People talk
Our Guestbook
“ My wife was doing a little shopping trip in Franklin and we decided to try The Willard for a late lunch. It was not crowded so we didn't have the issue that some people have had with seating and service. I consider myself a bit of a tenderloin connoisseur so that's what I ordered. You can see from the picture that it is not a huge tenderloin like you get at some restaurants but size is not what makes a tenderloin great and this was a great tenderloin! This may be the best restaurant tenderloin I have ever had. It reminded me of the kind my mom made when I was a kid. My wife had the Bangin'Bleu Cheese pizza and really liked it too. Our server was friendly and attentive. I wish I lived closer so I could try their Beef Manhattan Wednesday lunch special! Definitely a place I will go to again when I'm in the area. ”
“ The Ranch pizza is delicious! The Buffalo dip appetizer is a must and the house salad is good too. Great portion sizes! I recommend going for lunch and NOT dinner. There is no hostess or process for waiting on a table. It’s basically a “walk around the dining area until a table opens up” establishment. A little annoying for those waiting to eat and I’d imagine very annoying for those already mid-meal. Highly recommend for the food though! ”
“ Me and my partner ordered from there today and I had the best tenderloin I’ve ever had. Idk who the cook was but they deserve a raise! I used to cook myself, at a place similar to the Willard, so I know what a good tenderloin is and man was that thing good along with the rest of our food. ”
“ I travel an hour each way because I love this place. This is an old hotel converted to a restaurant. Delightful covered patio with view of small town. Food is excellent and prices are very reasonable. Our total bill was 25 for a taco salad and a breaded tenderloin sandwich with fries. Not a chain ”
“ This was our first visit here. OUTSTANDING!!!! GREAT food. GREAT service. GREAT atmosphere. Friends of ours shared that the WILLARD'S pizza and wings selections are also incredible!! ”
“ Can’t beat it! Love the grilled tenderloin. We visit frequently and love the staff ”
“ Nostalgic fun place to visit. Friendly staff goes out of way to ensure your experience there is good. Good pizzas & variety menu choices. Kid friendly, also open style bar w tv sports. Outside seating weather permitting. Groups accommodated yet relaxed atmosphere. Popular take out. ”
“ The Willard is a joint I haven’t focused on much but recently, my family was invited to try it out to we made a visit on Friday (2/10/23) We had a reservation so we were seated immediately. The menu has quite the selection! Especially a large amount of apps. Everything looked really good but I settled for trying the Pretzel Breadsticks. Overall, they were hot, salted well, and had great taste! The nacho cheese on the side was great too. As my entree, I got the Tenderloin. And let me tell you, unlike a ton of other places where they give you a super thin pork patty, the Willard doesn’t mess around! They serve you a thick and juicy Tenderloin that all around was fantastic. The fries were great too! Overall, this was a great experience. If I come back to Franklin, I’ll definitely come back to the Willard! ”
Menu
Margherita
Fish Sandwich
US$6.95Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
US$6.95Turkey Club
US$7.95Turkey
US$6.25
About
The Willard
Welcome to The Willard, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Franklin, Indiana. Located at 99 N Main St, this charming eatery is not just a restaurant; it's a beautifully renovated old hotel offering a delightful escape for food lovers. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, The Willard is known for both its hospitality and its diverse menu that caters to varied palates.
The culinary offerings here are nothing short of extraordinary. From hand-breaded Atlantic Cod to succulent pork chops, the entrees are crafted with care. The Fish Platter, featuring two pieces of crispy cod served with hush puppies and French fries for only $7.95, is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. And let's not forget the Seafood Sampler—a fantastic medley of fried oysters, shrimp, and cod that’s sure to impress.
If you crave something hearty, the marinated ribeye sandwich is expertly grilled and bursting with flavor, making it a standout at $8.25. Michael Cummings, a satisfied visitor, swears by the tenderloin, reminiscing over the quality reminiscent of homemade meals from childhood. The reviews are overflowing with praises for The Willard's commitment to great food and service.
The restaurant also serves an array of pizzas, such as the Bangin' Bleu Cheese, and an impressive selection of salads, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Customers rave about the portion sizes and variety, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner.
While it does have a unique seating arrangement where patrons maneuver through the dining area to find a table, the atmosphere is enhanced by friendly and attentive service. As noted by Andrew S., this is more of a casual family experience rather than a fine dining establishment, so come with an open mind and an appetite!
The Willard truly captures the essence of community dining. With prices that are notably reasonable—like a satisfying taco salad or a delicious breaded tenderloin sandwich for a grand total of just $25—there’s no wonder why Mary Saubert travels hours just to indulge in this remarkable culinary haven. Local patrons like Robin S. have found themselves charmed by not only the food but also the welcoming service that makes each visit memorable.
Whether you're in the mood for a signature pizza, a satisfying salad, or one of their highly acclaimed tenderloin sandwiches, The Willard awaits your visit. With a cozy covered patio that offers a view of the quaint small town, it’s the perfect backdrop for a delicious meal. Discover The Willard, where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a journey into the heart of comfort food.
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