all about books

Top Bookstore Cafes in New York City

All About Books, Book Cafes / / By

Exploring the fusion of literature and culinary delights in one place would be an ideal weekend plan for any book lover.

Amidst New York City’s bustling energy, bookstore cafes can offer a tranquil escape, where the aroma of coffee blends with the scent of books. These cozy corners are perfect for getting lost in a book while enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

New York City has a lot to offer, and I believe these gems are one of them. Here are some of the best book cafes in NYC that the bookworms swear by.

Best Bookstore Cafes in NYC

Housing Works Bookstore

Address: 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012

The Housing Works Bookstore is located in Soho, a trendy neighborhood in Manhattan. 100% of their profits go to fund Housing Works’ lifesaving services. With a cozy café, a diverse selection of books, and a range of events, it’s a perfect Bookstore Cafe in New York City to spend your time in. 

Book Club Bar

Address: 197 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009

Book Club Bar is a charming independent bookstore located in East Village. Its cozy interior exudes a warm living room ambiance and they have a curated selection of adult fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.

In addition to the bookstore, they offer locally roasted coffee, a variety of craft beers from New York State, and a selection of wines and cocktails.

Whether you’re in search of a good read or a relaxing place to enjoy a beverage, Book Club has something for everyone in the heart of the East Village.

Cafe Con Libros

724 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Cafe con Libros, an Intersectional Feminist community bookstore and coffee shop, is a truly unique gem. A perfect place for book lovers who love to add a side of coffee to their reading ritual. They aim to create a community of readers and thinkers who feel loved and accepted. 

With a wide selection of books and a cute sitting area outside, it’s a fantastic book cafe in NYC to spend your time at, either alone or with your friend. 

Topos Bookstore Care

788 Woodward Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Topos Bookstore Cafe, nestled in Ridgewood, Queens, has been a beloved neighborhood store since 2014. This small yet cozy establishment offers a delightful blend of used and new books, making it a haven for book lovers seeking diverse literary treasures. 

With the added bonus of serving Variety Coffee, it’s a charming spot where you can enjoy a cup of joe while exploring your latest literary find.

The Center for Fiction

15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

The Center for Fiction, a unique literary nonprofit based in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, stands as a dedicated haven for all things fiction.

You’ll discover a dynamic blend of amenities, including a Bookstore, Café & Bar, Library, and Writers Studio, making it a multifaceted space for those who cherish the written word.

The Center for Fiction actively fosters a sense of community by offering a rich variety of programs throughout the year, designed to unite diverse communities in their shared passion for storytelling. Whether you’re a passionate reader or an aspiring writer, this book cafe in NYC provides a welcoming space for literary enthusiasts

The Drama Book Shop

266 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

If you love dramas and theatres, as much as you love books, The Drama Book Shop is a must-visit. In the midst of the theatrical scenes in New York, this book cafe has been the birthplace of a lot of theatrical works.

Rounding all of that up with a cafe, this makes a wholesome place for all the book lovers. Choose from a wide selection of coffees, teas, pastries and other snacks and lounge on any of the comfy chairs and read your book. 

Barnes & Noble

33 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003

I am sure no one has never not heard of Barnes and Noble. 

And this bookstore in Union Square is one of the best B&N stores. It’s a huge book shop with four floors and a cafe on the third, with a big seating space. 

The store is well-stocked and you have a lot of genres to explore like Romance, Science Fiction and more. There are a lot of events – virtual and offline that you can attend at this B&N. 

Be sure to explore this one when you’re in NYC.

McNally Jackson Books

134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

McNally Jackson is one of the best independent bookstores in NYC. 

With a fantastic layout, you’ll spend hours picking from the best selection of books from different genres like arts, fiction, films and more. Apart from books, you’ll also find a good collection of journals, cards, and other stationary items. 

This NYC Bookstore also offers fine coffees and wine, making it a perfect haven for book lovers who are also a coffee or wine aficionado. 

Molasses Books

770 Hart St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Molasses Books is an eclectic mix of a bookstore, cafe, and bar. It’s a charming book cafe and bar with a cozy atmosphere. You can stay up till midnight with your choice of beverage and book (what more can we ask for haha) 

There is a good selection of books both used and new from a wide range of genres. One of the unique things about this place is you can barter your copies for coffee, beer, or more books. The coffee is to go for and you can also get beer – all affordable. 

The Lit. Bar

131 Alexander Ave, Bronx, NY 10454

The Lit. Bar is the only brick-and-mortar store currently in the Boogie Down Bronx. They have a wide selection of books especially by people of color, making it a safe space for everyone. 

The bar menu has an extensive range of wines, and also snacks for you to munch on as you read your book. The book cafe has a pleasant and unique atmosphere, perfect to spend your reading time. 

Every Thing Goes Book Cafe and Neighborhood Stage

208 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301

ETG Book Cafe is located in Staten Island, the largest bookstore in the area, with a wide variety of used and new books. 

The cafe has a lot to offer – coffees, supplied by Equal Exchange, are organic and Fairtrade. They have bagels, vegan-friendly options, and other light snacks to munch on as you read your book. Along with being a quirky, vintage bookstore, there are also live performances happening. 

A perfect place with a cozy atmosphere and friendly faces.

Shakespeare & Co

2020 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Shakespeare and Co offers a diverse and extensive selection of books that caters to every taste. From bestsellers to classics, fiction to non-fiction, and poetry to philosophy, their collection is a literary treasure trove.

The store features a charming cafe where you can savor a cup of coffee and pastries while immersing yourself in your latest literary find. Beyond just a bookstore, Shakespeare and Co. embodies a community of like-minded readers and writers who share a deep passion for literature.

These are some of the highly recommended Bookstore Cafes in New York City. 

Add them to your list for your next bookstore hop, and experience the best of books and snacks and wine/beer/coffee!

Let me know if you have visited any of them!

Looking for book recs? Here are some that I have reviewed: 

Scroll to Top