It's OK to walk down a dark alley. That is, if it's the one on Rivington between Bowery and Chrystie, and it's called Freeman Alley, at the end of which is a clandestine eatery serving traditional American food with hints of a Mid-western influence. Swing open the door to this hunting lodge-styled restaurant and you find good-looking women and scruffy-faced men chatting about the latest artsy movie at the Angelica or something like the Bodies exhibit at South Street Seaport. You probably have to be a hipster to be in the know about Freeman's. And if you're not, fake it when you get there. You don't want to ruin their reputation now, do you?! Adorned with taxidermy elk and moose mounted heads, plank wood floors, tattooed and skeletal servers, and about the size of a Soho mini-loft, Freeman's gives off an odor of arrogance, but in the fashionable way, of course. Expect a wait. They don't take reservations for parties under six, so grab a drink at the full-stocked bar. The food is delicious enough that the annoyance of your wait will roll off your back from the very first bite. Try the mac & cheese and the blue cheese stuffed prunes wrapped in bacon. Lactose and tolerant? Opt for the grilled trout with thyme, garlic, and lemon. And definitely finish with the warm chocolate brownie a la mode. I don't know about you, but we never thought we'd be eating out of an alleyway or that it would be considered trendy and even chic!
