First, SORRY to all the Google Reader subscribers who saw a Franklin's post the other day and got super excited, only to see it blank--I published by accident and even though I deleted it, I cannot control the feed. AHHHH I AM OUT OF CONTROL. Please accept this apology, and this internet hug as token of my affection ::hug::
Ahem.
I drove past Franklin's in downtown Hyattsville literally hundreds of times before having lunch there recently. And now I can't wait to go back! Preferably after work-hours though, because by the way, this place is also a brewery, and the brewer, Mike Roy, started last month--he's blogging here. On this particular lunch day I went for Franklin's root beer--not particularly fizzy, but a nice change from the old brand and name. If it's local, I want to try it.
First E had a cup of chili. I tasted it, and it was just delicious. Really flavorful, not spicy, and filled with veggies and beans.
Next came the sliderfest--I had a seasonal special: Chinese Barbecued Duck Sandwiches. Three little sandwiches (on the most delightful cornmeal crusted buns) with shredded duck drenched in hoisin barbecue sauce. I LOVED that this wasn't one big ducky sandwich, because something shredded and saucy would have turned the bread into a soggy mess. And there were THREE, so I could trade one with E for one of hers. My shoestring-type fries were pretty good, but they weren't super hot. I could see how piping hot they would be awesome, though.
E got the Nickel Curves--3 housemade merguez burgers, or lamb sliders, topped with tzatziki. Super yummy lamby flavor, and a major texture shock after eating my sandwiches. I was transported to a place quite Mediterranean, and if I made a giant bowl of Israeli salad I'd love to serve these little gems at my house.
This place gets a big lunch crowd, but there's plenty of space. Check out that upstairs! With the TVs and everything! And by the way, there's a "general store" connected to it--knick knacks, toys, tchotchkes, and also wine & beer. And I spied this across the street, knitty friends.
Options in this area are slim, but if you work in the area or it's in between a friend's place and yours, definitely go to Franklin's. There are at least half a dozen things on the menu I'd like to try next time--I should bring some friends.
Franklin's
5121 Baltimore Ave
Hyattsville, MD
Metro: Red line to Rhode Island Ave or Green Line to College Park, then a Metrobus that gets you to Franklin's on Route 1. There's gotta be a few. Or drive! Parking in the lot next door is 25 cents per hour--major bargain compared to the meters in Arlington.
I went to UMD and Franklins was luckily right down the road on route 1. I LOVE Franklins and wish I lived closer to it.
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