A couple weeks ago, The Liberty Tavern opened its doors for business in a richly restored old brick building at the west end of Clarendon that dates back to 1907. This weekend the Curmudgeon and some friends gave it a try. It's a great new addition to the Clarendon scene.
Liberty Tavern is a full restaurant and bar in a two story building at the corner of Wilson Blvd. and N. Irving Street--right next to the Clarendon Ballroom. It occupies the old Masonic Lodge building that used to be headquarters for the Clarendon Alliance. The Liberty's owners, who are Clarendon residents and real estate developers, did a fabulous job renovating the place, giving the old brick building the feel of an updated tavern from the turn of the century. Tall windows, high ceilings, exposed brick walls, wood beams and prints of historic Clarendon all contribute to the homey atmosphere.
Downstairs is the bar, with a fair amount of seating, both at the bar and at cozy surrounding tables. Upstairs is the spacious dining room.
Walking in on Saturday night without a reservation, at about 7 pm, we were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately (although we would have been happy to sip a drink at the bar for a bit if need be). Liberty does take reservations, however, most conveniently online at opentable.com. Both the bar and dining room were busy, but not quite full, when we arrived. It was another story when we left a little after 9 pm--the place was absolutely hopping, the bar jammed with happy young Clarendonians.
The place appears kid friendly--we saw some families with children wrapping up their meals as we were seated (but we didn't check out the kid menu for future visits with the varmints).
For a place that's been open just two weeks, the Liberty had its act together. Our service was prompt and efficient. The wine list was extensively filled with very moderately priced selections, paired with a menu of interesting specialty drinks.
The dinner menu is a bit limited, but everything we tried--lamb, steak and the Amish-raised chicken (we're guessing these chickens don't take motorized transport)--was quite good. If you're a macaroni lover, then definitely give the Liberty a try, as it's the first restaurant we've been to with not one, but two macaroni selections (not Kraft, either).
After dinner we had coffee, which came in individual french presses (assisted by Liberty's down the street neighbor Murky Coffee). We also tried out a duet of creme brulee and chocolate brulee, which was excellent (or maybe that was the margaritas talking--recollection of the night is a bit fuzzy by that point).
All in all, a good experience. We doubt it will be so easy to waltz in to a table without a reservation next time!
For more info, go to http://www.thelibertytavern.com/.
2 comments:
I haven't gotten to check it out yet, but I've heard mixed reviews. I've heard it's a bit loud, a bit pricey, and a bit dressier than you'd expect for Clarendon. Would you agree?
Loud, yes, especially by the time we left. Pricey--no more so than Harry's Tap Room, Blvd. Woodgrill, Setto Bello or Tallulah. Dressy--you can go there in jeans; I think some of the Clarendon Ballroom spillover later at night is pretty dressed up, but you won't be sneered at for casual dress. The place has a lot of energy.
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