Library of Distilled Spirits — Restaurant in New York

Nestled in the heart of New York City, The Library of Distilled Spirits proved to be a hidden gem, offering a refined and enchanting escape for a night out with friends.

From the moment we stepped through the doors, the ambiance of The Library captivated our senses. The dimly lit space exuded an air of sophistication, with shelves lined not with books, but an impressive selection of spirits from around the world. The cozy yet stylish decor created an inviting atmosphere that felt both intimate and upscale.

The Library's knowledgeable and attentive staff added a delightful touch to our experience. Their expertise in recommending cocktails based on our preferences showcased a dedication to providing a personalized and enjoyable visit. The attention to detail extended to the presentation of each drink, transforming our evening into a tasting adventure.

The extensive menu at The Library of Distilled Spirits catered to both the seasoned spirits connoisseur and those looking to explore new flavors. The curated selection of cocktails showcased creativity and craftsmanship, with each sip revealing a perfect balance of ingredients.

One standout feature was the innovative use of spirits and house-made infusions, elevating classic cocktails to new heights. The bartenders' skill in blending flavors was evident in every drink, making each choice a delightful journey for the taste buds.

The Library's ambiance was further enriched by the low hum of conversations and the soft notes of background music, creating an ideal setting for both intimate conversations and lively gatherings. The comfortable seating arrangements allowed for a relaxed and enjoyable evening with friends.

Overall, The Library of Distilled Spirits stands out as a refined destination for those seeking a sophisticated yet welcoming bar experience in NYC. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or someone looking for a unique night out, The Library offers a tasteful haven that combines expertly crafted cocktails with an ambiance that invites you to unwind and savor the moment. I look forward to returning to The Library for more memorable evenings...

TLDR: an uninteresting, average hotel bar with a misleadingly exciting name and expensive decor.

This bar came so close to being interesting and then just didn’t follow through. When we picked this place to grab a drink we were expecting to be able to peruse a list of unique spirits to try but it seems like they don’t actually want you to utilize the “library.” We were told that there is not a list they can give you of the all the varieties and their costs. Our server said she doesn’t know all of the names and prices off the top of her head but can check and relay the information for specific bottles if you ask. She also said that typically people who ask about the price for a pour from something don’t actually want it once they hear the price. The “library” looks very cool, but it’s very difficult to see the bottles on the shelves so that even if you might be interested you’d have to ask about anything to both verify it’s the bottle you think it is because you can’t read the label and that is a price that isn’t a crazy mark-up. It would take so much extra time to try and figure out what you want to drink when you’d rather be discussing options with your friends and the server could be helping other patrons.

This place would be really great to come to when you want to try something extra special or just different if they didn’t make it so annoying to pick from the library shelves. It would also be amazing if they offered premium flights where you could try a small amount of multiple uncommon varieties. If they had this option we would definitely be regulars and our friends would always want to have a drink here when they visit the city.

Lastly, aside from not having the full library list we expected there is only a very short cocktail menu and the drinks we had were not inspiring. In the end this is just a hotel bar with incredibly expensive decor.

Major disappointment after being...

Very disappointed in this establishment. I was on my annual trip to NYC and thought this would be a cool place to take my friend who loves distilled spirits. Google showed it as open at 2:00 when we arrived. The sign out front on a chalkboard said “open”. There were people seated inside. After sitting at the bar a manager informed us it wasn’t open then ushered us to the bar next door calling it “an extension”. When I asked why the Library showed as “open” the manager told me that it means the space is open. What does that even mean? The bar next door was limited. When the bartender went off shift another did not show and a worker was scrambling to figure out how to do a recipe for us. At 4:00 we were able to go to the Library. The bartender was not equipped with the skills to tend a complex bar. Still we spent $200 on two drinks of bourbon. For that I’m mad at myself. Guys pay attention to the basics. On your website you need clarity of your “HOURS OF OPERATION”. Train your bartenders and if one doesn’t show then the manager better be...