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Top picks in New York

Bookstores with bars

A bookstore that serves a drink worth staying for, rather than just a bar that happens to have a few shelves of books.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Liz's Book Bar image 1
Liz's Book Bar image 2
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Book store

Small space combines curated book selection with a bar serving coffee, tea, and wine. Atmosphere stays cozy and inviting with soft music and comfortable seating. Visitors include solo readers, friends, and couples enjoying quiet work or conversation.

A cozy bookstore with a decent selection of books blends a coffee shop and bar vibe. Quiet spots invite reading alongside tea and alcohol options.

A beautifully designed bar offers a cozy spot with excellent drinks including chilled red wine and tea. The atmosphere balances soft music and quiet, making it ideal for sipping a drink while reading or working.

People are saying

"It's a cozy, chill reading spot perfect for a quiet moment."

"It's a cute spot combining a bookstore, cafe, and bar."

"This bookstore is a cute spot combining a café and bar."

Good to know

1

The establishment does not allow laptops after 6 PM.

2

The shop is the only coffee shop open past 6/7pm in the neighborhood.

3

The shop does not have decaf coffee options.

02
Sullaluna image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant combines independent bookstore and live jazz music for a warm, inspiring vibe. Space feels crammed but inviting, with authentic European decor and a basement reading room hosting events. Cocktails like Aperol Spritz stand out alongside classic Italian dishes.

A cozy spot with international children's and illustrated books displayed on the walls. Small tables add to the authentic European vibe blending a bookstore with a café atmosphere.

An incredible cocktail list defines the bar, which sits surrounded by artfully curated books in Italian and English. It offers a hip vibe perfect for a chill evening or a casual lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"This Italian spot offers a unique NYC brunch experience unlike any other."

"It's a cozy bookstore with a charming, welcoming vibe."

"It's a super cozy bookstore bar with kids' books all around."

Good to know

1

Sullaluna offers custom menus and decor for private events.

2

The restaurant has a focus on vegetarian options.

3

Some menu items may be unavailable during busy hours.

03
The Twisted Spine image 1

Bookstore combines horror themes with dark academia vibe in a cozy setting featuring an indoor fireplace and patio. Quiet atmosphere suits remote work, with a café offering skull mugs and a bar serving treats and wine. Diverse horror and sci-fi selections complement a unique, spooky aesthetic throughout.

Specializes in horror genre books with a wide selection. Combines a bookstore with a cafe featuring great drinks and a standout barista known for engaging conversations.

A horror themed bar sits inside the bookstore, offering a decent size selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The bar also serves wine, coffee, and treats.

People are saying

"This reading spot has an amazing, well-curated horror selection."

"This bookstore has an amazing, huge selection of horror books."

"I found the bar to be amazing and a must-visit for horror fans."

Good to know

1

A book signing event is scheduled for Monday, the 13th.

2

The Twisted Spine hosts several events each week, fostering a sense of community.

3

The horror books are organized by sub-genre for easy browsing.

04
The Lit. Bar image 1
Book store

Bookstore combines cozy atmosphere with a wine bar and event space, creating a warm, inviting vibe. Shelves hold a diverse collection including hard-to-find titles by Black and Latino authors. Space feels intimate and lively, blending cultural elements with a community focus.

Extensive selection of books by Black and Latino authors stands out here. The space feels intimate and beautifully organized, creating a strong sense of connection and community.

A wine bar in the back offers a cool spot to enjoy drinks alongside books. The space blends culture, community, and great vibes with a lovely event area for book signings and gatherings.

People are saying

"It's a cozy reading spot with an inviting, warm atmosphere."

"I found the wine here to be delicious and inexpensive."

"This bookstore has a chill vibe with a wine bar."

Good to know

1

The Lit Bar does not take reservations; seating is first come first served.

2

This is the only bookstore in the Bronx as of April 2023.

3

Expect the venue to get extremely crowded during lunch hours.

05
Book Club Bar image 1
Book store

Hybrid space combining bookstore, café, and bar with literary-themed cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. Music volume varies, sometimes making reading difficult, while outdoor seating offers a pleasant garden area. Seating is limited and often fills quickly, creating an intimate setting for socializing or quiet moments.

A bookstore/bar fusion creates a cozy and charming vibe with a full-service bar and coffee shop. The book selection is excellent, and the ambiance feels smart and inviting.

A full-service bar blends seamlessly with a bookstore and coffee shop, offering a literary-themed drink menu and a cozy, relaxed vibe. The space invites quiet hanging out with ample seating to read while enjoying a variety of hot and cold drinks.

People are saying

"It's a cozy reading spot with a charming atmosphere."

"This bar is a cozy spot with a charming atmosphere."

"It's a cozy bookstore with a bar and cafe."

Good to know

1

Tables fill up fast, so arrive early for a good seat.

2

The venue gets crowded quickly, especially later in the day.

3

No laptops are allowed after 7 PM, so plan accordingly.

06
Gladys Books & Wine image 1

Space combines bookstore, wine bar, and cafe with a backyard outdoor area and a downstairs bar for co-working and community. Atmosphere feels welcoming and cozy with a focus on Black lesbian literature and queer culture. Design is beautiful and inviting, creating a sense of communion and inclusion.

Effort shows in the owner's response to poor initial customer service during checkout downstairs. The space feels like a new bookstore with a fresh vibe.

Backyard space offers a relaxed spot to hang out. A downstairs wine bar opens soon, designed for co-working and grown queerfolk business.

People are saying

"It's a warm, cozy, and welcoming reading spot."

"The downstairs bar feels like a sanctuary for thinkers and writers."

"This bookstore is a gorgeous, warm, and welcoming space."

Good to know

1

Gladys Books & Wine features a diverse selection of literature focused on black lesbian themes.

2

The cafe serves a variety of wines and coffee options to enjoy while reading.

3

Expect a welcoming atmosphere that encourages community and connection among visitors.

07
Yu & Me Books image 1
Book store

Cozy bookstore with curated AAPI literature and intimate coffee nook creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Small space maximizes comfortable seating and local art, fostering a personal, inclusive vibe. Quiet spots encourage reading, conversation, and reflection.

Cozy and well-organized with a great selection of books and beverages. Staffed by charming and helpful employees, it feels like a warm, inviting home for readers.

An eclectic set of drinks includes coffee, beer, and non-alcoholic options. The bar combines a drink and espresso bar with reasonable prices in a bookstore setting.

People are saying

"It's a cozy and inviting bookshop with a warm atmosphere."

"It's such a cozy and cute bookstore with a great vibe."

"The bar's cozy chairs and vibes felt like home."

Good to know

1

The bookstore hosts frequent speaker events and signings.

2

Open mic nights occur regularly, providing a platform for local talent.

3

Lucy hosts author readings, allowing customers to get autographed copies.

08
Molasses Books image 1
Book store

Small space combines bookstore, cafe, and bar with cozy seating and curated radical philosophy section. Atmosphere feels calm and chill, inviting for reading or quiet conversation. Music plays softly, attracting a mostly under-40 crowd seeking a relaxed, intimate vibe.

Cozy used bookstore with a compact collection of titles and a few seats for coffee or wine. Combines a bookstore, cafe, and bar in one space, creating a peaceful spot to relax and read.

A bar that doubles as a bookstore and cafe creates a unique hangout spot. The bartender is super friendly, and the vibe encourages great conversations with creative types.

People are saying

"It's a charming, cozy reading spot with a soulful, inviting atmosphere."

"This bookstore feels like a warm, soulful neighborhood secret."

"It's a dreamy, cozy bar where you can write or just chat."

Good to know

1

The establishment is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.

2

Laptops are not allowed after 8pm, so plan accordingly.

3

The cafe has a no phone call policy to maintain a quiet atmosphere.

09
Bibliotheque image 1
Wine bar

Shelves packed with over 10,000 books create a strong library theme alongside glam chandeliers and artwork by famous artists. The space feels lively and often crowded, with a busy atmosphere that challenges quiet reading or working. A great wine selection complements the energetic vibe, especially in the back lounge that requires reservations.

Combines a bookstore, library, and wine bar in one stylish, cozy space. Transforms smoothly from a cafe to a wine bar, creating a unique environment for readers and wine lovers alike.

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves create a cozy lounge with a strong selection of wines and books. The bar offers a great vibe after 5 PM with quick, friendly service and a carefully curated playlist.

People are saying

"It's a cozy reading spot with great vibes and aesthetic decor."

"It's a cozy wine bar with a stunning, calm atmosphere."

"I loved the vibe and the bookstore here."

Good to know

1

Dinner service starts at 4:30 PM.

2

The coffee shop transitions to a wine bar at 5:30 PM.

3

Reservations are recommended to secure a table in the back area.

10
BARZAKH• CAFÉ image 1

Cafe blends live music, Eastern art and relics, and a curated book collection to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor patio with fire adds to the peaceful, inspiring vibe. Friendly crowd gathers for conversation, performances, and community connection.

Cozy cafe and bookstore blend with a North African ambiance and live music that adds a unique vibe.

Live music sets a lively tone with a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a community. The bar area features stylish seating and the space includes a large backyard and walls filled with books.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and smells amazing."

"It's a cozy cafe and bookstore with amazing energy."

"The bar staff are so warm and friendly."

Good to know

1

The cafe hosts daily cultural events that vary each day.

2

Expect a vibrant atmosphere with live music during weekend events.

3

The cafe has good WiFi, making it a great spot for remote work.

11
dear friend books image 1

Rare bookstore blends mid-century modern design with heirloom tomato scented candles to create a calming, intimate atmosphere. Spacious outdoor patio and a wine and beer bar add to the relaxed vibe, making it a quiet spot for reading or casual conversation.

A crafty little bookstore that blends books with a wine bar vibe, serving beer and Pierogis alongside its shelves. It offers a welcoming space where people spend time, not just a place to buy books.

A beautiful stone bar anchors the space, inviting quiet moments with a book. Peaceful backyard seating adds a calm vibe for relaxed conversations or solo reading.

People are saying

"It's a tranquil, peaceful space for tea and connecting."

"It's a crafty little bookstore that also serves wine."

"The bar's atmosphere is so calm and peaceful."

Good to know

1

The venue hosts live music and poetry readings regularly.

2

You can enjoy wine, beer, tea, and kombucha while browsing.

3

Live events typically start around 7pm on weekends.

12
Dekalb Market Hall image 1

Market hall in a basement offers a maze-like layout with decentralized seating spread across cozy corners. Atmosphere is noisy and crowded, buzzing with life and loud music around 80 decibels. Variety of food stalls and vintage clothing add to the vibrant, eclectic vibe.

Upstairs in the mall, a beautiful bookstore offers a calm spot to browse. It sits alongside shops like Target and Trader Joe's, making it easy to combine shopping with book hunting.

Lively bars include a salsa dancing night and a stand-up sushi bar serving fresh hand rolls. Many stalls have bar seating right at the counter, and some bars welcome outside food from nearby stalls.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of food options here."

"I found so many different food options and a great beer bar."

"I loved the cool bookstore here."

Good to know

1

During the Soul Summit dance event, you can eat, drink, and dance until midnight.

2

The Friday night market hosts vendors and has a DJ.

3

Free salsa dancing lessons are offered during the Soul Summit event.

13
Chelsea Market image 1

Large covered market inside a restored industrial factory blends historic architecture with modern culinary culture. Vibrant atmosphere fills the space with diverse shops and food stalls, attracting many visitors. Outdoor heated booths offer comfortable spots to eat despite the busy, sometimes warm environment.

A bookstore full of particular objects sits near the end of the market. It offers a wide variety of unique items alongside books, making browsing enjoyable.

Many boutique bars offer diverse options like an oyster bar, sushi bar, and wine bar. Bars with outside access stay open late on Fridays, creating a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"This market has endless food options and great shopping."

"It's a unique place with bars and shops, perfect for an afternoon stroll."

"I loved the bookstore because it was full of particular objects."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half price on oysters and beers/wine.

2

Chelsea Market hosts various events, including cooking classes and pop-up shops.

3

Expect a 20-minute queue outside every restaurant during peak hours.

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