The Library at the Public

The Library is the perfect spot for a quick meal before a performance at the Public Theater. The food is excellent and the staff knows what diners are on a timetable to make a curtain.

So convenient being at the same address. Friendly staff. Excellent food. A little pricey

The Library is like going home. Wonderful people, great menu, efficient service as we are usually attending theatre.

burgers are great. staff was wonderful. Especially good spot if you have tickets for the Public Theater.

We were very disappointed in our meal . The service was very slow and the food only fiar.

Though I would recommend the Library for the quality of its food, I would discourage those who don't like eating with other guests within 12 inches on each side. Because it's a restaurant housed in the Public Theatre, they seem to try and fit as many customers as possible. The food and service are outstanding, but very pricey.

The Library is THE place to eat before a show at the Public. I still want the lobster rolls to be larger but they are delicious. The tacos are a great appetizer. New burrata dish is splendid. Unfortunately the touted fish and chips are mostly chips with very little fish! Nice atmosphere and personal service.

Very expensive for what you get. Joe's Burger which was really a slider is $17.00. Had a vodka on the rocks $17.00, one ounce only.
Their core crowd are
theatre patron's. So off the Street customers does probably not happen.

At an early hour dinner was pleasantly quiet. The food was decent but not remarkable and certainly not worth the price. We don’t mind spending money on a great meal; this was not in that category.

The Library is a great standby for dining pre-theatre at The Public or any of the other theatres in the area. While the menu stays the same, the specials are engaging, and the food is always fresh and tasty. Can't beat the service.

The room is really charming, and the food is quite good. The salads are enormous and something of an overkill, but the mussels are delicious and the trout is superbly crispy and served with a delicious ratatouille. The cocktails and wine pours are generous. All in all a great meal.

Terrific place to dine either before or after a show at The Public. Be sure to get your discount if you are a member.

While the ambiance was halfhearted with half-filled bookshelves and the overall scene was amicably quiet, it never reaching over 60% capacity despite our waiter seeming emotionally overworked throughout. Unable to clear plates or bring water at his own behest, we had to push and prod the entire Saturday night dinner service long. While tucked away and partly adorable, this place lacked authentic charm and solid service. Decent and well-flavored food and strong drinks brought back a bit of depth but overall, just an average experience.

In think the food was ok. I had trout, which felt like had not been salted or very moderately so it was a little bland. Partner had a good steak with good french fries. Liked the service, very friendly. Ambiance is cool. Al over I think the total price for dinner inc. beet and wine was a lityle over priced for what it was.

Such a classy place. Really beautiful. And the food was delicious and fresh.

Our appetizers and entrees (steak and trout) were cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Drinks were very good and service was fine. It’s great to have such a convenient restaurant available when we see a play at The Public.

As always, the service was great and they got us out in time to make our curtain. The burgers were delicious. The prices are a bit high but that is somewhat offset by the member discount.

An absolute must before a 7 pm curtain at the Public. And it's a good deal for members.

I ate here twice on consecutive nights - the first time with the girlfriend and the other to celebrate a college graduation with friends. Both times I ordered from their restaurant week menu, and each course was very good and tasty. Beet salad, burger, and mussels were great. They also make an excellent Negroni and Side Car. We were lucky that there wasn't a show downstairs. The restaurant was only a 1/4 full, and we were able to take our time. The ambiance was cozy, and the only thing missing was a fireplace for a cold, winter night.

Very good food. Pleasant low-key atmosphere. Perfect for when you are seeing a play at the Public Theater.

Even if not going to a play at the public ideal , civilized dinner in the east village . Great for grown ups and wait staff super attentive and professional

$18 for a coctail?And it was a “cheap” shot: not a full martini glass... and not prepared well. Too much sweet vermouth for a tequilla manhattan.. Rest. Week menu: needs some help: fish and chips was very good: califlower dish mediocre... rubarb crisp, very good.. problem is; none of it was compelling enough to draw me back for a return visit or to recommend it... sorry to say..

The food was very good, particularly the shrimp tacos and French fries. Portions were good size (except dessert with the restaurant week meal. Service was also very good. Only drawback was the limited and disappointing wine by the glass options and the prices on the wine were quite high, even for mediocre offerings.

This was my first time at ‘tis stablishment. Our server was very attentive and accommodating. Restaurant week selections were perfect for us....2 different fish selections. Dessert was superb. I will be back.

The Library always pleases: richly flavored food, inventive cocktails, very good wines, and excellent service.

Cocktail list was inventive, the pours were solid and the bartender crafted them well. Food was basic, but no complaints. Definitely a place for adults, basically a pre-theater dinner and then possibly after show drinks with a nice seating arrangements including couches near bar. The decor kept it quiet, reserved, enjoyable. See you again for sure soon.

I'm an outlnander from Michigsn -- came because I was seeing a play. But I loved the atmosphere -- almost like a neighborhood bistro. Got into some fun conversations at the bar with other playgoers. Will come again -- play or not.

A beautiful restaurant with great food and desserts. We have been there several times and have never been disappointed.

I loved it ! great restaurant and so convenient to dine at the theater !

The Library never disappoints--the food is consistently good and the service is quite good. We are frequently at the Public Theatre and it's great to have a reliable place for dinner before the show.

medium rare burger came out rare, almost blue.
the salad had next to no dressing on it
the squid was excellent.

The best thing about the Library is its location inside the Public Theatre, which makes it very convenient if you're going to a show. It's an attractive setting, wood-paneled with bookshelves to look like a library. The food was tasty, although my husband's steak was too salty (and he likes well-salted food) and not a lot of choices for the main course. Be warned, salad portion is enormous, as was the pasta I ordered as main course.

We went to a show . We were dissapointed in the fish tacos ,but the bartender as usual made a great drink . The burger was undercooked but the fries were also great as always. It was a hit or miss meal but we have had better here.

You have a friendly and fun staff. From the moment you walk into he Library, you feel comfortable and welcomed.

The portions are smallish. Bread should be served with salads, etc.

First time at The Library and have been wanting to go for a while. Decor was very cool. Went for a friend get-together but seems like it would be a good date spot too. Cocktails were amazing. Ordered the burrata and street corn. My friend ordered the tagliatelle ragu and everything was great! Will definitely be going back.

I have been here twice and the first time was exceptional which is why I returned. The second time was a bit of a disappointment. I chose something on the menu that I thought was inedible so returned it to the kitchen, asking for a plate of fries (quick prep since we had show tickets). I asked the price and was told that it was six dollars then ten minutes later I was told it was nine dollars at which point I said to cancel the order. At no time did the server ever acknowledge the problem with the food or offer to ameliorate the situation. When I return to the Public, I shall avoid the restaurant and go for the bar.

This was not my first time at the Library. First, if you have a play, they get you there on time! Service is friendly but definitely not smarmy. The food is delicious and not so typical. The roast trout and vegetables as fresh, hot and delicious. The salad was GIGANTIC, so even though my DH and I don't usually share food, we shared his enormous, delicious, lightly dressed salad. Nice drink menu, reasonable wines. The play we saw was pretty good too. This is THE place for dinner if you're seeing a show at the Public. As members, we enjoyed our 20% discount as well.

The food and service are very good. You are paying for the convenience of the location.

Joshua E. was amazingly kind in taking in our allergy situation! My colleague is allergic to shrimp and he went above and beyond to make sure all the food was “safe”. Not all places do this so we are VERY appreciative of his kind (superhero) service! Thanks for a lovely evening!