tartufo was delicious! Overall, great place to go if you want a quick drink/apps before dinner or date night! read more

Bar Franco - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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Great ambience like stepping into a little treasure of a space with warm touches and details making you feel right at home and still somewhere new at the same time. There is a small corner of seating along with a wall of bar stools and of course bar seating. Purse and jacket hooks plenty. Drink menu was pretty standard with twist. $20 a pop started snapping me back on to manhattan vibes with a few classics at $16. Also had some mocktails. Went for a pre show espresso martini. Was yummy a little sweet towards the tail end for my liking but overall 4/5! Pricey for just a regular day swing by but a nice spot to grab a drink before a show or after dinner. Service was swift and friendly, with a waitress swinging by promptly upon arrival and another with water shortly after. read more

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Great cocktails , great mixologist that can make anything upon request, unique cocktail menu. This bar is small, velvet chairs and pretty chandeliers. Top notch service. Nice place for pre or post dinner cocktails. read more

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Very sleek hip cocktail bar. It's not large but it's stylish and inviting and does remind you of a spot that could be in Chelsea or SoHo. Grabbed a drink there for an afterwork happy hour though be warned no happy hour prices. They gave us complimentary olives and tarelli to start which is a very nice touch. I tried the Paloma for $20 (most drinks were $20 though a few were $16) which was refreshing and nicely curated. All in all - a great place to grab a fantastic cocktail to start or end your night. read more

Small pretty space with great drinks! We had 4 and all of them were spectacular. Sambachino was tart and deep, topped with jalapeño crushed ice . Lu cafe martini, espresso martini was just the right amount of balance of liquor and espresso. We did have to ask for the complimentary pretzels and olives but they were quick to correct it. Our mixologists were friendly and service was prompt yet relaxed. A bit of showmanship while creating their drinks and I appreciate that flair. Public parking, small outdoor seating. read more

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This bar is such a hidden gem that quickly became our favorite. By the end of the night, we had tried almost every cocktail on the menu, and the bar staff was totally into our enthusiasm for their experimental creations. One of the highlights was a cocktail served in a leather purse...yes, a purse! It was so cool to watch them mix and serve it in such a unique way. They also provide small snacks like saltines and olives, which were a nice touch. We've already gone back for another round and had just as much fun. The music was an interesting mix, starting with classic Italian tunes and then, out of nowhere, shifting to an hour of 80s freestyle classics. We were loving the dancier vibe, but then it suddenly switched back to old-world Italian music, which kinda killed the mood. We noticed a lot of the crowd left after that. Despite the odd music shifts, we'll definitely be back, especially when they update the drink menu.. can't wait to try everything again! read more

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This was a very pleasant surprise. It started out being a spot for a quick drink before dinner and ended up being an amazing find! The atmosphere gives off speakeasy vibes and the mixology is top notch. First place i've seen with herbs growing at the bar and it is not just for show! The service was fantastic and drinks were smooth and delicious. My new favorite Montclair spot. Highly recommend!! read more

Bar Franco - Shot of bar and herb growing station - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Ok full stop!!! These drinks are absolutely insane- but what just actually blew my mind that got me to start typing this review during my pre birthday dinner drinks was the tuna tartar app that melted in my literal mouth. It's so fresh- it's so simple- the bread is cooked just right, sprinkled with some sea salt. I will be dreaming about this for years to come. MUST TRY PLACE !!!! Also ambiance is hot, bartenders are hot, drinks are HOT! read more

Since moving to the area I've been researching restaurants and cocktail lounges to add to my Yelp Collections to check out for both date night ideas and for when my friends visit and after having read all the reviews for Bar Franco I was set on paying them a visit sooner rather than later because it seemed like just the perfect little chic location for a cocktail. I finally had the opportunity to visit last night as it was what I thought would be the perfect place for pre-dinner cocktails on a romantic date night .... and I was unfortunately wrong. Upon entering and waiting to be seated we immediately saw from an ambiance perspective why it received the ratings it did in that category because there's no denying the look and feel is giving sexy, warm and lively. When greeted and finally seated by the manager we were unfortunately literally squeezed on to the end of a bench in a nook right near the front door where we had zero space for our coats and crammed table space to share with the party of six whose laps we were virtually sitting on ... AWKWARD and not cool whatsoever. However, so as to not start the date off on the wrong foot we adapted and decided that since the party of six said they would be paying their tab and leaving shortly that we would ask the manager who sat us if it would be ok for us to scoot down in order to have a more comfortable seating arrangement once the large party left. In attempting to get her attention to inquire about the move, she rudely stated without even looking at me "I DO NOT TAKE ORDERS" as she assumed I was trying to place our cocktail order with her and as if even taking an order was beneath her .... WOOOSAH! (NOTE: Anyone in their right mind could see she wasn't a server since the servers were professionally dressed in white and black uniforms while she was dressed in ill fitting pleather leggings and a tasteless bright red cropped faux fur jacket) .... I again didn't respond how I wanted to for the sake of not ruining the date night vibe, however, my date was equally irritated by her response and said that he wouldn't be upset if I wanted to leave because her attitude and demeanor was completely condescending and unacceptable, but we had actually already placed our order with our server Daisy and decided to stay. The cocktails themselves were well presented and I thoroughly enjoyed their version of the espresso martini I ordered, but, my date didn't care for the cocktail he ordered which was their version of the Paloma as the entire rim and glass itself was coated with salt which as you can imagine was messy and total hypertension overkill. Bar Franco won't be seeing us again and it has been removed from my Yelp collection as I absolutely do not want to recommend them in any shape form or fashion to others. read more

It's a secret spot in Montclair! Not anymore! The bar bites, cocktails and "coolness " factor are all on point. Hostess "Kim" treats her guests like VIPs and the vibe is chic-cool. read more

Bar Franco - On point cocktail! - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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Kelly was a fantastic host, and then Laura made fabulous suggestions on cocktails for the elevated experience! We tried a couple of different variety cocktails, and our night was set! The dolce far neinte was a must try! read more

Bar Franco - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

My favorite place in Montclair for drinks. It's a little pricey but the vibes are elegant and vibey. Perfect date night spot! read more

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We've been here a few times and the food and service are always outstanding. But tonight on our wedding anniversary I want to give an extra special shout out to Laura the bartender. We came by for a nightcap and she went above and beyond and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for making our night on a random Wednesday so special. read more

The service is great. They truly make you feel special. The cocktails were well balanced. But not much booze in them. The selection of bourbons was limited. read more

Came for a quick aperitif. Bartender experienced small. Bar. Worth a shot for a drink read more

Bar Franco - Lu Cafe espresso martini - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Montclair has taken the neighborhood to another level with this gem! It was a pleasant surprise to come across Bar Franco returning to the east coast for the holidays! The mixologist are not only personable but stylish in presentation as well as great with recommendations! Grazie Mille Bar Franco! read more

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Come for the cocktails stay for the olives! Our hope and goal was to pop in and get a fancy cocktail before heading out to dinner, but we instead came to Bar Franco after dinner. It was busy but we were seated and had our orders taken promptly. The cocktails were top notch and worth price. Our drinks were served with complimentary ramekin of olives and a taralli (imagine a perfectly crafted bread stick, light pretzel), which were both far more tasty than anything we had eaten that evening. I hope they they continue to thrive, we look forward to coming back trying a different cocktail in the future. read more

You HAVE to come here. Cocktails, vibes, everything. Will definitely make it a habit to stop here when in the area. Must sit at the bar and watch the bartenders, they are fascinating. Cheers! read more

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We had a great time, the drinks are delish, our favorite was the espresso martini!! And we can't forget to give a huge shout out to brian!! He made everything wonderful and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience! Thanks Brian! read more

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We had a great time! Alfredo the bartender was amazing! I will definitely return. Looking forward to next time. read more

When I found out about an Italian Bespoken cocktail bar, I had to bookmark it and go! Especially, since I miss the cocktail bars in Italy. Well, I am happy that I finally did. It really brought me back to being in Italy enjoying a curated cocktail in the beautiful city of Florence. They have truly captured the real essence of an upscale Italian cocktail bar. So rich and modern. Down the mixologist being Italian natives. Loved the aperitivos too! The service was great and very welcoming too. The cocktails are on the pricey end, however well worth it! Their Italian classic's are moderately priced. They do also serve wine if you're not looking for cocktail. They even very inclusive to non-alcoholic crowds by offering curated mocktails. This is definitely a great place for a date, or even solo date. I do look forward to going back so I can enjoy a reminiscent experience of being transported back to Florence. read more

Bar Franco - various bowls of food on a table - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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Great ambiance. Kelly helped my party to seating and a wonderful experience. You need to visit! read more

Bar Franco - Amazing - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Great ambiance and spot for a cocktail! Cocktails are tasty and food is delicious. Good spot to come before heading to dinner

We love to visit Bar Franco for a city vibe in the heart of Montclair. Feels like a taste of Italy with amazing aperitivo and creative cocktails that wow. Welcoming hospitality team and bartenders make it a warm experience that we love to come back to. Try the Bar Franco Spritz! read more

Bar Franco - Bar Franco Spritz - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Love this spot for pre or after date night cocktails and wine. Also, a great spot to grab drinks with friends. The staff is super friendly. The ambience is romantic and lively. Highly recommend. They also have a restaurant next door that I'm excited to try out! read more

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Bar Franco is the best, feels like you're in Italy! The drinks are delicious & service is fantastic. The bartenders know how to make a delicious drink! Would highly recommend. read more

We stopped in for a few drinks before dinner and were immediately greeted by the owner Franco. He took the time to learn what we like and make suggestions regarding what he'd think we'd enjoy. I went with the espresso martini and my husband got the limonata. Both were out of this world (and he is usually a very picky drinker). The ambiance was nice and the music was at just the right level for those of us over 20. Grazie mille. We will be back again! read more

Bar Franco - Espresso Martini & Limonata - Bars Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Just moved to Montclair and live nearby. Came here three times. First two times were during the week and not busy so the service at the tables was good. Loved the complimentary olives and crackers. Last time was Sat night at 8PM. The Italian pop music was ridiculously loud, why? Only one bartender for the restaurant and the bar, so too busy to come to the table to take our order. So my friend went up to the bar but she never made eye contact, she was too busy filling drinks for the restaurant. We waited 15 minutes and decided to leave. Hopefully they staff up better on weekends. read more

Great service. Food was amazing. The drinks are works of art. I am working my way through the menu and so far everything is delicious and a must try. read more

Visiting for the first time, I would have to say that the maitre'd Mo went above and beyond knowing it was our anniversary. He walked us over to the bar, let us sit in the reserved seats and gave us two complementary drinks while he was waiting to get us a special table. To our surprise he even had it decorated with heart shaped balloons. The bartenders left little to be desired. If it wasn't for Kelly, I would not go back to the lounge. Kelly was so warm, welcoming and inviting. She couldn't do enough to make us feel comfortable. Perfect qualities for an event planner. In addition, she not only walked us back over to the restaurant once our table was ready, dessert was on her. For these reasons, we will be going back. read more

Excellent cocktail in a classic small cocktail lounge. Great for a start or finish to any of the nearby restaurants.

We came here for the espresso martini.. and that was good! And it was really cool watching the bartenders create the drinks at the bar. However, the hostess was..just bizarre. I thought it was me but it happened twice where the hostess blatantly put her back on me (I'm Asian) and only would speak to my friend (who was Caucasian). The first time, it was outside as we were waiting for a spot, and then again inside when she only showed my friend the menu. I tried to respond to her as well, but I was ignored. It did not feel inclusive at all and I almost honestly just left for how she treated us. Would never come here again or recommend based on these interactions. What a shame. read more

I want to come here and try every cocktail. Beautiful little space, with green velvet upholstered seating, chandeliers, sexy lit bar, fun little italian dinner music playing. We popped in to have a cocktail prior to our dinner reservation and it didn't disappoint! The maitre de or Manager was so very welcoming, and introduced us to the mixologists, who are here on visas from Italy. The cocktails are FUN! I had the Pera Caramellata. I could have had 5 they were so good. My mom had the Franco's Bellini. My plan is to make my way through the menu of cocktails and try them all, haha. Go see Laura! read more

Kelly, the hostess is the best! The drinks and the atmosphere is amazing! Highly recommend the lemon drop martini!