Living in Mason, we used to have to drive to Kenwood or Tri-County to visit a mall. Now that Liberty Center is open we can shop closer to home. I love the way Liberty Center is arranged. They have an indoor shopping mall, the Foundry, that opens up to The Park, a large green space surrounded by stand alone stores. The Park is wonderful for families. In the warmer months, you can see kids laughing and running through the sprayground. There is also a mini train display, The Liberty Express, for all to enjoy. And you can’t beat having an ice cream treat from Graeter’s.
Past the park you can walk and shop at various stores or grab a cup of coffee, tea or a bite to eat. If you walk down Bales or Gibson Street from the park, you will run into another green space area called The Square. Here they have outdoor festivals, free concerts and in the warmer months free outdoor movies.
Liberty Center also has entertainment venues including a state of the art movie theater (you can dine at your seat on these amazing reclining seats), Cobb Liberty Luxury 15 & Cinebistro. Cinebistro is only for patrons 21 years and older. You can enjoy a drink in the bar prior to going to your seats. At your seats you can order a full meal or just drinks and appetizers. On the Cobb side, you can take the family and purchase food to take into the theater. Or if you feel the need for some belly laughs, then treat yourself to a night at the Funny Bone Comedy Club Restaurant.
Liberty Center offers community programs for families. They offer a free children’s story time every Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the Children’s Discovery Center. There are yoga classes for all ages ($5/class), and Liberty Center has seasonal events to enjoy. Check their event page for their upcoming events. Don’t miss out on the Boofest Pet Parade (Oct. 29, 2016) or the holiday parade and tree lightning on Nov. 18, 2016.
One of my favorite things about Liberty Center is all the fabulous dining options available. There are family-friendly restaurants, date-night restaurants, and great places for a girls night out. Next on my list is a visit to Northstar Cafe. Here are a few of my favorites so far:
Cantina Laredo – I love this restaurant’s vibe. It is so cool. From the hanging rope lights to their indoor/outdoor bar, and viewable kitchen, I love it all. Cantina Laredo at Liberty Center serves Mexican cuisine with a “modern twist”. They also have a great assortment of frozen margaritas (Strawberry Mint, Ginger Mint Mango Rita, Cinco Rita, Mucho Tropical, Salted Waltermelon, Pineapple Infused Rita and more). They have a kids menu for ages 12 and under (includes a beverage), a brunch menu, and even have happy hour specials on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Phone: (513) 755-2901.
Brio Tuscan Grille – If you’re craving some homemade pastas or wood-fired pizzas then head over to Brio for a taste of Tuscany. Happy hour is M-F from 3:30-6:30 in the bar. You can also do call ahead seating and brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Phone: (513) 759-4500.
Cheesecake Factory – My girls love visiting the Cheesecake Factory. Knowing that they will be able to share a delectable cheesecake following their meal, always brings big smiles. The Cheesecake Factory is another fun place for families (kids meals with a drink for ages 10 and under). You can also enjoy happy hour in the bar area (M-F, 4-6 p.m.), Sunday brunch, and plenty of yummy menu choices. Phone: (513) 755-2761.
Cooper’s Hawk – Cooper’s Hawk Liberty is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine. The nice thing is that you can do a wine tasting in their bar area prior to eating so you can pick out the perfect wine for your meal. Or if you just want to stop in for a wine tasting, you can do that too. The Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club is a great way to learn more about their wines and gives you some great membership benefits. Cooper’s Hawk is a great date night or girls night out venue. Phone: (513) 463-9463.
Kona Grill – Kona Grill has a great ambiance. I love all the seating choices but my favorite is in the lounge area where the soft glow of the mini fire pit enhances your night. Their happy hour (M-F, 3-7 p.m.) keeps bringing me back for their drink specials , half off sushi rolls and other great dining deals (only available in bar, patio or lounge area). Kona Grill offers sushi, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches and many delicious entree choices. Phone: (513) 322-5860.
Pies & Pints – Their name says it all. Get great pizza and enjoy a draft cold beer. Pies and Pints is one hopping restaurant. The first time we tried to go, the wait was too long. We finally scored a table on our second visit and it did not disappoint. They have some amazing pizza combinations. I highly recommend the Chicken Gouda and Mozzarella Caprese. Their salads are very tasty and shareable (if you get a small, 2-3 people can share it). This is a great restaurant for families too. I mean kids and pizza go hand in hand, right? Happy hour is offered M-F from 3-6 p.m. Phone: (513) 755-7437.
Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern – Another great place for happy hour (M-F, 3-6 p.m.). Offering half price appetizers & pizza and $1 off beer, wine and cocktails. Rusty Bucket is also family friendly and has kids meals ($5.29-$5.49 which includes a drink and a side). They have a gluten free menu upon request. Their wings, deep-fried pickels and spinach con queso are soooooo good. Phone: (513) 463-2600.
Inside the Foundry (indoor mall) there is also a great food court area. Sbarro is always a hit with my girls. We usually order a whole pizza to share. Qdoba, Nori Japan, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, China Wok, Charley’s Grilled Subs, and Deg’s Flame Grilled Chicken are all located on the second floor of the Foundry.
If you’re short on time, some of the restaurants offer a fast-break lunch from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Just call ahead and place your order and when you arrive you will be out the door in 45 minutes or less. Brio, Kona Grill, Pies & Pints, Rodizio Grill & The Rusty Bucket are all participating restaurants.
I’m looking forward to trying out more of the restaurants at Liberty Center. Hope you’ll get a chance to visit soon.
Liberty Center
7100 Foundry Rd.
Liberty Twp., Ohio 45069
(513) 644-0900
