Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago

Whew I'm hesitant to leave a review because I don't want to share how much of a gem this is! I've been coming since 2020, and I'll keep coming back. Fantastic gorgeous ambiance, lots of seating variety (get here on the early side if you really want your pick). Staff is always so nice and bartenders will happily give you insight to the drinks. Last time I stayed at the attached hotel, also very nice. It's a very old building, so there's lots of charm and history (check out the old postal slots built into the walls by the elevator!). I haven't had the food, but the house punch is always delightful if they have a batch mixed up. My partner had an old fashioned (he approved) and I had a cocktail since they didn't have the punch mixed up yet (we got there super early).

Narrative: Work Trip to Chicago in June. I had a craving for a good burger and cocktail and this place was close to my hotel. Food: So I was intrigued by their Happiest Meal special. If you asked me to find a burger that represented what a typical American burger should be, this burger would be it. It was like a Big Mac, if a Big Mac tasted absolutely amazing. I still think about that burger. So good. Drinks: This place gives off high end tiki bar vibes but doesn't fully embrace the kitsch of one. Basically, you can get some very unique drinks while also falling back on the mainstays of any classy bar if orgeat and falernum make you nervous. They utilized a lot of house-made bitters and syrups which elevated the drinks. Aesthetic: This place was unique. It looked like visiting my grandparents house if they never updated it since 1960. Definitely a walk back into a different time. Cozy, spacious, and lots of corners to enjoy a good drink and conversations. Service: Hit or miss. The guy in the back bar had no clue about the drink of the day or food specials that the website talked about. I was about to walk out but then asked at the front bar. The lady their was much more knowledgeable about what I was looking for and served me. Price: The Happiest Meal Burger is a happy hour special and comes at a very good price, especially being found in downtown Chicago. Drinks are standard to what you will find at other bars downtown Why You Should Go: That amazing burger!!!

Another trip. So glad this bar has remained consistent. The cocktails are trendy but delicious. They do a good Old Fashioned too. The staff friendly and fun. The atmosphere cool old school couches and club lighting. This is an awesome place to chill for a break before dinner.

Came here with a large group of friends. Loved the electric and moody environment. The bar service can be slower, but they take great care to make beautiful handcrafted cocktails that are delicious. Will definitely come back when in town again.

What a cute hotel bar! Located inside the Freehand, this doubles as a coffee bar by day and a stylish bar in the evening!The bartenders were attentive and creative, making me a drink that was according to my happy mood!This was such a great find on a nice day trip to Chicago.Definitely recommend ;-)

Very chill vibe, great ambiance, drinks were delicious! Food was tasty and also one of the only places with late night food near our hotel. They were out of chips and guacamole and the fish tacos so we got Al pastor chicken tacos and the cheese quesadillas. Quesadillas were very tasty with a crispy cheese outer layer and the tacos were good too but will probably order with the salsa and hot sauce on the side next time as it was a little overwhelming for me at one time. Colin was our bartender and was wonderful. He made a delicious dealers choice drink and made us feel welcome and comfortable in this cozy spot. Will definitely be back!

My partner and I stayed at the Freehand for one night, so we made it a point to check out the Broken Shaker and I'm glad we did! The bar and lounge was our favorite part of our stay at the hotel. It was a really cool spot and the staff were all so friendly and attentive. We sat at the bar which is in the non-reservation half of the location. We each tried one cocktail from the drink menu: the Flores Guava Old Fashioned and the 70's Porn Star. We loved both of them and would definitely go back again to try other drinks or have these ones again! Even if you aren't staying in the hotel I would recommend stopping by for a drink. It felt like the perfect spot for couples or small groups to enjoy drinks and a seated conversation.

Came here once before and things were great. This evening the server refused to serve us as she served the other groups on couches around us. She told me I would have to go to the bar at this point in the evening. Even though there were groups that came after us that she served. She says it's not personal even though I feel profiled.

This place is a rip off. They charge you 3 dollars extra for ice...or even to have your drink in a regular cup. They also have incorrect pricing in the menu. Rosaluna mezcal priced at 12 and I was charged 16. Absolutely ridiculous. I love hostel bars, but this one is overpriced and not worth it whatsoever. Go literally anywhere else.

Terrible service. Came into this place on a Saturday afternoon after walking around and just wanting a nice place to get a drink. We sat down and the bartender stared at us without saying a word as if we were not supposed to be there. We asked for a drink, he poured it took our card and paid. THE ENTIRE TIME NOT A SINGLE WORD FROM THIS GUY. Not a thank you not a welcome in, nothing. Just blank stares. The entire vibe was off and did not feel welcoming at all.