Bar, Not Books!

The Library at The Public

Time to rethink what you know about libraries. A collaborative project between the owners of celebrated showcase venue Joe’s Pub and Locanda Verde’s Michelin-starred chef Andrew Carmellini, The Library at The Public takes its name from the Astor Place theatre landmark’s original tenant, the Astor Library. Long gone the voluminous tomes and craggy-faced librarians may be, but it was only during a recent building revitalisation that the mezzanine level was added and an after-hours sip and sup star was this October born.

In addition to its name, the Library also takes its style cues from days gone by, with the David Rockwell designed interior boasting clubby leather banquettes, old bookcases and generous helpings of dark wood. Carmellini’s menu is a fun take on classic American fare, featuring pizza popcorn, cured meat, and vegetable crudité share plates, a smattering of starters, mains and sandwiches (a delectable pulled pork number included), plus cookie plates and creamy soft-serve cones for afters. The space lends itself perfectly to pre and post-show drinks, predictably appealing in particular to the ‘treading the boards’ set, and with a cocktail list as dramatic as it is delicious – the Damsel’s Downfall is a sure-to-topple-you mix of Corralejo Reposado tequila, apple-cinnamon shrub and soda – it’s a star-crossed match indeed.