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The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub Reviews List

The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub

The Library at The Public is an Astor-era lounge tucked away in the mezzanine level of The Public Theater's new downtown home at Astor Place serving classic and inspired cocktails, wine, and Chef Andrew Carmellini's eclectic American menu sourcing local ingredients and New York influence.
See more The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub details
118 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
(118 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 118 reviews
5 stars
(31)
4 stars
(60)
3 stars
(21)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(0)
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(47)
  • good for groups(32)
  • fit for foodies(30)
  • romantic(29)
  • late-night find(27)
  • special occasion(25)
The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub Reviews List
Review 1 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

pleasant surprise

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"What a pleasant surprise to have such a nice meal before our show at the Public. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed which was a nice change from so many places these days. The food was quite good although there menu is somewhat limited. The service was a bit slow and disorganized though."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Good food/Mediocre service

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"While the food was quite good (fish tacos, pea soup, burger and trout) , the service really fell short of any reasonable standard. Early on a Saturday night, with almost no other diners in the restaurant, the servers spent more time talking to each other than really attending to us. We needed to ask for bread and butter and plates were cleared before we had both finished our dishes. Our server was quite knowledgable about beers on the menu, but aside from that, hardly engaged us. The lighting in the restaurant is so dim, it's hard to read the menu, and to actually see the food. The restaurant should take some tips from how The Public Theater creates a sense of excitement and engagement in its lobby - that's clearly missing from The Library."
Dined on 5/11/2013
0points
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Review 3 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

thumbs up

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A well chosen limited menu with fresh food at moderate prices. Oerfect for post theater dining."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 4 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A Hidden Gem

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The Library is convenient for theatre-goers attending shows at the Public, or elsewhere on the Lower East Side. The food is delicious, and the ambiance is enjoyable. It's one of my new favorite restaurants."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Comfortably chic

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Library is a paradox: it has a bustling bar scene but is so quiet and conducive to quiet chats - so rare in the city. Excellent service, too."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Spend time in The Library

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Wonderful atmosphere, excellent and attentive service, food was quite delicious, perfect for before and after theater."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

an "adult" bar

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"for meeting a business friend in the East Village for those of muse over 40; terrific staff; grat ambiance; perfect for that business "let's meet for a drink""
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/30/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"It is a perfect spot for eating before a show at the Public. I wish the menu had a little more variety...and it is just a little too dark. I will definitely be back.
Erin
"
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 9 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

"Adequate" food is best description

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
""Adequate" is best word to use to describe food - and if going to the theatre or need something of quality but not exciting, this place will work just fine. Not one of Andrew Carmellini's better places. We ordered the most "serious" dishes on menu which was Brook Trout with dressing on side- very tasty and Hanger Steak, served as a small piece of meat, UNSLICED which is unusual and makes it look more pathetic- sauce on side too. A bit too salty for our taste but not chewy - so it too was ok but unremarkable."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2006
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Review 10 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Not quite right yet

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The service was excellent however we were disappointed in the food. The arugula salads was quite mediocre and certainly not worth 14 dollars my mussels were very good but the portion was quite small. The drinks,while again pricey,were excellent I think with a little
tinkering the restaurant could be a lovely venue.
"
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2013
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Review 11 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We shared small plates before

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We shared small plates before going to Joe's Pub. Very satisfied."
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food and the best Manhattan

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Good food and the best Manhattan I've ever had. Perfect place to eat and drink before and after seeing a show at the Public Theater -- and maybe even if you're not."
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Had a nice time, food was

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Had a nice time, food was delicious! Waitress was missing in action most of the night though."
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 14 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Disappointing

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Having heard and read so many raves we expected a great time. The service was poor, inattentive. When our orders came the amateurish servers "shopped" them since they didn't know which plate was for which diner. Don't you just love saying "no that's not her's it's mine"? The food . . . poorly prepared. Lamb chops came out less than luke warm. The goulash seemed to have no sign of paprika. The trout, well, the less than 1/2 a trout, possibly 2/3 of one side of one trout didn't seem like a main course, but more like an appetizer. Atmosphere?"
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2011
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Review 15 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Library

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT. It is what all restaurants should aspire to be. I went twice in a week since I loved it so much on my first visit. Honestly, this is my new favorite place. From the moment you enter the restaurant, it is the perfect vibe. The greetings are so warm, the service is excellent and the food delish!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Lovely serene ambiance. Ideal

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Lovely serene ambiance. Ideal pre-theater. We would like to see a more varied menu-or some periodic changes to the menu so that we could come more often, not only pre show. The lamb chops were super!.
Why are they using those little round glasses for martinis and filling them up only half way. Every drink feels like a ripoff!
"
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Terrific little gem. So nice

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Terrific little gem. So nice that the Public Theater now has a spot for pre- and post-show dining. Service was outstanding, food was very good, and when I visited, the noise level was low.
One note - it is rather dark, making the menu (especially the wine list) a bit tricky to read.
"
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 18 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great late-night spot!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Really wonderful pickles, of all things; I'd happily go back just to have those again! Thoughtful service, and a nice, quiet atmosphere."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find
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Review 19 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Beautiful room with subdued

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Beautiful room with subdued lighting. Friendly staff. Food was good but the menu could be a little more extensive.
Would recommend.
"
Dined on 04/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

cool place but food is just

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"cool place but food is just okay. Pretty disappointed in all 3 courses in terms of quality, quantity and creativity. Cookies and malt? Really it was pretty awful."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
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Review 21 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Dim light and good service

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The ambiance is really cool:dim light, cosy seats... We took a drink before dinner and we were all happy of that place."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2011
Special Features: romantic
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Review 22 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Who would have thought that

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Who would have thought that the Public Theater would have such a great restaurant. I went on a Monday night when they had Live entertainment, Drink paring and a Steak Dinner. It was fabulous."
Dined on 03/18/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I adore this place! The service,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I adore this place! The service, in particular, is top notch."
Dined on 03/28/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

captive audience

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Good choice for before the public theater. Great mushroom soup. Good wine. Not great burger-needs more taste."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 25 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and personable

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food and personable service in a totally unique setting within the Public Theater, one of America's treasures. Incomparable."
Dined on 03/24/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 26 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Surprise

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wow!!! Great food and Great Drinks. The service was also fantastic and very personable staff. I never thought the Public Theater would be a food destination. We went on a monday night for the Steak/Entertainment promotion. I highly recommend it."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food, pleasant, attentive

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Good food, pleasant, attentive service. The room is VERY dark. The piano player was good; the singer was dreadful."
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2010
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Review 28 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great cocktails, mediocre

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great cocktails, mediocre food for the price. The atmosphere is upscale pre-theater cocktail bar, which works, since it's in The Public. The menu is the same as Joe's Pub, which serves decent food if you're also catching a performance. But if you're just going out to eat, there are better and more interesting options in the neighborhood.
That said, the drinks are great and this is an ideal spot for a pre-show cocktail with some friends."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 29 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

not enough options for gluten

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"not enough options for gluten people except hamburger without bun for the others, they enjoyed the food,"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
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Review 30 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was FABULOUS, service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was FABULOUS, service was outstanding. Lighting was too dim. Three tables asked to have the lights turned up a bit. Otherwise we had a great dinner and would definitely return. Excellent venue before or after a concert at Joe 's Pub or show at The Public Theatre"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 31 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Extraordinarily convenient

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Extraordinarily convenient for a pre-Public Theater dinner. The lamb chops were excellent. Service was efficient, but the restaurant was not very busy, so it's hard to judge efficiency on a busy evening. It's also hard to tell if it would be quiet if full."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2009
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Review 32 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Very convenient if you are

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very convenient if you are attending a play at The Public."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 33 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had dinner before a show

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had dinner before a show at Joe's Pub and it was perfect. would got there again."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 34 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

a boon to theatergoers

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Lovely atmosphere, and so convenient. Even when crowded it is quiet enough to hear your companions. Servers are happy to accommodate people who want to share. The shrimp tacos, bucatini with cauliflower, and apple crumble were especially memorable."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 35 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Staff very friendly. Food

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Staff very friendly. Food was great.
Shrimp Tacos and Malt Vinegar French Fries at the bar for a quick drink and snack. Amazing
"
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2005
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fabulous meal, excellent service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Fabulous meal, excellent service and perfect atmosphere."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 37 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The menu is basically a confident,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The menu is basically a confident, elaborate take on bar food. Limited but creative and tasty. The signature cocktails are amusingly named and boldly mixed.
Perfect spot pre- or post- Public or Pub, but also worth an outing as a relaxed, hip-but-not-pretensious destination.
"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 38 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Gorgeous ambiance, but the

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Gorgeous ambiance, but the food, drink, and service weren't as good as they were on my last visit, which makes me worry that the outstanding time I had previously was not the norm."
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 39 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I did not know this place

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I did not know this place existed even though I only live a few blocks away. It was a great find. Food was good. The atmosphere was nice. Price not too bad. I don't want to tell too many people because then I won't be able to get in."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2006
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

On arrival we were greeted

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"On arrival we were greeted warmly by the host and shown immediately to our table even though we were 15 minutes early. This was greatly appreciated.
The server was very helpful and charming and the food was excellent
"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 41 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Beautiful room, great looking

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Beautiful room, great looking bar. While the menu is less than inspiring, the place rins well and is great for conversation."
Dined on 02/18/2013
 2011
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 42 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This hidden gem on the second

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This hidden gem on the second floor of the Public Theater can be a unique location for a date or the obvious late night food option after a show at the Theater. The ambiance/noise ranges from quiet (almost library level)/personal to energetic/vibrant. It is set up in the library of the theater. Patrons are encouraged to read any of the books off the shelves if they are so inclined. Service was good; however, would have been better if the busboy had not taken away our appetizer plates before we had finished. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and helpful in selecting our meal & drinks for the evening. The food was delicious and reasonably priced for NYC. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend this place to others."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 43 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Absolutely loved it here!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Absolutely loved it here! Super cool vibe, great crowd and food was tasty. Highly recommend the trout - delish! Will definitely be back..."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 44 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good luck finding the restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Good luck finding the restaurant on your first visit. Just ask someone at the lobby desk at the Public Theater to direct you. It's a bit of an odyssey. But like a theater set on one of the Public's nearby stages, the restaurant setting will make you forget the flight of stairs you climbed and brightly lit school-like hallways you passed through to reach it. Warm and cozy, with book lined nooks and the swank feel of an elegant watering hole from a bygone era, one is immediately comfortable. The food is lovely and service great. Burrata, squash bruschetta rocked. So did my burger and fries. Worth going to whether or not you are seeing a play at the Public."
Dined on 01/16/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 45 for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good for a pre-theater nibble/drink

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Perfect for pre-theater dining for shows at The Public or in the Astor Place vicinity. While the food is tasty, I wouldn't go out of my way to dine here. The dining room feels crowded, my conversation kept being interrupted by the conversations at the tables on either side of me. The menu is fun, lots of tasty options but if you order from the apps (Act 1) or small plates (Act 2) then you won't get much for money (except for flavor). Had a bottle of Malbec, however, and it felt reasonably priced and also tasted delicious. Next time you have a show on the calendar, you can't find a more convenient location for a tasty little bite."
Dined on 01/18/2013
 2009
Special Features: hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Library at the Public - Joe's Pub
Based on the average of (73) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
9 out of 9 recommend this product
Food 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2.1 / 3
Energetic