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    The Franklin Room

    4.3 (633 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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    THE FRANKLIN ROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Franklin Room

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    Mango Cheesecake
    Mark T.

    Instagram sent me, not via an influencer, but a very alluring ad. If I were to book a reservation then and there, I could get an Old Fashioned made with Colonel E.H. Taylor for a lower price. Sold! I made a reservation and stopped in that week (if not that very day). The Old Fashioned was fantastic! It had strong whiskey notes without hitting you with a wall of spirit the way a Manhattan, for example, does. The other additions of bitters and syrup did a perfect job rounding the cocktail out, adding sweet and savory notes. As much as I love variety, I loved it so much, I ordered two! I can't lie and say this wasn't at least in part due to the reduced price, that notwithstanding, me ordering two of the same is some of the highest, non-verbal praise one could get from me. For a main, I had the opportunity to try the burger, a special only available 5:00 - 6:30, and mind you I eked in by the skin of my teeth. Before I attempt to break this down, though, I need to take a slight tangent: Do any of you remember the quote from The Menu where Anya Taylor-Joy says: "A real cheeseburger. Not some fancy, deconstructed, affluent b***s***, a *real* cheeseburger."? I am pleased to report the burger here was somewhere between Chef Slowik's "very traditional cheeseburger" and the one Taylor Joy describes! In other words, just fancy enough to feel like I am getting a unique, creative, well thought out dish, but without all the pomp and circumstance! There's just one little problem: as soon as I bit into it, the juices erupting from within soaked the bottom bun, and turned it into a fork and knife affair with an unseen level of precision and speed. Very regrettably, this was the burger's undoing. That first, heavenly bite that had angels singing showed what the burger was really made of (and I mean this figuratively and literally). The beef was of the highest quality, well-seasoned, cooked medium and juicy, with a perfect sear that would have Louis Camille Maillard crying tears of joy. Two types of cheese (one being crisp and airy, the other thoroughly gooey and savory), the perfect amount of bacon, moisture and flavor from a tempura tomato, and divine sauces! One of them was a little sweet, which elevated the flavor like no one's business. Together, all these flavors were a symphony that could give Beethoven a run for his money. However, that unfortunate fact that the thing fell apart so quickly meant that symphony was limited to one bite, the rest being encountered piecemeal. I would rather skip fries than skip dessert (which I did), and ordered the Mango cheesecake. Such velvety perfection! Neither the sweetness nor the mango notes were overpowering, and while it didn't have the crust of a traditional cheesecake, the more gentle variant here absolutely works. I also appreciated the tart sorbet to offer some contrast in flavor, temperature, and texture. Now, let me talk about the service. Given that the restaurant was at capacity, the bar service and speed to get my items was reasonable. Could it hypothetically have been just a touch faster/more attentive? Yes, but in practice, when you have a full house, this is as good as it can get before robots take over. Finally, there is the matter of prices. There is no doubt in my mind that the quality is up there, at the same time, the reason I skipped the side of fries was it would have set me back $11. I suppose the real question is whether or not the quality equals the price, and after some reflection, I think the answer is yes, but one must be prepared for the sticker shock ahead of time. That said, the final verdict: The Franklin Room absolutely delivers on an all-around fantastic meal. I think whatever you order will be in the 90th percentile, at worst! However, this comes at a cost. Therefore, I would love to return to the Franklin Room, but it would likely be more a very occasional treat than a place where I'd be a regular.

    Lamb Chops
    Allisen J.

    Awesome experience right in the neighborhood. Fabulous drinks (carrot, ginger vodka cocktail), rich & beautifully presented food, and vibey ambience. Never knew I needed lamb chops as an app but here we are and now I will expect them on the apps at other places! Perfect bite size and great cut. Mains were so good and everyone was so happy with their choices. Presentation was BEAUTIFUL and flavors were rich without being overbearing. Service was great and brought out a birthday dessert for my boyfriend! They have an awesome loyalty program, so definitely sign up for that to earn points/$! We just moved to the neighborhood and this will definitely be a neighborhood favorite, especially in winter months.

    Aviation cocktail
    Isha J.

    Always a great time catching up with friends at The Franklin Room. The ambiance and lighting is lovely, and I was able to snag a reservation for 3 on a Friday night pretty last minute. We enjoyed the Taro Fries and oysters for food, and the Healthy Habit and Malbec for drinks. The favorite for the whole group was definitely the desserts - the mango cheese cake is incredible and I would love to come back again for that. We also enjoyed the chocolate crunch dessert.

    Marinated Butchers Steak
    David Y.

    food: steak was good, wish there was more portions but the flavors are there, mango cheesecake was perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with the sherbert service: super nice staff, gave my friend a free dessert for birthday ambiance: good atmosphere, definitely gets busy so can be hard to hear at times

    Christy C.

    Delicious drinks and amazing service in a cozy, classy atmosphere! Our server was both friendly and knowledgeable and our drinks were great! I always love when I can get a great aviation and this is a good spot for that. On my list to come back to when I'm in town next!

    Chocolate Crunch
    Nolan F.

    1. Chocolate Crunch - Feuilletine, dark chocolate mousse, mascarpone, meringue, praline hazelnut, choco crumble 2. Marinated Butchers Steak - Chimichurri, fried plantain, bearnaise 3. FR Wagyu Burger - mishama reserve, wagyu beef bacon, cheese basque, tomato tempura, bourbon miso, pickle 4. Miso Salmon - Pickled cauliflower, salmon croquette, zucchini, miso beurre Blanc, ikura, red vein sorrel Experience was a mixed bag of good quality and confusing combo of ingredients but nothing bad. Butchers steak was very flavorful and lean but tender. The plantains and bearnaise 'foam-y sauce?' didn't complement the steak imo. I didn't try my brother's salmon but he didn't seem to dislike it. We shared the (limited time) Wagyu Burger. It was tasty but again, a confusing combo of ingredients that's lost on me. IMO, the chef is trying too hard to elevate his food but again, nothing was bad. Chocolate crunch was simple, perfectly executed, and my favorite dish of the night. I love a small menu. Waiter was friendly. I wish service included wiping down our table in-between courses. Classy interior design.

    Wagyu Steak Tartare
    Alison A.

    Very pretty and dark vibes inside. I got the tartare and thought it was pretty good and refreshing

    French 75
    Crissie H.

    I went in solo (work travels). They require you sit at the bar if you're alone, even if you don't want to. That aside, food was amazing and I ended up having a wonderful chat about books with the bartender, who told me about a speakeasy around the corner I checked out! But seriously - give solo diners more options/dignity and not force us to have the bar as the only option. It wasn't busy...

    Tortellini
    Kate H.

    Holy moly! This place is a bit of a hidden gem, but don't sleep on it! Came here with a friend for dinner and everything was impressive. We shared the tuna crudo, tortellini, branzino, and broccolini. The tortellini was by far my favorite (it literally just melts in your mouth!) but it was all good. The flavor on the tuna crudo was also incredible, and it was super light. On Mondays, they do 1/2 price bottles of wine. We really wanted to try their old fashioned, but once we discovered a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the menu, we couldn't pass that up (you don't normally see those on restaurant wine menus)! Andrew, our server, was excellent. He was friendly and attentive without hovering, and gave us great advice on the menu. I would definitely request to sit in his section the next time I come. It does have a speakeasy vibe, but in a cozy way. It's lower lit, lots of candles, and not overly large inside. When we sat down it was pretty quiet, though it picked up a bit as we sat there. It never got overly loud, though. I will definitely be back, and soon!

    Marinated Butcher's Steak, Truffled Tuna Crudo, Pasta Al Pesce
    Julie V.

    We had a last-minute change in dinner plans and discovered The Franklin Room on Yelp! Even without a reservation, we got lucky and snagged a table. The place was fully booked, but someone didn't show up, and the host kindly seated us. The restaurant had an almost speakeasy feel, tucked away somewhat underground. We ordered the truffled tuna crudo, pasta al pesce, and marinated butcher's steak. There was a bit of a wait between the starters and mains. The truffled tuna crudo was incredible - rich and flavorful. Both of our main courses were delicious: the seafood pasta was full of flavor, and the steak was tender and juicy. Overall, we really enjoyed the elegant atmosphere and great food!

    Marinated Butchers Steak
    Teresa H.

    Came on NYE and had a lovely time! My husband and I shared the crab cake special, steak and broccolini and all were really incredible. Service was quick and friendly and the aesthetics were spot on for a somewhere in between casual and classy NYE. My only complaint is that tables in the high top area w a shared booth wall are VERY close together. When someone at the next table had to get up they were touching our table- we actually ended up chatting with them as they overheard our discussion about the menu. In our case this was not the end of the world, but not the best setup if you want any conversational privacy.

    Strawberry lychee red wine gelato
    Carina L.

    Went in for another solo date and still as great as the first one. The bar seats makes the slightly upscale interior less intimidating/more approachable going in alone The mixologist was a great conversationalist, he knew exactly when to check in / leave me be (to savor the truffle tortellini). The drink he made me was sensational (off menu so I can't even order it again ) and honestly why I love letting mixologists choose my drink/design a drink for me. The only reason I'm taking off a star here is the portion sizes for the food - definitely on the smaller size for an entree.

    Wagyu Steak Tartare
    Michelle C.

    The food presentation, drinks, service, ambiance, and the flavor of everything were all great!! We celebrated a friend's birthday here, and the staff was incredibly accommodating. What we ordered: - Wagyu steak tartare: I'm usually not a fan of steak tartare, but this one was SO GOOD. I still remember the mustardy taste and the garnish. Perfection. Definitely ordering this again. - Spicy bourbon mussels: Delicious! The sauce was great, and we had plenty of bread on the side to dip in it. - Wild mushroom tartine: As a mushroom fan, I loved this dish. The mushrooms soaked up all the sauce, adding a good texture. - Bristol Bay scallops: These looked as good as they tasted I will definitely be coming back here. It's the perfect spot for celebrations and date nights.

    Wagyu Burger

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    Page 1 of 16

    The Franklin Room Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Franklin Room

    Can a child go there and eat early in the evening?

    I don't think so, but there's a restaurant before you enter the speakeasy, more like a pool hall joint though.

    It's a subterranean restaurant- do they have an elevator?

    I enjoyed the grand entrance coming down the stairs but I'm sure an establishment like The Franklin Room would have accommodations for disabled. Don't miss out on the experience, call to check!! Enjoy!!

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    The Berkshire Room

    The Berkshire Room

    4.1
    (475 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    The Berkshire Room is one of my favorite speakeasies in Chicago. While they offer a fantastic…read morecocktail menu and a full bar, I almost always order The Dealer's Choice. You simply choose your preferred spirit, flavor profile, and glassware, then let the mixologist create something just for you. It's one of my favorite cocktail experiences in the city, and they've never steered me wrong. What I especially appreciate is how knowledgeable the bartenders are. They're always happy to offer recommendations if you're unsure what to order, but they're equally excited to create something completely unique if you're feeling adventurous. Watching them craft each drink is part of the experience. I've even hosted a birthday gathering here in their private side room, where we enjoyed charcuterie boards alongside our cocktails. If you're just stopping in for drinks, though, I'd recommend grabbing dinner beforehand, as the food offerings are fairly limited. More often than not though, you'll find me sitting right at the bar. I love watching the bartenders showcase their craft and chatting with them about the incredible selection of spirits they have on hand. It's a great spot for anyone who genuinely appreciates well-made cocktails and the artistry behind them. I'm also a member of their loyalty program, which is well worth joining. It can be used at The Berkshire Room as well as several other excellent restaurants, making it an easy way to earn rewards while exploring some great dining spots around the city. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a sophisticated place to unwind, The Berkshire Room consistently delivers. I'll definitely be back for another Dealer's Choice soon! #YelpEliteSquad

    I added a photo and was surprised to see I've never reviewed this popular cocktail spot. I've been…read morea handful of times over the years, as it's a solid standby in River North. Tucked away in the Acme hotel, the vibe is loungey with plenty of different types of seating. We came around midnight on a Friday and it was packed but we managed to find a cozy corner. For drinks, I've always enjoyed their "Dealer's Choice", which is a fun novelty. However, on my latest visit I decided to try the Frijolito ($18), which was basically a spin on an espresso martini but with mezcal. Wow! Perfectly balanced, unique, and delicious. For food, they offer some "bites" but I've not tried them. Our server was fine, nothing special. I can't remember ever having bad service here.

    Photos
    Trust the mixologist - your Dealer's Choice cocktail is in good hands
    Trust the mixologist - your Dealer's Choice cocktail is in good hands
    Host your next event at this speakeasy cocktail and whiskey bar in River North!
    Host your next event at this speakeasy cocktail and whiskey bar in River North!
    Bar

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    Bar
    Theory

    Theory

    4.1
    (986 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Came here during NBA playoffs with a friend, and it was packed inside and outside, but somehow we…read moregot seated right away. We ordered cocktails, couple beers, and the sweet potato tots, and the portion size was really generous. We came after dinner so it felt more like a bar food situation, though they do have real food on the menu too. Even with how busy it was, the staff way so efficient and checked on us often. The whole vibe was so much fun with TVs everywhere (see the pictures I attached) and the entire bar cheering for the same team. First time here and I'd definitely come back.

    This is the second year we came into Theory to attend the Champions League watch party, and Theory…read morekeeps proving to me why I enjoy coming over to this bar for large games. There were a lot of TVs all around the bar, so you won't be tilting your head back to watch the game from any angle. Our server was new, but she did a great job with taking everyone's orders and also being very upfront about saying she will ask about the drafts on tap so she can give us an accurate drink selection. The food from Theory never disappoints. Last year, I had the Theory Burger and was delighted by how good it was. This year, I tried the Challah French Toast and it was pleasantly delicious. The Mac and Cheese was also a solid choice, and for $8, they provided a good amount of food! And that Chicken Parm Egg Roll...wow they were so good!! I was skeptical from the name, but this was like having a pizza roll but in egg roll form The only reason I am giving this place 4 stars is because Theory has severely up charged for the Champions League. I recall last year a reservation was $5/person, but this year they charged $15/person. For this reason, we came in at 9AM opening time for an 8-person table and were able to get one without having to pay the reservation fee. I really like how organized Theory is though, as a sports bar. Service has always been great and I may come again for another game!

    Photos
    Having a good time!
    Having a good time!
    Theory
    Theory

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    Il Porcellino

    Il Porcellino

    4.4
    (1.8k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Il Porcellino has been around for ten years, but my lovely wife and I finally visited this…read morerestaurant on Hubbard Street to enjoy the Happy Hour specials. We had visited Florence last year, and one of the numerous wonderful moments of our trip to Italy was seeing "Il Porcellino" - the lucky bronze boar fountain that draws tourists from around the world. A copy of the boar stands proudly near the entrance of the restaurant, and though it is not as old as the original 1634 sculpture, it was a charming reminder of our amazing Italian holiday. Did I mention that the weekday Happy Hour (4-6PM) specials are quite good? The specials are served only at the bar area, so you might have to wait a few minutes for available seating. We started with some drinks, including two kinds of Negroni. The wild mushroom arancini (5 little balls for $6) were the smallest I've tried, but they were creamy and melt-in-your mouth delicious. The whipped ricotta and jam beautifully served on a strip of toasty focaccia was a unique taste sensation. Prime beef meatballs and short rib sliders on toasted ciabatta bread also hit the spot. Even though we were merely dining at the bar, we enjoyed the overall vibe of the restaurant. There are lots of photos on the walls, interesting lighting from the ceiling, nice serving dishes, and servers who seem to know who their regular diners are. We look forward to returning to Il Porcellino, to bask in that indescribable feeling of being in Italy again.

    Every time we make a trip to Chicago, Il Porcellino is a mandatory stop. We've eaten at a lot of…read moreItalian restaurants over the years, and this one keeps us coming back again and again. It's one of those places that you find yourself talking about long after the meal is over. The garlic bread alone is worth the visit. They pour what feels like a gallon of garlic butter over it, and somehow it's still never enough. It's rich, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. We order it every single time and would probably be disappointed if we didn't. The real star of the show, though, is the lasagna. Between the two of us, we've had lasagna at countless restaurants, and nothing has come close to this one. It's hands down the best lasagna we've ever had. Perfect layers, incredible flavor, and the kind of comfort food that makes you want to savor every bite. Their Grey Goose espresso martini is also unmatched. We've tried espresso martinis all over Chicago, and this one is still our favorite. It's smooth, perfectly balanced, and the ideal way to start or end the meal. The atmosphere is another reason we love coming here. The restaurant is gorgeous inside, with a dark, moody vibe that makes it feel special without being stuffy. It's the perfect date night spot whether you're celebrating something or just looking for a great night out together. If you're visiting Chicago and love Italian food, Il Porcellino is a must. Great food, amazing drinks, beautiful ambiance, and a meal you'll be thinking about long after you've left. We make a point to visit every time we're in town, and it never disappoints.

    Photos
    Dining room/Bar
    Dining room/Bar
    Grilled Calamari
    Grilled Calamari
    Burrata Lasagna

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    Burrata Lasagna

    The Franklin Room - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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