So there has always been a lot of hype around this restaurant in Freeport, and I was looking forward to taking my mother out for a nice meal. Our entire party was very disappointed. The food, while edible, was not up to par with the pricing. It's as if the restaurant wants to be high end, but doesn't quite hit the mark with the food. Our appetizer, baked Brie with apples, was served on a black plate that honestly, looked filthy. The rim of the plate was greasy and smudged all over. The Brie had some limp, mixed lettuce as a garnish (that should have been a clue as to the level of attention the kitchen pays to presentation). Further, there wasn't any melted Brie in there, but there was Brie rind. The onion mushroom soup was salty, and all the onions and mushrooms were invisible, having been pulverized into the broth. The servers brought the food out like they were dropping a book on the table. One of the salads ordered, was not delivered with the rest of the food- not sure if the waitress of the kitchen screwed that up. The drinks were okay- they were the only thing not sub-standard. I'm giving this 2 stars because the building interior is historic and beautiful, the chairs were comfortable, and the cocktails were fine. It would be a nice place to have pre-dinner cocktails, but I strongly suggest you go somewhere else for your dinner. read more

Service is always exceptional. Menu supplemented with great specials allows for either small bites or a complete meal. Im addicted to the creamy onion & mushroom soup. Thursday taco night has unique options. Delectable desserts. Definitely a favorite place to unwind. read more

The inside was lovely, we came in and sat down at the bar the menu was narrow and when we went to order we're told the chef leaves from 2-4? How can you share info so people can make a choice that doesn't leave them hangry? read more

The atmosphere of this place is a 5, however the food and the service could have been better. Prices were reasonable. There are not many great dinning options in Freeport so I would go back for that reason. Would be a great place to go for drinks with friends. They have a nice liquor section and bottles of wine for purchase. read more

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My friend and I decided to spend the weekend in Freeport recently. We found The Wagner House on Yelp. It really is the coolest place in downtown Freeport. It's housed in the historic Wagner Printing building. They did a remarkable job renovating this space. Urban industrial keeping but updating much of the original space. The bar area is filled with high end gins, vodkas, whiskies, and wines all displayed in wooden shelves and cubbies. Relaxing lighting and comfortable bar seating. The bartenders and waitstaff are so nice and accommodating. I had a gin from France that was excellent. We had dinner afterwards. The dinner space is dimly lit and relaxing. Nice for a date night out. We ordered the Greek style ahi tuna and the pan seared steak. The tuna was cooked perfectly medium rare. The steak was well seasoned but I would ask for less gravy or have it on the side so you can put less or more on it to your liking. The chocolate ganache cake was very good. Very rich. Good for sharing. The upstairs space is soooo nice with comfortable vignette seating, tv's, a ping pong table, live music space, upstairs bar area. Beautifully updated with wooden floors and brick walls. This place makes it worth a trip back to Freeport. Thanks! read more

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I was surprised this restaurant was not included among the best choices in Freeport. The menu is limited but consistently very good the few times we have visited for lunch. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and tasteful. Given the limited choices in Freeport, this is our first choice whenever we are in town. If you haven't been, check it out. read more

I'm only giving two stars because the wine and decor were great. Food was horrible. Ordered the goat cheese and bacon guacamole which was served with store bought Tostitos. My friend had the shedded pork and chorizo sliders which had NO flavor. I just can't even imagine people are putting rave reviews of this place. Unfortunately we will not be back. Potato wedges were completely flavorless also. Disappointing and expensive. Adding to this-my friend has been sick to his stomach since eating there. read more

Incredible venue. Drop dead gorgeous from the wood and concrete floors to the exposed brick behind the head table area. (See the pics) This space is amazing, w/AREJay Productions. read more

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We frequently dine in Freeport when staying at our Lake Carroll house. We came across an article in Lake Living, our community magazine. Although I'd been down Spring St many, many times, I never noticed the Wagner House. I know the old Wagner Printing building well. We had dinner on Thursday, and were totally surprised at the facilities. My wife is a wine connoisseur, and she had a delightful Pinot Noir with her dinner. I had the Ribeye, which was delicious. The mushroom onion soup was interesting, but I would prefer classic onion sour with cheese. Service was outstanding. I didn't try the dessert offerings, but I will on the next trip. Definitely worth a trial. A Freeport "gem". read more

We went to the Wagner House for lunch. Extremely cool environment, great service and amazing meal. I highly recommend!

What a great place! We stopped in for dinner on a random Saturday and what a great experience. They were a little understaffed due to a wedding reception upstairs and homecoming attendees but not a terrible wait. We had makers old fashions that were amazing and a brisket sandwich that was filling but just ok and I had the grouper entree that was absolutely wonderful! Prepared to perfection with such flavor! Definitely recommend!! Our server, Bree was very attentive despite being super busy and recommended the perfect wine! If you are in the Freeport area I would HIGHLY recommend the Wagner House. It's right across the street from the theater and makes a perfect stop for dinner and/drinks before or after a movie Or anytime at all!! read more

The Wagner House is by far the best spot in Freeport, and quite possibly the entire Rockford area. In an old industrial warehouse, the ambiance is fantastic, particularly on the days when they have live music. The food is quite good - simple comfort food. But the main draws are the cocktails and wine list, entertainment, and of course the setting. I watched an excellent blues guitarist play soulful covers of Stevie Ray Vaughan, with some cool Jimi Hendrix thrown in. I'll be back anytime I'm in Freeport, guaranteed... read more

Love this place! Great wine and interestingly Great menu. Good variety and sizes. Nice people. It is a must if you are in Freeport!

What a wonderful lunch today at Wagner house! The staff were committed to great service and were very friendly. Most importantly the food tasted great! Awesome experience. I highly recommend Wagner House for lunch and dinner! read more

Excellent ambiance, great food, service and drinks. We stop by Wagner House any chance we get. Not many places around that have such a wide and quality drink list on top of delicious food. Staff is always supper friendly as well. Highly recommend. read more

Best restaurant in Freeport. Comparable to Fulton market quality and vibe. Will be back, worth the drive.

Love this place, great atmosphere and good food. The prices are a little high but nothing crazy. They have a really nice room upstairs for parties and such. Beautifully decorated too! read more

Very nice place. Maybe Freeport has turned the corner? Salmon appetizer was very good. I'm impressed with the wine and spirit selection. We did not spend time at the bar but it looked very inviting. Mahi mahi tacos- excellent. Cheese board could be more interesting. Some work to do on the atmosphere but overall a solid place to drink and dine. read more

Love this place can't wait to go back!! Great food and selection was fantastic. Staff was really nice. Love you can buy wine and liquor togo. read more

My favorite bar and restaurant in the Freeport area. I always come here when visiting, and has some of the best live entertainment making my visit that much worthwhile. Looking for great wine, cocktails, and wine? They have it. Looking for amazing lunch and dinner food that's upscale? They have it as well. Love Wagner house for everything they do and offer their customers. read more

Great atmosphere, huge selection of drinks and liquor and great food! What a place! Can't wait to be in Freeport area again!

Great quality food ! Fresh ingredients and just have the chicken flat bread . Drinks are good as well read more

The Wagner House - Wine Bars Near Me - Freeport, Illinois

The food was really tasty and fresh. I loved the atmosphere. Really just a cool, hidden gem in Freeport. The staff was very friendly and the live music was a nice touch. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because portions are very small for the price. This would be more acceptable in a larger area but for Freeport I was not expecting that and left still hungry. read more

Don't wast your time! Terrible service, honestly the worst I ever have experienced. I would think they would have improved, I will try a place but after 3 fails I am done. read more

This is a great place to hang out comfortably and enjoy craft cocktails, wine, or beer. The owner is very friendly and obviously takes pride in the creation of a unique venue with quality libations. It was a little difficult to figure out at first. There isn't much signage or advertising and at first I thought it was only a space to rent for parties and events but they actually are open to the public as a bar on certain nights. Still not totally sure of the schedule but they responded quickly to inquiries on their Facebook page and it was well worth the effort. read more

I had a very uncomfortable experience with the owner while attending an event here. Although I would rather not go into detail on this review, it is enough to solidify my decision to no longer attend or support The Wagner House under its current ownership, and I will continue sharing my experience in person. If you know me and are curious about what happened, please reach out and ask me and I'll gladly share. read more

If you haven't been here, you need to visit. This is one of my favorite places in Freeport. It is located down town near other attractions as well. It is a beautiful and relaxing environment. Not your average bar. The cocktails are made with fresh ingredients and I've never seen a mix there. I'm sure having your wedding or other event here would be amazing. Love Wagner House read more

This is s beautiful space. Great cocktails in the Great Debate wine bar. Inviting places to sit and visit with friends while enjoying a beer, wine or cocktail. Friendly staff. Bring a date here! read more