Wish they had more local beer options but friendly staff and overall a good experience.

I enjoyed this little spot, the last time I went I wasn't super impressed but the food was pretty good today. I think it was the initial shock of prices which are a bit steep for what it is. $10 for a bowl of Mac n cheese, and $13 for three sliders. Overall the prices were not great for food. The service was great though. The bar and the food area both had helpful employees. The warm tent was so nice and made it worth being outside on a colder night so it's much appreciated!! They had a cute little bon fire as well but unfortunately another group got to it before we could. Lots of alcohol options tap and cans/bottles. Love that there is parking directly behind the restaurant but you do have to pay which is just a Franklin street downer but oh well. read more

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Franklin Motors rates somewhere between three (OK) and four (good) stars for me. We had a good time here. Until we visited, I didn't know this was Chapel Hill's first and so far only beer garden. It's located just one block east of the Carrboro-Chapel Hill border, on popular West Franklin Street. The business opened in October 2021. Over the last few years, my wife and I passed by this place several times, saw all the people enjoying beer and food outside, and it piqued our interest. We're glad we finally got to check it out. According to Chapelboro.com ( https://chapelboro.com/news/business/beer-study-moving-to-new-chapel-hill-location-new-bar-taking-over ), the folks behind Franklin Motors renovated a small building previously owned by Franklin Street Auto, LLC. That's presumably where the "Motors" part of the name comes from. There are several auto shops in the immediate vicinity, including one I went to often: Automotion. I highly recommend them, by the way: https://www.yelp.com/biz/automotion-carrboro There's a Town of Chapel Hill gravel parking lot that you can pay to park in, adjacent to Franklin Motors. We parked for free on the street (South Graham Street). Compared to other beer gardens I've been to, Franklin Motors is one of the smallest and most humble-looking. The business sits on an unassuming corner lot. It's a simple, sort-of-makeshift spot that gives off vibes of an independent garage. You can get up on the rooftop, which is nice, and they also have a dedicated food truck on site: Roquette at Franklin Motors. The building has an indoor space on the ground level. Outside, it's gravel and there's a canopy -- that's where we sat. We couldn't get the fans to work. We stayed for hours, into the night when the property was string-lit. There was also a fire pit. This place is good for groups. We had a group of eight. It's also dog-friendly. Here's what my wife and I had: Drinks * Pimms Cup (forgot the price) - Pimms No. 1, lemon juice, cucumber topped with ginger ale * Middle James Great Musa Hefeweizen, 4.8% ($7) * Noble Wild Berry Knight Cider, 6.0% ($7) Food from the Roquette food truck * Mac & Cheese ($10) - fresh cream, Ashe County cheddar, toasted bread crumbs * Hand Cut Fries ($8) - hand-cut potatoes, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and housemade roasted garlic aioli (and ketchup). * Pineapple Chipotle Tacos ($18) - braised pulled pork, simmered in a pineapple sauce, chipotle, coriander, ginger, and orange, with avocado, pickled onion, cilantro, and queso fresco * Sliders (pick 3 for $15) - we got 2 Cheeseburgers -- Baldwin Beef (Yanceyville, NC), tomato, pickled onion, roasted garlic aioli, toasted brioche bun; and 1 Cajun-fried Chicken -- pickles, house slaw, roasted garlic aioli, toasted brioche bun The drinks hit the spot. The beer selection was good. Decent variety. The cocktails were standard. The food was OK. The only underwhelming dish was the mac and cheese. While the portion size was generous, it didn't taste significantly better than instant mac and cheese. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but you expect better when going out and paying $10+ for mac and cheese. I did appreciate that it was made with local cheese. Everything else was pretty tasty and again, generous portion sizes. The fries were nicely seasoned. We wanted slow-cooked duck leg instead of braised pork on our tacos, but they were out of duck. That's alright. The tacos were meaty and filling. The sliders weren't bad. The beef in the cheeseburger sliders was a bit tough (well done to overcooked), but that was fine. Better safe than sorry. The Cajun-fried chicken slider was tasty enough. Some of our friends got the Caesar Salad ($10). It looked fresh and yummy. Portions on that were generous as well. Service was fine. We visited on an ordinary summer Saturday and stayed from about 5 to 9pm. There was a slow, steady stream of customers and it never got too busy or crowded. I wouldn't mind coming back to hang out and have drinks with friends. read more

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Fun place for a casual meal and good beer. We needed a spot for 10 people with no reservation and this fit the bill. We managed to find some tables on the top deck, even on a busy Saturday night, and push them together. The beer was good and the sliders were the highlight. The chips were tasty as well. Nothing exciting but solid. I would definitely hang out here if I was a local. read more

great burgers, but size is little smaller than expected for the price. Saw was good. Great vibes read more

So this place has become my new neighborhood bar. I normally stop in here on my days off or when I'm on an extended break from my part time job. They have plenty of outdoor seating; but I prefer to sit indoors. I've gotten to know the bar staff a bit, plus sitting in the a/c is always nice. They have a great draft beer selection and you can also get wine or cocktails. An additional bonus is there is a food truck on the property. Roquette Food Truck is a wonderful place to get food. I've gotten to know the executive chef and owner there and he is a very talented guy. This is a great place to check out if you are just stopping by or you are new/old to the area and need a new bar to go to. Enjoy! read more

Franklin Motors - Forget the name but it was good! - Beer Gardens Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Enjoyed the beer, chicken sandwich and outdoor seating. Staff and other patrons were kind even though I wasn't wearing UNC gear! Will come back next trip! read more

Franklin Motors - Blood orange wheat and chicken sandwich with fries - Beer Gardens Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Great vibes and seating area! I got a Caesar salad and it was generously coated in dressing!

We had a great time at this small but quaint beer garden. To begin, the beer selections were diverse and plentiful. About 20 beers on tap. So there was something there for everyone to choose from. Then, we got hungry, and decided to order from the stationary food truck Roquette. Wow! Really good. My wife and I ordered the Steak Frites and it was amazing. It was cooked to a medium rate (as it should be), was obviously tenderized previously (which came through in the texture), and was finished off with an amazing seasoning with the Minced Herb Pesto. Simply a great meal! This place is a must if you are in town (and the weather cooperates)! read more

Great spot in Chapel Hill! Feels local and cozy. We came in on a Friday night before a basketball game and it was decently busy. They had a fire going which was great, and the roof top seating was packed (did not have a chance to go up there). They have a food truck with some solid options. We ordered the sliders and fries, but were told by some regulars that the kale salad is one of their best items. Loved the seasoning on the fries, just wish they were a tad crispier but they are solid overall. Be sure to check them out! read more

Franklin Motors - Sliders - Beer Gardens Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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BIG CHANGE TO KITCHEN: BEWARE. We loved Franklin Motors for their outside ambiance and their chicken sliders. However, they now have a new kitchen everything is different. They still list sliders on the menu BUT they don't tell you that you get one slider (singular) rather than 3 sliders, as served by the previous kitchen, for roughly the same price. Yeah, they throw in some cold soggy fries with the sliders now but that's cold comfort. However, one small slider is just not enough for dinner. Also, the sliders are different. My slider was undercooked and had some weird hot honey sauce instead of the delicious cole slaw that the previous chef served. Sadly, we won't return. read more

didn't try the food truck but had a delicious drink and enjoyed the outdoor seating. There is plenty of room to spread out and sit at a picnic table or enjoy the rooftop seating area. The bar is open-air and there is even a water fixture which I personally love! If you're looking for a drink spot on Franklin that is slightly less ~collegiate~ vibes wise this is a great one. they have a wide array of drinks and it's a good date night spot. read more

Great gem! Food was fast, and delicious. Had the sliders, salad, and fries. Salad dressing could have been a bit better. Also had a few beers. They were amazing! Sitting outside on the roof with a breeze was nice read more

Ate here for the first time in a few months, and what a disappointment. They no longer have the pineapple chipotle tacos, one of the most delicious dishes I've ever eaten ANYWHERE. The caesar salad was completely devoid of any cheese. Got steak frites and 1/3 of the beef was fat and gristle. I don't know where they went wrong, but it's a crying shame. read more

I recently moved to the area and my friend and I saw how cute this place was with the rooftop and lights so had to stop in. There is plenty of parking in the city lot nearby. The bar has a solid selection of IPAs, ales and sours on tap. Staff were super friendly and prompt! There's also a food truck with sliders and salads for ~$15-20. The food is solid but not the most memorable, though maybe other menu items are better. Overall, this place really shines because of its fun vibes and ample outdoor seating! I'll definitely be back. read more

Franklin Motors - Side salad - Beer Gardens Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Great fun place to grab a drink and some food. Solid selection at the bar and the food was quite good, all at fairly reasonable prices. Staff was quite friendly and seating was plentiful. Decor was fun and cool mostly obviously centered around automotives, Motorsport, and the such including a pretty cool Steve McQueen poster. As it is a bit further down on Franklin street it is also a bit more "chill" than other spots. Would definitely recommend. read more

Great vibe, drinks were great and lots of seating. Service was excellent. Ciders, beers & full bar!

Fun, laid back Chapel Hill place with adjoining food truck. Beer is great, food truck options are not extensive, but are fine. Big portions! Great place to hang in a summer night. read more

Franklin Motors - Kake Caesar with fries - Beer Gardens Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Nice atmosphere. Mostly outdoor seating. Decent drinks and not horribly priced. Great place to come after work.

Really great rotating beer selection, cocktails as well, nice both covered and uncovered seating, excellent Caesar salad, sliders, fries from Roquette food truck on busy days be prepared to wait a while but it's because they're working so hard and it's well worth it. A really casual and fun meet up spot read more

There are two things to review here: * The beer garden, which is a nice bar and taproom with tons of outdoor space. * The food truck, which turns out a short-rib hand pie (two for $15) that is so exceptional that it's worth going out of your way for. Garden salad ($8) was great if a tad over-dressed. read more

Nice outdoor place to grab a beer. Nice selection of local and non-local microbrew beers. They have a "food truck" right outside with a good selection of food. Tasty. I'd say the chili is not worth it - small portion and nothing special for the price. read more

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Great drinks, food, and ambiance! I really loved their fries--they give a lot so you can share with a group. Service was also good--got some recommendations from the bartender and liked everything. read more

Lovely outdoor beer garden! Nice selection of beers. Very chill and nice, even has a fire pit and heaters for cold weather. Bartenders are awesome. read more

Franklin Motors - Outdoor patio, fire pit, cool lighting - Beer Gardens Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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I was so impressed with this place! A motor shop using their spare property for a great purpose! It's mostly a beer garden with brewery vibes but they also have a permanent-looking food truck kitchen from which they serve food and the food was fantastic! Would definitely come back for just the food. They have a large selection of beers too on tap (~20 types) and even more in cans. It looks like these rotate so it's not the same selection every time, and I believe they said they have wine as well. The format is great, you seat yourself and go up to either the bar or food truck to order your beer or food, respectively, and bring it back to wherever you're sitting. Very chill for a night out. All the employees were very nice too! I also love that it's just on the edge of Chapel Hill and Carborro so it's a little off the most popular part of town. Will absolutely return many times! read more

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20 beers on tap. Liquor. Wine. Soda. Cocktails. And great food from the food truck! Dog friendly. Kid friendly. read more

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Great place to sit and chat with friends. Not a beer person but the gin spritzer and ciders are tasty.

Good beer. Food truck is a lose. Not everyone has smartphones and they won't let you order any other way but with a QR code. Refuse to leave things off - if I'm paying $15 for sliders I should be able to get them without onions - which apparently come on every single thing here I'd be interested in eating. Next time will make sure I eat dinner first so I'm not forced to either drink on an empty stomach or pay $10 for mac n cheese or $8 fries (the ONLY things on the menu that don't have onion other than wings and $21 steak fries). Also the guy at the truck is super rude if you ask about being able to order without a phone, or to leave off an item you can't eat - like onions, which tons of people find vile and noxious. read more

the perfect place for a good sunny day beer w friends and pups ! & a great food truck permanently parked here too :) read more

Exactly what you want from a chill late-night bite and drink. Not too crowded, not too empty, and a solid chicken Caesar made with care and pride. Definitely glad I stopped at this friendly local spot. read more

This place is definitely a great hang out spot. Varied selection of unique beers on tap. The staff is super friendly and professional. There is a permanent food truck operated by a professional chef. I've sampled some of the dishes, which were absolutely outstanding - and I'm a harsh food critic. read more

I don't live too far from Franklin Street Motors and watched it being filled it was excited to know that it finally opened and it was worth the way great beers 20 to 30 beers on tap a great food trailer called Raquette ROQUETTE everything on the menu is really five star no kidding I'm gonna put a picture of the burger boxes I usually get one beef in one chicken slider with a side of fries the best I've ever had read more

Good beer selection and great food out of a small trailer with just two cooks banging out a LOT of chow. Steak Frites, mac and cheese, duck tacos, and sliders were all yummy. The kids couldn't get enough of the french fries! read more

Excellent beer selection and the place to be for an enjoyable happy hour! Always an interesting crowd --

God this place is disgusting! Absolutely outrageous. I was given the most foul food ever here! The service was fine but all the over stuff was absolutely horrendous. read more

Wonderful night under the stars. Bratwurst really delicious, fries yummm too. Outdoor tables convivial scene.

Excellent hand pies and food at Roquette! My kids fight over the chicken sliders and fries with garlic aioli. The ceaser salad with Kale is a favorite too. Great place to meet up with friends of all ages or chat with the locals. Bring your dog, listen to some tunes, and relax outdoors with the firepits and whirlygigs! read more

Fantastic addition to Chapel Hill/Carrboro--a beer garden with lots of outdoor seating. They also have a rooftop space you can reserve for events. Great variety of beers on tap. Plus, everything we have tried from the food truck on the premises (Roquette) has been excellent, from fries to sliders and ceviche. And they are going to do take out for their food. Everyone working at the bar is super nice and the vibe is relaxed--this is already one of our favorite places in town. And with heaters set up they are also prepared for winter. Can't wait to go back! read more

Not bad for a beer, bar food and watching a game or talking with friends. If the weather is nice the out side is great. The inside is just ok. They could add some more tables or maybe make it loungier with some comfortable chairs. Great beer selection mostly craft but also Guinness and some other mainline beers. The food choices at Roquette (the food truck on premises) is limited but good. I ordered the two chili dogs and they were very good. I consider myself a hot dog connaisseur and these were definitely above average! read more