This place was reccommended by a bartender at another restaurant when I asked where I could go eat at that time of night (around 11:00 PM). I was on vacation, my mother was in the hospital, and I had spent most of my time either there or lost somewhere. When I called the Franklin for directions, whoever answered the phone was very patient and specific. When I finally found the place, it was full except for one seat at the bar. The bartender acknowledged me right away. The menu isn't huge, but it's got all the essential fine-dining options even though the place is casual. I ordered the steak frites and a pinot noir from Chile, which the bartender let me taste before pouring the whole glass out, then served some crusty bread with a side of garlicky white bean hummus. The steak arrived quickly and was perfectly cooked...I enjoyed my meal as The Roots played on the cafe's sound system. I took note of the extensive liquor options also. I will make sure to go back next time I am in Boston and hopefully I can bring some people.
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