Liberty Street Café 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 Café 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 entrées that earn mention - A mouthwatering Cajun chicken sandwich served with jalepeno mustard is a winner, and the New York Striploin, 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 more funkier vibe to the place We were puzzled, though, by the eclectic shuffle-play music that ranged from Moby-style techno to Tom Petty.

While overshadowed by its newer, flashier, pricier downtown competitors, this low-key haunt proves the virtue of modesty and consistency. For those seeking refuge from cigarette stench and pretense, the place still has a welcoming, vaguely deserted neighborhood-cafe feel to it. "So far, so good," a stranger offered from a nearby patio table. Right.

upshot:
When the smoke and scene get too insufferable at Rain, bomb down here for a reprieve. - B.J.



Review this Place

Chase the Stellas down!
Diane Jaison, Toronto
September 20, 2004
Great place to hang after work friday nights! The Liberty looked rough for a while and now, under new management, has turned a corner and will become my new hang! Karen Manion Jazz were playing this past Friday night and it was absolutely perfect to sooth the mood! Nice going Liberty to bring in this great singer to chase the Stellas down! We'll come again very soon to enjoy your beautiful restaurant and Karen and her bands awesome performance!


Liberty delivered
Rick Klein, Toronto
March 1, 2003
I Had dinner there Friday - 8:30 seated as soon as we walked in. The waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. Food was wonderful. Prices less than expected for the quality enjoyed. I am older than the usual crowd there and not easily impressed by decor (cute) but it is the food and service that counts... Liberty delivered on both.