We stopped in here on a day of shopping. Cute little place. It's a bookstore and a bar all in one. They serve beer and wine. My husband and his sister got a couple of beers and they were delicious. I like how you can get a book and get a beer and just sit there and enjoy. Staff was super friendly and fun He was playing old dance '80s music and had us laughing and dancing in her chairs. In the back is art studio with lots of items to purchase. Great little place with a happy vibe. October 2025. read more

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We stopped in while out-n-about shopping in the Hudson area. The staff are a lot of fun and we're playing some early 90's pop tunes which made for a great time singing together while drinking great craft beer at the bar. They have a great variety of books available for sale and they don't seem to mind if you reading one while enjoying your coffee or cold brew. In the back they have a large space with art supplies; just about anything one would need to get started and beyond. My mom purchased a few paint brushes and I purchased a round of beers for our group. Pricing is quite affordable - craft beer was $6.48 each and my mom's Saranac soda was $2.78. The store is immaculately kept and the restroom was clean. We had a great time while visiting the area and would come back again next time we're in town. read more

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It has always been the highlight of my day to stop by for the quality eccentric draft beers selection. The staff is courteous, professional and knowledgeable about both sides of the offerings. Will, Blake, Stella and Ava have a rare commitment to customer service and it shows. read more

Spotty Dog Books & Ale - Drafty beer - Bookstores Near Me - Hudson, New York

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Love this - browse books, have a drink at the bar. Good selection of both! Would recommend!

A bookstore or a beer bar or both? It's a fine place to have a little bit of both. Or in my case a liquid lunch. Yum. read more

Spotty Dog Books & Ale - It was a Maine brewed Lunch IPA. - Bookstores Near Me - Hudson, New York

Look, I don't hang out with people who'd give an independent bookstore a bad review so this review is biased but I'd say that's a positive for me(ha ha). Really though, what a cool thing to have a well-curated bookstore with seating and a bar and art supplies for sale in the back?! They often have what I want and have been kind and efficient about ordering when they don't. I wish that people who gripe about bad service on Christmas Eve or temperature-not-perfect-for them would just tone down the fault-finding. How does a person not have better things to do than that? Get a hobby... My only gripe is that, although Hudson is very dog-friendly, my dog and I were not allowed in to the Spotty Dog, which was perplexing as I'm spotty and my dog a dog but it's OK. read more

A great book store. Hudson is so lucky to have this independent bookstore. The fact that they offer such delightful beers is a bonus. As well as the nights that they have readings or music performances makes this place vital to the community read more

Favorite spot in Hudson!! Book store - bar - art supply shop! What more could you ask for!! Grab a spot in the front with a beer and a book and enjoy the afternoon sun streaming in the windows. Small but super selection of books for all ages! read more

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Awesome place where you can buy a book and have a beer. Or in my case I sat at the bar and drank, while my wife grabbed books/puzzles. Had all types of items and I bought my daughters each a pair of socks. Lots of local beers and wines, which I can't complain about the few I had. The bartender was cool and skillful. Gave solid recommendations. Another woman working the register was very nice and helpful! Wonderful experience, nice place and puts points on the board with field goal! read more

Needed to kill some time in Hudson and stumbled into Spotty Dog. I couldn't have found a better way to pass a couple hours - great options on tap, every book seemed like it deserved its spot on the shelf, and I WILL be back to purchase all the puzzles. The art supplies section contained about 50% craft kits for kids that were neat enough to consider getting for adult friends and 50% drawing/painting supplies. Not sure what I expected from that part of the shop but still left with a couple post-consumer notebooks. My favorite thing about this place is that there's space for everyone - plenty of seating for people who just want to drink at the bar, and plenty of browsing for those who are just looking for a really good read. If you like to do both, you'll have no need to make other afternoon plans. read more

Spotty Dog Books & Ale - 100% post-consumer notebook - Bookstores Near Me - Hudson, New York

I love a good drinking spot and I love a book store So, the love for this place is tenfold when you combine the two. Really, every bookstore should double as a watering hole. The books at Spotty Dog were well-curated, just as the beers on tap. Gotta love Hudson's dog-friendly vibes as well. I could amble the bookshelves of this place for hours and not tire. It's relaxed, unpretentious, and a celebration of books and drinks and the humbleness of life. The staff were friendly and never pestered asking if you need help or if you were just browsing. which I was thankful for. It's a must-visit if you're passing by Hudson and a great local business to find gifts and books for yourself. Stop in, relax have a drink and get into it! You won't regret it at all. read more

A vibrant and welcoming place in Hudson! We just came to browse their books and other items and didn't have any beverages. Purchased some really fun stickers as gifts and for the car bumper! read more

Picture this: Books as far as the eye can see. Now, add locally made artisanal beers, ciders, and bar snacks. Put it all together in a beautifully rustic building in just about the cutest town you've ever been to and that's Spotty Dog Books & Ale in Hudson, NY. Since our day trip to Hudson this past fall, my boyfriend and I have made it a point to stop here whenever we're back. Like other reviewers have queried - "Why can't every town have something like this?" It's an ideal locale, centrally located smack dab in the middle of Hudson's appealing business district, and has a wonderful, chummy atmosphere where even if you're an out-of-towner, after a few pints, you'll be rubbing elbows with the locals like you've been there forever. When we came in tonight around 6 PM, I wasn't surprised to find that the place was hopping. Even though it was Valentine's Day, there wasn't that nauseating "couples only" vibe you can sometimes get from places on this commercialized evening. It was chill and cool, and coupled or single, everyone seemed to be having a good time. My boyfriend and I took some time to browse around the eclectic selection of books, including an ample children's section, which has some of the most creative and non mainstream picture books I've ever seen. If you have kids in your life, this is a great place to shop for them! I also loved the selection of cookbooks and food books, and curled up for a bit with a copy of Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" in a hidden nook behind the bookshelves. Nice and relaxing! We had a pre-dinner cocktail here with a bit of a twist - they are running a fun incentive here for Valentine's Day where you pre-buy a drink for your friend or loved one and they put it on a card behind the bar, and when the recipient comes in, they can be pleasantly surprised and redeem it. I snuck away from my boyfriend, who was easily distracted by the HP Lovecraft books, and bought him a hard cider coupon, which the bartender posted behind the bar. I later lured him over and he found it, and was delighted to have a small treat - a glass of locally brewed hard cider. I had a sip, and it was very dry but fresh tasting. I'd order it again. They have tons of quirky locally made beers on draft, a highly recommended local kombucha (I'm trying that next time, but I was saving room for dinner), and glass bottled sodas for the teetotalers. This is one of the must-visit spots if you come to Hudson, or find yourself in the surrounding area with some time to kill. After all, what better way to spend an afternoon than surrounded by books and alcohol? read more

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We where there Friday 04/19/24. Love the idea of relaxing reading and having a beer. However, the bartender was so rude. He acted like we bothered him. There where woman at the end of the bar yelling so loud. And he was too busy hanging with these woman instead of telling them to try to be respectful to other people. The entitlement was real! I get it, it's a bar but it is also a bookstore to encourage reading a book and buying a book. Not hooters for entitled people who don't care about anyone else. Go to a regular bar if you want to make a fool out of yourself! The screeching, everyone immediately left! read more

The local brew was *not bad at all* (The CH Evans), the bar itself is both old school but brewpubish enough to not feel clubby, and there are just enough books in the tiny bookstore portion to provide some browing amusements. Above average small children's section. The art supplies in the back are fairly standard and probably won't make professionals or serious amateurs write home about the place, but for casual users of art stuff and the odd emergency birthday party run for the kids, there were some interesting bits and pieces. Major props for the 1880's fire house rehab (enjoy the ceiling, which cannot be original but perhaps it is), and if you can find a lounge spot in the front, you can do what I like to do at those dress-in-black all-day coffee houses, which is drink beer and read a book. I really do not like Dalmatians, even though I'm a dog person, so you know the place is decent if I was willing to get past that. read more

Spotty Dog Books & Ale - Bookstores Near Me - Hudson, New York

Love the concept. However, the bartender working Christmas Eve was so rude. We had a question about the area. Our two year old was hungry and asked for food recommendations. His response to me asking the closest restaurant was "There are a lot of restaurants.". I then asked does he have any recommendations. He said, "No.". I get working Christmas Eve is not ideal, but you have to have some sort of personality to work in that job. A customer hers the exchange and offered a recommendation. Mind you, the temperature in Hudson was 16 degrees we only asked to keep our son from being too cold walking around. it was just a disappointing experience. read more

Books and beer and dogs. Literally my three favorite things in life. I'm sad it's taken me this long to find this a gem. read more

Spotty Dog Books & Ale - Bookstores Near Me - Hudson, New York

I was staying in the Hudson area for the week and decided to stop by Spotty Dog. The beer, Saki, and other libations were great. The staff was incredibly friendly and engaging. Though this was my first time at this establishment I was immediately made to feel right at home. When back in the area up from NYC, Spotty Dog will be my go to spot! read more

Good beer and a good book. This is a very unique place where a book store sells beer! So grab a pint and chug it down with a book in hand! Beware tho a few beers might make them words blurry! Kids books are towards the back. There are even old puzzle and board games. read more

Was really rooting for this place. This is my first yelp review ever. Walked in and picked out a few books I was going to buy then decided to sit at the bar and get a beer. The "bartender" was chillin behind the completely empty bar creating beer selection signs with jelly pens and did not acknowledge my existence. After about 5 minutes, a different employee approached me and said "he will be with you in a minute." 10 minutes went by with this dude sitting right in front of my face. Not a word. Not a glance. So I left my books and walked out. read more

They have figured out the formula! Lots of great books mostly new and some used; lots of beer and a few munches; and in the back, art supplies and stuff for kids. The place is always packed and they do manage to sell quite a few books as well. Frequent readings, songfests and game nights. A Hudson institution, not to be missed. read more

When I get to heaven, this is where I'm going to spend my days. How can you go wrong? I've never eaten here so I'm reserving a star until I do, but between the books and the awesome beers on tap, the cozy seating by the window, the eclectic clientele and the amazing vibe this gives off I could stay all day. They've got a great selection of books with local interest, unique kid's books and a good selection of new releases. read more

I was looking for a place with wifi to get some work done. The idea of a bar and book store was intriguing. Good selection of beers, though they seemed to be running out, might have been since it was early on a Friday. Plenty of space to set up a laptop on the bar and they have fast wifi. People watching was an added bonus. read more

Spotty Dog Books & Ale - Amazing ceilings - Bookstores Near Me - Hudson, New York

A bookstore that serves beer. Why has this not been thought of?!?! And why is this not anywhere else besides Upstate? The beer selections is surprisingly large when you think bar/bookstore you probably think a couple of bottled beers as just an after thought. However, their selection is impressive and honestly, don't know how it can be so cheap. They also do growler fills, seriously. I saw a few locals come in with growlers and then leave happily. The only downside during our visit was that since it was over the holidays they didn't expect so many people and so a couple items were off the menu because they ran out of stuff. A good place to sit back with a drink (alcoholic or non) relax and maybe pick up a book for your trip. read more

LOVED this spot! This is as authentic as it gets. There were locals, music and plenty of books. When we came into the "bar", I instantly felt the local vibe and cozied up at a table. I ordered a glass of hard cider and my friend got a beer. If we had more time before dinner, I could have stayed for hours. It is just that type of place. read more

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This unique stop has some of the most interesting books and a wonderful beer selection. Definitely worth the trip if you're in the area!

I don't understand how this bookshop + bar isn't in every town. It was a great place to hang out for awhile. Fabulous selection of books - perfectly curated. I wanted to purchase almost everything I picked up. They also had a small selection of gifts and children's books. Great selection of beers and they also serve wine. read more

Books...and beer. A good idea if ever there was. Now I will say trivia nights are very crowded. If you're just taking your kids for the books part, expect a bit of a claustrophobic browsing experience. Checking out your book purchases on those nights can also be a bit challenging, as usually the book cashier is also tending the bar. But, books and beer! This is a cool little spot and we like it very much. read more

Weird snotty vibe, feels cliquey--staff makes you feel like you're doing them a favor, like you're interrupting them, etc...great bookstore, it's too bad. There's a brunette woman who's very friendly; hang onto her with both hands because she's the only friendly one in the bunch! read more

I enjoy this place. It's low key and relaxed. My husband is obsessed with their music selection ( post-rock, ambient, chill songs ). Good beers on tap & a nice book selection. Kind of a local bar meets coffee shop meets book store. The ONLY reason I didn't give 5 stars is that they kind of have a 'too cool' attitude. They're very relaxed, but so relaxed that they don't seem to really care about anything. Kind of that hipsters-that-tolerate-tourists feeling. It's not extreme, it just takes away from the friendly, small town feel of Hudson. Overall, I will continue to come here again and again when we visit. read more

I like drinking and reading, even together. However, where the place falls short is not the book selection, or even the beer selection (although some choices are odious, such as the execrable Mother's Milk). It's the atmosphere... there's only one really good place to sit and read. everything else is bar stools or hard wooden chairs. Not exactly, precisely conducive to relaxing and reading. And the music choices? Amateurish and pretentious. Really, the best Beastie Boys song you could administer is "Intergalactic" What could I expect, though, of staff twenty years my junior? They wouldn't know the B-Boy Bouillabaisse if it was their phone's ringtone. So, despite the bad, oft-time really bad music, and lack of great sitting spots, it's a nice idea. read more

It's places like this that make me question if I should start believing in God, because clearly there had to be some divine intervention to make something as incredible as an ale house and book store. I mean, it's like someone asked me what I dream about and then made it come true - alcohol and books in the same place. From the front doors, it looks like any old ale house, with wooden tables, mismatched chairs and a couch stuffed in the corner spotted with splash over from craft beers. There's a bar along the right wall with crooked wooden stools and an assortment of fine beers on tap. Then you move onto the bookshelves, curated with staff picks and local favorites. I ordered a cool lager and set my son loose in the small children's selection while I sipped my beer and perused the adult titles. I didn't order any snacks, but I did see that they had some. I could have easily parked my ass on the couch in the corner, drank beer, ate cheese sticks and read books all day...no, probably for a month. Or until they decided to kick me out. We don't live in town, but when I come back, this is going to be my first stop, and I might have to be dragged out of there kicking and screaming. read more

Good beer not so friendly bartender. Like another reviewer posted, this place feels a little snotty without justification.

Spotty Dog is such a cozy, unique place to stop for a book browse and a beer (or wine, but beer was more alliterative!) They have a great selection of books and a better selection of beverages. My husband and I hung out here for a couple of rounds and played Trivial Pursuit and it made for a great afternoon. Afterwards, he bought a book and I bought a few art supplies. We would definitely return! read more

Spotty Dog Books & Ale - Bookstores Near Me - Hudson, New York

What a TREAT! I have made trips from Albany just to stop in here. I had a great time drinking cider and browsing their book selection the last time I was there. Such an awesome concept and execution. When I first stopped in, I was whisked away into bibliophile heaven with a nice peppering of booze-loving on top. The only thing I would have liked better was a little more from the book selection, but I usually just stop in for alcohol. read more

What a seriously cool place. Tiny little independent bookstore with a bar full of eclectic gifts. Want a book full advice from a unicorn on how to live a happy life? They've got that. Or how about t-shirts with famous book covers? Ditto. Seriously a great place. read more

A beautiful bookstore with everything you could want from new best sellers to social/political nonfiction to a great children's section. In the back there's also a whole section of art supplies and notebooks. The staff are super knowledgeable about the books and can make recommendations. Plus of course there's a bar where you can get local beer on tap while you shop or read! read more

We stopped by to buy books and loved the aesthetic and book selection (we bought a few kids books) but the customer service wasn't great. The person working was very dismissive and sort of rude when we asked where books were located. I love supporting local bookstores though and really enjoyed perusing the books. We didn't get a drink but loved the idea of stopping to grab a beer. read more

I wish there were more bookstore/bars in this world! $4 pints, snackies, nice selection of books, wonderfully relaxed atmosphere to lounge around. The only thing I wish for: magazines... read more

Love the concept. Great selection of beer for beer flights, and it was fun browsing titles and listening to their selection of music. I could read at the bar for hours, but I was shocked when I saw the server speaking to a customer with a toothbrush and a foam coming out from her mouth and talking about her waxing experience. I would not want a server practicing her personal hygiene behind the counter while pouring customers wine and ale. It is a neighborhood bookstore cafe, but one should not treat the bar counter like her own home. read more