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The Franklin Room, Chicago, IL

The Franklin Room

4.9
4.9
1522 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
The Franklin Room is a proper city tavern and speakeasy located in Chicago's popular River North neighborhood. Our menu features comforting and flavorful turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare that is elevated with a modern approach. We offer a delicious variety of approachable items including fresh seafood, prime steaks & chops, and vegetarian friendly items that are all made from scratch on a daily basis. The Franklin Room beverage program showcases an extensive selection of classic cocktails with an award winning whisk(e)y program. Our thoughtful selection of fine spirits, wine and beer is well curated with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited edition, rare releases.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 37 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American, Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (312) 445-4686

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Namo Chowcharoen

  • Private party facilities

    Whether it’s a private event, cocktail party, semi-private dinner or whiskey tasting, The Franklin Room has a variety of customized options for your next event.

  • Private party contact

    our Private Dining Coordinator: (312) 445-4686

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Cross street

    On Franklin St. between Huron and Erie

  • Parking details

    There is plenty of street parking available during all business hours.

  • Public transit

    Purple and Brown Line EL stop on Chicago and Franklin. Number 11 CTA Bus stop on Orleans/Erie and Wells/Huron.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,522 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Overall

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Food

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Service

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Contemporary American

  • Chicago

    Best Overall

  • Chicago

    Best Food

  • Chicago

    Best Service

  • Chicago

    Contemporary American

  1. JenniferG

    Phoenix

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time there. Great ambiance, service & food.

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  2. Alex

    Phoenix

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    Food and drink were good but not for the price or the service. Would go again but not for a while.

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  3. mjg2022

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place, the food is great and the service is so professional.

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  4. SandyR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went gorgeous a special occasion. The service was fantastic and food was delicious. Loved the ambiance. Will definitely come again!

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is excellent. Service is excellent. Atmosphere is excellent. Want to visit next time 👍

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best spot in River North, should be a Michelin star restaurant based on a few of the MS spots that I have went to, based on the quality of food, taste and presentation, and the drink selection by far as one of the best. The bartenders and staff are always on point. You cannot go wrong by coming here. 

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience, love the music, food and drinks. 10/10 would love you go back again

    Is this helpful?

  8. ScottMC

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Welcoming, cozy & relaxing environment that serves as the perfect setting for delicious food & outstanding staff! Peter's libations would make "Bacchus" erect him a statue!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very cool spot, great food and value.

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  10. RomeoR

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. The whiskey collection is really well done. They have the standards there, but they also have hard to find bottles for the whiskey snobs and those aspiring to be snobs like myself. They also have a good range of other spirits too so everyone gets to drink! The food was out of this world too. I had the ribeye with finger potatoes. The steak was grilled to perfection, the roasted garlic melted on my fork, and the ptotatrs were some of the bedt I e ever had. My table also had the pasta pesca and scallops. Conversation literally stopped for like 5 minutes while we smacked on our food. For dessert there was mango cheesecake and salted caramel Gelato. Both of which were probably the best we ever had. All in all it was just amazing, and our server Jean was excellent. And to the gentleman behind the bar who took time to answer my question in between his making drinks! 1st time diners there. Everything was outstanding, from the ambiance, to our server, to the food.

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  11. JennyL

    Key West

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The absolute best! The food, service, and atmosphere is incredible. Had a great birthday dinner, thank you Franklin Room!

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  12. Antonio

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Wide variety of classic and off menu cocktails. Tequila, Bourbon, Scotch, etc. Has a bit of a speakeasy vibe with a livelier crowd.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ate at the bar, drinks were also great. Halibut and Bronzino were awesome. Servers were kind!

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  14. LillianP

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing ! Food was outstanding and service was incredible.

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  15. chicagodiner

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great anniversary dinner! We enjoyed the lamb and the scallops.

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  16. TomS

    Chicago

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love the Franklin Room. It's my local go to for good food. It's a comfortable, local, friendly, helpful place. Cleanliness is a priority. Dark lighting giving the impression of a speakeasy sorta location. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Drink options are excellent. Better than almost any other Chicago restaurant if you're looking for that special bourbon of scotch. Their wine selection in very interesting and the cocktails are also excellent. The food is consistently great. My most recent visit i had the mushroom tartine and i had the mussels in a spicy bourbon broth. The tartine is a very tasty mushroom appetizer. The mussels were amazing. The spicy bourbon broth accompanying the mussels should be bottled and sold. It's that good! Make sure you ask for extra bread.......you'll need it! Peter your libation mixologist is fabulous. He has the perfect cocktail whatever your mood. The bourbon and single malt selection rivals anywhere in Chicago. It's fabulous. I take everyone visiting downtown Chicago to the Franklin Room. It never fails to impress. Very highly recommended.

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  17. Dominic

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I keep going back and back and back again. The Food and the Service and Ambience are Fantastic and one of my favorite places to go in the City!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything we ordered was delicious. Great ambiance.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistent and amazing as always. Staff is on it and food is out of this world.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great!!! The best food. The best service and the staff are incredible.

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  21. Parker

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gene was amazing. Hubby and I were pleased. The only thing I would say to have the handicap path clear. I had to wait past my reservation time for them to do this

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  22. WarrenS

    Palm Springs

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    GreatAmbiance. Classic Chicago. Creative food preparation. Great drinks too

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place! They know me there and every try time I come in, it’s a whole vibe!

    Is this helpful?

  24. MarkS

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a hidden gem. Everything was outstanding and exceeded our expectations. Can’t wait to make this our regular spot.

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  25. OTdinerATL

    Atlanta Metro

    100 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    100 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Franklin Room is a cozy spot with great ambiance, excellent food, and terrific service. They have an extensive whiskey bar as well as a good wine selection. The tuna crudo and miso sea bass were outstanding. We will definitely return on our next trip to Chicago.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best meal I’ve had in quite a while (sea bass). Delicious, creative, wonderful. The amazing dessert (chocolate crunch) also didn’t disappoint. Wow. Great job. Our waitress was adorable, knowledgeable, friendly.

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  27. Debra

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    + Went out with a large group and everyone enjoyed their food and drinks. Service was good and helpful.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always amazing and always a great time. The lamb, chicken and drinks

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  29. IvanR

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Get the oysters. Get an old fashioned. So many whiskey options

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  30. SundayNightDiner

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Warm welcome The waitstaff was informative and friendly All of the food was special The mushroom tartine really stood out Great speak easy atmosphere with above and beyond drink service No better place to enjoy Saturday evening with family and friends

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  31. DanielT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot for a date or just night out on the town. Excellent service, delicious food and perfect size portions

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  32. KYMW

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Pleasantly surprised and had my expectations well surpassed! Loved this place and will be back!

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  33. HelenJ

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server, Anthony, was incredibly knowledgable about the spirit list and truly made our whole experience exceptional. The host team was also very considerate and accommodating. They clearly have a wonderful staff, which makes the restaurant in my opinion.

    1 person found this helpful

  34. Woody

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The starters already blew us away. The main course finished it! Really excellent quality food in taste and portions size. The friendliness and professionalism of staff (specifically Dan) is unmatched.

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  35. MarkS

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing Restaurant. Food and Beverage out of this world.

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  36. Tree7162

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the pasta and the sea bass, plus drinks and the flight of bourbon. Service was great! Food was delicious! Bourbon was a treat. Definitely a must-go. Love this place.

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  37. Panko

    Baltimore

    278 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    278 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was our first visit to The Franklin Room and it was really special. We were a party of four. The place is very sleek and elegant. The whiskey collection is impossible. Eventually, they'll probably have every whiskey in the world represented. The bartender took good care of us before dinner at the comfortable bar. When we were seated for dinner, our server really went the extra mile to ensure we were attended to consistently throughout the evening. The food was exceptional! Delicious and plated creatively. We enjoyed the following dishes: raw oysters, Belgian mussels, kale salad, another salad spun off from a traditional Caesar, baby lamb rib chops with chimichurri, Chilean sea bass, butcher's (i.e., hangar) steak. Every single dish wowed us. Can't wait to return to The Franklin Room.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and drinks were fantastic. Very cool vibe.

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  39. FredoCorleone

    Chicago

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just always an awesome experience. Best Manhattan in the city. Food top notch. Cant wait to return.

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  40. AG1020

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and great food!! We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Franklin Room offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 445-4686.

The Franklin Room is rated 4.9 stars by 1522 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 37 times today
Google Map for The Franklin Room

675 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross street

    On Franklin St. between Huron and Erie

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Hours of operation

    Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American, Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    There is plenty of street parking available during all business hours.

  • Public transit

    Purple and Brown Line EL stop on Chicago and Franklin. Number 11 CTA Bus stop on Orleans/Erie and Wells/Huron.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Namo Chowcharoen

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (312) 445-4686

  • Private party facilities

    Whether it’s a private event, cocktail party, semi-private dinner or whiskey tasting, The Franklin Room has a variety of customized options for your next event.

  • Private party contact

    our Private Dining Coordinator: (312) 445-4686

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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