You’ve probably seen the photos. That specific, shimmering angle of the Manhattan skyline where the Freedom Tower looks like it’s sitting right on your dinner plate. For twenty years, that view belonged to Liberty House. But walk in today and the signage is different. The vibe is... lighter.
Honestly, when Landmark Hospitality announced they were rebranding their flagship restaurant as Maddy Rose restaurant at Liberty House, locals were skeptical. Why mess with a Jersey City institution?
The answer is actually pretty personal. Frank and Jeanne Cretella, the founders, named the spot after their daughter, Maddy. It wasn't just a name swap; it was a total DNA transplant. They moved away from the "special occasion only" steakhouse energy and pivoted toward something called "elevated coastal cuisine." Basically, they wanted a place where you could grab a craft cocktail in a cabana without feeling like you needed a tuxedo to fit in.
The Rebranding Reality Check
If you’re heading to Maddy Rose restaurant at Liberty House expecting the old-school white tablecloth experience of 2015, you’re going to be surprised. The room is airier now. They’ve leaned into the "daylife to nightlife" concept, which sounds like marketing fluff until you actually sit on the patio.
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The floor-to-ceiling windows are still there—you can’t move the Hudson River, after all—but the interior has been scrubbed of its formal stiffness. It’s Mediterranean-inspired now. Think olive oil instead of heavy butter, and a lot more seafood than the previous menu iterations.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Liberty House is gone. It isn’t. The building is still Liberty House. The second-floor ballrooms where everyone gets married? Still Liberty House. But the first-floor restaurant and the sprawling outdoor lounge? That’s all Maddy Rose.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Chef Anthony Bucco and Executive Chef Nick Paller haven't completely abandoned the "big meal" crowd. They still have a $150 40oz Tomahawk on Thursdays. But the heart of the menu is definitely in the "Snackables" and "Craveables" sections.
Here is what people are actually ordering (and what’s actually worth the price tag):
- The Seafood Tower: It’s a bit of a flex, but it’s loaded with caviar-topped oysters, scallop ceviche, and tuna tartare. It’s basically the restaurant's mascot.
- Maddy Rose Benedict: If you’re there for brunch, this is the go-to. They use an aerated hollandaise that makes the whole thing feel less like a lead weight in your stomach.
- Bison Hanger Steak & Eggs: A favorite for the Sunday morning crowd, served with a potato rosti that’s actually crispy.
- The "Health Kick" Cocktail: Mezcal, beet juice, and turmeric syrup. It sounds like something you’d find at a yoga retreat, but the smoke of the mezcal makes it work.
The Cabana Culture
The outdoor space is where the shift is most obvious. They’ve installed private dining cabanas and fire pits. It’s very "vacation-forward," which is a phrase the Cretellas like to use. It’s meant to feel like a Mediterranean beach club, just with the Statue of Liberty in the background instead of Mykonos.
Is it expensive? Yeah, it’s Jersey City waterfront. You’re paying for the real estate as much as the risotto. Brunch will run you about $65 to $80 for a prix-fixe or "boozy" event, and dinner entrees usually land in the $40 to $60 range.
Why the Mixed Reviews?
If you dig through Reddit or Yelp, you’ll see people complaining about "mid food" or service glitches. It’s the curse of being a high-volume venue. When you’re hosting a 200-person wedding upstairs and a packed brunch downstairs at Maddy Rose restaurant at Liberty House, things can get chaotic.
The most consistent praise isn't actually for the food—though the short rib and sea bass get plenty of love—it’s for the event staff like Aurora and Danielle. If you are there for a private event, you’re likely going to have a 5-star experience. If you’re there on a random Tuesday night, the experience depends entirely on how busy the bar is.
Logistics and the "Secret" Entrance
Getting there is its own little adventure. It’s located at 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, tucked inside Liberty State Park. You drive down a long, private-feeling driveway that makes you think you’ve accidentally trespassed into a high-security zone.
- Parking: There is a massive free parking lot. In Jersey City, this is basically a miracle.
- Live Music: They often have live jazz or lounge-style entertainment, especially during brunch.
- The View: It’s best at sunset. If you can snag a table on the patio or in the "Water Table Room" right as the lights on the Manhattan skyline start to flicker on, you’ve won.
Is It Worth It?
If you want a quiet, intimate hole-in-the-wall where nobody knows you’re there, this isn't it. Maddy Rose is loud, spirited, and very aware of its own aesthetic. It’s built for Instagram, sure, but the hospitality backbone is real.
The Cretellas have been doing this for two decades. They know that a view only gets people in the door once. To keep them coming back, you need more than just a skyline. You need a $14 martini that actually tastes like it has top-shelf gin in it and a staff that remembers your name.
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Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out Maddy Rose restaurant at Liberty House, don't just wing it.
- Book the Cabana Early: If you’re with a group of 6-8, the outdoor cabanas are the only way to go. They offer more privacy and the fire pits are a vibe.
- Time the Sunset: Check your weather app. Aim for a reservation 30 minutes before sunset to catch the "golden hour" over the Financial District.
- Check the Event Calendar: They do a lot of "ticketed" events—Seafood Boils, DIY Charcuterie classes, and holiday-themed boozy brunches. Sometimes these close off parts of the restaurant to regular diners.
- Order the Bread Pudding: Even if you’re full. It’s the one dessert that everyone agrees is worth the calories.
When you go, park at the far end of the lot. Walking toward the entrance with the Manhattan skyline on your right is the best way to start the evening. Just don't forget to look at the menu before you look at the view, or you might end up ordering the most expensive thing on the list by accident.