Jersey City is home to quite a few cocktail bars, but Franklin Social will be the city’s first colonial-themed tavern.
Opening in January at 292 Barrow — in the former home of PJ Ryan’s — Franklin Social will be operated by Skopos Hospitality. The New Jersey-based company was founded by brothers Thomas and Dean Maroulakos.
For Franklin Social, the Maroulakos brothers are creating a modern American tavern with elements of earlier colonial life. Taverns, after all, have been a part of America’s social fabric for years. They were not only places to grab a drink, but also places to socialize, which is something Franklin Social will replicate in downtown Jersey City. (Colonial Americans were also heavy drinkers, but that’s a story for another day).
Franklin Social will feature three unique rooms including an enclosed “conservatory.” It’ll offer a seasonally driven menu spotlighting local ingredients. The cocktail program will be a playful take on Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues.
In addition to cocktails, Franklin Social will offer ciders, seasonal beers, and wines from small, biodynamic farms.
Franklin Social Opens Holiday Pop-Up
If you can’t wait till January 2020, there’s good news. Franklin Social has opened a temporary, holiday-themed pop-up called Miracle on Mercer. (You can follow them on Instagram for updates). The pop-up offers holiday cocktails and Christmas decorations to turn even the biggest grinch into a jolly Kris Kringle.
In addition to Franklin Social, Skopos Hospitality currently operates three bars in North Jersey. They include Cowan’s Public, The Barrow House, and The Vanguard. The Vanguard is their newest bar and is just steps away from the Harrison PATH station. (Those two cocktails in the lede photo — those are actually from The Vanguard).
Franklin Social will be Skopos Hospitality’s first Jersey City bar. We’re fans of The Vanguard (more on them in a future post) and look forward to both Miracle on Mercer and Franklin Social.
