Liberty Bar - Pontiac (MI)

2 /5 Leslie Shaffer: We were visiting from out of town for a show at the theater down the street. We arrived shortly after opening and our party of 4 was maybe the fifth table in. The signage at the tables said go to the bar for service, which I appreciate knowing upfront. So we went to the bar to order and gave the bartender our drink order. He indicated hed be back to the table to get our food order. We waited. No drinks. No order taken. Other guests came in. He started taking their orders ahead of others that were in ahead of them. He was making drinks and trying to take orders and deliver food, but was sinking and unable to keep up with all the things. There was another guy standing behind the bar, but he just stood and socialized with others sitting at the end of the bar. I went to him and asked if he could take our order and he said he couldnt, that id have to wait for the other guy, who was clearly overwhelmed. We finally got drinks.... which was 2 draft beers, a diet coke, and one cocktail. One of the beers was not a beer, but tasted like a cider, so either something was hooked up wrong or it was changed and the tap handle wasnt. Food that was ordered was coming out fast and looked really good. I wish we were able to actually try it. Told standing around guy that the tap was wrong, but he was uninterested. Finally just had to cash out and leave because we waited for over a hour and couldnt take it anymore. Bartender was a nice enough guy, but couldnt handle the situation.

1 /5 K B: 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 a safe space.

5 /5 KariJane Bray: This is such a fun little bar with great atmosphere. I was in town for a business trip with one night to myself. As a transwoman in a strange city, Im always a little nervous about trying a local place, not knowing how I will be received. I felt totally comfortable here. It was a Wed night, and the bar wasnt terribly crowded, but everyone seemed to be having a good time. The bartender was very friendly and went out of his way to take care of me. The food - I had a salad - was okay, but the wine was good, and the prices were great. I definitely will return on my next business trip to Pontiac.

1 /5 C0NTRA X: this place has unfortunately gone down hill, and my safe space is gone. from not paying employees, the drama, the uncleanliness. i found myself cleaning the bathroom from time to time, because it was that bad. my favorite bartender has departed and they’ve brought back someone that i remember causing a lot of drama between other patrons, while inserting himself. this is very unprofessional and i think remaining switzerland in times like those is important. i also am aware its a gay bar, but women are gay too, and there’s an extreme lack in lesbian representation… or LgBT of it all…. much on his high horse , vibes. the owners of liberty work very backwards, but i have interest in seeing how they dig themselves out of yet, another hole. probably one of the biggest this year.

1 /5 Bert Kodak: Its 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 arent 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. Doesnt 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 doesnt have any respect, integrity, or basic dignity for themselves or others. Its 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 doesnt uphold the standards it wants you to believe it does.