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    Freehouse

    3.1 (275 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American, Tacos
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

    Freehouse Photos

    FREEHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Freehouse

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    Reviews With Photos

    Kimberly N.

    Freehouse is an OK place that could be amazing! It has a unique and intersting history with its 1928 building that used to house a Presbyterian Ministry wherein they pay homage to the Free Speech Movement of the early 1960's. I thought the bar area looked interesting because of that! It was busy when we arrived for dinner before a concert but we were seated at a table right away in the courtyard by a very friendly and efficient server. We ordered a couple beers while we looked over the menu. My husband ended up choosing their Blue and Gold Burger (with a veggie Beyond Burger patty) which came with a not very generous serving of fries while I had their Vegan Chili. We shared our meals and agreed they could have tasted much better. The blue cheese in the burger helped to elevate the flavor but otherwise it was just ok. My chili was a disappointment. It was pretty flavorless. It really could use a side of salsa and/or the option of adding shredded cheese. But our server was great and the ambiance was cool!

    Tacos
    Wesley L.

    Been here a few times after banquet events and it's always a good experience with pitchers of beer and a casual environment. Their food is a little on the pricier end, but they have some solid options that taste good in spite of the cost. Went here with some friends for a drink. Saw they had a taco special for 2 tacos and a beer for $13 which isn't the cheapest, but booze and food was something I couldn't pass up. The chicken one was more flavorful than the beef one I got, but I wasn't expecting gourmet tacos and was still happy with what I ordered. Had trouble deciding on the beer & the bartender was nice to let me sample a few. Settled on their rice lager since I wasn't the biggest fan on IPAs. Fire alarm for pulled mid eating and I had to leave, but eventually everything got sorted out and we went back to their outdoor patio. Wouldn't go here alone, but it's a nice place for friends & groups

    Chicken wings
    Katherine G.

    Honestly pleasantly surprised by this place! I actually heard about it at the very beginning of college 4 years ago, but never ended up coming. On the last day of classes 4 years later though, my friends and I decided to come here for a late dinner and potentially drinks. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and we got a table outside. You seat yourselves, and then a waiter / waitress comes to take your order. We got the brussels sprouts to share and I got the bbq chicken wings. The wings themselves were fine, nothing special to them but nothing really bad either. However, the brussels sprouts were soo good. I think they first fried them, and then coated them in a delicious sweet and savory sauce that made them so addicting. I think I could've just eaten that as my entree alone :) We didn't end up getting drinks, but I did really like the vibe here!

    Chicken tenders
    Dee W.

    Major dark academia vibes! But I wouldn't expect anything less than a pub right across the street from the Cal campus. Definitely a great place to meet up with friends for a quick bite and drink. I'm absolutely in love with the vibe in there. There's a long tables, small tables for two and a fireplace. Whether you're with a large group, a date or need to unwind solo, there's a spot for you. Service here is phenomenal. Our server was very knowledgeable about the different brews they had on tap and was able to recommend something that tickled the pallet of each person in our group. I honestly felt like he went above and beyond and despite the very busy evening, he was able to check in on us and keep the drinks flowing. The food here is honestly pretty basic, I wouldn't say its terrible but it's nothing to write home about. However, I'm still giving this place 5 stars because of the aesthetic, extensive tap selection and amazing service. I would definitely come back here, I would just eat beforehand.

    Happy hour nachos ($8)
    Joan A.

    I've had a great time every time I've come to free house, but I think that's a better reflection of my company than this establishment. Here's why: Pros: - happy hour 3-6 wooo - great draft beer selections - IPAs, sours, ciders, and lagers always on tap - great Brussels sprouts ($4 during happy hour!!) - lots of fries options (garlic, sweet potato, plain) - many seating options indoors and outdoors Cons: - service can be slow, even when it's not very busy - portions can be small - disappointing nachos and bland fries (not even salted) 3.5/5 for being a good place for happy hour that's not too far from campus, but room for improvement with some of the food and the service. I'll still be back! :)

    Denise C.

    Freehouse isn't free and there's no freedom in USA these days. You will be caught in Korea's trap. hahah.. I got a pretzel and I have to pay them back soon in a week. Thanks Abraham and sorry about it really but my college didn't bank on their business plan. It's their fault.

    Sebastian R.

    Always a great time coming here for meals with good friends. The food is fairly priced, and it is always a hit. I LOVE the interior, as it gives a gothic, collegiate vibe. I also love the outdoor seating area in the back and the game rooms on side. My personal tip is to come on a warmer night with friends, so you can eat either in the back or the front patio next to the fireplace. Although I wasn't a fan of brussel sprouts before, this place changed my mind on that with their roasted brussel sprout sides (absolutely delicious). Service is always stellar, and this is definitely one of my favorite gems of Berkeley.

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    5 years ago

    Best bar in town. They've always been great for grad students- good service, friendly bartenders. Can't beat it.

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    Page 3 of 7

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    4.4(296 reviews)
    2.8 miTemescal, North Oakland

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    Freehouse - bars - Updated May 2026

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