NYC’s Best Bars for Writers & Thinkers: Where Literary Legends Gathered & Still Do
New York City has long been a haven for writers, intellectuals, and creative minds. From the biting wit of Dorothy Parker at The Algonquin Round Table to the poetic musings of Dylan Thomas at White Horse Tavern, countless literary figures have found inspiration—and perhaps a little liquid courage—at the city’s storied bars.
Today, NYC remains a place where writers and thinkers can sip a well-crafted drink, soak in history, and, if the moment is right, find the spark for their next great work. Whether you are looking for a quiet, book-lined retreat, a historic haunt of famous novelists, or a lively literary reading, these bars continue the city’s tradition of blending intellect with spirits.
Here are the best bars in NYC for writers, poets, and deep thinkers.
1. The Algonquin Hotel (Midtown) – The Birthplace of the Literary Salon
📍 59 W 44th St, Midtown
If there is one bar that embodies NYC’s literary legacy, it is the Blue Bar at The Algonquin Hotel. In the 1920s, this was the meeting place of the Algonquin Round Table, a gathering of the sharpest minds in literature, journalism, and theater, including Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and Harpo Marx.
What to Order: A classic Martini—crisp, clean, and a favorite of the era’s great literary minds.
2. White Horse Tavern (West Village) – A Poets’ Sanctuary
📍 567 Hudson St, West Village
One of NYC’s most famous literary bars, White Horse Tavern was a favorite haunt of Dylan Thomas, Jack Kerouac, and James Baldwin. This old-school pub, established in 1880, retains its historic charm, with dark wood interiors and a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere.
What to Order: A pint of Guinness—a fitting tribute to Dylan Thomas, who is said to have had his last drinks here.
3. KGB Bar (East Village) – The Best Literary Readings in NYC
📍 85 E 4th St, East Village
Once a Ukrainian socialist meeting hall, KGB Bar has transformed into one of NYC’s most iconic literary bars. The space is small, dimly lit, and filled with Soviet-era memorabilia, creating an intimate setting for poetry and prose readings. Regular events feature both emerging and established writers, making this the ideal spot to experience contemporary literature in real time.
What to Order: A Negroni—strong, slightly bitter, and refined, much like the prose read here.
4. Chumley’s (Greenwich Village) – A Speakeasy for Literary Icons
📍 86 Bedford St, Greenwich Village
Originally a Prohibition-era speakeasy, Chumley’s has hosted some of the biggest names in literature, including Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Simone de Beauvoir. Though it has been renovated into a more upscale spot, its walls remain adorned with book jackets and photos of its legendary patrons.
What to Order: A Hemingway Daiquiri—white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur, inspired by the man himself.
5. McSorley’s Old Ale House (East Village) – NYC’s Oldest Literary Pub
📍 15 E 7th St, East Village
Since 1854, McSorley’s has been serving beer to some of America’s greatest writers, including E.E. Cummings, Joseph Mitchell, and Hunter S. Thompson. The bar has remained virtually unchanged—sawdust on the floors, historic memorabilia covering the walls, and only two beer options: light or dark.
What to Order: A pair of McSorley’s house beers—because they serve them two at a time.
6. Pete’s Tavern (Gramercy) – Where O. Henry Wrote "The Gift of the Magi"
📍 129 E 18th St, Gramercy
Claiming to be New York’s oldest continuously operating bar, Pete’s Tavern is famous for hosting O. Henry, who is said to have written "The Gift of the Magi" in one of its booths. Its classic mahogany bar, vintage red booths, and cozy ambiance make it the perfect setting for those seeking literary inspiration.
What to Order: A Manhattan—a timeless NYC classic, much like Pete’s Tavern itself.
7. Freddy’s Bar (Brooklyn) – A Creative Hideaway for Modern Writers
📍 627 5th Ave, Brooklyn
Located in South Brooklyn, Freddy’s Bar is a quirky and eclectic space, filled with vintage decor and a laid-back artsy vibe. It has long been a favorite of writers, musicians, and filmmakers, offering a welcoming environment to scribble down ideas over a good drink.
What to Order: An Old Fashioned—simple, strong, and classic, much like the creative minds who frequent Freddy’s.
8. Union Hall (Park Slope, Brooklyn) – A Bar with Books & Ideas
📍 702 Union St, Brooklyn
Union Hall blends the coziness of a library with the energy of a bustling cocktail bar. The two-story space features fireplaces, bookshelves, and even an indoor bocce court, making it the perfect setting for deep discussions over drinks. The bar also hosts storytelling nights, comedy shows, and intellectual salons.
What to Order: A Boulevardier—bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, a cocktail with depth and complexity.
The Perfect Writer’s Drink: A Nightcap for Inspiration
A true literary night out in NYC is not complete without a final drink to spark one last idea. Here are the best nightcap options for writers and thinkers:
A glass of absinthe – The drink of choice for Hemingway and Oscar Wilde.
A Vieux Carré – A bold, complex cocktail favored by intellectuals.
A sherry or port wine – A slow-sipping option that pairs well with reflection.
Elevate Your Cocktail Knowledge with Art of the Cocktail
For those looking to refine their taste and learn how to craft classic literary cocktails, Art of the Cocktail offers immersive mixology classes at the Park South Hotel. Explore the history, techniques, and flavor pairings that have shaped NYC’s legendary cocktail culture.
Whether you are channeling the spirit of Hemingway with a Daiquiri, crafting a perfect Manhattan, or perfecting the art of the nightcap, this experience will leave you with the skills to mix like a literary icon.
Where Words & Whiskey Meet
From the historic bars of the Algonquin Round Table to the poetry-filled nooks of KGB Bar, NYC remains a city where literature and libations go hand in hand. Whether you are looking for a place to write, reflect, or engage in intellectual debate, these bars offer the perfect setting to sip, think, and create.
So, grab a notebook, order a drink, and let the city’s literary history inspire your next great idea.
