Popular Woodbridge Tavern Closing This Saturday, April 15

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — A restaurant in Woodbridge's Fords section that's been open for the past 74 years is closing.

The restaurant is Liberty Tavern. They first announced the news April 1 on their Facebook page, and stressed that it was not an April Fool's joke, despite the timing.

"Hey everyone. I told you I would let you know so ...Our last day will be April 15th. For many years alot (sic) of you have called this place home and we are so grateful for that . We don't have customers we have friends . So thank you for the memories."

"Sorry guys didn't realize it was April fools Day . But this isn't an April fool joke. I was just letting everyone know that our last day will be April 15th," the restaurant owners wrote in a follow-up post.

Nearly 150 customers wrote in the comments section how sad they were to hear that the closing rumors were indeed true. Wrote one customer:

"This is so sad!!!! All the great places are gone. Best pizza burger on the planet! Sorry to see you go but wishing you all the best."

And another: "Always voted for the Reingold Girls at the Liberty. Great meatball sandwiches and loved their original pizza with the works...diced peppers, onions, mushrooms, and sausage. Fish sandwiches on Fridays, too. My husband grew up on Gordon Ave, overlooking the parking lot. My uncles' watering hole on the way home from work."

Liberty Tavern is located on King Georges Road in Fords. This farewell article from the Home News Tribune called it an "iconic" Woodbridge institution. They also report that the bar has been taken over by new owners who plan to renovate it but keep it as a bar and grill.

A neighborhood institution: Iconic Liberty Tavern in Fords closing after 74 years