The Liberty NYC is a Welsh-owned, family-run bar, American restaurant, and event space at 29 West 35th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, in New York’s Midtown Manhattan/Herald Square area. Opened in April 2012 by Glenn and Owen Treacher, it combines Old New York-inspired interiors with contemporary cocktails, casual dining, and sports gatherings. Travelers come for a sit-down break near the Empire State Building, daily happy hour, and a setting that works for business lunches, dates, or group celebrations.
What to Expect at The Liberty NYC
The restaurant’s character begins with its building. During preparations for opening, the Treachers uncovered original early-1900s floor tiles from the property’s days as a shirt factory. That discovery helped shape an interior looking back to an earlier New York rather than adopting a generic sports-bar finish. The multi-level layout gives the venue several different moods, while a private club room accommodates parties and events. Its origins are personal: the owners developed The Liberty after a substantial rent increase forced them to leave their longtime neighborhood bar, Ship of Fools.
Expect American fare and a cocktail-led bar rather than a restaurant specializing in Welsh cooking. The owners describe the atmosphere as casual upscale, welcoming business lunches, family gatherings, and live-sports watch parties. Daily happy hour runs from 4–8 p.m., making this a useful stop between afternoon sightseeing and dinner. Consult the official menu for current dishes, drinks, and offers before choosing between a full meal and a shorter bar visit. For vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dining, discuss ingredients and preparation directly with the team.
- Original factory tiles: Early-1900s flooring connects the interior to the building’s former shirt-manufacturing use.
- Daily happy hour: The advertised 4–8 p.m. window offers a substantial afternoon-to-evening drinking period.
- Private club room: A separate event setting suits celebrations and organized gatherings; arrange details directly.
- Live-sports gatherings: Watch parties are part of the venue’s identity, so major fixtures can shape the atmosphere.
- Welsh family ownership: Glenn and Owen Treacher’s independent restaurant brings a personal backstory to this busy Midtown block.
The Liberty NYC at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 29 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Midtown Manhattan, near Herald Square and Koreatown |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–late; Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–late. Confirm closing time for your date. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; food and drinks priced individually. Ask about event-specific admission or minimum spends. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours; longer for sports or private events |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | 34 St–Herald Sq: B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, subject to service schedules. Paid commercial garages operate in the surrounding Midtown blocks. |
| Official Website & Phone | The Liberty NYC; +1 212-967-4000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For a meal with conversation, aim for lunch or early afternoon rather than the busiest evening drinking hours. Reserve through the official website for weekend groups, major sports fixtures, or a fixed sightseeing schedule; private-room arrangements need a separate event discussion. Smart casual clothing fits the setting without requiring formal eveningwear. Budget for New York sales tax and a customary table-service tip beyond menu prices. Ask about accepted payment methods when booking if you need to pay in cash or split a large group’s bill.
34 St–Herald Sq is a few minutes away on foot; Penn Station is roughly 10–15 minutes west. Driving is less convenient: compare nearby garage rates and vehicle-size restrictions before arrival. Because the restaurant occupies multiple levels, wheelchair users and families with strollers should call about the street entrance, table location, restroom access, and any stairs between spaces. Pair your visit with the Empire State Building, around five minutes away, Koreatown’s West 32nd Street restaurants, also about five minutes away, or Bryant Park, approximately 10–15 minutes north.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does The Liberty NYC open, and when should I visit?
It opens at 11 a.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday–Sunday, continuing until late. Choose lunchtime for a meal-focused visit or 4–8 p.m. for happy hour.
How expensive is it, and should I reserve?
The Liberty NYC is a midrange, $$ restaurant and bar; check the official menu for current prices. Reservations are sensible for groups and busy evenings, while event bookings require direct coordination.
How much time should I allow?
Allow one to two hours for drinks and a meal. A sports watch party or private celebration can comfortably occupy a longer evening.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The restaurant welcomes family gatherings, with daytime dining a practical choice for children. Wheelchair users should arrange seating directly and verify entrance and restroom access because the venue has multiple levels.
When planning your St. Louis travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in St. Louis, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hilton Pennywell St. Louis at the Arch, Campbell House Museum, Juliana’s Pizza, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (0.8 km away).
