This restaurant used to be a hidden, kind of a secret spot that wasn’t really known to many people. Well, that was years and years ago… The words have gotten out since then, and it is now a super popular spot to all the foodies around. I still like the feel of hideaway, you don’t really see it until you go down the narrow, unassuming alleyway, full of graffiti. When you do get there at the end of the Freeman Alley, you are met with delightful, cozy, and welcoming restaurant, Freemans, with a charming blue door.
At the entrance, they had a small yet fully stocked bar with a deer on the wall as a centerpiece. I could see the kitchen in the back of the bar, where the aroma of comfort and deliciousness escaping into the dining area. We didn’t have a reservation, so we decided to get there early. We didn’t have any issue getting a table with just a handful of people at that time.
The inside was even cozier than the exterior. Had the kind of an old tavern feel to it, filled with animals and antlers on the walls. Heavy in woods and earthy tones, makes you feel like you are in a log cabin in a woods somewhere. Freemans really was set up like a house, with separated room, they had a smaller dining area in the back, partially separated, but not completely closed off. A bit more private and romantic.
They had another room past the staircase. It is completely separated from the first dining area. They have another bar here, larger than the one at the entrance, fully stocked. It is one big room, with soft lighting everywhere, creating a warm atmosphere. I believe this room does not get natural light, as it does not have any wall facing a street.
To get to their bathroom, you have to come into this dining room. The bathroom is located in the back by the bar. It was well-lit, organized, roomy and clean.
I was also curious about what their upstairs space looks like, so I decided to explore before more people came in. And I am glad I did! Second floor was much bigger, with loads of natural light coming in from windows. It was almost like a relaxing living room with some sofa and couch, old furniture and bookshelves filled with books. Loved this atmosphere!!!
There were two more dining room on each side of the main dining area. Each room was set up for a large group. It is good to know Freemans can accommodate a large group for parties and events. As I finished with my exploration on the second floor and started to go down the stairs while admiring the animals on the walls, a large crowd of people came up the stairs. I am glad I got to look around without care before anyone got there.
Back on the first floor, I was ready for my coffee and food! We started off our brunch with Regular Coffee ($3.50). I heard they have some really nice cocktails, but we didn’t feel like getting our cocktails on just yet… Next time!
They had brunch menu and lunch menu, and you can order from both menu during brunch hours. We were curious about their Five Cheese Macaroni, which was under the lunch menu, so we were happy that there was no restriction!
Five Cheese Macaroni (18) came in a small iron skillet. I must say, it was rather small in size, but I always say quality over quantity, so let’s see how this baby tastes… It had the perfect amount of cheesy-ness with crunchy topping. It was decadent, homey, comforting and flavorful. It was really nice! If you are a fan of mac & cheese, you should check out Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, Maison Premiere, and Lump Crab Mac & Cheese from The Folly!
My hubby went with Skillet Eggs ($15), made with spinach and tomato-bell pepper sauce. There was an option to add bacon and/or cheese for additional cost. We decided to add both bacon ($4) and cheese ($2), making this dish to be $21. It came in the same small skillet as the mac & cheese, smaller than I thought this dish would be.
It was packed with comforting flavor. I thought it might have some kick to it from other skillet eggs-type dishes I’ve had in the past, but this one was not spicy. It had a wonderful flavor of tomato. Cheese was gooey and amazing. Thick cut bacon bits that were awesome too. We were happy that we added cheese and bacon in here.
We had a nice, relaxing, tasty brunch here. The service was polite and nice, we were well taken care of. The menu is a bit on pricey side, but the quality is super high. I have been wanting to try Freemans for quite a long time, I am glad we finally got to dine here! I would like to go back for more, and try some of their cocktails as well in a near future!
Freemans – Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002