Hark, is there a new refuge in Herald Square, that crowded festering urban bloodclot that short-tempered New Yorkers avoid at all cost? Too soon to tell, but there does seem to be ample elbow room inside The Liberty, a gigantic new cocktail lounge, beer hall, and restaurant on West 35th Street. Owned by a pair of Australians who promise to save "the neighborhood that cool forgot," The Liberty has 5,000 square feet, 18-foot-high ceilings, and two levels to explore while pre-gaming before an event at the Garden or avoiding a dreaded LIRR commute.
The focal point, as you can see, is that impressive 34-foot long black granite island bar that runs throughout the center of the room. "When I told my contractor that I wanted to have an island bar he thought I was nuts," says co-owner Eddy Buckingham. "NYC real estate unwritten rule says to maximize space and put the bar against the wall. For me, the bar in the center means interaction, conviviality and rapport."
The signature cocktail menu by Nick Van Tiel is called "A Tribute to the 5 Boroughs," and includes both a traditional borough classic and "a new signature drink inspired by the character and energy of the contemporary city." They're all $12, and include classics like the Bronx Cocktail, made with Plymouth gin, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Orange Juice, Reagan’s Orange Bitters; and "New" cocktails like The South Bronx Fizz Pisco 100, made with Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint, Soda, Angostura Float.
10 craft and vintage beers from the Northeast region are available on draft, including several from Chelsea, Sixpoint and Brooklyn Breweries. We're also told The Liberty is currently the only NYC bar serving Narragansett Light on tap. The menu is "informal, contemporary American," with shared plate options ranging from Rock Shrimp Toast to Grilled Lamb Ribs to Baked Mac n Cheese Carbonara. The full menu is here.
29 West 35th Street, 212-967-4000
