Freemans

04/21/09

Nice Cocktail, but Hostess ANGELA ruined my night!

by kinglear

Plain and simple, my one hour and change wait turned into 2 hours. I was "next" for about 45 minutes, and she refused to make eye contact with me when I politely asked her what our status was. She made me feel as though it was my fault!! When we asked for her name, she refused to give it to us THREE TIMES. She refused, but I had gotten it earlier anyhow. Disgusted and she should be ashamed of herself and her lack of any regard for customer service.

• Pros: Bartenders were friendly
• Cons: Angela the Hostess

02/23/09

Unclean and rude

by adamzach7

I didn't mind the 90 minute wait and the relatively rude staff, until I used the restroom and there were "critters" (the big brown ones that City Search won't let me type) all over it. When I informed the host and hostess (both completely blase) they barely reacted and seemed to go "handle it." Then, when my father and my boyfriend both used the bathroom later in the evening, there were still ahem, "critters" all over it -- even in the sink.

The food was decent - the decor and atmosphere are the real draw. But after a 90 minute wait, I expect to be treated in a friendly manner, rather than made to feel like the staff is "put out" to wait on us or seat us, and our waiter even made snide comments on what one of the guests at my table ordered -- seriously?.I've lived in New York for 20 years, its rare that you find this sort of snobbery.

Honestly, if there are that many critters in the bathroom DURING service, imagine what is running around the kitchen and dining room of this place when the lights go out AFTER service. Filthy.

12/28/08

Delicious dinner down Freeman's Alley

by foodforgash

This place was great. My lady friend and I were seated immediately at 6ish on a Sunday night. We ordered the cheddar toasts (they had a bite of horseradish to them), a green salad with apples and radish, the rabbit, and a fish special of monkfish over squash and brussel sprouts. Everything was really delicious and the perfect amount of food. Based on what we'd heard, we thought Freeman's might be an overly trendy spot but the service was good and the patrons were of all walks of life. We really enjoyed the taxidermy on the walls and warm atmosphere.

• Pros: Seated immediately, delicious food
• Cons: Kind of crowded

12/15/08

unpleasant staff

by plinniee

My friends went there for brunch. Carlos, the host, told us that it was at least an hour wait for 2 & walked away before we can put our names down. He rolled his eyes when we gave him a name. The list means nothing. You'll get a table if he finds you somewhat tolerable & not disgusted by the sight of you.

We were able to get seats @ the bar after waiting for an hour. The food is average. Don't bother going unless you like to be given dirty looks by the staff & treated like you don't exist.

• Pros: near other better restaurants
• Cons: rude staff

09/21/08

Yum!!

by mizpink

Loved this place. It looks like you're walking into a little French restaurant. You walk in, and forget the fact you're in NYC. Everything from our appetizer, entree to our wine was spectacular.

I will definitely be back!!

• Pros: Food was amazing, Cozy atmosphere
• Cons: could be hard to find unless you're with a "local"

08/21/08

Proceed With Caution. Depending on who you are...

by kali2121

I've been eating at Freemans for over a year now. Given it praises to most of my friends, who became regualrs themselves; until tonight. My friend and I walked into the restaurant around 8pm. The Hostess, who I never saw before, immediately tells us that the list is closed for the night and gestures that we can use the table in the corner which had no seats.

A couple comes in less that 3 minutes after us, requesting a table for two. I overheard the same hostess tell them that she'll work something out and takes their names down for a table. After pointing out what I observed to the women her only RUDE response was "you could check back in 30 minutes."

I'm going to put this in here. My friend and I are African American, the couple that requested the table after us, were white. Unfortunately I've been in this situation before, where my business wasn't accepted because of my race. but I've never experienced it so blatantly in one of my favorite neighborhoods.

Freemans has lost of its best customers and her friends because of this.

• Pros: The Food
• Cons: The Hostess, The Waiting

08/18/08

Worth the wait

by scanmike

We were taken here last night by friends and had a great time. Yes, we waited close to an hour and the noise level is high, but it's a fun place to go. Definitely an experience. The unique location and decor is a must see, if you can find it. The food was very good. I can only speak for the sea bass, friend chicken, spareribs and lamb chops. Everything was great. No complaints at all about service or food. It may not be up to the standards of some, but it's definitely worth the fair prices they charge. There's a reason this place is crowded. We are in our 50's and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Worthy of the hype!

• Pros: great and unique setting, great comfort food
• Cons: long wait

08/14/08

One of the best dining experiences in NYC!

by Terpsichore

I went to Freemans with my husband recently and the experience was no less than INCREDIBLE! We had to wait about 40 minutes for our table, and the space was a little tight b/c of so many others waiting, but the staff worked it and really made us all comfortable. The host was very nice and the bartender was one of the best I've had in NY. His wine presentation was impeccable and his skills on classic cocktail making were impressive. Pleasant personality. Once seated our waiter, albeit extremely busy, acknowledged us and promptly took our order. The artichoke dip is the best I've ever had, served with plenty of warm sliced bread. Enough for 2-4 people. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection and the mashed potatoes served as a side dish were heaven. The decor is so warm and inviting that you would swear you were in a hunting lodge in the Swiss Alps. I can't wait to dine here again...and again...and again!

Tina Rappaport

• Pros: Pleasant Staff, Amazing Hearty Food, Warm Comfy Atmosphere
• Cons: Small space

07/11/08

well worth the wait

by foodie167

The 90 minute wait was well worth it. I'd do it again in a heatbeat. The boar starter and steak main course were amazing. The wine was very resonable and quite good.

The desserts looked wonderful as well - I will have to save room to try one next time - and there will be a next time!

Check out the lovely little German pub accross the street for a drink or light starter while you wait.

• Pros: delicious!
• Cons: long wait, but hostess gives quite accurate estimate of wait time

04/09/08

Food average, spot sweet

by padrona

So cute and hard to find. But when I asked for a bloody Mary, I was told that they were "Out of the mix" and I couldn't have one. Hello? When I did order another cocktail off of the impressive list, it took f o r e v e r to get it and there were only 3 people at the bar. The food was fine...nothing impressive. But it was a nice place inside, quirky and pretty. My waitress was sweet and the wine list was good.