Lovely bar and restaurant. It’s a large dining space for Jersey City. There’s trivia nights during the week. The cocktails are delicious and so refreshing. I love the Frontier Briar, it tastes so fresh and summer-y. My favorite dish was the sticky tofu, the texture is absolute perfection, so crunchy with caramelized sugar on the outside but so soft and well seasoned inside. The ginger sauce was the perfect blend. Vibes were good and so is decor. We got several appetizers including the burrata and loved them.
Akilah D
The steak and eggs was perfection. My favorite aspect of the restaurant outside of the food was that the music was not loud. People didn't have to shout to speak with each other.
Olawale Faleye
Great experience
Jonas Duss
Another disappointing night, hope someone else takes over soon
Sarah Leonard
AMAZING FOOD!! And fabulous service from Carlos. Definitely a can’t miss spot in Jersey City
Omar Moustafa
Best spot in Jersey City
Cara Pluhowski
We reserved the conservatory space for a graduation brunch recently. Elisa is the event planner we were in contact with. She did a great job working with our party size and menu options. The space is beautiful even without the flowers we brought. The server was flexible and attentive. Food was amazing, as always. Thinking about future events we can hold here next. Highly recommend.
D B
I really want FS to succeed but they seem Seem determined to fail.
Since I live one block away and pass it multiple times per day and I’m a commercial real estate broker, I thought my observations may be helpful.
1. Please remove the burlap curtains from the main dining room. One of the most charming aspects of this small restaurant is its enormous frontage in a leafy green, beautiful part of down Jersey City. Two reasons for this: 1) you want this place to look lively and people outside to see inside the inside of a restaurant before they go in. This is an animal instinct that cannot be changed. 2) for diners inside it’s more pleasant to be able to rest your gaze on passerby than on a burlap curtains. Also please remove the weird sewing machine and dressmakers dummy from the annex windows this looks nothing if not dusty and drab and does not connote “good times and good food”. 2. If your menu is not working toss it out. The menu here lacks any direction. It’s like a hodge podge lodge of average plates that are too expensive and not unique enough in preparation to give this place any edge. 3. I can get burgers and pastas anywhere and don’t find anything so well executed here that I would waste the time.
If you want to stick w your Ben Franklin theme that’s fine. Ben was an avid traveler and crafting an interesting menu of international small plates should be a no brainer even in a restaurant with a small kitchen and limited exhaust.
Some ideas: Ramp up the sharing plate options: ⁃ partner w Van Vorst cheese to rotate a sampling pairing plate of cheeses (blue with shaved chocolate, manchego with quince, etc) ⁃ Middle Eastern - labneh, smoked eggplant, chopped Israeli salad, pita, etc. ⁃ Spanish tapas - dates with bacon, Cristal bread, olives, great bread paired with innovative toppings. ⁃ Pizzettes - plenty pizza in JC most of it bad. Rotating creative 12 inch hand stretched pies (onion jam and Gorgonzola, truffle cheese, garlic scapes and fig …)
For the entrees have one hamburger if you must. But please offer a creative vegetarian option not the despised bean burger or a portabella burger.
There are a few new items pointing in the right direction BUT… lamb chops, duck, filet mignon??? Please I would rather eat these items at Gramercy Tavern or suffer them at a country club. Same goes for Fish and Chips and a Roast Chicken. Have you noticed that JC has the largest population of young affluent Asians in the tristate? This crowd is young sophisticated and fit. They don’t eat this stuff. Their parents did.
In short, this needs a rethink and a tastier and more unique vision that focuses on smaller plates and caters to a more sophisticated customer. We all work in the city and know where to get an excellent chop. Surprise us with some delicious creativity. Do not assume that because this is NJ you can serve the same things that work in the burbs. You should be looking at Tribeca and SoHo as your competition and see what’s working there.
Alexandria Gonzalez
Charged $30 for a small serving of bland short rib pasta. Pasta was clearly from the box. It wasn't bad, but for the price extremely disappointing. I don't see myself coming back. The prices are exorbitant for mediocre/bland food. My friend got the burger and that was pretty good.
Tossie Trowell
I recently visited Franklin Social for a reunion with a few childhood friends, and the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.
For my first course, I opted for the cauliflower, which was perfectly battered and seasoned to perfection—every bite was a delight. For my main course, I chose the ribeye steak, cooked exactly to the temperature I requested, and it was flawless. To accompany it, I ordered the whipped mashed potatoes, which were exquisitely smooth and paired beautifully with the steak. Every element of the meal came together seamlessly, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
As a Jersey City native, I’m thrilled to have such an exceptional restaurant as part of our downtown community. Franklin Social is a true gem, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for outstanding food and impeccable service. I will absolutely be returning soon!
Cute festive vibes but do not eat here… Frozen burgers served cold with zero flavor. The side salad was wilted and thrown on the plate. Very limited brunch menu. Ruined my festive spirit, the only miracle about this place is that it’s still open.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jhoeann Domingo
Samuel was amazing!! Attentive, quick, and sociable- 10/10 experience. Food was spectacular. No complaints, will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Lollipops
Alyssa Enright
All the food was phenomenal (rock shrimp, shishitos, pork belly, scallops, and chicken… YUM!) Sam is an amazing waiter as well! He was super attentive and made sure allergies were noted on both drinks and food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caitlin Sanchez
Sam was the best waiter ever. Such great food, vibes, and service. Definitely coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kelly Bu
Service was excellent. The scallops were by far the best part of the meal
Lovely bar and restaurant. It’s a large dining space for Jersey City. There’s trivia nights during the week. The cocktails are delicious and so refreshing. I love the Frontier Briar, it tastes so fresh and summer-y. My favorite dish was the sticky tofu, the texture is absolute perfection, so crunchy with caramelized sugar on the outside but so soft and well seasoned inside. The ginger sauce was the perfect blend. Vibes were good and so is decor. We got several appetizers including the burrata and loved them.
The steak and eggs was perfection. My favorite aspect of the restaurant outside of the food was that the music was not loud. People didn't have to shout to speak with each other.
Great experience
Another disappointing night, hope someone else takes over soon
AMAZING FOOD!! And fabulous service from Carlos. Definitely a can’t miss spot in Jersey City
Best spot in Jersey City
We reserved the conservatory space for a graduation brunch recently. Elisa is the event planner we were in contact with. She did a great job working with our party size and menu options. The space is beautiful even without the flowers we brought. The server was flexible and attentive. Food was amazing, as always. Thinking about future events we can hold here next. Highly recommend.
I really want FS to succeed but they seem
Seem determined to fail.
Since I live one block away and pass it multiple times per day and I’m a commercial real estate broker, I thought my observations may be helpful.
1. Please remove the burlap curtains from the main dining room. One of the most charming aspects of this small restaurant is its enormous frontage in a leafy green, beautiful part of down Jersey City. Two reasons for this: 1) you want this place to look lively and people outside to see inside the inside of a restaurant before they go in. This is an animal instinct that cannot be changed. 2) for diners inside it’s more pleasant to be able to rest your gaze on passerby than on a burlap curtains. Also please remove the weird sewing machine and dressmakers dummy from the annex windows this looks nothing if not dusty and drab and does not connote “good times and good food”.
2. If your menu is not working toss it out. The menu here lacks any direction. It’s like a hodge podge lodge of average plates that are too expensive and not unique enough in preparation to give this place any edge.
3. I can get burgers and pastas anywhere and don’t find anything so well executed here that I would waste the time.
If you want to stick w your Ben Franklin theme that’s fine. Ben was an avid traveler and crafting an interesting menu of international small plates should be a no brainer even in a restaurant with a small kitchen and limited exhaust.
Some ideas:
Ramp up the sharing plate options:
⁃ partner w Van Vorst cheese to rotate a sampling pairing plate of cheeses (blue with shaved chocolate, manchego with quince, etc)
⁃ Middle Eastern - labneh, smoked eggplant, chopped Israeli salad, pita, etc.
⁃ Spanish tapas - dates with bacon, Cristal bread, olives, great bread paired with innovative toppings.
⁃ Pizzettes - plenty pizza in JC most of it bad. Rotating creative 12 inch hand stretched pies (onion jam and Gorgonzola, truffle cheese, garlic scapes and fig …)
For the entrees have one hamburger if you must. But please offer a creative vegetarian option not the despised bean burger or a portabella burger.
There are a few new items pointing in the right direction BUT… lamb chops, duck, filet mignon??? Please I would rather eat these items at Gramercy Tavern or suffer them at a country club. Same goes for Fish and Chips and a Roast Chicken. Have you noticed that JC has the largest population of young affluent Asians in the tristate? This crowd is young sophisticated and fit. They don’t eat this stuff. Their parents did.
In short, this needs a rethink and a tastier and more unique vision that focuses on smaller plates and caters to a more sophisticated customer. We all work in the city and know where to get an excellent chop. Surprise us with some delicious creativity. Do not assume that because this is NJ you can serve the same things that work in the burbs. You should be looking at Tribeca and SoHo as your competition and see what’s working there.
Charged $30 for a small serving of bland short rib pasta. Pasta was clearly from the box. It wasn't bad, but for the price extremely disappointing. I don't see myself coming back. The prices are exorbitant for mediocre/bland food. My friend got the burger and that was pretty good.
I recently visited Franklin Social for a reunion with a few childhood friends, and the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.
For my first course, I opted for the cauliflower, which was perfectly battered and seasoned to perfection—every bite was a delight. For my main course, I chose the ribeye steak, cooked exactly to the temperature I requested, and it was flawless. To accompany it, I ordered the whipped mashed potatoes, which were exquisitely smooth and paired beautifully with the steak. Every element of the meal came together seamlessly, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
As a Jersey City native, I’m thrilled to have such an exceptional restaurant as part of our downtown community. Franklin Social is a true gem, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for outstanding food and impeccable service. I will absolutely be returning soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Cute festive vibes but do not eat here…
Frozen burgers served cold with zero flavor. The side salad was wilted and thrown on the plate. Very limited brunch menu.
Ruined my festive spirit, the only miracle about this place is that it’s still open.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Samuel was amazing!! Attentive, quick, and sociable- 10/10 experience. Food was spectacular. No complaints, will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Lollipops
All the food was phenomenal (rock shrimp, shishitos, pork belly, scallops, and chicken… YUM!) Sam is an amazing waiter as well! He was super attentive and made sure allergies were noted on both drinks and food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam was the best waiter ever. Such great food, vibes, and service. Definitely coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was excellent. The scallops were by far the best part of the meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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