The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company

Channeling speakeasies of the Prohibition-era, The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company has only one focus: making the best cocktails around.

Named after the largest alcohol ring in the country during Prohibition, The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company has garnered numerous awards including Bon Appétit’s Top 10 Best New Cocktail Bars, GQ’s Top 25 Cocktail Bars in America, Philadelphia Magazine’s Best Bar 2010 and was recently named the top bar in Philadelphia by Foobooz.

Once you walk down the stairs to this unassuming drinking establishment at 18th and Chestnut Streets, you’ll enter a world where liquor is king.

The Drinks

Cocktails take center stage at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company. The crisply-dressed, highly-experienced bartenders at the The Franklin work magic with a rotating menu of alcoholic delights.

The hefty drink menu is divided into categories ranging from the traditional (“Required Reading” and “Easy Going”) to the adventurous (“Rebellious Spirits” or “I Asked Her for Water, She Gave Me Gasoline.”)

It is easy to get intimidated by cocktails like the Peckinpah (mescal, Cruzan white rum, housemade blackberry habanero syrup and lime juice) or the Harry Rag (Scotch, Amaro Nonino, green chartreuse and orange biters), but your knowledgeable server will help guide you through the menu.

Light bites are available to complement your beverage, like duck fat potato chips, cheese plates, assorted charcuterie and various spreads such as an inspired edamame hummus.

Insider Tip: Sorry martini drinkers, there’s no vodka served here. But don’t worry, you are sure to find a new liquor love.

The Ambiance

Walking downstairs and entering the plain black door of The Franklin, you may feel as if you are entering a secret speakeasy of the 1920s. The darkened space features low tables perfect for comfortable conversation. The most prominent decoration is large mural depicting a boxing match from the days of old.

At the cozy bar in the back, bartenders confidently navigate a wide array of bottles, jars and concoctions used to create The Franklin’s cocktail masterpieces.

Do not worry about fighting the crowd for a drink, as The Franklin only lets in as many customers as they have seats. The policy may lead to a lengthy line outside the door, but don’t worry about the wait – The Franklin will call your phone when your seat is available.