Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago

Overpriced to begin with, then they charge more than advertised. Mezcal cocktail was way too sweet and had mint leaves instead of the advertised basil leaves. When I pointed it out I was told there was basil reduction inside which took days to make (and was too subtle to taste amid all the syrup, if it even existed; still doesn’t explain the mint not getting mentioned). That exquisite pleasure was $22 pre-tip 🤪

I guess it’s a fine place to have a beer

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

We went there the other night. The food was not worth the loud and super dark environment. There unfortunately is not a ton of variety. 1/10 because it is connected to a hotel.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

50 minutes in, our appetizer never showed up. Nobody came to ask for drink re-orders for an hour. The music choice was terrible and too loud. We had to wave someone else down to close our tab so we could leave. Do not go here

Amara was absolutely wonderful! I love coming here. The drinks are complex and delicious. I always bring my friends here when they visit. 10/10

Also the music is dope! Shoutout to DJ Clay!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Perfect club for a fun night out with friends.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loooove this place. My friend and I stayed at the hotel and ended our night at this bar. The workers were super friendly and helpful. They have a great menu: lots of options but not an overwhelming amount. We got the glizzy and it was just what we needed at the end of the night. Would definitely return even if we didn’t stay there. Lots of seating options. Would be a great choice for a date, friends, or family.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Overpriced and underwhelming, thought it was a good option for post dinner drinks but we were very dissatisfied.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 3

Great atmosphere, food and drinks! The bartenders are also great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All of my drinks were good and unique. The Toro Rosco was my favorite. Bar tender was great. Of the bars I visited while in Chicago I look forward to coming back to this one

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Great little hideaway! They were out of chicken but the quesadilla was still tasty with just cheese!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Staff are winners!

The atmosphere in the lobby was 10/10! Open bar experience. Went here for the first time to perform for Breaking Sound and was amazed by the ambience of the lobby. Def open to going back or recommend for visitors to stay.

Atmosphere: 5

I’m pretty sure the bartender said the cocktails were $4 off the regular price during happy hour, but when the check came and it was $18 and not $14, she “clarified” that she was referring only to the old fashioned and a couple of other drinks. Which didn’t add up. Ended up shelling $20+ for a small espresso martini. Nice ambience but 🤷‍♂️

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 3

Not sure how to rate because of the bartender situation. Our first bartender was terrible, short younger brunette woman. She cared more about flirting with the men at the bar than making drinks. Later, in the evening she messed up our tab and gave me a random other person’s card and blamed another bartender. She was the reason we didn’t stay longer into the evening.

All that being said the other two bartenders, a taller brunette woman and Jake (I think that is the name the first bartender called him when she blamed him for her mistake) were great. They both made amazing drinks and were friendly and quick. The second woman was so kind and gave me a little history about my drink while making it. I wish she and Jake had been at the bar all night.

Jake was great, I watched him make six drinks while answering questions for another patron all while the first bartender chatted with a group of men. He was the one to fix the tab issue and made the drinks to perfection.

I would come back next time if I knew the second bartender and Jake would be our bartenders for the whole evening. They were awesome.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

This was our favourite cocktail spot in Chicago. It’s casual, with an excellent vibe. The bartenders were all very friendly and made excellent recommendations. The service was fast. But, the cocktails were all a solid 10/10. A bonus 10/10 for the excellent music.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5