The team behind Marigny neighborhood restaurant The Franklin is excited to return to the New Orleans dining scene, after officially opening its doors to the public on Monday, March 25th. Located on the corner of Dauphine Street and Franklin Avenue, The Franklin reopens under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Dane Harris. Reviving the spirit of the restaurant’s previous iteration, the warm and inviting gastrobar celebrates the city’s food and drink culture, love for art and design, and vivacity.
Housed in a former corner grocery store, the historic space embraces the vibrant and eclectic personality of the Marigny neighborhood with an elevated, but casual, culinary and bar program, thoughtful art collection, and spirited staff.
“Our goal for this new era of The Franklin is to provide the neighborhood with a more approachable spot where everyone feels welcome to come grab dinner or have a drink at the bar,” says Managing Partner Ken Jackson. “We’re proud of the menu Chef Dane has created and are excited to invite everyone back into the space.”
A NEW ORLEANS GASTROBAR
The Franklin’s kitchen is led by Executive Chef Dane Harris, who taps into the rich diversity of New Orleans cuisine through deep exploration of the city’s culinary techniques and traditions. Seasonally inspired menu items highlight ingredients from the surrounding region. Guests can expect to see nightly specials alongside menu staples such as Beef Tartare with Pho Garnishes and Smoked Egg Yolk; Duck Liver Mousse with Mostarda, Pickles, and Sourdough; Crispy Whole Fish with Citrus Salsa Verde, Pork Schnitzel with Sunnyside Egg and Creole Mustard Sauce, a Four Veg Monte choice vegetable plate, and the signature Franklin Burger with Farmhouse Cheddar, Roasted Tomatoes, and Aioli.
The Franklin’s cocktail program is designed by veteran New Orleans bartenders Evan Wolf, Matt LoFink, and Jason Sorbet (The Company Burger, Cure, Barrel Proof). Much of the menu is dedicated to the Martini and its variants, including the Vesper, Martinez, El Presidente, and Rosita; this deep-dive on the cocktail classic is complemented by a secondary focus on inventive riffs, including Frank Collins, with Cardamaro, Rittenhouse Rye, Chamomile Syrup, Soda, and Lemon, and Three Little Birds, with Cocchi Di Torino, Smith & Cross Rum, Sweet Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, and Orange Bitters. A robust wine list with an emphasis on natural wines and a diverse beer selection round out the gastrobar’s beverage program. Happy Hour specials include the House Martini, Old Fashioned, Tommy’s Margarita, and the Lemon Drop.
A CELEBRATION OF ART AND DESIGN
In addition to the large 14-seat bar, The Franklin’s handsome interiors showcase a variety of seating vignettes for guests to enjoy, including an extensive lounge area and large high-top tables. Designed by New Orleans interiors and architecture firm Bockman Forbes, the intimate and inviting space is accented by refined design elements, a mix of art and textures, and a dark, stylish ambiance.
Art is at the forefront of The Franklin’s design, with a thoughtful selection of contemporary art curated by Michael Wilkinson, a New Orleans-based collector. A portrait by artist Enrique Rottenberg hangs as a focal point in the dining room, housed in a custom lightbox. The Franklin’s art collection rotates often, with a focus on figurative and abstract pieces from American artists.
The Franklin is open Monday-Thursday from 5pm-10pm and Friday-Saturday from 5pm-11pm. Beginning on April 28th, The Franklin will be open on Sundays from 5pm — 10pm.
