Franklin Cafe

I haven't been here in more than twenty years, mostly because I've lived out of state for most of that time. My husband and I went to the Franklin Saturday night for dinner and drinks. We were greeted by Sophie, who couldn't have been more pleasant. After she seated us we were told that the other server called out for the night, which left her as the only server for inside and the four or five outside tables as well. Somehow she managed since we got our drinks and appetizers pretty timely. And I should I add the place was quite busy. I'm not sure how she managed all the tables. For drinks he had the Ideal Manhattan. I'm not a fan of the Manhattan but had a taste and found it to be smooth and tasty. I had the Mo Cocktail and felt it to be a perfect blend of the Kettle One with Chambord and lemon juice. For dinner my husband had the hanger steak with Roquefort butter. It was tasty and cooked to his order. I had the 20 clove chicken that was prepared Statler style. It was delicious! And it was served hot. I've been to restaurants so many times in which the food served was barely warm by the time it was served. Not this place. Clearly they have seasoned staff in the back of the house as well as the front. And for these reasons I can't wait to go back for dinner again!

It's always a tragedy when a place you have known and loved for over a decade changes for the worse, but such is the Franklin on Shawmut. I've brought dozens and dozens of friends to this after hours "hidden gem" over the years and they felt they died and went to heaven after eating the Franklin's signature mussels dish. So imagine my disappointment when I brought some theatre friends to the restaurant after Hadestown in April only to have two plates of mussels come to our table that in no way shape or form resembled their time tested dish that was salty, buttery, smokey and just sheer perfection. I asked the waitperson to please ask if they could just make us their original recipe and was told "the menu has changed." Really?The "new" mussels were coated in onion, in a weak brothy sauce, and were flabby and just plain awful. No bread with hummus, no little extras that made it special. So why would the Franklin mess with one of their signature dishes? Offer a different version in addition, but don't take away a favorite of your long standing customers. Watch, next they will get rid of their equally famous steak frites. We have long loved this place for the atmosphere, the feeling of community, and it's like losing an old friend. We have spent birthdays and New Years there, when the snow has flown down outside the windows or on a warm summer night. But we will not be returning. I feel like a person without a country. Oh well.

A small restaurant in South End with no sign name just their icon at the entrance. I came here for brunch with a few friends and had a hard time choosing which dish to get. I opted for the eggs Benedict that came in puff pastry instead of an English muffin and thought it was a perfect swap. The eggs were cooked nicely with a runny center and went well with the crispy puff pastry. The service was good and we enjoyed our meal. There are also two single stall bathrooms that are super tiny. Overall, a nice place to grab brunch on the weekends in South End.

Really enjoyed my crostini and risotto. A nice tucked away neighborhood spot for Al fresco dining, although the occasional loud car will still pass by. Friendly service. Able to walk in for Sunday dinner without reservation.

I wanted to like this place more! It definitely has a cozy neighborhood spot feel which is nice. For a cafe I feel like they should have lattes or some sort of espresso/cappuccino option instead of just coffee. The food was good but not memorable for me (this is referring to brunch maybe their dinner service is better).

Went back the other night after a bad experience, one of the managers reached out and invited me back for dinner. I gave it another shot and for apps ordered the grilled calamari and wings which were very good. Dinner entrees consisted of the salmon and the sole fish plates. The salmon was my favorites and it was cooked perfectly, also the mango mai tai is a must try Service and food was on point and I thank your for the great night and make it a better experience.

I visited Franklin Cafe for a solo dinner and ordered the Rosemary Paloma cocktail, Smoky Skillet Roasted Mussels, and the Slow Braised Lamb & Mint Risotto. Everything that I ordered was perfectly paired and delicious. Maybe a bit too filling for one, but I enjoyed every bite. The restaurant ambiance was dimmed and intimate, great for a first date, anniversary, or to catch up with a friend or two. The service was also excellent and quick. I'd definitely return if I am in the area again to try their other entrees and drinks.

Always a favorite spot. The food is great and always consistent. Many of the portions are sharable...fyi. The drinks are great, too. Check out this little, longstanding gem in the Southend.

Bar tender seemed to have taken a few shots and was aggressive towards the patrons. I think his name was Tyler

I ordered food through a delivery service and this photo, alone, should say it all!!! It's unconscionable that any establishment would allow this to leave their kitchen, let alone their restaurant. Franklin Cafe, this is REALLY bad.