When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen
Why Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen stands out as a premier destination in Salt Lake City for those seeking a memorable dining and social experience. Located in the heart of the city inside the historic Franklin Avenue Variety Theatre building, this venue offers a unique ambiance with exposed historic brickwork, art adorning every surface, and leather-trimmed bar seating that invites guests to relax and engage in lively conversations. Open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily, it suits a variety of plans, from casual lunches and pre-theater dinners to late-night gatherings. The restaurant’s cocktail program is notably creative, featuring both classic and seasonal cocktails alongside a rotating selection of mocktails, crafted expertly by attentive bartenders for an elevated drinking experience. The kitchen delivers an impressive American and contemporary pub menu, featuring standout dishes such as hearty wagyu burgers, roasted chicken, and pappardelle bolognese — all well-balanced and satisfying. Guests are encouraged to save room for inventive desserts like their seasonal raspa do with unique flavor combinations such as maple cinnamon-caramel ice cream paired with apple cider syrup and spiced apples. Franklin Ave also offers street parking and accepts reservations, making it a convenient spot for meetups with friends. Its rich atmosphere, excellent food, and outstanding drinks combine to create a welcoming space that both locals and visitors enjoy.
Here's what people think of Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen
As of recent, Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen holds a 4.6-star rating based on 554 reviews.
User reviews for Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen reflect an overall highly positive reputation with a 4.6-star rating across more than 550 reviews, indicating consistent patron satisfaction. Many positive comments highlight the exceptional quality of both food and cocktails. Reviewers appreciate the creativity and seasonality of the drink menu, as well as the bar’s inviting atmosphere, often praising the historic and art-filled interior that enhances the dining experience. Highlights from positive reviews also include the attentive and friendly staff, the variety and innovation of the menu, and the great vibe making it a top spot for socializing. Several guests mention favorite dishes such as the wagyu burger, black cod, and desserts, confirming the kitchen’s prowess. However, some critiques mention occasional variations in service speed and a sense of a "pretentious" bar menu, which might suggest that some patrons find the pricing or complexity of drinks somewhat overwhelming. Despite these minor negatives, the consensus remains highly favorable overall, suggesting that Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen is among Salt Lake City's leading choices for casual yet refined dining and drinking. The blend of excellent cuisine, inventive cocktails, a unique historic setting, and attentive service makes it a recommended destination for groups, dates, and anyone seeking a lively night out.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kimberly Andersen
This was a great place to grab a great brunch! We really enjoyed the food and we had polite, friendly service. The atmosphere inside is great - trendy and posh. The atmosphere in the neighborhood is not as great and we just weren't expecting to see so many unhoused people at the entrances to all the businesses there.
Alex Henricks
Franklin Ave is a good place to get a specialty cocktail and American fare. The setting is very cool and well decorated. Their cocktail menu is expansive and tough to choose from. Luckily, our server knew the menu well and made some good recommendations. We ordered the kokomo and material girl. Both were very good. The kokomo had a great hint of mint after taste. For appetizers, we ordered the deviled eggs and snap peas. Both were very tasty. The snap peas had just the right amount of heat to them which was very subtle. Our main courses were the steak sandwich, steak salad, and wagyu steak. All were very good. The salad was the best. The dressing was flavorful and the steak wasn't mixed in with the greens so you could eat it separately if you would like. The steak sandwich was good, but I felt the bread was a little hard and the dill chips sounded better than they were. Our server was very nice and knew the menu well. If you order drinks, you'll spend at least $50 per person (most of their specialty drinks are around $15) and main dishes run anywhere from $20 to $40. We had an enjoyable meal and would return. Remember: this is a bar so you need your id to get in!
John Guldner
Outstanding restaurant, my wife and I eat here at least twice a month! Great staff, creative + rotating specials, and amazing cocktails! This, plus the vibe makes this one of the best restaurants in Utah.
Alan
Franklin Ave. blew me away! I ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich with sweet sambal, kimchi pickles, napa slaw, and dynamite aioli — it was phenomenal. Perfectly crispy, a little heat, a little tang, and tons of flavor. For dessert, the Chocolate Doughnut with sea salt, cardamom, pastry cream, cocoa nibs, and a scoop of their house vanilla ice cream was next-level. Rich and indulgent — the perfect way to end the meal. Service was excellent. Friendly, attentive, and really knowledgeable about the menu. The whole experience felt relaxed but high quality. Definitely a new favorite in Salt Lake City!
T Walczyk
This was my first time coming here and I'm so glad I did. Delicious drinks and good food. I had the Material Girl and Gray Matter cocktails. We enjoyed the deviled eggs, but the loaded potatoes were especially spectacular. The wagyu burger was great. My husband inhaled the chicken sandwich and he never eats that much... so that's a compliment. Friendly staff, quick service... And impeccable atmosphere.
How to reach Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen
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Why Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen with your friends?
Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen stands as a premier destination for anyone looking to gather with friends or family in a vibrant yet comfortable environment. Rated an impressive 4.6 out of 5 by over 550 reviewers, this Salt Lake City gem offers an irresistible blend of stellar cocktails, exceptionally crafted food, and an inviting atmosphere that makes every meetup feel special. The combination of a mid-century modern aesthetic with a cozy, quiet street location sets the tone for conversations that can flow freely without the distractions of a noisy bar scene. The attentive, professional staff ensure that from the moment you arrive until your last sip, you feel taken care of—with friendly bartenders who craft cocktails that consistently impress. Signature menu items like inventive deviled eggs, whipped feta with dill chips, and their renowned burger make Franklin Ave a culinary adventure worth sharing. The drinks menu offers unique options with a wide selection of whiskeys and creative cocktails, accommodating varied tastes within any group. Whether you come for a casual gathering or a celebratory night out, Franklin Ave promises a warm, upscale experience where good times and great flavors converge, making it the perfect rallying point for friends.
What activities make Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen perfect for a group meetup?
Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen encourages lively group interactions not only through their delicious offerings but by fostering an immersive social experience. The ambiance, described as both upscale and cozy, invites groups to linger comfortably, whether seated at the long bar or at spacious tables designed for sharing plates and conversation. The bar frequently features a rotating cocktail menu rich in classics like Old Fashioneds or seasonal innovations that thrill aficionados and casual drinkers alike. This rotation keeps the experience fresh for repeat visits, sparking discussions among friends about new favorites to explore. Additionally, Franklin Ave’s eclectic music selection featuring upbeat tunes helps create an energetic yet tasteful vibe without overwhelming the space, ideal for groups who want to talk and enjoy good tunes simultaneously. The service is another highlight; bartenders and waitstaff are lauded for their friendliness and professionalism, often remembered by name, which adds a personal touch that makes guests feel like part of an extended community. For group meetups that appreciate quality food, fine drinks, and great company in an aesthetically pleasing, relaxed setting, Franklin Ave provides a seamless environment that caters to every mood and moment.
How does Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen’s menu enhance the group experience?
The menu at Franklin Ave is thoughtfully curated to appeal to diverse palates, making it an excellent choice for group dining where tastes and preferences vary. The standout appetizers, such as their highly recommended deviled eggs and brussels sprouts described as “dank,” offer sharable dishes packed with flavor and creativity. These small plates encourage communal eating and sampling, which naturally sparks conversation and builds a shared dining experience. The kitchen's commitment to rotating their menu means there’s always something new, enabling regular guests to discover fresh tastes alongside classics like the beloved burger, praised repeatedly by frequent visitors. Mains like unique steak salads and beautifully executed vegetarian options, such as cauliflower steak, ensure that the menu is inclusive, catering to different dietary needs and preferences within a group. The cocktails complement the food perfectly, with a selection that includes not only visually appealing drinks but also rare whiskeys and mezcal cocktails, catering to adventurous palettes. This balance of approachable favorites and sophisticated options ensures that every guest in a group setting finds something that delights, fostering a shared culinary journey and a memorable outing.
Why is the atmosphere at Franklin Ave ideal for catching up with friends or family?
The atmosphere at Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen is carefully crafted to blend a sense of historic charm with contemporary comfort, making it an ideal venue for reconnecting with loved ones. Housed in a renovated historic building, the space exudes character and warmth, accented by mid-century modern design elements that create a clean and inviting aesthetic. The location on a quiet street encourages a relaxed pace, away from the bustle of downtown Salt Lake City, which makes conversations more intimate and enjoyable. The lighting and music volume are thoughtfully balanced to provide a lively ambiance without overwhelming your group’s interactions. Guests frequently mention the hospitality and warmth of the staff as pivotal to the welcoming vibe, contributing to a sense of safety and belonging that encourages groups to unwind and enjoy each other’s company fully. Whether you want a quiet dinner with old friends or a chic night out with family, the ambiance here supports meaningful connections in an environment that feels both special and approachable.
What makes the beverage selection at Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen stand out for group gatherings?
Franklin Ave’s beverage program is a cornerstone of its appeal, especially for groups that enjoy exploring distinct and expertly crafted cocktails together. The cocktail menu features a variety of both classic drinks and innovative seasonal concoctions, satisfying those who appreciate tradition as well as those seeking adventurous new flavors. Notably, the Old Fashioned and mezcal-based cocktails receive high praise for their quality and creativity, appealing to spirits enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The bar’s reputation for offering whiskeys rarely found elsewhere makes it a go-to spot for collectors or anyone looking to try something new and exclusive. This diverse and dynamic drink selection sparks fun tasting sessions and spirited discussions within groups, enhancing the social experience. The bartenders’ skill and friendliness add an extra layer of enjoyment; they are known to recommend drinks based on individual preferences and to engage groups with enthusiasm and knowledge. This thoughtful service combined with a well-curated drinks list elevates Franklin Ave as the ideal place for groups to bond over great beverages.
How does Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen support different types of group gatherings?
One of the strengths of Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen is its versatility in accommodating a variety of group occasions ranging from casual hangouts to celebratory events. The spacious yet cozy layout makes it suitable for intimate dinners with a few close friends or larger group celebrations without feeling cramped. Their ability to rotate menus and cocktails also means groups visiting multiple times are constantly surprised with new combinations to enjoy. Franklin Ave’s respectful but lively atmosphere caters well to different moods—whether your group wants to enjoy quiet conversation over a delicious meal or celebrate milestones with upbeat music and festive drinks. The staff's professionalism and attentiveness ensure smooth service regardless of group size, providing special touches that make events feel personalized. Moreover, the venue’s location on a tranquil street makes it convenient for parking and meeting up, which is a practical benefit for group organizers. These factors collectively make Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen the perfect hub for a wide array of social occasions, encouraging guests to come together frequently.
Why do locals and visitors alike recommend Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen for meetups?
Both locals and visitors rave about Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen as a standout gathering spot because it consistently delivers on quality, ambiance, and service. From locals who frequent the bar for its friendly staff and dependable food to visitors who consider it a must-visit culinary highlight in Salt Lake City, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Guests appreciate how the restaurant balances a unique, upscale vibe with approachability, making it suitable for every level of occasion. Many reviews highlight the community feel fostered by the staff and the carefully curated menus that accommodate diverse tastes in every group. The combination of historical charm, contemporary food innovation, and expertly mixed drinks offers an experience that feels simultaneously special and inviting. Visitors often return multiple times during their stay, a strong indicator of the place’s magnetic appeal for social gatherings. These ongoing endorsements underscore Franklin Ave’s status as a reliable, enjoyable venue where memories are made—a true neighborhood treasure worth rallying at again and again.