The Library Bar: A Classic American Eatery in Midtown Manhattan

The Library Bar Introduce

In the constant, buzzing energy of New York's Times Square, finding a place that offers both a comfortable retreat and a satisfying meal can be a welcome discovery. The Library Bar, a classic American restaurant and bar located within the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, provides just that. As an in-house dining option, it caters to both hotel guests and the general public, offering a slice of classic American cuisine in a surprisingly relaxed and casual setting. The establishment presents itself as a haven from the chaos of 7th Avenue, a place where you can unwind and enjoy a well-prepared meal or a drink. The menu is a thoughtful collection of familiar American favorites, designed to be both comforting and delicious. From classic bar bites to more substantial offerings, The Library Bar strikes a balance between being a go-to spot for a quick snack and a legitimate choice for a sit-down meal. Its warm atmosphere, complemented by window views of the bustling city streets, gives it a unique vantage point that feels both connected to the city and secluded from its overwhelming crowds.

The establishment offers a quintessential American bar experience, with a focus on simplicity and quality. Its menu is straightforward and appealing, featuring light bites, a full dinner menu, and an array of drinks. The food has received praise for its classic bar fare, with customer reviews highlighting the great taste of the chicken wings and the "amazing" french fries. This focus on getting the basics right is a major strength, providing a reliable and satisfying option in a neighborhood where dining can often be hit or miss. The drink menu is equally robust, offering a selection of alcohol, beer, and wine, making it a perfect spot for unwinding after a long day of work or sightseeing. The atmosphere, described as casual, allows for a comfortable dining experience without the pretense of a more formal restaurant. It's a place where you can grab a quick lunch or sit down with friends and family for a relaxing dinner. While some reviews mention mixed experiences with service, the general consensus is that the food is a highlight, and the convenience of its location within a major hotel is a significant advantage.

The Library Bar's location within the Sheraton also means it is a natural gathering spot for a variety of crowds, from business travelers to tourists and locals seeking a convenient meeting point. Its interior is designed to be welcoming and functional, providing a pleasant space to escape the elements and enjoy good company. The views from the windows on 7th Avenue offer a dynamic backdrop, showcasing the unique energy of Times Square without having to be in the middle of it. This visual connection to the city, combined with the comfortable and approachable menu, creates a dining experience that feels both authentic and distinctly New York. The fact that it is a full-service bar with a variety of offerings means it can accommodate different needs, whether you're looking for a beer, a glass of wine, or a simple Pepsi with your meal. Its role as a reliable, in-house dining option ensures a level of consistency and convenience that is highly valued by anyone navigating the hectic pace of Midtown Manhattan.

The Library Bar is located at 811 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA. This address places it directly inside the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, a landmark building that occupies the block between 52nd and 53rd Streets on 7th Avenue. This is an exceptionally convenient location for both New Yorkers and visitors. The bar is situated in the heart of the Theater District, making it a perfect choice for a pre- or post-show meal or drink. Its central position offers unparalleled access to public transportation, with numerous subway lines, including the B, D, E, N, R, Q, and W trains, serving the area. The location is also within walking distance of other major landmarks, such as Central Park and Rockefeller Center. While parking is notoriously difficult and expensive in this neighborhood, the easy access to the subway makes a visit to The Library Bar hassle-free. Its setting in a large, well-known hotel ensures it is easy to find and provides a secure and comfortable environment for dining or socializing.

The Library Bar offers services and features that cater to a wide range of patrons:

Services Offered:

Lunch: A reliable option for a midday meal.
Dine-in: An on-site seating area for a comfortable experience.

Features / Highlights:

American Cuisine: Serves classic and comforting American dishes.
Full Bar: Offers a variety of alcohol, beer, and wine.
Views: Features tables with views of bustling 7th Avenue.
Friendly and Attentive Staff: Some reviews note the staff is friendly and attentive, enhancing the dining experience.
Convenient Location: Situated inside the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, providing a great option for guests and locals.
Casual Atmosphere: Offers a relaxed and unpretentious environment.

Contact Information:

Address: 811 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
Phone: (212) 581-1000 (Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel)

What is worth choosing from The Library Bar?

Based on the consistent feedback and menu offerings, the most worthwhile choice at The Library Bar is to lean into the classic American bar fare. While the menu may not be extensive, the dishes it does offer are often prepared to a high standard. Specifically, the Wings and French Fries come highly recommended by customers, who have praised their great taste and quality. This focus on getting simple dishes right makes them a reliable and satisfying option, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a shared appetizer with drinks. The bar's primary strength lies in its ability to serve as a convenient and comfortable spot for a casual lunch or a place to grab a drink after a long day. Its value proposition is clear: it's a solid, no-fuss option located in a key area of the city. While one review mentions a brusque bartender and an unexciting view, this is countered by another that praises the friendly and attentive server and the nice window tables. This suggests that the experience can be varied, but the core offerings of good food and a full bar remain consistent. For a local or a visitor, The Library Bar is worth choosing for its practicality and its ability to deliver on classic American favorites in a low-key, accessible setting. It’s the perfect place to grab a reliable meal and a drink without having to brave the crowds of Times Square itself, providing a quiet and comfortable refuge from the city's intensity.

The Library Bar Details

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Wine

Dining options
Lunch

The Library Bar Photos

The Library Bar Location

The Library Bar

New York New York County New York 7th Avenue

811 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

The Library Bar Reviews

An average rating of ★3.3 from 4 user reviews.

bacondrinks

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Was in town for 3 nights, and had dinner at The Library two times, food was great, got Wings and French Fries. My nephew loved their wings and the fries were amazing. The place was clean, and we got tables by the windows facing 7th Ave. The place does not smell like bacon, that is a completely lie. Our server was friendly and very attentive. We are not alcoholics, so we just ordered Pepsi and water.
August 16 · Daniel Izaguirre
We just stopped by for drinks to end our day and use up the $35 voucher from the hotel. It was a bit chaotic and seemed understaffed despite not being very busy.Older dude at the bar seems to want to be anywhere but there, but the drinks were better than the first review led me to expect lol Both nights when I went by he was brusque once he finally deigned me worthy of his attention. 🤷🏻It felt dark, rather than dim, in the evening. The views seemed relatively unexciting, like being in a fishbowl more than anything.
August 17 · Cheslyn Garland
Possibly the worst cocktail I’ve had in years. My boyfriend hated his too! The margarita tasted almost like vomit. So gross. There are so many great places nearby, don’t bother here unless you’re drinking something that doesn’t require mixing like beer or wine.The seating situation is unclear, but after asking the bartender, you do seat yourself and a server eventually will come to you.The food menu was short and the options were boring. The dining room stinks like bacon.The server was nice. Would not come here again.
May 23 · Nikki Kitko
Since I stayed at the Sheraton for four nights, I visited every day while I was in New York to make the most of my $35. The first night, I had beer, but they only had bottled beer, and a 15% tip was automatically added to my bill. The second night, I had a New York steak. I ordered medium-rare, but it came out medium-well. It was still delicious, so I ate it anyway. The third and fourth nights, I ordered takeout chicken salad and pasta, and both were delicious. Overall, the food was good, and there was no waiting, so I was comfortable.
August 31 · Sohyun Kim