5 Bookstore Bars in New York City That’ll Make You Feel Like a Main Character

Is there anywhere like New York if you want to channel your inner protagonist? For me, even walking down the street or riding the subway makes me feel like a main character living out their dream life. 

Somewhere I love to go to if I truly want to live my best main character life is a bookstore bar. There’s something about sinking your teeth into a new book while sipping on a delicious beverage, surrounded by like-minded readers, that makes you think you stepped out of (or into!) your very own novel. 

The number of times I have taken a book out to the bar or a coffee shop with good intentions of picking it up and polishing off a few chapters, only to scroll through social media and leave the book unopened, is more than I can count. However, the rise of bookstore bars throughout New York City makes it easier to switch off and ditch your screen time in favor of a twisty thriller or heart-racing romance in a cozy setting. 

Since 2019, more bookstore-bar hybrids have been popping up around New York City, and the momentum is only increasing, ironically, thanks to social media. On TikTok, BookTok users are sharing videos of must-visit literary bars in NYC and beyond, enticing viewers to opt for a chilled, low-key night out in the company of their favorite book heroes. 

If you’re looking for a fresh take on an evening drink with friends or want to head out for a solo date and find your next new read, check out these five bookstore bars in New York City that offer literature and libations. 

Book Club Bar, East Village - 197 E 3rd Street, New York, NY 10009

Book Club Bar is a quaint bookstore bar located in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood. Opened in November, the store serves as a community hub for locals and tourists alike. Opened in November 2019, the owners, Erin Neary and Nat Esten, are East Village locals and wanted the store to represent the unique spirit of the thriving neighborhood. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable living room-esque feel with rustic decor and floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with classics and best-sellers. The bar serves up craft cocktails, local beers, artisan coffee, and more, daily. 

Liz's Book Bar, Carroll Gardens - 315 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11231

In Brooklyn, Liz’s Book Bar is a neighborhood staple for keen readers and those who appreciate a great cup of coffee or wine. Founded by author Maura Cheeks, the store opened its doors in June 2024 and pays homage to Maura’s grandmother, Elizabeth, who inspired her granddaughter to write. The store carries over 4,000 works of literature and offers a ton of events, including women-only writing and networking sessions. 

Bibliotheque, SoHo - 54 Mercer Street, New York, NY, 10013

A bookstore and cafe by day and a bookstore and winebar by night, Bibliotheque is a gorgeous space in the heart of SoHo. Opening in 2022, it was founded by writer A.J. Jacono based on his passion for literature, and wonderful food and drinks. In the daytime, Bibliotheque welcomes laptops and is a chilled space for working from home, and at night, the space is laptop-free and transforms into a sultry wine bar with a wide selection — over 3,000 — pours and a full dinner service menu from local vendors such as Murray’s Cheese and A Priori.

Molasses Books, Bushwick - 770 Hart Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11237

Molasses Books is a unique combination of a used bookstore, cafe, and bar tucked away in a small-but-mighty space in Brooklyn’s trendy Bushwick neighborhood. Founded in 2012, Molasses Books is a true pioneer in indie bookstore-slash-bars and continues to delight locals and tourists with its homey feel and wide selection of used, new, and rare reads. Open until midnight seven days a week, the welcoming space is the perfect place for switching off. 

The Lit. Bar, The Bronx - 131 Alexander Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10454

Bronx native Noëlle Santos made her dreams come true when she opened The Lit. Bar in April 2019. It’s the only brick-and-mortar bookstore in the borough, and it’s a special one at that. The Lit. Bar offers hundreds of books in a multitude of genres and aims to encourage both new and seasoned readers to pick up a new title and join its many community events. Customers can enjoy curated wines and charcuterie boards in a vibrant space full of stacked bookshelves and lush greenery. 

Channel your main character energy with a visit to one of these NYC bookstore bars. And as you're planning your adventures around the city, let Only In Your State’s itinerary planner help guide you!