Books and brews: 7 literary havens that serve drinks too

With the rise of #BookTok, celebrity book clubs, and popular literary adaptations, it's clear that reading has never been more stylish. It’s no wonder that this beloved pastime is finding its way into nightlife.

Traditionally, bookstores have included charming cafes where you can enjoy your latest read alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Recently, however, many have acquired liquor licenses and transformed into bars, each offering a distinctive experience. Enjoy a fine Burgundy with Baudelaire in Paris, savor Irish whiskey while delving into "Ulysses" in Melbourne, or explore American history with a local cider in one of the U.S.'s most architecturally notable spots.

Here are seven bookstore bars we're excited to explore this year.

Rough Draft Bar & Books: Kingston, New York

It's no surprise that New York City boasts a vibrant scene of literary bars, featuring highlights like the East Village's Book Club Bar and the Black-owned Liz's Book Bar in Brooklyn. For a truly delightful experience, make your way 100 miles up the Hudson River to Kingston, the first capital of the state. Rough Draft Bar & Books is located at the "Four Corners" — the only intersection in the U.S. with all four buildings predating the Revolutionary War.

The historic stone structure of Rough Draft dates back to 1774 and has served various purposes, from a school to a cabinetmaker's shop, a newspaper office, and even a radio station. Today, it strikes a balance between a cozy neighborhood bookstore and a rustic tavern, where one could envision the Founding Fathers enjoying a drink while revising their writings. The selection of local and inventive beers, wines, and ciders includes unique offerings like beet-infused rosé cider from Wayside Cider in the Catskills.

Leopold's Books Bar Caffe: Madison, Wisconsin

Open until midnight every day, Leopold's calls itself a "night owl-friendly neighborhood bookstore." These hours are ideal for its location just a few blocks from the University of Wisconsin campus. Visitors will appreciate the unique organization of the shelves, which are arranged by country rather than genre. For instance, Japanese cookbooks are displayed alongside novels and poetry from Japan, offering a more comprehensive view of the culture.

This global influence is reflected in the wines available, featuring bottles from surprising regions such as Lebanon, Macedonia, Georgia, and India. (Join house sommelier MJ Hecox for Friday "office hours" to explore and sample selections.) The bar, adorned with vibrant tropical plant and macaw wallpaper, offers an impressive range of cocktails, including Black Walnut Manhattans, gelato-infused Grasshoppers, and a variety of inventive $5 shots.

Swans Bar at Maison Assouline: London

Assouline's luxurious coffee table books, often priced in the triple digits, serve as a status symbol for culture enthusiasts, making the publisher's London flagship store a vibrant destination. Located on Piccadilly, close to the Royal Academy of Arts and Fortnum & Mason, Maison Assouline occupies a Grade II-listed former bank building from 1922 and features the elegantly designed Swans Bar.

At the bar, you can indulge in upscale classics like the Dirty Gibson, garnished with honey-balsamic onions, or the extravagant Eau de Martini priced at £72 ($96), served with a caviar bump. Additionally, a variety of travel-inspired cocktails reflect destinations such as Lake Como in Italy and Byron Bay in Australia, complete with playful garnishes like edible surfboards and city skylines.

Buck Mulligan's: Northcote, Australia

Named after a character from James Joyce's "Ulysses," this Melbourne bookstore bar located in Northcote has a singular focus on Ireland. Its shelves are filled with classics, contemporary novels, plays, and poetry from the Emerald Isle. The Celtic theme extends behind the bar, which boasts one of the largest selections of Irish whiskeys in the city, along with bottles from Scotland, Japan, the U.S., and even Tasmania.

If you're not in the mood for whiskey straight, there's a select menu of cocktails available, including Irish coffee and hot toddies, which can be made with traditional or peated whiskey. Be on the lookout for special events, such as a fiddle-filled St. Patrick's Day celebration and a complimentary glass of Redbreast Potstill with any book purchase on Bloomsday, a day honoring Joyce.

La Belle Hortense: Paris

The medieval streets of Le Marais are perfect for leisurely strolls. If you're looking for a spot to relax after a day of delightful wandering, this blue-fronted "cave/librairie/bar litteraire" is an excellent choice. The shelves are thoughtfully divided, showcasing books on top (including rare editions, novels, cookbooks, and biographies) and an array of wines below.

The ideal move is to grab one of the red stools and settle in at the zinc-topped bar. There, you can order a glass of the staff's recommendation paired with a charcuterie plate. The ambiance is snug, cozy, and distinctly bohemian, making it a common venue for book launches, photography exhibits, lectures, and even jazz performances.

Cafebreria El Pendulo: Mexico City

This Mexico City mini-chain is a favorite among both tourists and locals, with several locations throughout the city, some featuring their own cafes. When night falls, the spot in Zona Rosa (the city's gayborhood) is the place to be for drinks at Bukowski's Bar. This bar pays tribute to bohemian writers and their complex relationships with alcohol, including the notorious poet Charles Bukowski, who famously romanticized his struggles with alcoholism.

The venue also serves as a cozy jazz and blues club, hosting different musical acts throughout the week, from the house jazz trio to Broadway classics performed by a pianist, and even open-mic nights.

Bad Animal Books: Santa Cruz, California

The "bad animal" referred to here? Naturally, it's humanity. This phrase nods to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry, and his impact on individuals as depicted in Euripides' "The Bacchae." Rich with thematic references, this Santa Cruz used bookshop and natural wine bar emphasizes the humanities, particularly "the wild side of the human experience — the excessive, psychedelic, revolutionary, fierce, transgressive, uncanny, and uncivilized," as described on their website.

The wine selection primarily features natural, organic, and small-batch options, with bottles sourced from Hungary, Greece, and Georgia. Additionally, the shop hosts a pop-up called Hanloh Thai Food, run by resident culinary artist Chef Lalita Kaewsawang. Regular patrons can join a wine club that provides two bottles each month, pairing notes for food and literature, discounts on books, and complimentary monthly tastings.