Freemans is celebrating its fifth birthday. At lunch a few days back, I was reminded of just how well they do atmosphere. Hunting lodge chic may be a city staple now, but it doesn’t feel contrived at Freemans, and not just because they led the parade. Maybe it’s the difference between distressed finishes and legitimately beat-up. The crew is always interesting, too. Our waitress admired my friend’s sleeve -- a series of silhouettes falling through a cloudy sky. She thought she’d seen it before, but it’s a unique design. “Maybe just in my dreams, then,” she said. Down by the Hipster alerts us to a great special running through Monday, September 14. In honor of half a decade, artichoke dip and Freemans Cocktails are going for just $5 a pop, lunch and dinner. If you aren’t planning a trip down the alley this weekend, you could also make up a batch of Freemans Cocktails for home entertaining.

Freemans Cocktail by Toby Maloney ● 2 ¼ oz rye ● ¼ oz simple syrup ● ½ oz pomegranate molasses (heaping bar spoon) ● ¾ oz lemon juice ● 2 dashes orange bitters Combine all ingredients in shaker, shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a flamed orange twist.