Franklin Cafe

Franklin Cafe Restaurant Review:

Foodies, artists, academics, techies and entrepreneurs who ensure the South End remains the hippest neighborhood in town flock to the Franklin Café for its late-night dining. The Franklin owes its status in part to the fact that it’s still one of the few full-service restaurants with a kitchen that stays open past 10 p.m. (until 1:30 a.m. to be exact). But only in part. After all, would the joint be jumping with off-duty chefs come midnight if the contemporary fare couldn’t live up to the smooth libations? Chef-owner David Dubois juggles diverse dishes in an American bistro setting with nary a miss --- though he excels at subtly tweaked starters like five-spice pork belly with melted cabbage and shiitakes, or port wine poached pear with Stilton. The menu runs the gamut, from IPA braised beef brisket with celery root purée to pecan-crusted Atlantic salmon with collard greens and a roasted organic half-chicken with 20 cloves. Much as we lament the often-brutal wait for a booth, we can't think of a place we'd rather endure it. Also located at 118 Main St., Gloucester, 978-283-7888.