Franklin's - Hyattsville, MD Brewery/BrewPub/Beer Bar Reviews
PubCrawler.com Logo PubCrawler is the leading beer search engine for people looking for quality beer in the United States and Canada. We feature thousands of beer bars, brewpubs and microbreweries.
PubCrawler - Pub/Brewery
Reviews
 
August 28, 2008 @ 09:43 AM EDT
please login
7,244 Beer Establishments 62,847 Beer Reviews 414,818 Restaurants

three dotsthree dots Join | Login | Blog NEW! | Events rss | Links three dotsthree dots
three dotsthree dotsAdd: Beer Place | Bed & Breakfast | Hotel | Restaurant | Event three dotsthree dots
Search for : Beer Places | Bed & Breakfasts | Hotels | Restaurants | Landmarks
Contact Us    
Franklin's Logo
Upload Another Logo!
Type: BrewPub
Franklin's
Overall: Awesome!    Score: 81.7 / 100
5121 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781
United States
(301) 927-2740
Listed Since: March 2002
Get Directions
Mail this to a Friend
Join Our Mailing List
Add your review!
Update this place

also see:
nearby alternative places

nearby bed & breakfasts
nearby hotels (w/reservations online)
nearby historic landmarks
nearby restaurants

Add an upcoming event here to our events

Beer Guide for Hyattsville, MD
Beer Guide for Maryland

Random User Photo
Photograph of Franklin's
45 Reviews / 2 Photos
hours of operation
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

User Login

Password:

New User Sign Up


Search
Google
PubCrawler
Web

alternatives
(4 within 5 miles)
1) Colonel Brooks' Tavern
(3 miles)

2) Capitol City Brewing Company
(4 miles)

3) Cafe Berlin
(4 miles)

4) Dr. Granville Moore's Brickyard
(4 miles)

bed & breakfasts
within 5 miles
1) A Capitol Place Bed & Brkfst
2) Bull Moose B & B on Capitol
3) Davis Warner Inc
4) Doollittle Guest House
5) Hereford House
6) Maison Orleans Bed & Breakfast
nearby hotels
w/ online reservations
1) BEST WESTERN DOWNTOWN CAPITOL
2) BLOOMINGDALE INN
3) BW COLLEGE PARK INN AND FUNDOM
4) COMFORT INN
5) COMFORT INN COLLEGE PARK
6) COURTYARD GREENBELT
7) DAYS INN COLLEGE PARK
8) DAYS INN GATEWAY
9) ECONO LODGE COLLEGE PARK
10) ECONO LODGE TAKOMA PARK
11) EXTENDEDSTAY WASH DC LANDOVER
12) HAMPTON INN WAS I95 LARGO
13) HOTEL GEORGE
14) HOWARD JOHNSON CHEVERLY
15) HOWARD JOHNSON COLLEGE PARK
16) HOWARD JOHNSON EXPRESS
17) HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON
18) KELLOGG CONFERENCE HOTEL
19) MARRIOTT GREENBELT
20) PHOENIX PARK
21) QUALITY INN AND SUITE COLLEGE P
22) QUALITY INN SILVER SPRING
23) RAMADA LTD COLLEGE PARK MD
24) RAMADA LTD WASHINGTON DC NE
25) SUPER 8 DOWNTOWN D.C.
26) THE CAPITOL HILL SUITES
27) TRAVELODGE GATEWAY
28) UMD MARRIOTT INN & CONF CENTER
29) WASHINGTON COURT HOTEL
(historic places)
within 5 miles
1) Adams Memorial
2) Armstrong Manual Training School
3) Ash Hill
4) Augusta Apartment Building
5) Bayly, Mountjoy, House
6) Beall's Pleasure
7) Bostwick
8) Brodhead--Bell--Morton Mansion
9) Brooks Mansion
10) Bunche, Ralph, House
11) Central National Bank
12) Christ Church
13) Davis--Warner House
14) East Capitol Street Carbarn
15) East Corner Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
16) Eastern Market
17) Fletcher Chapel
18) Folger Shakespeare Library
19) Friendship House
20) Gallinger Municipal Hospital Psychopathic Ward
21) Germuiller Row
22) Glenwood Cemetery Mortuary Chapel
23) Gompers, Samuel, House
24) Hampshire Garden Apartment Buildings
25) Harrison Apartment Building
26) Hecht Company Warehouse
27) Hilleary, William, House
28) Hyattsville Armory
29) Jefferson Apartment Building
30) Lenthall Houses
31) Market Master's House
32) Mount Hope
33) Northeast No. 2 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
34) Northeast No. 3 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
35) Northeast No. 4 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
36) Northeast No. 5 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
37) Northeast No. 6 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
38) Northeast No. 7 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
39) Northeast No. 8 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
40) Northeast No. 9 Boundary Marker of the Original District of Columbia
41) O'Dea House
42) Old Naval Hospital
43) Polychrome Historic District
44) President's House, Gallaudet College
45) Roosevelt Apartment Building
46) Sewall-Belmont House National Historic Site
47) Smith, Harry, House
48) St. Aloysius Catholic Church
49) St. Mark's Church
50) St. Paul's Episcopal Church
51) Terrell, Mary Church, House
52) Trades Hall of National Training School for Women and Girls
53) Union Station
54) Union Station Plaza and Columbus Fountain
55) United Brick Corporation Brick Complex
56) US Post Office--Hyattsville Main
57) Washington, George, House
58) Watterston House
nearby
restaurants

(within 2 miles)
1) Beijing Palace
2) Calvert House Inn
3) Checkers
4) Cielito Lindo Mexican Rstrnt
5) Four Way Stop Market
6) Franklin's General Store
7) Jimmy's Carryout
8) La-Taqueria
9) Mc Donald's
10) Mc Donalds
11) Park's Cafe & Restaurant Inc
12) Professional Coffee Shop
13) S & J Restaurant
14) Subway Sandwiches & Salads
15) Three Captains House-Seafood
16) Tortilleria Rotisserie
nearby stuff

attractions
classifieds
DUI lawyer
DWI lawyer
events

houses for rent
insurance
ISP
jobs
local bands
neighborhood
nightlife
recipes
restaurants
transportation
web hosting
work


Buy a Link Now

Overall Average User Rating
Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Great Great Great Great Great

Review Page: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ ALL ]
Individual User Reviews
Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Great Great Good Awesome! Great
I, too, used to work at Franklins and enjoyed [almost] every minute of it! The local clientele and community atmosphere provide a distinct contrast to the jam-packed chains two miles down the road, and my tips were more than enough to cover all the whimsical jewelry, toys, and sundries I found in the adjoining store. While I will be the first to admit that service from some waitstaff was spotty, the core team during my years there (2004-2006) was extremely dedicated and talented. Recently, a new chef and more seasoned kitchen staff have moved from a rather schizophrenic menu to a more focused approach, and this is reflected in the quality and consistency of meals. On a side note, I was very surprised to find that the previous poster considered our serving sizes small and overpriced - with a shared appetizer, two beers per person, and entrees and desserts for each (though how you would have room for dessert after all that is beyond me), the meal shouldn't have totaled more than $80-85 plus tip. (The exception would be if each person ordered the special, which tends to be slightly more expensive due to market prices on high-end fish.) The beers are tenderly hand-crafted but often too hoppy for tender palates; on the plus-side, the choices range from very light to very dark so almost everyone can find a suitable flavor. Be sure to ask your server for a smaple if you're unsure of a brew! Bottom line: Great restaurant - have fun!

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Amy Amy, Gaithersburg, MD
(06/05/2007)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Good Great Good So So Great
Since getting a new chef, this place has improved dramatically. The beer is really strong but has a unique flavor that will make you overlook the fact that you are buzzing off of one pint. The sandwiches have always been good along with the appetizers. The presentation is good but the portions are a little small for the price. A party of three can easily drop $120 if you include drinks and dessert. The service really needs improvement as they become more popular. There is too much standing around by the wait staff around the kitchen. They have a few seasoned servers but they really need a good floor manager. Additionally, they need to be more strict about uniforms for the wait staff.

The atmosphere is what made me continue to frequent the establishment even when the food was horrible. The owner is very friendly and the decor is really good. They serve alcohol in addition to beer now and it makes for a great happy hour haunt. It is a great part of Hyattsville and we are lucky to have it as our local pub. Stop by and have a look

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from J. Moore J. Moore, Hyattsville, MD
(07/02/2006)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Great Great So So Good Great
I didn't find this place until the last 8 weeks of my undergraduate career at UMD, and I miss it terribly. They have a great happy hour after 10pm on Thursdays -- $2 cover for free buffet (with ok fare -- can't rate the restaurant items) and $3 draughts. The beer selection is pretty hit and miss, but the good ones make up for the lousier ones. Personal favorites are the IPA, Terrapin Ale, and ESB (especially off of the nitro tap -- delicious!!!!). Anything Doppel or Drittel is far too strong in flavor and has a distinct alcohol taste (to agree with the poor reviews). The Bombshell Blonde was a little weak for my taste. What Franklin's does right, they do excellently. DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED. Especially for of-age UMD students who cannot stand the limited, crowded, deafening, fraternitized/sorostituted offerings on Rt. 1.

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Mike Hickey Mike Hickey, Blacksburg, VA
(10/06/2005)

Random User Photos
Photograph of Franklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin's Photograph of Franklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin'sFranklin's

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
I used to work at Franklin's when I attended University of Maryland. I miss it dearly and can't wait to travel back for visits. The enviornment of Franklin's wouldn't be so friendly and inviting if it wasn't for its owner, Mike Franklin. Thanks Mike!

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Jimmy Jimmy, Annapolis, MD
(03/04/2005)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Awesome! Awesome! Good Awesome! Awesome!
Hands down, the best brewpub in the DC area-- I only wish it were closer. Some of the negative reviews are mysterious to me-- JoJo has not written a single good review of anywhere he/she has been (maybe works for Budweiser..); others complain about non-filtered beer-- they should also stick to Bud. Franklin's beers are distinctive and fun. Even if one is not to your taste, it's going for something different. I love this place: great beer, great bartenders, tasty food.

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Eric Foster Eric Foster, Washington, DC
(02/27/2005)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Great Great Good Good Great
The beer was excellent! cask barley wine and nitro pour ESB were highlights! The food was good, the sammich I had rated well. But I was really impressed by the beer becuase it's not your run of the mill brewpub brew, it had character and was not overly filtered (i love un-filtered beer!) I had a sampler tray and i beleive there was only one beer I did not like. my only issue is that it's not closer to baltimore!

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from bstill bstill, Baltimore, MD
(02/16/2005)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Lousy So So So So So So So So
Despite having read some negative reviews about this place, I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I enjoy going to brewpubs, and have been to most other ones in MD, so I wanted to check this one out. While they did have a large selection of beers on tap, there was no real description of the brews, so you either had to get a taster, or just go for it. Would be nice to describe the beer styles, as many of the names did not give you a clue as to what kind of beer it was. Having said that, a lot of the beers didn't really fit into style categories anyway. Most of the beers I tried were way over hopped for their style. I love IPAs with lots of hops, but other styles shouldn't necessarily be so hoppy. All the beers I had were cloudy in appearance, and did not have good malt/hop balance. The Imperial Stout was downright undrinkable, with overpoweringly strong fusel alchol and astringency. The decor was interesting, and there was a decent crowd there. However, the beers were very disappointing and the food wasn't good enough to make up for it. Afterall, the main reason I go to a brewpub to enjoy the beer. Overall it was disappointing experience, and I doubt I'll be back.

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from jojo jojo, rockville, MD
(01/30/2005)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Great Great N/A Awesome! Great
Another great visit to Franklin's. Was on my way home looking for a good rest stop, and perhaps a chance to pick up some growler fills for later. Bartender very helpful with tastes to help me make up my mind (so many places seem bothered by doing whatever is needed to sell beer!). Liked everything I tried; their Private IPA and the ESB were good and clean--not overwhelming. Their barleywine was offered on regular and nitro pour, with the nitro just a tick above for my tastes. The best brew this time around was the Silver Lining, which I was told was "their SN Celebration clone". It certainly had that hoppy/malty blend I come to expect each holiday season--a good effort! I was encouraged to hear my server say, "we really take it as a compliment when people bring another brewery's growlers in here for a fill; it means you like our beer as much or more than theirs". Whether that's true or not, I like the attitude! Why can't more places be like that?

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Beav Beav, York, PA
(01/01/2005)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
So So Good Good Good Good
Interesting place. The food was decent. The beer struck me as a little homebrewish, which is not a bad thing, but not what you would expect from a brewery. All the beers had great hop flavor but were lacking in malt content. Almost seemed as though they were partial extract beers. I would also advise doing something about the protein haze. I realize this has no affect on flavor but it does make the beer rather unappealing, especially to folks who don't travel to brewpubs often. Unfortunately I would not recommend Franklins to anyone interested in traveling for beer, visit Baltimore instead.

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Mike Beatty Mike Beatty, Chambersburg, PA
(10/26/2004)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Awesome! Awesome! Great Great Awesome!
Well, I did have the opportunity to stop back and spend some time getting to know the place and the beers. Got in for an early lunch and ordered a sampler of 9 beers, plus an additional version of stout on nitro. They're all very drinkable and clean. Enough different styles to satisfy most all tastes, so bring a beer loving friend! I especially liked the Sierra Madre, which they describe as a Sierra Nevada turned up a few notches. It's definitely not over the top, but would make for a good evening (or two) of enjoyment. Growler fills (bring your own) for $7.95 was a great bargain. I'll be back, again!

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Beav Beav, York, PA
(09/29/2004)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Awesome! Great N/A Great Great
Unfortuately only had time for a sampler, but definitely I will stop back for more at my first opportunity! All the beers were top-notch, with their ESB and imperial IPA as my favorites. Even though most were ales, there was a good range of flavors to satisfy all parts of my palate. Big thanks to the lady at the wait stand as she tipped me off to (a brought a sample of) the Imperial IPA from another (upstairs?) bar--it was huge! Funky building with a general store attached (Belgian beers, too!). A future repeat stop, to be sure!

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Beav Beav, York, PA
(05/31/2004)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Awesome! Great N/A Great Great
Drank through a sampler rack. Beer is across-the-board *seriously* hoppy and quite flavorful; there's enough variety in the rack to please anyone if you find the right ones (for me it was the ESB and Imperial Stout, the latter an 11% super-roast, almost syrupy stout-on-steroids). And who woulda thought to put a 10% barleywine on a nitro line? But it worked! Tips: Happy hour is 4:00 to 6:30; the bar is UPSTAIRS, not back at the window to the kitchen on the first floor (and by the time I figured that out it was 6:33, darn it); Thursday night has a late happy hour with free food (10-2); and firkins are tapped Fridays. Do note the incredibly funky "general store" through the door, which has a great selection of bottled beers and wines to go (Unibroue, Avery, Belgians, six-packs, etc.).

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Alexander D. Mitchell IV Alexander D. Mitchell IV, Baltimore, MD
(03/05/2004)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Great Great Lousy So So Good
Very expensive food compared to the quality, however a good place for drinking beer.

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from far far, college park, MD
(11/02/2003)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Awesome! Awesome! Great Good Awesome!
We moved to the Hyattsville area from Arlington where we took great beer and great food for granted. Franklin's is phenomenal and equals or exceeds other microbreweries in the area. The food is great!!!! We are frequent visitors at Franklins. I also must mention the General store which sells a great selection of reasonably priced wine. In Arlington, we bought wine ONLY at Arrowwine, but I have quite impressed with Franklin's selection.

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review See more reviews from Amy Amy, Hyattsville, MD
(09/12/2003)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Good Good So So Great Good

Write Your Review Reply to this Review Report Review College Park, MD
(09/12/2003)

Beer Quality Beer Selection Food Service Overall
Awesome! Awesome! Great Great