Franklin Cafe Cape Ann

This place, a cousin of the two Franklins downtown, is always good. Unlike many restaurants in Cape Ann, it has an adult feel, darker interior on the main floor, no TV, a small bar. The menu changes frequently, the staff is friendly and professional and you can order until midnight or 12:30 on Friday and Saturdays. You're welcomed with bread and a nice spread of  some sort.  There's a decent sized menu, lots of fish (duh) and seafood (the calamari is always good)  but enough meat choices to satisfy. They have live jazz some nights downstairs and an upstairs patio  scene in the summer. A very cool place.

I have to give them props. I'm not the type to eat at the same place over and over, but I find myself at The Franklin at least once a week. The service is not spectacular, but the food is very good. The menu is small (a bonus in my book), and interesting. The atmosphere works for me too. It's a little on the dark side, but it does feel nice and cozy. The Jazz trio on Friday nights is a really nice touch.

I've eaten at the Franklin a half-dozen times in the last three years. I really enjoy the atmosphere; downstairs has a small bar with dining tables. If you are lucky a trio is serenading...like Linda Amero who sings beautifully. Up a long flight of stairs is a dining room with another small bar tucked in the back. I prefer upstairs...nicely decorated and bit more quiet. For the pricing, however, I would expect more consistent food. This place gets very, very busy so make reservations in advance...even off season.