1
The Morgan Library & Museum
1
225 Madison Ave.
The Morgan Library & Museum houses an enormous collection of rare books and manuscripts, plus drawings and other uncommon pieces. The collection began as a labor of love by financier J.P. Morgan, and has continued to grow and expand over the years. The museum features special additions, like a large performance hall where concerts are held.
2
McNally Jackson
2
52 Prince St.
This beloved neighborhood independent bookshop offers two full floors of selections, including kids’ books and travel guides. The store also boasts a selection of cards and postcards, a cafe and a regular series of readings and events. Shoppers can also try out the Espresso Book Machine—which can create a paperback book, selected from a list of more than four million public domain titles, in minutes.
3
The Mall and Literary Walk
3
Mid-park btw. 66th & 72nd Sts.
Known as the only straight line in Central Park and nicknamed the “Promenade," the beloved mall runs from 66th to 72nd Streets and is framed by a gorgeous canopy of American elm trees, making it one of the most visited and photographed sections of the park. At the south end of the mall sits the Literary Walk, which features four statues of renowned writers Fitz-Greene Halleck, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and William Shakespeare. There is also a famous statue of Christopher Columbus, which is jokingly referred to as the "odd man out."
4
White Horse Tavern
4
567 Hudson St.
The patron saint of the White Horse Tavern is unmistakably Dylan Thomas. Although other luminaries including Bob Dylan, James Baldwin and Delmore Schwartz were known to wet their whistles here, it was Thomas' prodigious and ultimately fatal boozing that put this spot on the map. Revered since the 1950s for the bohemian crowd that came to drink, scheme and argue, today's clientele is less literary. Burgers and pub grub standards are the typical accompaniments to drinks.
5
The Dead Poet
5
450 Amsterdam Ave.
At The Dead Poet, you can come for the literary atmosphere (framed verses from Joyce and Dickinson line the walls, and the bar even boasts a small library), but stay for the large selection of genuine Irish whiskeys and the dozen-plus beers on tap. Regular tipplers can even join the “Guinness Club”—patrons who drink more than 100 Guinnesses in the establishment over several months or years get their name added to the bar’s hall of fame.
6
Pete's Tavern
6
129 E. 18th St.
Pete's Tavern, the oldest continuously operating bar and restaurant in New York City, opened its doors in 1864 and remained open as a speakeasy throughout prohibition. Since then, Pete's Tavern has remained exactly as it was when the doors opened, with a beautiful original rosewood bar, pressed tin ceiling and original tiled floor. In 1905, O.Henry wrote "The Gift of the Magi" in the first booth in the bar room. The food, beverages and service are all outstanding, and this historic restaurant is a must-visit for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
7
McSorley's Old Ale House
7
15 E. 7th St.
This legendary East Village dive is old-school—more than 150 years old, to be exact. Purportedly the City’s oldest Irish tavern, McSorley’s has found itself a place in pop-culture history—the legendary pub has served suds to luminaries including Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Woody Guthrie. The memorabilia on the bar’s walls includes a pair of handcuffs that belonged to Houdini—feel free to admire them as you sip from a selection of the bar’s draft beers.
8
Nuyorican Poets Café
8
236 E. 3rd St.
Now an internationally renowned landmark for established performers as well as up-and-comers, Nuyorican Poets Café began as a poetry salon in the living room of writer Miguel Algarin in 1973. In the decades since, its stage has become home to artists working in multiple disciplines: audiences can enjoy slam poetry readings, performance art, jazz, hip-hop, comedy and theater. Open mic nights are worth a visit for a chance to catch an early glimpse of rising talent.
9
Kettle of Fish
9
59 Christopher St
This convivial Greenwich Village stalwart—a favorite for Wisconsin expats—offers all the trappings of a great American sports bar: charmingly shoddy TVs, cheap suds (bottles of Bud and Yuengling go for $4) and a spirited crowd.
10
Three Lives & Company
10
154 West 10th Street
In a world of large companies and online book retailers, Three Lives & Company is a breath of fresh air—a true mom-and-pop shop around the corner. It touts itself as “a place with a human face and a cast of characters” and rather than feeling like a traditional big-name bookstore, the owners take pride in being that smaller, intimate-feeling space that’s one with the community. Three Lives & Company boasts a well-curated book selection, matched by a knowledgeable staff that excels in making customers feel welcome and appreciated. In addition to stopping here for books, look for events like readings and book discussions.
11
Strand Book Store
11
828 Broadway
Strand Book Store, just off Union Square, has some impressive numbers: 18 miles of 2.5 million new and used books, many at big discounts off cover prices, spread over four floors. This New York treasure—open since 1927 and still run by the family who founded it—sells every kind of book imaginable, from novels to memoirs to art books to historical tomes. For the true book nerds, a rare-book collection in a connected building contains those favorite dusty first editions. There’s a smaller store location on Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side.
12
Minetta Tavern
12
113 Macdougal St.
Minetta Tavern reopened in 2009 under the guidance of restaurateur Keith McNally, though it had a long history as an Italian red-sauce joint and a literary gathering ground for icons like e.e. cummings, Ernest Hemingway, Dylan Thomas and the Beats. These days it's known for its approachable French cuisine, upscale burger and grilled cuts of meat.
14
Pete's Candy Store
14
709 Lorimer St.
Trivia contests, stand-up comedy, spelling bees and live bands lend a unique vibe to this offbeat watering hole.