My manbun chum and I have been trying to find a home to watch our one March Madness game every year, and I think we found it for the foreseeable future. In fact, this time it looks to be a literal home.We stopped by last night to watch my beloved Gonzaga Bulldogs end their tournament run against Purdue. I could go into quite a bit of detail about some very shady calls in the paint and what I think should have been a taunting foul on Purdue's future proctologist Fletcher Loyer, but I digress. As soon as I walked in, I could tell I was going to like it. Prior years have been marred by loud sports bar atmospheres where you have to battle tooth and nail to convince someone to change the channel to something that isn't a mediocre NYC-area sports team (I say this as a Mets fan as well). Liberty was significantly quieter, definitely had an older crowd but also had numerous TVs throughout. The best of all worlds. I walked maybe 10 feet from the entrance, asked the bartender if she could switch the TV to the Zags on TBS, and that was that. Aside from a weird moment in the second half when the TV mysteriously changed to ESPN for a few minutes (we never confirmed the culprit), we had primo viewing of the game. Somehow we also managed to sit down next to a couple whose son was currently at Purdue. What a world.Vibe is everything with a place like this. I did a mild double-take when I realized the bar was located in a literal residential neighborhood in what may be someone's actual house (or at least upstairs). There's a parking lot on the side that had plenty of spots, and overall this was one of the most conveniently located establishments I've ever been to - it's about 30 seconds from Route 78 both ways. Initially I felt bad for the neighbors, but as bars go this is not exactly one that's going to be hosting raucous throwdowns outside or anything. You may actually be able to go to bed at 9pm living next door, which is my personal dream.The interior has a lot of tchotchkes behind the bar, and is surprisingly comfortable/spacious. The game started a little after 7:30pm on a Friday, but there were seats available right in front of the TVs and most of the patrons seemed to be in the back area playing pool. It did get a little more crowded throughout the game, but never to a point where it felt claustrophobic. The clientele demo skewed all over the place - several older codgers looked like they'd been rejected from Rock of Love Charm School (I thought one in particular was a dead ringer for Poison's CC DeVille), but there was also a few young men roaming around and middle-aged couples/singles throughout the establishment as well. Pretty much anyone who would theoretically come into a bar, did.We had a good bartender, who not only accommodated my TV request, but was friendly and accessible throughout our stay. I was in a sweet palate mood, and she offered to make a Hawaiian Volcano, apparently a drink pilfered from her days at TGI Friday's years ago. It's not something I'd necessarily get on a regular basis, but it definitely brought me back to my early legal drinking years for sure. I could taste some Malibu and juice, and sipped them throughout the game. We also got mozzy sticks and a pepperoni bar pie. Both were really decent for what they were, especially the mozzy sticks, which were fried perfectly. I thought the pizza tasted like a giant Bagel Bite, which is not an insult. But let's be clear - this is a dive bar, so it's not like you're wandering into the kitchen and stumbling across Jeremy Allen White from The Bear. You want something fairly tasty to munch on, and we got it.Strong recommend. I think expectations for a dive bar should be pretty simple - comfortable and pleasant. This was certainly that, minus the March Madness heartbreak.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Gary Matthews (theFourthMan)
I come here at least once or twice a week. Nice crowd, and Hugo is masterful in the kitchen.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings
Marc Weber
Great prices and hopefully great food if it ever comes. Saturday night and there is 1 girl working a bar of 15 seats or so and 3 or 4 2 seat tables. Service sucks. Maybe people called out I hope. Been here since 630. 45min later no food and waiting for 2nd beer. Can't rate the food. Hasn't come.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 1
scott greenspan
I've lived less than 2 miles away from this place for about 10 years, drove past it a million times and about half those times thought, I need to check this place out. Ends up it's a great local place and I can say that the beer is cold and the nachos are delicious. I'll be heading back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Orlando V Gonzalez MD
So...I hate to give bad reviews but as a restaurant owner myself, I'd like to think someone would complain if our service was bad.I'm from NYC and stopped in today (as I was hungry after work and wanted a beer).The bartender (girl) immediately looks like she was pissed off that I was there. No smile, no "hi how are you?' Nothing..I then asked if they had any fish items in menu since it was Friday during lent. Again, she was rude, unprofessional and super short. I can't believe someone like that would work there.I decided not to leave...it was tempting...but stayed. Guy next to me confirmed she's rude and she's not a regular....lolFood was good. I left no tip.Unfortunately I will never be back there.If you're looking for a friendly bar with history...this isn't your place...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Jon L.
Great old school NJ diner. Very nice staff. Highly recommend the French toast with fresh fruit and the breakfast burrito.
Tiffany Pless
Had a great time..nice place.. great atmosphere service with a smile :o) such a nice bartender. I did not order food, but I will next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Mimi
It was my first time here and Racheal, my bartender gave me wonderful service and knowledge about the history of the place. Drinks were very reasonable prices. Will definitely return!
Denise Zelman T.
What a cute tavern! Extremely friendly service, lunch was over and they still let us order the Amazing cod sandwich.We started with the slider's the cod and the LT and enjoyed the pizza.My daughter enjoyed the Liberty tavern slider so much she had that as her meal,she couldn't even finish it, gigantic burger made perfectly.We enjoyed the cod so much also gigantic made to a Krispy on the outside and light and flaky cod on the inside.I was amazed by the sides they offered the cream tomato soup as one was excellent they also had great fries and side salad's.The price's the quality and atmosphere definitely worth going! Did I mention the drinks also looked delish!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
Marvin C DeRuyscher
Nice atmosphere, good food, Rachael the bartender was an excellent host.
It's the Liberty. It's the best. Hipster or can't drink a cocktail out of a pint glass... Please don't go.
Aditya K.
Great place, great service. Food was awesome and so was drink. Highly recommended. The place was very busy and vibrant.
Cherokee Sinn
Every time I come is a good time..the bartenders are awesome..the pool table is clean..the jukebox is lit and food is always right on time..love it here..this place has been added to my list of hangouts just this year!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Calvin Rodriguez
Cheap beer good food, one of the few dives in the area, will be back for a PBR on ice and a chicken cheesesteak. Can’t go wrong.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Woe
Another hidden Gem. Very friendly atmosphere, great food, drinks and did I mention a pool table. Lol
My manbun chum and I have been trying to find a home to watch our one March Madness game every year, and I think we found it for the foreseeable future. In fact, this time it looks to be a literal home.We stopped by last night to watch my beloved Gonzaga Bulldogs end their tournament run against Purdue. I could go into quite a bit of detail about some very shady calls in the paint and what I think should have been a taunting foul on Purdue's future proctologist Fletcher Loyer, but I digress. As soon as I walked in, I could tell I was going to like it. Prior years have been marred by loud sports bar atmospheres where you have to battle tooth and nail to convince someone to change the channel to something that isn't a mediocre NYC-area sports team (I say this as a Mets fan as well). Liberty was significantly quieter, definitely had an older crowd but also had numerous TVs throughout. The best of all worlds. I walked maybe 10 feet from the entrance, asked the bartender if she could switch the TV to the Zags on TBS, and that was that. Aside from a weird moment in the second half when the TV mysteriously changed to ESPN for a few minutes (we never confirmed the culprit), we had primo viewing of the game. Somehow we also managed to sit down next to a couple whose son was currently at Purdue. What a world.Vibe is everything with a place like this. I did a mild double-take when I realized the bar was located in a literal residential neighborhood in what may be someone's actual house (or at least upstairs). There's a parking lot on the side that had plenty of spots, and overall this was one of the most conveniently located establishments I've ever been to - it's about 30 seconds from Route 78 both ways. Initially I felt bad for the neighbors, but as bars go this is not exactly one that's going to be hosting raucous throwdowns outside or anything. You may actually be able to go to bed at 9pm living next door, which is my personal dream.The interior has a lot of tchotchkes behind the bar, and is surprisingly comfortable/spacious. The game started a little after 7:30pm on a Friday, but there were seats available right in front of the TVs and most of the patrons seemed to be in the back area playing pool. It did get a little more crowded throughout the game, but never to a point where it felt claustrophobic. The clientele demo skewed all over the place - several older codgers looked like they'd been rejected from Rock of Love Charm School (I thought one in particular was a dead ringer for Poison's CC DeVille), but there was also a few young men roaming around and middle-aged couples/singles throughout the establishment as well. Pretty much anyone who would theoretically come into a bar, did.We had a good bartender, who not only accommodated my TV request, but was friendly and accessible throughout our stay. I was in a sweet palate mood, and she offered to make a Hawaiian Volcano, apparently a drink pilfered from her days at TGI Friday's years ago. It's not something I'd necessarily get on a regular basis, but it definitely brought me back to my early legal drinking years for sure. I could taste some Malibu and juice, and sipped them throughout the game. We also got mozzy sticks and a pepperoni bar pie. Both were really decent for what they were, especially the mozzy sticks, which were fried perfectly. I thought the pizza tasted like a giant Bagel Bite, which is not an insult. But let's be clear - this is a dive bar, so it's not like you're wandering into the kitchen and stumbling across Jeremy Allen White from The Bear. You want something fairly tasty to munch on, and we got it.Strong recommend. I think expectations for a dive bar should be pretty simple - comfortable and pleasant. This was certainly that, minus the March Madness heartbreak.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
I come here at least once or twice a week. Nice crowd, and Hugo is masterful in the kitchen.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings
Great prices and hopefully great food if it ever comes. Saturday night and there is 1 girl working a bar of 15 seats or so and 3 or 4 2 seat tables. Service sucks. Maybe people called out I hope. Been here since 630. 45min later no food and waiting for 2nd beer. Can't rate the food. Hasn't come.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 1
I've lived less than 2 miles away from this place for about 10 years, drove past it a million times and about half those times thought, I need to check this place out. Ends up it's a great local place and I can say that the beer is cold and the nachos are delicious. I'll be heading back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So...I hate to give bad reviews but as a restaurant owner myself, I'd like to think someone would complain if our service was bad.I'm from NYC and stopped in today (as I was hungry after work and wanted a beer).The bartender (girl) immediately looks like she was pissed off that I was there. No smile, no "hi how are you?' Nothing..I then asked if they had any fish items in menu since it was Friday during lent. Again, she was rude, unprofessional and super short. I can't believe someone like that would work there.I decided not to leave...it was tempting...but stayed. Guy next to me confirmed she's rude and she's not a regular....lolFood was good. I left no tip.Unfortunately I will never be back there.If you're looking for a friendly bar with history...this isn't your place...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Great old school NJ diner. Very nice staff. Highly recommend the French toast with fresh fruit and the breakfast burrito.
Had a great time..nice place.. great atmosphere service with a smile :o) such a nice bartender. I did not order food, but I will next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
It was my first time here and Racheal, my bartender gave me wonderful service and knowledge about the history of the place. Drinks were very reasonable prices. Will definitely return!
What a cute tavern! Extremely friendly service, lunch was over and they still let us order the Amazing cod sandwich.We started with the slider's the cod and the LT and enjoyed the pizza.My daughter enjoyed the Liberty tavern slider so much she had that as her meal,she couldn't even finish it, gigantic burger made perfectly.We enjoyed the cod so much also gigantic made to a Krispy on the outside and light and flaky cod on the inside.I was amazed by the sides they offered the cream tomato soup as one was excellent they also had great fries and side salad's.The price's the quality and atmosphere definitely worth going! Did I mention the drinks also looked delish!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
Nice atmosphere, good food, Rachael the bartender was an excellent host.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
It's the Liberty. It's the best. Hipster or can't drink a cocktail out of a pint glass... Please don't go.
Great place, great service. Food was awesome and so was drink. Highly recommended. The place was very busy and vibrant.
Every time I come is a good time..the bartenders are awesome..the pool table is clean..the jukebox is lit and food is always right on time..love it here..this place has been added to my list of hangouts just this year!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cheap beer good food, one of the few dives in the area, will be back for a PBR on ice and a chicken cheesesteak. Can’t go wrong.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Another hidden Gem. Very friendly atmosphere, great food, drinks and did I mention a pool table. Lol