iberty Street Cafe has all the trappings of a late-night lax spot, including a reasonably priced, uncomplicated wine list. And simple fare that’s better than you'll find at the average downtown mosh pit. The atmosphere is sort of dusty and dim with most of the patrons scattered around the place, like moths gathering to the light. But there is a great patio to be had under the ivy-lined warehouse, in which to watch the media types come and go in their shiny foreign things.

Liberty Street has low lights, wooden beams, unfussy furnishings, randommemorabilia. Meat-and-potatoes overhead music take control of the room every evening for a crowd that can be wall-to-wall raucous or sparse and sullen, but is always taking deep solace in the warehouse retreat. You can get a serviceable meal here, but even the waitstaff will tell you that "food is not the focus." It's about an easy drink, scruffy atmosphere, and a laid back warehouse vibe.

The food at Liberty Street Cafe does nothing to disrupt the happy balance between buzz and tranquillity, and in some cases even matches it. At first run through the appetizer menu, best bets seemed to be the Brazilian style back ribs — roasted in a beer sauce — and a few inventive quesadillas. There are a few entrees that earn mention - A mouthwatering Cajun chicken sandwich served with jalapeño mustard is a winner, and the New York Strip loin, surprisingly, was grilled to perfection.

Founded years ago and long a Liberty Street favorite, Liberty is packed solid at lunch and after work. The Liberty has a less frantic, less crowded vibe later in the evening (particularly midweek). As is customary, canvases by local artists adorn the walls at any given time. You will bump into many a budding artist from the area, giving an even funkier vibe to the place. We were puzzled, though, by the eclectic shuffle-play music that ranged from Moby-style techno to Tom Petty.