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Franklin Tap
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Franklin Tap
7.7
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
A casual Loop bar-and-grill built for pre-theater and after-work pints, where fries come as the classic side with sandwiches and fish & chips. The win is comfort and speed—keep the order tight, get fries on the table early, and treat it like a reliable neighborhood stop rather than a destination meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish & chips (fries), Steak sandwich with fries, Buffalo cauliflower
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: No-fuss bar food where fries stay a steady side option.
Who should go: After-work drinkers who want fries with their order.
When to visit: Early happy hour before the bar crowds spike.
What to order: Fish & chips, a sandwich with fries, buffalo cauliflower.
Insider tip: Go earlier—fresh fries and faster service before peak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking nearby; garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and workwear are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak happy hour; easier conversation earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours; shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a handful of vegetarian-friendly items like fries, buffalo cauliflower, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – fries and a few sides may work, but options are not clearly marked.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some salads and proteins can be modified, but no dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual, low-pressure first drink, but it’s more of a relaxed bar vibe than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Walk-ins are the norm, especially at lunch or early happy hour. Seating fills faster after work.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—kids can handle the menu and atmosphere. Evenings skew adult and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Quick comfort food, dependable fries, and an easygoing bar stop near theaters or offices.
Skip if: You’re looking for standout fries, a quiet dinner, or a destination-level food experience.
Franklin Tap
7.9
A loud-in-a-good-way Loop tavern that’s best for after-work hangs and game-day energy, with comfort food that arrives fast and hits reliably. Keep it simple—one burger-or-beef order, fries, and a beer—then settle into the crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger, Spicy Italian beef, Sweet potato fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A beer-and-burgers Loop anchor with real after-work momentum.
Who should go: Groups, coworkers, and casual sports-bar diners
When to visit: Weeknights for happy hour
What to order: Burger, spicy Italian beef, sweet potato fries
Insider tip: Go early if you want better seating—prime tables go first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans, sneakers, and workwear all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud—conversation is possible but expect raised voices during happy hour and games.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak sports or Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads, sides, and a few meatless-friendly builds.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides; not a primary strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some items can be modified, but no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates—fun energy, but it’s loud and distraction-heavy for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially earlier in the evening or at lunch; go early for prime seating during happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes earlier in the day—families are fine for lunch or early dinner, but evenings skew adult and rowdy.
Best For
Better for: After-work drinks, group hangs, sports viewing, and fast, satisfying comfort food.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, dietary-specific menus, or a more polished date-night atmosphere.
Franklin Tap
8.3
A craft-minded Loop tavern that’s genuinely useful when you need a late kitchen—cheeseburgers and bar-food staples that hold up with a beer in hand. It’s at its best as a post-work, post-train stop: sit at a high-top, keep the order familiar, and let the room do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Bison burger, Buffalo chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A downtown tavern with a reliably late kitchen and burger-friendly menu.
Who should go: After-work groups and late diners near Willis Tower
When to visit: Wed–Fri nights when it runs latest
What to order: Cheeseburger, bison burger, buffalo chicken
Insider tip: Aim for a weeknight late window to dodge the post-event rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the Loop; nearby public garages are the most reliable option, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, sneakers, and workwear all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late—easy conversation earlier in the evening, louder once the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation; shorter late night.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—one or two meatless options plus sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited—salads and bun-less burgers possible, but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and low-pressure—it’s more about comfort and conversation than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening or late night; expect waits during peak post-work hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day it works for families, but late nights skew adult and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burgers and bar food when many Loop kitchens are closed, with a lively tavern atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, date-night setting or strong vegetarian/vegan-friendly menus.
Franklin Tap
8.2
A Loop tavern built for after-work volume: big beer list, fast bar rhythm, and burgers that hold up when the room gets loud. The best happy-hour strategy is simple—split a couple starters, go bison-burger for the main, and let the bartenders keep the pace moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
All-American Bison Burger, Cheese Curds, Chicken Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A beer-forward Loop staple where burgers and bar snacks stay reliable in rush-hour traffic.
Who should go: Coworkers grabbing beers and a real burger
When to visit: Weekdays right after 4pm before the 5:30 crush
What to order: Bison burger, cheese curds, wings
Insider tip: Start with curds and wings, then split one burger if you’re pacing drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking nearby; paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option after work hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, sneakers, and work attire all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Loud during peak happy hour—conversation is possible but expect raised voices after 5pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak sports or prime dinner hours; faster if you’re flexible with bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short line that moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads, sides, and a few bar-friendly options, but not a vegetarian-focused menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly side dishes; not ideal for a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items and bun-less options available, but no dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meetup than a romantic first date—the energy is lively and bar-forward rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially earlier in the afternoon or if you’re open to bar seating. Arrive before 5pm on weekdays for the easiest entry.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable earlier in the day, but it skews adult and gets loud in the evening; best suited for older kids during off-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast-moving happy hours, reliable burgers, and big beer lists when you want something social and unfussy.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet conversation, a date-night vibe, or strong plant-based dining options.