Came around 5:30 before a concert at the Kirby Center. It was a beautiful day outside and they had their front, garage-door entry open and outside seating, however we sat at the spacious bar. Our bartender, Bree, was very attentive. We started with the tortilla chips covered in blue cheese sauce with bacon and scallions. Delicious-I've had it before elsewhere on house-made potato chips, but the seasoning on these chips was a nice addition. My husband had the Cuban sandwich on a buttered baguette, which he really enjoyed. I ordered the smashburger with extra cheese, which arrived with no cheese. Bree said she'd have the kitchen correct their mistake, and instead of just slapping on the cheese, they made me a whole new sandwich which, to my cheese-loving delight, literally came dripping with cheese! Both of our plates had a generous portion of perfectly done fries. The drinks were good pours, too, however I had missed the wall(behind our seats)that showed quite a few special martinis. I will give them a try next time as we are coming to town for another show at the Kirby next month. Kevin, who I figured to be the manager, came by to check on us, but said he was not the manager, just an employee making sure things were good. We appreciated that as nowadays once the food is served, you might not see your server again until it's time to pay. We enjoyed our meal and would definitely return. read more

Stopped in after an event At kings college .. we loved the atmosphere and the smash burgers were delicious! Matt was a great bartender/server all around good guy, friendly and informative about the area. Not sure when, but we definitely will be back. Thanks for doing it right! read more

I would give this place 10 stars if it was an option , I would highly recommend this establishment. The bartenders are exceptional, and the martinis are exquisite. The service is impeccable, with staff members being exceptionally friendly and attentive. In a matter of minutes, I was repeatedly asked by three different folks, even the bar back... how is everything, can I get you anything else. The cocktails and martinis are superior to those offered by most high-end restaurants. I am particularly impressed by the bartenders and the exceptional service levels provided by Matt, Bre, Grace, Josh, and Charlie, the bar back. Come see for yourself, they wont disappoint. Food is delicious. Steak bites, flatbread. I'll be coming back. Wish was closer to home. read more

Place had a great atmosphere and good selection of food. Servers were friendly but didn't come to the table, had to go to the bar which was odd considering they offer table service. Regardless, the servers were attentive when they did serve us and were quick to deliver. No issues there. Bartenders were pretty cool too. Messed up our drink but redid it and even comped us. Definitely appreciated. Food was good but not amazing. Definitely a healthier and nontypical selection given its a bar, but the taste could definitely be improved. We tried multiple dishes, none which blew us out the water but still satisfied us. This place was packed when we arrived around 6pm ish but completely cleared out by 8. Seems like a much more fun post-shift happy hour spot. Also works as a great place to just sit and talk. At first glance, Franklin's seems like a regular old bar. But with better table service and some good music, this place has the potential to be ranked much higher, especially with their healthier bar food options. read more

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This was our first time at Franklin's and we had such a great experience. We were in town visiting my relative on hospice so it was a pretty emotional night for us. We got back to town too late to locate anywhere else to eat, so we took our dog to the patio there where they brought him a bowl of water. He got anxious being in a new place surrounded by so many people, so we decided to step off the patio and order food to go. The server was so understanding and so amazing. In the meantime, my dog upset a homeless man who was extremely intoxicated, who told me if he ever saw my dog again he would "blow his brains out." He then claimed that my dog bit him, when he was just so messed up he walked sideways into us and physically bumped into my dog. We started to ignore him but were clearly on edge. When he asked the busser to call 911 (because my dog allegedly bit him) the busser told him to go away, and then came back and checked on us a few minutes later when we were still a little rattled. We got the veggie quesadillas, soft pretzel, a burger and a portobello mushroom burger. Even as takeout and 30 minutes later due to hotel issues, it was warm and everything was delicious. We will 10000000% be back. The food was great and the employees took care of us and treated us so kindly when we most needed it. read more

The pizza was loaded with toppings and highly recommended. The Fish and chips was average. Friendly staff. Full bar. Cool atmosphere. read more

Franklin's - Large pepperoni, meatball, extra cheese - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

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First time at Franklin's. On a midweek visit, the restaurant was fairly empty- our waiter was attentive and prompt without being pushy or giving us any impression that we were being rushed. Often, my go to at a new restaurant is hamburger- a simple meal but one difficult to do well. My burger was cooked as requested and served on a brioche bun with attendant french fries. Unfortunately, the burger itself was tasteless and forgettable. The overall sandwich was redeemed with the condiments but my recommendation would be to spruce up the burger taste with a custom blend of spices tailored to enhance the meat perhaps a garlic/salt/paprika mix. The fries were served hot and crispy and were sized to allow the potato to predominate. Overall the experience was favorable with the waiters attention for me, qualifying for the additional star. I will definitely try the restaurant at least once more ordering another offering to give them a chance to win me with the meat taste. read more

Fantastic food, and the bartender even properly knew how to pour a Guinness! Only set back is that it was packed and food service was a little slow. Other than that great time! read more

Franklin's - Guinness - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

The food and the service deserve 5 stars. The 3% fee for credit and debit card transactions is despicable. It takes away money that could be going into your employees pockets. Merchant fees have been a cost of operating a business and taking payments for decades. If you can't build this cost into your business (ie your food and drink prices), don't do business. Why didn't you add on $1 for your internet service or $2 for keeping the lights on? I'm guessing you budgeted those costs in. read more

Franklin's - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Great bar with good food. Excellent vibe here especially during the warmer months when they open the front of the place to the outside. I get why they allow smoking as it's one of the only places left but it's time to move on and make it smoking free. Smokers can always go outside. read more

Place was a true vibe. I didn't eat, but that's my preference (food did smell fantastic!!) & the bar tenders both of which were SUPER kind and respectful! I'd definitely go back again!! read more

Went in for dinner and was told we could not stay. Perhaps I missed a sign at the door but in PA if a restaurant allows smoking they do not (cannot) allow anyone under 21 in the place. Or so the waitress told us as we were told to leave. Place looked nice, clean and okay, just not a family place for an early dinner in Wilkes-Barre. Went to Rodano's which appeared to have the same exact menu. Perhaps same owners with shared kitchen? read more

Happened to be in Wilkes Barre and found this spot. Great food, great drinks, and bartender Matt was welcoming and provided great service. Highly recommend this spot. read more

We stopped in for lunch and the kitchen was a bit slow but we had a great lunch- our server was great, friendly and knowledgable - The Drunken Berger was great as well as the Friedman burger. Great craft beer selection read more

Franklin's - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

We went to Wilkes-Barre on a day trip to check out the architecture. Happened across Franklin's on the Square. So, we decided to pop in for cocktails and lunch. We were all very pleased that we did! Sampled their seasonal salad, soup du jour, meatball melt and chicken wrap (and some other taste treats I forget)....everything was delicious and beautifully presented. Our server "Mac"(?) and Mr. Tattoo were very wonderful: attentive, friendly and engaging. My friends had three grapefruit martinis and passed out on the way home! Will definitely revisit Franklin's again! Thanks, guys! B, G, C & S. read more

Located next to Rodano's, and under the same management, Franklin's is the newest bar to open in downtown Wilkes-Barre. I personally find that Rodano's gets a bit too extreme during the evenings hours and Franklin's is a great alternative to rowdy college students and annoying club music. Note to DJs: bad music doesn't magically turn into good music just because you play it a higher volume. The bartenders at Franklin's were very nice and well versed in the field of mixology. It's always difficult ordering a drink at a new bar because you're never quite sure of the bartender's skill level - should I waste money on an expensive cocktail and hope the bartender's experience stretches beyond merely popping push-tabs on cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon? I appreciated the fact that there was a large blackboard on the wall that listed the available specialty drinks and cocktails - thus ensuring I would be able to enjoy a quality mixed drink. The bar is very simplistic when it comes to décor; there isn't a jukebox but there is a dartboard and a Ms. Pac-Man machine. There is limited outside seating that faces Public Square and it would be a great spot to eat or drink on a summer night. Franklin's does serve food but I didn't get a chance to try the menu - maybe next time. I assume they are sharing a kitchen with Rodano's. I should also take a minute to compliment the design and cleanliness of the men's room: I have been in quite some disgusting bar restrooms but the water closets at Franklin's were very clean and well-maintained. I appreciate a nice restroom and it is a telling sign of management's overall commitment to the quality and presentation of their establishment. read more

Franklin's - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Yes go!! Cool vibe, great service, good food, and reasonably priced! The zucchini fries were really good!! Both of us enjoyed our sandwiches too. read more

You know...it was actually pretty good. FYI you're allowed to smoke inside, and it clearly says that outside so you can't hold it against them I suppose. Pros: Big menu and everything sounds pretty good Waitress was super overworked but still very nice. They might not have much vegetarian stuff, but they were very accommodating (Made the side of mac n cheese into a full portion, brought out poutine without the gravy (after she checked with the chicken that the gravy is from beef stock)). Nice beer and drink selection Great music selection if that matters to you Nice space, easy to talk to each other. The fries were amazing! Cooked perfectly crispy Cons: I grew up in the area and maybe the prices seem high for the area? Maybe not. It was before a concert and there was literally one waitress for the entire place, which was packed Food wasn't outstanding but it was fine (I had the roast beef which was a bit dry and the horseradish was clearly mayo with a bit of wasabi or something in it...) If I'm back in Wilkes-Barre but some unfortunately circumstance I will probably be back! read more

I love visiting Franklin's and their counterpart Rodando's. It is one of the rare places that I tend to try different things from the menu. So far I have never been disappointed in the choices I've made at this restaurant. The staff is very friendly and always accommodating. This visit I got the Carolina burger. It comes with bacon bbq sauce and cheese - how can you go wrong!?!? And I was not diss appointed! The burger was juicy and flavorful. It was perfect. It will be hard not to get that again... read more

A lot of food and drinks, everything was good! I am a foreigner, so I stuttered a little, but he explained it kindly... Thank you for your kind!! read more

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THE friendliest staff, excellent rotating selection of beers, good food. This is my go-to spot to unwind in WB. The selection of food and drink are exceptional (I've probably tried 50% of their extensive menu) but it's the employees that keep me coming back. They're the kind of people I'd hang out with outside of this establishment (and I have). I've met almost everybody; the owners, management, bartenders, kitchen staff, and they've all got amazing positive energy and attitude. Come for the food and drink, stay for the people. Franklin's is a must. More details if you're into that kind of thing: 6 big TV screens, all the sports you want. Indoor smoking although they have a massive lift gate that ventilates the place well. Well-stocked bar, although you won't find $100+ whisky bottles here. Live music on the weekends and sometimes on Wednesday's. Extensive, customizable food menu with daily specials; you can also order off Rodano's menu (same owner; adjacent family style restaurant). Dart board in the back. Occasional outdoor (sidewalk) seating. read more

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The food and the atmosphere here are pretty good, but I have to say that every time I've been here and pay with a card, I get DOUBLE CHARGED. Then I have to wait a few business days for the money to go back into my account. Honestly for the prices they charge for drinks in this place, who can afford to pay double? Unless I'm paying cash, I won't go back again. read more

Was a cool place to stop in and have a very nice dinner and a few beers. Good food and pretty fast service!!

I was excited to check out Franklin's when I walked by one night after attending a concert nearby. It's always cool to see bars with outdoor seating built in to their establishment because they are few and far between around NEPA. When my boyfriend and I walked in around 2 weeks ago, it was obnoxiously loud. I had to shout and stand on my tip toes to talk into his ear. It wasn't even that the bar was full of people trying to talk loudly over the music. It was as if the bar was trying to drown out the sounds of everything else happening...with Journey. I thought you don't play Journey until the end of the night when everyone in the bar is wasted on Miller Lite and Yager Bombs and having sing-alongs? It was 8 PM on a Friday. OK. So we're standing in front of the giant chalk board, and I felt a wave of disappointment flood me. The beer selection was a joke. Typical domestic beers that I can pick up at a Convenient. There was absolutely nothing special about their offerings. The "cocktail" selection was even worse. All the martinis and cocktails were sugar-y drinks that are often made to be so sweet, that upon your first sip it beings to rot your teeth out. You know the kind. Appletini's, Spritetini's, cotton candy-chocolate-swedish fish-marshmallow-tini's. Because I guess we don't like the taste of alcohol around here! We didn't even bother buying drinks. They get one star for aesthetics. This is just another bar trying to carbon copy other "gastropubs" that are cropping up in the area. No thought put into beverage selection other than "this is what sells around here." read more

This place is way above average for a bar in Wilkes-Barre. They have an extensive beer offering, and the decor is pretty cool. I understand that it is owned by Rodanos next door, but they do not have the same offerings. I did eat while there and had Jamaican Jerk chicken flatbread. It was really tasty, and reasonably priced. My friend had wings and said they were really good. I believe that because the bar is priced for "working" adults, it keeps the college crowd away. I wasn't there late, but the crowd was not dominated by college students. Overall I would not hesitate to come back for drinks or food. I recommend making it a stop if your in Downtown Wilkes-Barre. read more

Solid selection of local and craft beers on draft and in bottles. We went for lunch on a Sunday during football season, and were able to watch games on multiple screens in a setting that wasn't too loud or overwhelming. I enjoyed the tortellini and spinach soup and the caprese flatbread. The soup was light and flavorful. The flatbread was fresh and light, with a great balsamic glaze. My boyfriend got the Davey Burger - a burger baked inside of a soft, chewy dough. This was a tasty twist on a regular burger, and certainly worth checking out. read more

Great spot to hit before and after a show at Kirby center. They have simple but tasty menu and the service and staff were freinds fast and experience enjoyable. The cocktails were ok but beer selection was great. Not much to offer in Wilkes-Barre but if you need a spot to pregame for a show you can't the convenience of this place. read more

Franklin's - Big cocktails! - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Optimistic when we walked in, nice beer menu. 15 minutes later, my wife's medium rare hamburger was well done, but server does not come back till 15 minutes after food is served. Either rookie, overworked or simply ignorant, but not a good impression. My Caesar salad had the root still attached....never saw that before. When my wife asked why root would be served..waitress simply ran away and did not respond to inquiry. We dine often and around the country. Probably the worst waitress in 25 years, and not sure what to think about kitchen staff. Nice place for beer....if you want food....lots of better places in the Wilkes-Barre area. Weak kitchen, good beer, crap waitress in our visit. Seek better! read more

The best martinis ever! The grapefruit one is my favorite martini I ever had! Food is excellent also, They don't skimp on ingredients and it's obvious! read more

I just stopped in for a beer while waiting for takeout from Thai Thai. The place is minimalistic when it comes to decor, but overall not bad. I like the "vintage industrial" vibe. Service was friendly and price for a beer was acceptable. They have quite a few beers on draught, but not really anything exceptional. Sort of a mishmash of beers. In January, they still had at least one fall beer on tap. The biggest downside to this place for me is that it allows smoking, and it smelled like it. I haven't tried the food. The menu looked like standard bar offerings. I wouldn't eat here though when there are good non-smoking places nearby with better beer selections. read more

Excellent place to hang out, great list of beers (very cold) the food is quality and yummy. Matt the manager is a quality and service focused. We will be back! read more

Franklin's - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

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Awesome spot for food and drinks. I come here regularly and it is hands down the best place to go for 30's crowd. I highly recommend the $5 burger night on Thursdays! read more

My husband and I came to town (from Binghamton) for a show at the Kirby center. And let me tell you we have not had service this good since we left Las Vegas. They where busy but the whole staff was on it. Usually Bartenders stick to the the guest at the bar. But you can tell here the staff all work at a team. The food was coming out of the kitchen quick. The bartender came out to refill drinks. I was just so impressed. The food was good too. The poutine was the best i have had. I had the fried chicken sandwich, but would try something else if we ever find our self there. My husband had the cheese steak and loved it. read more

This is a very comfortable watering hole for n public square. Bartenders always friendly and attentive. While it is a smoking bar (yuk) the ventilation works well. It doesn't smell like a wet ashtray. Good variation of patrons of all ages. read more

Ugh. I've tried to visit here a few times but my friends and I just can't deal with the cigarette smoke and walk out pretty quickly. It has so much potential if they would just do away with it. Many people have told me it's what is keeping them away from visiting. I think they'd be much busier if they changed that one thing. Maybe just allow it on the sidewalk patio area? Just a thought... read more

I love the burgers here. The portions are very generous and I really enjoyed their house bbq sauce

Very nice modern atmosphere. Staff was welcoming and greeted us immediately. Urban environment. Food was well prepared and tasted delicious. Originally from Wilkes-Barre and visiting, Franklin's atmosphere reminded me of the hip places like Soho in NY or Adams Morgan/Chinatown Washington, D.C. read more

Franklin's - Franklin's Modern Look - Bars Near Me - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

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I was in town for a concert Wednesday night. My girlfriend and I came in before the show for drinks and a quick bite. Excellent drink selection, great service, and the food was incredible! We did the soft pretzel and the pork quesadilla. We enjoyed it so much that we came back for lunch the following day. We had a cheese steak which was very good and the sweet and salty sandwich which was absolutely incredible. Highly recommend! read more

A really good bar that is a good change of pace from rodanos. Cool drinks and a nice open air atmosphere. If you complain about cigarette smoke maybe you shouldn't go out to any bars at all because it's perfectly legal and socially acceptable to smoke in a bar. (I don't smoke at all) read more

Nice decor. Very clean.... wish I knew it was smoking before deciding to come here... I can't stand the smell but put up with it to have a couple beers and an appetizer (pulled pork nachos... nothing spectacular). Nice addition to the square read more