With hundreds of bookstores to explore, book lovers are spoiled for choice in NYC. There are historic landmark stores, genre-specific hideaways, and tons of secondhand stores to peruse.
But what makes book browsing even better? Access to a bar. Whether you’re looking for a warm catch-up session with a friend, a first date spot, or a place to consider what wine to pair with what genres, these are the places to go.
Liz’s Book Bar: Meet Cutes with Books
Nestled between independent boutiques and pizza shops, Liz’s Book Bar became a beloved neighborhood staple in 2024. Day and night, visitors can order coffee and tea, but when happy hour hits, you can also sip French and Italian wine and local beers while digging into a new book.
Want to make it official? The shop offers a subscription model for a new title hardback and a free drink (starting at $117 for three months). Plus, staff regularly host bookish events like puzzling nights, writing workshops, book clubs, and quiet reading sessions. 315 Smith St., Carroll Gardens, lizsbookbar.com
Bibliothèque: An Elevated Library
For those looking for exclusive books and high-end drinks, this maximalist spot is great. With bookshelves all around the tables boasting new and rare books, it feels like you’re ensconced in a chic library. This bar really shines too, offering over 700 wines in its catalog, and no, you don’t need the Dewey Decimal System in order to find what you want. 54 Mercer St., SoHo, bibliothequenyc.com
Molasses Books: Joys of Vintage Stories
This small neighborhood hangout spot is full of secondhand books. It has more of a coffee-shop vibe, but stays open late enough to have a wine or beer while you’re reading, writing, or chatting about books. This store rewards browsing, and you’ll definitely leave with an unexpected tome. 770 Hart St., Bushwick, molassesbooks.org
Book Club Bar: Cocktails and Conversation
Nestled right off Avenue B, this cozy book bar encourages you to linger with a variety of titles, board games, and excellent drink options. In addition to the café, they have wine and beer, but also a number of book-themed cocktails. For a killer pairing, grab a murder mystery and order the Murder on the Orient Espresso Martini. 197 E 3rd St., East Village, bookclubbar.com
Sullaluna: Italian Storytelling
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant prioritizes Italian flavors in cuisine, drinks, and books. Whether you read Italian fluently or just love the country, this is a great place to stop for a meal, drink, and Italian novel. Like any lively independent bookstore, they host bookish events like writing workshops and author talks. 41 Carmine St., Greenwich Village, sullalunanyc.com
Topos Too: Mixing Vintage and New
Full of books, merch, and readers, this bookstore is a cozy way to end the day exploring Ridgewood. The original location, located a few blocks away, buys and sells used books. The second location comes stocked with new books only, and serves wine and beer, as well as novelty items such as a branded fly swatter. 59-22 Myrtle Ave., Ridgewood, Queens, toposbookstore.com
The Lit. Bar: A Community Staple
When this shop opened in 2019, it was the only independent bookstore in the Bronx, and it’s now the only bookstore in the whole borough. In the interest of creating a lively space, The Lit. Bar serves beer, wine, and snacks, and regularly hosts local authors and community gatherings. 131 Alexander Ave., Mott Haven, Bronx, thelitbar.com
Bookmarks Bar at the Library Hotel: Elevated Bookish Taste
For a final bar that is not a bookstore but certainly for book lovers, the Library Hotel is the place to go. During a bookish getaway or staycation, the bar on the roof of the hotel pairs glamour with extremely bookish cocktails. After wandering through the bookshelf-lined rooms, you can sit on the roof with a Tequila Mockingbird and your vacation read. 299 Madison Ave., 14th Floor Midtown, bookmarkslounge.com
