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.
Courtesy of Biblioteque. Photographed by Kate Glicksberg
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.
Courtesy of Book Club Bar. Photographed by Elle Kenwood
Molasses Books; Bushwick
Used book lovers unite and head to Molasses Books in Bushwick. Just off of Maria Hernandez Park, Molasses Books’ unassuming doorfront opens up to hundreds of used and rare books, along with a cafe and bar. Search the worn wooden shelves- or the stacks scattered in nooks and crannies throughout the store- for anything from local zines to first-edition Renata Adlers. Open until midnight, Molasses is for the night owls looking to cozy up in a window seat with a robust read and red. If you’re not looking for a late-night respite in Bushwick, Molasses curates books for Honey Moon Coffee shop in Ridgewood as well.
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.
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.
Liz’s Book Bar; Carroll Gardens
Who better to open a bookstore than a writer? Acts of Forgiveness author and book-lover Maura Cheeks opened Liz’s Book Bar earlier this year, and every seat in the house has been taken ever since. Named after her grandmother Elizabeth Parker, who Cheeks deems the founder of her love for reading and career as a writer, Liz’s Book Bar was made for lingering and relaxing. The bar provides coffee and tea as well as wine and beer from local breweries which can be enjoyed in the front seating area. The bar also provides a book and beverage membership subscription, where for a flat discounted rate you can receive a book and a beverage once a month for either 3-month or 6-month periods- with no additional charge upon arrival.
Courtesy of Biblioteque. Photographed by Kate Glicksberg
After weeks of balancing work and assignments, I decided to buy an essay to free up some time for myself. With the essay off my plate, I visited Liz’s Book Bar in Carroll Gardens, sipping a locally brewed beer while immersing myself in a novel. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge.