3, Franklin

Beyond a slender art deco "3" glowing above a trellis-flanked front door, chefs put a modern and inventive spin on classic American cuisine. Thai, Caribbean, and Mexican flavors exert influence upon savory small plates and hearty entrees such as fried pickles, champagne-glazed salon, and pecan-crusted chicken. Soft, golden light sets sleek banquettes and dark wooden furniture aglow in the spacious main dining room, and warm weather heralds al fresco dining on 3's sunlit patio. Two stately private rooms host events from business luncheons to wedding receptions, for which 3's team of soiree swamis design custom menus, arrange decorations, and prevent DJs from only playing rockabilly.