The Definitive Guide to a Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl in New York City

New York City is a fascinating metropolis with a long literary history and diverse array of writers, poets, and storytellers having called it home. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary literature or classic works from the likes of Fitzgerald and Steinbeck, exploring the city’s literary roots can be a captivating and unique way to take in the majesty of the Big Apple.

What might be the pinnacle of any literary lovers’ tour of New York City is what’s known as a Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl, a citywide tour designed to introduce participants to the city’s rich literary culture while also offering a chance to explore some of its most storied establishments. Read on to learn your complete guide to the ultimate Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl!

What Is a Literary Pub Crawl?

Simply put, a literary pub crawl is an educational tour of a town or city’s cultural influences related to 19th and 20th century literature. Instead of visiting bars and pubs, participants are guided around the city as they explore sites associated with major pieces of literature, often paired with a drink or food item related to the book being discussed.

The Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl does just that, helping participants find a connection with literary giants and historically integral authors who helped shape NYC into the cultural mecca it is today.

The Ideal Day for Your Literary Crawl

The perfect day for your Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl should start with a 10am gathering at Manhattan’s Pietrasanta Restaurant Italian Grill (320 3rd Avenue, near 23rd Street). Here, crawlers will enjoy a quick continental breakfast and listen to a brief overview on some key elements of American literature. After that, the tour is off to The Bronx so you can learn about Edgar Allan Poe’s time in the Bronx and visit Poe Park, where his famous works can be read amongst a pristine natural backdrop.

The next stop is in Long Island City, Queens where you can visit landmarks made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s acclaimed novel The Great Gatsby, including The Pepsi-Cola sign along the waterfront. After that its on to the areas inspired by Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men before exploring the energy that fueled Jack Kerouac’s influential writings in his Brooklyn neighborhood of Greenwich Village. Then its on to the legendary Beat Generation haunts of The 8th Street Bookstore and Cafe Figaro.

Ahhready for lunch, the crew heads back to Manhattan for an afternoon in Chelsea and Greenwich Village, to explore John Guare’s Landscape of the Body, TS Eliot’s Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock, the village folk traditions that inspired Dylan in Greenwich Village East and lunch at White Horse Tavern.

After that it’s off to Literature Lane at NYU for Ariana Reines’ Teeth, followed by a trip across the river to Harlem’s Langston Hughes sites. The day will culminate with a trip to The Strand Book Store followed by a visit to The Bronx Ale House for libations with like-minded bibliophiles.

What You Can Learn on the Tour

The Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl provides tour-goers with a unique chance to explore New York City through the eyes of some of its most renowned writers. From Toni Morrison’s visits in Harlem to Kerouac’s adventures in Greenwich Village, this tour will show you what inspired these different authors and their time spent in this great city.

In addition to learning more about NYC literature and culture, you will also get an exclusive chance to visit some of the more iconic landmarks that help define these tales, including The Strand Book Store, Café Figaro, The Pepsi-Cola Sign in Long Island City, and White Horse Tavern. This truly offers tourists an experience unlike any other; one where they can get a never-before-seen perspective on what made these stories so famous.

Choosing the Right Tour for You

When it comes to choosing the right Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl for you, there are several factors that you should consider beforehand. First and foremost, make sure that the tour option you choose has the necessary accommodations to fit your needs. Many different companies offer different versions of this type of tour, so do your research beforehand and make sure that you select an option that includes all of the places you are looking to see.

Also make sure that you check the reviews on various options before deciding which one is best for you. This will give you an indication of how satisfied people have been with their tour experience and may help you make the right choice when deciding what type of tour you want to take.

Where to Book Your Brooklyn Literary Crawl

If you’re ready to experience a Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl first-hand, then it’s time to book your tour! One reliable option is Viator’s Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl. This 4-hour guided tour covers all of NYC’s historic sights related to key figures in American Literature and includes complimentary continental breakfast at two stops, as well as admission tickets for two other attractions during your tour. This unique sightseeing experience also comes with friendly local guides that offer narration about each location and stories related to each writer throughout the duration of your crawl.

No matter what tour option you decide upon, be sure to remember that no visit to New York is complete without an adventure like this! Whether it’s an appreciation for the city’s cultural development or admiration for its history of literature, take this opportunity to learn more about this fascinating place while also have a great time!