Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn

3.2 (296)

$31 to $50

Regional American (Southern)

51 Avenue C, Apalachicola, FL 32320

Make a booking

2 people

29 Jun 2025

19:00

Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Neighbourhood gem
Gluten-free-friendly

Briny catches from surrounding waters, craft cocktails, and OCBC brews from our hometown brewery. At the Franklin Café and Parlor Bar, we source fresh and serve simply—honoring the spirit and traditions of the Gibson Inn’s original Franklin Café, which opened in 1907. We invite you to drop in for a Southern-style breakfast, lunch or dinner on the porch, or a Happy Hour toast, as we turn the tide on all-day dining in Apalachicola.

Open Daily for Breakfast 8am-11am, Lunch 11am-5pm, and Dinner 5pm-9pm. Weekend Brunch every Saturday and Sunday! Daily Happy Hour from 3pm-5pm.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Regional American (Southern), Oyster Bar, American
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 08:00–11:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 08:00–15:00 Bar Daily 11:00–21:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–17:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:00–17:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
Phone number
(850) 270-2150
Website
http://thefranklincafe.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Chef Edward Reese
Private party facilities
The Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn offers an unparalleled setting for private events. We cater to both small parties and large groups who wish to take over the dining room, parlor bar and/or hotel.Whether your plans include a private dinner, wedding reception or family reunion, email Events@GibsonInn.com for more information.

Location
51 Avenue C, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Area
Apalachicola
Cross Street
Avenue C and Market Street
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 296 people are saying

Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.2

3.2 based on recent ratings

3.4Food
3.5Service
3.7Ambience
3.0Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn offers a mixed dining experience. Some guests have appreciated the "delicious food" and warm atmosphere, with standout dishes like "shrimp and grits" and "steak." However, service inconsistencies and menu limitations have been noted. The café is ideal for those seeking a more refined experience in the area.

296 Reviews

E
Ervin
Northwest Florida5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was great, wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Look forward to our next visit
Is this helpful?
M
Matthew VIP
Central Kentucky21 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 June 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful breakfast at Franklin Cafe at the Gibson!
Is this helpful?
E
Edward VIP
New York City6 reviews
1.0
Dined on 15 June 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
We never got seated despite having a reservation. Patrons did not appear to be pleased with service so we left.
Is this helpful?
D
Dennis
Unspecified1 review
1.0
Dined on 5 June 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
We were a group of 12, only 4 other people in place. 2/12 liked their meal (crab cakes) No one finished their meal. My steak was half well done, half medium rare, ordered medium. 100% bland other than char.
Is this helpful?
M
Michaela
Memphis7 reviews
4.0
Dined on 30 May 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was very tasty, though they haven't changed their menu since last year and we were hoping for some variety. We enjoyed the shrimp and grits and steak. The specialty cocktails were delicious.
Is this helpful?
N
N
Greater Boston2 reviews
3.0
Dined on 20 May 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We had stayed and dined here 3 years ago and it was a pleasant experience. We were excited to return. Our excitement turned to disappointment almost immediately. We had to push our tables together to make enough seat for 5 people. We waited 15 minutes for someone to take our drinks order. When asked which beer was on tap, our server had to go find out. We were later told, light, medium or dark. I had remembered there being a Bar Menu but this was not on offer, therefore there was nothing on the menu that appealed. I ended up with a wedge salad swimming in dressing. Others had forgettable shrimp and grits. The food was overpriced and not enjoyable. All in all it was an experience I’ll not repeat. We had planned to go for breakfast but decided against it. This is such a shame because The Gibson had held a special place in my memory.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
New Orleans / Louisiana1 review
2.0
Dined on 17 May 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Food was ok. Not really an enjoyable ambiance. Service was good as well as Bar staff!
1 person found this helpful
M
Matt
Northwest Florida1 review
2.0
Dined on 12 May 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Our server although sweet and polite seemed like it was her first day. She kept having to go ask the manager questions we had about the menu. My steak was way overcooked and not seasoned. I paid $45 books for a skirt steak and cold fries. My wife’s steak was was also overpriced for the cut and quality of the steak. It was also under seasoned and over cooked. This was our most expensive meal during our vacation and by far the worst food. Unfortunately we won’t be coming back.
Is this helpful?
b
bill VIP
San Francisco Bay Area11 reviews
1.0
Dined on 5 May 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was dreadful. Tenderloin was tasteless and over salted. Demi glaze veal sauce had to have come from a bottle. Sauce Choron was also tasteless and bore no relationship to a properly made sauce. Asperagus must have been frozen. Mashed potato was lumpy and tasted like it had come from a box. For dessert we were promised apple crisp with ice cream. It came with no ice cream and we were told that new management had discontinued ice cream. Huh? It was covered with gloopy over sweet and inedible sauce. Finally we were told that restaurant no longer has a chef but they hope to get one soon. We were ripped off; restaurant should close until they can hire someone who can cook. And they need to revisit food suppliers. Really one of the worst restaurant meals I can remember.
1 person found this helpful
D
Dennis
Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint5 reviews
1.0
Dined on 3 May 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Had reservations for our 45th wedding anniversary, was seated at the appointed time to “any table you want”, and waited over 5 minutes and no service. Mind you there was only one other table with 4 people in the whole restaurant; a person sweeping the floor who stopped and seated us and one wait staff rolling flatware in napkins. At over $30 a plate and $15 for a glass of wine reservations at a restaurant at this price point you would expect at least, “someone will be with you in a minute”, but we were left to review the food stained menus. At this point we left the restaurant. Maybe others had better service, but we were not going to let this place taint our happy night. We did go to another restaurant and had great service and great food. We do not recommend. Franklin cafe
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (850) 270-2150.

Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn is rated 3.2 stars by 296 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

29 Jun 2025

19:00

Booked 6 times today

Google Map for Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn

51 Avenue C, Apalachicola, FL 32320

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Avenue C and Market Street
Area
Apalachicola
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 08:00–11:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 08:00–15:00 Bar Daily 11:00–21:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–17:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:00–17:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Regional American (Southern), Oyster Bar, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Chef Edward Reese
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://thefranklincafe.com/
Phone number
(850) 270-2150
Private party facilities
The Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn offers an unparalleled setting for private events. We cater to both small parties and large groups who wish to take over the dining room, parlor bar and/or hotel.Whether your plans include a private dinner, wedding reception or family reunion, email Events@GibsonInn.com for more information.

Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 296 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn restaurant rated?

Is Franklin Café at the Gibson Inn currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information