What makes a unique restaurant? I believe that it takes a restaurant that offers more than just fast food or home cooked food. I believe it takes an owner who totally believes that he himself has more to offer than just food. I also believe that many local restaurants are closer to being unique than the restaurants that are operated under a chain approach. Small towns usually are the place where you find the most unique restaurants and Franklin, Indiana is no different.
Franklin, Indiana is home to Franklin College and the Franklin Grizzlies and everyone knows that Grizzly Bears like to eat. The people of Franklin like to eat also, but they prefer the unique restaurants over the well-known chain operated ones. Within Franklin, you can find some of these unique eateries and I would recommend that you stop by any or each of these for a sheer delight at mealtime.
Ann’s Restaurant is a staple in downtown Franklin. Ann’s only serves breakfast and lunch but they are well-known by many of the locals. Serving customers since 1952, Ann’s is a landmark in the Franklin community. Located on the square in downtown Franklin, Ann’s can serve up to 100 people and serves breakfast all day as well as many lunch specials. The food is fairly priced and the atmosphere is one of history and friendly with many locals returning daily to chat and have coffee.
Benjamin’s Coffeehouse and Bakeshop is another restaurant on the square. Located on the east side of the courthouse, Benjamin’s is known for being the place to get the perfect cup of coffee. Benjamin’s offers many specialty coffees, themed sandwiches, and flavored sodas. They are also known for their “Flying Kite” special, which many locals will tell you is one of their favorites. What is a Flying Kite, you might ask? It is a chicken salad sandwich with a smooth, flaky croissant and gets its name from the kite that Benjamin Franklin flew when he discovered electricity.
Another unique restaurant is located just a few blocks from the courthouse on South Main Street in downtown Franklin and is locally owned and operated. Richard Goss, owner, has brought a touch of class to the Franklin area with this wonderful restaurant that is the finest dining that this town has to offer. He offers a classy look with his crisp white tables, candlelight, and fresh flowers and always serves some of the freshest and most fabulous meals of any restaurant that you will ever find anywhere. This is kind of a two in one restaurant as one side of the building is dedicated to the fine dining and the other side offers a brick, wood fire pizza oven where visitors will find some of the best pizza around this part of the state.
As you can tell, Franklin has plenty to offer when it comes to local restaurants and the choices are endless. Fine dining, pizzeria, breakfast cooked home-style or even just a quick cup of coffee and a sandwich; they can all be found in downtown Franklin. Stop in the next time you are driving through central Indiana and see why the locals prefer their unique dining over that of the fast food restaurants that are located along the interstate and the main highway.
