The Franklin Room Reviews

I do not have many "go to" places, but the Franklin Room is definitely one of them. I've probably been here 9-10 times over the past year and it never disappoints. The whiskey collection is outstanding and their bartenders take great pride in making you a drink you'll love. I'll try some of the various whiskey drinks on their menu, but seem to come back to a traditional Old Fashioned or their signature Remember the Maine. The food here is wonderful too. Most recently I had the venison chops. Great preparation and cooked perfectly medium. In the past I've had the Oysters (only $1 during happy hour), the fish and chips, lamb shank and short ribs. All were excellent and I'd order again. You might try the pork belly too!

Great Restaurant and superb cocktails. Amazing atmosphere and a good starting point for the night ;) Nice employes but be carefull concerning recommandations.

These guys know good drinks. It really is a great bar. If you are looking first for a high quality drink and then some high quality food this place nails it. The feel is classic chicago to me as well. If you talk with the staff they are dedicated and care about what they are doing. The even acknowledge that they have had to really improve their food game and that had been a big challenge for them in their first year. They seem to be great people who I am sure are continually serving better and better fare. Love this place!

Imaginative drinks and cuisine. Did not break the bank ordering the small plates and desserts Highly recommended.

We did not eat here but would like to return to try out the menu- looked interesting. However we did go in for a drink and it was a great experience - kind of an old world place- very pretty, very classic. Great drinks and friendly bartender - a great find.

this restaurant is located in the basement of a taller building with a pub-like feel. They are open at lunch monday - friday, closed for a few hours and then reopened at dinner. Specials are $1 glasses of wine at lunch with a minimum food order. At happy hour, they offer $1 oysters.

This is a fun casual spot for dinner and drinks. The whiskey selection is special and the food is very good. We were with a group and the service was good, the food was very good and the vibe was fun. I had a ruben which was very tasty and knife and fork needed.

You HAVE to go! Amazing oysters, fish, chicken. But of course, the drinks are the BEST! And we've been everywhere. Josh is amazing. Beautiful cocktails, natural Falcons, best ambiance. You just need to go.

Excellent choice for business and private events. We were a bigger party, good service and staff, enjoyed the quality of food overall as well as the wide variety and collection of Whiskey products.

Seated promptly even we were a bit early for our reservation on a busy Saturday evening. Excellent waitstaff. Companion had a wonderful black rice risotto with asparagus, mushrooms and shrimp. My rosemary chicken salad was great, too. Excellent wine list and great coffee to end the meal. Will definitely visit again.

This is a charming little spot below street level that has a wonderful range to the menu. Our server Eleni was knowledgeable and quite helpful. We went after a production at the Goodman Theater and had a lovely 2 top within view of the bar tv (the Preakness was on). The restaurant has a terrific cocktail list (my wife had a couple of French 75's, while I had 2 Negronis; side note taking the train has great benefit). We began with the Cauliflower tots that were just delicious. My wife had the fried chicken while I had the braised short rib (it was fork tender and had great flavor). For dessert we shared the shortcake which was presented very differently but was absolutely light and provided just the right ending to the meal.

The Franklin Room was the second stop for me and a buddy during a weekend night out. We arrived at about 9pm and took a standing-room-only counter area near the bar, where we were served by a lovely waitress named Devin. We were game for anything and gave Devin carte-blanche to bring us two flights of 3 x 1oz tastings of various scotches and whiskys. Devin really stepped up to the plate by bringing us some of her own favorites and telling us about them - her enthusiasm made the experience! We also got an order of the cauliflower tots which were amazing.

I allowed myself to be placed next to the kitchen, which was my first mistake. The tables are too small and too close together and, horror of horrors for me, it's a place popular with 20-somethings. This means I was elbow to elbow with mumbling, mouth-breathing young men and loud, nasal, up-talk, vocal fry, valley girl-type young women who used the word "Like" as modifiers, verbs, nouns, and everything else. What a room full of afflicted, vapid, hopeless nincompoops. The staff, too, is very young and, consequently, clueless about proper service. One assumes they learned their trade at Dennys. Constant check-ins to see if the food is all right. Forcing the plate into your face instead of catching your attention if you're busy over the tiny table. It's the same everywhere. Who trains these people? Because I was near the kitchen, I had to face an endless parade of surly, Hispanic busboys calling to each other in rapid-fire Spanish. I ordered the venison chops with a house salad, and I have to admit that the food was rather good, though the portions were a bit small, and the presentation, pretentious. Indeed, the entire restaurant reeks of pretention. Children playing at grown-up things. The food was good. The atmosphere, abysmal

My new favorite place, nice and whiskey beer collection. the waitress was nice and the food was awesome as well

First of all, make reservations at The Franklin Room by calling or booking online, it gets crowded quickly. On Franklin Street in the River North District, with a walk down a significant flight of stairs required to get to the dining room, but it's worth the exercise. A sort of speakeasy, the food is outstanding, with a full bar and a long list of quality whiskeys. They offer whiskey, wine and food specials, including oysters, east and west coast. Clams are excellent and portions provided are amazingly plentiful. Live jazz on Saturday nights, 10-12. Be aware of the size of whiskey pours per order and pricing. Pay attention to the whiskey menu if ordering a special whiskey. Some pours are sized and priced to be among a whiskey flight with a 1-ounce pour. Or you can order a double shot, but the price of course doubles. A quarter-bottle is also available and is probably the best way to go if you're going to have a few on the rocks or neat. Large wine and beer lists also available.

This place is legit. I had the fish and chips, michters rye, and key lime pie. Everything was great. Service, atmosphere, food, drinks, dessert all on point.

A great place to have a quiet business lunch with good food and no blaring TV's!. There were some very creative dishes and usual lunch food as well. The service was great and prices reasonable. All this and not pretentious either!

Came here to celebrate a birthday. I made reservations about 2 hours prior in the middle of the week and had no issues. The place seemed busy for a weekday. The seating was somewhat crowded but nothing uncomfortable. I think the next time we visit we'll ask to sit at one of the high tables. We ordered calamari and crab dip for appetizers. Both were pretty good. We didn't know the crab dip had onions in it but it wasn't anything overwhelming. I ordered the surf and turf burger. The burger was delicious and a pretty big serving size. It comes on a pretzel bun which was pretty good but I'd prefer a different bun. My boyfriend ordered the lamb chop. The chop was a big serving but the side that comes with it may not get you too full. It was good that we ordered appetizers. For dessert we ordered the apple dish. Definitely worth ordering. As far as drinks, I recall trying the 18th Century. (I think) definitely a drink to try. The service was great! Our cups never sat empty and empty dishes were quickly removed from the table. They have an oyster special that we unfortunately missed but I plan on returning just for that. Nice place to hang out with friends for some drinks and bites.

We had the best waitress - she explored what we were looking for and brought up flights of whiskey and food that was just perfect.

We went here for a team dinner while in town for a conference. They sat 15 of us and did a great job hosting the large group. The drinks were all amazing and I personally had the Franklin Old Fashioned ($20) but seems to be like 2 and a half drinks instead of one. It tasted both sweet but had a good spice to it as well. We ordered some appetizers which were good, favorite being their take on Poutine. I ordered the lamb shank with grits and was not thoroughly impressed given the cost. It lacked any real spice, the best thing on the plate turned out being the combination of the vegetables and grits. The location is very cool and they have one of the largest offerings of whiskey, bourbon, and rye I've seen.

All the food we had was super amazing! I would definitely return and recommend!!! We were pleasantly surprised that the food was that delicious!

We ordered the cheese curds appetizer, bacon cheeseburger, and a few alcoholic drinks. Everything was absolutely delicious! The ambiance of the restaurant was great and the staff were very friendly. Would definitely recommend!

This place was a few blocks from our hotel. My friend and I each ordered the chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun with waffle fries. It had a great mix of flavors and a serious crunch. While I wasn't in the mood for drinks, my friend ordered the Papa Doble drink. It was a light and tasty drink. This place has an extensive drink menu. The prices were what I would expect from Chicago, not too expensive. It is somewhat loud, but I really liked the atmosphere. It appeals to everyone. I would definitely come here again.

This was our first visit. Pay at the box street parking is available right in front. We (two couples) were seated promptly per our 6 PM reservation. Once you enter, you walk down a short flight of steps to the sub-level where the restaurant is. The decor is dark and brown, but with well-lit tables so you can read the menus. It's a bit noisy on the main floor by the bar; not so loud that conversation was hard, but our waiter had to speak loudly to be heard. Although the dinner menu is "tapas-like" with an assortment of smaller and larger fare, it's really not, and we didn't order especially wisely, opting for the three Boards (Meat, Cheese and Smoked Fish), a Snack (Crispy Calamari), Oysters Rockefeller, and, although not on the dinner menu, a Cheeseburger. In retrospect, the food is so good, we're sorry we didn't order a Larger Fare selection. The calamari are excellent; a generous portion of lightly breaded, crisply fried calamari with a house tartar sauce we consumed all of. The three Boards were also very good, we especially liked the smoked trout pate, smoked salmon and the barolo, a spicy chorizo-like pate. The cheeseburger, although my wife requested medium-rare, arrived medium, but was very good and we especially liked the waffle potato fries. Our friend didn't care for the Oysters Rockefeller; she said they weren't what she expected, and she's had them at other restaurants. We're in our 60's, don't drink a lot, but the Franklin Room has a huge selection of whiskey and other types of alcoholic drinks. I did opt for a Lagunitas Pils, the only lager beer I could identify, and was amazed how good it was. It's replaced Shiner Bock in my beer preference list. Wines by the glass seemed a bit pricey. We glanced at the dessert menu; I was intrigued by the banana split deconstructed, but in the end, we didn't get anything else. Service was very good. Our waiter was unobtrusive, replenishing bread for the Boards without being asked. Our water glasses were always filled.

Take a step back to a time where whiskey and bourbon was reserved for the commissioners of this magnificent beverage. Step into the Franklin Room, a delicious location where well dressed patrons, business titans and foodies gather to talk, mingle and indulge the sensory in an olfactory heaven. We were there to celebrate my husband birthday and of course the whiskey. Reservations are encouraged and upon arrival you understand. Either you know about this place or you don’t....I’m so glad we do. Our server gave us an overview and menus, as we asked questions we were mesmerized by whiskeys named Bat Masterson,Lock Stock & Barrel, Longrow and Ledaig just to name a few. Our selections exceeded our expectations as we inhaled, oohhh and ahhhh over the aromatics and the ambience. We ordered a delicious risotto and they surprised my husband with key lime pie which was light and flavorful. The staff near and around stopped to wish my husband a happy birthday and that little touch made it special. Go for the experience, stay for the whisky go back for the indulgence.

I was visiting from California. Looking for a place with specialty cocktails. Invited my sister and her family. We went there at 5:00 for their $1.00 oysters in their yuzu ice & house chili sauce (not spicy) and also tried the cauliflower tots. Both were a hit. My brother in law and I started out with the 18th Century cocktail. We both loved it! I moved onto the Madame Charreau really liked the cocktail. My brother in law stuck with 18th Century. I also tried the Long Train to Fresno. Another hit especially if you prefer tequila. The combination of the honey, Fresno chili, & cucumber complimented each other. Very refreshing. The dinner selections were also satisfying and delish! I had the Chilean sea bass (outstanding), my nephew had the rib eye (with a whiskey balsamic). Great choice ( I tasted it & liked it). My sister had the roasted chicken and brother in law had the fried chicken. Both enjoyed their choices. Deserts ( waffle & ice cream was good but I thought the caramel apple crisp was a better choice). The crispy caramel honeycomb was absolutely deliscious. So my family will be back! I have to wait until I my next trip back to Chicago to come again. Great service! If you're into whiskey then this place is a must for you. What a selection.

Speakeasy-vibe in lower level of a building. Menu was fantastic. Portions were huge and everything was delicious - our party had the oysters, cheese plate, wagyu tartare with quail egg, lamb shank, sea bass, burger, and Reuben. They make the best old fashioned in the city. Definitely will be back next time we're in town.

Worst experience in Chicago!!!! The waitress was great since she was alone for the whole dining room,but the manager was awful, food runner/busser was the worst he treat us really bad and drop our main course on top of our appetizer with the manager watching him, never came back to check on us, we couldn't order drinks since NO ONE came over. When I asked to talk to the manager and asked for the check he brought us the wrong tab, barely apologized. I believe they need more staff. Food was just ok. Too bad cause the place looks really cool.

The Franklin Room Cauliflower tots for appetizer The little cauliflower pieces were perfectly fried. We had a table of 6 and shared one order. The house made blue cheese had just the right blend of creaminess and blue cheese flavor without being over powering. Lamb shank dinner The plate came out looking amazing. Easily a first meal with your eyes. The lamb shank bone was perfectly white in contrast to the almost black balsamic reduction drizzled all over the plate. The meat was falling off the bone and it took no effort to remove it. The grits were creamy and smooth, I didn't care for the fennel in the meal (just a personal preference on fennel). Overall the dinner was great, great drinks for the whole group. Lovely little place in a basement with a fantastic wait staff.

Had dinner with 10 coworkers while in the city. The menu is awesome! A cool old speakeasy still with the atmosphere today. Sea bass was sensational, the old fashion drink a must try. Everything everyone ordered was fantastic. A great choice!

Brought a customer here for a business dinner. We were a few minutes early for our reservation, so we ordered drinks in the bar from a server. It took a very long time for our drinks to arrive. My colleague caught the eye of the bartender who said something to the server and it was obvious our drink order had been lost/forgotten. After several more minutes, a manager-type arrived with our drinks (one of them being made incorrectly) and stated they realized they made a mistake (no -we alerted the bartender). This is being nit-picky but it was rather awkward since we were entertaining a customer. Once seated, we ordered appetizers, and they were very good. One entree, a steak salad, was delayed as the steak was cooked incorrectly. I had asked for the dressing for my salad to be on the side and instead, it arrived in the salad. Despite these errors, the food was quite good. Our customer is a bourbon lover, and we chose this restaurant based on its bourbon selection. It does not disappoint in this area. Despite the service issues, we enjoyed ourselves. I would give this place another chance and recommend to others.

I came here for after dinner drinks on a Friday night. The list of whiskeys is tremendous and our waitress provided good descriptions of any we didn't know. I had the Willett Potstill that was very spicy and delicious. Can't wait to come back and try more bourbons. If you're a fan of the whiskey, get here.

Wonderful oysters (on happy hour!) daily. An amazing selection of whisky (as in Scotch)! The best lunch deal around. Very cozy underground venue, better for winter than summer. Staff are always good.

I loved the food presentation, ambience and of course the food. First time guest, and wanted a quite lunch away from tourists and any crowd, perfect spot for all of the above. They have happy hour $2 martinis, I believe, however I didn't pay attention to drinks menu that was separate. Started out with calamari for an appetizer and since table was close to kitchen, I decided sandwiched where so super huge, I better go with lunch special of half sandwich and had mushroom soup. I had the pastrami and my date had the rueben with salad. Everything was delicious!!! We saved room for dessert and split a 'waffle and ice scream', oh my god!!! There are no words to how amazing it was, gorgeous presentation on everything and I don't want to think about all the calories but well with it. I can't wait to go back!!! Near train station, brown line, Chicago stop, walk south on Franklin under the train track, two blocks on your left. You will love the food and appreciate the presentation. Have dessert even if you have to have a smaller entree.

The food, the atmosphere, the staff! This place is worth both a detour and a long evening to enjoy everything!

In Chicago, you must go to a speakeasy, or at least a tavern/restaurant patterned after one. The Franklin Room is an outstanding choice for either food, beverage or both. Full bar, with a specialty of whiskeys, a list of specialty drinks, and many different beers, including "Miller High Life" in the original clear bottles! Staff are outstanding, friendly, courteous, prompt, and helpful. Suggestion, to go early is better. The smallish room has lots of seating but fills up fast. Dollar oysters every evening 5 to 6:30, and delicious mussels in a bourbon whiskey milo, with toasted french style bread. We enjoyed a lot of small dishes, including the two just mentioned, as well as shrimp cocktail, and steak tartare....outstanding. Try their delicious soups, including cream of mushroom. And a dessert of apple crisp with chef-made ice cream to die for. Larger meals are also very much available, small plates or large plates. Check out the menu at their website. Great place to unwind while enjoying wonderful hospitality, great food and drink. This is a "go-to" type place. Reservations definitely recommended anytime.

I have eaten at The Franklin room multiple times and enjoyed it each time. Had a duck sausage last visit and it was wonderful. Had a portabello mushroom sandwich the first time. The menu has a great selection of sandwiches, appetizers, small dishes and full entrees. Also appears to have a great bar and whiskey selection, although I haven't been there for drinks yet. Restaurant is downstairs and I have not seen an elevator.

we went here for dinner last weekend ,, had the mussels, and the wagyu burger ,, wife had the Rueben all three were good will go back

Awesome place - great service, wonderful cellar setting, amazing selection of whiskies, and some very good food (I had the scallops, which were perfectly cooked and delicious). Highly recommended.

This place seems to always have a good size crowd, and can be difficult to secure a table as a walk-in especially during lunch and happy hour. That said, it's well worth it! I went for lunch and found inexpensive "lunch specials" cocktail, beer and wine prices, and some good food options. Nicely rounded menu and some awesome specials during their happy hour. Strongly suggest stopping here to enjoy the atmosphere and very good service.

Went on a recommendation. Was not disappointed. What a great experience. Please sit at the bar to start the evening off. Watching the mixologist is a treat. Don't forget to enjoy some food as well. You will not be disappointed.

We tried the Franklin Room for the first time in April for my husband's birthday. After our awesome dinner we decided to visit again in October for our anniversary. This place is a gem! The happy hour oysters is where it's at! On our first visit we ordered a half-dozen and on the second visit a full-dozen. If I lived closer I would probably stop by once a week for the happy hour oysters. I'm not a whiskey drinker but they do have a good selection of craft beers and the food is outstanding. On both visits the atmosphere and the service was great, I can't wait to bring more of our friends and family!

Almost didn't review this phenomenal spot thinking it will contribute to a future table wait but then I thought it's not fare for you all not to know how extraordinary this place is. First of all, the dishes are exuberant in taste and size. You will go home satisfied and happy you came in. And they have healthy options too! The inviting decor with custom upholstery and metal work among hundreds of whiskey selections (yes. I'm a chick who is new to Bourbon and I love it) make this the perfect spot for a relaxed evening. Their salad with egg is my favorite on earth (and I've traveled around the world). Caviar, bone marrow, shrimp pot pie, Reuben sandwich all sooooo good! Have you ever had a Bourbon Milk Shake? Yeap! They are almost orgasmic. The crowd is just how I like it. Good looking without trying too hard. If Frank Sinatra was 30 (and alive) no doubt this would be his favorite spot in Chitown.

Hubby is a huge bourbon collector so this was a dream come true. Excellent conversation with the knowledgeable server. Drinks were excellent.

So it was our last night in town and we were looking for something fun and different. A quick search online uncovered the Franklin Room. We got there around 530 on a Sunday, in time for dollar whisky menu and dollar oysters. We ordered both and through the evening added duck pate, shrimp bisque, mushroom soup, cauliflower fritters and calamari. The food was exceptional and the staff members were both efficient and knowledgeable. There was a great mix of people in the room and good energy. Also the design of the place was perfect for a whisky bar. All in all a 10 out of 10 experience and I will recommend it to anyone I know going to Chicago.

This restaurant is in a lovely subterranean setting with a great clubby atmosphere. The service was impeccable (waitress could describe in excellent detail the drinks and food). Food was fantastic (highly recommend the mussels) and the cocktails were really excellent. Would absolutely go there again.

Friendly staff that humbly knows they are great. Sea bass is excellent and whiskey of the week is a great deal. Dollar oysters special.....Every day. Awesome. Go.

Seemed a little out of the way but what a great find. The Franklin Room is compact but it packs a punch. The service was friendly, prompt if at times a little chaotic. Drinks and dinner were very tasty and left us no room for dessert - bummer! My wife ordered the pulled pork (yummy - she shared some) and I had the barbecue burger. Orders came out quickly and all at once for the 4 of us. By the time we left the place was buzzing. The bar area was packed as was the dining room. Very young crew - pre-club! We enjoyed the vibe and friendly staff. We'll be back!!!

This was a bar with a dinner menu that left me wanting. There were some unique dishes but overall, I was just not impressed. The waiter who took care of us was outstanding. The wine selection was fair. Overall, just not where I would spend my precious few days in Chicago. Locals might love it.

Service could be much better. However you cannot complain about the food. Very pricy Good atmosphere

Visited the Franklin Room after school one day with some friends for the happy hour dinner menu. Was pleasantly surprised at the $10 burger and $1-$3 dollar beer pairings. The burger was very good and came with a choice of fries that you couldn't get enough of! The tables and dining/bar area are a little on the cramped side so expect to be bumping elbows with people when it gets to be high time at this place. A great dining option right off the brown line if you're looking for some good food and beer pairings on a bit of a budget!

I loved the atmosphere here. The bar is in a basement with a thin line of windows near the ceiling. There are a number of high top tables and some booths. Early Saturday evening, the crowd seemed to be mostly people in their twenties and thirties. The food was interesting. I had a cup of shrimp bisque that was less creamy than other bisques I've had and spicy. Our server (Devan, I think) was very skilled at describing the drinks and food that was available. And the food was unusual---where else can you get a gourmet fried bologna sandwich? I also tried a puff pastry wrapped shrimp. The presentation was excellent. A very enjoyable place to eat and drink.

Ruben Sandwich, mushroom grilled cheese sound easy, they found a way to make these exceptionally delicious, fresh and unique. Service from host, bartender and server were top-notch and attentive. Highly recommended Parmesan cauliflower tots we're odd, but they grow on you.

Great vibe here! Trendy but not just trendy. The Bourbon selection is outstanding and the specialty drinks are abundant! The apps and dinner selections were very good. The prices were reasonable. Service was excellent. We made a reservation even though we were there in the early evening. The place was very busy. The do $1 oysters early and it is a great place to just have drinks and apps early or enjoy the evening there. I would recommend it.

We went for a late dinner. Lots of locals and people there grabbing drinks on a Friday night. We loved the casual vibe but elevated food. Crab dip for an appetizer, waffles for dessert, wonderful service!

My boyfriend and I had drinks and appetizers here when we visited Chicago. Cute neighborhood and easily accessed via the El. It's a great place for a date night or grabbing drinks with friends after work. Perfect service. The oysters and fried cauliflower are amazing! Also, if you get there during happy hour, oysters are only a dollar. Highly recommend this place.

When you are an oyster person and you seek out those places it is so fun to find a great one! Do not get me wrong, we like this place but it is NOISY. We have been fortunate to have the 6-top booth in the back which has kept us happy. Our last outing was just fine, the booth is tight for 6 so we put an extra chair. The food is acceptable but nothing memorable. The vibe is young and loud and pretty fun. There is no reason for us not to go back. There is no reason for you not to go. Oysters are on special for happy hours until 630pm so get there early. We always get a dozen dressed and a dozen undressed. Check the website.

Awesome wait staff - really knew their bourbons and whiskeys. Food was excellent, very flavorful. Nice seasonal selections too.

They have a great lunch special menu that we enjoyed at the bar. Fantastic sandwiches and cold beer. What else can you ask for?

went here on recommendation of a friend who is local. The atmosphere is fun, but the seating is very close together, and it is very loud. Not saying that is a negative, just be prepared if you are looking for intimate conversation. Their Moscow Mule is excellent, extremely refreshing. My date and I had a half dozen oysters on the half shell, and I really loved them, as I like smaller oysters in general. These were tasty and excellent. We also shared the burrata dish, which was very good, and a special mussels dish they had that evening, which was superb. I could not get enough, and it is what I will think of when I think of the Franklin Room. We each had the broiled fish dish, which honestly felt more pan fried, it was tasty, but in my opinion, overdone. I'm definitely glad we tried this place, but I'm not sure I will make it a destination on next trip.

I came here at the recommendation of a friend. The whiskey list was absolutely impressive and I started diving into picking out different whiskies. I was also super impressed by the list of craft beer bottles and cans. Prices are fair! The food was amazing. I had the calamari with the white sauce - amazing! For dinner I had the surf and turf burger which had wagu beef and softshell crab. Indulge yourself, this burger has a fried egg on it for added flavor. Cooked to perfection and they serve it with pretty good waffle fries, Peter Kim at the bar did an amazing job of taking care of my group. We can't wait to come back.

Wow we went to sample the whiskey but have to say this place was incredible. Loved the ambiance and our service was fantastic. The food from appetizer to dessert was superb- the cheese platter, steak frites, Chilean Sea Bass to hamburger to key lime pie Especially loved the flight of Whiskey from Islay. Also not a bad walk from the train in the city. Good to check out the menu online as they are a tad pricey.

This was our first visit to Chicago and our son raved about this place and rightfully so! Fabulous cocktail menu, experienced mixologists will even make one just based on your preference for a certain liquor. The FR Old Fashioned while pricy was truly a taste sensation experience!! Happy Hour oysters were $1.00 each and sweet Chinoks from Va. Which I enjoyed with a blushing pink French rose'.The wine list was extensive as well as the craft beers available. The menu offered both Small Plates and Dinners as well as 3 unique board selections, cheese, meat, or smoked fish. We shared a small plate of crispy calimari, tender and fried to perfection. The entrees were unique, I enjoyed an exceptional shrimp pot pie, served in a deconstructed manner. Jumbo shrimp wrapped in perfectly browned puff pastry, with the head and tail peeking out were placed before a glazed pot filled with delicious cheese sauce and noodles with peas and carrots blanketed in another layer of puff pastry. The aroma wafting from the pot invited you to open the crust and dip you shrimp in the warm golden sauce before using you fork to get the rest of the yummy goodness out . My son enjoyed one of the FR signature dishes, a Crisp Fried Chicken with Duck Gravy, while my husband had a succulent Rib Eye with their famous Whisky Balsamic sauce. After dinner sweet treat was a Bourbon Caramel Milkshake. Lively crowd, great food a truly delightful dining experience

We have been here twice and have tried a couple of the burgers, the steak frites, the French dip, and, OMG the cheese curds! The tables are a bit small and the plates kinda big and they bring the food out really fast, so you may have a crowded table situation. Next time I will try the surf & turf burger. The ambiance is cozy and cute.

Some things are great, some are so-so. First, I have to say that I LOVE the fact that the volume of music is at reasonable level. One of very few places in River North where conversation doesn’t have to be a yelling contest. 1$ glass of wine for lunch is a great deal. All the burgers are very tasty. The mixed drinks are great as well. Servers and hosts are extremely nice. The so-so thing: oysters are flavorless and on the smaller side, not really worth it the price, even as Happy Hour special. Some appetizers and sharing plates are just comical. Cheese plate consists of 3 square inch cubes of cheese. At $15 is kind of offensive… Overall, if you know what to order, this place can be very enjoyable.

The bartenders are really knowledgeable with lots of different drinks, including my fave: whisky. I had a couple of great nights trying a lot of different whiskies, including SMWS varieties. The food is also quite good. We split a few different dishes each night and everything was great.

A very intimate and totally charming bar and restaurant. Great bartenders and staff. Wonderfully fresh Seared Tuna salad. The menu has a lot of options. Enjoy an evening at this welcoming place!

I stopped by on a Sunday night, my one night in town, to find The Franklin Room was closed for a staff party, but managed to grab lunch there the next day. Had a tuna (steak) melt that rocked my world (be prepared, it's huge!! But worth it!) Discovered The Franklin Room has $1 beers between 12-2 pm (2 drink max) so tried a few tasty beers recommended by my highly personable, and very efficient waitress. I had the place to myself apart from the staff, which was fun, as I sat and admired the decor - one of my favourite aspects of this place. The Shins came on, and that topped yet another amazing visit to what is without a doubt, my fav place in Chicago for ambience, and a great pint! Good scotch collection too (she says with a wink...it's world class, ask your waitress for the binder)

Went here for birthday drinks. Has an amazing selection of whisky, and really good cocktails. It was a really good place for Friday night drinks. I would suggest making a reservation. The staff was reay nice.

Had dinner for the first time at the Franklin Room. I found it on Google and the reviews, menu and ambiance looked great. We were promptly seated at a table for two near the bar with our 7:30 reservation on a Saturday night. I would recommend reservations, as the place was very full. We were promptly served our drinks and ordered a half-dozen oysters to start the evening. The oysters arrived promptly and were served with a lemon ice, chili sauce and lemon wedges and were topped with pickled cucumber. I found the chili sauce to be a bit too much for delicate oysters. The lemon ice was perfect and added just the right amount of lemon flavor to compliment the cucumber and salty oysters. For dinner, I opted for the braised lamb shank. Dinner partner ordered the steak frites. The steal arrived medium rare, as ordered, and was accompanied with house cut fries topped with what looked like grated parmesan. The plate also had a subtle mustard sauce and whipped hollandaise. The steak was super tender and perfectly seasoned. It did not need either sauce, but was good with both. The fries were crisp and never became limp during the course of the dinner. The lamb shank was huge and fall off the bone tender. I did not need to use a knife. It was presented with perfectly cooked fingerling potatoes, carrots and a purple potato, all swimming in a subtly lamb jus. The shank had a great lamb flavor without being too strong. The vegetables and jus were perfect accompaniments to the rich lamb. The portion was huge and I could not finish all that I was served. I would highly recommend either of the entrees ordered by our table. Service was professional and swift. We were never left wanting anything. Since we were sitting so close to the bar, we had a delightful show watching the professional bar staff create the myriad of specialty cocktails offered at the Franklin Room. They work really hard to create those delicious blends. Our first visit to the Franklin Room was terrific. I would highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning on our next visit to the Windy City.

We ate at the Franklin Room to celebrate my husband’s sub-3 hour time at the Chicago Marathon. The subterranean dining room is lovely - the bar has an amazing scotch collection. I had 3 of the Royal Mai Tais. They’re delicious! Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection and our waitress was friendly and professional. We were very pleased with our meal.

We visited on a Sunday afternoon (Happy Hour + 25% off) and mentioned the 25% promotion. Was met with denial from the waitress who said that this promotion is no longer running, even though I showed her that it is live on *their* website as we speak. She then called the manager who finally came to the table to keep insisting that the promotion is indeed not running (it's still live on the website as I'm writing this review). Then he made us a huge favor and agreed to respect it, "but only this time - this won't be accepted next time!" (yeah, like we'll ever return). Mind you, we were a couple on an afternoon date. It's not like there was a huge loss trajectory on our modest bill, and well, the mistake was on their end. The food was fine but portion size was not generous. The oysters were nothing special. We did not order drinks because our mood was ruined. Then we went next door to Union for a much better Happy Hour of drinks and oysters, better ambiance, and a much friendlier service. Will not recommend the customer experience.

Stopped in here because I was looking for a place with a good whisky selection so I could try something new. It's got a speakeasy entrance so you take the stairs down to the actual restaurant and bar. You're immediately greeted by shelves upon shelves of whisky bottles. Ask to see their whisky list. They have a wide selection of whisky, both foreign and domestic. I was impressed with the selection of harder to find American craft whiskies and of course they have a range of scotches and Irish whisky. They also have Japanese, Taiwanese and others. They also have some nice whisky flights, which is always a great way to taste a range and figure out what you like or don't like. The food is delicious as well, upscale gastro pub food. The duck liver pate was fantastic. The fried bologna sandwich (which may sound disgusting) is actually really delicious and worth a try. The service was good. The bartender was a whirlwind of professionalism. He was hopping back and forth mixing drinks and ringing up new orders but he always had a minute to check in on me and the rest of the folks at the bar. Great attention to service. I'd definitely recommend this place if you're looking to hang out and drink some new whiskies. You won't be disappointed by the food either.

Cool bar for the whiskey connosieur. Other cocktails were good. Friendly wait staff. Good location near other venues.

The food was excellent. We got a crap dip which was on special that was very rich. My husband got the shrimp pot pie which he really liked. I got the fish and chips which was ok but the skin on the fish made it games and hard to eat. We got the deconstructed banana split which was surprisingly light but excellent. Overall it was a reasonably priced meal and we had a great time.

Not necessarily the largest, but the most well curated. I recommend sitting at the bar and following Peter's suggestions. The food is excellent too.

We joined another couple for dinner--this is one of their favorites. The Franklin Room mainly puts itself forth as a upscale drinkery, featuring over 300 kinds of whisk(e)ys and lots of craft cocktails. However, to our pleasant surprise, the cooking was Excellent. We started by sharing their smoked fish board (thin sliced tuna and salmon, a trout salad, and some cream cheese with salmon roe). My wife had the fish (beautifully prepared and very tasty), I had the venison chops (outstanding, but better without the too-spicy sauce that accompanied the chops and was atop the on-plate salad). Our friends had the house Reuben sandwich (enough for about three lunches), and the squid-ink pasta, which they obviously liked. The wines by the glass were good, but I'm still having trouble getting my head around one glass going for around $14. We didn't try the whisk(e)y flights, but they looked interesting. The other guy and I did each have a small scotch as a nightcap (his selection), and it was excellent. We were originally seated at a table adjoining the bar, and the noise level was hard to take (including a lot of shakers going and the inevitable over-served woman talking at the top of her lungs), but the hostess was able to find us a booth at the opposite side of the room where the noise level was OK and allowed us to converse without yelling. Our server was a treat--knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. For the four of us, the tab, with tax and tip, was about $300. Altogether a good experience, if a bit pricey.

This was our second visit to Franklin Room. Our first visit was very good, so we were looking forward to returning. Unfortunately, the second visit was nasty: the entrees were cold and greasy (one had to be sent back and got returned warm [not hot] but still greasy), the second one probably should have been sent back but I didn't want to make a big scene. The service ("Ashley K") was terrible -- completely indifferent. Never said hello, goodbye, thanks, how is everything, just annoyed to have to do the job. We will not be back to the Franklin Room for dinner, and neither should you. It is a good choice for an after-work drink, and actually the cauliflower tots are very good. But these can be easily had as an hors d'oeuvre or snack, and then you can go to a real restaurant for dinner after. It's a real shame. Franklin Room had a lot of potential but fell completely flat on the second try. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice........

We visited The Franklin Room after a day of sight seeing in Chicago. It's tucked away directly under one of the transit rails and there is a parking lot (paid) directly across the street. The atmosphere is dark mood lighting (like an upscale tavern). The tables are close together, but it's a small space so we expected that. My husband ordered the Venison Chops and I ordered the cauliflower tots. Everything was delicious and the staff was great!

We've heard about this place for some time already... The night wasn't over yet so Ubered over ... Arrived @ midnight (before our Ubercar turned into a pumpkin)... On arrival the manager looked at us and said oh no we just closed the kitchen ...but just take a seat and I'll see if I can get them to fire up the grill !!! I felt like a celebrity !! Thanks to the management of the Franklin Room for running an amazing must come back spot in My favorite restaurant City!!! See you again soon !!! Recommendations: smoked fish board / oysters on 1/2 shell / cauliflower tots - one order will not be enough!! / house made truffled fried tomato !!

Downstairs and slightly hidden, The Franklin Room is an unexpected "great find." With delicious craft cocktails, a kitchen open late (until midnight on the weekends) and delicious food, it's a great place for couples or groups. The vibe is cool and VERY energetic - it is small feeling however if you are at a table, it is quaint and great for people watching. Favorite dishes: - drumettes: perfect spicy sauce and they are huge (double the size of traditional wings) - crab dip: creamy and cheesy with a TON of crab!!

Great service, many drink selections. Whiskey flights of whatever type you want. We also had some crab dip which was delicious. Great place to come for drinks and apps.

My husband and I were in Chicago for our anniversary. One of the nights, we stopped in at The Franklin Room. What a hidden gem. I loved the speak easy feel off the place. The noise level was a bit high. But.....the Food.....and the drinks. Great place!!!! We will be back.

Found this place the day before leaving the city. Cool downstairs speakeasy with a really good menu. I had the southwest chicken salad and it was excellent! My wife had the lobster mac and cheese and really liked it! What drew me here was there whiskey 'keep' concept. Buy a bottle of high end stuff and they will hold for you and bring out every time you come back in. No charge for storing it and you can even leave a name for a friend to come and enjoy it too! I would have done it however we wont be back in Chicago for awhile. Wouod have given a 5 star rating however they seemed to be understaffed and would have liked maybe a whiskey expert on site to discuss the keep program as well some of the high end bottles they have. Still, a cool place to check out if you are in town.

We were visiting friends in Chicago for New Year's Eve and my friend reserved the Franklin Room for dinner. We went at 6:30 and they were already packed, but we had a nice big table for the 5 of us. Large drink menu with several whisky choices. Lots of yummy food choices as well. My hubby had the Chilean Sea Bass and it came out perfectly cooked. I had the grilled chicken sandwich with waffle fries. We also split the chicken drumettes and the fried cauliflower. Everything was super yummy and the service was good. Very cool, dark interior. I would definitely go again while in Chicago!

The Franklin Room is a gem on the edge of the Magnificent Mile. Gorgeously decorated, warm and inviting ambiance, excellent service, and a great menu make this a find. Their beer list is nicely curated, with numerous styles, great for posting on Untappd!

Made a reservation several weeks before arriving and noted we were celebrating a birthday. Walked in early and we were informed that it would be a while until our table was ready. We waited patiently in the corner and then after only a few minutes he said our table was ready. He then pointed to our table which was located at the end of a narrow area surrounded on 2 sides with walls and a table for six just before you got to it. A large group of guys were seated there having a good time with loud laughter and talking over each other. I explained to the host that we would like to wait for another table because we weren't going to be able to hear each other next to that group. He said that he selected that table for us back when I made the reservation weeks ago. Really? It was vacant when we walked in and he had said we had to wait a while for our table. He said I could come back in 2 hours for a different table. Also said I should have requested a booth. Never been there so forgive me for not knowing the seating options. You would think when you mention a birthday that a nice table might selected for you. I have never experienced anything like that before. It was the worst table in the place. I can't speak for the food but the customer service here needs improvement. Everyone else we encountered in Chicago was very pleasant.

This is a bar that also serves food. It is very lively re: noisy so conversation is tough and the seating is pretty crowded together. Go to socialize but not for a great meal.

Franklin room was a let down in the food category. The butternut shrimp bisque was very under seasoned and the burger was plopped together. The halibut was the best dish we ordered. The drink menu is very old school speakeasy type drinks. Side cars, Manhattans etc. I'd be more interested in getting through the drink me than the food if I returned.

My colleague and I found this basement place under the El and liked it. The cozy bar and small dining area present a friendly environment. Staff was very knowledgeable, especially on the beer list which gives you the bitterness value of the selections. Huge whiskey offering too We chose the salami sandwich which was generous and tasty and the shrimp pie. For appetizers we ordered an outstanding lobster dish- served as crispy chunks on the tail shell. I have to say the pie was not my style--way too much melted cheese inside the pastry dish--but the two huge prawns served on the side were nice. Next time, I'll try something less adventurous. This would be a great place to tuck into for dinner on a cold snowy night.

Went for Friday 'pub night' supper. Had 6 raw oysters that were excellent. Had the fish and chips for my main and they were fine - nothing spectacular, but quite enjoyable. They had used flounder fish that night so it was tender and tasty. Nice drink menu as well - had a decent bloody mary.

My son and his girlfriend frequent this restaurant and they were going for my son’s birthday on February 11, ( his b-day this year is Super Bowl Sunday) so I wanted to do something for him to say Happy Birthday. I called the restaurant and Mike the manager called me back, I decided to have shots sent to the table as they were with another couple. Mike went to the table told my son Happy Birthday from Mom and I wanted to pay for a shot of their choice. Mike went over and above what I expected, he delivered the shots my son was so surprised and then he called me for my CC #. This is the definition of a great manager going that extra step to make people feel special. When I gave him my sons name he knew who he was which is another great quality he knows his customers. I can’t thank him enough for the gesture he carried out for me. My son took me to this restaurant last time I was in Chicago food was great and decor fits place perfect, would highly recommend. My son says the bartenders are also amazing.

The Franklin Room was well worth our visit - it made quite the impression on my clients. The service was perfect & great food. Atmosphere was perfect!!

Not big so you get that casual easy vibe. Wasn't a busy night making it that much better. Excellent service. Surf n turf burger was excellent and tuna app is delicious. Just a neighborhood joint was some good food.

Our business group dined at The Franklin Room last week, and from start to finish, the experience was first-class. We had made reservations for a team dinner, and the staff handled everything with seamless professionalism — from pre-arrival coordination to the final check. Ambiance & Setting The Franklin Room strikes that rare balance of sophistication and comfort. The lighting, décor, and overall vibe made it ideal for conversation — stylish and intimate without being loud or distracting. It’s exactly the kind of place that impresses clients or rewards your team after a long day. Service & Organization Our reservation was ready right on time, and the staff had our table set and waiting. Service throughout the evening was outstanding — attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without pretension. Our server anticipated needs before we even asked, and every course arrived with excellent timing. It was clear the team understands how to handle a professional group dinner smoothly and gracefully. Food & Drinks The menu was exceptional. Several of us enjoyed the Prime Bone-In Ribeye and Chicken Roulade, both perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The bourbon and whiskey selection impressed even the most seasoned connoisseurs at our table, and the cocktail list was as creative as it was well-executed. Every drink recommendation hit the mark. Don’t skip dessert! Overall Experience What really stood out was how effortless the evening felt — nothing rushed, nothing overlooked. We were able to relax, enjoy great food and conversation, and feel confident that everything was being handled behind the scenes. The Franklin Room has earned a permanent spot on our list for future client dinners and team outings. If you’re looking for a venue in Chicago that delivers on ambiance, service, and culinary excellence — especially for a professional or executive group — The Franklin Room is the place

Fun place for dinner and or just drinks. 300 whiskies to choose from and good menu. Basement speakeasy setting with a library_esq background. Quality staff and food in a fun old style Chicago setting.

Franklin room is a trendy "speakeasy" style joint with chic interior and an expansive whiskey selection. We were told to go there and are glad we did. We joined for happy hour's $1.50 oysters which were absolutely delicious! FYI - Standing tables only away from bar. The restaurant looked nice but was booked for the evening. The cocktails looked fantastic and they had a balanced wine list. Recommended.

Very cool decor with a speakeasy vibe. We had a delicious dinner and service was really great as well.

This is the 2nd time I've been to the Franklin Room. The last visit was a year ago. The menu has changed a little but the wait staff are still just as helpful and knowledgeable making great recommendations on food & drinks. And as always, the bartenders are fantastic when it comes to whisky recommendations and details. Was extremely happy with the advice and knowledge they had to share. And if they get another bottle of the Ballechin 11 Manzanilla cask, you should definitely try it. Peat & Sherry perfection. :)

Friendly staff, lovely decoration and good food. Nicely served on a 'newspaper'. Try the liver pate and their cocktails! Attracts a nice crowd.

We went here with our 2 kids ages 12 and 9 on Valentines day as it was one of the few places we could get in on short notice. We stayed at the Sheraton so this was a short uber ride away. Nice atmosphere, warm and cozy but not too loud. Many small plates to chose from and the price is right. Duck sausage was tasty, wife had the fish which was also tasty, my daughter didn't care for the risotto, but I thought it was tasty, oysters on the half shell where small but very good, no cocktails on this trip but many looked very good. I would return for sure. Service was excellent.

Hit Chicago a couple of weekends ago and we were looking for places to grab a few drinks close to the Hotel. This place was truly awesome. Great vibe and the drink mixologists took mixing drinks to a whole other level. Unfortunately as we had already eaten at Table Fity-Two (see other review) we did not sample their menu, however, people beside us were raving about their appetizers. The atmosphere was great and the selection of drinks and food just fantastic. A gem place to hang out and grab a drink while visiting the area.

We stopped here for an after dinner drink on a recent weekend trip to the city. The bartender we had was very nice and knowledgable. The signature cocktail list was really interesting. The Wrongfully Accused was amazing. We didn't eat anything but everything that was being served around us looked delicious. We tried to go back the next day late in the afternoon but they close between lunch and dinner - and don't open until 5 on the weekends. It's a small place - with a very cozy speakeasy kind of vibe. We will definitely go back on our next visit.

My husband and I visited the Franklin Room with my daughter and her fiancée on a Friday night during their $1 Oyster happy hour. The place had a great ambience and the oysters and drinks were wonderful. The speciality Whiskey Boy drink came in its own souvenir bottle. Our party shared oysters, the crab dip, and the cauliflower parmesan tots. Each couple then split a burger. $17, but delicious. The staff was friendly, and accommodating. We will definitely go back to The Franklin Room on our next visit to Chicago.

We tried FR for the first time on a Saturday night and it exceeded expectations. Andrew was our waiter and he was outstanding. Explained the history, talked about the whiskies and unique liquors they carried, was friendly to our daughter who joined us and made appropriate menu suggestions. We enjoyed perfect martinis, the special Wagyu burger, Miso Salmon and Marinated Butcher steak - all of which was amazing. Taro fries and aioli was a great addition as well and the chocolate crunch at the end. What a great night with superb food and personal service from Andrew! We'll be back on our next visit to Chicago. Great, "speakeasy" type of atmosphere we'll look forward to enjoying again.

A super cool ambiance and fabulous food and service. The tuna crudo was amazing and the sea bass was excellent. The old fashioned is a great drink with delicious nuance. Fun new spot I could imagine my parents would have enjoyed in the 1940s!

Great spot! We have been here a few times and have always had a great time. Excellent service and food options are great. We enjoyed a few apps and the LOVED the sea bass. So delicious and melts in your mouth. Yum.

10 of us from out of town wanted to dine together on a Sunday night. TVs were required as there were several must watch games on. We settled on the Franklin room and had a great time. They have a good selection of whiskeys and a decent wine list. Our table was ready when we arrived. It was off to the side so we could have some privacy and not bother others. Our server was very attentive and offered to split the checks up front which I really appreciated because getting this group to coordinate anything is like herding cats. The cream of mushroom soup was wonderful. I'd go back just for that. The tuna was fresh and cooked just right. My friends who got the pastrami said it was some of the best they ever had. Everyone left feeling happy and fulfilled.

Food was good. Standard food (steaks, pasta, burgers). Drinks are real nice. Good amount of Whiskey and Bourbon to choose from. Ambiance and decor well done. I would go back

I have never liked oysters, but I loved them here! The place has a very cool vibe, the host and our server were excellent and the food was delicious.

Don't come here if your budget is under $10 for lunch. My favorite is their half sandwich and cup of soup for $13/$14, yes you are right I am cheap sometimes but here you can also get a $1 glad of table wine with any lunch You may also ask why I didn't give them 5 starts that is because they are very slow, at 1st I thought I was in Europe then I had to remind myself of my reality

I dined at The Franklin Room with a friend late on a Sunday evening. The restaurant's atmosphere was perfect for what we were in the mood for: a quieter venue with a somewhat "rustic" feel. I had the waffle fries to start, which were amazing. Although I would have preferred them to come out with something more than just ketchup (perhaps an aioli). My main course was the fried chicken, which was delicious but was not fried chicken. Instead, it was more like a country fried steak (but chicken, not beef). I also had one of the shakes for dessert; the shake was at the same level as the rest of the restaurant. I definitely would go back to The Franklin Room and try some of the other dishes too.

I just went to The Franklin Room last night, and loved it! When you walk in the actual bar is underground, making have a secret feeling to it. The atmosphere is wonderful, playing great music. Even though the menu mostly consist whiskey, don't over look the craft beers and amazing cocktails. The food was a big hit with us as well, great fries to snack on while we chatted away. They only time we had a problem was with the check wanted it to be paid separately, which was already hard being such a big group, but the waitress had lots of patience for us. Would definitely go back!

Group from the office went here for a birthday lunch. Atmosphere is trendy, but not over the top. Felicia was our server and she was fabulous. Took care of everything and had a great attention to detail. Group ordered some appetizers to share. My favorite was brussel sprouts. I'm not a big fan, but have to say the best I've ever had. Nice preparation, with cheese on top and nice flavored marinade. Everyone's sandwich entre was creative and served a big portion. Three even took home fancy doggie bags (totes) they gave out. I ordered a reuben sandwich with Russian dressing which was huge, with large side salad. Fun place and nice bar. Say hi to Felicia for me.

Very cool decor -- kind of Prohibition style :) There is a BUSY bar with a diverse and different cocktail menu. We ate in a booth at the very back of the restaurant (much quieter). The big hit with our party was the fried bologna sandwich! Fun place :)

Driving cross country from LA to NYC we made a conscious decision to stop in Chicago for dinner. We were absolutely wowed the last time we were there and have sent friends who have also enjoyed it. Unfortunately the second time around wasn’t nearly as memorable. While the Service was excellent and all the staff were great, the food seems to have taken a step backwards. Nothing was bad per se, but at that level of dining (and prices), the expectation was that the execution would be higher and the dishes more well thought out. Nearly everything we ate (family of 5 adult food pros) needed seasoning...or lacked plain salt. Cauliflower “Tots” were nothing more than tempura battered florettes. Zucchini Flowers were stuffed with Goat cheese and fried in the same tempura batter. The “tots” came with only enough dipping sauce for perhaps half the dish and the blossoms had some greens and a little pickled red onion but not nearly enough for the five blossoms served. Both dishes needed something else to round them out. The Baked Crab dip was fine but again, not nearly enough bread was served with it. Papardelle with wild Mushrooms and truffles has been on menus for years so if you’re going to serve it, it better be great. This version offered undercooked pasta and a bland sauce with little essence of truffle. The Short Rib while fork tender had no flavor at all. If you’re going to braise short ribs, make sure you season your meat before searing and make doubly sure your braising liquid is well seasoned too...so that the meat tenderizes with all the richness you’d expect. Served on top of a dollop of whipped potatoes, ringed with a middling red wine sauce the dish was garnished oddly with fresh diced green apple and chopped watercress...the entire dish was a confusing disappointment...look we LOVED The Franklin Room when we discovered it three years ago...yes, it was that long ago. We were just hoping to relive a happy memory...alas, like death and taxes change is inevitable.

So many bars offer an array of unique cocktails, but Franklin Room is among the best, with knowledgeable staff and great service and an excellent menu to accompany and compliment the experience. The atmosphere is very cool and has a great vibe to it. Unless you get in early, do expect to be crowded!

Wide range of well prepared food allowing patrons to be adventurous or not. Incredible whiskey selection and wine and beer list well above average. Very personable servers. Friendly clientele.

Fantastic!! I had a wonderful dinner with my family at the Franklin Room. It was highly recommended by two different colleagues, and they were certainly right! We started off with their craft cocktails and starter. We ordered oysters on the half shell, lamb chops, spicy bourbon mussels, taro fries. The oysters were accompanied by an amazing spicy green sauce and a mignonette. I wanted to buy a bottle of the green sauce. The same with the spicy bourbon mussels. The spicy bourbon sauce was divine. For cocktails, we had the Winter Wanderer, You Dirty Bird, Long Train to Fresno, Lock-Loaded and Night Scene. They were so delicious, we had another round of these awesome spirits. For dinner, we shared the Pasta Al Pesce, Truffled Ricotta Tortellini, Mediterranean Seabass, Bristol Bay Scallops and the amazing Prime Bone-In Ribeye. Even with five guests, we were full and had leftovers to take home. Next time, we will be mindful to save room for their desserts! Even in 13 degree bitter cold, we walked to the restaurant from our hotel (12-15 minuted walk). It was well worth it!!

We visited here while in town on the recommendation of my son, who lives nearby. Four of us had early dinner before a concert, so were able to take advantage of happy hour. The oysters were not as large as you'll get on the coast, but were very tasty. We also had a couple rounds of the happy hour Whiskey Boy special, which was similar to an old fashioned. The four of us are sharers, so we ordered a number of smaller plates - mussels, scallops, crab cakes, tuna tartare, baked lobster mac and cheese... Everything was outstanding - especially the mussels (a pleasant surprise for the midwest) and the roasted beets with fried goat cheese. Atmosphere was very nice - a speakeasy-style place. Service was friendly and very attentive.

Visited The Franklin Room after reading about best whisky bars in US. They have an extensive list but not much we hadn’t already tried or own. Pours are 1oz instead of the standard dram, so be careful with pricing. You’ll also find a cocktail menu full of both creative traditional cocktails. Andrew, the Rastafarian bartender, made the night with great conversation and excellent recommendations.