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Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar, Philadelphia, PA

Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

3.7
3.7
86 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Top Tags:

Franklin Social, at the Renaissance Hotel Philadelphia Downtown, serves up contemporary American dining in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City Historic District.
Gather with friends, family and colleagues, as Ben Franklin frequently did in his time – He was quite the entertainer didn’t you know and enjoy a meal showcasing an attitude that's all Philly. Join us for a craft beer from around the corner, or an award-winning wine from around the world.
Whether you're craving a quick bite or full meal, Franklin Social will bring you the best products and flavors from around the region to entice your taste buds. All of this Philly flair is brought to you by a friendly and engaging team that should make you feel right at home. Franklin Social allows you to take part in a piece of American history, while creating a piece of your own history all in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American

  • Hours of operation

    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (215) 931-4260

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    John A. Arney III

  • Catering

    Host Your Private Event at Franklin Social! Ben Franklin used to hold Community dinners for Americans living in Paris back in the day. Franklin social offers private space, including a lobby level lounge area. We can accommodate 12-100 guests and have several menus to choose from and are happy to customize menus with optional wine pairing from our extensive wine list or reserve list. Seasonal Menu changes may occur, so our team will provide current menus at your request. For Private dining and event inquiries, please contact fill out the form below or call 215.931.4260

  • Private party facilities

    Host Your Private Event at Franklin Social! Ben Franklin used to hold Community dinners for Americans living in Paris back in the day. Franklin social offers private space, including a lobby level lounge area. We can accommodate 12-100 guests and have several menus to choose from and are happy to customize menus with optional wine pairing from our extensive wine list or reserve list. Seasonal Menu changes may occur, so our team will provide current menus at your request. For Private dining and event inquiries, please contact fill out the form below or call 215.931.4260

  • Location

    401 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19106

  • Neighborhood

    Old City

  • Cross street

    4th and Chestnut

  • Parking details

    Valet

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

At present, we do not have menu information for this restaurant. Please see their website or wait to visit the restaurant to learn more.

What 86 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.7
3.7 based on all time ratings
  • 3.7Food
  • 3.8Service
  • 3.8Ambience
  • 3.5Value

Noise • Quiet

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  1. n

    niknik519

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We had a hard time figuring out where it was. When we went in, it didnt seem like they were expecting customers, most of the sections were closed. They had a buffet on the bar and said that was the only option (I dont even know where we would have sat?) So we left and went somewhere else. We didnt realize it was a hotel bar/restaurant. The website totally threw us off.

  2. PS

    PaulusS

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Only go here if you have no other choice. The wait staff was kind enough. But this restaurant is nothing more than an outdated hotel lobby with food on the bar. The cutlery and glasses was uniformly not cleaned well.

  3. G

    Guest

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Understaffed. They did not honor our reservation made through open table and we had to go elsewhere. We waited and at one point the bartender told us sorry, no more tables. The restaurant was full of dirty tables and he didn’t seem to have any support in sight.

  4. GW

    GourmetWannabe

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2021

    overall1food3service2ambience2

    The bar was not stocked, no Prosecco or equivalent, poor wine choice. Soup was watered down, could have used some croutons. The turkey was supposedly pan seared but should have said pan reheated, white meat was very dry. No sparking water available. I should have read the reviews instead of trusting Open Table.

  5. M

    Molly

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were one of the last customers of the evening and were treated as if we were the only ones 💫

  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2021

    overall3food2service3ambience5

    Overpriced lean cuisine meal. Ordered cheesesteak eggs rolls for an appetizer and when bitten into, center was frozen. Main course arrived and looked like a premade meal from a frozen dinner box. Waiter was kind and inside the ambiance was swanky - overall great place to grab a quick drink but not so great for dining.

  7. JA

    JoeA

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2021

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    For starters, telling people they open at 7, and then telling everyone to come back at 7:30 is not a nice way to begin. Temp was colder than it needed to be, server was obviously doing more than she should have and wore it on her sleeve. Food included one slice of toast on the plate, which is never expected.

  8. WW

    WendyW

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2021

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    We visited the restaurant at 7 pm on a Saturday night. We were stunned to see we were the only people in the whole restuarant for the first 10 minutes. The bartender almost seemed to be annoyed. Not a great experience.

  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    147 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    147 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2021

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    It is a good hotel restaurant - the food was okay but not particularly well-prepared. The wait staff was great.

  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience and atmosphere

  11. PS

    PoppyS

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2021

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    Food was average, service was great 😊

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great friendly service, interesting variety of menu items, food was delicious. Nice convenient location.

  13. MW

    MarianneW

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    We were there in the beginning of May. It was empty in the restaurant. The food was good and the service was very good. We found the music they were playing to be a bit annoying. It’s pricey. But as long as I have good food and good service I don’t mind.

  14. ED

    EllenD

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2021

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Food was delicious and service was excellent. A hidden gem. Highly recommend!

  15. MG

    MargieG

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The service was outstanding and the food was delicious. A mist enjoyable late lunch on a Wednesday afternoon.

  16. FT

    Food4Thought

    Philadelphia

    36 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Braised ribs with barley risotto was yummy. Spicy shrimp was good not great. Brussel sprouts were over-cooked. Not sure what type of place this restaurant is really trying to be. Wait staff outfits didn't make sense in relation to the ambiance they seem to be going for. Hard to see past it being a hotel-restaurant. A bit pricey for what you get.

  17. GB

    GabrielleB

    Philadelphia

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This restaurant was amazing! It has ample comfortable seating options, great ambiance, and beautiful decor. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. The food was spot on! We enjoyed the Mac and cheese, deviled eggs, and two different types of salads. Planning to go back ASAP.

  18. UW

    UWreckMe

    Charlotte

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall3food4service1ambience3

    Nice place, with good food. Our waiter was very confrontational and not pleasant at all.

  19. B

    Billie

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2019

    overall3food3service2ambience2

    Nice place. It was cold when we were there. Servers didn’t rush you for sure, but it did take a bit of time. Food was ok.

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2019

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    The food was great and you could tell the staff was working hard. They made it clear when we sat down that food was taking a long time to get made, not sure of it was a staffing issue but they were right. Still a great time.

  21. AC

    AnaC

    Cincinnati

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went there for a 3-course Thanksgiving Dinner. It was amazing!

  22. S

    Suze

    New York Area

    79 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    Just stayed in the hotel that houses this restaurant and ate two breakfasts and one dinner there. At all meals, half the food was served cold. At dinner, we had to ask for bread and it was stale. Service well intentioned but under trained and inefficient. Would never recommend this to anyone.

  23. OT

    OutToLunch

    Philadelphia

    51 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Pleasant atmosphere, good service, tasty food .I had the club sandwich which was a nice variation on a traditional turkey club. Slightly pricey but good.

  24. MM

    MaryM

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had a terrific dinner - appetizers were great and entrees well prepared, pleasing, served hot. The service was terrific. It is a shame more people don't try this - the menu is good and everything was delicious. It is a bit noisy b/c there is no break from the bar, but otherwise terrific.

  25. KC

    KimC

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Small restaurant in a good location. There were 7 of us for brunch and all of us loved our food. I had a wonderful salad with avocado and chicken, others had waffles with fried chicken, hamburgers and delicious truffle fries, and breakfast egg type dishes.

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Definitely underrated. Excellent quality!

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was excellent

  28. MF

    MelissaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was absolutely amazing-- the best burger I've had in years! I highly recommend!

  29. DW

    DavidW

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I went for restaurant week. It was only $20. The food was outstanding.

  30. TT

    TomikoT

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2019

    overall2food3service3ambience2

    The bartender and our server were very nice and did a good job but... the drinks were weak and tasted just okay. The happy hour prices were the same as normal prices for food and drinks. The food although good weren't very filling and definitely not worth the prices.

  31. X

    Xanderdog

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2019

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    Server was a bit curt after I asked where our pretty simple order was. Two moz flatbreads.

  32. M

    Magpie

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Gracious staff! As soon as I entered the Hotel Lobby I was greeted warmly he Concierge. Best service ever! Everyone from the Barman to the Wait Staff were lovely and solicitous. Thank you! Maggi Kirk

  33. DM

    DorothyM

    Philadelphia

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great Sunday brunch - best croissants in Philadelphia. The service was excellent (we were in a time crunch to get to the Constitution Center) and our server was kind, helpful and we made it in plenty of time. Starting with a first rate Bloody Mary, everything was tasty and served perfectly. I would highly recommend this wonderful new brunch place.

  34. J

    Jason

    Philadelphia

    90 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2019

    overall3food4service5ambience2

    We went here (place has been renamed and I cannot remember the new name) for breakfast after a night in the city. The staff was super friendly and helpful, and the food was tasty. Unfortunately we happened to be there at a time when an awning was being installed right outside of where we were seated. So the constant noise of a drill going into concrete was not our favorite :) Otherwise it was a good experience.

  35. D

    Debbie

    Salt Lake City

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were looking for a good meal in a city we are unfamiliar with, and found a gem at Chez Ben! The service was attentive, the food was excellent!

  36. MM

    MaryM

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had a wonderful meal. It is a terrific menu. The server was attentive but not overwhelming. The only downside was the noise from the bar - there was a loud group of four there. I would recommend this for a new place in Olde City.

  37. c

    cmcharles

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2019

    overall3food4service1ambience4

    The food was good. The service was horrible. The waiter COMPLETELY forgot about us most of the time, his coworkers served us. The place wasnt even filled.

  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Enjoyed trying a new place during Restaurant Week. All the dishes had a great combination of flavors. Service was friendly and attentive.

  39. BB

    BrandonB

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience2

    Good was very mediocre. We also didn't know that the restaurant was located in the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel. Service was good, but prices were high for what we got. Additionally, the temperature in the restaurant was about 60 degrees when we arrived. We literally had to ask to raise the temperature.

  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2019

    overall1food2service3ambience2

    Not worth it at all!! Basically disappointing diner food!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 931-4260.

Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar is rated 3.7 stars by 86 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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2
3
4
5
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7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today
Google Map for Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

401 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19106

Additional information

  • Cross street

    4th and Chestnut

  • Neighborhood

    Old City

  • Hours of operation

    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Valet

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    John A. Arney III

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (215) 931-4260

  • Catering

    Host Your Private Event at Franklin Social! Ben Franklin used to hold Community dinners for Americans living in Paris back in the day. Franklin social offers private space, including a lobby level lounge area. We can accommodate 12-100 guests and have several menus to choose from and are happy to customize menus with optional wine pairing from our extensive wine list or reserve list. Seasonal Menu changes may occur, so our team will provide current menus at your request. For Private dining and event inquiries, please contact fill out the form below or call 215.931.4260

  • Private party facilities

    Host Your Private Event at Franklin Social! Ben Franklin used to hold Community dinners for Americans living in Paris back in the day. Franklin social offers private space, including a lobby level lounge area. We can accommodate 12-100 guests and have several menus to choose from and are happy to customize menus with optional wine pairing from our extensive wine list or reserve list. Seasonal Menu changes may occur, so our team will provide current menus at your request. For Private dining and event inquiries, please contact fill out the form below or call 215.931.4260

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