Liberty Tavern
Thanks for the feedback - I don't think I've ever been there. (I also never went to Hawk's Tavern).
I have never been either… in my 35 years passing it. I have often wondered why a bar is located in a residential neighborhood like that…maybe it was there on a main road before 78 was built?
I haven't been there for a long time, but I think Monster tended bar there briefly. I went a few times back in the day. Saw live music in there once or twice. Not a bad place. As I recall they had PBR on tap.
Jaytee said:
I have never been either… in my 35 years passing it. I have often wondered why a bar is located in a residential neighborhood like that…maybe it was there on a main road before 78 was built?
My guess is it predates zoning, so would be grandfathered in as a bar/eatery.
It was a hang-out for Newark State (Kean) seniors in the 70's.
A few things from fishing around. There were several framed photos on the walls of guys posing in front of WWII era bombers. Could not make out words. Maybe founder was a WWII vet.
Then there's this obit about guy who was the long time owner til 2022. Sounds like a good guy: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/union/sections/food-and-drink/articles/owner-of-liberty-tavern-in-union-passes-away
Finally, not info exactly, but I was talking to a couple sitting at the bar who recommended we go to a bar called Joe's on Morris Ave. A Yelp list has Liberty Tavern and Joe's ranked one and two, respectively, as the best dive bars in the area.
LOVE the Lib! Great bartenders, prices, and the back patio is nice during the warm weather.
Oh hello Maplewood Online!
I think the creepy vibe comes from the single window high on the wall, and it's small. There are probably other factors, too.
Lived here over 30 years and went there for first time tonight. Passing by while going to rte 78 entrance ramp a million times over the years, my glancing impression was that it was a creepy old man dive bar. But Met game was pay BS tonight on Apple TV so we figured lets go to a bar and watch. It is a dive bar but a pleasant gentle mixed crowd. Not creepy. Alas, they did not have Apple TV but we had a bar pie and it was decent. Low prices. I'd go back.