Franklins Public House — Restaurant in Palos Township

I really wanted to like this place but it was just so underwhelming, I actually feel bad that I suggested it for a family bday. No cocktail list? No list of rotating handles? Our server knew all the beers but she was so busy we had to wait to find out and it was so loud I could barely hear her. Nice selection but my dad commented the beer was overpriced. The prices across the board were high for what we got. Never received the app we ordered, really wanted to try the goat cheese and beets but oh well. My husband didn't like his food, for $18 the salmon was very unimpressive, possibly undercooked, he usually inhales fish but sent this back, they took it off the bill at least, although we were repeatedly assured the fish is fresh but like, that wasn't the problem so it was kind of awkward. The prices and atmosphere seem to be geared more upscale so I thought it was weird that the servers wear sports themed t shirts. And again, it was so loud that conversation at the table was difficult. Our server assured us that they have so many ppl on prep in the kitchen but my mom had long pieces of rosemary stem in her food and my dads green beans had a big bit of stem/vine still attached or mixed in. They recently did a beer dinner with Revolution so my parents might be back if they do more of those but theres like 5 places I'd rather go just on harlem btw 127th and cal sag, if I'm gonna spend that much I'll go to harvest room. I'd suggest having a busser on busy nights for water and table clearing, like why is my poor server wiping down a table behind me??? If she didnt have to do stupid stuff like that we probably would have gotten our app and had enough time to order more drinks. We all turned down dessert but what was it even? Was there a menu somewhere? Other reviews mentioned cocktails, did we just not get all the menus?? I don't know, this place felt confused about itself. I'd consider returning if they revamped the menu or if it changes seasonally I'll check...

Unfortunately this was probably the most miserable dinner experience as a family I’ve ever had. It started with walking into the restaurant where the hostess did not even acknowledge us, we stood there awkwardly as they chatted. She then grabbed some menus sat us down and before I could even ask for a highchair she walked away.

We have a small child, and you know the phase where they like to throw everything on the floor, well it’s in full force. We always clean up the floor of any crayons, papers, food before we leave, but I’m not going to bend down every 5 seconds as it’s happening. As we were browsing the menu some lady who was rearranging the tables around the restaurant came over and picked up the crayon and coloring sheet our little one threw on the floor which was right next to my chair for maybe a minute. We apologized and said we are sorry, to which she rudely replied “Isn’t that why you go out, so other people can clean up for you?” I was in utter shock at her response.

I tried to ignore the comment, but I felt like she glared at us during our entire time there. It made me so uncomfortable we ate so fast and left.

To add, the server also did not ask if we needed a highchair even after we ordered a kids meal. The same rude lady brought us our kids dish and walked away. At this point our little guy was hungry and cranky and I had to hunt down our server to finally get a highchair at the table.

I ordered the shrimp tacos. I took one bite and it was the worst tasting taco. I have no idea if it was the crema or badly seasoned shrimp but I couldn’t even stomach it. I left my plate completely untouched, and did not take it home. The server did ask us how our food was, but I had not even tasted my food yet. The server either didn’t notice or didn’t care to ask further when he cleared the table of my untouched food.

Disappointed and we...

I had the pleasure of dining at Franklins Public House within the past week. I was the guest of a close friend for my birthday. I indicate it was a "pleasure" because the food was fabulous, the menu was extremely diversified, and the staff was extraordinarily accommodating.

Both my friend and I had the summer berry salad which consisted of mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sliced avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and citrus vinaigrette, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Doesn't that make your mouth water? It was scrumptious! We topped it off with a wonderfully caloric homemade flourless chocolate cake served with raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream and candy-almond crumble. The manager, Aaron, did not charge my friend since it was my birthday. What a generous and awesome surprise! Aaron was friendly, fun and very grateful for my compliments about our entire dining experience.

I must mention the service which was outstanding! Jenna was our waitress, and we were very impressed by her wonderfully bubbly personality, eagerness to accommodate us in any way she could, unique wit and obvious ability to bring a smile to each customer she served. I should add that she is exceedingly bright and in graduate school. We spoke quite a bit and she only added to our wonderful experience at the restaurant. If you get an opportunity to dine here, I encourage you to ask for her. You will not be disappointed!

Again, "try it - you'll like it." There is something for everyone on the menu and a wide array of liquor. Who could ask for...