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    Franklin Cafe

    4.0 (588 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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    FRANKLIN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Franklin Cafe

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    GRILLED CALAMARI* SMOKY SKILLET ROASTED MUSSLES
    Rosemary S.

    One of the more iconic spots for south end locals. Kitchen is open late but it isn't your typical late night fried food. Despite being a tiny spot, menu includes creative takes on both meat and seafood options. Even the salads are updated with seasonal and not commonly seen ingredients. I love the spicy green beans, the grilled squid, and the mussels. Plenty of interesting drink options. They keep some staples but also update seasonally. Service is fast and the staff is the kind of people you'll get to know if you come often enough. One of the few by locals, for locals spots that feels like home whenever you come back.

    SMOKY SKILLET ROASTED MUSSLES
    Kristen K.

    The place has a neighborhood casual vibe. It was lower light and a little noisy. Service is good and food came out relatively fast. We got the calamari, mussels, and burger for food. For drinks we got the lychee margarita and black fizz (special cocktail of the night). The calamari was a little chewy but tasted great especially with the white beans and greens. The mussels and burger were also really good with the portion of mussels a good size. The only let down really was the lychee margarita which didn't taste much like lychee or margarita, just vodka with ice. Overall recommend stopping by (especially for the calamari). 3.5/5

    CORNED BEEF HASH & EGGS*
    Simone P.

    I had a great brunch with friends here this past weekend. The young man that was our server was extremely personable and very attentive. In addition the food was great! I had the corned beef hash, which would've used more salt, but otherwise very tasty. All ten dishes were also a great portion. My friends really enjoyed the omelet, French toast, and chicken fried steak. Some standouts were the mashed potatoes that came with the steak and the omelet. We will definitely be back.

    SALT & PEPPER CHICKEN WINGS are bomb
    Rongan C.

    If I could give this spot 10 stars, I would. Service is always on point, and the dishes are always inventive. Highlight is the whipped ricotta, a must for us every time we're at Franklin's.

    Chad C.

    We happened into this cafe on our last day in Boston. Wasn't planning on having a cocktail or even brunch as it was just past noon, but the Dark Manhattan was excellent as was the chicken fried steak and eggs. We came in starving and left full and happy. Beautiful little spot, hope to come back someday.

    This is one of my go-to local favorites! The menu is perfection; it's not very big, but everything is incredible. It's one of the few spots where the quality matches the price! Whether you're trying to grab a good burger, an entree, or something in between, they have it and it's fantastic. My personal favorite is the whipped ricotta... they always have a nice tap list along with signature cocktails (full bar). This place is open late and you can get a real entrée until 2:00 am, as long as you out the order in before 1:30 am. This has become a great night cap and meal place for me. The brunch is just as good! Since this place has a large clientele within the service industry, you're not necessarily going to be coddled by the staff, but everyone there is an expert in the menu. You can go here on a date, after work, with some friends, before going somewhere else or even after. It's elegant, but not stuffy. To me it just feels "city". Simple and elegant seating and decor. It is a small space so it tends to get loud sometimes but people are just having a good time. You won't regret checking this place out in the South End.

    Eggs Benedict
    Victoria C.

    A small restaurant in South End with no sign name just their icon at the entrance. I came here for brunch with a few friends and had a hard time choosing which dish to get. I opted for the eggs Benedict that came in puff pastry instead of an English muffin and thought it was a perfect swap. The eggs were cooked nicely with a runny center and went well with the crispy puff pastry. The service was good and we enjoyed our meal. There are also two single stall bathrooms that are super tiny. Overall, a nice place to grab brunch on the weekends in South End.

    HOUSEMADE RICOTTA CROSTINI
    Hursuong V.

    Really enjoyed my crostini and risotto. A nice tucked away neighborhood spot for Al fresco dining, although the occasional loud car will still pass by. Friendly service. Able to walk in for Sunday dinner without reservation.

    What they advertised I would get

    Beyond horrible experience with this place. I was in Boston with a friend to see a play a few nights ago, we got back to our hotel around 10:30 and decided to DoorDash some food. We settled on Franklin cafe because they had good reviews and a lot of options to choose from. My friend got a burger and I got the tomato soup grilled cheese combo. The burger my friend received was okay, slightly undercooked but still safe to eat. However, I could not even eat the grilled cheese they decided to package. It was charred beyond belief on the side pictured and the other side was barely better. I'm not sure how it's possible to screw up a grilled cheese this much, but I'm also not sure why someone in the kitchen didn't throw it out and decided to package it. Why not say this is horrible, I'll throw it out and make a new one? Not to mention this was about 1/4 of the size of the one pictured..... At least I know next time I'm in the area to avoid this dump.

    Wings, salmon, grilled squid
    Serj M.

    Went back the other night after a bad experience, one of the managers reached out and invited me back for dinner. I gave it another shot and for apps ordered the grilled calamari and wings which were very good. Dinner entrees consisted of the salmon and the sole fish plates. The salmon was my favorites and it was cooked perfectly, also the mango mai tai is a must try Service and food was on point and I thank your for the great night and make it a better experience.

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    3 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Great food. Great service. We love a local restaurant. It was the perfect spot for our first night in Boston.

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    1 year ago

    Obsessed with Franklin cafe the energy late night is off the charts and their espresso martinis are amazing. Tip your bartenders!

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    3 years ago

    Bar tender seemed to have taken a few shots and was aggressive towards the patrons. I think his name was Tyler

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    3 years ago

    Love this place!!! A hidden gem with amazing food and great drinks! Never had a bad meal here and affordable :)

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    3 years ago

    Andrea is the best. She slings a great beverage, while also having a great smile. Franklin Cafe is a gem.

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    Page 1 of 15

    Ask the Community - Franklin Cafe

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