Freeman's Grub & Pub — Restaurant in Greensboro

We have been pretty regular customers for a while now but today we will be taking Freeman's off our frequent flyer list. Our service with Aleshia was the worst EVER (all caps, definitely intended). Immediately, we felt stereotyped and racially profiled. We walked in the front door, were not greeted as per usual Freeman hospitality. Which was ok, we sat & waited. When she came over, she sat menus down, we spoke, she walked away. I turned to look at my African American husband and said "ummmmm, maybe we should just go". He to her defense, says "she is probably just busy".

Yes, she was the only one there but to be fair, its a small establishment & literally were 6 tables. She was pleasant with the other 3 tables right next to us, pleasantly asking are they ready to order, can she bring them anything else, are they good. All Caucasians. As additional patrons came in, (white) she greeted & instructed sit anywhere you like. She then comes back to take our order, asking "were we ready or did we need more time", we went ahead ordered. She repeatedly checked on other tables, barely asking if we were good. When she brought our food it was not even right. My salad was supposed to be a Greek salad. It was not. We always order the same thing, the brisket sandwich with Greek salad no onions and Mike's hot honey with jalapeño fries and blackberry honey mustard. He normally drinks water, and I tea then we order Miss Frizzles for me and Whiskey Sours for him. Which he ordered a whiskey sour today and she brought him straight Jack Daniel's? Why? Now, I know our normal servers, who we appreciate y'all so much, know who we are simply by our order alone.

We have never felt discriminated against or uncomfortable until today. As a interracial couple of 20+ happy years together, looks & such is not foreign, especially in the south. So when we find a place we genuinely enjoy, we stay there but today was not okay.

Aleshia was rude, gave better service to all the white patrons and dismissed my husband and myself. Did not speak the same way to us. Horrible. Busy or not this was inexcusable.

P.S. We still tipped her over 20% because, to be honest, we got it like that and so maybe next time she won't treat people any differently. Maybe she can also go buy some appropriate clothes to wear to work because those, too tight, TikTok leggings that rode up her backside that ain't it. Especially while we're eating. Makes the food...

The building at the intersection of Spring Garden and Chapman has housed several businesses over the years, so the odds of Freeman’s still being here at the start of the next decade aren’t great. If history does in fact repeat itself, be sure to enjoy this spot while it lasts.

For starters, the menu is a definite eye-catcher. Much like Crafted: The Art of Street Food, Freeman’s offers novel (or inauthentic, if you’re a purist) takes on banh mi and the Cuban sandwich. However, Freeman’s also brings jazzed-up versions of fried chicken, French fries, and other American fare into the mix. The liquor infusions make use of everything from rosemary to jalapeno while several desserts incorporate bacon.

Rest assured, however, that this is not mere gimmickry. A fried chicken sandwich came with chicken that was crisply breaded without being dry and collards and whipped potatoes that provided good textural contrast to the crunch. The shallot crusting made for a very strong flavor, but a dip in the rich accompanying demi glace took the edge off. Though a mess to eat, it was a good bite through and through. A side of fries was fresh and well-seasoned. I opted for rosemary and garlic, but several combinations are available. All told, there were no weak spots in the execution.

Given both quality and quantity, pricing here proved agreeable. Freeman’s sandwiches (“crusts”) all run $9 and come with a choice of side (“and”). The entrees are only a dollar more while the apps and salads average about $6. Those who come here expecting bar snacks may balk, but think bistro instead of bar and it all begins to make sense.

If there is one drawback to Freeman’s, it is that it is tiny. There are only a few tables within, so you are most likely looking at bar seating. This wasn’t a problem during my visit — there were few patrons and the lone bartender was both capable and amiable – but I wouldn’t want to be here when it’s at capacity.

Time will tell if Freeman’s endures and if subsequent visits deliver the same caliber experience, but for now, this is a welcome addition to...

I am a Greensboro fan with so many good local eateries to choose from. Freemason Grub & Pub is no exception.

The signage is challenging in the dark, but the exterior green lights likely leftover from St. Patty's helped identify them. It's an adorable two story brick with wonderful character. Parking is off street or in their own small lot in the rear.

My wife and I cut our arrival a bit close after 830 with a weekday closure of 9. The interior offers a cozy vibe with wood floors, exposed brick and dimly lit dining room . The bourbon bar is the centerpiece. With closing in 20 minutes the restaurant was mostly empty.

Our friendly waitress Bella was on top of drink orders. I ordered an Old Fashioned utilizing Makers bourbon with a banana flavor profile. It proved to be outstanding @ $14. Bella encouraged us to try their bbq which they are known for, we ended up both getting the Cherrywood Brisket. My wife with side of Cesar and me side of cup of chili for $1 up charge. The recommendations really made the difference.

Bella brought the food out within 15 minutes. Temperatures were correct. The brisket was magnificent. Tender with fat to meat ratio. The house sauce was perfect with a slight kick. The cup of chili was yum with Navy Bean and frito corn chips on top that was unusual. My wife agreed with my assessment on the brisket and her salad was fresh.

We finished out splitting a butterfinger pie which was good size for the share. It proved to be mighty tasty and not a crumb was left.

Our bill was brought to us in a timely fashion to close out. Since we were out of town Bella suggested a few other local places. I would recommend Freemason and who knows may...