Liberty Bar — Restaurant in Pontiac

It's really unfortunate this place has been a constant let down to me and my friends. Let me start by saying I have never had a good experience here other than having some nice conversations with a couple of the bartenders and kitchen staff. Outside of that this place is absolutely disgusting. The bathrooms are rarely if ever cleaned. Also they aren't properly stocked with paper towels and toilet paper. The floors always look dirty and are scattered with broken glass, spilled drinks, food (that looks days old), and straws. The events held at this bar are obviously very poorly run and are in need of a lot of assistance. Doesn't help that me and my friends watched the DJ get drunk during karaoke nights making the whole environment very uncomfortable. I have also been witness to multiple fights between staff and customers both verbal and boarding on physical. The atmosphere at this bar just keeps proving to be more hostile and unsettling to be around. And good luck trying to order any drinks or food. Been told multiple times the bar and kitchen are out of stock of very basic items for weeks at a time. Lastly, my most recent and final time at the bar I had over heard from an employee that the owner has been ignoring and refusing to pay some of his employees. Hearing that honestly put the nail in the coffin for me and showed that the owner doesn't have any respect, integrity, or basic dignity for themselves or others. It's awful having heard what some of these employees are going through. Especially when this is supposed to be a queer bar open to everyone and loving to all. But it unfortunately doesn't uphold the standards it wants you to...

I’ve been coming to Liberty for over a year, and it honestly breaks my heart to see what it’s become. This place used to feel like home — warm, welcoming, full of good energy and good people. It actually meant something to the community.

Now it just feels empty and neglected. The vibe’s gone, the space isn’t cared for, and the spirit that made Liberty special has completely disappeared. It appears that management has become less attentive to the business and its employees over time.

Not to mention, I overheard a new bartender I’d never seen before say, “What does the community have to do with this place? This is a business that has nothing to do with being gay.”

As a trans person and a former regular, that was honestly heartbreaking. Liberty used to feel like a safe, welcoming spot for our community. Hearing that kind of attitude from staff shows how far it’s fallen from what it once stood for.

It hurts to watch a place that once felt like family lose its heart. Pontiac deserves better than this.

Unfortunately, if you are queer or an ally, I would take your business elsewhere — because this bar no longer feels like...

I will begin by saying this was my experience, today, with my mindset of anxiety and depression. This will probably only be a similar experience for those in a similar situation.

But the thing is, I came in and didn't get served, and didn't learn until checking the website that it was counter service only these days. I wish there was clear signage, or the menus were present at the table to inform you of that. Or someone would you inform you of that. I felt completely ignored, which is befitting of my name day today. And that's why it's one star, if it were any other day except for this miserable day it would've been ok, I would have gotten up and ordered, but after 30 minutes I could not mentally handle that dread and feeling, so I just left, and cried in my car. It was a terrible feeling for a terrible day. And I'm sorry that I'm taking it out on the comments, but I just need something. I will adjust this review hopefully on a better name day when I actually feel like I should exist and live.

Overall, the food is good. It's just sad that there aren't many poutineries in Michigan.

Overall, for someone like me, just...