The Library

Awesome dive bar with a jukebox down in the east village. This spot has outlasted so many other bars. Where else can you hear sonic youth’s goo in its entirety on a Friday night !? Rock on 🤘!

A great dive bar with perfect atmosphere to clear your mind. Personally can't complain about anything. The drinks are fairly priced, at the time of writing the Modelo was 7 dollars, there was a 4 dollar can beer but I didn't try.

One of the worst experiences I’ve ever had at a bar. I paid with a credit card, and the woman was extremely rude, saying the minimum charge was $20. I paid the $20, but after having a beer, I wanted to order a Negroni. She simply refused to let me pay the difference and was very rude in her service. Later, another staff member came over and basically told me I could either pay in cash or leave — in a completely rude and aggressive manner. I do not recommend this bar to anyone.

Today was my first time back at Library since 2021 when a bartender went psychotic because a member of our group couldn't produce a vax card quickly enough (psychotic as in followed us down the street and tried unsuccessfully to get another bar not to serve us). I used to go to Library often back in the day and figured I could give it another try since pandemic times made us all go a little crazy. Nah, nothing has changed. Today's bartender ignored me for well over 5 minutes when there were maybe 10 people in the bar and then acted like she was doing me such a favor by serving me. I had never met this woman before (2021 bartender was white, this woman was black), I didn't display any signs of impatience with the wait, I was 100% sober (first drink of the night), and I literally had no other conversation with her than "Hi, can I have a Bud Light?" I even tried to say, "Have a good night!" on my way out and she turned away pretending she didn't hear me. Why be a bartender if serving drinks pisses you off? Why hire a bartender that makes customers unwelcome? Maybe rude service is part of their schtick now. Anyway, I won't be going back to Library.

I love this bar. I don't go to the Lower East Side as much as I used to but this is probably my favorite spot in that area. A great jukebox provides the perfect soundtrack for this throwback bar. Tables are located in the rear portion of the pub, where books line the shelves and movies play on the back wall. The bartenders keep the patrons in check and the vibe moving. I honestly cannot say enough good things about the bartenders. The clientele is varied and if you come with the right energy, you can definitely meet new people and have memorable conversations. Just a gem of a place that I hope never changes.

My fiancé and I stopped in here for a pre NYE party drink. There was a couple sitting at the bar who had a small dog, and the bartender was letting the dog walk ON the bar where drinks were made. I’m talking, ON the mats where drinks are made and cups are set down to dry. She was petting it in between making drinks, without washing her hands even once. We frequent dive bars so aren’t strangers to witnessing the occasional healthcode violation, but this was actually disgusting. Super disappointed because we were excited to visit this bar.

I was planning on barhopping for the night with my wife but enjoyed the environment so much we just stayed. The bar was playing old school punk music which was refreshing and enhanced the vibe of the bar. The bartender was nice, the bar was busy so it did take a while to get their attention but I didn't mind. When you have a full bar and only one bartender you'll just have to be patient. Their happy hour is fun. Instead of getting a discount on drinks you get a toy dinosaur with the purchase of a drink which you exchange for a free drink, kinda like a fun "buy one, get one free" style. The art on the walls are beautiful, it was fun looking around with my wife finding little pieces of art, funny stickers, and quotes around the bar. Definitely one of the best nights I had while visiting NY!

The library is a rare place in New York City where you can feel at home. Leila is a classic bartender where she understands how crazy New York can be yet she makes you feel at home. Love this place. Will definitely come again.

Looking for a dive bar with a chill environment? You've come to the right place! Popped in on a Saturday night after spending the day with friends and was able to get a table around 9pm without trouble! There is no table service and is the total epitome of a dive bar so you'll just have to order your drinks at the bar and pick it up after. Since I was sick, I got a Hot Toddy while my friends got their common drinks. Had to wait a bit for my drink and they do not have bar food.. however, they do welcome you to bring in your own food!

Great music and good vibes at this divey spot. I wanted to read a book at The Library (because lol) but but ended up just chatting with some strangers at the bar and had the best time. Thank you Bridget the bartender for making an out of town-er feel at home. *$20 minimum for cards if that matters to you

One of the best dive bars I've been to. New York is filled with great dive bars but this one is one of the best. Popped in for a drink in between shovelling food into my face hole and loved it. The bartender was lovely and had a lot of great advice of where to get great eats in the neighbourhood. Some dude was doing deliveries and sat down at the bar. He asked for a "Jack and Coke, no ice, no fruit, no straw". It was perfectly New York in its direct simplicity and I enjoyed watching him down a couple of them. Tons of character from his accent to his stainless steel rings. This guy alone made my day. Will definitely come back to enjoy the nightlife.

It's been so long since the last time I've been to the library that I'm pretty sure I remember when drinks here were $3-4 and not around $8. Lol. But the magic of The Library is that the drinks are still two for ones. And that deal goes on until 8pm. So your drink is back to being $4 essentially (kind of). I appreciate that to keep track of your buy back that they give you plastic dinosaurs. It's still an utter dive. But they now have some canned seltzer cocktails in addition to a pretty good rotation of tap beers. There's a movie projection screen in the back room which I'm struggling at remembering if that was always there. It's a classic dive in the east village that will really never be all too bad.

Popped in here on Halloweekend. Good dive bar, loved the vibe. The drinks were strong, good for the price.

Love the ambience a nice little cozy spot to hang around with friends. I've heard their coffee is pretty good but haven't tried it yet. Their drinks are good tho, friendly service. Overall a nice place to visit on a warm evening with your friend.

Friend brought me here for some drinks recently. Drinks were your typical dive bar things, reasonably priced for lower Manhattan. I like that there are booths and tables toward the back, it's definitely a cozy feel. The music was a little too loud at times, but not all the time (?). Service was fast and friendly. I'll probably be back on a rainy night out

Omg, free drink for every purchase during Happy Hour(same price)... WTF. Recipe to become a functional alcoholic... Again

Post punk dive bar still representing with great drinks, good music wi some deep cuts that you might not think of and a wonderful bartender. If you want frills, head towards midtown! I'm staying here!!!

The bartenders are authentic and very interested in their products and connecting the customer to the perfect cocktail!

I found this place a bit confusing, as it seemed to cater to a specific niche that didn't align with my preferences. It appeared to target a particular type of person, but I didn't quite connect with that vibe. They had a film featuring Macaulay Culkin and played artsy music, which added to the overall ambiance. The drinks were tasty, but were quite overpriced. However, there were some technical issues that affected our experience. For instance, my friend attempted to use a vending machine, but it didn't function properly, which was a letdown. Overall, while the establishment had its own distinct atmosphere, it didn't resonate with me personally. The combination of the film, music, and technical glitch left me feeling a bit disconnected from the place.

The manager is rude and they no are tourist friendly please don't go this place !!!!!!!

Terrible service outside of one bartender named Beth who was excellent. The other bartender actively ignored me. Just overall weird spot.

I'd give zero stars. My fiancé and I stopped in here for a pre NYE party drink. There was a couple sitting at the bar who had a small dog, and the bartender was letting the dog walk ON the bar where drinks were made. I'm talking, ON the mats where drinks are made and cups are set down to dry. She was petting it in between making drinks, without washing her hands even once. We frequent dive bars so aren't strangers to witnessing the occasional healthcode violation, but this was actually disgusting. Super disappointed because we were excited to visit this bar.

Bartender is fried as hell left the back of the bar to come all the way to the back and ask for a tip like 10 minutes after I got my drink she was arguing with herself in-front of me for like 2 minutes before walking away

Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. The Library and Michelle, the kind bartender are amazing. Can't wait till our next time at The Library.

An oldie and usually always a goodie! Especially after an event of some sorts. It has to be your vibe because the ambiance can be considered sketchy. Service is what you make it. I never have ordered food here, so I don't even know.

Other than having a bit of a pricey and tiny well drink ($10) the bartender was so lovely and welcoming, the whole bar was getting to know each other and it was just the perfect size crowd for a Sunday night. The decor and ambiance was so calming and definitely is a great queer friendly spot for dates, solo drinking, or catching up with friends.

Great dive bar in the East Village! A great place to hang and have a few beers or ciders. Most beers are $5-8 and if you get there for happy hour it's buy one get one making it pretty affordable for NYC. It's also a great spot to stop by before a show at Mercury Lounge since it's basically across the street!

We came here because it was dog friendly. I'm gonna be honest and say I wasn't impressed with this place, the service was definitely geared more towards the regulars of the bar. We came for the drink specials as well, but those don't start until later in the day, so we paid $14 for a Craft beet and a tall boy tecate. Not bad but for the price, we probably should have gone somewhere else. The place is a cool dive bar vibe and lots of fun stuff to look at, I'm sure it's even more fun late night, but we came around 2:30pm and it wasn't very busy. We will have to come back and give this place another try. Mainly came here because it was dog friendly and the bartender was really sweet with our dogs so that's a plus! Until next time! Cheers!

Horrid bartender attitudes. If you're looking for a bar that you're allowed to buy a beer to save them from doing their job, this is your place. If you want a bartender to.... tend the bar...... go ANYWHERE ELSE. The aggressive nature at which they refuse to make a simple lemon drop shop is absolutely insane. The female bartender is the least worthy of your time. They only want to serve hipster locals so don't even waste time- go to the Double Down Saloon for better bartenders and a great time!

This is a fire dive bar in LES. The people that work here are hella cool, music is a very nice vibe and the prices are great. During happy hour they have a deal for buy 1 beer and get another for free or something of that sort. Just hella laid back and I can't emphasize enough how helpful and chill the bartenders are.

This is not a place to come if you want to read a good book. Great bar with an amazing collection of top shelf liquor. Great way to start off a date. The bar itself is huge and has some seating rooms in the back as well. Come after 9:30pm and there will definitely be a crowd. Bartenders are super sweet and takes the time to tell you what's good, and aways around when you need a refill. Sadly they don't make any old fashions but I settled with a gin and tonic. My date had a beer. Great selection of music! Fun crowd and a great bar for pregaming on drinks.

Had the opportunity to visit The Library after a friend suggested it as a casual dive bar in LES that's good to hang out at. I met my friend there for drinks on a Wednesday evening and was thoroughly impressed to see that the space lived up to his description. Again, this was decried to me as a "no frills" bar where you can grab drinks at a fairly cheap price. It was definitely no frills in the way you want it to be though. Nice staff and wide drink selection. I can see this as the spot where locals have been coming for years on end and don't plan on ever leaving. While we were there however the music was blasting pretty loudly. We tried to escape it by moving further into the space as opposed to staying seated at the bar but unfortunately it followed us there as well. What was cool though was that they had a movie projected onto a screen on their back wall. Apparently they do this daily so I'm wondering if they have viewing events on occasion as well. Seems like that be a great thing to attend in a place like this! Overall seems like a decent dive bar in the area to possibly grab a drink with a friend. My friend and I actually went to the bar next door after since they had outdoor seating. Three stars for good service and cheap drinks.

I liked to come here because of the atmosphere and well-priced drinks, so I brought my friends when they visited me... unfortunately the bartender was very rude to us, after we paid with cash before we even got our change back they said to us "by the way... tip is NOT included" in a very snotty tone. We always tip so this was out of pocket and does not make me want to come back

Lovely bar with friendly and cool bartenders. cheap beer with some nice drafts. Very friendly and homely crowd in a nice area, plus a classic jukebox with a projector playing interesting and eye catching films and videos. Very chill bar that seems fun on weekends. Search and destroy sticker behind the bar which was a bit of a bummer since the store seemed to be full of fake punks with racist and sexist imagery alongside shit service. Other than that a v nice bar to hangout at during the weekdays.

Fun place with a lot of tables, cheap drinks and a very good attention. Also they had a fun movie

This bar feels like home away from home, a place I can be with ease. Great vibes, fun regulars and friendly bartenders. I make sure to come every Thursday night and Saturday to see my favorite, Emma. Cheap drinks and a guaranteed good time! Love grabbing the corner spot - seats taken!! hehe recommend this spot to all who are looking for fun!

So I came here last night for Halloween and the vibe was definitely excellent. Halloween spirit. Rock music (I hate going to bars with loud hip hop). Drinks were a bit pricey but it is in nyc so to be expected. So, why two stars then? The bartender when I calmly said "whenever you have a chance " that's really all I got out before she started calling me rude and I'm yelling at her and I'm fucking her job up, yes she cursed at me. Excuse me? That's how you talk to your customers??!?! Even my friend standing next to me saw this and agreed with me and the other people at the bar. I realize it is a busy night and I have no problem waiting for my drink. She is super lucky that I am not an asshole. I believe in treating my enemies with kindness. So on a 43$ check I left her a 30$ tip and wrote on it. "Next time be a bit more kinder." Not everyone would be as nice as me. My buddy was begging to leave 0 but I couldn't do such a thing. Maybe she'll think twice before mouthing off to a customer again and I hope she reads this review and she'll know who it is. So after that I payed the bill and walked to the bar across the street with a much nicer bartender in a just as busy atmosphere. I hope she reads this and learns from her mistake because next time she might get someone who isn't as nice as me and will leave nothing and possibly give her an attitude back instead of just taking her shit and smiling, like I did. If it wasn't for the vibe of the place and the music I would have given the place 1 star because of the bartender last night. I have worked in bars and fancy restaurants for years and no matter how bad a customer would ever get or whatever (I wasn't even being rude) you don't talk to them like that!

The NYC dive bar you'd expect. I actually loved the grunge vibe and the music playing. The bartender was really kind and friendly. Lastly, the drinks are much cheaper than most spots in New York so it was great stop to grab a few drinks.

Cool dive bar that provides everything you would imagine in such a place. Laid back vibe, grungy, local mixed with some tourists as well. Cheap booze which is a plus as most cocktail lounges tend to be on the pricier side. When you go here know what you want and order. Staff appreciates that especially when it's busy.

Standard, no frills dive bar. You'll meet some interesting people and the decor is quite unique. It's lined with books...no surprise there! The drinks are fair as well and have the basics. Friendly, spunky female bartender is a plus!

A couple of friends and I had stopped in one day as we started on this list of "50 NYC Bars to Drink in Before You Die". This place was on it so naturally we had to make a stop. What a dive bar indeed! It's super dark; they have B-Movies projected on the wall at the far end of the bar, it's dirty, and the bathroom is covered from floor to ceiling in graffiti. There are bookcases on the wall housing a few decorative books, giving the bar's name some relevance. There are a couple of tables and booths in the back in the pitch black where you can catch some of the movie and chat amongst friends over candlelight. They had a decent selection of beers, and their 2 for 1 happy hour is M-F but starts at 5pm. We were there a little too early to take advantage of this (no judgment zone here). Visiting was an experience to say the least, and that is one more bar that has been checked off the list.

"I'm at the Library." "Cool. I'll meet you." 30 minutes later "Hey where are you? I'm by the lions." "....No. I'm at the BAR, The Library." "Oh god. Of course you are. Give me another 30." Wish I could say I've had this conversation only once. But it's happened three times within the past five years. I love the Library. I never thought I would love the Library. But it's one of my favourite bars. Discovered it way back when. When I was still in my bougie cocktail bar phase. Decided to wander in after passing it for years and GODFUCK. I'm so glad I did. It's a dive. It's one of the divest dives ever. But it's fun. Happy Hour. You get a BOGO with cute figurines. The bartenders are not the best. They're not even really nice, they spend a lot of time ignoring you and talking to the regulars. But once you're nice to them the first couple of drinks, you get better service. Grab a booth in the back, watch the projected film, put some punk on the jukebox. Maybe see what books are on the shelves. It gets packed on Friday and Saturday. So avoid unless it's around 12-1am. Don't come here for cocktails. I don't even think they make 'em. Come here for a chill night with ya mates, and maybe to shotgun a beer.

First, the ambiance is amazing. If you want a true NYC dive, look no further. With that being said, be prepared to talk loudly as the music in here really floats through the bar. The drinks here are strong, both bartenders that I had were amazing, one was brunette and one was blonde. Both were phenomenal and did not rush me when I was deciding on a drink, were very sweet and pour generously. I will definitely be back! I think I just found my new favorite bar.

This is a definite locals bar. The people who hang out here have been hanging out for a very long time. They know each other well. They know what the other likes to drinks. What's new in their lives. But most importantly, if they want whiskey in their coffee? And where is the latest He-Man VHS to start the morning off on a Saturday. Nothing says morning like whiskey and 80's cartoons. One of the regulars travels an hour and half every Saturday just to spend his day here. Lucky for us we live a block away and we can roll in and out as we please. The happy hour is a total steal. You can buy one and get one free. They give you little toys for your second beer. If you drink $3 beers then you are really getting more bang for your buck. In the wee evenings on weekend warrior time, there is an extreme mixed crowd from, a 44 year old divorcée, bike riding hipsters, regulars and people who are completely obliterated. I am a little too old for all that and I prefer day drinking myself. This place is also great for groups. But good luck finding a spot at the bar.

Here goes... Nicole is a kickass bartender. She made me a refreshing cherry limeade fizz- a much needed summer hot walk break. She took a photo with the window unicorn and I, even plugging in the lights! We chatted about the Happy Hour rules, and I thought about coming back when it was Happy Hour. I did. However, in changing my watch back/ahead to Happy Hour time, it was ahead by five minutes. Thus when I placed my order, it was 4:58. I was charged $16 by another bartender, don't know her name. I paid, but politely protested, and this chick shrugged her shoulders, and took my $20, giving me no change. Yet Nicole came to my rescue. I told her what had happened, and she honored the 2 for 1 special. So... my take is the local guy/boys/men get the best service. But seek out Nicole and play by the rules. And tip.

Dive bar with Tecate tall boys, decent whiskeys, and a projection screen. In an area where dive bars abound, The Library doesn't exactly scratch and itch that needed scratching. But it's solid.

The Library is one of the coolest dive bars around! With colorful decor ranging from lantern to pepper lighting, a jukebox, and a big screen projector, as well as ample bar and table space, how could it not be? Furthermore, their two-for-one drink deals from 5-8 and generally reasonably priced beverages, served with tiny plastic action figures, are unbeatable. Also, take-out is most definitely welcome.

This bar is a complete piece of sh*t, and that's why I love it. Give me a spot where the locals and the bartender bust chops, half the seats are ripped/broken, there's an unidentifiable smell and the drinks are cheap and I'm a happy man. Sure, I'll come in looking like an insurance salesman compared to the rest of the crowd, but this is the vibe I like for sure. Enough about me... Library is a solid spot to hang. Grab a drink, a seat, and no one will bother you here. For real, you're in park and you can stay as long as you like. It's not for everyone here and it's not a 'destination' spot, but if you're in the area or day drinking and bar hopping, come on in! Another lovely EV dive. Bonus: the jukebox is aggressive

I've always been a fan of bars that have board games, but after going to The Library I'm sold on bars with books. The library is a relatively calm oasis amongst a sea of overcrowded clubs and bars with lines halfway down the block. We didn't have to wait to get in and we easily found a seat. The Library definitely has a more low-key atmosphere than most other bars in the neighborhood--its walls are covered in shelves of old books and they were even playing a movie on Saturday night. It has a great vibe if you're more in the mood to talk with friends than to dance in a crowded club. The bouncer was also super friendly which was a plus!

We went to The Library with a group of 8 last night. Despite the bar not being extremely busy, members of our group stood around the bar for 15 minutes waiting to catch the bartenders attention for a drink. After a while, only 2 of us were able to order a drink. Bartender was extremely rude and commented from across the bar that a tip had not been left on the credit card. Very inappropriate, especially considering my group/table had not yet left the bar, and we would have tipped collectively at the end of our night. As I removed cash from my wallet to tip (as the bartender requested I do immediately), the bartender walked out from behind the bar and practically took the tip out of my hand and said "thank you", and returned to behind the bar. Our group decided to take our business elsewhere for the remainder of our night.

The name, Library, is a bit misleading and this is definitely not a place to go to read a book with a cup of coffee or any sort. This place is a dive bar and I am definitely not a fan of it but it's actually pretty decent. It has a good collection of liquors with some seating in the back and a movie playing along the wall on the back as well. They even have a juke box. Our bartender was really nice and she looked like Amy Winehouse. I had a dessert liquor - baileys on the rocks.

Upon arriving there was an unsettling smell that lingered in the bar. Was tempted to leave but since I came with a group of friends, I decided to stay. We sat in the back where it was dim and we barely saw each other (because it was just that dark in there). The buy one get one is tempting but the bartender who was working was unwelcoming and inattentive. Who wants to wait 10 minutes before getting a drink? Not me. After paying for the drink (and tipping..) she proceeded to tell me that I didn't pay and that the drink I ordered was my free drink... um what?? When I brought it to her attention she gave me an attitude threw the dinosaur chip for the free drink at me. What a joke. Bad vibes & bad service = unhappy customer. Will not be returning.

huge fan! divey but not gross. super sweet bartender and no questionable clientele. they play the most random old movies which is fun. happy hour buy one get one is awesome (and risky!)

It was a very crowded Friday happy hour and they only had one bartender (brunette with tatted arms). But my God, did she kick ass. I've never seen one person tend to so many patrons, so quickly and professionally - especially when doubles were offered and everyone was trying to get their orders in before the witching hour. Most barkeeps can only manage and order or two at once, and close a tab or two at once. This talented pro kept everyone well lubricated, with their drinks of choice delivered at rapid pace, and tabs were effortlessly presented and closed out without s sip being missed. She did last call and had 50 people settled within minutes. Out-fricking-standing. I';; give it another star if they shift some staff to San Diego!

As if the gross bar isn't reason enough not to go here- they have a sign outside tonight that says "if you don't tip, the bartender will tell you to kill yourself". This is not funny. Or acceptable.

I went here because someone mentioned this place to me before. It was crowded on a Friday night. My friend and I ordered one drink. They had a selection of beers. I just stuck to my usual. It's not that big here. Nothing special here, just a bar to drink with friends. However, I would not think of this place for a place to hang out.

Library Bar begs fragmented sentences. Old stomping grounds. Cheap a$$ drinks made only cheaper thanks to an excellent Happy Hour (not on Saturdays). Friendly bartenders. Old school Alphabet City vibe. Fabulous juke box. All kinds of crazy stuff projected on the screen on the back wall. Grosser than gross bathrooms. Dive bar? I mean, this is how most East Village bars used to be. I'm so glad it survived after all these year when similar venerable institutions are long gone. The Library, Mona's, Manitoba's, Otto's. May they live forever!