Bars

The Library at the Public

Legendary dive bar

$$$

About

The Library is a legendary queer-friendly punk dive on Avenue A. Graffiti-covered, sticky, loud. It has the best jukebox in the city: Depeche Mode, Strawberry Switchblade, Limp Wrist, etc. Vintage horror movies projected on the back wall add a campy, moody air. Watch in awe as the tiny bartender chews out drunken straight tourists for not tipping while serving drinks rapid-fire and leaning across the bar to greet friends with a kiss. From the doorway, you can see Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters, and the Mercury Lounge. Tip: if you’re nice to the bartenders at the Library you might get a shot or two on the house.