Best bar to read a book...

carmen

Ok I'm a lame-ass and I like to read in bars (mostly because I work from home and get stir crazy during the day- hence I like to "go out" and do things just to be around people.)
I've read at tea-lounge (obv) and also liked Loki because the lights are bright enough (which is an issue at the gate during the winter.) Any other suggestions? I usually go early evening so I dont take up space when it gets busy- I thought of Dram but it's been super packed every time I've walked by the past few weeks. Extra points if I can drink something other than draft beer

veets

I walked past the Dram Bar at around 4pm this afternoon and it wasn't packed...

I think you would love one of those "book lights" powered by batteries that attach to the book. They are small and subltle and would allow you to read in dim light. I have seen them in Barnes and Nobles but probably a common item that could be bought cheaper somewhere else.

carmen

^I've thought of that (actually used to have one) but I dont want to draw a ton of attention to myself in a dark bar- I figure bars that keep that kind of lighting do so for an atmosphere and im not trying to mess up anyone's game

gags2008

Maybe the Sheep Station on Fourth - lots of Windows, so it should be bright. Drink selection - well their wines are just ok - all Australian - there is a sit-down space in the back but I don't know how conducive it is to reading, although it should be. Let me know how it goes

rachmouse

I've brought my book to Bar Toto and read at the bar before. Sometimes they turn the lights down too low though.

raw

First strollers and now BOOKS? What will the next "special needs at bars" request be for...communion bells and alter bread?

People...PEOPLE. Hear me now. Bars are not day care centers. Bars are not libraries. Bars are not places of worship. Bars are and should be, dark, loud places where you meet wanton women, punch Yankees fans, and barf on your friends' shoes.

shishkab

spoken like a man.

i don't mean that in a bad way (honestly), but nonetheless it does smack of a little... ignorance regarding single women seated at bars.

i have a few years under my belt, and i can say with no pretense or judgment that the only way i can enjoy a drink at a bar without comment or invitation from male patrons is to put my nose in a book. i don't know why this is, or at least, why it STILL is, but a lone woman sitting at a bar with a drink invites unwanted attention and interruption from guys. even my wedding ring doesn't deter! but bringing a book or magazine with me while i am waiting for someone or simply enjoying a glass of bourbon by myself is the only way i can guarantee being left alone.

go figure?!?!?

nuclear redaction

shishkab wrote: i have a few years under my belt, and i can say with no pretense or judgment that the only way i can enjoy a drink at a bar without comment or invitation from male patrons is to put my nose in a book. i don't know why this is, or at least, why it STILL is, but a lone woman sitting at a bar with a drink invites unwanted attention and interruption from guys. even my wedding ring doesn't deter! but bringing a book or magazine with me while i am waiting for someone or simply enjoying a glass of bourbon by myself is the only way i can guarantee being left alone.

Funny ... I have exactly the opposite problem. Whenever I read in a public place -- coffee bar, bar bar, airport terminal, whatever -- someone ALWAYS starts in with "Whatcha reading?" It's as if a book is regarded as an invitation to conversation.

carmen

^haha I get hit on while I read, too...but at least it requires more thought. Like "hey, I've heard of that book, have you read blablabla by that same author?" or "hows the read" or even (and I've had this TWICE) "wow, props to you for reading alone in a bar. Thats really cool." I don't really get the last one, but whatever.

I just like being out around people, since I see no one on a daily basis aside from my boyfriend. People take those irritating coworkers for granted till your only form of social interaction is via IM :oops:

seriousuli

shishkab wrote: spoken like a man.

i don't mean that in a bad way (honestly), but nonetheless it does smack of a little... ignorance regarding single women seated at bars.

i have a few years under my belt, and i can say with no pretense or judgment that the only way i can enjoy a drink at a bar without comment or invitation from male patrons is to put my nose in a book. i don't know why this is, or at least, why it STILL is, but a lone woman sitting at a bar with a drink invites unwanted attention and interruption from guys. even my wedding ring doesn't deter! but bringing a book or magazine with me while i am waiting for someone or simply enjoying a glass of bourbon by myself is the only way i can guarantee being left alone.

go figure?!?!?

you've still got it, shiskie!


I have both problems - bring a book, people talk to me abobut what I'm reading. Don't bring a book, they talk......sometimes I want to talk, sometimes not so much. It's when I don't want to and my body language and reponses (think one word answers to your questions) indicate that I don't want to that I get annoyed.

I travel with a pashmina. As soon as the flight starts, I cover my entire face with it until people get the hint :-)

veets

shishkab wrote: spoken like a man.

i don't mean that in a bad way (honestly), but nonetheless it does smack of a little... ignorance regarding single women seated at bars.

i have a few years under my belt, and i can say with no pretense or judgment that the only way i can enjoy a drink at a bar without comment or invitation from male patrons is to put my nose in a book. i don't know why this is, or at least, why it STILL is, but a lone woman sitting at a bar with a drink invites unwanted attention and interruption from guys. even my wedding ring doesn't deter! but bringing a book or magazine with me while i am waiting for someone or simply enjoying a glass of bourbon by myself is the only way i can guarantee being left alone.

go figure?!?!?

Well that is because you are still a HOT woman... so go for it!!!Read your book and enjoy the feeling of being alone but wit people and being shielded from the advances if that is what you want..

Been there... done that!!

trainsmoke deleon

the bar on 4th at St. Marks would be my vote. I think it's called Pacific Standard. Couches and Good beer selection.

che

(Being honest that Bart the owner is a friend of mine,) I've read books and written letters at Sidecar, on 5th betw. 15th/16th. If the tables seem crowded or full of eaters, the copper bar in the rear next to the kitchen has good reading lights underneath the counter, and the lighting is just overall brighter than any other bar I go to.

shishkab

that's a really good point, CHE. the copper bar by the kitchen in Sidecar is a great place to read! those little lights are perfect for illuminating pages.

gags2008

Subject: getting hit on vs. socializing

most people go to bars for socializing. i agree its unfortunate that guys get so aggressive at bars . . . there is this class of guy who just hits on anyone and everything and messes up life for everyone, but when you are at a bar it is partially assumed that you are somewhat open to interaction. the book would probably put me off. but i've met married women many times at bars and had nice convo w/ them. even had a married woman try to pick me up (she wasnt wearing her ring either). no big deal. but if you are afraid of being hit on you can go to gay bars. total wine bar isnt by definition a gay bar but it has good wine and mostly gay patrons so chances of being hit on there are low. but reading conditions are less than optimal.

i think the online dating explosion has somewhat ruined it for anyone trying to meet women at bars, btw - women are too busy dating the online loser-boys and its just too easy for them to get a date on saturday night. ny used to be the best place for meeting women - now its definitely less so

pitu

Subject: Re: getting hit on vs. socializing

gags2008 wrote: but if you are afraid of being hit on you can go to gay bars. total wine bar isnt by definition a gay bar but it has good wine and mostly gay patrons so chances of being hit on there are low. but reading conditions are less than optimal.

not necessarily so - where there are men in bars with women, there are men trying to talk to women who don't necessarily want to talk to them
(/shrug)
there's a whole lot of possible social interactions involved, with and without hookup interests

back to the topic:
Tamari, the Japanese "Tapas" place on Fifth Ave at Union has a couple of low chairs with lamps. They open early Thurs - Sunday. You could have beer or sake, and a skooshy reading chair.

And then I suppose there's Union Hall, set up like a library in front, and now discouraging strollers.

I've met people at Pacific Standard early - there's a rec room in the back, but you'd probably be very alone. Early = ghost town.
Book readers appear to be across the street at Mule.

I wonder when the BAM cafe is open?

gags2008

Ha! I think it's hilarious that they are "discouraging strollers" at Union Hall. I used to dislike that place but might give it a chance.

F the stroller crowd! If you want to haul your kid around, carry the damn kid or let him/her walk!

mr. met

try the pretentious bar that was suggested in the super bowl thread. sounds like a safe bet.

alafairnadia

I've hung out reading a book at sheep station, cattyshack and total.

I gotta say, my popularity as a single reader has spiked since I got the sony e-book reader. people are constantly asking me about it, which is vaguely embarrassing since I'm often reading fan fiction and/or porn on it (yes, I'm a weird, pervy dork). but yeah. reading with a gadget is apparently an open invite for convo starters.

also, I've found that guys are very apt to talk to me on airplanes when it's obvi I'm there in a business situation - sitting in first class or something. I can barely get a page into my book before we've accosted the flight attendant, obtained our very own bottle of wine and are deep in conversation about WHY novi, michigan is so interesting. (guh)

so sometimes I think boys (and girls, honestly, given my 'shack experiences) think a book is a great excuse to talk.

gags2008

so sometimes I think boys (and girls, honestly, given my 'shack experiences) think a book is a great excuse to talk.

And why not? What better thing to talk about?

Is the IPOD touch good for downloading/reading E-books? Am thinking to get one.

raw

If I dim the lights, bust out booze, and play loud music at Barnes and Noble, will that work?

guvna

Hhm. If you want to read in a place that has other people . . . and you dont really want to have to interact with those other people . . . but you want to have a drink while you read . . .

why not brown bag it at the local library? 8)

carmen

^haha I don't mind interacting with people actually if they have something interesting to say, but just "whatcha reading" in a slow, drunken fashion does not impress me.

But brown bagging the library sounds amazing

gretch

Subject: beer and book

or wine and book--or any drink---mixes pretty good, in my opinion. Personally I enjoy it a lot. But I rather do it earlier time, late afternoon to early evening, than the bars get really crowded. Then any bar open with rather confy seets and good selection of drinks would be a good option.

flygirl

I just moved to England from NYC but still check this board every now and then for nostalgia value and to see what is changing in the hood.

Although I really miss the Slope one thing I love about England is the pubs. You can read in the pubs without feeling like a dork. Actually, in my town most of the pubs come with a selection of books you can borrow. And the music isn't so loud you can't chat with friends. And the tv is only on if there is a crucial game on (not all the fcking time like in most NY pubs).

Anyway, short answer is: move to England if you like reading while out drinking.

cml43

If you sit at the bar at Commonwealth, there's just about enough light to read. Hoard a few candles and you're set. People basically leave you alone. Hell, I did my taxes there in peace--figured it was a good place to get good or bad news!

caaahyoko

cml43 wrote: If you sit at the bar at Commonwealth, there's just about enough light to read. Hoard a few candles and you're set. People basically leave you alone. Hell, I did my taxes there in peace--figured it was a good place to get good or bad news!

Plus, they do have a rack with a couple magazines, so I feel like it is encouraged.

Buttermilk happy hour in the summer is always good for me. I sit at the end of the bar by the window and as long as the sun is still up, its a good spot.

bluecat

This is a great thread. I'm often wanted to just get out of the house to read a book and never sure where to go. I've tried union tea lounge a couple of times but came home w/my clothes smelling like smoke. I guess that's the trade off btw the comfy chairs and the hard chairs. There's always the 7th Ave Starbucks...

-blue

cml43

Thanks for the tip about Buttermilk. Perch sorta does the trick when it turns into a hybrid coffeeshop/restaurant/bar in the evenings. If you hit it on open mic night, though, the poets and comedians get a little depressing. Distracting, too.

eatshoplocal

couple of days ago i was in beertable on 7th near 14th street and there were two people reading and having a beer - i found it quite quaint and very european - nice

littleredmenace

cml43 wrote: If you sit at the bar at Commonwealth, there's just about enough light to read. Hoard a few candles and you're set. People basically leave you alone. Hell, I did my taxes there in peace--figured it was a good place to get good or bad news!

WOW - I like the idea of doing one's taxes in a bar! I think I might try that.

Thanks for the tip, man!