Library Bar at Hudson

Very nice lounge-​type of bar yet the ambiance is also sophisticated and classy. There are cute bookshelves on the second floor, big funny pictures of cows on the war and a pool table in the middle. Love it because I can sit in comfortable big couches and have a nice chats with friends. Drinks are also strong and delicious (yet priced reasonable, ~$ 15 per drink)

Pink slip. Get it. Very cool place love the hipster lighting. Great place to chill and get day drunk.

Went here for a friend’s birthday in February. The area in front of the fireplace was reserved for our group. It was the perfect spot since it was the middle of winter. Ambiance is relaxing as it did resemble a library, although all of the books were out of reach. Drinks are around $ 16, but worth it. I read about a smoky pear margarita in the reviews, but didn’t see it on the menu. I asked the bartender about it and he was happy to prepare it for me. I liked the drink since it had a strong pear flavor and was a decent strength in terms of alcohol content. The smokiness of the drink could be tasted after the pear faded. My friend tried a gin based drink that had honey in it, but the gin flavor overpowered the honey and other elements. She took it back and the bartender prepared a drink to her liking as a replacement. Unfortunately this place is quite expensive for non-​alcoholics. A glass of juice was $ 6 and a good portion was ice. No food served here, but the bar on the opposite side of the hotel had pub type food. There are a few coat racks in the library to use, but you can also use the coat check downstairs for $ 5 an item.

This place is decent. It has a cozy ambience, it’s relaxed, and not pretentious. No loud music, so it’s a place to just catch up with people over drinks in an intimate setting.
Drinks are good: they’re not the best I’ve ever had, but they’re definitely well-​made and above average for a comparable bar in New York. Decent selections on the cocktail menu. Will return if I want drinks without going too crazy.

Probably one of my favorite bars in Manhattan. Impeccable service, cozy, but sophisticated, ambiance, and delicious cocktails. There’s always good music playing between the bars at the hotel, so if you were to migrate between them, it’d be a continuous flow. Library Bar is the most quiet and intimate of the selection. It may be difficult to find seating, but parties are usually willing to share the area. It’s all candlelit and furnished with leather chairs/​sofas and rich, dark wooden tables. Absolutely love the décor — it’s like a dream study.
I never experienced snobbishness here from the employees nor fellow guests, so don’t be intimidated! We were asked to move to a smaller table as a party of two once, but the server did so very graciously and kindly and of course we obliged. When I asked for water, he provided us with bottled water instead of tap, which was also appreciated. They are always accommodating and I’ve always had a satisfactory experience.

I don’t have much experience with hotel bars. The last hotel bar I visited was the PHD Rooftop Lounge at Dream Hotel in Chelsea, and let’s just say that’s not the type of Dream I’d like to have. So in comparison, the Library Bar (and Hudson Commons) is, wait for it, a dream. It is everything that the Meatpacking venues are not: you can hear yourselves talk/​think, you can order a drink without getting preyed on, there is actual character to the place, and the drinks are only a teensy bit overpriced (as opposed to painfully so). So Library Bar, with its eccentric, bovine flair, gets 4 stars from me.
I’ve been to Library Bar three times at this point, and each experience has been lovely. I feel like I should elaborate on the «bovine flair» before anything else. For whatever reason, along with being library-​themed, this bar is also an homage to all things cow. Oddly enough, one of my best friends in high school was super into cows. Not in a creepy way, he just loved cows like I love dogs. So I’m quite familiar with this, er, unique interest. The Library Bar — and I don’t know why this is — is adorned with quite a bit of cow art. Portraits of cows line the walls in such a way that you’d think they were the founders of an elite, mammalian social club.
Cows aside, this is a very comfy, cozy and classy spot (alliteration always wins). Nice armchairs, some couches, a chess table and pool table are scattered around the space. Beautiful, high ceilings and of course, oodles and oodles of books that rest on elevated bookshelves (above the cow portraits — priorities, people). If you work in the area and are looking to grab a drink while avoiding the happy hour craze, this could be your spot. And if you like the happy hour craze, Hudson Commons is literally steps away.
Drink-​wise, the Library Bar has a nice selection of cocktails. Better than what you’ll find at Commons. You won’t be blown away by anything, but they’re certainly above average in terms of cocktails offered in the city. They’re well-​made and with upscale liquors to boot. I can’t remember what I’ve ordered on previous occasions, but last night I got the «Rare Fashioned» (Bulleit Bourbon, Blackberries, Agave Nectar, Lemon), which is pretty much a glorified whiskey sour. Refreshing and well-​balanced. The rest of the menu is pretty similar — twists on classics that are somewhat original in terms of combinations but not particularly adventurous. All-​around solid!

The space was cool but the food was barely mediocre and the staff were quite rude. To top it off we were booted from our small table due to a reservation that was arriving at 6pm. In a bar? Come on… No class

The cow photography on the walls were a bit strange but otherwise this bar is a one room, very cozy place. Stopped by at 8PM on a Wednesday and most of the tables (there weren’t that many) were taken. Slightly upscale and snobby (maybe that explains the cows) but a good place if you want to impress someone (and get super overpriced drinks). It’s quiet, uncrowded and actually pretty spacious — likely because there are very few seats inside the bar. HOWEVER — LUCKY YOU — this bar is located in a hotel so there are comfy seating arrangements /​small tables in the hallway outside the bar.
Inside, there’s a pool table, a few chess tables and small two people tables near these BEAUTIFUL large windows. Books decorating all sides of the room. Very nice if you like to be surrounded by books.
I’ve had this place bookmarked for the longest time and I’m glad I was finally able to try it out. However, I’m not sure whether I’d go back! Slightly too bougie for me. It was definitely an experience fo sho

I’ve been here a couple times — and have always enjoyed my experiences — but with each time I go, I’m more convinced that the only reason to stop by Library Bar is for the ambiance. The bar is modeled after an old-​timey library (think ceiling-​high bookshelves) with a modern twist: quirky cow photos adorn the walls and the space is filled with lucite chairs and a large pool table. While the space is definitely impressive, the drinks are subpar: Library Bar uses interesting ingredients, but seems to have a pretty rigid menu, which is unfortunate for someone who is looking for a particular drink or a cocktail as basic as a margarita. Not to mention the drinks are expensive, and I don’t always agree that they’re worth their value. Library Bar is a great spot to grab one (and I mean just one) drink or if you’re looking to impress someone (date, business client, a significant other’s parents, etc.), but I wouldn’t center my night around this bar.

Up the escalator and hang a left. At the T hang a right and at the end of the hall you’ll find this place. Nothing like being lost in your own city. If I were a spiteful person I’d give this place 2 – 3 stars. That’s more the experience I had but I feel perhaps it could be and is better. When you are a sophisticated cocktail bar with a very limited menu, you should never be out of things. You should especially never be out of three wines and ingredients to make 2 of your 5 cocktails on the same night. Yes that happened. The substitute drinks were… okay — I felt vey underwhelmed and they were far from anything exclusive. Not strong and not balanced well. Non-​chilled martini glass.
The atmosphere is awesome. I happen to love low key, relaxed, and not overly loud places. Not too crowded and private/​intimate areas to sit. Waitress was extremely slow and really needs to remember she is serving $ 16 cocktails & wine and nothing else. I should never have to wave you down and wait for a refill like we’re at Applebee’s. If the experience and my reaction could match the prices then I’d really like this place and I’d never think twice about the price of the products (that aren’t on the menu). Unfortunately this didn’t happen and there are so many other bars it may be difficult to come back.

This place is really cute with books lining the walls. It’s super cozy, which is real estate talk for tiny. Honestly, did not spend that much time here as we couldn’t find a seat. There are a couple bars at the Hudson, all with different vibes. I’d definitely recommend checking the others out and sussing out which would fit your mood.

Great place in the city to have drinks & chill. Hidden gem that’s been around for years

Stopped in for a drink after the opera. Good vibe. Music appropriate volume and lighting flattering. We sat at a couch and chair combo around a small table. There were many such set ups. There was also a pool table in the middle. Loved the big Venetian-​looking mirror.
Morgan our waitress made her way to us and brought us cocktail menus upon request. I had the Rare Fashioned. It consisted of bullet bourbon (I am going through a bourbon cocktail phase as the weather cools), blackberries, agave nectar, and lemon. It was very good. My friend had the smoky pear Margherita which had mexican, silver tequila, grey goose La Poire vodka, Gran Marnier, and lime. She let me taste it and it was also very good.
I would return here for a cocktail.

Came here around 10pm on Friday for a couple drinks. It is a very stylish and my kind of style! More importantly, the bartender is amazing — funny and makes the most excellent cocktails. Beware though, seating is limited so you may find yourself standing. Also, the cocktails are pricey: we spent $ 16 a drink.

I loved this grand, spacious, library-​themed bar! There’s a pool table, chess table, and a few couches. I really wished there was more seating available, but I see that it was intentional so as to maintain the uncrowded environment. (They really ought to invest in at least a few more plush chairs though…)
This entire hotel is impressive, from the escalator ride up to the concierge desk. Our group was here on a Friday night and found a mix of tourists and locals. On one side of the floor, you have Library Bar. On the other side, you’ll find a casual, yet upscale, sports bar with huge widescreen TVs and a friendly hostess. Outdoors, you’ll find their rooftop bar, The Sky Terrace, but it’s only open seasonally, starting in April. (It was closed when we were here on ¹⁰⁄₃₀.) All three have a casual, upscale ambiance.

Library Bar is located inside the chic and trendy Hudson hotel. Make sure you’re walking to the left of the reception desk because if you take the right, you end up in a loud and crowded restaurant bar that is the exact opposite of what you’re looking for. Once you finally end up in Library Bar, you can take a breath of relief, order a drink with very little wait from their delicious cocktail menu and take a seat on one of the inviting couches or (like my group) take a seat at a charming chess table. When you’re ordering a drink, you might notice the signs on the wall that say «No Smoking» followed quickly by «No Dancing» — I thought this was hilarious and pretentious at the same time, but it was actually very good prep for the night ahead. Library Bar is a place you can go with friends to chat and catch up. You likely won’t be accosted by strangers wanting to join your conversation. This can be good or bad, depending on what you’re looking for. It seems like a great place for a chill night, or a place to start the night before you head to something a little more wild.

The ambiance is very cool but there is very little seating. There’s weirdly a lot of photos of cows with different hats on the walls but I sort of dug it. There’s chess tables which are usually reserved and a pool table and maybe 10 other chairs. The drinks are about $ 17 a piece. The blackberry drink (i think it was a play on an old fashioned or Manhattan) was pretty strong and it tasted pretty good. But overall there are cooler places to go to for a relaxing drink. If I happened to be at the hotel, I would go back. But even at the hotel itself there’s better places to grab a drink.

Nothing that exciting at Library Bar. Very much a see and be seen spot. The drinks are expensive and there is very limited seating.

Super super cute place for obvious reasons but literally no where to sit! The place has enough seating for maybe 5 people so most you can do is pop in. I don’t think it should be considered separate at all. Go to the Henry Bar on the same floor, way better.

This is an interesting midtown/​upper west side option for drinks. It’s pretty chill. There probably isn’t enough seating for a Friday /​Saturday night crowd, so you may have to hover for a spot.
Cocktails are $ 16, not including tax. I would say that you get your money’s worth (well, as far as drinks in Manhattan go…), as the drinks are pretty strong.
There is a pool table and chess, though it closes pretty early.

A great place to just chill and get a drink! It’s upstairs at the Hudson Hotel and you just need to turn right after going up the elevator. There were no bouncers or a line – you just walk right on in. The ambience feels very classy but there were people in t-​shirts and jeans. My bf and I grabbed a glass of Cabernet (my favorite red wine) and a mojito and just chilled on a couch. Price was also very reasonable ($ 15/​drink) and the bartender was very nice. You can also play pool here if there’s no one playing already. All in all, I really liked the lounge-​y feel of this place and it was a great find on our part. Beware of suspicious people trying to pick you up though because we saw one guy try to do it and he was later found at the door being questioned by a few guards.

We came here to have some drinks and get a bite to eat. I really liked it. The décor was nice with the library look. We ordered food, I ordered a French toast grilled cheese and it was pretty good and my friends enjoyed their meal as well. It was not too packed when we went so we were able to find a place to sit in 5 minutes. There was a DJ playing some good music and the TV’s were playing sporting events. Overall we had a good time

Very cool vibe — walk into dark paneling, Beauty&the Beast style library shelves on this two-​story high-​ceiling bar packed with old books and even rolling ladders (can’t walk up there though as far as I know), a fireplace, overstuffed leather couches, and a chess table flanking a ridiculously-​oversized lamp hanging over the entire perimeter of the pool table in the center of the room. Also, many portraits of cows everywhere. Quirky.
The bar is tucked away into the left corner when you walk in. Drinks are expensive. Came here for a friend’s birthday party and a small hangout… unfortunately a friend’s purse got stolen first time I was here and we spent +45 minutes looking for it, which ruined the mood. Still this is anice, cool, relatively quiet place to chat… if only we climb upstairs to the actual bookcases…

This place is a hidden gem in the Hudson Hotel with very little signage. There’s a great outdoor area with lots of plants and places to sit. Inside is comfortable and welcoming with a pool table (occupied when we were there around 5pm), fireplace, and a chess board (which we managed to snag). There is table service inside, but I’ve been here when it is packed, so get there early if you want a place to sit.
Drinks can be on the pricey side, but they’re strong and delish. And hey, it’s a NYC hotel bar, what do you expect?

I’ve been to the Library Bar many times. It’s a great spot for a casual drink and a game of chess. There’s one pool table, but it’s always in use. The bar has an upscale casual feel you might find in your rich friend’s house. Dark wood, overstuffed armchairs, dim lighting, book-​lined walls. and giant paintings of cows make this a classy place to sip a cocktail. And if you want something a little more energetic, you can pop over to Half and Half for a more clubby environment. They’re both inside the Hudson Hotel, so you don’t even have to go outside. To get to Library Bar, enter the hotel, go up the escalator, head left at the top of the escalator past the check-​in desk, and go all the way back.

More like a 3.5.
Ambience was cozy, chairs were comfy, crowd on a Friday night was strange (but I guess that isn’t the bar’s fault).
The bartender was FANTASTIC. And he made awesome cocktails too. He helped us because our waitress was on a break.
Yeah, about that waitress… she never stopped by our table. After she passed us a few times, we flagged her down and asked if we could order a second round. She said sure, she would be right back… and never came back. She was chatting it up with all the tables around us, while we were ignored all night. Sigh. No matter, we were able to go to the bar to get our drinks.
And on top of that, my fiancé’s coat was stolen. Not the Library Bar’s fault, but it was the disgusting cherry on top of our meh night.
Maybe we’ll return on a weeknight? The cocktails *were* good…

There were several places to imbibe in the Hudson Hotel, but the Library Bar had the least amount of pretension. There were no bouncers or velvet robes, however, the space was stil packed on the Saturday evening. The masculine room showed off walls covered with built-​in bookcases, a large pool table, a cozy fireplace, and comfortable armchairs.
The beverages were surprisingly affordable, but could only be obtained after a lengthy wait at the sole, minuscule bar in the corner of the room. Thirteen dollars for my strong Hendrick’s and Club Soda was perfectly reasonable given the environment. I also enjoyed a glass of Kim Crawford’s New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a taste of my friend’s Smoky Pear Margarita. The boozy custom cocktail was essentially all alcohol — Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Corzo Blanco Tequila, Grey Goose La Poire Vodka, Grand Marnier — and the addition of lime. Custom beverages like that really put a modern twist on the classically designed space.
What I am saying is, do not automatically rule out the Hudson Hotel because you anticipate hefty prices and burly bouncers. The Library Bar allows you to experience the glitz of the hotel without the drama.

Came here last night for farewell party for a friend that’s moving to Colorado. I was surprised this place is so cool and laid back and down the hall was a more upbeat club/​lounge that was playing great music that enticed me to want to stop in.
The bartenders were friendly and I’m guessing a bit on the slow side as there was only one preparing drinks and the other was cleaning and stocking. Drinks are pricey but we’ll mixed according to friends.
The décor of the bar gives you a very cozy feel as if you’re sitting in the living room of a mansion. There is a larger than life mirror mounted to the wall and a filled bookshelf around the top perimeter of the room and a fireplace to make you feel right at home. The pool table had alot of action and I didn’t get to play but I’d definitely come to this spot. I had a great time.

Stop #3 of our slam-bam-thank-ya-ma’am tour of the Hudson Hotel’s offerings.
Lovely. Really lovely. Like old New York mixed with Beauty and the Beast. Classy vibe all the way, with pricey drinks to drive the point home. This is probably my favorite of the Hudson bars.