Two things stand out to me when thinking about Liberty: Â the crazy selection of spirits (especially centered around whiskey and mescal), and the staff. Â I'm tempted to come here alone more just so I can chat up the bartenders and waiters[resses]. Â Totally cool people. Â See, alcoholism is not the only reason to drink alone!!!
Being a fan of smoky spirits, Liberty definitely satisfies my cravings with one of the largest selections of mescal. Â One full page of their menu is dedicated to this fine Oaxacan spirit, which is considerably larger than other places around Seattle (Canon being the only other place that rivals). Â
Their scotch/whiskey selection is wide, and you'll be able to enjoy value brands like Wild Turkey and Jameson, or finer brands like Laphroaig and Macallan. Â Their cocktail selections are pretty good here, but I haven't tried many because their pure spirit selection is more than sufficient for me. Â And what other place can you think of that offers whiskeys from India?
I haven't tried any of their sushi selection yet (I think sushi is the only food they offer) but I always see people ordering it, so is that enough of an anecdote to say their sushi is good? Â You tell me.
So come to Liberty for your drinking needs, as their inventory of spirits will almost certainly lead to a good drinking experience for you and your friends.
Strong, tasty cocktails! They are made with love and care into works of art! Fun to watch the bartenders at work. Sushi was delish too.
This place is pretty small, but cozy. We sat at the bar, because they were the only open seats. It was a little loud and hard to hear each other even though we were sitting right next to one another. Looks like a good place to bring a group of friends if you can get the couches, though it might be awkward to eat sushi from there. I prefer a table/bartop to being hunched over while trying to simultaneously balance a cocktail glass.
Street parking looks like it could be hard to find, but we lucked out when we were there around 8-9pm.
We'll definitely be back!
This place is amazing. Great hospitality and phenomenal cocktails. The waitress was very attentive and helpful. The bartenders know what they are doing. And the cocktails  on the menu are definitely worth the intensive experimentation and effort put forth. Thank you Liberty. We'll be back!
Review Source:While the sushi is good, it's the cocktails which make this place great.
The place is usually a little tight when it comes to seating (comfortable seating, in a relaxed atmosphere), but it's for a good reason: a lot of people show up because they have learned where to get a great mixed drink. Â From the classics (a sazerac with an absinthe rinse) to modern experiments (a tequila cocktail with espresso foam), the bartenders know their trade.
Fun and friendly, a great place to either start or end an evening!
I have never had a Caiparinha as good as the ones I drank here. So I had 4. THANKS!
I love this place. The drinks we had were some of the best cocktails I have ever had, real care taken, the balance bang on with the flavours, the sizes and the ingredients used. Presentation was top drawer. Nothing rushed but you didn't have to wait too long for the drink to be made. Blissful perfection.
If I ever get married I'm flying the tender over to mix drinks for my guests. Or maybe I should just marry that guy? Keep things simple!
As if this wasn't enough they played about 15 of my most favourite songs one after the other. Â Someone has awesome musical taste! Great atmosphere even though we were there on a Monday.
Happy.
This should be more like a three and half stars. I want to like Liberty more, but my experiences have been so-so.
The sushi - good at happy hour prices. Yes, it's fusion. But for fusion, it's OK. Let's just say it's not the worst of the edible sushi I've tasted. I would not pay full price for it.
The drinks - good when sticking to the standards. I've had a properly made Old Fashioned here. That they have a great, great selection of whiskey goes without saying.
The bartending itself... well, let me share a story with you. I had downed my standard Old Fashioned and was ready for something more savory. I asked the bartender to make me something spicy with mezcal, since none of the mezcal cocktails on the menu sounded good to me. Think bloody mary-style, I told him. What did I get? Something with mezcal (OK, good), carrot juice (um?) and not at all spicy (listen harder, please). It was odd. It was not at all what I had been thinking of. Bartender failed advanced test.
So in the end, I'm happy to go here if a friend particularly wants to, but I don't go out of my way to patronize Liberty.
This small bar is awesome! Â They take real care with their cocktails. Â Each one is hand crafted with real aromatic bitters and homemade maraschino cherries. Â I had a really nice selection of sashimi and sushi rolls. Â
Make this a destination for your neighborhood evening out or search for it and be happy you did.
I didn't go here for the longest time because my boyfriend said the cocktail/sushi vibe wasn't really working and that the sushi wasn't amazing. (That's probably true if you compare Liberty with a place like Momiji.)
I finally visited when my friend had her birthday party here, in the cool hidden room in the back (you have to walk through a mirror...just like the Phantom of the Opera ;)).
It turns out that I LOVE Liberty! The cocktails are varied and delicious and strong. The rolls are generous and creative. They have more than one vegetarian sushi option, and BOTH the kinds I tried were to my liking. I'll be back!
Love this place!
I came to Seattle to visit a girlfriend, she always takes me to hip and cool places. Â This place is defiantly one of those, we came around 9:30 pm on a Sunday night, dark, cozy, bar/cafe feel. Â The place is not big but plenty of seating. Â We grabbed a comfy couch near the front window. Â Soon after was greeted by a nice server.
We ordered some cocktails, wow really good! I ordered the grapefruit and guava drink forgot what it was called but didn't forget how yummy it was and a Red roll sushi, Â another shocker did not expect good sushi at a place like this. Â Great hangout open late will defiantly come back when Im back in town.
I thought I had checked out all the quirky, older bars with character in the area, but apparently not. If you are looking for some place that serves high quality cocktails with lots of personality to each of them, look no further. Every drink was unique, and had a "story" of its own. Here are a few of the memorable drinks of that evening.
Point of No Return: Whoa, what is the herbal flavor with fire?
Eye of Fatima: Wait, is that sour, bitter, sweet? All of the above?
A Walk in the Woods: Very smooth, powerful, but not too much
Note: Their food menu did not look impressing (sushi at a dive bar? really?), and I wouldn't think that's their forte.
First, Â I will say that the sushi and cocktails are fantastic. They even have pretty decent happy hour prices if you ask what the happy hour roll is... they won't volunteer that info. Despite the deliciousness I'm only giving Liberty 3 stars because of the service. Â The servers and bartenders are nice enough when they finally acknowledge you, Â but it takes forever. Â Go there before you're hungry because by the time someone takes your order you'll definitely want food. And be prepared to have to seek out your check when you're finished. But at least by then your taste buds are happy!
Review Source:There is nothing bad about this place. They have great sushi with a varied selection, and the best drinks in town. If you want to get some work done and a drink, I recommend going on a weekday from 4pm to 6pm, before it gets busy, but during happy hour.
My favorite: Point of No Return. Just go try it.
I will say first that we will be back - but was a bit disappointed by our visit today. We drove a little ways today specifically for their absinthe dripper, but we were surprised when we were told they didn't 'do it during the day'. HUH? you're a bar, you're not serving one of your 'specialties'?
We were told they were more of a 'coffee house' during the day, and alcohol later at night. Why then did you tell us about all the liquors you had?
The absinthe process is not complicated, its fairly simple - seems kind of odd that even after explaining we came here just for that drink that they wouldn't pour one.
Oh well, it is what it is - we just headed over to Olivers Lounge and enjoyed theirs.
Liberty, you do have a very quaint, cool little joint - we wont hold this one experience against you (too much!), we will be back at some point to give you another shot.
It was the sushi that surprised and delighted me, although washing it all down with an Antoine's Cocktail didn't hurt a bit either. In fact, I found it to be an excellent, accidental food pairing.
The back room is relaxed and accomodating. I believe you when telling me how impossible it is to move around here on weekends. I'll stick to Monday - Tuesday, thank you..
Just another overpriced establishment with bad food. Â Bad sushi is bad, but everything is awesome when you're sloshed.
I've been to Liberty a bunch of time over the last few years. Â This is one of the fancy bartender flagships. Â If you want to have good service, it requires some combination of a bunch of secret handshakes, bribes, begging aid from the waitress who is covering like 6 tables of alcoholics, or just waiting half an hour.
I've been here before. Â I know some of their names. Â It's not like I'm a stranger to how this whole order a drink get a drink thing goes, but there is a time when you can say "hey. Â these guys are ridiculous circus animals with period drama facial hair" and have it be a fact. Â This is one of those times.
I'm opting out of the superfancy supertaster superdecrepit liverclub if I have to put up with this bullshit every time I go to a bar that can adequately do their job.
If you are up to the challenge, you can have a perfectly acceptable cocktail made here. Â At places like this, I just order off of whatever is on their cocktail list. Â I don't care about the martian bitters or the unicorn blood herbal mezcal infusion. Â You made me not care. Â You kill the fun of bars where you have good drinks and talk to people who aren't assholes constantly.
Do you hate your jobs? Â Do you all feel entitled to more GQ articles? Â You are fucking bartenders. Â You are not raising children from the dead or donating your corneas to heal a blind kitten. Â Good god.
Liberty, where every night is bartender industry night or get lost.
This lounge is in an interesting concept, in my opinion. They had an extensive selection of whiskey, scotch & bourbon, and they happen to serve sushi as well!
I was recommended this bar by a friend who indicated it was one of the best bars in Seattle. We went on a Sunday evening and it was fairly busy. The bar itself has a very laid back and cool vibe to it, I can imagine coming here with a small group of friends for a casual night out. There are traditional tables & chairs, but also some sofas you can sit at as well, which I enjoy. It's more upscale without being pretentious.
This is definitely a place to come if you want a deliciously crafted cocktail or spirit you might not find elsewhere. I ordered an Old Fashioned and the boyfriend ordered a Moscow Mule. My best friend ordered scotch..a 15 year and I want to say it was Glenfiddich but I am not 100%. All I know is that I tried it and it was quite smokey.
Our server was quite knowledgeable and friendly. It took a little while to get our drinks, but they were busy & cocktails take a bit of time to make-it was well worth the wait.
Unfortunately I did not get a chance to try the sushi because one of the people in my party is not a fan. Perhaps the next time I am in Seattle, I will have to try some! I'd definitely go back again.
Mmm... Black Walnut Old Fashioned
Bourbon
Black Walnut Liqueur
Black Walnut Bitters
Angostura Bitters
(Keith Waldbauer)
Great place for cocktails. Staff does a great job obtaining your drink order. It does take a smidge of thyme to get your cocktail, but worth the wait. Although I do think somebody in the group said "these ice cubes aren't even clear." Funny, yet a bit understandable... heh
Overall they did a great job serving the group at the table, splitting up checks, and in general, good/prompt service. I'm happy with the result. As good as it gets? No... A fan? Yes. It seems like (if you get there prompt enough) you can easily have a group of up to 6 accommodated. I barely know 6 people or even that 6 other people even like me, but that's besides the point.
Check it out. You may or may not like it or it's middle of the road. Definitely worth a shot (pun intended).
I went here for a birthday party and it was great. It was definitely a lively spot but it wasnt packed. Because its off Broadway it can hold that balance well. The interior is really upscale and sleek. The full length mirrors make the space feel twice the size it is, you just feel very comfortable here. The couches are also really nice touch that completes this upscale yet laid back lounge.
The best part about this place was the really helpful staff. I asked for them to create a "birthday surprise drink" just for the guest of honor. What I got was a flaming drink with a side of pineapple.... amazing! what a delivery. You should try just asking them to surprise you with a new drink.
Also, the food menu is great finger food to help absorb the alcohol yet its not fried crap you find at a dive bar. Sushi!
Tip: the couch seating is coveted, so show up early and bring a few friends to defend it.
Tip: The mirror outside the bathroom is A DOOR! to an awesome private event room. BOOK NOW!
Probably the best bar in Capitol Hill - easily the best on 15th.
- A bro free zone, amazing, friendly staff and a great atmosphere
- Cocktails are taken seriously and prepared meticulously
- Service can sometimes be slow during busy periods, don't expect abrupt prompt service, get your drink orders in early and kick back and enjoy the atmosphere and conversation
- Great, fresh and imaginative sushi
Please don't come here though, it's our little secret.
I am completely in love with this adorable bar. Â Let me list the reasons:
1) The collection of scotch and bourbon is downright tear-jerking. Â I wish I was made of money and liver so I could just spend my days and nights trying everything on their shelves. Â Just stellar. Â Irish, Scottish, Japanese, American... Stellar.
2) The fellas working here that we experienced were helpful, friendly, and put up with the idiotic bullsh*t that endlessly poured out of our mouths at 11 AM on a Saturday morning. Â Plus they totally let me smack her in public which is super important to me in finding the perfect bar...
3) Please don't call social services, the last part of number 2 was a joke....kind of.
4) THEY HAVE AN ADORBSIES LITTLE SUSHI BAR!!! Â The ahi sashimi and nigiri was wonderful - really and truly. Â The roll we had wasn't outstanding BUT I can tell by the craft and quality of fish that many of the other rolls will in fact be wonderful and we will be back to try many more. Â
Outstanding little bar. Â I am seriously considering going back this Saturday for round two...
Everyone in here was super nice and friendly. A cute couple (Scooter and.. Greg?) and their dog Barney stopped me right as I sat down to compliment my hair and glasses. Nice.
We got here around 10:45 am and I really wanted sushi for breakfast (don't judge me) but sushi doesn't start til 11:30. While waiting, the boy ordered himself a Japanese whiskey from their large selection of whiskey and bourbons, and I got a bloody mary.
Their bloody mary mix is made there fresh and is mindblowingly delish, and came with two house pickled green beans (delicious and crisp) and a spring of rosemary. I was mildly disappointed to have to ask for olives, which personally I think should go without saying, but the bartender was incredibly nice about it.
By the time I finished, it was sushi time. We got sashimi tuna, nigiri tuna, and the 15h Ave roll. The nigiri and sashimi were insanely high quality and delicious, but the 15h Ave was just meh.
I would definitely go back, and I will! They had a great vibe and so many special maki rolls I can't wait to try. Nomnom nom.
I've come to Liberty probably a dozen or so times since I moved to the Hill. My last time was with my Dad and stepmom to get a couple cocktails and some sushi. I still stand that the drinks are well made, pack an excellent punch, and are decently priced. The sushi is fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced- but I would recommend ordering a roll or two per person, which quickly ads up. The 'rents were also a fan of the couches near the entrance, although I personally dislike eating on couches- drinking on them, though, is excellent. Avoid on the weekends, its busy as hell.
My main complaint: we came on a Tuesday around 4:30 PM. We occupied one table, and two others were occupied. While we immediately were acknowledged with a "Hi, please feel free to seat yourself" from the bartender, it was 10 minutes before we got menus or water. Seriously, Liberty? 10 minutes? I know I was in my work clothes (service all black), and my Dad reeks of Eastside software company, but come ON. The bartender ignored us- I don't know where the waitress was who brought out our menus, drinks, and food. We handed her a cash tip and zero'd out the CC receipt.
So for me, 2013 is all about updating old reviews. And if I'm at Liberty a lot, why not write an update!
I'll be the first to admit it. I'm a little bit addicted to Liberty. Why? Well if you've been here it's obvious. There's the trifecta of great food, service and drinks, but it's also got this casual neighborhood feel that a lot of places in Seattle are missing. When you're here you feel like you belong. The staff, aside from being among some of the most knowledgable cocktail enthusiasts in town, are also really friendly and open to newbies and people who are there to learn.
But let's say for example that you're not even here to sample some awesome and hard to find Scotch, you can also get great sushi - late at night, even! - and you can get some stellar coffee as well. Open practically all the damn time, this place is on its A game with every thing they do. Come for coffee, stay for sushi and drink until 2AM. I swear, it's what the cool kids are doing these days! But really, this is the homebase for Seattle's best bartenders. Even if they don't all collect a paycheck here, they're drinking here... And that says a lot about who's behind the bar and what this team is capable of. Honestly, just get here already.
INCREDIBLE SUSHI
What a selection! They have a kind of sushi for every craving. It is always so fresh, delicious, and beautifully arranged on the plate. The prices are well matched for the quality and quantity that you get.
THE PERFECT COCKTAIL
They truly make the greatest cocktails! They have a great cocktail menu full of unique drinks that never fail to delight me. They make 'em strong too!
EXCELLENT AMBIENCE
Lighting is dim, but not too dim. Seating is so comfortable - feels like you're sitting in a living room with friends. The ambience is casual and classy at the same. Music selection is always tasteful.
I highly recommend this place for dates, hanging out with friends, or treating yourself to a nice dinner.
Sleek lounge ambiance + couches + delicious cocktails (some a bit sweet) + extensive whisky list + inventive sushi + wi-fi = my new favorite study spot (at least until it sucks my bank account dry).
Also, shout-out to the servers and bartenders who were working their butts off keeping up with the crowd last night, and the guy who may have been the manager who kept checking on me to make sure I had everything I needed. It was crowded since the back room was reserved for a private party, but on a Friday night my party of 6 got a couch within 20 minutes and then a table a little while after that.
Since I've moved away from Seattle I've learned of these very odd, gaping holes in places I'm written reviews of.
For instance, Liberty. I think Liberty was the first bar I intentionally went to in Seattle. It was a good intentional pick!
I think honestly, the best thing at Liberty is the people. Â Keith just agreed to host a bigger meetup for me this weekend (I'd done smaller ones before), and was super accommodating. He had extra staff come in just in case we had a big group (and when we didn't, he didn't mind). Everyone was really happy to make drinks, and very friendly.
Another time I was in, my friend Eric and I were trying to pick cocktails for his wedding. Andrew made us three different ones to try, and they were the best ones of the night (we went to about five bars explaining to people the situation).
Of course, the drinks are great. I'm really partial to "The Point of No Return" which is basically an extra-fancy gimlet with rosemary and absinthe and fire. They also had a special drink one night that was a spicy margarita that I really liked.
it's also a really comfortable places- I like all the couches, it isn't too loud, I'm always happy whether I'm in a group or with just one other person. Definitely take the time to check it out, and definitely consider them if you want to have a small event.
I absolutely *adore* this place. The cocktail list is fantastic - there is something for everyone, I would stake money on it. The seating arrangement is comfortable as is the seating itself (there are couches!). Â The ambiance is simply yummy. Â There are actual windows behind the bar and mirrors on the opposite side of the room that open up the place wonderfully.
I'm simply all sorts of gushy for this place. Â It's just super neat. Â It does help that I found a drink that incorporates tequila (my favorite), a giant ice cube, and some other really cool stuff that make my taste buds go - YAY!!!
I had previously been to Liberty once for Sushi and drinks and since the experience was good I returned, unfortunately I was very disappointed.
My boyfriend and me sat right at the bar and even though the place wasn't overly crowded it took forever until we could order. We were soundly ignored by the bartender, who was apparently to busy "entertaining" his customers with stupid one-liners  to take our orders. The drinks arrived and were fine, but the Sushi took 20 minutes and sadly wasn't good at all. I'm not sure if my memory is playing tricks on me, but I think it used to be much better. So if you go out for Sushi go elsewhere! When the time came to get the check it was the same drag to get the bartenders attention and we left really annoyed. I give it 2 stars because the drinks were ok and the bartender gave my boyfriend a taster of an herb liquor he was curious about
Okay, i just went back and sat at the bar. This is the best bar on the hill. The bartenders are super friendly and hilarious. The drinks are stellar and its fun watching the bartenders do their thing.
If you're friendly they will just start giving you some free samples/shots. Great time, great atmosphere, great drinks!
I have been to Liberty many times and it used to be my goto bar because of the good drinks and the sushi offerings.
Recently the service/food quality has declined. Â The last three times I went I waited a long time before a server came over. the 2nd to last time I went I found bones in my sushi (luckily before I choked on them) and the last time both my friend and I had terrible stomach issues afterwards.
Sadly, I won't be returning.
Pros:
free wifi, comfy couches, great liquor selection, pretty easy to park in the area, friendly staff
We came here for happy hour on a Tuesday night. It's a nice loungey atmosphere. Â It's dimly lit, nice seating in squares, nice bar area and a little further away from the madness of the rest of Capitol Hill.
The bartender made us girls a drink with grapefruit, agave and I'm guessing vodka. There were probably other things too. Whatever it was, it was delicious and much better than my original mint julep.
The sushi here is ok. Â It's not bad but too spicy. Â
Stuff here is a little expensive but overall, nice atmosphere.
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