Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant

This review is long overdue! We've been ordering from Franklin Inn every week, sometimes twice, for nearly six months. As a vegan with a severe dairy allergy, my options in Pittsburgh are limited, but Franklin Inn offers incredible vegetarian and vegan dishes, with new specials that keep us coming back. Their vegan cheesecake is a must-try—absolutely incredible! My husband, who prefers meat, also loves the food, making it a rare find for us both. We haven’t tried their happy hour yet, but it's top of our list for our next date night!

Dietary restrictions: A lot of vegan options, and they usually have a new vegan special each week too! So it's not just one option, and the menu never gets old!

Food: 5

Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant is a great spot with delicious food made from fresh ingredients and a variety of flavorful dishes. The chimichangas were especially tasty and stood out among the menu items. Even though it was busy, the waitress was attentive and friendly. The dining room is a bit small and noisy, which made it a little hard to hold a conversation, but the charming decor added to the overall experience. All in all, it was an enjoyable visit, and I’d definitely come back again.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa with Regular Salsa and Hot Extra Hot Salsa, Chimichanga

Best margaritas!! We always enjoy the food, service and atmosphere!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Steak and Shrimp Fajitas, Grilled Spicy Hot Wings Blackened, Chef Feature Blackened Shrimp Tacos

The burrito is awesome. Staff was great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burrito, Chips and Salsa with Regular Salsa and Hot Extra Hot Salsa, Grilled Spicy Hot Wings Blackened, Chimichanga

Great food and drink , great service. Small space

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Black Bean Dip, Burrito, Steak and Shrimp Fajitas, Jefe Burger & Fries, Chips and Salsa with Regular Salsa and Hot Extra Hot Salsa

Best tradmex in Pit by far

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place was suggested by my doctor while in Pittsburgh. We didn’t know it was national margarita day, but we didn’t wait long for a table and even had a free Tshirt at the table. Our food was delicious and authentic. The service was great and even kept up with my husband’s ice teas he pounds! lol

Kid-friendliness: We would bring our 4 year old here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa with Regular Salsa and Hot Extra Hot Salsa

Excellent high quality, great tasting Mexican food. You can tell the food is great, it's very popular on the weekend. In addition this restaurant has more delicious vegan options than almost any other non-vegan restaurant and some vegan restaurants. Dina is a wonderful and friendly server. She works with the owner to veganize many of their most delicious dishes.

Vegetarian options: They know the difference between vegan and vegetarian and are able to veganize many of their most delicious dishes.

Dietary restrictions: Vegan, vegetarian and probably more.

Kid-friendliness: We don't have children but notice many families bringing their children in to eat. Atmosphere was still cozy and quaint.

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was my second time visiting this restaurant, and perhaps it would have been wiser to let the memories of the first visit in 2018 stay untouched. Back then, the genuine Mexican flavors were remarkable, especially the shrimp fajitas, the sizable burrito, and the wings. It was a moment when discussions highlighted how true culinary talent, rather than mere nationality, could craft authentic cuisine.

Now, in 2024, there was hope to revisit that fantastic experience.

Sadly, the latest visit was a letdown. The shrimp fajitas turned out to be overly greasy, drenched in burnt vegetable oil and devoid of any real taste. The chicken burrito was reminiscent of a lackluster home-cooked dish, tossed together with a packet of taco seasoning and a dash of cheddar. It was a far cry from what was enjoyed six years ago.

The tight seating arrangement only added to the disappointment, offering little privacy or comfort. It felt more like a busy cafeteria than a pleasant dining experience.

Nonetheless, there remains hope for the restaurant's future. Maybe it was simply an off day, but there are other options nearby, including Rey Azteca, Picante Grill, and Mad Mex, that provide better dining experiences.

Objective rating relative to its peers at 2 stars.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 5

Been here many times. Small, loud dining space. The margaritas are very good. The food is usually average, but the margaritas make up for it. This time however I ordered the mushroom enchiladas. They tasted "off" and did not agree with me as I was awake in the bathroom most of the night with an upset stomach.

Vegetarian options: Probably wud not recommend to vegetarians unless you're just ordering something with cheese lettuce and tomato.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

Great food, bar, and atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burrito, Chips and Salsa with Regular Salsa and Hot Extra Hot Salsa

Delish!

Wendy and john are the best

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Franklin Inn is ALWAYS a win! Love when they bring back their mole sauce!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hadn’t been here in a while where the food was just ok except for Chips n Salsa;Margaritas were great; but must sit in the bar area as the dining room feels like a very old cafeteria.Used to be able to play music… can’t now.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa with Regular Salsa and Hot Extra Hot Salsa