Ben Franklin’s Taproom offers an exceptional dining experience that perfectly marries the charm of historic Philadelphia with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, the taproom serves a thoughtfully curated menu that caters to diverse palates.
Whether you’re seeking hearty comfort food, creative small plates, or robust craft beverages, Ben Franklin’s menu has something to delight every guest. The culinary team expertly combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients with classic American flavors, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and exciting.
Beyond just the food, the menu reflects a deep respect for tradition and community. Seasonal offerings rotate to highlight the best produce and products available, while signature items maintain their steadfast popularity.
Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a memorable dining experience whether you’re stopping by for a casual bite or celebrating a special occasion. From savory starters to indulgent desserts, Ben Franklin’s Taproom stands out as a beacon of quality and creativity in the bustling food scene.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizers and small plates at Ben Franklin’s Taproom set the tone for the entire meal with their bold flavors and artful presentation. Designed to be shared or enjoyed solo, these dishes showcase a mix of innovation and comfort.
The menu offers a range of choices that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Each appetizer is crafted to complement the taproom’s extensive beverage selection, making them ideal for pairing with craft beers or signature cocktails. From crispy fried delights to fresh, vibrant salads, the starters provide a satisfying beginning to any dining experience.
Popular items include the house-made pretzel bites served with a tangy beer cheese dip, which perfectly captures the spirit of a traditional gastropub. Another favorite is the roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with balsamic glaze and smoked sea salt, providing a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
Signature Starters
- Beer-Battered Pretzel Bites: Soft inside, crispy outside, served with a zesty beer cheese sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Charred and caramelized, finished with balsamic reduction and smoked salt.
- Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower: A vegetarian take on a classic, tossed in house-made buffalo sauce and served with cooling ranch.
- Crab Cakes: Lump crab meat packed with herbs and spices, served with a tangy remoulade.
“Our appetizers are crafted to ignite your palate and complement every sip, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.” — Executive Chef
Entrees and Main Courses
The main courses at Ben Franklin’s Taproom offer hearty, satisfying dishes that highlight classic American cuisine with a contemporary twist. Each entrée is thoughtfully prepared to balance rich flavors and textures while incorporating seasonal ingredients.
The menu features a variety of proteins, including hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and poultry, ensuring there is something for everyone. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to inclusivity and guest preferences.
From the perfectly grilled ribeye to the pan-seared salmon topped with a citrus beurre blanc, every plate is a showcase of culinary expertise. The accompaniments are equally impressive, including house-made sauces, fresh vegetables, and creative starches.
Main Course Highlights
- Grilled Ribeye Steak: 12 oz. prime cut, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
- Pan-Seared Salmon: Accompanied by a bright citrus beurre blanc and herb-infused rice pilaf.
- Herb-Roasted Chicken: Juicy half-chicken with rosemary and thyme, paired with roasted root vegetables.
- Vegetarian Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice cooked with wild mushrooms, spinach, and parmesan.
| Dish | Protein | Accompaniments | Price |
| Grilled Ribeye Steak | Beef | Garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables | $28 |
| Pan-Seared Salmon | Fish | Citrus beurre blanc, herb rice pilaf | $24 |
| Herb-Roasted Chicken | Poultry | Roasted root vegetables | $22 |
| Vegetarian Risotto | Vegetarian | Wild mushrooms, spinach, parmesan | $20 |
Craft Beers and Beverages
Ben Franklin’s Taproom is renowned for its extensive craft beer selection, carefully sourced from local breweries and beyond. The beverage menu complements the food offerings, enhancing the overall dining experience with a diverse range of flavors and styles.
The taproom features rotating taps that showcase seasonal brews alongside perennial favorites. Whether you prefer a crisp pilsner, a robust stout, or a hoppy IPA, you will find an option to suit your taste.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there is a thoughtful selection of house-made sodas and specialty mocktails.
Experienced bartenders are always ready to recommend the perfect pairing, ensuring that each sip heightens the enjoyment of the meal. The beverage program reflects the same commitment to quality and creativity as the kitchen.
Beer Flight Options
- Local Favorites Flight: A curated selection of four beers from Philadelphia-area breweries.
- Seasonal Sampler: Featuring limited-release beers that change with the seasons.
- IPA Experience: A flight of hoppy, bitter, and aromatic India Pale Ales.
- Stout & Porter Pairing: Rich, dark beers perfect for colder months or dessert pairings.
“Our craft beer selection is a journey through local flavors and innovative brewing techniques, designed to delight every palate.” — Beverage Director
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The dessert menu at Ben Franklin’s Taproom offers a satisfying conclusion to any meal with decadent, thoughtfully crafted sweets. Each dessert combines classic flavors with modern touches, creating indulgent options that appeal to a broad audience.
From rich chocolate creations to light and fruity options, the desserts are designed to impress both visually and in taste. The kitchen often features seasonal ingredients to keep the offerings fresh and exciting.
Popular choices include the chocolate stout cake, which uses one of the taproom’s signature beers in its recipe, and the fresh berry tart that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Pairing suggestions with dessert cocktails or coffee are also available.
Sweet Highlights
- Chocolate Stout Cake: Moist and rich, infused with taproom’s house stout and topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Fresh Berry Tart: A buttery crust filled with custard and topped with seasonal berries.
- Apple Crisp: Warm spiced apples under a crunchy oat topping, served with vanilla ice cream.
- Lemon Panna Cotta: Silky and smooth, with a bright citrus glaze.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Pairing Suggestion | Price |
| Chocolate Stout Cake | Chocolate, stout beer, cream cheese | Espresso or dark stout beer | $9 |
| Fresh Berry Tart | Seasonal berries, custard, pastry crust | Light white wine or herbal tea | $8 |
| Apple Crisp | Apples, oats, cinnamon, vanilla ice cream | Spiced rum cocktail or chai latte | $7 |
| Lemon Panna Cotta | Lemon, cream, gelatin, citrus glaze | Sweet dessert wine or citrus mocktail | $8 |
Seasonal and Special Menus
Ben Franklin’s Taproom embraces the changing seasons by offering special menus that highlight the freshest ingredients available. These limited-time features allow the kitchen to experiment with unique flavor combinations and celebrate local harvests.
Seasonal menus often include innovative dishes that are not found on the regular menu, providing guests with new reasons to return throughout the year. These offerings might include spring vegetable medleys, summer seafood specials, autumnal game dishes, or winter root vegetable roasts.
Special menus also accommodate holidays and local events, incorporating festive ingredients and themed presentations. The taproom’s culinary team collaborates closely with local producers to ensure authenticity and quality.
Seasonal Menu Examples
- Spring: Asparagus and pea risotto, lamb chops with mint chimichurri.
- Summer: Grilled corn and tomato salad, chilled cucumber soup.
- Autumn: Pumpkin gnocchi, venison stew.
- Winter: Braised short ribs, roasted root vegetables with maple glaze.
“Seasonality is at the heart of our kitchen philosophy, ensuring every dish bursts with freshness and vibrancy.” — Head Chef
Gluten-Free and Dietary Options
Understanding the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs, Ben Franklin’s Taproom offers a variety of gluten-free and other special diet-friendly options. The kitchen is attentive to cross-contamination and ingredient sourcing to provide safe and delicious meals.
Menu items clearly indicate gluten-free status, and staff are trained to assist guests in making informed choices. Beyond gluten-free, the taproom also caters to vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free preferences wherever possible.
This commitment ensures that all guests can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromise. The culinary team continuously updates and expands these offerings in response to guest feedback and evolving dietary trends.
Diet-Friendly Menu Highlights
- Gluten-Free: Grilled salmon with herb quinoa and steamed asparagus.
- Vegan: Spiced chickpea stew with coconut milk and kale.
- Dairy-Free: Roasted carrot and ginger soup, served with gluten-free bread.
- Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil drizzle.
| Dish | Dietary Category | Main Ingredients | Price |
| Grilled Salmon | Gluten-Free | Salmon, quinoa, asparagus | $24 |
| Spiced Chickpea Stew | Vegan | Chickpeas, coconut milk, kale | $18 |
| Roasted Carrot Soup | Dairy-Free | Carrot, ginger, vegetable broth | $7 |
| Wild Mushroom Risotto | Vegetarian | Mushrooms, Arborio rice, truffle oil | $20 |
Family and Group Dining
Ben Franklin’s Taproom warmly welcomes groups and families, offering menu options and seating arrangements designed to accommodate larger parties comfortably. The atmosphere remains lively yet intimate, perfect for celebrations, business gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
Group dining packages include customizable menus that allow guests to select a variety of dishes, ensuring everyone’s preferences and dietary needs are met. The staff is attentive to the needs of families with children, offering kid-friendly options and flexible serving sizes.
Planning ahead with the taproom’s event coordinators guarantees a smooth and enjoyable experience. From special occasion menus to beverage pairings, every detail is thoughtfully managed to create memorable moments.
Group Menu Features
- Customizable prix fixe menus with appetizer, entrée, and dessert options.
- Flexible beverage packages including craft beer flights and non-alcoholic selections.
- Kid-friendly dishes such as mini sliders, macaroni and cheese, and fresh fruit cups.
- Private and semi-private dining spaces available for reservation.
“Our goal is to make every group feel at home, providing a seamless dining experience that caters to all ages and tastes.” — Events Manager
Conclusion
Ben Franklin’s Taproom delivers a dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in its culinary approach. The menu’s breadth and depth provide ample opportunities to explore classic American flavors through the lens of seasonal freshness and creative flair.
Whether indulging in crispy appetizers, savoring expertly prepared entrees, or finishing with a decadent dessert, guests are guaranteed a memorable meal.
The taproom’s commitment to quality extends beyond the plate, encompassing an impressive selection of craft beverages and attentive service. Special menus and dietary accommodations reflect a genuine desire to serve every guest with care and precision.
The welcoming atmosphere, combined with thoughtfully curated food and drink, makes Ben Franklin’s Taproom a standout destination for both casual dining and special occasions.
Ultimately, the menu embodies a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and comfort. Each visit promises new discoveries and familiar favorites, making Ben Franklin’s Taproom a beloved fixture in the local dining scene.
For those seeking a satisfying and engaging culinary experience, the taproom’s offerings deliver exceptional value and enjoyment in equal measure.
