How is Free Rein restaurant rated?

Name: Free Rein
Address: 224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, 60601
Telephone: (312) 334-6700
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.1

Free Rein

4.1

238 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Situated on the doorstep of historic Michigan Avenue, next to St. Jane, Free Rein is a an American brasserie celebrating Chicago’s diverse food biography.

Monday - Friday
Breakfast 7:00am - 11:00am All Day Dining Menu 11:30am to 10:00pm

Weekends
Saturday Brunch 7:00am - 2:00pm All Day Dining 2:30pm to 10:00pm
Sunday Brunch 7:00am – 2:00pm Bar Menu 2:30pm to 9:00pm

For reservations, feel free to email: freereinreservations@stjanehotel.com

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, French
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–10:00 pm All Day Dining Mon-Fri 11:30 am-10 pm Sat 2:30 pm-10 pm Brunch Sat-Sun 7 am-2 pm Bar Menu Sun 2:30 pm-9 pm
Phone number
(312) 334-6700
Website
https://www.freereinrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Kristine Subido

Location
224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Neighborhood
Downtown / Loop
Cross street
E Wacker Place
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
State & Lake
Additional
Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Oysters
raw on ice
- each$3.00
Everything Spiced Eclair$9.00
stuffed with smoked whitefish filling
Fried Jidori Chicken$12.00
kimchi slaw, honey glazed
Beef Tartare$16.00
Bernaise, shoestring potatoes
Shrimp Cocktail$18.00
cocktail sauce, lemon
Cheese & Charcuterie Board$24.00
housemade breads, jam, accoutrements

Sides

Cheddar Cheese Fries$9.00
Broccolini$9.00
Roasted Brussels Sprouts$9.00

Main Entrees

Chicken Potpie$21.00
roasted vegetables, black truffle, puff pastry (available before 4pm)
Potato Gnocchi$22.00
charred broccoli, ricotta salata
Seared Sea Scallops$24.00
cauliflower puree, golden raisins, brown butter
Tagliatelle$25.00
short rib ragout, chimichurri sauce, pecorino cheese
King Salmon$30.00
pepperade, charred leaks, maitake, citrus butter

Feature Item

Available after 4pm

Roasted Duck Breast$28.00
roasted pineapple, cilantro
Slagel Farms 32oz Dry Aged Striplion$125.00
bone marrow jus, roasted mushrooms, choice of side (serves 2-4)

Salads

Add ons: avocado $3, chicken $5, bacon $4, salmon $8, steak $10

Farro Salad$12.00
burrata, grapes, marcona almonds, apple cider vinaigrette
Mixed Green Salad$12.00
champagne vinaigrette
Gem Lettuce Salad$12.00
XO buttermilk dressing, Dijon croutons, scallions

Sandwiches

served with cheddar cheese fries or mixed greens

Chicken Parmesan$17.00
giardiniera aioli, focaccia
Free Rein Burger$19.00
pickles, special sauce, cheddar cheese
Lobster Roll$19.00
herb aioli, smoked paprika, brioche roll

Housemade Bread Basket

Housemade Bread Basket$6.00
whipped salted butter

What 238 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

4.2Food
4Service
4.2Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

238 Reviews

A
Aev375
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Food was incredibly plain and disappointing for the price. I had high expectations, but it seems they spent most of their investments on interiors rather than their menu and food.
Is this helpful?
SD
SarahD
Chicago
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Service was horrible. The waiter didn't know anything, couldn't answer a single question. Never brought coffee that we ordered. Mixed up one of our meals -- asked for a different side, didn't get it right or apologize or fix. Ordered an espresso shot, he came back with a cappuccino. Would never recommend to someone.
Is this helpful?
JT
JanelleT
Chicago
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2020
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We had reservations for last Saturday at 6pm. We arrived and found out the restaurant was closed down for a party. When we told an employee we had reservations, he went to get a manager. The manager never showed up. We received no notice there was a party. We did not eat there so I cannot comment on the food.
Is this helpful?
M
Merrick
Chicago
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
IT was Valentines evening. The restaurant was crowded and well understaffed. Our server was pleasant but had way to many tables. A lot of hard services in the room so a lot of echo sounds. The good. THe food was well prepared and cooked correctly. The plating was very nice.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant was beautiful and the food was good. The service started our good but we rarely saw our waitress although it wasn’t busy and also did not have anyone refill our water, which we all needed.
Is this helpful?
AZ
AZ563
Chicago
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Came for restaurant week lunch! Was good but bread seemed stale for the grilled cheese and way too greasy. The dessert portion was very very small.
Is this helpful?
DM
DeborahM
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The food was below my expectations. My grilled cheese had burnt bread (a chef should be embarrassed to send something like that out) and the taste was awkward, cheese was odd and cold. The service was terribly unorganized and honestly most staff seemed like they had never worked in a major restaurant in their lives. The only good part was the staff filling water - they were on it but to the point where it was almost annoying. You took one sip and then were refilling. Huge disappointment.
Is this helpful?
S
Scott
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Too bright. Servers were confused and forgetful. Food was something I could have made at home. I suggest rethinking the entire concept...
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The food was delicious. The service could have been a bit better.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Birthday weekend with friends
Is this helpful?
JB
JoeB
Chicago
40 reviews
vip
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Too noisy but good service and decent food
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Pretty low key everyday sort of place.
Is this helpful?
PM
PaulM
Chicago
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I met someone at Free Rein on a Tuesday for a business lunch. Made a reservation, but didn't need to -- there was plenty of available seating. I really like the menu -- there are a number of selections I'd like to try. They have four interesting salads, interesting side dishes, and a good variety of mains and sandwiches. I had a bitter greens salad topped (optionally) with salmon; my companion had a broccoli salad. Both were delicious. The salmon was cooked perfectly. Service was fast and courteous. I'm definitely going to go back and am telling my co-workers about Free Rein -- our office just moved close by.
Free ReinResponded on January 24, 2020
Thank you for your review, Paul! We're pleased to know you enjoyed your experience dining with us during a business lunch. We hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
AT
AusTex19
Austin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Food was good, but not worth it for the price paid.
Is this helpful?
P
Pearl
Tampa
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
This restaurant is part Is part of the hotel (St. Jane) where we checked in at 9 pm last night. We had dinner at the bar because the place was so empty (clue #1 ). Gem salad with “crispy potatoes” and roasted garlic Caesar dressing was served with potato chips from a bag! In the salad. Dressing was clearly from a bottle and the lettuce wasn’t fresh. We ordered a side of fries - with his burger. Totally over salted. The mussels in a coconut broth had a good flavor but again the toasted bread it came with was too salty. The bartender was great and for some regular bread from the kitchen. I wish we’d sent the salad and fries back to the kitchen.
Is this helpful?
SS
SandySam
Chicago
109 reviews
vip
3.0
109 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
This place is acceptable for a standard working lunch.
Is this helpful?
M
Marcia
Chicago
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Generous cocktails
Is this helpful?
MA
MicheleA
Chicago
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 13, 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had the burger. It was dry and cooked well-done. Apparently they don't ask the patron their preference because the patty is so thin. That speaks volumes about quality to me. I would never return.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2019
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Nothing special
Is this helpful?
AK
AnnieK
Detroit
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
I wouldn’t go back again. Our server told us he was exhausted, and he really looked the part. I didn’t know whether to feel bad for him or for the poor service we were getting. The restaurant was out of multiple items we placed orders for, which was disappointing. The noise level coming from the bar area was also deafening- we had to scream at each other to communicate at the table! Food that did arrive was good.
Is this helpful?
M
Mackenzie
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is now one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Great ambiance, food and service. Would highly recommend for a date night or any gathering!
Free ReinResponded on November 25, 2019
Thank you for your thoughtful review, Mackenzie! We're so happy to hear we are one of our favorites!
Is this helpful?
LU
LindaU
Chicago
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Great food and excellent service. Really special drink. We were celebrating my birthday and they brought me a piece of cake. Nice touch!
Free ReinResponded on November 22, 2019
Thank you for your review, Linda! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the food and thank you for celebrating your birthday with us!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Filipino breakfast was delicious and perfect amount to share.
Free ReinResponded on November 18, 2019
Thank you! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Is this helpful?
TW
TiffanieW
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2019
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
A group of 10 of us ate at Free Rein for breakfast. We received our food timely, but when it was time to obtain the bill and then pay for our meals, our waitress disappeared. The restaurant was not that busy. The waitress wasn't very tentative to our table after the food arrived. Paying for our meals seemed to take 30 more minutes of our time at the table. The food was just average that morning. Egg sandwich and potatoes were bland. I ate at Free Rein one time before and had a better experience, so I wouldn't say that I wouldn't recommend it. Hopefully it was just an "off" morning.
Free ReinResponded on November 4, 2019
Thank you for your rating! We're sorry to see that the service was not up to the level of hospitality that we take pride in. We will be addressing this with our team.
Is this helpful?
A
autumnA
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing! For lunch time it’s a little loud for a business lunch with a big group but overall great experience.
Free ReinResponded on October 25, 2019
Thank you for your 5 star rating!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It became very noisy when the full lunch crowd came in. I love the look and feel though. Good was very good but a touch over priced. The service was excellent. Surpassed expectations.
Free ReinResponded on October 28, 2019
Thank you for your review and we appreciate your feedback regarding the noise level.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Too noisy in there. Maybe my hearing is bad, but it was hard to hear my guest across the table. Unlikely I go again.
Is this helpful?
g
great2eatout
Chicago
72 reviews
vip
2.0
72 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2019
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
I had been to Free Rein a number of times before the chef change, and had always enjoyed it. However, as lovely as the space is, the food is not nearly as good, so we do not plan to return. The service, though pleasant, was with a waiter whom we could not understand. My broccoli salad with salmon was practically all broccoli. No one could eat that much broccoli without suffering gastric distress. My friend’s chicken katsu sandwich was ordinary. And the dessert peach cobbler was fairly tasteless. I am so sorry to report that the changes have not been for the better...
Is this helpful?
s
scotts
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
the char was wonderful and the shrimp appetizers were pretty good. service was in between overly solicitous and non-existent, depending on the minute. big disappointment: dessert (flourless chocolate cake) was advertised as being complimented with 2 sauces and vanilla bean gelato but was served with one sauce, chocolate gelato and no pre-warning or explanation..... hence too much chocolate
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Service was very poor, restaurant was empty which was strange but the food was good
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Great meal. Slow service. Beautiful restaurant!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Breakfast options for everyone and it was so delicious!
Is this helpful?
s
susan
Chicago
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
My friend and I sat outside for lunch. Even with street traffic, it was very enjoyable. We shared the duck confit spring rolls and ricotta gnocchi. The gnocchi were very light and delicious.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2019
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Been here several times, but something has changed significantly, really really slow service, I've had better food on an airplane.
1 person found this helpful
RS
RS1999
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was solid but not spectacular. Service was a bit slow, had to wait a long time to get our initial order in and had to ask multiple times for extra ketchup, hot sauce, etc. nice space and location.
Is this helpful?
PS
PamelaS
Washington DC
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food. Great staff.
Is this helpful?
JB
JuozasB
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All good. Nice service, a very good setup for a business conversation.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved the selection of music and fresh taste/presentation of food.
Is this helpful?
V
Vicki
Chicago
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great breakfast spot without big crowds. I accidentally left my credit card and they were so responsive and friendly about calling me and then keeping it with security until I could come back. Will be back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a good experience at Free Rein. I ordered the Steak and eggs and it was ok. The other people I was with enjoyed the Eggs Benedict and the Avocado toast. Drinks weren't available until 11a but it was fine, just not something we were aware of ahead of time.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Free Rein is rated 4.1 stars by 238 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

Additional information

Cross street
E Wacker Place
Neighborhood
Downtown / Loop
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–10:00 pm All Day Dining Mon-Fri 11:30 am-10 pm Sat 2:30 pm-10 pm Brunch Sat-Sun 7 am-2 pm Bar Menu Sun 2:30 pm-9 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, French
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
State & Lake
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Kristine Subido
Additional
Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.freereinrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(312) 334-6700

Free Rein

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Soup

Chef's Choice Soup$9.00

Starters

Oysters

Everything Spiced Eclair$9.00

Fried Jidori Chicken$12.00

Beef Tartare$16.00

Shrimp Cocktail$18.00

Cheese & Charcuterie Board$24.00

Sides

Cheddar Cheese Fries$9.00

Broccolini$9.00

Roasted Brussels Sprouts$9.00

Main Entrees

Chicken Potpie$21.00

Potato Gnocchi$22.00

Seared Sea Scallops$24.00

Tagliatelle$25.00

King Salmon$30.00

Feature Item

Roasted Duck Breast$28.00

Slagel Farms 32oz Dry Aged Striplion$125.00

Salads

Farro Salad$12.00

Mixed Green Salad$12.00

Gem Lettuce Salad$12.00

Sandwiches

Chicken Parmesan$17.00

Free Rein Burger$19.00

Lobster Roll$19.00

Housemade Bread Basket

Housemade Bread Basket$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Free Rein restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information