Liberty Cafe

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Muted white-on-cornflower-blue walls and lots of exposed wood conjures up a country cottage feel. Service is professional, yet also warm and easygoing, and the vibe is always laid-back and civilized. Since most diners are chummy locals, a pleasant conviviality percolates throughout the dining room.

The Food
The seasonal menu at this cozy spot is better than ever. Start with classic Caesar salad or house-made tuna confit with currants, pine nuts and saffron-saturated onions. Mains are downright revelatory, such as milk-braised pork with broccoli raab and linguine tossed with ricotta, chard and toasted bread crumbs. The most popular dish is the flaky chicken pot pie, brimming with moist chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas and pearl onions. The much ballyhooed banana cream pie is a reliable dessert, but other worthwhile indulgences include unctuous orange blossom crème caramel and moist carrot cake with tangy cream-cheese frosting.