Top 8 Literary-Themed Cafes, Lounges, and Bookstores in NYC

Some little known and some well-known…

New York City is a haven for those who love to get lost in a good book and sip on a warm cup of coffee. In this concrete jungle, there are plenty of literary-themed cafes and bookstores waiting to be explored.

From hidden gems in the city’s neighborhoods to historic institutions, we’ve scoured the streets to bring you the top 10 literary-themed cafes and bookstores in NYC.

So grab a book, order a latte (or some tea!), and let’s dive into the literary scene of the Big Apple.

1. Shakespeare & Co. Booksellers Cafe

Located on the Upper East Side, this cafe is named after the famous bookstore in Paris and offers a cozy atmosphere with plenty of books to peruse.

Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic independent bookstore and cafe located in the heart of New York City, just a few blocks away from Central Park.

The bookstore was founded in 1981 and has been a beloved destination for book lovers ever since.

The space is filled with books from floor to ceiling, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for readers and writers alike.

The cafe, located on the second floor, offers a selection of delicious snacks, coffee, tea, and other beverages.

It’s a perfect spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat while browsing the bookstore’s extensive collection of books, which range from the latest bestsellers to rare and out-of-print editions.

Shakespeare & Co. is more than just a bookstore and cafe — it’s a cultural institution that hosts a variety of literary events and workshops, including author readings, book clubs, and writing workshops.

The owners are passionate about promoting literature and the arts, and strive to create a space that fosters creativity, community, and intellectual curiosity.

Overall, Shakespeare & Co. is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves books and literature.

It’s a place where you can lose yourself for hours, discovering new authors, meeting fellow book lovers, and enjoying the cozy atmosphere of one of the most iconic bookstores in New York City.

2. Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is a unique and charming bookstore and cafe located in the heart of downtown New York City.

The bookstore is housed in a beautiful and historic building and is staffed by volunteers, many of whom are people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The bookstore offers a wide range of books, including rare and out-of-print editions, as well as more recent releases.

The cafe serves a selection of delicious snacks, coffee, tea, and other beverages, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

What sets Housing Works Bookstore Cafe apart is its mission.

All of the proceeds from book sales and cafe purchases go towards Housing Works, an organization dedicated to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness.

The organization provides a range of services, including healthcare, housing, and advocacy, to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

In addition to its mission, Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is known for its vibrant literary events, which include author readings, book launches, and panel discussions.

The space is also used for community events, including open mic nights, art shows, and fundraisers.

This place is a unique and inspiring destination that combines a love of literature with a commitment to social justice.

It’s a place where you can discover new books, meet like-minded people, and support a worthy cause.

3. The Library at the Public

This cafe in the Public Theater serves light bites and cocktails, and offers a literary-themed atmosphere with bookshelves lining the walls and a cozy fireplace.

It’s a sophisticated and stylish cocktail bar located inside the Public Theater in New York City. The space is designed to evoke a classic library, with towering bookshelves, vintage decor, and plenty of cozy nooks and seating areas for patrons to relax and enjoy a drink.

The bar offers a selection of classic cocktails, as well as unique and inventive creations inspired by literary figures and works. For example, the Hemingway Daiquiri is a nod to the famous author.

In addition to its drinks, The Library at the Public also offers a range of small plates and snacks, including artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and other seasonal treats.

What sets The Library at the Public apart is its location within the iconic Public Theater, which has a long history of supporting the arts and fostering creative expression.

The bar is usually frequented by actors, writers, and other artists, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere.

This place is a unique and sophisticated destination that combines great drinks, delicious food, and a love of literature and the arts.

It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a show or enjoy a night out with friends.

4. Ground Central Coffee Company

With several locations throughout the city, Ground Central Coffee Company offers a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of seating and a selection of books available for purchase.

The company is dedicated to providing high-quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere for its customers.

The shop’s decor features exposed brick walls, wooden accents, and plenty of comfortable seating, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

The menu at Ground Central Coffee Company includes a wide variety of coffee drinks, including classic favorites like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos, as well as specialty drinks like the Honey Lavender Latte and the Nutella Mocha.

The shop also serves a selection of teas, pastries, and light bites.

One of the standout features of Ground Central Coffee Company is its commitment to sustainability.

The company sources its coffee from small, independent farmers who use sustainable and ethical farming practices, and the shop uses eco-friendly cups, utensils, and packaging.

Ground Central Coffee Company has become a popular spot for coffee lovers and remote workers looking for a cozy and comfortable place to get some work done.

The shop offers free Wi-Fi and ample seating, making it a convenient spot for a coffee meeting or a solo work session.

Overall, Ground Central Coffee Company is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for high-quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere in New York City.

5. Bookmarks Lounge

Located on the rooftop of the Library Hotel, Bookmarks Lounge offers a stunning view of the city skyline as well as literary-themed cocktails and small bites.

The bar’s decor is inspired by classic literature, with bookshelves lining the walls and a cozy fireplace area for guests to relax in.

The outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the city skyline, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

The menu at Bookmarks Lounge includes a variety of classic cocktails as well as specialty drinks inspired by famous literary works.

Some popular options include The Great Gatsby, a refreshing gin and champagne cocktail, and the Hemingway Daiquiri, a rum-based drink with grapefruit juice and lime.

In addition to its impressive drink menu, Bookmarks Lounge also serves a selection of small plates and snacks, including cheese and charcuterie boards, flat breads, and sliders.

The bar is known for its attentive and friendly staff, who are happy to make recommendations and help guests find the perfect drink to suit their tastes.

Overall, Bookmarks Lounge offers a unique and memorable rooftop bar experience in the heart of Manhattan.

Whether you’re a literature lover or simply looking for a great view and delicious drinks, this bar is definitely worth a visit.

6. Cafe con Libros

This feminist bookstore and cafe in Brooklyn offers a selection of books focused on social justice issues and intersectionality, as well as coffee, tea, and baked goods located in the Crown Heights neighborhood.

The space is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive community hub, with a focus on amplifying the voices of women, queer and trans people, and people of color.

The bookstore carries a diverse selection of books, including works by both established and emerging feminist authors.

The space is also used for community events, such as book clubs, readings, and workshops on social justice issues.

The coffee shop at Cafe con Libros serves a range of espresso drinks, teas, and pastries, all of which are sourced from local and independent vendors.

The cozy interior is decorated with colorful murals and artwork, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for customers to relax and enjoy their drinks.

One unique feature of Cafe con Libros is its “Pay It Forward” program, which allows customers to purchase a beverage or snack for someone who may not be able to afford it.

This program reflects the cafe’s commitment to creating a more equitable and just community for all.

Overall, Cafe con Libros is a vibrant and socially conscious space that offers both great books and delicious coffee.

It’s a must-visit for anyone who’s passionate about intersectional feminism and supporting small, independent businesses.

7. The Book Club

The Book Club is a charming independent bookstore and cafe located in the heart of the East Village in New York City.

As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted with a cozy, inviting atmosphere filled with books, art, and comfortable seating.

The bookstore offers a wide selection of new and used books, as well as rare and out-of-print titles, catering to both casual readers and serious book collectors.

In addition to the extensive book collection, the cafe serves a variety of delicious drinks and snacks, including coffee, tea, wine, and pastries.

The cozy seating areas, including a reading nook and outdoor garden seating, make it the perfect place to relax with a good book or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee.

But The Book Club is more than just a place to buy books and grab a drink. It also hosts a range of literary events and workshops, including book clubs, author readings, writing classes, and poetry readings.

It’s a true community hub for book lovers and writers alike, and a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a cozy, welcoming bookstore and cafe experience in NYC.

8. Cups & Books

A black-owned bookstore cafe in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Cups and Books is a beloved black-owned bookstore and cafe located in the Bronx, New York City.

The shop is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to promoting literacy and education within the community.

The shop boasts a diverse collection of books, covering a wide range of genres and topics, from African-American history to contemporary fiction.

The cafe serves a variety of delicious drinks and snacks, including coffee, tea, smoothies, and pastries, making it the perfect place to relax with a book or catch up with friends.

The cozy seating areas and vibrant decor make it a great place to hang out, study, or attend one of the many events hosted by the shop, including book clubs, poetry readings, and writing workshops.

Cups and Books is more than just a bookstore and cafe, it’s a community space that fosters a love of reading and education.

The owners are passionate about promoting diversity and representation in literature, and they strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

If you’re in the Bronx and looking for a great book and a cozy spot to read, Cups and Books is definitely worth a visit.

BONUS: The Lit Bar

The Lit Bar is a unique and vibrant independent bookstore and wine bar located in the Bronx, New York City.

It was founded by Bronx native and entrepreneur Noëlle Santos, who saw a need for a bookstore in her community after the last bookstore in the borough closed down.

The Lit Bar is a warm and welcoming space that celebrates literature and culture, while also serving as a hub for the local community.

As soon as you walk through the doors, you’ll be struck by the beauty of the space.

The bookstore features a wide selection of books, including bestsellers, classics, and works by local authors and writers of color.

The wine bar offers a carefully curated selection of wines, craft beers, and small plates, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a drink while browsing for books.

The Lit Bar also serves as a community space, hosting a variety of literary events, author readings, and workshops.

The owners are passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in literature, and strive to create a space that reflects the vibrant culture of the Bronx.

The bookstore also offers a variety of educational programs, including a book club and a literacy program for young readers.

Bottom line: this place is more than just a bookstore or a wine bar — it’s a community hub and cultural center that celebrates literature, diversity, and the power of community.

It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and welcoming bookstore experience in New York City.

Have you been to any of these places? What’s been your experience? I’d love to hear about it in the comments so I can plan my trips accordingly.

Thanks for reading and feel free to share this if you enjoyed reading it or found it helpful.

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