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Franklin Hall, the cavernous 5,600-square-foot American take on German drinking spots, debuted this month inside the Manhattan Laundry Building.
Restaurant developer Tin Shop’s latest project at 1346 Florida Avenue NW is a playground for beer lovers, with 24 drafts, an industrial vibe, couches, TVs, and fireplaces. Most beers are available in liter mugs. The spacious establishment can pack in 220 eaters and drinkers, with a 24-seat patio in the works.
Tin Shop’s other projects include Smoked & Stacked and Big Chief; the consulting chef for Franklin Hall is Matt Baker whose forthcoming Ivy City restaurant, Gravitas, recently pushed back its opening date to September.
Read on to hear what customers are saying about Franklin Hall:
The All-Star News: Facebooker Nathan Ackley got a “great beer selection, well designed, spacious, friendly staff, tasty burgers ... all close to the 14th corridor but not in the thick of it ... which can be a good thing.” [Facebook]
The Big Game News: Facebooker Rob Rains noted a “good selection of beers. Food is good, big portions. The place is huge and has giant jenga blocks.” There’s also “Connect four for buzzed people,” says Instagrammer @tim_qualls. [Facebook, Instagram]
The Efficient AF News: The Washington Post gives props to its quick payment system: “At the end of the night, there's no need to queue up at the bar again to settle a tab: The doorman has a handheld payment system so you can tap your phone or insert a chip-enabled card on the way out.” Yelper Puya A. says “self seating and order yourself at the bar looks to be a solid way to reduce normal wait for food.” [WaPo, Yelp]
The Good AF News: Instagrammer @anthampton noted the “burger, wings and Tenders good af. Still need to try the fried apple pie.” Instagrammer @kellsvb calls it “my new favorite spot, Franklin Hall! Food is outstanding, and such a cool spot.” [Instagram]
The Redesign News: Yelper Bob W. points out the “beautiful renovation of old building. Great beer selection and food is surprisingly good. Good choice for small or large group.” The Washington City Paper says the “beer hall is outfitted in reclaimed wood, steel, murals, and old newspaper clippings advertising things like sewing machines.” [Yelp, WCP]
