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. read more

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Great dive bar. Food is just meh, but I mange my expectations. I was not expect anything great. Either way what I got was just what I wanted and expected. read more

Amazing after work vibes. 00s punk playing, pool table, nice bartenders, $1 pool, crispy fries. What more does one need? read more

Liberty Tavern - Pool table - Sports Bars Near Me - Union, New Jersey

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Look the bar served us drinks, the table games were fun but the bartender was a douche. Kept talking in passive aggressive terms and kicked us out before 145AM. Cannot get down with an aggressive bartender, considering I work in the service industry. Was a great spot with a bad bartender! read more

Local casual Irish bar Nothing fancy ... Staff is nice Drinks and food are average .. had mozzarella sticks were good/average If you haven't been there before - not sure how to get it if the main door says - go to the side and then no sign on what side door to go read more

Liberty Tavern - Menu - Sports Bars Near Me - Union, New Jersey

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Recently I had a bad experience there with my credit card. I discovered while looking at my recent transactions that the bartender had charge me for my drinks and in a separate transaction charged me for another person's drinks. I went to the bar the next day to point it out. The bartender on duty couldn't help me and took my information for the owner to call me. I didn't hear from the owner so I went back two days later. A different bartender took my information saying the owner would contact me. Nothing. No call or text or anything. Finally I had to contact my bank to dispute the charge which means my money is hanging in limbo. The problem could have been solved quite easily by a responsive person in charge. I consider it a real breach of trust to give my credit card to a place of business and have them put someone else's bill -which I never signed for- on my card. And then do nothing to rectify the problem. That is essentially theft and it's TERRIBLE business practice. (And by the way my bank has told me that it could take up to 45 days to sort this out.) Two thumbs down read more

If you're looking for a neighborhood dive bar with sports on the TV, a pool table and shuffle board, a beer garden, and a proprietor who is a quick wit and no nonsense, look no further. The drinks are cold and reasonably priced. The food is basic, but not bad. Go to hang out with the crew. read more

Great old school NJ diner. Very nice staff. Highly recommend the French toast with fresh fruit and the breakfast burrito.

Great place, great service. Food was awesome and so was drink. Highly recommended. The place was very busy and vibrant.

Best local dive; friendly staff, great prices, stiff pours. Not the cleanest bar I've been to but sometimes this is exactly what you're going for. read more

Great dive bar with good patio and great staff. Karina and Ron were friendly, funny and attentive. Did a birthday shot with the owner--they have a secret handshake so ask them to demonstrate :) Good people enjoying good drinks--will be back often. read more

I never would've thought I'd be eating pretty much anything and everything from this menu, let alone eating here at all. Until I started hanging out here more frequently just to chill and hang with friends. Then I got wings (any flavor), and they were so good. Then I got a BLT (3 days in a row) amazing. Next was grilled cheese with Taylor ham and I was like aright cmon how have I not eaten here more in the past.. then, the turkey club and it was one of the best turkey clubs I've ever had. Italian hot dog is on point. Bar pies are great and enough for one or two ppl. Quesadillas are amaZing and pretty much everything here is. So do yourself a favor, whether on purpose or you miss your turn onto 78east, pop in here have a drink And order whatever you're in the mood for, you won't regret it! read more

Food was excellent, service as well. The only negative was the men's room. It needs a thorough cleaning, especially the floor which I believe was the source of s strong offensive odor. Get that taken care of and I'd gladly return. read more

We FINALLY had a chance to stop in on the way to the shore to grab a burger. It's in such an awkward location that it's really for locals. Rachel was our bartender. Super cool, friendly and attentive. They get a solid four stars as far as a real dive bar goes. It reminds me of the house bars near my college in western PA. Lots of TV's, stuff on the walls (not dead animals), and games. It's totally outdated with music to match. But whatever, have an open mind because the burger is awesome. A juicy sirloin burger with perfectly cooked fries. I got mine with a generous amount of bacon. The food menu is surprisingly wide ranging and updated with salads and wraps with fresh ingredients. They also seem to have a good selection of beer. I was specifically impressed that they take pride in assuring that their beer lines are thoroughly cleaned on a more than regular basis. This is a must try at least once place if you're in the area. read more

Liberty Tavern - Sirloin burger - Sports Bars Near Me - Union, New Jersey

Always a great time at Liberty Tavern.... It is,... What it is!! A fun neighborhood dive bar. The shuffleboard table is a throwback to bygone years of fun and relaxation. And,...and,... You can play it with a beer in your hand!!!! The bowling game is equally fun but hey,.. It does cost a quarter to play.... Frugality & Fun times. That's Liberty Tavern read more

What's in a good dive is right here, if you can find her. Now I'm a dive afficinado. My Check list always hinges on price, homeyness and stank. All three are in ample supply. $2.75 daily can specials, today it was bud. Typically $3.50 for domestic pints. A friendly local feel and appeal without those "who's dat" looks. Cleanliness must be low on the priority list and that will become abundantly clear even in the parking lot as you wonder if you'll actually enter. Upon enhance you're thrown back to a simpler time of cheap classic beer & friendly meaninglessness banter, they were discussing the need for defensive driving lessons today. Old school beer logos scattered about, how bout that Reingold sign & Pabst mirror. Pool, long shuffleboard & bowling all operational and waiting to be warmed up. A sizeable curly cue bar with always a seat available. Friendly service. Affordable munchies, decent wings @ $9 per doz. That's of course if you're the daring type to eat here, after my compulsion to antibacterial every 5 minutes wore off. No, this place ain't a great hang out by any means and yes its an old dude occupied stoop especially during the day and happy hour. Yep, it's my kinda place. read more

For what it is it is great ... a neighborhood old man bar. But get past that and they have pretty good cheap drinks and the food is really good for an old man bar! They have homemade bar pies, a deep selection of wings and a great burger. You can just also buy Doritos or a Slim Jim from the bar tender... Not a place to bring a first date but a great place to go with your buddies for some beers and great bar food. Also the owner ( Dennis ) is a really nice guy and is a BIG TIME Packers fan so always fun there on Sundays during football season. read more

Liberty Tavern - the entrance to the tavern - Sports Bars Near Me - Union, New Jersey

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Came here for beer with my college roommate and was pleasantly surprised. Price wise, it's not dirt cheap for a dive bar but it's decent. I enjoyed the ambience and customer service more than the drinks. Friendly bartender and cool atmosphere. More of a "pre game" kinda bar. Would come again. read more

Ron is the best bartender ever! Very friendly and the vibe at lib is always welcoming! We've become really good friends! Great prices, good food and there's a pool table! I usually like to get sliders or the spicy garlic wings. Wings are always good! This is not a craft beer or fancy cocktailnbar, its a dive neighborhood bar! Don't come in asking for crazy IPAs or Manhattans! They usually have 2-3 IPAs and an assortment of bottled beer. I'm sure you will like what they have to offer. They have all sorts of liquors, whiskeys, scotch, vodka you name it! I usually come in during the week and hang out with the regulars that I always see when I go. Recently, I've been going alone cause some of my friends are busy and tired. I usually like to come and hang out with Ronny and the pool table. The regulars are very open to conversation and I guarantee that you will enjoy every hour until its closing time. They have a juke box and we are always bumpin yo a good playlist! Very low key place. Come if you want to have a good time during the week! Peace! read more

I am rating this bar 1 star only because i LOVE this bar and i hope it never loses the homey local vibe that i vibe with. I mean, the energy if this place...... ill drink to that ;) read more

I actually love this place, but the 3 stars is in line with two things 1.) This really is a dive bar 2.) This is a bar for alcoholics First off, the bar is very obviously a converted house. I can't stress obviously, enough - not sure whether that's good or bad. There's a jukebox, pool table, shuffle board, and a couple other games wedged around the corner I've never actually gotten a chance to play with. Service is good, and the prices are cheap. read more

This place is absolutely awesome. It's very unique. Perhaps a bit quirky. Some folks consider this a dive. But I love it. If this place were in Williamsburg or Greenpoint, it would probably be flooded with artists and some celebrities drinking cans of PBR and painting murals outside. It has an irony that is not intentional, but really phenomenal. Oh. Good cheap beer. A nice back porch. Shuffle board is awesome. This place is unique in the tri-State area. Not just Essex County. This gets wayyy more than 5 stars. It rules. Pool. Tv. My favorite bar when I want to hang out with my friends. read more

This is a true dive bar. When you walk in, the only place to really sit is at the giant bar. The menu is small and unimpressive. I met up with a friend here after work for a drink because the location was convenient and ordered a corona light and a grilled cheese. The bartender was extremely friendly. Cheap prices. read more

This bar is great. Also f the person that gouged their keys into the newly refurbished bar top. No respect. There's history here.

The definition of a dive bar. Plenty of locals, good food, great music, and even better prices. Do not pass on one of the only great true dives in the area. All of this in a residential area, in a house. It really doesn't get any better. Do yourself a favor and go to Liberty Tavern. read more

One of my friends said this is the best dive around and he was right!! Friendly staff, friendly patrons, $2.50 PBR on tap, pool table...I wish there more more bars like this near me!! read more

The locals* dive bar. I have been here more times than I would have EVER imagined. It's cheap and the bar buys you a round every 4th drink. The wings aren't too bad either. When you walk in, you really stop and stare at the walls for a while with all the stuff up there, because there is A LOT of stuff. I don't WANT to go to Liberty Tavern, but somehow I get there randomly. If you're reading this review, then you're probably sitting in your car wondering if Liberty Tavern is worth your visit while ALSO wondering how you got to the parking lot of Liberty Tavern. Yeah. It happens. *locals meaning most don't live more than 2 blocks away read more

great place! stopped in around 3:30pm while it was snowing for a few drinks and some food and we were pleasantly surprised! the other patrons were friendly, which isn't always the case for a "locals" bar. we ordered the hot wings and "homemade" chili. The wings were great and the chili was good. we drank yuengling drafts, which I think were $3.50. Not bad. They didn't have the beer on special, which would have been a pumpkin ale draft for $4. That was about it for specials, unless you count a bud light aluminum can for $2.75. No thanks. what really pleased us was someone who appeared to be the owner or manager was walking around saying hi to everyone at the bar. he stopped at our table and offered us a shot on the house. i love when this kind of thing happens!! i just love friendly bars, especially when a free shot is involved. i did patron cafe and M and the guy shot whiskey. Perfect thing to warm us up on a cold snowy day! We will definitely be back and hopefully will be able to drag a friend or two next time! read more

Places like this are disappearing all the time. In perfect seriousness, Liberty Tavern is basically a national treasure... Or at least, a local treasure. As other people have mentioned it is an "old man bar". That description is meant with all respect and love... If you have never been to a place like this you are missing a lot! If you're in the neighborhood I urge you to go and visit. You won't be sorry - the long bar, pool table, video games and shuffleboard table all help to complete the experience. read more

This place is as local as local can be. Definitely not my scene. It was filled with many old men and woman and played lots of oldies, like magic from the 60's. Although it was a pretty big bar! I liked how they had games and a pool table but they were always occupied. The service was quick but If you're looking for a fun place to hang out with some friends, don't go here. It's not the proper environment. read more

I've been here it's a local spot where (singing) everybody knows ur naaameee! drinks were good and inexpensive. Of course we were having capn morgan and gingerale all night. Music was 80's and that's right up my alley! Nuthin to complain about if your looking for simple easy watering hole. read more

Ron is the best bartender on earth he's more then a bartender he's a friend ! Within it him I wouldn't come here anymore

I love this place. It's run down inside and the bathrooms (the mens room, at any rate) are gross, but the food is surprisingly good, the drinks are cheap, and the people are laid back and friendly. It's a true dive bar gem. read more

I'm not sure why this place is getting a lot of 3 bangers. It's a 5 as far as dives go - discounting for food it's a 4 for me. I don't judge a place by its patrons. Friendly bartender, lots of bar games and good wings made fresh in house with house made sauces. It's a good spot to come with a buddy or two. Also, you'll find an outdoor area for smoking or catching some rays. read more

Didn't enjoy the atmosphere or the owner. The guy is a real tool. He could also change the menu up and good some good food

The Liberty is a great neighborhood bar and grill. Fancy it's not. The Liberty is an old time neighborhood bar where the locals hang. It is surprisingly large inside and has about 10 big screen TVs. There's all kinds of nostalgic paraphanalia hanging about the place. The beer is cold and cheap. The food is good simple stuff. The bartender is friendly. This is a great hideaway. It will definitely become a regular stop. read more

i went to liberty tavern with my friends. we had so much fun. we spend a good time there. the atmosphere is awesome.

Great local bar, very friendly , food is great , drink are cold , nice friendly bartenders. fun place

Happened to randomly find this bar. Ron, the bartender, is one of the most welcoming, friendly people you will ever meet. He definitely enjoys life, and will help you do the same! read more

I wish this place was within walking distance to my house... I'd be a daily regular. A cool dive bar thats in an old house in Union right next to the highway. read more