Tell us a little about bout yourself and BOOK CLUB BAR.
NE: My wife and co-owner, Erin Neary, and I have lived in New York City for many years and have always been passionate about both nightlife and literature. I grew up in Connecticut, while Erin is originally from Wisconsin, but New York has been our shared home for a long time. Interestingly, we actually met in a book club, which is what inspired the name of our store. Our love for books and social spaces naturally led us to the idea of creating a bookstore that also serves as a gathering place. When we’re not running Book Club Bar, we love to explore the city, finding inspiration in its energy, history, and vibrant cultural scene.
Why did you or the owner decide to open a bookstore?
NE: Erin and I have lived in the East Village for a long time, and we always dreamed of creating a community space that reflected our interests. We wanted to blend the best elements of an indie bookstore with the warmth and social nature of a bar. While researching, we visited some incredible bookstores across the country—some of which also had bars or cafes attached. Seeing their success reassured us that this concept could work. We also felt that the East Village, with its literary history and diverse, creative community, was the perfect place to bring our vision to life. We wanted to create a space where people could browse books, enjoy a drink, and have meaningful conversations all in one place.
What kind of reading trends do you see with your customers?
NE: While we primarily sell literary fiction, we’ve certainly noticed a trend toward genre fiction: romance, fantasy, cozy mystery, and the super popular “romantasy.” People are definitely looking for an escape in books!
What other services and/or products do you provide your customers?
NE: We have a full-service bar that specializes in literary-themed cocktails (i.e. the Murder on the Orient Espresso Martini, the Cider House Mule, In Cold Bloody Mary, etc.) We also feature a broad range of international wines, flavorful craft beers, and locally-roasted coffee.
How do you see book club bar progressing and expanding in the next few years?
NE: We are actually in the process of building out our second location in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. We have spent a lot of time in that area and we believe that it is an excellent fit for our concept. We are hoping to open in time for summer of 2025.
What do you think the future of indie bookstores will look like?
NE: We are seeing first-hand an embrace of analog, tactile experiences as many people have reached a breaking point with digital life. All of us are forced to live more and more of our lives on screens, so many are finding peace and enjoyment in places where they can buy something tangible and make a real human connection. As long as indie bookstores remain welcoming community spaces, there will always be people seeking them out.
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Article originally Published in the Spring 2025 Issue: Genres in Bloom