The Franklin Bar

Been here a few times. This is one of the best places in the city to get an easy buzz as the cocktails are top notch. This is a speakeasy lounge that serves drinks of the prohibition style. Good mixes will hide the strength of the alcohol and give you a real good time. The place is on the smaller side and any gathering is going to be a bit closer, space wise. However, this is a spot that is good for anything, whether it be dates or just meeting with friends. I find that it is very good for conversations. It is not the quietest place, but it is easy to speak to on another without feeling awkward if anyone got loud. The cocktails change every now and then so come back on a regular basis to see what is new.

Totaly rude place. Was meeting 6 friends already inside. Upon arrival i was told without a drivers license i could not get in. Im 60 y/​o. When i questioned i was told its a regulation in philadelphia. Which of course we all know is not true. When i pushed back again the person at the door called the bartender over. He said it is a regulation in Philadelphia he thinks. I said how about an exception as i had 6 friends inside for a engagement celebration. Ask the manager. The manage was not available.
I texted my friends. They canceled all of their orders with no tip and we went across the street. Apparently the location across the street breaks the law since they served us without ID. Again everyone was 55 and older.
Blind its policy with no one understanding why is whats going wrong in this country. I don’t think we have reached a point where we need a drivers license to have a beer…
The total bill across the street was 350 btw.

One of the BEST speakeasies that I’ve been to. My boyfriend and I have checked out a dozen or so speakeasies in Phili, DC, NY, and Boston and Franklin is among our favorites. Since we heard Fri and Sat nights get packed, we decided to get it a go on Thursday, which proved to be a great choice as there was no wait.
We didn’t know which drink to choose from their menu, so we decided to try them all — and did the Golden Ticket (3 course cocktail tasting) and the 5 course cocktail tasting. Along with providing a great buzz, the drinks covered a wide spectrum from sweet to savory. We enjoyed milkshake cocktails like the Everlasting Gobstopper and Daquiri to others with a bit more kick like Elephant Flip or Demon Tied to a Chair in My Brain — which is exactly how I felt after I shared 8 drinks with my boyfriend during the tastings.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND during the GOLDEN TICKET and the 5 COURSE TASTINGS — $ 100 well-​spent.

My plan for the evening was no plan at all, which in my experience generally turns out great. I am not a cocktail drinker by any means, but I was down for whatever. So as I followed the leader, I was led to this awesome location called The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. aka The Franklin Bar.
As far as this location goes, if you don’t know the downtown Philly area, you will walk right by this bar, just like we did. There’s a very dapper doorman situated at the top of the stairs who grants you access and finds a cozy nook for you. Found out later that there are two separate bars, one upstairs and the other in the basement. The exterior of the entire building is very inconspicuous with no discerning signs and the basements interior is dark; both areas quietly scream prohibition era speakeasy, awesome!
Once inside, you are greeted with dark woods, deep burgundy colored leather seating, low ceilings, low candle lights, low music, everything was on the low, low. My first drink was, ‘We want the Funk’, which reminded me of being on an island at the beach listening to Parliament Funkadelic. It was refreshing in the beginning but bordered on sweet towards the end. My second choice, the ‘Firefly’, was perfect. I didn’t know it before but the Firefly is much more my speed. Our next choice, the incredibly strong ‘Gunslinger’, which I only tasted, was an off the menu order. Thanks goes to our business attired neighbors who ordered it first.
Upon being seated, everyone is automatically given a glass of water with no ice. I gathered the no ice in the water makes it easier to hydrate while imbibing on these strong works of art that will surely knock you sideways if not careful. Just like it did to the business attired group who were seated next to us, who left the bar without their briefcase. We apprised our server who put the briefcase away. But what’s funny is during the entire time we were there, the business attired guy never came back to claim his briefcase. I’m sure he woke up frantic the next morning… Yup, knock you sideways if not careful.
As for food, there are only small bites, such as spicy wasabi peas and salty peanuts available… all items to make you drink more.
Libations will run you on average $ 12-​$ 15 and well worth it. Very attentive, friendly service, great atmosphere, with mixologists mixing their perfectly mixed drinks. Great choice, I would definitely go back.

Great downstairs, but the new upstairs isnt. Its a great cocktail bar overall, but the new upstairs takes away from the charm of the place and cheapens the brand. Not a fan at all of the upstairs, but downstairs is absolutely my jam. They have strong drinks, with amazing quality ingredients, in combinations you have rarely seen and just skilled bartenders make it a hell of an experience. On this particular evening, we headed here on a stop of a birthday booze crawl for my cousin’s birthday. THere wasnt a ton of people upstairs when we got there, which defnitely worked to our advantage. I ordered the Kensington to start, a combination of bourbon, sweet and dry vermouth, orange marmalade and bitters, a very tasty start. My quibble with the upstairs is not the drinks or quality of them, or with the bartenders for that matter. My issue simply is with the limited menu and overall feel of the upstairs. Its a completely different vibe than downstairs, and just seems like it is trying too hard. The original Franklin is and always will be amazing, so theres no need to have a completely different bar upstairs in my opinion. It is definitely a hefty price tag if you want to have a few drinks, but its so well worth it. They are just damn tasty, but remember, downstairs, not upstairs! Wait the extra time to hold out for downstairs.

The place to be if you enjoy cocktails. It’s a very stylish and classy bar. You can never go wrong with what you get from the menu

Cool place. Speakeasy type bar in rittenhouse. Very intimate, definitely not good for groups. My fiancé brought me just for a few drinks. They had an interesting drink menu, definitely more appealing to the whiskey/​bourbon/​rye drinkers of the world. I myself, am a tequila/​vodka drinker. I went with the one tequila punch that was on the menu and it was delicious! This place is great if you’re getting a drink… Can’t say I’d really hang out all night, but the vibe was cool.

Oh Franklin Bar, you’ve set the bar so high with your cocktails that I don’t know if I can bother with visiting any other lounges for fear that they will present me with bastardized versions of drinks that your mixologists already trained my palate to love.
Regretful case in point: I went to a ludicrously mislabeled speakeasy in Wilmington, DE and was deeply saddened when I ordered the Penicillin (one of my favourite cocktails) and received NOT Penicillin. I even confirmed with the server beforehand that it was more on the sour and not the sweet side. Instead of sending it back, I just asked for as many lemons as she could get me… it’s already been corrupted why not douse it with lemon juice?
As for the irate reviewers who were insulted by Franklin’s bartenders calling you out on the fact that you didn’t tip them appropriately? First, remember you’re in PHILADELPHIA and sometimes, you will be called out when it comes to folks being able to pay their bills! Second, remember that you are in a lounge and not a local bar or dive. They take great care in creating the ambience you can’t find at most places as well as crafting your drinks.
Basic rule: if the prices are higher, you tip higher. With the presence of the internet, you have no reason not to know the price range of a venue’s menu. Plan ahead!
Why only 4 stars? The bathrooms. Could you please, please, please step up the cleaning game on them? I’ve had to hold my breath in there more than once and what with the ambience of the rest of the place, I really don’t understand how no one notices how bad it smells in there. I’m half-​tempted to bring my own Lysol wipes next time I go just so I don’t have to deal with it.

The rebirth of the cocktail revolution is happening and it’s a beautiful thing. The Franklin Bar is one of those many gems across the country making its respectable contribution.
The bar, like many of its kind, is sort of hidden. You walk down some steps, through a door, and into a dimly lit and laid back atmosphere.
The cocktail list is creative and contains a mixture of many different kinds of spirit combinations. I tried a few different cocktails, including the oh so wonderful rum old fashioned. Each drink was absolutely delicious. The bartenders even whipped up a few cocktails on the spot based on the type of spirit and taste I was into. That’s always the sign of a real mixologist.
As to be expected, the drinks aren’t cheap, but they also aren’t that expensive. Either way, the price is worth it as the bartenders take their time and put a lot of love and expertise into these drinks. Awesome spot that I’ll certainly be back to.

We came on a Sunday at 5pm — right when they opened. We were sat immediately as the gate opened — down the stairs and into the dim, low lit space with dark wood and leather and candles everywhere.
The music was hip hop, which off set the old time décor.
The server was well dressed, well spoken and supremely knowledgeable about the cocktails.
We tried two tasting menus between two of us — totaling 8 small cocktails. Suffice it to say they know what they’re doing when it comes to mixing drinks. I especially loved the Gobstopper drink (a hot buttered rum drink fat washed with duck prosciutto on the Willy Wonka inspired menu) and what was called a «juicy Manhattan» — one of the last drinks on the classic tasting menu.
The service was impeccable and we were very well taken care of — down to the tiny crackers and cheese spread and refilled waters. Would come back — and Sunday at 5pm was a perfect time to be there.

The cocktails here are everything. Absolutely everything. I’ve never had such a wonderful cocktail experience in my life, and I’m not even a cocktail gal. Every drink here is so creatively inspired and well-​balanced at the same time. The space can be a little confusing, as there’s a doorman at the front. You’ll want to head downstairs, as this is where the Franklin is. The service was absolutely amazing, every person there was really conscious of providing the best experience, and had a perfect balance of being attentive without hovering. I think this is a great place to bring a date, as although it’s a bar, it is reasonably quiet so you can have a conversation. The cocktails are a bit pricey at $ 15 each, but worth every penny I promise!

We wanted more of a lounge feel when going out. When we arrived they tolf us it would be about a half hour wait for a table downstairs. We weren’t in any rush. It ended up more like 10 – 15, which was good because it was cold out.
The atmosphere was fine– the tables were a bit cramped and it was really loud for what I expected. I was having a ton of difficulty hearing, just across the table from me. The waiter was awesome, attentive and willing to give recommendations. Each drink we ordered was really nice. I eventually switched to champagne but it was overpriced.
The company was really what I was there for, though, and that was great.

Whiskey lovers, unite! I knew I liked this place when I took a look at the menu and saw not one, but four cocktails with bourbon in them.
Though located on busy 18^th street, The Franklin Bar remains pretty discreet. There’s both an upstairs room and a downstairs bar. If you head down the stairs, you’ll find a decent sized dark room with intimate lighting. There’s leather booth bench seating on the major wall with small tables, as well as a bar to sit at. It’s a little noisy, but you can hold many a conversation there.
At the table, there’s distilled water and both a specialty and cocktail menu. Looked wonderful, and this whiskey selection was fantastic. Whether you’re a lover of bourbon (like myself), rye, or scotch (LOTS of scotch), you’ll find your ambrosia here. The specialty cocktail menu was very well crafted with unique cordials and mixers.
My drinking partner and I are both Manhattan fans, so I had to go with the classic. Perfectly made. Nice large ice cube to melt slow. Sweet Vermouth, so good. Everything I love. Between our first and second round was a bit of a delay, and our server brought over a little Old Grand-​Dad 100 Proof, which was kind. 5 Stars to the service!
Can’t wait to go back soon.
Cheers,
D

What a sexy bar. Seriously, it was tables after tables of couples on a Tuesday night. I come here every time I visit Philly, which is often. These people know how to make their drinks. In the beginning stages of my visits I stuck to my go to Old Fashioned but when you see their menu your curiosity will surrender. Curry? Tamarind? Graham Cracker? Jalapeño? These are some that go into their drinks. Last night I had There is No Dana, Only Zuul and Mr. Gone and simply, it was just great! What a consistent bar with innovative drinks.

Zach, who was tending bar upstairs made my experience. He told my group a half dozen interesting cocktail facts, and expertly made us drinks based on flavors that we liked. He made the high end cocktails worth their price. His pleasant and inviting demeanor was in stark contrast to the man at the door who struck me as over the top pretentious, and unable to find anything funny.
You can have any cocktail that you can dream up in the top or bottom bar. The difference between the upstairs and the downstairs is ambiance. Upstairs is nice, but the downstairs has a more intimate, and formal speakeasy vibe with low hung chandeliers, and a sitting room only environment.

My all time favorite speakeasy, cocktail lounge in Philly.
Best time to go:
Sun-​Thurs (anytime)
Fri-​Sat (5PM-​6PM or Midnight-​1AM)
other than that you might have to stand in line and not get the seat that you like.
There are to option, you can go to the upstair bars or the one on the basement. The upstair bar have simplified menu and the drinks choices are very limited. I’m not sure why but the upstair drinks’ doesn’t taste that good comparing to the one in basement.
For the franklin bar (the one in the basement floor) their drinks menu changes frequently, I’ve been here multiple times where the drinks that you tried in the past and really loved, might not be available again in the future. So, make sure you enjoy it while you can.
Drinks were so good, at one point the server told me that I drink like a goldfish… LOL. My wife was laughing so hard. I always compare this place to Apotheke in Chinatown, NYC and the one in NYC is nothing compare to Franklin Bar. Service, drinks, and atmosphere in franklin bar is very superior comparing to Apotheke (this one was very touristy, and bartender was not too friendly).
Highly recommend this place!

What a sexy little bar tucked below the main streets of downtown Philly.
I had heard about this speakeasy-​style bar from a friend and a few food/​drink magazines. We were the first ones to roll in when they opened at 5pm on a Saturday but within 20 minute the entire place had every seat filled.
What to expect?
Red leather seats accompanied by low lighting and a creative cocktail menu with drinks like peanut butter infused bourbon. Fun note: their main cocktails will run you $ 15 but the three cocktail tasting menu is $ 35– soooo… if you plan on ordering two, why not order three?
The menu is split between fruitier and sweet style cocktails and heavier, alcohol forward drinks like old fashioneds and Manhattans.
Service was friendly and fit the vibe. All in all it was a really cool experience, I suppose I’m wishing my particular order («and a baseball cap») had a smaller ice cube in it so the experience could have lasted longer. And, trust me, I’m the slowest consumer I know.

Came here on a mission to find best cocktail menu and expertly crafted drinks. Mission accomplished.
I didn’t know what to expect when we were escorted downstairs. It felt like one of those speakeasy type bars. Lots of tables, dimly lit, small high top bar.
We sat at the small bar (4 or 5 seats) and Zack our bartender said hello. What a very knowledgeable and friendly fellow. Knew his drinks and recommend us drinks based on what we like.
I had a take on an old fashion and can’t recall what my colleague and best friend got. But he couldn’t believe they had this Italian liquor/​wine that he drank frequently living in Buenos Aires.
Anyways, it wasn’t busy when we were here (6:30ish) but can imagine long lines at night here.
Highly recommend this fine bar if you like to sip on $ 15 cocktails expertly made (takes some time) drinks with friendly and quite attractive staff too.

The smell. When you first walk down the stairs and cross the black threshold the smell first hits you. With a semblance of smelling like a hotel to perhaps the cleaning supplies they use, Franklin Mortgage & Investment hits every sense from smell to sight, to feel. Cozy dark walls with soft lighting, plush leather booths that can become separate tables and a very small bar top area, this is a place to accommodate the large and small crowds.
The paper. The menu is printed on these luscious golden thick sheets of paper that give it a nice sophisticated look and would give any arts and crafts person a papergasm.
The drinks. Complex and delightful. The names are so good you’ll want to try them. It’s like that saying you want to keep the skirt short enough to keep it interesting but long enough to not reveal everything. Short skirt/​Long jacket does just that. The perfectly square ice cubes, the subtle spiciness of ginger, the hint of juices, and the strong liquors all make for a sensual date. I do have to admit that I was disappointed they didn’t serve chilled water from the get go but tepid tap water.
The service. Always there when needed. Informative and professional and catered to the young and old perfectly on every level.
After much deliberating, the small bouncer with his judgmental eyes, presumptuous ways, and dapper vest, did add to the air of snobbery you might find in such an old establishment. I didn’t really appreciate it but I guess that’s what happens when you become door man instead of running the operations.

Probably walked by this place a hundred times and never knew it. Didn’t this place used to be called The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. I guess the new name, The Franklin Bar, is more straight forward.
Came here with a friend on a Saturday night around 9:30pm, and waited maybe about five minutes before we were escorted downstairs. They informed us that they now have an upstairs as well, which featured a more bar-​like atmosphere — beers and standing (apparently). We opted to go downstairs since it was my first visit. Walking through the doors, I felt like I entered the 1920s era. The interior of this place blew my mind; the atmosphere was just perfect. It was mainly sit down with a couple of seats at a small bar at the end of the room. The lighting and music levels were just right. People were dressed from casual to formal, and the servers wore classy vests. The ambiance is definitely one you might want to take a date to impress, or a friend who’s never been to a nice speakeasy.
Perused through the drink menu and «the baseball bat» caught my eye. Bourbon with peanut butter? My friend said he’s tried it before and that he’d actually recommend it. Deciding to be adventurous paid off, because that was one hell of a drink. Who would’ve thought bourbon with peanut butter could be a thing? No real food here though, keeping it classy.
Good vibes and good drinks will definitely draw me back. One of my new favorites in the city.