Book Club Bar

This is my local haven, my escape from the world! Not only is the Book Club great for picking from the newest and very eclectic selection of books, you can order coffee, beer or wine and non-alcoholic beverages. They have a selection of teas and mulled wine in the winter. They also have delicious pastries.

My favorite part about Book Club is the lasting friendships that I’ve built with the incredible staff! Mathuson, Karie, Lissa, Jude and Ben! The owners Erin and Nat are hard working and have created an amazing atmosphere in the neighborhood with Book Club.

Get there early if you want a seat at the bar or in the back, lounge area. There is also an outdoor seating area and seating goes fast!

Great little spot for working or reading, or grabbing some coffee. Imposes a natural quiet atmosphere. So probably wouldn’t be the best place for a conference call or chatting, unless you took it outside (they have front and back outside seating).

For laptop/work be warned: There is no wifi here AND no places to power/ charge. They also ask for no more than 90 mins of laptop time for seating sharing. And no laptop usage after 6pm at all, which is respectable.

Always such a chill time to unwind at Book Club! It’s really great being able to write or simply read - and be surrounded by fellow readers or creative souls clearly working on their own projects. There’s always people reading, either at the couches or at the bar.

Definitely a reader paradise! Highly recommended.

Also, worth checking out their events, as they have many going on throughout the month too!

Book Club combines a cozy and intimate café atmosphere with a book store, with plenty of seating available for reading (note there is no wifi and laptop usage is discouraged after 6pm). With late-night hours, it’s an ideal spot for indulging in immersive reading sessions.

A decent amount of seating. laptops ok before 6pm on weekdays. No wifi. They have coffee/tea on the menu. They do several events a month.

Such an amazing and creative atmosphere. Any writers heading to NYC simply must spend a day in the Book Club with a coffee or a wine and a laptop (although there's a strict NO laptops after 6pm rule!). Even the bathrooms are a treat, covered in book pages. Located in the very cool East Village, this is a gem not to be missed

I have disabilities that make e-books much more accessible than physical books, thus the only way I can really enjoy reading like anyone else in there is to use a digital device. I attempted to explain I was reading a book, but one of the staff was still very rude about a no-laptop rule. The vibes would’ve been nice, but I’m too exhausted by purportedly leftist spaces with complete apathy for us disabled folks. Additionally, they really need to add a note on their website and a sign in front of the place noting that their restrooms are NOT accessible (down a steep flight of stairs), and find out where the closest accessible bathroom nearby is to refer disabled patrons to. (in fact, their front door isn’t even accessible either). There is also no air purifier anywhere in the small space, and no outdoor seating at the moment, which in a COVID era is also pretty inaccessible. Lastly, I’ll echo many of the other reviews about the music being veryyy loud for a place where people come to read and socialize (it’s good music, just loud). The consequent sensory overload, and knowing from prior review responses that staff will be rude if you even ask about adjusting the volume slightly, also add to the palpable inaccessibility and ableism on top of it. (Even something like not offering decaf coffee kind of knocks out anyone who wants a beverage and has cardiac issues). I usually love frequenting small businesses like this as it’s a great concept, and I’d like to return if some minimum starting efforts are made to become more disability-inclusive.

Absolutely love this place! So cozy and welcoming. The barista was friendly and quick to make our drinks. The coffee was good enough, but I just love the space. It has a great outdoor patio in the back, plenty of seating, wifi, and great book selection!

Super chill, nice indoor/outdoor vibe, outlets to plug in your laptop and your choice of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, and books! What more could you ask for?

Nice place. Went in the morning on a Wed. A decent amount of seating and outlets for laptops but no wifi. Looks like there are a bunch of different events in the evening as well

Just a heads up theres no wifi —

Ive been looking forward to visiting here for awhile however the vibe here is totally off. There are gnats everywhere (which is probably because they leave the door open all day which I love but still) also the bathrooms are filthy. Maybe I just came on an off day

I get both the negative and the positive comments. The vibe, book selection, and patrons are all great. But some of the staff aren't friendly and are slow, they seem to understaff at times, the music is oddly loud, very few seats are comfortable, and the coffee is always lukewarm at best. To those whinging about laptop restrictions or wifi, respectfully, just go somewhere else.

what a cute bookstore, Cafe, wine and cocktail bar rolled into one. an awesome place to bring your book and read and possibly make a new friend! can get busy on the weekends and they've got a no laptop policy then too.

Great vibes with a pretty wide selection of books - I didn’t have one in mind so I didn’t see any I was interested in, but that’s not for lack of options. They had a good number of chairs and tables in the back of the bar and outside (front and back) to sit, read, drink, chat, etc. so it felt cozy. We did happen to go on the same day as one of the pride events, so it was very crowded and loud and difficult to move - but I will give the benefit of the doubt that it was due to the day and not how it is normally because otherwise it seems like a great place to relax. The drinks were pretty good, they didn’t have a whole lot of options on the board, but it’s a bar so if they have something you can order what you like.
They have signs up to not be on your laptops in the bar so definitely wouldn’t recommend if you plan on working remotely or anything of that sort.

Very relaxed atmosphere. Service was a bit slow at the bar, noticed some staff loaded with work and others casually chatting without offering a hand. Did a bit of light reading and then worked on my laptop but there was no wifi to my surprise because the place serves for a convenient and comfortable place to get some work done, so long you’re not bothering anyone around you. Like the guy next to me having a full on meeting with his AirPods on. 🙄

Conflicted because I love this place, but they don’t let you work on your laptop there on the weekends. As a writer, it would be great to write in a book shop. TLDR, good vibes and decent coffee (it’s not a top coffee shop but it does the job)… just beware of their rules. Don’t be like me and get settled with a coffee, only to have to pack up and leave.

Nice bookstore aesthetic in the back area. Had a few gems on the bookshelves

2 things though:

1. Somehow none of the outlets in the bar work?

2. Woman working in the drinks area told me I had to buy something if I was going to stay and look through the books?

Meanwhile, I was already in the midst of looking through the drinks menu and had asked her for two cups of water while still searching.

Turned us off from purchasing something altogether and ended up just leaving not long after

Very cute vibe but there is no wifi at anytime. I came at 2:45 PM in a Tuesday.

Cool place was excited to come, but was disappointed after I and others were treated rudely by the staff. There is no wifi and they make it clear you aren’t allowed to sit and read their books unless you purchase. Watched a staff member pester a customer on how long she had been there, as there is a 90 minute policy, but she had just sat down. This is a nice alternative for people looking for a chill place to drink and read, but I’d advise going to another book cafe with kinder staff.

An amazing oasis in the midst of the city - I've come here for both reading and a club, both times great! Very good coffee and cocktails, and I appreciate the posted laptop rules. Can't wait to get back!

Great atmosphere for a quiet drink and good range of tea and coffee options .Not a great for conversion as a quiet zone and no wifi even though half the clientele are on them working ( nb. laptops banned in evening).So If you can live with that and want a relaxing quaint place this is your place.

Cool concept although the daytime options weren’t as interesting and the lack of wifi constrains what you can do - I get the focus is on the books but I think there can be a bit more flexibility.

This is an unfriendly environment. I bought a drink. I was asked to move because there was an event. I moved somewhere else. I still had half my drink left. I went to get a drink. My drink got taken away. I sit down. A waiter tells me I have buy a drink as a paying customer or else I should leave. I explained that I had already bought a drink but it got taken away. All they care about is money. The music and talking is extremely loud, can't focus on reading. There are signs that say "NO PUBLIC wifi." There are no power outlets just in case your phone runs out of batteries and u need a place to recharge. I would not recommend.

The staff are super friendly and the coffee is delicious. Seating is limited. I sat at the bar for a few hours. It’s not too loud since most people wear headphones so it’s a great place to study or get some work done. The only down side and therefore 4 star instead of 5 star review is the lack of wifi!! Maybe they’re trying to encourage reading but…c’mon

Great concept and lovely space, however really small and often filled up with people working on their laptops for hours. There's some outside seating on the street/backyard, but neither offer heating during the winter months. They offer a selection of wines, coffees, and teas. Beyond a coffee/wine shop that sells books, they also have live events that you can go to.

Great vibes, good coffee and comfortable seats. Homey feel with dark wood, rugs, and range of books. Garden seating available in the back, which is handy if you have a dog. Bathroom available also.
No wifi or others from what I can tell. No laptop zone after 6pm.

No public wifi, and laptop usage is limited to 90 minutes. How is this a good place to work? At least they have reusable mugs as opposed to the single use ones too many cafes use even when you’re dining in.

Lovely coffee shop full of books. Free wifi, but don't bring your laptop after 7pm and expect to get work done. They seve alcohol and the place becomes a very nice evening haunt for people who enjoy good conversations.

The BEST hidden gem. A bookstore coffee shop by day, bar by night. Great ambience, extremely laptop + work-friendly (so many outlets! Free wifi!), and very gracious staff. Lots of lovely barstools AND armchairs. Harry Potter wallpaper in the bathrooms.

You gotta visit.

Stopped in on a trip to NYC to get a bit of work done. Everyone was super friendly and the book selection was very cool. I bought “Cheat Day” by Liv Stratam who was actually working behind the counter, so she signed my copy before leaving. I wish we had a spot like this in LA, though it wouldn’t really be the same… Will definitely stop back in next time I’m in NY

I’m giving this a high rating even though I never got the opportunity to be here! I came on a Wednesday around 1-2pm looking for a work-from-home spot while visiting NYC for a few days and came all the way down here from 39th St and unfortunately the already minimal space was completely full. Everyone else had the same idea as me! There was maybe 1-2 people who didn’t have a laptop with them. Oh well, Will maybe try again next time I have a chance to visit NYC! It looked really cozy on the inside with comfy chairs and a bar. Also a back garden patio with seating as well as front outdoor seating. outlets at the bar that I noticed.

Seriously one of my favorite spots in the city! It is literally the coffee shop / bookstore that I have been dreaming of!

wifi? Check!
Plugs? Check!
Good coffee + Baristas? Check!

And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s also a full on book store and bar with great reading chairs and an outdoor patio!

It is the best spot to get some work done, dive into or discover a new book, and of course grab a drink.

While this place does have wifi, it does not work when the owner is present. When I kindly asked the owner to lower the music down a bit because I’m trying to work, she rudely rejected my request. Cold and unsympathetic is all I can say about this establishment. The owner clearly stated this is not a “Wework,” with the most unpleasant attitude. A very unwelcoming environment and prejudice against people with laptops. I tried reading my book, also not doable with the thumbing loud music in the morning. Spend your money at an establishment that values customer service because coffee is easily accessible anywhere and the luke warm coffee and $10 matcha here is not cutting it.

Great little bookstore and cafe! Very cute and has great vibes. Good quiet place to work with wifi too. They serve coffee and beer/wine. Awesome little place.

They have a limited number of outlets, so it's best to come with a charged laptop if you plan on spending a large portion of your workday there. I had my laptop plugged into an outlet that they typically use for a lamp, and an employee yanked my charger out and threw it onto the ground saying "I'm sorry but we need this for the lamp," and then walked away from me to shelf books before I could say anything. While I understand that they are dealing with limited outlets, it is rude to unplug someone's device without having a conversation first. This employee (not the barista) could have told me their charging policy, and then gave me a chance to save my work so I could unplug my device myself. I could have lost all my work if my battery were 10% lower. Besides that negative experience, it's a calm environment with good coffee.

Curated aesthetic of a library/cafe. Very relaxed with considerable seating and work space. My only gripe is the loud music. The speakers blare over your head and require headphones as opposed to the natural noise level to better support the ideal working/studying/writing audience.

I never leave reviews but I have to give one for book club seeing some negative reviews from people thinking they shouldn't have to buy something... this place is a gem.c I love the tea selection and the staff is awesome- the blond bartender some have complained about in other reviews is actually hilarious & I swear she's read every book in the place and makes book recommendations. I was only going to buy 1 book and bought 3 based off our conversation. honestly the only bad thing about this place is some of the "customers" taking up a table on their laptop for hours.. while there I overheard 3 people who didn't order anything ask for the wifi password. ummmm TACKCY much?! if you don't want to buy anything and tip bar workers you probably should expect to get what you pay for (nothing)!

It's a vey cozy place to hang out with premium selection of books and IPAs , shame that they had to take off the wifi service, used to be my favorite hang out spot to get my work done, now I am primarily hanging out there for reading books and having good coffee ! wait a minute , may be that's the reason they had to cut the wifi , lol.

I hate having to say this but given how nice and vibey this place is- being a cafe/bar and bookstore and all- the manager Nat(e) doesn’t make it a welcoming experience at all.
I’ve been stopping by this place to work or read or chat with friends for months now. Sometimes stopping by multiple times a day. But now I no longer feel welcome here. Nat(stout guy with glasses) has been singling me out telling me to purchase something or leave. He doesn’t know whether I’ve already purchased and consumed a beverage, he’d just rather have another customer seated where I am (very discriminatory). The first time he did it I found it rude but understood because it was a full house (even tho people were seated for hours nestling that one cup). But the next time he did it again when there were multiple vacant seats around me. Some people were seated with just glasses of water and reading. I had intended to and eventually did purchase a beverage, but his behavior alone was discouraging. There is no policy displayed anywhere stating you must have a beverage on you in order to be seated. There is a sign suggesting limiting your stay to 90 minutes if you’re using your laptop but even then you ideally get 90 mins of uninterrupted time.
All I wanted is to ease into a good book after a tiring day. It’s a pity he behaves this way because the rest of the staff is great. He certainly ruined my day. If you look at other lower ratings you’ll see I’m not the first person to have a rude experience(s). Customers make a business, it doesn’t take much to be nice to them.

Walked in and the place is super cute, cozy, and spacious. Loved it. BUT that's where it all changed....

The barista was rude upon entry. I asked for the wifi as it's known to be a "working space." She asked if I was actually planning to order, which I was but was awaiting my friend to arrive prior to placing my order. She clearly didn't believe me because she said "are you really going to order?" making me feel guilty for being polite and waiting for a friend...

She reluctantly told me the wifi password. I couldn't hear her the first time as she mumbled it...so I nervously asked again...mumbles...wifi password wasn't working because I couldn't hear her properly.

Once my friend arrived, she was still full of attitude so we chose to leave.

I hoped the energy from staff would be the same as the good vibes of the place. We went to unwind and get work done and left frustrated...

Mentioned it to a friend who was a frequent visitor, and she noted she also had a negative interaction with her and doesn't go back nearly as often.

Would love to come back here if she is no longer there and filling the place with her negativity.

Pretentious. Walked in openly holding my laptop at 11pm needing to send an email. There were literally two people in the entire place and I think they were friends with the bartender. I bought a glass of wine because they weren't selling anything else apparently and I didn't want to freeload, went to the very back of the place hidden away in a corner. An awkward server waited for me to set up my laptop before coming over and telling me there was a no laptop after 7pm policy. I said I'm literally going to be here 10 minutes submitting an assignment, there's nothing else open for miles and nobody's here, can you make an exception? A firm no. This place is peak bookish unwelcoming cringe, don't bother. The wine also sucked.

Used to love coming here to have a coffee or glass of wine and do work when I lived nearby. I planned to do the same the other day only to find out that they no longer have Wi-Fi. If you’re trying to discourage people from sitting with their laptops all day, create a time limit system like many other coffee shops do. Having no Wi-Fi didn’t stop people anyway, almost everyone I saw seemed to be working on a laptop. As annoying as loiterers can be, Book Club has become hostile to what was once its target customer, which is unfortunate. If you serve coffee, be expected to be treated like a coffee shop.

Great spot: 1/3 bookstore, 1/3 coffee shop where you can work with your computer until 6pm (beware PC not allowed after 6pm + no free wifi - needs own hotspot) & 1/3 bar (limited snacks available). Highly recommend stopping by!

Loved this place. Good crowd, lotsa books to browse and chairs are perfect to sit down for longer read. they have no laptop policy after 4pm ish.

Very cool spot for sure.

Black coffee sucks and came initially lukewarm.

No wifi.

Outdoor and indoor seats. Aesthetic lounge to chill and work in.

The cafe is cozy, but the staff is rude. The barista screamed across the cafe to say something to me, when she could’ve walked over instead of disturbing everyone working there. I’m giving 3 stars because the staff could be more kind to their customers, and all it takes is simple etiquette!

wonderful ambiance, good varied book selection, feels so cozy, wish they didn’t turn the wifi off at 6 tho

Rude employees, no wifi. It’s 2024 nobody wants a $9 keurig pod coffee with attitude AND unable to use their laptop.

Overated. Small place and crowded. No free wifi. I missed books of feminist and black authors. Maybe my expectations were too high...

Nice, quaint little venue that's not super crowded but still has a life to it. Lovely people working there.