Franklin Inn

Overview:

Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant is a local family-owned and operated establishment located at 2313 Rochester Rd, Franklin Park, Pittsburgh. The Franklin Inn has been serving the community for over 45 years, specializing in fresh, homemade Mexican cuisine. They offer a variety of popular dishes including burritos, chimichangas, chili rellenos, enchiladas, and tacos, along with inventive margaritas made with real ingredients. The restaurant's kitchen hours are Monday to Thursday from 4 PM to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 4 PM to 10 PM. Happy Hour is from 4 PM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, offering $4 off a full mason jar, $2 off a half mason jar margarita, and $2 off drafts. Delivery is available through DoorDash, and you can also order online for pickup. They are closed on Sundays, except for Cinco de Mayo.

The Food:

Mexican Beers

We started with a Pacifico and Modelo, both Mexican beers. They were crisp and ice cold. If you go during happy hour you can get $2 off draft beers.

Chips & Salsa

As a complimentary starter, you're treated to a basket of hot, crispy tortilla chips and a side of their flavorful salsa. This initial basket is provided at no charge and is a delicious way to begin your meal.

Beef Chimichanga

I ordered the beef chimichanga as my main entree. It included cheese, onion, shredded beef, red and green salsa, with sour cream on top. For my sides, I got refried beans, french fries, and a Mexican salad. The chimichanga was crispy on the outside and the meat inside was good. It did taste more like meat from a stew but the cheese and onion with all the toppings made it taste pretty good. 

Chicken Chimichanga

One of the other guests I was with ordered the chicken version of the chimichanga. I was a bigger fan of the chicken as it was pulled and more juicy than the beef. For their side, they got black beans and corn salad which was just ok. The rice however, was good and seemed to be a seasoned Mexican rice. 

Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

The stuffed portabella mushrooms were an interesting choice for an entree that we had. It includes Hand-marinated portobellos. Vegetarian ground beef (not vegan, contains egg whites) and cheese filling. Chile mayonesa drizzle. Rice of the day. Flour tortillas. The mushrooms were tender and the fillings were great. However, the dish was about $18 so I think for the amount of food you get on the dish it is not quite worth it. 

Service:

The service at Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant was commendable despite the bustling atmosphere. The restaurant was packed, yet our waitress consistently made an effort to check on us throughout our meal. Her attentiveness and professionalism stood out, ensuring we had everything we needed. Even with the busy environment, she managed to provide prompt and friendly service. It was clear she was doing her best to make our dining experience enjoyable.

Atmosphere:

The atmosphere at Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant is a mix of charm and hustle. The dining room is small and can feel a bit cramped, with tables placed close to each other. This setup contributes to a high noise level, making it difficult to hear your own conversation at times. Despite these challenges, the interior is well-decorated, adding to the restaurant's cozy and authentic vibe. Overall, the vibrant decor and lively ambiance create an inviting, albeit bustling, dining experience.

Rating: Good |⭐⭐⭐⭐✩|

Overall, I would rate Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant a solid 4 out of 5 stars, which I consider a good score. The food was delicious, with fresh ingredients and a variety of flavorful dishes to choose from. Despite the busy atmosphere, the waitress did her best to check on us and provide friendly service. The dining room was small and noisy, making it difficult to hold a conversation, but the charming decor added to the experience. While there were a few minor drawbacks, the overall experience was enjoyable and I would definitely visit again.