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. read more

The Library - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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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. read more

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. read more

The Library - Great crowd and good support from the bathrooms - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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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! read more

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! read more

Awesome bar, awesome music, awesome bartenders. If you're looking for a local spot with cool regulars and cheap drinks, this is it

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! read more

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 read more

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. read more

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. read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

The Library - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Do you know what NYC public school teachers are doing when they aren't educating the youth of America? Drinking themselves silly. At The Library.* And I don't blame them. You think you have it bad? Lock yourself in a room full of screaming kids on the edge of puberty all week long, and then see how badly you need a drink on Friday afternoon. Luckily, The Library runs a solid 2 for 1 happy hour until 7 pm (and Kelso Nut Brown on draft), which gives these lushes that are in charge of your children by day almost four hours of heavy drinking before the special ends. And be warned: they will drink you under the table. The jukebox is solid and the bartender is a sweetheart who is patient with her taps and her customers, even when they're giving her trouble. The bar itself might be pretty filthy, but everything is relative; with the Double Down is across the street, it looks downright immaculate by comparison. _________ *I think part of the appeal is being able to make plans with each other right in front of the children, thanks to the wholesome name. read more

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! read more

SHHHHHHH...Quiet...jk. The Library Checklist: Open, CHECK! Dive bar with an ample selection of drinks for a great price, CHECK. Graffiti on the walls and jukebox, CHECK. Hard cider and eggnog for the holiday spirit-goers, MULTIPLE-CHECK. Buzzing peeps celebrating Festivus, CHECK. Forms ready for airing grievances, CHECK. Free holidays cookies from fabulous lady bartender, DOUBLE-CHECK. Dr. Suess' Grinch playing in the background, CHECK. Special shots courtesy of bartender (M!), TRIPLE-CHECK. All checks across the board here. I'm ready to go again. Ready for take off! Snow storm, what do you mean snow storm? Okay, solution, back to the Library for booz--I mean books, yeah books. read more

I really wish I could drink like this in all libraries! All I know when we stumbled happily into this large dive bar is that it was 2 for 1 drinks for the ladies! Cheap drinks here are the norm. Natty Light cans for $3! Julia B was happy. I was happy. Black Sabbath was playing! Pure awesome! How can you not love a place that is covered in strategically placed graffiti quotes and cartoons everywhere? Even the bathrooms are covered in it. Bookshelves stocked with all kinds of novels and things that I will probably never get around to reading. Lots of seating and booths in the back room. The music was terrific here and ranged from old metal to classic rock to 80's New Wave. Cheap beers that range from Genesee cream ale, Tecate, Blue Moon, Natty, Busch, Kelso, beer & shot deals, kick ass happy hour, etc. The best is that they show old 70's and 80's schlocky B-movies on a large projection screen in the back room. We laughed and giggled at how bad this fantasy movie mess starring Liam Neeson was. Think it was "Krull the Conqueror". So when is Taken 2 coming out? Love this bar! Cheap beer. Divey. Great tunes. Cool ass crazy tattooed hot bartender chick. Great jukebox. No velvet rope or meat head frat boys. Crappy bathroom. Chill vibe. Perfect. ( Gauntlet Inebriation Factor on a scale of 1-5. About 4.0 - Why do I feel like racing in Nascar now? Must be the Natty Lights - don't make fun, they were cheap and cold! ) read more

Does it smell like piss? No. Chris H. wisely pointed out that "one cannot stand the smell of piss," and that in fact, the odor emanating from the bathrooms - close those doors, man! - and purveying at The Library is the smell of gym locker rooms. I stood corrected by his immense knowledge and street-wisdom. So, yes, the joint smells like piss. Are the drinks cheap? Ummm, what other blonde-/black-streaked Librarian do you know serves you a literally-overflowing "dram" of Balvenie and Kettle with a splash of Tonic for $17? Uhhh, yeah, and don't forget about your buybacks during Hora Feliza. For those of us that aren't Asian Immigrants: that's like six drinks in four at the cost of two. Bust out your calculators and scrap paper - be sure to use pencil! - I think we've got a multi-dimensional algebraic mathematical arithmetic quadratic differential equation to unravel here. Is the jukebox hot? Have you ever seen Letitia Casta talk or act? Yeah, it's sad. But when she's got her mouth closed . . . Yeah baby! We time-traveling to the 90s! Who goes to the library these days? I mean, isn't the Inter-web up and running? Is your name Ross Perot? Did you muck-up a national popularity contest and amid your depression decided that Thoreau would be your image stylist? Are there girls there? Yes, absolutely. well, the ones behind the bar. To be honest, I think i've only seen like four ladies at the joint. But really, it's a dive you stop by for the Hours, where you sit at the bar and chat with your friend and the 'tenders to get well-toasted on the cheap before heading off to the main venue of the night. How's their Single Malt Scotch Collection? One of the better ones out there, rivaling the offerings of The Boat http://www.yelp.com/biz/cGOuBiTCo5ZuyU9v4zZezw#hrid:oADx2dqd2wAasajP9q6GJA in Carroll Gardens. Not coincidentally, both owners are single malt scotch drinkers (The Head Librarian being an actual Scot). read more

The Library - Reading at The Library - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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! read more

The Library - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

It's weird that I never chalked this place up on Yelp, but a recent impromptu stop-in merits notice. The Library was never my regular haunt, but it was always a pleasant stop. The bartenders always have tats and do a nice job. There are plenty of drink specials and, best of all, there's always a place to sit. The crowd is young, with an edge, though plenty of regular people frequent The Library, too. Jukebox is good: expect to hear your post-punk, indie favs. Random silent things play on the video screen backdrop and books line the walls in a rugged kind of way. If none of these interest you, it's also just a pleasant hitching post to sip some drinks with friends. read more

East side dive bar with shelves of books, it's a library after all, and the hawt Librarians are slinging 24oz cans of Tecate and Molsen along with shots on special and its loud and the Library has the best punk jukebox way better than your sorry iPod and hookups are canoodling in the booths as regulars are bellying up and its all whirlwindheatandflash and everyones having a great time at the Library which has graffiti and tags all over the walls with clever sayings like DontmakeMemakeyouloveme and the clientele here looks like they actually still buy books upon books and have you ever asked someone to look at their Kindle before sleeping with them? hell no you havent but look at someones bookshelves and- what is that Tom Robbins? Lets hookup! And let's meet at the Library! read more

The Library - Seriously - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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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 read more

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! read more

Very spunky bar. Nicole the bartender was very friendly. Free condoms. Buy one get one free (any drink) happy hour. Projector with an old school movie playing. Rock music. I can dig it. Only downfall is that the bathrooms smell, are very tiny and are filled with flies. read more

The Library - Projector - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I really don't go to Alphabet City that much anymore. I loved the area so much in high school just passing through seein this different part of NY that I was never I guess you can say allowed to see. I have been here at least twice that I can remember. This is a pretty cool bar to just come in and have 1 drink or two. More like an end of the night bar, after you have been running up and down the area of Ave A and Ave B other famous landmarks. They have beers here like Brooklyn Lager and Stella on tap. Thurs night they have a ladies happy hour, later in the evening (I believe not 100% sure, can't remember). I have seen people pretty messed up in here. -Right near 2nd Av. stop on the subway (F train) -Open till 4 AM ( Seven days a week) read more

I had to meet my friend here but could not even manage to stay here any longer than a minute! I had to rush out of here before I threw up inside my mouth! This place reeks with deadly odor!!!! ECK! Can you say DISGUSTING? If you have no sense of smell...then perhaps this place is for you! read more

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. read more

Oh the wonderfulness that is the Library! Literature meets punk rock meets cheap drinks, what more could a gal want? This is definitely one of the most loved watering holes in the neighborhood. Most likely because of their two-for-one happy hour. Yup, from 5-8 everything in the bar is buy one get one. They give you little plastic toys to catch in for your second drink, which is both efficient and fun! It loses a star only because of the bathrooms. They are unbearable. I have seen a lot of terrible terrible dive bathrooms, but library's is probably the worst of them. Tip: $10 card minimum during happy hour, $20 dollar minimum after happy hour. read more

The Library - our drink toys are hanging out - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Happy birthday B! A Porkslap black out went down. Bathrooms are the worst. read more

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. read more

The best thing I can say about The Library is that the bartenders there were super cool. I wish I was the type of person that remembered the names of bartenders, because I'd love to give them props here. Basically, The Library is a cool laid back dive bar with a great jukebox, dirty bathrooms and great staff. If dive bars are your thing, you'll really like this place. If you don't think they are, you probably won't. But, now that I think about it, The Library might be the exception to the rule. Because the bartenders are so cool and the vibe overall is a little more laid back than the women dancing on the bar/creepy drunk guys type of dive bar, if you don't like dive bars but you want to try one more time, try The Library. Tell the bartenders whose names I don't remember that Brian V sent you. read more

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If you were to look up dive bar in the dictionary, a pic of Library Bar would pop up. The place is tiny, the wall is littered with all kinds of phrases/quotes, the music leans towards metal/punk, the videos they project are oh so weird & their drinks are quite strong. But any place that quotes Bukowski in their bathroom stall is A-Ok with me! read more

The Library - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The Library left me puzzled and curious. I remember the art on the walls was interesting, gritty, and well-done. It made me want to turn on the lights to get a better look. I also remember the moment that I realized I had never seen a live birth before and, soon thereafter, that I never want to again. Between the condom dispenser on the wall and the live birth video, I'm quite sure no babies were had that night, but plenty of interesting conversion was. read more

The Library - Bathroom, meet, Avant Garde - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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. read more

The Library - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Hey! An actual dive bar, if on the hipster-ish side. I do like that their theme is everywhere. Hemingway quotes, actual books. Their beer selection is okay, obviously a lot of PBR cans around but the patrons are pretty polite and gracious on a Friday night where things are packed and it's hard to navigate that area right past the bar and in front of the bathrooms. Also, they were playing Ghostbusters that night. I can't give anything less than 3 to a bar that plays Ghostbusters. read more

The bar is comfortable, and the drinks are cheap, and the atmosphere is homey, but PLEASE for the love of god, heed the other reviews. One of the bartenders is rude as hell. She was nasty and condescending to every female member of my party. Nice to the guys, though. Seems to be one of those women who has a PROBLEM with women. Yikes! It's 2017, lady. Guess she never got the memo that that kind of thing isn't cool anymore? Two stars instead of one because the other bartenders I've encountered here are nice and professional, and the layout of the bar makes it easy for me to see who's tending bar, so I can pop in the door and immediately leave if Phyllis Schlafly's on shift. read more

I love coming here. The bartenders are so nice and sweethearts. Happy hour with the buy one get one with the whole toy is amazing. Such a fast way to get fucked up and have a great time. I love the vive that the whole place has. read more

This is exactly what a dive bar should be. I'm not typically a dive bar person at all, but if you are looking for a place with cheap drinks in the area late at night, this is where to go. If you are lucky you can get a table and sit away from the crowd. Just don't go to the bathroom. Service is fast, and might or might not be friendly depending on who you get. But that's just the price you pay at a dive bar. It's definitely a great place to hang out if you are in to that sort of atmosphere and want strong drinks without any kind of fancy affairs. They only really have the minimal basics as far as drinks go... but what did you expect? read more