Franklin's

Franklin's

53 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, United States

+1 570-829-6444

Bar & grill
(581)
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About This Place

Located in the heart of Wilkes-Barre, PA, Franklin's is a vibrant bar & grill that masterfully blends the casual comfort of a neighborhood hangout with an exciting, flavorful menu that caters to both food lovers and cocktail enthusiasts. This spirited spot at 53 Public Square beckons you with the promise of hearty American fare elevated by creative touches and a dynamic drink selection that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.

Step inside Franklin's, and you'll immediately sense a lively atmosphere fueled by upbeat energy and the hum of friendly conversation. The spacious bar commands attention, boasting an impressive lineup of beers that spans multiple styles—from crisp ales to rich stouts—perfect for those looking to savor their favorite brew or explore new flavors. Cocktail lovers will be delighted by inventive creations such as the refreshing Cherokee Red, the citrusy Lemon Drop Martini, or the intriguingly playful Grape KoolAid. For those who crave something classic, the Dirty Martini and Whiskey Sour stand out as expertly crafted choices that showcase the bartenders' skill.

Speaking of bartenders, Franklin's pride in staff like Matt comes through clearly in customer stories—Matt’s quick wit, attentive service, and ability to handle the bustling bar single-handedly has earned him rave reviews from patrons who appreciate personalized attention even on the busiest days. Whether it’s a lively Saturday afternoon or a packed evening with sports fans cheering on the Eagles, the atmosphere remains inviting and energized.

At the heart of Franklin’s offering is its menu, where classic bar & grill staples meet bold, flavorful twists. Starters like the Steak Bites are a must-try—a perfect balance of tender, juicy meat with a savory bite that leaves a lasting impression. Their Boneless Chicken Bites and Buffalo Chicken Bites deliver crisp, seasoned goodness dipped in fiery sauces, guaranteed to awaken your taste buds. Don’t miss the Pickle Fries—a tangy, crunchy delicacy that perfectly complements one of their many handcrafted cocktails.

Sandwich lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice with mouthwatering options like the French Dip, layered with tender roast beef and melted cheese, or the zesty Cuban Sandwich, an irresistible combination of pork, ham, pickles, and mustard pressed to perfection. For something heartier, the Jerk Chicken Sandwich offers a taste of the Caribbean with its fragrant spices and grilled tenderness.

Franklin’s devotion to satisfying big appetites shines in their stromboli lineup, where every variety—Italian, Steak, Chicken Wing, and Veggie—is generously filled and baked until golden, ensuring a crispy exterior and melty center. The party-sized stromboli is a fantastic choice for groups looking to share a festive feast.

For burger aficionados, Franklin's handcrafted burgers, like the smoky Drunken Rodeo or the well-balanced Classic Friedman, are packed with juicy, flavorful patties, fresh toppings, and perfectly toasted buns that underscore the care put into every bite.

Healthier options don’t take a backseat either—the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and the vibrant Cobb Salad showcase fresh greens and thoughtfully curated ingredients that bring a lighter, refreshing twist to the menu.

What truly sets Franklin’s apart is the genuine connection felt in every visit—from the energetic bartending to the thoughtfully prepared food and a welcoming vibe that turns strangers into regulars. Whether you’re seeking a solid spot to catch a game, unwind with quality drinks, or enjoy a memorable meal with friends, Franklin's delivers with heart and flavor. It’s a place where every bite and sip feels like a small celebration, inviting you to savor the moment and keep coming back for more.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Live music Live performances Sport
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Food Food at bar Happy-hour drinks Late-night food Quick bite Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid multi-storey car park Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    02:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jesi A
    1 month ago

    Good wing night, they do charge for blue cheese. Just wish they had more than one bartender considering the big bar they have

  • Sarada Issuree
    1 month ago

    Popped in with some friends on a Saturday afternoon. There was a protest across the street and a big show next door, so it was a bit more active then usual, but the bartender, Matt, held it down all on his lonesome like a champ! Cocktails were good and the beer selection fairly substantial, with a good spread of styles. As a person who grew up in Idaho, I am picky about fries and their fries are pretty solid! I was very pleasantly surprised with the Ahi Tuna bites. The fish had a good texture and flavor (The sauce is a teriyaki, which is not my favorite for nice tuna, but still tasty) I have a very sensitive stomach, and there were no issues later, which is an absolute win!

  • Summer Putman
    1 month ago

    As a couple of foodies, we have a journal full of places we have been and places we can’t wait to try. It was a gorgeous September day for a motorcycle ride so we closed our eyes and pointed on our list and landed on Franklins. The place was jamming when we arrived but we were quickly greeted by the bartender, Matt. As a bartender myself, I appreciate the hustle! It’s an art to be able to handle the needs of an entire bar and tables efficiently and to do it with sincerity. Matt was amazing!!! He helped us pick out menu items and never let our glasses empty! I got the steak bites and they were cooked perfectly. My husband got the French dip and it was delicious! We can’t wait to go back and try other things from their menu and hopefully have Matt as our bartender again! A great afternoon!

  • Spelling Chmap
    2 month ago

    Nice surprise on a random trip to Wilkes Barre on a Sunday. Stopped in for a beer, but stayed for the huge selection of mixed drinks. Stayed even longer once we say the food menu. Highly recommend the Steak Bites appetizer. Everything was top notch, our server was so nice. Plus they had the Eagles game on multiple screens. Go Birds.

  • Michael Roarty
    3 month ago

    Matt is the best bartender ever. Wings were amazing.

  • Ray M
    3 month ago

    We decided to come here for a few drinks which turned into dinner and drinks. It wasn't very busy, but that's ok, we liked that. With outside seating and the garage door open, it makes it feel like the kind of bars by the beach. The decor was pretty cool, too. Overall, we thought it had a nice atmosphere. They probably have the drink you want. Just look up on the walls, and you'll see all kinds of fun concoctions. We also ordered food, which was very good. The zucchini fries were cooked perfectly, and the breading stayed on them. The soft pretzel was freaking huge!! Everything was very tasty. All in all, we had a great time here. I've read this place gets pretty busy, but we really had a nice time here, being it was quiet. We will definitely stop back another time before the warm weather disappears. Check it out.

  • Lisa Grim
    4 month ago

    I ordered the corn chowder and Mediterranean Flatbread. My husband ordered the Italian Suboli. Service was fast and the food was good. The bartender was super nice, we would definitely come back when we are in the area.

  • Matt Simmons
    4 month ago

    Great staff n they serve a restricted menu during performance nights at the F.M. Kirby Theater so that they don't have issues with long cook times. It was a terrific idea and we'll implemented. We be back next time we are in the area.

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