Grasshoppers Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Freeport

Title: Terrible Experience, Disrespectful and Possibly Racially Biased Treatment — Please Read Before Visiting

My friends and I (two African American women and one white woman) visited The Grasshopper on a quiet Thursday evening around 5:30 PM after hearing great things about the restaurant. Unfortunately, our experience was the complete opposite of what we expected — it was upsetting, hostile, and felt racially charged.

From the moment we arrived, the man who greeted us — who later claimed to be the owner — made it clear he had no interest in serving us. He was dismissive and rude, particularly when we asked simple questions about the cocktail menu. When we asked about one of the drinks, he said “I have no idea,” with no attempt to be helpful or welcoming.

When our drinks arrived, they were undrinkable — one tasted like NyQuil. When my friend politely asked if she could try something else (after taking only one sip), he angrily replied, “Do you know how many different liquors are in that drink? Do you know how much it costs to make another one just for her to waste it?”

Feeling uncomfortable, we chose not to push the issue further and quietly ordered food. It was 50-cent wing night, so we each ordered six wings. When they arrived, the wings were undercooked and pink inside. But at that point, we were too intimidated to ask for help — the man was loudly swearing at the TV and speaking angrily on the phone behind the bar, clearly frustrated.

By 7 PM, we decided to leave and asked politely for to-go boxes, as we had a few wings left. Shockingly, we were told we couldn’t have boxes “because wing specials are dine-in only” — even though we had been sitting there eating for over an hour and a half. He acted as if we were trying to cheat the system, which was both insulting and irrational. We weren’t ordering 100 wings — just wanted to take a few undercooked ones home.

He reluctantly brought one box for all of us to share.

At this point, we felt extremely uncomfortable and even scared due to his aggressive and intimidating behavior. We asked for the check, but he rang it up as one bill without asking. When we asked politely to split it, he snatched the payment kiosk out of our hands and walked off in frustration.

As we went to pay, he again snatched the kiosk away, saying, “You jammed the damn thing up.”

We quickly prepared to leave, stunned and hurt. I asked once more if he really wasn’t going to let us take our leftovers after sitting and ordering food in the restaurant for over 90 minutes. He picked up the menu, threw it toward us, and snapped, “It clearly says dine-in only!”

A nearby customer (a respected community member) witnessed everything and was equally appalled. She told us directly, “I absolutely see what’s happening, and I’m so sorry you’re being treated this way. I won’t be coming back either.”

As we were leaving, I told him I’d be contacting the owner in the morning. He shouted: “I’m the damn owner.”

I have never been treated like this in any restaurant. The three of us are hardworking women who live and work in this community. We were looking for a little comfort after a hard week — instead, we were met with hostility, poor service, and what truly felt like racism.

The next morning, we reached out to the owner, and were further disappointed to hear that she saw no issue with how we were treated.

I don’t normally write negative reviews, but this experience was deeply triggering and disturbing. It’s 2025 — no one should be made to feel unwelcome or unsafe, especially in a place meant for hospitality.

Please think twice before supporting this business with your hard-earned money. This town deserves better than this kind of behavior.

IF I COULD HAVE LEFT 0 STARS...

Grasshopper's Bar and Grill in Freeport, IL is an absolute gem! After three visits in a row, I can confidently say this place is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Their food is phenomenal, with massive, juicy burgers that are easily some of the best in Freeport. The homemade, hand-cut fries and chips are crisp, golden perfection, and their cheese curds? Easily the best in the region—crispy, gooey, and full of flavor.

But what truly blew me away were the chicken strips—tender, perfectly seasoned, and packed with flavor. The portions are generous, and the prices are incredibly fair, making Grasshopper's a fantastic choice for anyone craving delicious, hearty comfort food without breaking the bank.

If you're in Freeport, IL, you have to check out Grasshopper's Bar and Grill. Their outstanding food, friendly service, and unbeatable value make them one of the best places to eat in the area....

Listen… if you haven’t been to Grasshopper Bar and Grill in Freeport, IL, what are you even doing with your life? These wings aren’t just wings — they’re angel feathers dipped in hot sauce, fried in heaven’s kitchen, and delivered straight to your soul. Best in Illinois? Please. Best in the Midwest galaxy multiverse.

Then there’s the Nashville chicken sandwich. Bro. This thing didn’t just slap — it uppercutted my taste buds, body-slammed my hunger, and then tucked me in for a nap. I’d fight a grizzly bear in a Walmart parking lot just to get another one.

And the vibe? Unreal. This place doesn’t just serve food — it serves life-changing personality and flavor explosions on a plate. Don’t walk here. Don’t drive here. Soar in on a bald eagle if you have to. Grasshopper Bar and Grill...