Places to Eat: The Liberty

The Liberty, located in the Southend, fancies itself a Gastropub and not being particularly well versed in what a gastropub is and isn’t, I’m going to give them a pass. I think it has something to do with a pub serving better and fresher food than the norm, but in a more casual atmosphere than a stuffy, upscale restaurant. But nevermind the semantics, all I care about is the quality of the food that comes out of the kitchen.

As it turns out, The Liberty serves up some very good grub and some tasty craft beer. In addition to 20 craft beers on tap, the beer theme is carried throughout the restaurant with a huge macro picture of beer separating the two sides of the dining area, beer bottle chandeliers, stacked kegs used as columns, and wooden pallet walls and ceilings. This place is not lacking in a design aesthetic.

The menu too, is well-thought out and varied. The Liberty has made a name for itself among burger aficionados, being named “Charlotte’s Best Burger” by the Charlotte Observer. I don’t think I could ever classify a single burger as The Best, but their burgers are definitely delicious. The kind of burger so full of juice, that you consider using your napkin as a bib. Because frankly, if you don’t have grease dripping down your chin, you’re eating an inferior burger. The hand-cut fires aren’t too shabby either.

Calamari Fries

Before you dig into a delectable burger, you may want to try a Bar Snack. House Made Pretzels served with Cheese Fondue  and BBQ Pork Rinds are favorites. Move on to the small plate menu where you’ll find Mussels ($9), Crispy Calamari Fries ($10), Lobster Man and Cheese, and Pork Belly Sliders.

Dinner entrees range from Salmon to Duck to Wild Boar Meatloaf and are between $15 and $19. Make sure you save room for the Salted Caramel Budino. It’s one of the best desserts ever made.

Salted Caramel Budino

If you’d like to learn a little more about cooking, Chef-Owner Tom Condron does monthly cooking classes throughout the year. The 2013 classes are not posted yet, but still to come this year are a November 17th American Harvest Class and a December 15 Home For The Holidays class.  Classes are Saturday mornings from 10am-noon, cost $35 per person, and include a 4-course tasting menu and wine/beer pairings.

The Liberty

1812 South Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28203

704.332.8830

Reservations accepted

Open Monday-Sunday 11:30-3:00 and 5:00-until