In NYC, the Best Bookstores are Bars

Your next fall read pairs nicely with a glass of red—find them both at five of New York City’s coziest bookstore bars.

For bibliophiles, the best wine pairing isn’t a sharp cheddar or a smoked brie but rather a really good book. Whether sipping on a zesty orange wine with a romance or a cabernet with a classic, the book-and-wine combo can be best enjoyed in one of New York City’s emerging bookstore bars. Check out our five favorite spots offering up wide selections of beverages and books- and a space to enjoy them both.

Book Club Bar; East Village

Tucked away on Third Street between new nightclubs and trendy restaurants of the East Village lies Book Club Bar. The bookstore, along with cocktails, beer, wine, and coffee, offers a cozy home-like atmosphere complete with worn leather couches, low lighting, and an intimate backyard seating area for lounging outside on warmer nights. Started by decade-long East Village residents Erin Neary and Nat Esten in 2019, the bar is inspired by their eclectic and dynamic neighborhood of artists and creatives. From writing workshops and book readings to live music events and game nights, Book Club Bar is a community hub for those looking to connect, either with friends or a really good book, while sipping on something tasty.

Discover more on their official website and Instagram.

Molasses Books; Bushwick

Used book lovers unite and head to Molasses Books in Bushwick. Molasses Books, near Maria Hernandez Park, offers a cozy selection of used and rare books, plus a cafe and bar. Browse worn wooden shelves or hidden stacks for everything from local zines to first editions. Open until midnight, it’s perfect for night owls seeking a read and a drink. Molasses also curates books for Honey Moon Coffee in Ridgewood.

Check out their official website and Instagram.

Biblioteque; Soho

Biblioteque shares the same street as high-end brands such as Courreges, Ganni, and Off-White. Proving that book shopping is as luxurious as choosing a designer handbag. Tired shoppers can settle into plush couches in the bar’s lounge. Where bookshelves stretch from the floor to the chandelier-donned ceiling. Indulge in bites by Epicerie Boulud, a collection of 3,000 French and Italian vintages and over 10,000 books, from new releases to rare editions. If you’re feeling lavish, buy one of their rare bottles, cross it off of the chalkboard positioned above the bar, and sign your name to claim it. 

See more on their official website and Instagram.

Courtesy of Biblioteque. Photographed by Kate Glicksberg

McNally Jackson; Seaport

While McNally Jackson has five outposts scattered throughout New York City. The Seaport location is the sole location with a bar, and thus our favorite. Get lost wandering through two floors of titles or chat with a bookseller (the perfect guide with the best taste). Snag a book from your favorite author or one of McNally Jackson’s editions with artfully redesigned covers before enjoying a drink downstairs. Fixed on Seaport’s cobblestone streets. Enjoy a drink from their bar at a table out front for people watching- or a head start on a new read. 

Check out their official website and Instagram.

Liz’s Book Bar; Carroll Gardens

Who better to open a bookstore than a writer? Maura Cheeks, author of Acts of Forgiveness, opened Liz’s Book Bar earlier this year. The bar is named after her grandmother, Elizabeth Parker, who inspired her love for reading and writing. Liz’s Book Bar offers a cozy space for lingering, serving coffee, tea, wine, and beer from local breweries. The bar also features a book and beverage membership, offering a monthly book and drink for a flat rate.

Discover more on their official website and Instagram.

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