Franklin Cafe

The FRANKLIN CAFE’s late hours have always made it a popular industry hangout. But even without the cooks-and-servers crowd, it still would draw rafts of civilians as a paragon of that most useful of casual urban dining destinations: the neighborhood bar with nice-priced, excellent food. Long waits for booths at the South End original have abated slightly with the opening of the equally excellent, larger Southie location less than a mile away, which also boasts a fine brunch. Both Boston locations have benefited from the hiring of LUPEC lady Joy Richards as bar manager, upping their cocktail game considerably.

FRANKLIN CAFE | Various locations | franklincafe.com