Franco's Lounge Restaurant & Music Club — Restaurant in Williamsport

In Williamsport, there’s Franco’s. I’d like to call it a restaurant, but it’s so much more than that. You have to ring the buzzer to get in, and before you ring the buzzer, you must have a reservation to be considered. It feels exclusive; it feels like a secret. But those who know, know.

Upon entering, I’m greeted by the friendliest of faces—a gentle giant, whose face is also on his shirt. My table is ready, and I am seated right away. It smells like nostalgia, like your grandma’s house on a Sunday evening. It sounds like aunts and uncles laughing and catching up. The music, set at the perfect volume, includes Nina Simone’s "I’ll Put a Spell on You" and Etta James’s "Sunday Kind of Love," which captures the exact feeling of the place.

The drinks: a limoncello spritzer and a drink called the Grateful Dead, which substitutes sour mix for raspberry sambuca.

Appetizers: crispy duck tenders with raspberry BBQ sauce!? How have I never thought of this?

Bruschetta: a classic, served with Franco’s sauce and banana peppers.

Entree: Delmonico steak, medium, at market price; homemade fettuccine; and crispy Brussels sprouts.

Dessert: a single cannoli made with love, and ricotta cheesecake lighter than a feather, rich and bold in flavor. The recipe should be in Fort Knox.

I asked our server, Seth, who was amazing, what night he works. He said every night. I would too.

Chef Maria took time to visit our table she gave us hugs and shared a story about how her brother keeps the cheesecake recipe under wraps. I understand why. It’s to die for.

I understand what’s being done here—and I think everyone else does too. They’re wearing shirts with the name of their favorite place, their home. They’re asking for pictures with the big guy before they leave, and he obliges.

It’s a place that plays the songs you know the words to; everything is intentional, everything is purposeful. It feels like Philly. It feels like the bar my mom used to take me to as a kid, where the bartender would pat me on the head. It feels like home. I’m emotional because it’s like going back to a time and place that you never thought you’d see again.

On the way out, I was greeted the same way as on the way in—with a big smile and a warm hug.

I’ve been to restaurants all over the world, some on the 132nd floor, some overlooking the ocean. I can honestly say nothing compares to Franco’s.

Thank you for having me. I love it...

I haven't been to Franco's in maybe 12 years. But the lure of Pasta and my recollection of them having Lambic Framboise on tap gave me a craving to visit again. I wanted to go the first night we were in town, but they are closed on Tuesdays. I ended up finding their hours on Google and planned to go another day.

There is a pay parking lot just a few yards away in which we parked and walked. Upon arrival I was unaware of two things. It's apparently now very "speak-easy esque" the door is locked and you have to ring a door bell or call for entry. And reservations are pretty much required. I did not have a reservation.

We were very fortunate that they were able to accommodate us without a reservation because the place was packed. We were seated at a small table for two in the back. Our waitress was very efficient but I got the impression that she was less than enthusiastic about us crashing without a reservation. Plus I think we were way underdressed. But she softened up to us.

Now the highlight of the night. The meal. This was hands down one of the most fantastic meals we have had in years. I of course started with a Lambic Framboise. Draft Lambic is so much better than bottled. It was cold and refreshing and truly perfect.

We ordered a Calamari Pacific style which is deep fried. This calamari was unlike typical deep fried calamari that is chewy and rubbery. This was delightfuly tender and delicate. Perfectly cooked and breaded.

I ordered the Chicken Picata and my husband ordered Seafood Fra Diavolo. Both came with salads and bread. The pasta on both dishes was homemade. My Picata was amazing, full of flavor and I couldn't get enough of the pasta. I ate every noodle and left some chicken because the pasta was just that good.

The seafood on my husbands pasta has large fresh mussels along with shrimp and calamari. It was blended with a spicy marinara that my husband said had perfect heat. I wanted to order a Tiramisu but we were stuffed.

The restaurant itself was eclectic but well maintained. And you could tell by how busy it was that it is well loved. Prices were on the higher end but completely reasonable for the quality. Not to bring up a sore subject for the Williamsport area but if they had a direct flight to IPT I'd definitely want to come back just to have another...

Don't you hate it when you take someone to a favorite restaurant and the experience just isn't as good as usual?

Franco's is a popular local Italian eatery, really a bar lined with booths and a few tables in the back. It's a "Lounge", after all. Every table is marked with a "Reserved" sign, maybe just to encourage walk-ins to "wait to be seated". This place does get very busy during peak hours and on weekends, so reservations are a good idea unless you have time to wait.

Service this day was fast, friendly and attentive as usual.

We asked for champagne by the glass, but only prosecco in mini-bottles was available. It was good, not great. I'd love to see better quality options for single glasses of sparkly wines.

The house salad with blue cheese crumbles and vinaigrette dressing was good, though much of the greens were brown and limp. Franco's famous garlic and cheese bread was over-toasted to the point of burnt but delicious once we peeled off the black. Our server apologized for this after the fact, probably because she noticed the big pile of burnt trimmings we left in the basket. She offered to bring more, but gave us plain bread the second time around. It was tasty nonetheless.

I'd read glowing reviews of the lasagna with meatballs and sausage, and this dish did not disappoint. The serving is huge, certainly enough for two meals. Served piping hot, it was really delicious and really filling.

Overall we were somewhat disappointed. At these prices, we expect better drink options, fresh salad ingredients and perfectly cooked signature garlic bread.

I still love you, Franco's. But you're...