Reviews of The Franklin Room (Restaurant)

Daniel Annear

Awesome bar with good drink options. Isn't much room around the bar tho. Would recommend getting a table instead of standing at the bar. The wait staff was very helpful and nice. Will be back soon!

Alexander Clemons

One of my favorite cocktail bars in the city. Excellent food too.

Michael Vu

The Franklin Room is a charming restaurant with some really good burgers. The food was enjoyable though I did not feel as full as I hoped. Nonetheless, I did appreciate the level of courtesy from the staff, but noticeably, someone of my party received a completely wrong order; though, mine was made to my own expectations.

Afshan

Cozy, warm, inviting, secluded - Franklin has a speakeasy vibe but it's a proper whiskey restaurant and is quite well known. I am not a whiskey drinker but the abundance of choices were amazing. I had heard quite a bit about their small plates options and I liked it. The food is essentially bar food but elevated, easily and tastily filling and not overwhelming heavy even though some options are fried. The service is very friendly without trying too hard and I really liked our server. He was attentive, concerned with not just my table but others as well and genuinely a pleasant guy. I had a mojito even though it wasn't part of their drinks menu and our server was kind enough to get it made. My overall experience was wonderful and relaxing because of the ambience and service. I look forward to visiting again.

Mike Lovda

For a whiskey joint, I was surprised our waiter didnt know what vermouth was... otherwise, a great spot

Adam Beattie

Food was great. Excellent drinks. Desserts a high point, particularly the apple crisp (deconstructed). Pricey. Crowded. We had a table reserved and had to wait 20 minutes when we arrived for our reserved table to open up. Pet peeve.

James Ward

Excellent selection of whisky, great ambience and a warm welcome.

Daniel Graves

Amazing food! I would recommend Steak Frites.

Prerna Bajaj

A must place if you are whiskey lover ot may be not because I frankly do not like that much (vodka person). But after coming here and trying out the cocktails hete, it was amazing. Do try their specials. All of them are good. Oh, the whiskey boy comes in a flask which is yours to take.

Chelsea Vann

Been here a couple times and each time is just as good as the first. Highly recommend!

Douglas Burge

Great lunch specials. Dollar beers. Cool atmosphere

Jason Eagan

My usual tab is about $400 to $500 twice a week. They use to have an excellent bar tender by the name of Josh not sure what happened with him. They have a new management team that is as effective as a clown shoe. The one manager is too interested in picking up girls and stole my pappy to give it to a girl because, "guy is an idiot and doesn't deserve this." Seriously? What kinda manger is this? I can only assume Josh quit because of this ass clown.... great concept...great bar.... but this Manger ruins it for patrons. He must be a graduate of Rectum Lips University... if anyone knows how to get in touch with Josh the bartender please let me know!!!!! I would follow him to his new bar... I originally found this place after reading an article about Josh in the Chicago Reader..

Anisha Patel

Outstanding service and cocktails! My sister brought me here for a few birthday drinks before dinner and we were not disappointed. Our server knew EVERYTHING about each cocktail on the menu and helped me decide when I was stuck between a few of them. She graciously described many of the cocktails for me in such a detailed way, it made me want to drink all of them but I was able to choose very wisely. While moderately priced, I'm surprised their cocktails don't cost more. They are SO good. Definitely worth coming here for a few drinks. We also had the happy hour oysters which were delicious (and my first time having oysters)! Yum. I'll be back with friends!

Andrew Zimmerman

Cool spot with tasty but slightly over-priced cocktails. Really solid happy hour deals though. I’d go back!

Joe Mora

Very good steakhouse I havent been to before. I would reccomend it. Its pricey but worth it.

Wesley Peart

The lunch specials are ludicrously good. If you ever need $3 martinis at lunchtime, this is your spot. Also, I think they have every whiskey ever made? Oh, and the food is miraculous.

Jon Kirshenbaum

Pricey but worth it. Great night cap and surprisingly well put together menu. Cant miss the Mon-Fri $1 beers for lunch.

Matt Gordon

One the great hidden gems of Chicago . Peter is the man. Highly recommend for any occasion at any time.

Tim Hoblin

Gosh dang best scallops you'll find this side of Appalachia

Jake Whitney

This restaurant in downtown Chicago Is Awesome The Venue itself is very graded as a nice dark atmosphere with a berry mobster style feel to the back corners of it which I really like. The food was very good my dad got a burger there that had a soft shell crab and an egg on it and it is the best burger that I have ever tried and he said that it's the best burger he has ever had. Me and my family were there to celebrate my cousin and her boyfriend's law school graduation and I couldn't have imagined a better place. I will definitely be coming back when I'm in the area. Service is really great and the waiter was quick and came when we need a drinks or more food and offered us appetizers and made recommendations on what we're good and what were not, overall a really awesome place!

Revathi Jangiti

Awesome place for happy hour and even for dinner.

David Wayne

Pretty expensive, but well worth the money. The lamb shank was amazing and the service was perfection. We had a group of 20 folks and they took care of us for a couple hours perfectly.

Beau Harrison

Cheap lunch drinks. Great spicy bourbon burger and apps!

Dariusz Jakubowski

Bit expensive but loved the ambiance.

Melonnie Atianzar

Best first experience in Chicago and best whiskey experience ever

Mason Revelette

Solid. We went on Sunday night ‘industry’ night and food was pretty good, was just a little slow on the service and he wasn’t super friendly. If I was in the area, I’d stop in for a drink but not sure I’d go out of my way in the future

Monica Martins Iasz

The environment was nice, the steak was good, the waiters were polite and attentive

Jonathan K

Unremarkable meal, honestly was pretty mediocre. The Wisconsin cheese curds were good though.

Matthew Lindborg

Great atmosphere. Went for lunch and the food was very good. Great place for a business lunch. Fast and friendly service.

Eric Castellucci

Great place! Came here for a birthday dinner and it was pretty crowded, but we were able to find a couple spots at the bar while we waited for our table to become available. We had a reservation, but the party before us decided to sit and chat for an extended time, so it delayed things. The staff at Franklin Room was very apologetic for the wait, even though it was out of their control. They even brought us a complimentary appetizer, which was extremely generous. The food was awesome! We had the Squid Ink Pasta and the Surf & Turf Burger. I would highly recommend both dishes, as well as the Cauliflower Parmesan Tots. That probably would not have been my first choice for an appetizer, but after trying it, I don’t think I would ever skip it when we go back. The entire staff was extremely friendly and our server (I believe her name was Alla) was very attentive, despite how busy they were. The atmosphere is really cool and the prices were not crazy, given it’s River North. Glad we discovered this place on Open Table and we’ll definitely be back!

Alex Adkins

Super deep drink menu.

Ashish Suthar

Oh man, if your haven't seen their lunch specials, go look. And the food is amazing

brittany damper

Amazing place. Beautiful decor & great service!

Davora Telly

One of our favorite joints!!

Dylan

This is a really nice speakeasy with a great drink selection. The ambience is nice and intimate.

Dre K

Great happy hour spot, with an excellent choice of whiskey

Ramil Mendoza

The food and drinks are ok. The wide selections of spirits is quite good but had better food and drinks with the same amount we spent here.

Andrew Wikel

Great atmosphere, really great food. Order the cheese curds and fries. I loved my steak frites.

Luke Bracken

Great atmosphere. Steak and chicken were phenomenal. Dessert was exquisite. Cocktails were outstanding. The bartender was a top notch professional. Highly recommend.

Ziyun Huang

The drinks are a bit overpriced but the place has nice ambience and awesome bartender. I ordered my go-to Tom Collins and our bartender educated us on different types of gin and how it's changes the flavor of Tom Collins. Great place to go for a few bites and drinks with friends.

Oscar Ortiz

Best happy hour in Chicago’s river north!

Jessica Ahn

Service was good. Food was good. It was a bit quiet when we went during lunch on a Tuesday.

Steph Roslansky

The butternut Squash soup was soooo good. Would definitely go back just for it

Alexandria Sharp

Very cute and chill atmosphere. Food and drinks were amazing.

Polly Stephens

Very nice atmosphere, great service and delicious food. Our first meal in Chicago was fabulous. I had the portabella sandwich and my husband had a traditional burger. Large portions. Reasonable price. Unique ambiance.

J P

Amazing food and service. Had the Surf n Turf burger and couldn't have been more satisfied!

Kevin Johnson

Good food, good beer and good service.

Jaron Nordman

Big fan of the old fashioned style around here, and the old fashioned menu. Literally. One of the best old fashioneds in Chicago. Their happy hour is pretty dope as well and the whiskey boy is an absolutely wonderful substitution for your favorite whiskey cocktail for only $7. I love hitting this place up right after work or even later into the evening.

Tim Compton

Great selection of whiskey. Cocktails are right on. Food is just fine though. Would not recommend the oysters.

Drew Davis

Good place. A little pricey for what you get, and service was slow and off. For example, they did not bring us sugar for our espresso and we had to hunt the server down. But overall a good experience. The popovers are quite good to start with, along with the burrata. The halibut was good!

John Fitzgerald

Good place to grab a drink with a very knowledgable staff!

Claire Longo

Best Manhattan and old fashioned I've had. Worth the price for a drink or two in the evening. I also recommend them for lunch. Went here for lunch and got a salad and $1 wine! Yum!

Reggie Jonaitis

Great vibe even on a weeknight, tasty appetizer menu, awesome service. Will definitely come back

kenneth grunke

Great cocktails - great service - seating is a little tight and tables a little too close which prevents from having a thoughtful conversation without introducing a bit of a shouting match. Would def it will still go back for the cocktails, food and service.

Taofiki Lasisi

Nice experience, great food

Frank Gerardi

Awesome drinks!! Beautiful food. Lovely atmosphere! Great staff.... Surprisingly generous pours, and good prices.

Lu L

Drinks were tasty, lobster mac n cheese was so-so (lobster and pasta were over cooked

Rhonda W.

First time here and I loved it. The staff is friendly, patient, & accommodating while the atmosphere is inviting. LOVED the oysters on the half shell (first time ever having them), & the cheeses curds left me speechless. This is my new biweekly spot to treat myself.

Brittany Johnson

The drink specials at lunch are redonk. Had the mushroom grilled cheese and it. was. SO. good. :) Definitely would recommend making a reservation at lunch because it is always packed!

Kevin Fink

This was our first time here and we will definitely be back! Everything about it experience was great! The food, the service, the ambiance, everything. Highly recommend The Franklin Room!

Daniël

Great food and a fun, eclectic cocktail menu with some serious drinks.

William Faust

Beautiful spot with great atmosphere. Smoking deal on the restaurant week menu. The old fashioned was especially good.

josh gemeinhardt

This place is easily one of my favorite fall/winter bars.

A L

Nice food and cocktails are served here but the price is quite high. the tiny crab cakes cost almost $20 and the oysters are exactly the size of my thumb. I expected bigger portion at their price point.

Christopher Ecker

Happy hour deals on oysters and a whiskey cocktail are pretty great. Excellent cocktail menu and good service. Can get crowded at times so I'd suggest reserving a table or showing up early.

Becky VanderVeen

Nice quaint below the surface speak easy style!

Cody Johnson

Excellent drinks and food. Service was awesome. Will become a favorite stop every time I'm in Chicago

Amy Presti

I went with a large group (12) for dinner. The service was excellent. Food was very good as was the selection of drinks. The atmosphere is also very comfortable and modern. Highly recommend the Franklin Room.

Lindsay Colman

Nice scenery. Steak left something to be desired

Mike Bocker

Love the style and location. The decor is very comfortable and perfectly lit. Beautiful, well stocked bar and the bar service is good. If you plan on going during a weekend, make reservations, the seating is limited. The food was excellent. I highly recommend anything meat off the menu. Not many kitchens get medium rare right, this one mailed it. The only knock is the table service. This was fairly slow. Drinks ordered from the table that had to be mixed too about 7-10 minutes to arrive. If you have a drink you like order a couple or go to the bar to place it.

Ewan Dickson

Everything was tasty, the food is so expensive for a lunch, 1/2 soup and sandwich for 16? Offset a bit by really really cheap draft beers. Totally worth it if you have a few beers at lunch.

Marina Bozovic

I went there for a dinner. Actually, I went there to celebrate my anniversary. This place was on my "want to go" list, so this was a great opportunity to stop by. Atmosphere is awesome 5/5! I have no words to say about it! Nice, intimate, silent music in the background...beautiful. Food was good, 4/5. I ordered prime steak salad and my partner had a lamb shank. Prices are affordable. I attached some pics so you can see how it looks like. Overall 4.5 of 5.

Abi Bautista

Fantastic workplace happy hour venue!

Eric Resendiz

Excelent selection of wisky and food knolagable staff

Chris Kochinsky

Excellent service, food was amazing. Drinks are well worth it

Arun Das

Awesome bar with a great cocktail selection. Their Friday lunch special is the best in the area; be sure to get reservations if you're going to try it on a Friday - they get busy!

Matthew Mattia

Great food and atmosphere. All you can eat for $28. Wide variety of foods to chose from fresh and delicious. It was allot of fun cooking your own food!

Dennis Glover

Hands down one of the best steaks I've ever had. Cooked to perfection and served at an astoundingly well stocked bar. Our bartender Grace was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful with suggestions from the massive whiskey list. Will be returning at my earliest possible opportunity.

Josh Meagher

Good quality food and drinks, but a little on the pricey side.

Jeff Kurt

It’s great place to go and you don’t know where to go in the River North area. They also have excellent lunch specials and wine specials.

Brenden McGlinchey

The food was excellent, the service was attentive, charming, and knowledgeable. The short ribs were mouth-wateringly flavorful and so, so tender. Went on an of town date night and was very pleased.

Alvin Black III

One of the best whisky selections in downtown Chicago! Bartenders who know their stuff, and you can talk whisky with them forever. Food is a bit pricey, but that comes with the area, and is not too much of a surprise.

J.M. Anderson

The atmosphere is an modern take on the speakeasy. The cocktails and whiskey options are worth coming back for. The food can be hit or miss. All tasty but value seems off relative to pricing.

Catherine Foster

Excellent food and cocktails. Quality ingredients with careful attention to balancing complementary flavors. Highly recommend the French dip - this version features flavorful, perfectly braised short rib instead of traditional sliced roast beef.

Chad Every

This is, without doubt, the best restaurant I have ever been to in Chicago (a few business trips through the past few years). I came on a Tuesday night, and the service was sincerely some of the best I have ever had. Their $1 oyster and $5 whiskey boy happy hour is unreal on its face, and the taste of both are completely out of hand too. The oysters are completely done up, and the whiskey boy was basically the best old fashion I've had in my life. And the lamb shank was fantastic. All in all, if you live in Chicago, or just passing through like me, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. You will not be disappointed.

Adam Lineberry

Cocktails here are fantastic. One of the best Old Fashioneds I've ever had, and certainly the most expensive. Bartenders are friendly pros. Low light, wooden atmosphere inside - very nice.

Boyd Tracy

Interesting cocktails well made. Delicious cheese curds and fantastic key lime pie. Fun, cozy, warm decor. Would go again.

Michael Herbert

I had the spicy bourbon burger and it was very tasty. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the Kim chi on it but it was delicious. The fries are also great. Had one of the whiskey boys on happy hour as well as the oysters. Whiskey boy is nice and smooth and the oysters tasted very fresh. Waiter was very attentive and friendly.

Kevin C.

Large selections of whiskey and very friendly staff. The mussels were delicious!! They do have happy hour specials depending on the time and day you visit. I sat at the bar and ordered food. Went there about 5.30 on Saturday which wasn’t busy but by the time I left it was pretty crowded inside. Even when it's busy they do not skip you and always stay on top to refill your water or ask if you would like an another drink to make sure you are satisfied with the service.

Olaboyejo Olufemi

Cosy and cool place for Hangouts and relaxation

CB Richards

Wow! Was there on a Friday night for dinner. Service was friendly and helpful without being intrusive. Cool upscale vibe. Food was delicious! Had the Parmesan cauliflower app - so very yummy! The braised short rib (boneless) was tender and tasty, and the risotto small plate was generous enough as an entree. The place was full, but no need to shout to have conversation. Extensive bourbon list. Will definitely be back!

Andrew Schwartz

the food was excellent. the draft beer selection was pretty good as well.

Hallie Soulides

Our server Dan was fantastic. I highly recommend the salmon! The stronger drinks were good, but not great.

Chester Guerrero

Had reservations but we all know how that goes. Although it didn't take long to get our table. The waitress was very attentive and the drinks are to die for. I had the long train ride to R something and if you've ever had cucumbers for a street vendor with chili then this is your drink! Also you must try the truffle fries! They are outta this world.

Nick Pierson

Fun and tasty cocktail menu, excellent food, and a stylish atmosphere.

Roman

Great bar selection, absolutely stocked to the gills with pretty much anything you can think of. The hurger was delicious as well and the lunch menu has $1 drinks. Great atmosphere.

Kevin Bowser

Cool place. Great atmosphere. Good food. Good service. We’ll be back for sure.

Monserrat Valera

I came here for dinner and had an amazing time. The place is beautiful and the food and drinks are great + the service was impeccable, will definitely come back.

Shelly Sorrells

Excellent cocktails. Good happy hour specials, including delicious $1.50 oysters and half-price Whiskey Boys on Tuesday.

Kristin Kerrigan

Becoming one of my favorite places to dine at! Great food and their drink specials at lunch are killer! Highly recommend this spot!

mike susedik

You can get great drinks everywhere in Chicago. This place is special. They are one of the places that know what and can tell you a lot about what they have prepared. I just tell them what I'm thinking and they make it happen. Totally open my eyes to a huge list of great bottles.

Goon Ish

Three drink were great one of the best Old Fashions I've had.

David Schwartz

A many faceted place. A meeting place for happy hour, a restaurant and a serious drinking establishment. Specialing in various whiskey the have a complete c selection for serious aficinados. My son is a bourbon specialist in Denver and he says it is a thorough list. Blow up picturs

Kymberly Thomas

My drinks were nice, a little on the pricey side tho.

B Heschel

Great selection of whiskey, bartenders that know how to mix a drink. Can buy by the quarter bottle. Great staff

Sneha Goel

Great place. Amazing ambiance. The perfect place if you live whiskey

Sean Lee

Legit happy hour with oyster and cocktails. Never tried anything else other than happy hour . But pretty solid HH selection .

Tom A

The Franklin Room offers.one of the largest selection of Burbons, Wiskeys and Scotch's in Chicago. A well balanced menu with many appetizers is.sure to please.

Tricia Hans

Great food, good service at the bar, and no plastic!

Elliott Niblock

Attractive space, stellar service, good food and great cocktails with awesome happy hour pricing. We ordered drinks at the bar first, and then were seated with a HUGE group for a goodbye party. Despite having a group of 20+ people, the service was attentive, prompt, and kind. Fantastic place for an after work drink and meal.

Colin Mickow

Very classy décor, great food, and a whiskey selection that will make your head spin. Highly recommended!

Joan Wolfensberger

I love this place! I kept walking past it and my friend and I decided to try the Franklin Room. Fantastic atmosphere, you walk down a short flight of steps into a cozy but active little world which allows you hear your dining partner. Wonderful music, the classics, Sinatra etc. Food was fabulous. We had black risotto with mushrooms, delicious mussels with a miso/bourbon broth and we each had a salad, one beet and one nicoise. Every course was delicious and cooked perfectly! The service was also excellent. I almost didn't want to write this review and keep this little gem to myself! Will absolutely be returning, a perfect spot for the winter! Oh and they have a fantastic bar with BACKS to the bar stools although we sat at a table, but it looked really nice! Love it!

Belia Rodriguez

Best soft shell crab sandwich!

Vonda Woodmore

We so enjoyed our dining experience! it began with receiving a call a few days before our reservation too confirm and to check for special dietary request. We were seated immediately upon arrival. we had 8 people in our party. Dan our server was excellent! request him. he was attentive and knowledgeable! the Signature Whiskey Boy was firyah! dear to our hearts because it made with Kentucky Bourbon! The salmon was seared with this incredible crisp that makes your mouth water! the Mushroom risotto was layered and delicious! the key lime pie and the apple crisp was fresh and a perfect end to a wonderful meal! we will definitely come back!

Jason Marotzke

Would have rated less. No ADA compliance had to stand with no effort to assist with a member of our group that was unable to stand. Sat on steps. Had to leave because no accommodations after several requests.

Juan Carlos

We got there close to closing time and they were very welcoming and we were able to get at least two drinks. Definitely will be back

Dylan McFadden

Surf and Turf burger is the best I've ever had. Great selection of whiskey and bourbon.

Rel

Swanky and great lunch

Michael Ruddy

Good food and drinks.

Jason Gant

One of the classier venues on the authentic Chicago speakeasy circuit. The food is phenomenal!

Lisa Elsen-Parrett

Great and knowledable staff. Very professional, who know the food and ingredients well. Great ambiance. I can't wait to visit again. Also, we had a somewhat rowdy & high maintenance table and the staff bravely dealt with us

Jennifer Abi Saad

Awesome cocktails, delicious food and nice environment! One of the best places to be in Chicago

N Jordache

Great mood and ambiance. Food was fantastic, service was great as well.

Joanne Kuznicki

Wait staff was so nice. Really enjoyed my Whiskey Boy and the oysters. The salmon was delicious!

Nick Yantikov

Incredible selection of whiskey

Erin Strick

You're partly paying for the location, but the wine but the glass selection is great, the food was good, and the service was top notch.

Juan Antonio Rosario

Try the rib-eye and the old fashion...both spectacular!

Tim Murray

Great selection of scotch selection of scotch and knowledgeable staff.

Susan Chou Photography

We were here for our friend’s birthday dinner And I was very pleasantly surprised by how good the food was! I totally thought it was more of a bar. Everything we had was delicious, even the simple thing like Mac and Cheese or Pasta. The Cocktails were also good, plus the service was great. Food came out really fast though, so if you like to enjoy one thing at a time make sure to let them know.

Kenneth Solans

Excellent selection of whiskey. Only had a couple small plates, but they were delicious. I will go back again.

Tilly Gilbert

I went here for the first time with a girlfriend. Every drink was better than the next. The oysters were better than expected with a pickled topping. Our server, Dan had the perfect amount of presence at the table. The atmosphere was busy, but not crowded. Everyone was enjoying the great food. Good energy with what felt like good people.

Chris Blackton

This place is amazing! Great food, great staff and great prices (especially during happy hour)

Chad Ramsey

Great place. Very nice selection of bourbon. The staff is always super friendly. The food is pretty good. The food is a little expensive but if you go there during lunch you can get $1 beers or $3 mixed drinks which makes the whole lunch a pretty reasonable price. Unless you want to sit at the bar with just 2 people, you should make reservations during lunch.

philippe Lannes

Best whisky choice I have seen for long

Irewole Akande

Great food, good ambience, better drinks, nice tasting food albeit smaller portions

Julie McGlinchey

The food was delicious and unique, the service was excellent. April anticipated all our needs and exceeded expectations.p

Sachin Patel

Great place for a solid whiskey cocktail. Had the George T. Stagg old fashioned.....bartender made it perfectly.

Anne

Open late but menu is pretty limited.

Darryl Philbin

Great lunch special for drinks

Rebecca Reyes

The waitress I had was incredibly attentive and detail oriented. I shared a burger, oysters, and shrimp with my boyfriend. It was all so delicious and the portion sizes were perfect. The oysters were top notch and are served with sauces that are out of this world. The atmosphere is classy and upscale, but no black tie necessary. I will return!

Tom Forbes

Good food, nice ambience.

Nirmal Shah

Vegetarians beware, there is only one entree to choose from and it is a very average pasta. Otherwise the Franklin is cozy and quite happening, busy even on a Wednesday night, with good (but expensive!) drinks and service.

Mark Cook

Good spot. Good food. Noisy but not bad. A good vibe on Monday evening. Wine list limited but we had a Shiraz that was great.

Debora Cristina Monteiro

Amazing food and atmosphere! I will come back.

Sam Mamedov

Great food, excellent service

Nick Severson

The food here is incredible. Shout-outs go to the cauliflower tots, venison chop, and the house made ice cream. The drinks, however, are in a category of their own. Pricing may be an inhibitor for some (the average cocktail is over 12 dollars) but for someone who values unique and delicious drinks - you found the place.

Greg Barbosa

Great drink and food. Get ready to spend