What Are the Best Literary Pubs and Bars in New York City?

New York City is an exciting and ever-changing metropolis that offers something new and different every single day. Whether you are a tourist visiting for the first time or a native New Yorker, there is no shortage of places to explore. This includes literary pubs and bars. For book lovers, these types of establishments provide an ideal environment to discuss their love of literature and meet other likeminded individuals.

This article will explore the best literary pubs and bars in New York City. We’ll look at some of the most popular spots, discuss their features, and provide recommendations on how to get the best out of your visit. We’ll also take a look at Brooklyn, NY’s Literary Pub Crawl, which provides an interesting way to explore the borough through the lens of literary culture and history.

Why Visit Literary Pubs & Bars in New York City?

Visiting a literary pub or bar in New York City is more than just an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These places create a unique atmosphere for guests and provide a social forum for patrons to discuss literature and its various topics.

At these spots, book lovers have the chance to share their thoughts with each other and gain potential new insights. It’s even a great way to make friends who have similar interests! What’s more, many of the pubs and bars also host events and book club meetings throughout the year.

The Best Literary Pubs and Bars in NYC

Here are some of the most popular literary pubs and bars in New York City that are worth visiting:

The Strand

The Strand is a famous bookstore located in Manhattan’s Union Square neighborhood. Here, patrons can explore 18 miles of books spread across four floors, or take part in book club meetings, author appearances, and events.

The Strand also hosts a few bar and lounge spots on its premises, such as Rare Bird Rooftop Lounge, and Under Strand. These establishments provide a great way to discuss books and relax with fellow book lovers after exploring the store’s extensive collection.

The Frigate

The Frigate Bar is a popular spot located in the basement of a Lower East Side watering hole. This subterranean spot features a full-service bar, regular poetry readings, and even board games surrounding dozens of bookcases filled with literature.

On Sunday nights, patrons can also watch live readings of classic novels while enjoying drinks and snacks. The Frigate is also open late, while its cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal place for discussion and reflection.

Read It & Eat

Read It & Eat is a cozy Parisian-style cafe located in the East Village. This spot offers a variety of reading material along with treats such as coffee, tasty pastries, and hearty sandwiches.

Aside from their selection of books, this cafe also hosts events such as book signings and other gatherings throughout the year. It’s a great place for relaxed social gatherings or for those who want to get away from loud crowds in other literary pubs and bars.

Bar & Books

Bar & Books is a classic gentlemen’s club located in Midtown Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood. This spot offers a variety of amber spirits along with plenty of books from different genres and eras. Here, patrons can also enjoy conversation over chess games and other activities as they sip on their drinks.

In addition to its impressive selection of books and spirits, Bar & Books also offers a few light sandwiches, burgers, and salads. It’s definitely one of the best spots for those who want to take their time while skimming through books or playing board games.

New York City’s Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl

If you are looking for a unique experience, then consider joining the Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl in NYC. This tour dives into the history of some of the area’s most renowned watering holes, which have played host to some of America’s greatest writers throughout history.

This three-hour experience takes guests around Brooklyn’s most popular literary pubs while learning about the bars’ colorful pasts through personal stories, anecdotes, and discuss literature itself. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy specialty drinks inspired by some of literature’s top minds such as Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Jack Kerouac, Hunter S Thompson, Henry James, and more! Once tour guests have finished exploring each pub they will be able to taste some classic cocktails crafted with the tour’s signature literary twist.

Conclusion

New York City is full of amazing literary pubs and bars that offer plenty of opportunities for readers to engage in conversation with likeminded individuals. These establishments feature an inviting environment for guests to explore literature in a unique way by talking about books in detail with others who are just as passionate about them. From places like The Strand to spots like Bar & Books, there is plenty to explore when it comes to literary pubs and bars in the city.

For those looking for a truly unique experience, there is Brooklyn’s Literary Pub Crawl that is particularly enjoyable. This tour provides visitors with an interesting look at some of Brooklyn’s finest watering holes while enjoying drinks inspired by some of literature’s famous names. To learn more about this experience, New York City Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl, visit Viator today!