Freemans

"A cozy tavern that opened in 2004, Freemans was one of the first stops back in NYC after Taylor Swift’s Argentina shows. Swift visited with Gracie Abrams, who opened for Swift’s U.S. summer tour. It’s straight-ahead fare like artichoke dip and Caesar salads; Amish chicken, pork chops, and delicata squash." - Melissa McCart

"If you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing restaurant that still feels like you’re making a real night out of it, we’d recommend Freemans. They serve upscale American food in a space at the end of a little alley that feels like you’re in a cabin in the Catskills, and most people should be able to find many things on the menu they’ll want (starting with the artichoke dip). If there are just a couple of you and you’re running short on time, they also serve the full menu at the bar." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, matt tervooren

"The Deal: $45 Lunch, $60 Dinner, $60 Sunday Dinner Freemans will always be referred to as “that one restaurant hidden down an alley on the Lower East Side.” The seclusion is a big part of its appeal, although the classic American food and hunting lodge-like ambiance are very pleasant as well. Stop by for some artichoke dip. You’ll have a good time." - bryan kim

"Freemans is a two-story restaurant at the back of an alley, and it looks like a big, old apartment that Ralph Lauren got locked inside and decided to decorate. This place is both intimate and spacious, so take the whole team here to eat some fancy bar food like seared octopus and artichoke dip. And if you decide you’d like your own space, they have options that can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 200 people." - Neha Talreja, Bryan Kim, Hannah Albertine

"Hosting a wedding in the many rooms of Freemans — which can 140 seated, and up to 200 for a cocktail reception — is a bit like getting married in a country mansion with plenty of vintage adornments that give the spaces its signature charm." - Eater Staff