We discovered Franklin Social two weeks ago, simply by seeing on Instagram that they had the 1947 beer on their menu. I know: it is weird because usually you go because you see a particular dish on social media, but no, this was this awesome beer that I discovered last year.

1947 Beer at Franklin Social in Jersey City, NJ

The first time we went was for brunch, on a quiet Sunday, the place not being that crowded if not for a graduation party that they hosted in their patio. We sat outside, the weather being perfect and I admit that this was very relaxing, enjoying my beer and the food that came at a good rhythm, not too fast, not too slow. We started off by sharing deviled eggs, a dish that always reminds me of meals at my mom’s when I was a kid and she made oeufs mayonnaise, although the quantity of mayo in hers was twice the one they put at Franklin Social and my mom never put sunflower seeds gremolata, that added a nice crunch to it..

For her main, Jodi got the falafel sandwich that was quite good, while I opted for the fried chicken sandwich that was served with jalapeño coleslaw, pickles and roasted chili aioli. I admit that the ratio bread / fried chicken was in favor of the bread unfortunately , but the chicken was deliciously cooked, crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. I was also expecting some heat but it was not spicy at all. Still, I enjoyed it. It was served with either a salad or some steak fries. I decided to try the latter, although I never liked steak fries. I did not change my mind: they were slightly crunchy, but not fully cooked inside. Yes, I still prefer skinny fries!

For dessert, we got churros with chocolate sauce (normally it comes with caramel, but we got two servings of chocolate sauce). In fact I did not care much for the chocolate sauce, these churros being delicious on their own (and if you want to know my favorite dipping for churros, it is condensed milk!).

A week later, we went back for dinner and all the spots outside were taken so we sat in their quiet dining room that had a nice homey feel. As it was before 7pm, we benefited from the happy hour: I got a cocktail ($10) called “We The People”, made with Dickel Rye, apple brandy, Madeira, Demerara and angostura bitters. Sweet and refreshing. We also got, for $6, some fried pickles that we always get whenever on a menu. Served with an horseradish aioli, they were very good, not greasy, crunchy and delightfully salty and sour. We also got their potato croquettes that were bigger than expected, sitting on creme fraiche and accompanied with a lemon brûlée that I squeezed on top of the croquettes that were filled with cheese, crunchy on the outside without being greasy and creamy inside. Delicious!

We The People cocktail at Franklin Social in Jersey City, NJ

For her main, Jodi got the crispy cauliflower that was served with tzatziki. This is the kind of dish that would make you think twice before saying you do not like cauliflower! It was succulent: deep fried (well, anything deep fried is good, right?), the cauliflower was cooked all the way through but had still a bite.

On my side, I had the pan roasted duck that was served with Brussels sprouts and a creamy polenta that was amazing. The duck was nicely fatty, perfectly cooked medium. This was a delicious dish.

Last was dessert. As we had the churros last time, we decided to try their bread pudding. It looked good, but unfortunately did not deliver: it was too dense and dry with a spicy taste. Too bad that they did not give more caramel sauce, because at least, the top that was slightly crunchy was good.

Bread pudding at Franklin Social in Jersey City, NJ

Overall, we had great meals at Franklin Social: this place is awesome and is worth a trip to Jersey City, this place being few blocks from the Grove Street Path station.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Franklin Social - 292 Barrow St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat!