This place delivered a wonderful experience. The vibe is very relaxed and laid back, yet the service is attentive without being pushy. The Old Fashioned was the best I've ever tasted. We enjoyed everything we ordered: Tuna crudo, bourbon mussels, seabass, and lychee sorbet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Irene
Second time here. Food was delicious. Our party of 4 definitely all satisfied with our main dishes and side dishes.I had the Bone in Rib Eye and it is one of the best I've tried. My husband asked one of the bar tenders for a little different drink that was not on the menu and they delivered it perfectly. We were celebrating 2 birthdays and our waiter was so nice he brought 2 different desserts, both equally delicious. One was a perfectly balanced chocolate type of cake and the other one had meringue and berries. Overall awesome experience and can't recommend this restaurant enough. Date night, special celebration or just for an all around great culinary experience.
Grace Smith
A consistent, fantastic meal. Service is very warm and welcoming. If you are unsure of where to eat dinner tonight, try this place. You will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John
Jean was our server and she was excellent! Knew the menu well, offered the specials, had answers to our questions. We have only been twice now, and each visit did not disappoint. Next time we will be a bit more bourbon/whiskey centric.
Nataly
The miso salmon was incredible. Gem salad was nice but nothing special. Overall had a good experience but the salmon dish was the highlight.
Rajashekar Reddy
I felt totally satisfied with what the bar offers. Each drink features a variety of flavors that blend together to create a subtle, enjoyable taste. They also offer a variety of delicious food dishes, each served with its own special touch. thanks to Ugna, the bartender, and the welcoming atmosphere, I was able to relax and enjoy my time
Atmosphere: 5
Nishanth Reddy Kommidi
Amazing food, excellent service, good explanation of the drink. Speak your drink in mind to the bar tender Ugna he’ll do the rest
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kimberly
We had a great experience celebrating my mom's birthday. The service, the food, and overall experience was impeccable.
Joe Lyphout
I sat at the bar and the bartenders were incredibly professional and attentive. They even asked my preferred proportions for a dry martini. I know that may seem overkill, but I was impressed and appreciative. I’ll be back for another visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patrick
First time attending, everything was excellent...I had the Chicken Roulade 12 out of 10. The Mezcal Old Fashion, excellent. This is a place I will for sure return to as a staple when I want solid food and drinks...
Last night was the best overall dining experience I've had in over a decade. When writing this review, my appreciation increased as it became clear the degree of excellence of this team in play. Every engagement appeared to be effortless which created an easy relaxed environment for us, achievable only because they operate at the top of their game. From the moment the door closes behind you, they set the tone for your experience. You descend down an open staircase, so goes the city sounds and team extends a welcome, as if you are expected, before the topic of a reservation. The warmth of the wood and deep blue hues create a Brubeck-like vibe. Anthony was our guide - his passion for his work coupled with his knowledge of spirits drew us into an exploratory whisk(e)y adventure, novice or aficionado. There is no pretense - he creates a shared experience in which all can participate and savor. His suggestions for each of us were on the nose, we plan to buy 3 different bottles from our flights tastings. As for the chef and team, had the wagyu burger and was shocked that it was one of the best culinary experiences ever...yes, a burger! There are layers of texture, savory/sweetness nestled into a bread that melts in your mouth. Also, the gentleman that kept our table focused on the experience versus a crowded table of dishes and glasses, operated like a ghost, but when engaged, was warm. We celebrated a big life win last night and could not have selected a better place or people to do it with. With gratitude!
Mick Wichitpanyarak
Wow, The Franklin Room was hands down the best meal of my Chicago trip! Seriously, it hit a flavor profile I've been searching for years. They do Western dishes with this incredible Asian twist that's just perfection. As a huge seafood fan, the Spicy Bourbon Mussels were my absolute favorite. The homemade spicy miso in that bourbon sauce just adds so much depth – seriously delicious. And the Chilean Sea Bass? One of the best I've ever had, cooked absolutely perfectly.
Another major highlight was the oysters. The chef's Thai-style dipping sauce was a game-changer for me – honestly, the best way to eat oysters, in my opinion! And the yuzu mignonette added another fantastic layer of flavor. I legit wish I could buy those sauces and bring them back to NYC!
Overall, every single dish was bursting with flavor. The vibe is super nice too, perfect for a night out with friends or a date. They've got a great cocktail menu as well – their espresso martini was spot on! Highly recommend everyone checks this place out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Em Em
I’ve eaten here three times and each time I’ve been, the ambiance, food and service have been wonderful all across the board. I can’t praise The Franklin Room highly enough! This restaurant has been one of my go-to choices for dinner in the city for the past two years and will continue to be. Easy ten stars out of five! If you’re visiting Chicago from out of town or simply coming to the city from the suburbs for date night, add The Franklin Room to your Chicago bucket list and thank me later.
The interior of The Franklin Room is what high-end speakeasy dreams are made of. The rich fabrics, leathers and beautifully carved woodwork paired with sultry low lighting perfectly sets the mood for a lovely evening.
I always start my meal with a gin and tonic, Hendricks Gin to be specific. The oysters on the half shell are a must for your starter, go ahead and order the truffled tuna crudo as well. The seafood here is very fresh and delicious - don’t sleep on it. Two out of the three times I’ve eaten here, I’ve ordered the truffled ricotta tortellini as my entree. The truffle sauce is buttery, quietly earthy and savory. It marries well with the mildly sweet and fluffy ricotta stuffed tortellini. This dish is a beautiful symphony of flavors.
Now, on to dessert because, you MUST order dessert! The chocolate crunch is simply decadent - I actually have moments where I fantasize about eating this dessert several times a month. The sweet thin hazelnut praline bottom layer quietly boasts a “barely-there” smokey flavor, channeling notes of a sweet cigar. Resting on top of the praline is the silky marscapone and fluffy chocolate mousse. The mousse is made with dark semi-sweet chocolate - an absolutely perfect and essential end to your meal. You’ll not want to share this dessert!
The Franklin Room’s delicious fare and gorgeous aesthetic reflect and proudly celebrate the glamorous side of prohibition era Chicago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathryn Copeland-Greiwe
Great food and drinks. We were on vacation and a local suggested The Franklin Room.
This place delivered a wonderful experience. The vibe is very relaxed and laid back, yet the service is attentive without being pushy. The Old Fashioned was the best I've ever tasted. We enjoyed everything we ordered: Tuna crudo, bourbon mussels, seabass, and lychee sorbet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Second time here. Food was delicious. Our party of 4 definitely all satisfied with our main dishes and side dishes.I had the Bone in Rib Eye and it is one of the best I've tried. My husband asked one of the bar tenders for a little different drink that was not on the menu and they delivered it perfectly. We were celebrating 2 birthdays and our waiter was so nice he brought 2 different desserts, both equally delicious. One was a perfectly balanced chocolate type of cake and the other one had meringue and berries. Overall awesome experience and can't recommend this restaurant enough. Date night, special celebration or just for an all around great culinary experience.
A consistent, fantastic meal. Service is very warm and welcoming. If you are unsure of where to eat dinner tonight, try this place. You will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jean was our server and she was excellent! Knew the menu well, offered the specials, had answers to our questions. We have only been twice now, and each visit did not disappoint. Next time we will be a bit more bourbon/whiskey centric.
The miso salmon was incredible. Gem salad was nice but nothing special. Overall had a good experience but the salmon dish was the highlight.
I felt totally satisfied with what the bar offers. Each drink features a variety of flavors that blend together to create a subtle, enjoyable taste. They also offer a variety of delicious food dishes, each served with its own special touch. thanks to Ugna, the bartender, and the welcoming atmosphere, I was able to relax and enjoy my time
Atmosphere: 5
Amazing food, excellent service, good explanation of the drink.
Speak your drink in mind to the bar tender Ugna he’ll do the rest
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a great experience celebrating my mom's birthday. The service, the food, and overall experience was impeccable.
I sat at the bar and the bartenders were incredibly professional and attentive. They even asked my preferred proportions for a dry martini. I know that may seem overkill, but I was impressed and appreciative. I’ll be back for another visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time attending, everything was excellent...I had the Chicken Roulade 12 out of 10. The Mezcal Old Fashion, excellent. This is a place I will for sure return to as a staple when I want solid food and drinks...
Restaurantji Recommends
Great place to drink and chill
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Last night was the best overall dining experience I've had in over a decade. When writing this review, my appreciation increased as it became clear the degree of excellence of this team in play. Every engagement appeared to be effortless which created an easy relaxed environment for us, achievable only because they operate at the top of their game. From the moment the door closes behind you, they set the tone for your experience. You descend down an open staircase, so goes the city sounds and team extends a welcome, as if you are expected, before the topic of a reservation. The warmth of the wood and deep blue hues create a Brubeck-like vibe. Anthony was our guide - his passion for his work coupled with his knowledge of spirits drew us into an exploratory whisk(e)y adventure, novice or aficionado. There is no pretense - he creates a shared experience in which all can participate and savor. His suggestions for each of us were on the nose, we plan to buy 3 different bottles from our flights tastings. As for the chef and team, had the wagyu burger and was shocked that it was one of the best culinary experiences ever...yes, a burger! There are layers of texture, savory/sweetness nestled into a bread that melts in your mouth. Also, the gentleman that kept our table focused on the experience versus a crowded table of dishes and glasses, operated like a ghost, but when engaged, was warm. We celebrated a big life win last night and could not have selected a better place or people to do it with. With gratitude!
Wow, The Franklin Room was hands down the best meal of my Chicago trip! Seriously, it hit a flavor profile I've been searching for years. They do Western dishes with this incredible Asian twist that's just perfection.
As a huge seafood fan, the Spicy Bourbon Mussels were my absolute favorite. The homemade spicy miso in that bourbon sauce just adds so much depth – seriously delicious. And the Chilean Sea Bass? One of the best I've ever had, cooked absolutely perfectly.
Another major highlight was the oysters. The chef's Thai-style dipping sauce was a game-changer for me – honestly, the best way to eat oysters, in my opinion! And the yuzu mignonette added another fantastic layer of flavor. I legit wish I could buy those sauces and bring them back to NYC!
Overall, every single dish was bursting with flavor. The vibe is super nice too, perfect for a night out with friends or a date. They've got a great cocktail menu as well – their espresso martini was spot on! Highly recommend everyone checks this place out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve eaten here three times and each time I’ve been, the ambiance, food and service have been wonderful all across the board. I can’t praise The Franklin Room highly enough! This restaurant has been one of my go-to choices for dinner in the city for the past two years and will continue to be. Easy ten stars out of five!
If you’re visiting Chicago from out of town or simply coming to the city from the suburbs for date night, add The Franklin Room to your Chicago bucket list and thank me later.
The interior of The Franklin Room is what high-end speakeasy dreams are made of. The rich fabrics, leathers and beautifully carved woodwork paired with sultry low lighting perfectly sets the mood for a lovely evening.
I always start my meal with a gin and tonic, Hendricks Gin to be specific. The oysters on the half shell are a must for your starter, go ahead and order the truffled tuna crudo as well. The seafood here is very fresh and delicious - don’t sleep on it.
Two out of the three times I’ve eaten here, I’ve ordered the truffled ricotta tortellini as my entree. The truffle sauce is buttery, quietly earthy and savory. It marries well with the mildly sweet and fluffy ricotta stuffed tortellini. This dish is a beautiful symphony of flavors.
Now, on to dessert because, you MUST order dessert! The chocolate crunch is simply decadent - I actually have moments where I fantasize about eating this dessert several times a month. The sweet thin hazelnut praline bottom layer quietly boasts a “barely-there” smokey flavor, channeling notes of a sweet cigar. Resting on top of the praline is the silky marscapone and fluffy chocolate mousse. The mousse is made with dark semi-sweet chocolate - an absolutely perfect and essential end to your meal. You’ll not want to share this dessert!
The Franklin Room’s delicious fare and gorgeous aesthetic reflect and proudly celebrate the glamorous side of prohibition era Chicago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and drinks. We were on vacation and a local suggested The Franklin Room.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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