The current Franklin Café was born in 1996, when well-known Boston bartender Maureen McLaughlin teamed up with chef David Du Bois to take over the South End site of the original Franklin Café, established back in the ‘30s.

Described by its owners as equal parts bistro, trattoria, diner and tavern, the spare, 40-seat enterprise, has become know for its unique blend of reasonably priced gourmet dining and South End neighborhood scene. That scene (with its full menu) rages on far later than at most restaurants, making the Franklin a favorite gathering spot for culinary industry types from all over the city.