Bars

The Library at the Public

Legendary dive bar

$$$

NewamericanLoungesCocktailbars

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.

From the Owner

The Library, named for the building's original use as the Astor Library, is a central element of the mezzanine level of The Public Theater's landmark downtown home at Astor Place. Open late nightly for dinner and cocktail service, the hidden away supper club plays dinner bar, watering hole or backstage lounge to downtown denizens and neighborhood dwellers, theater-goers coming or going, academics and artists alike.