The Library at the Public

Located in New York, New York

Address: 425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003, United States

Phone: +1 212-539-8777

Rating: 4.3

Services

Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Fast service
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Late-night food
Spirits
Wine
Dinner
Dessert
Bar on site
Toilets
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Groups
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-11-18 - Rating: 5)
The Library restaurant is an elegant and warm space—perfect for enjoying dinner before a performance at the Public Theater, conveniently located in the same building.

Review 2 (2024-04-23 - Rating: 5)
Stopped by before meeting a friend and the entrance is giving Center Stage. The bar has 360 seating with roughly 20 brown tall leather stools. The artwork is nice to get lost into; there were a few beer recipes, prohibition pieces and other NYC landmarks.I had the Baby Wedge Salad; bacon, blue cheese, vine tomatoes, price 16It was a great presentation and they dressed it HEALTHILY which I love. The bacon was crisp and the blue cheese was complex. Highly recommend this dish even if you dont care for salads.Lastly, I had the salmon entree and although I like salmon more on the medium well side, it was medium and nicely seasoned. The season vegetables on the side were prepared so well.Drinks:Been loving Mezcal lately and ordered the Mezcal Spritz. It had: Cenizo Mezcal, Cappelletti, grapefruit, Prosecco - price was 19. It was a nice drink but would stick to your favorites. The Espresso Martini was beautifully made and balanced.These mixologists are working hard and they churn out great cocktails. Service is super fast; stepped away for a moment and my plates were gone.

Review 3 (2023-03-04 - Rating: 4)
Good food, nice ambiance, good service, fun and different spot for food/drinks and other events.The staff was very friendly and nice. The food was quite good and well presented (great plating). The executive chef is a famous Michelin chef, which makes sense. He also creates the playlist for his restaurants (fun fact), which are very good.Would go back for drinks or other events. Nice place to throw a private event as well.The only thing I’d say about the food was the salmon was cooked not perfectly cooked but it wasn’t bad. I recommend the hummus appetizer, which is delicious and well spiced

Review 4 (2024-08-07 - Rating: 5)
We came on a weekday night for the restaurant week and the food & cocktails were amazing! We live in the neighborhood and this is by far the best kept secret. We’ll definitely be back.

Review 5 (2019-11-20 - Rating: 4)
Not bad for Members of the Public, who get a 20% discount. Otherwise, it is expensive. Roast Chicken dish was steaming hot tasty. The Tagliatelle was lukewarm but flavorful. It took a long time to place the order and receive our meals. Pre-theater the place is packed. Make a reservation!

Review 6 (2024-03-29 - Rating: 5)
Great and elegant place for cocktails... Or mocktails if you dont drink alcohol like me. During shoes and performance time it can be busy, but if not itll be quieter and more intimate. Variety of seating options. Looking forward to coming back.Oh and great staff. Thanks for a great night.

Review 7 (2024-07-28 - Rating: 5)
Really neat atmosphere with nicely made drinks

Review 8 (2024-08-19 - Rating: 5)
Very cute hidden gem!

Review 9 (2023-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Especiallyw Michelle and Sophia represented The Library at the Public super well (every employee there was lovely, truly). They were both warm and welcoming, and they majorly contributed to the beautiful experience that my friend and I had there.

Review 10 (2024-08-19 - Rating: 5)
Great service e and the food was very good

Review 11 (2024-09-03 - Rating: 5)
Hidden gem with delicious food and a truly special atmosphere. We’ve seen celebrities here enjoying themselves just as much as we were.

Review 12 (2013-08-05 - Rating: 4)
Really enjoyed the decor and vibe when we stopped in for a drink on Friday night around 6. My cocktail (Imperialist Sour, $14) was well-balanced and not too sweet. The only thing i didnt like was that they wouldnt let us sit at a table since it was their peak time -- yet the tables were about 80% empty the entire time we were there. Luckily, our timing was good and we managed to get a table/chairs at the lounge area in between the restaurant tables and the (already full) bar.

Review 13 (2022-10-30 - Rating: 5)
The library restaurant is a quiet elegant warm and beautiful place to have dinner before or after the public theater which is in the same building. I recently saw the play “Raising in the sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. The play is over the top. I had dinner with friends prior to going to the theater, and after the theater we returned to the restaurant for dessert .That was last weekend 10/23/22I was in the neighborhood this weekend to celebrate the beginning of Halloween and I stopped into the restaurant joyfully and all this ambience and warmth and hospitality and quiet, to catch up on some reading that I could not do in a loud subway car.They welcomed me in my costume, a good witch.Go there and enjoy yourself. you have many options to choose. That night three plays were going on , Joe’s Pub is one. It’s always buzzing

Review 14 (2022-06-23 - Rating: 5)
If youre seeing a show at The Public Theater leave yourself some time to enjoy dinner and drinks (or at least a drink) at The Library - the onsite restaurant and bar at The Public. Great food, great atmosphere in a NYC landmark.

Review 15 (2019-04-16 - Rating: 5)
Favorite spot for a cocktail on a weeknight. Be sure to go after the evenings show has started for an uncrowded bar. Inventive cocktail list with some steady classics too.

Review 16 (2019-01-14 - Rating: 5)
Food is excellent but menu is somewhat limited. A bit pricey but on par with other restaurants in the area. Atmosphere is relaxed and staff is extremely attentive. Historic location brings you back in time.

Review 17 (2024-10-04 - Rating: 5)
Our server, Michael, was wonderful.

Review 18 (2013-06-15 - Rating: 5)
Music? Check. Food? Check. Shakespeare decor? Check. Dont leave without getting the malt-vinegar mayo + fries OR the lamb OR the short ribs. The whole experience is something not be missed. Go now before it gets too popular -- NYtimes recently reviewed, so the secrets out.

Review 19 (2019-03-30 - Rating: 5)
Amazing food and service. Great staff and atmosphere. Convenient for pre-show meals. Lots of tasty options on the menu.

Review 20 (2024-06-02 - Rating: 5)
Amazing experience! Staff was friendly attentive, there wasn’t a long wait for our meal, and it was a wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Review 21 (2024-03-22 - Rating: 5)
Nice and quiet when the shows are on and it’s empty.

Review 22 (2017-09-26 - Rating: 4)
Great food and warm, cheerful service. Eating here is a no-brainer if youre seeing a show at the Public Theater.

Review 23 (2018-03-07 - Rating: 5)
Perfectly encapsulates the mission of the Public Theater. Its intimate yet vivacious! The menu and cocktail selection are sensational and inventive. Whoever is in charge of their music choices is a genius!

Review 24 (2019-08-01 - Rating: 5)
Only had a few minutes before a show but managed to relax with some delicious fish tacos.

Review 25 (2016-08-05 - Rating: 4)
Nice relaxed bar/lounge atmosphere, esp if you enjoy the not super loud usual bar scene. Library like atmosphere (hence the name).

Review 26 (2019-06-15 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic, quiet little place. Drinks were just ok, but the ambiance was fantastic.

Review 27 (2017-11-27 - Rating: 5)
One of my favorite bars in the city. Super cozy and cool staff.

Review 28 (2016-01-09 - Rating: 5)
Beautiful and integrity in every aspect of the restaurant! A must eat for Ny locals and downtown theater lovers

Review 29 (2019-12-20 - Rating: 4)
Four stars for location, three stars for food and service. Come and enjoy. Plus: Discounts for Public Members.

Review 30 (2020-01-20 - Rating: 4)
Not too noisy. Good food. Great for group gathering.

Review 31 (2018-03-04 - Rating: 4)
Beautiful place, trendy decor, hot bartender on Saturday night. Food is so so.

Review 32 (2023-05-28 - Rating: 5)
A very cool bar is hangout at regularly if I could

Review 33 (2018-01-27 - Rating: 4)
Good American food and great drinks - not cheap but would recommend!

Review 34 (2022-11-04 - Rating: 5)
Great spot for a cocktail and interesting crowd to check out.

Review 35 (2024-01-11 - Rating: 5)
GREAT place to eat & drink - food is great - and atmosphere and service was awesome!

Review 36 (2013-06-30 - Rating: 4)
Only stopped for drinks - great Shakespeare vibe, fabulous cocktails, not too busy...

Review 37 (2018-02-25 - Rating: 4)
Great room, good drinks, though a bit of a splurge

Review 38 (2024-03-10 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful menu and atmosphere

Review 39 (2018-01-29 - Rating: 5)
It was a great time. Definitely worth it. Nice celebration.

Review 40 (2023-02-09 - Rating: 5)
Love the ambience, and the food was very good. Great to bring friends over for small talk and a snack before a show.

Review 41 (2023-04-13 - Rating: 5)
Great service, cool staff! Chill spot! Whether or not your going to see a show at the Public Theater, this is a place to check out and hang!

Review 42 (2020-01-26 - Rating: 5)
Fabulous restaurant delicious food excellent service.

Review 43 (2022-10-19 - Rating: 5)
Friendly bartender and a nice intimate environment. Good cozy atmosphere. Beer is cheap and good quality.

Review 44 (2015-01-29 - Rating: 4)
Excellent ambience and service, but its a little pricey.

Review 45 (2023-02-19 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful atmosphere and our server was charming and had excellent recommendations.Try the Pickle Martini!

Review 46 (2019-02-18 - Rating: 5)
The library room upstairs is perfect for small private events.

Review 47 (2022-11-10 - Rating: 5)
Perfect place for cocktails and dinner before seeing a show.

Review 48 (2022-11-30 - Rating: 4)
Perfect place to have dinner before a performance downstairs.

Review 49 (2022-07-24 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic cocktails, lovely quiet vibe, the food and staff are great as well Q

Review 50 (2019-10-31 - Rating: 5)
Excellent establishment. Not inexpensive (eg, $18 cocktails) but very high quality drinks, food and service. Moroccan chicken was excellent. And obviously super convenient to see a show.

Review 51 (2019-04-21 - Rating: 5)
Great food. Nice atmosphere friendly staff. There doesnt seem to be a dress code. Most where wearing a nice top and jeans or slacks.

Review 52 (2018-12-16 - Rating: 4)
A bit pricey but definitely a nice place. Food is tiny but again, a very nice place. The staff was great and kind.

Review 53 (2018-03-20 - Rating: 5)
Upstairs bar and restaurant mostly frequented by people who are there for a show or for Joes Pub. Drinks are good, food is fine, expectations should be for a decent place and not much more. Atmosphere is quiet, patrons are well dressed, people are there either before or after a performance for convenience, rarely for the food or drinks.

Review 54 (2018-02-21 - Rating: 4)
Lovely drinks at the bustling, welcoming bar.

Review 55 (2015-11-20 - Rating: 5)
One of my favorite places to meet a friend for a drink. Im a fan of their shrugs. The food is excellent if you can grab a reservation for dinner.

Review 56 (2018-04-24 - Rating: 5)
Awesome food. Not to over priced. Not really a hang out but great for a bite before blue man!!!

Review 57 (2019-06-24 - Rating: 5)
Friendly service and usually not too busy

Review 58 (2017-10-29 - Rating: 5)
Food and service was excellent. They are very mindful of the time if you have a show to watch.

Review 59 (2017-07-30 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food, great service, and reasonable pricing! Plus a charming atmosphere to boot! :)

Review 60 (2019-03-05 - Rating: 5)
Amazing cocktails in this casual, cozy, and slightly hidden romantic bar. Also the food is top notch

Review 61 (2019-11-15 - Rating: 4)
Inventive cocktails and small plates, perfect for a quick bite before or after a show at the Public.

Review 62 (2017-05-29 - Rating: 4)
Attractive, cozy bar at the Public theater. Cocktails are well made but expensive. Bartenders are knowledgeable and pleasant.

Review 63 (2019-11-22 - Rating: 5)
Great quiet bar. Amazing French fries.

Review 64 (2016-08-01 - Rating: 4)
Great food. Went for a company party. Everything tasted wonderful.

Review 65 (2016-01-28 - Rating: 4)
Pricy drinks, but its a good location

Review 66 (2019-08-03 - Rating: 5)
Great food and service.

Review 67 (2019-10-24 - Rating: 4)
Fine. Not for young people really..

Review 68 (2018-07-29 - Rating: 5)
Sat at the bar. Lovely setting, good food, affordable wine, great service.

Review 69 (2014-02-18 - Rating: 5)
We went for the restaurant week and it was th emost delightful expirience so far in NYC upscale dinning. The waitress are extrimly nice and helfull, the service is fast and enchanting. The place is like an old library living room, very cozy and charming. Now the food: AMAZING! big salads, perfectly dressed and mega tasty are the opening for the act II. I asked for the pierogis assuming that nothing can be better than the ones i ate in Poland ( or in Brighton beach where they have pretty decent copies of the originals), but this pierogis are even better than the polish ones. My friends asked for the meat are were super happy with how delicious and tender the dishes were. The desserts are also terrific, the chocolate panacota and the sundae are the best, but the apple one is following very close. The drinks are another headline: the memories of something was a very tasty and refreshing addition to my already perfect meal. they also have good bourbons and Scotchs, and of course Zvrowska!