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The Franklin Bar

(Now Closed)

Cocktail Bar, Speakeasy, and Bar$$$$

Center City West, Philadelphia

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The Franklin Bar

The folks at Eater and Philadelphia Magazine like this place. Would you agree?

141 Tips and reviews

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Robert AmezquitaJune 21, 2015
The most unique and amazing "punches" you'll ever have to your palate..the bartenders are friendly, the atmosphere is laid back yet sophisticated, well worth any line you may encounter. Drinkeasy.
EaterMay 28, 2014
While the feeling is speakeasy-esque, the drinks are all over the map with classics, punches and adventurous selections that include ingredients like Arbequina olive oil-washed mescal and cardamaro. Read more
Pablo VladimirMay 18, 2015
I got the punch bowl with 3 other friends and it was a great experience. It is meant to be an intimate experience but there was a pretty rowdy group when I last went. Definitely would go back.
Erin GreenawaldApril 28, 2015
GET THE BLOOD RED MOON. Or a punch. Or anything--you won't be disappointed. Some of the best cocktails I've had ever. Plus fun staff and atmosphere.
Candace SelphJuly 25, 2014
Been here 10+ times
If you are unsure what to order, ask for suggestions. They will ask you a few questions and give you a few options. The staff is well educated on the menus.
Clay WilliamsOctober 3, 2012
The hidden downstairs cocktail bar thing is a little passe these days, but Philly manages to keep even this unpretentious and fun. Tell them what you like & they'll make something wonderful.
CITY GRITAugust 1, 2014
At one point, this spot served as the front for the country's largest alcohol ring. Now it's a speakeasy (with limited seating) celebrating cocktails and the golden age of the pre-prohibition era.
OkCupid Daters' ChoiceJuly 13, 2017
The Franklin Bar was voted the Best Boozy Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in Philadelphia. #daterschoice Read more
Casey ChesterOctober 21, 2013
This was worth the wait and probably only sat for about 15-20 minutes outside. The drinks are incredible. We were seated upstairs at first. It was nice, but moved downstairs and like it better.
Timur AsarJuly 15, 2011
My favourite bar in Philly, went back twice!! Ask the waiters to make a cocktail that's not on the menu and they come up with some funky mixes. Great place, crazy doorman and good atmosphere
Ron DizonDecember 8, 2013
They were out of the porter beer on the menu and recommended this Perkulator beer. Loved it! It is a must try if you love dark beer and coffee!
Philadelphia MagazineJanuary 3, 2012
Drinks like the Cowboy Killer and Oh, Sweet Nothing will change the way you think about cocktails. And the fact that you get to drink them underground and in the dark just makes them double-awesome.
HomeSpeakeasyFebruary 3, 2012
There isn't much to say about the Franklin that hasn't already been said. The drinks are phenomenal, and the menu changes every season, so make sure to stop in regularly to keep up!
Alex HennesseyJuly 7, 2015
Superb cocktails. Awesome vibe. They'll make you something great based on your tastes but their specials are worth trying.
Long CaoMarch 7, 2016
Heavy influence from the NYC cocktail bar Death + Co, go on a weekday if you want to enjoy a lowkey night with fantastic cocktails.
A. CanSeptember 17, 2016
really good, cozy bar! 🎉 you don't need something more.. remember to drink enough water 💦 in between cocktails!🍹
Matthew PalmerAugust 9, 2014
Start with the classic cocktail (an Old Fashion) then get an unique drink from the menu.
Joe CFebruary 14, 2015
Call me a stickler, but I think if you're running a modern speakeasy, its silly to have a line out the front with a bouncer. Inside is cramped and noisy, and not at all the upscale vibe.
Erica JulinJune 30, 2013
Very nice place to get specialty drinks. Try the "sorry for partying" punch. Also the "little fury" is very delicious, tastes like an orange creamsicle!
chinselJanuary 5, 2015
every drink is absolutely scrumptious. sit at the bar to chat with the bartenders to get the inside scoop!
VictoriaSeptember 15, 2018
One of the best spicy mezcal drinks I’ve had... and it’s usually my go to cocktails 😍
SpikeFebruary 7, 2013
Between its speak-easy vibe, seasonal menus and creative cocktails, The Franklin is one of the most bustling bars in Philly.
Julia RDecember 9, 2014
They know exactly what they're doing when it comes to making a stiff drink! Love this place for the ambiance too.
B. Supreme-HurtadoMay 5, 2017
Skybar- outdoor rooftop, great ambience, drinks mixed well, decent DJs
Nathan FFebruary 16, 2012
One of the few bars in the Philadelphia area that carries George Dickel. Yes, there are more Tennessee Whiskeys than Jack Daniels! Dickel is the better of the two anyway.
Philadelphia MagazineOctober 11, 2010
Should your mood dictate something classic, there’s the rum daiquiri (served up); if it dictates something smooth, perhaps the Purple Prose (gin, dry vermouth, blueberry syrup, absinthe, orange bitter Read more
Ricky SherrillJuly 28, 2015
They make some very good bourbon drinks. I sampled the "Midnight's Child" & recommend you do the same.
Emilie FuttermanApril 17, 2015
Great for dates! Lovely booths are super comfy, and they don't let it feel crowded.
Diana FuFebruary 4, 2015
Very cute, great for dates. Gets busy even on weeknights so be prepared for a wait.
LindsaySeptember 27, 2013
Lindsey was great! I had the Sneaky Feelings- really nicely balanced, spicy but not at all overwhelming. Highly recommend.
Ian LazzaraAugust 11, 2014
Get here early to get a seat there's sometimes a wait. Knowledgeable bartenders will make you any type of drink.
JPAugust 29, 2012
Been here 5+ times
ask for something off-menu if you're feeling adventurous. if you fear certain flavors, they'll exclude those for you (but it's not quite as fun)!
Jay CNovember 12, 2016
The AC Expressway reminds me of a drier Negroni! Magnificent!!!!
Cameron BlankDecember 23, 2014
Everything. The drink menu is top tier with regards to creativity. Don't go here if your favorite liquor is vodka.
Kyle FlowersFebruary 17, 2017
Authentic SpeakEasy feel, off the beaten path, Great drinks and atmosphere!
Kevin GardnerJanuary 26, 2014
Pricey drinks but the quality is ALWAYS there. The drink list always changes so there is always something new to try
RamyaMay 26, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Close your eyes and pick any drink, each one is a winner!
Raymond KingJuly 11, 2011
Esquires top 10 best bars in America. Friendly crowd, without douchebags, and mixology drinks. Looks like a mortgage company door, but underneath we find a nice little speakeasy
DanielJanuary 11, 2018
Practically every cocktail. The newly introduced "weird" list is great.
Ben HennesyAugust 23, 2011
Don't bother with the food but ask for the Billy Penn Club and the (Dead Cowboy?) ... can't remember the name of that last one, BT will be able to tell you, though. Best mixed drinks, bar none.
Ben WatkinsOctober 6, 2012
Cripple creek! Great starter to the night. A little sour, but a nice fruity, hearty cocktail.
Ms EmMarch 18, 2018
Cocktail flight is a beautiful journey curated by a master mixologist.
NathanMarch 3, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Fantastic rum cocktails, and gotta love the inventive names.
Taylor VANovember 15, 2014
Try the Perpetual Motion Machine! Not on the menu.
Philadelphia MagazineNovember 18, 2013
Rock-solid booze, and an inspirational level of polish and expertise.” Read more
Rob McGowanJuly 17, 2018
Underground bar considered by many to be Philly's premiere spot for craft cocktails.
Melissa WallaceFebruary 28, 2015
Service is well done. However: Thinking people come to say they have "been" here. Good tables for a date who likes a good drink.
Hari PatelDecember 21, 2014
Large list of cocktails. Great variety. Speakeasy feel
USA TODAYDecember 6, 2010
The name of one of the city's largest bootlegging operations during Prohibition, Franklin Mortgage & Investment looks like a speakeasy. Located near Rittenhouse Square, it's a dark, clubby place. Read more
Anneliese KingFebruary 4, 2015
Don't belabor too long on the options, they're all good. Camomile infused whiskey 😁

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