True to its namesake, Franklin’s Table honors Ben Franklin’s legacy as one of America’s original “foodies.” Franklin was known for his philosophical writings on diet, moderation, and the social importance of shared meals. The food hall features witty Franklin quotes reinterpreted through a culinary lens, reminding diners that practical wisdom extends to food choices. Design elements incorporate Penn’s signature red and blue throughout the industrial-modern space, creating a distinctly Penn atmosphere while maintaining a welcoming vibe for the broader University City community.

CookNSolo’s vegan falafel shop – crispy falafel sandwiches, tehina shakes, hand-cut fries, kosher certified

What sets Franklin’s Table apart from typical campus dining is the caliber of operators. Goldie comes from CookNSolo Restaurant Partners, the James Beard Award-winning group behind Zahav (one of America’s best restaurants) and Federal Donuts. DK Sushi is developed by Michael Schulson, whose Double Knot and Sampan helped define Philadelphia’s modern dining scene. Pitruco Pizza earned its reputation through years as a beloved food truck before landing its first brick-and-mortar location at Franklin’s Table.

The 8,000 square-foot space features an industrial-chic design with exposed elements, modern lighting, and a mix of communal tables and individual seating for approximately 175 people indoors. A back patio offers outdoor café-style tables during warmer months. The layout is open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. Unlike cramped food courts, Franklin’s Table provides breathing room, you can have a conversation without feeling like you’re eavesdropping on your neighbor’s discussion.

For UPenn students, Franklin’s Table solves the eternal problem of group dining when everyone wants something different. One person can get vegan falafel from Goldie, another orders a burger from Gouldsburger’s, a third grabs sushi from DK, and they all sit together at communal tables. The convenience of online ordering ahead for pickup during busy lunch hours makes Franklin’s Table ideal for students managing tight class schedules.

While Franklin’s Table primarily serves Penn’s student body, it has become equally popular with faculty, hospital staff from nearby Penn Medicine facilities, and University City residents. The location at 34th and Walnut makes it easily accessible for anyone in the neighborhood, not just those with a PennCard. Weekend hours (though reduced compared to weekdays) accommodate locals looking for quality fast-casual options in University City.

Franklin’s Table operates seven days a week with extended hours Monday through Friday (11 AM – 8 or 9 PM depending on vendor) to accommodate students’ varied schedules. Weekend hours are more limited (Saturday 11 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM), reflecting the campus community’s patterns. Individual vendor hours vary, so it’s worth checking which specific stalls are open before visiting.

Visit during off-peak hours (2-4 PM) for the most relaxed seating and shortest lines. Lunchtime (12-1:30 PM) gets packed with students between classes. Order online ahead when possible to skip the line. Pitruco Pizza’s mushroom pizza and Goldie’s tehina shake are customer favorites. DK Sushi offers “Sushi School” at the bar where you can watch chefs work while learning about different rolls and fish preparations.

Franklin’s Table demonstrates that campus dining can rival the city’s best fast-casual restaurants when universities prioritize quality and curation over convenience alone. It’s ideal for quick, high-quality meals whether you’re a student rushing between classes, a professional grabbing lunch near University City, or a foodie exploring Philadelphia’s diverse dining scene. The mix of established Philly favorites (Goldie, DK Sushi) with rising stars (Pitruco, PaperMill) ensures there’s always something new to discover, while the communal atmosphere makes dining alone feel social and welcoming.

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America’s oldest public market since 1893 with 80+ vendors