Library of Distilled Spirits

Cocktail bar · East Village ·

Library of Distilled Spirits

Cocktail bar · East Village ·

Hundreds of liquors line shelves, cocktails named for authors

Information

80 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003 Get directions

$20–30

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

The 13 Best Hotel Bars In NYC - New York - The Infatuation

"The Library of Distilled Spirits is separated from the main lobby of the Hyatt in Union Square, and it’s a great place to kill time over cocktails. With high ceilings and shelves full of bottles that are only accessible via a wheelie ladder, it does feel like a small reading room—except for the hush. Drinks are named for famous authors, like Tolkien, Jack Kerouac, and Edgar Allen Poe, and they’re pretty straightforward and satisfying. Our favorite is the Michael Shaara—a paper plane riff with velvet falernum, served with a big block of clear ice." - willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, bryan kim, will hartman, tiffany yannetta

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-hotel-bars-nyc

Library of Distilled Spirits

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Library of Distilled Spirits - Review - Union Square - New York - The Infatuation

"We’re suckers for a bar with a ladder on wheels. At the Library of Distilled Spirits, on the ground floor of the Hyatt Union Square, they’ve got one—to reach the bookcase-style shelving for their top-shelf liquor. This place feels like a private reading room, with high ceilings packed with bottles of booze, cozy leather chairs and couches, and a big communal table. There aren’t actually any books, but it’s a nice alternative to Barnes & Noble when you need to kill some time in the area and would rather do it with a drink in hand. The cocktails here are named for famous writers—they’re good and not too fussy, with not more than three to five components each. Try a zippy J.R.R. Tolkien with reposado tequila and grapefruit, or a Michael Shaara, a Paper Plane riff with velvet falernum and citrus. photo credit: Will Hartman" - Will Hartman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/library-of-distilled-spirits

Will Hartman

Library of Distilled Spirits

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Keith McNally’s Cherche Midi Has Closed - Eater NY

"It’s McNally’s second high-profile closure in as many years. His Schillor’s Liquor Bar shuttered last May after a 14-year run." - Ryan Sutton

https://ny.eater.com/2018/6/11/17450522/cherche-midi-closed-nyc

Library of Distilled Spirits

@grubstreet

13,564 Postcards · 1,476 Cities

15 Cinco de Mayo Specials in NYC

"In the Union Square–area a Derby de Mayo at Library of Distilled Spirits runs from 2 p.m. to closing and offers cocktail deals, specialty margaritas, and a screening of the race while you’re surrounded by a literal library of booze." - Vanita Salisbury

https://www.grubstreet.com/2018/05/14-cinco-de-mayo-specials-in-nyc.html

Library of Distilled Spirits

Nicole N.

Google

Slightly disappointed if I'm being honest... the atmosphere was decent enough but you'd expect for them to lean more into the library aspect of it. The selection was a bit mediocre, and I wasn't impressed with the dirty martini. Such a simple drink that can be amazing, yet so many establishments are blase about them, serving them with trash olives. I did have one of their menu cocktails which was good. I have high expectations of craft cocktails in NYC, and this place was ok, but not phenomenal. It is part of a hotel in case that matters to anyone. People were both dressed up and down, so dress code is lenient and casual. Did not order food, so i cannot speak on that.

Caitlin W.

Google

A very cool bar inside the Hyatt hotel. Lots of drinks available even once off menu like a martini. No TVs in there and chill music which is nice and the staff are really nice as well. Would definitely recommend going for a drink and they’re reasonably priced too. They have library shelves behind with bottles of alcohol in them

Lisa T.

Google

Very nice atmosphere. Think the drinks are not as sophisticated as they should be given the price point. They also ran out of pisco which is kind of a pity considering they don’t have that extensive of a menu. Tried the victor hugo and Colette. Good for the vibe etc. Drinks were good, not amazing.

Kelley L.

Google

We popped in for a cocktail after spending a few hours in the Strand but ended up staying for dinner. Food and drinks were all delicious and it was a nice surprise to have live jazz on a Monday afternoon. Caesar and Mike took great care of us!

Tax P.

Google

Beautiful building that is free and nice to have available for the public. You can walk thru it in 30-45 minutes, and contemplate the ideas for a lot longer. As with the National Gallery of Art, I knew immediately who the volunteers were by the passion in the way these lovely people helped me and shared their knowledge. Be sure to talk with as many as you can for a rich experience. Although timed tickets were required to enter, no one checked. For fun, I got a library card which gives me access to viewing books in the Main Reading Room. It's a simple process and the wait wasn't too long. However,I didn't have time to go in. Water bottles and bags larger than the size of a tablet aren't allowed in the MRR. I would have had to go back down to check that stuff. I had to be on my way. It's a lovely souvenir... And one of many reasons to return to this great town.

J M

Google

Delicious but tiny cocktail (Earnest Hemingway, $18) in the littlest coupe glass I've ever seen. The soy ginger fried chicken small plate was tasty but pricey ($16). Bartender was super friendly, and treated me well even though I was on my own at the bar seating. The music was thankfully not too loud. An expensive snack, but a pleasant vibe. I'd visit again.

E T

Google

$18 drinks that look like this (those are two different ones btw), shame the inside is very pretty and the bar extremely well stocked. The menu has character and you'd expect the drinks to as well, but these were both very bland. Regarding service the place was literally empty yet somehow we waited for about 15 min before anyone even addressed us. The fries were good, tasted exactly like mcdonalds.

Google

Drink won’t disappoint but also won’t impress you. It is a hotel bar so it is generally nice and chill space spatial but kinda lack the intimate vibe you want from a bar. Great place to just have a chill drink and quiet night.