I had a decent time here (music was good), but the security that works at the door is awful. My friend and I left, and were waiting for our ubers in the lobby of the hotel (note that Georgia room is in a hotel) when he kicked us out. The security claimed that we had to wait outside due to hotel policy, but why would you make 2 young women wait outside in the cold late at night, especially with all of the slashings and stabbings going on in the city. It was just the 2 of us, and we just needed a place to wait for our uber after enjoying our time upstairs. That was absolutely unacceptable, and the bald security guard was rude on top of that. I bet if he had a daughter or sister that was told they can’t wait for their uber inside, he would be livid too. If the Freehand hotel does not want people waiting in the lobby to go home then don’t have 2 bars upstairs in your property. Do better.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Alejandro
It was fun dancing once the space cleared up a bit Saturday night, very crowded, and there was a great mix of old and new Latin music, however the bouncer last night was disrespectful and borderline homophobic. After my friend and I showed we paid to the lady, the man behind her at the door put his hands on me, touched my face and and my lower waist. He told me I needed to put my headphones inside of my purse and they would check my purse, it was brief and it didn’t feel sexual but I got the impression he felt entitled to put his hands on me because I’m queer/femme presenting, he wouldn’t have done that to one of the masculine/straight men in line. This has never happened to me at any queer/lgbt+ friendly bars and clubs. It made me really uncomfortable and I don’t know why he had to touch me instead of just using his words. Please be kinder to your customers, I came to dance with my friends-not to receive unsolicited touching from the staff.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
Sadie M
I went for a Ten to One Rum event. But the place was super divine.
Atmosphere: 5
Catherine Blocker
The staff would only let a group of 5 girls and 3 guys in if one person put their card down to spend a minimum of $400. That immediately put a terrible vibe on our evening and we were like what? We were going to spend our money here but suddenly we have to do the math to put on of our friends under the pressure of taking all of that to their bank account?? The staff were rude about it and sassy like “we run a tucking business”. Ok noted we’re leaving!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Zoa Robinson
Coming to this venue for a Halloween event was an absolute treat! The ambiance was undeniably cool and aesthetically pleasing, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. Surprisingly, despite its online buzz and recommendations from friends, the place wasn't as crowded as expected. While the drinks leaned towards the pricier side, they certainly didn't skimp on the pour. Additionally, the layout of the venue was well-thought-out, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the experience. I'd definitely recommend giving this spot a try, especially if there's a good DJ and you're with a lively group of friends—it's sure to be a memorable night out!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Aminah Imani
This is a cute venue. Great for live shows and I enjoyed the vibe here. Well suited for the city’s scene. It was dimly lit, which most of the ugly people need in this city as well. I found my light in near the elevator because Im aesthetically blessed. Problem solved.One thing I will note: it was very packed and they had one bartender which made it almost impossible to get a quick drink. Other than that, I would definitely go back and enjoy any event Im invited there to.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Vin K.
$100 cover for guys just a FYI
Vera Thatchai
3 out of 6 of the people I was with had their phones stolen and security dismissed us and said there was no way of knowing they were stolen. I talked to 3 other people whose phones also got stolen and security refused to believe any of them. Don’t come here unless you’re looking to get pickpocketed and gaslit by the staff.
Service: 1
Andrew Clark
Bad music worse crowd mad crowded and annoying to go to midtown. Building is nice thats about it
Claire Roeder
The security guard directed us to go upstairs but used physical force. Put his hands on my shoulders to try and push/urge me in that direction. So unnecessary. Vibes are off here
I had a couple of extremely strong but over priced gin in tonics and danced. It was really a fun night.
Bhargav Desai
The bouncers at this place wouldn’t let me in after I left even though I had left. The bouncer name “Elhaj” wouldn’t let me in and was very rude to me, using expletives. He wouldn’t tell me how to spell his name even after I asked. I added his photo so future user know. Be aware.
gladys bles
Terrible staff the security and door people were absolutely hostile and nasty, unreasonable, and chaotic. Not organized just trash. Unfortunate because the venue itself is great but they must hire a better company to work their events who aren’t looking to ruin the night of paying customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bhavya Parikh
Sketchy people hang out here all the time. Someone stole my phone and was able to get in and steal personal information including bank accounts and was able to Zelle themselves money. Yes everything was password and Face ID protected. The bartenders were of no help, were extremely rude. They called security and they also did nothing. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were one of the employees that has my phone, the only person that had access was bartender with Face ID. I have no idea. But just be careful or just don’t go here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Emily Frenkel
The venue is amazing! There are 3 rooms on the second floor, which is where I spent most of my time last night. Each room has a different vibe and ambiance to enjoy. Hard to get bored here!
I had a decent time here (music was good), but the security that works at the door is awful. My friend and I left, and were waiting for our ubers in the lobby of the hotel (note that Georgia room is in a hotel) when he kicked us out. The security claimed that we had to wait outside due to hotel policy, but why would you make 2 young women wait outside in the cold late at night, especially with all of the slashings and stabbings going on in the city. It was just the 2 of us, and we just needed a place to wait for our uber after enjoying our time upstairs. That was absolutely unacceptable, and the bald security guard was rude on top of that. I bet if he had a daughter or sister that was told they can’t wait for their uber inside, he would be livid too. If the Freehand hotel does not want people waiting in the lobby to go home then don’t have 2 bars upstairs in your property. Do better.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
It was fun dancing once the space cleared up a bit Saturday night, very crowded, and there was a great mix of old and new Latin music, however the bouncer last night was disrespectful and borderline homophobic. After my friend and I showed we paid to the lady, the man behind her at the door put his hands on me, touched my face and and my lower waist. He told me I needed to put my headphones inside of my purse and they would check my purse, it was brief and it didn’t feel sexual but I got the impression he felt entitled to put his hands on me because I’m queer/femme presenting, he wouldn’t have done that to one of the masculine/straight men in line. This has never happened to me at any queer/lgbt+ friendly bars and clubs. It made me really uncomfortable and I don’t know why he had to touch me instead of just using his words. Please be kinder to your customers, I came to dance with my friends-not to receive unsolicited touching from the staff.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
I went for a Ten to One Rum event. But the place was super divine.
Atmosphere: 5
The staff would only let a group of 5 girls and 3 guys in if one person put their card down to spend a minimum of $400. That immediately put a terrible vibe on our evening and we were like what? We were going to spend our money here but suddenly we have to do the math to put on of our friends under the pressure of taking all of that to their bank account?? The staff were rude about it and sassy like “we run a tucking business”. Ok noted we’re leaving!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Coming to this venue for a Halloween event was an absolute treat! The ambiance was undeniably cool and aesthetically pleasing, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. Surprisingly, despite its online buzz and recommendations from friends, the place wasn't as crowded as expected. While the drinks leaned towards the pricier side, they certainly didn't skimp on the pour. Additionally, the layout of the venue was well-thought-out, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the experience. I'd definitely recommend giving this spot a try, especially if there's a good DJ and you're with a lively group of friends—it's sure to be a memorable night out!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
This is a cute venue. Great for live shows and I enjoyed the vibe here. Well suited for the city’s scene. It was dimly lit, which most of the ugly people need in this city as well. I found my light in near the elevator because Im aesthetically blessed. Problem solved.One thing I will note: it was very packed and they had one bartender which made it almost impossible to get a quick drink. Other than that, I would definitely go back and enjoy any event Im invited there to.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
$100 cover for guys just a FYI
3 out of 6 of the people I was with had their phones stolen and security dismissed us and said there was no way of knowing they were stolen. I talked to 3 other people whose phones also got stolen and security refused to believe any of them. Don’t come here unless you’re looking to get pickpocketed and gaslit by the staff.
Service: 1
Bad music worse crowd mad crowded and annoying to go to midtown. Building is nice thats about it
The security guard directed us to go upstairs but used physical force. Put his hands on my shoulders to try and push/urge me in that direction. So unnecessary. Vibes are off here
Restaurantji Recommends
I had a couple of extremely strong but over priced gin in tonics and danced. It was really a fun night.
The bouncers at this place wouldn’t let me in after I left even though I had left. The bouncer name “Elhaj” wouldn’t let me in and was very rude to me, using expletives. He wouldn’t tell me how to spell his name even after I asked. I added his photo so future user know. Be aware.
Terrible staff the security and door people were absolutely hostile and nasty, unreasonable, and chaotic. Not organized just trash. Unfortunate because the venue itself is great but they must hire a better company to work their events who aren’t looking to ruin the night of paying customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sketchy people hang out here all the time. Someone stole my phone and was able to get in and steal personal information including bank accounts and was able to Zelle themselves money. Yes everything was password and Face ID protected. The bartenders were of no help, were extremely rude. They called security and they also did nothing. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were one of the employees that has my phone, the only person that had access was bartender with Face ID. I have no idea. But just be careful or just don’t go here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The venue is amazing! There are 3 rooms on the second floor, which is where I spent most of my time last night. Each room has a different vibe and ambiance to enjoy. Hard to get bored here!
Atmosphere: 5