Books & Bars: L.A.’s Thirst for Literature (and Style)
January 4th, 2011When you think of Los Angeles, books and literature are probably not the first things that come to mind. Possibly sun, beaches, earthquakes, riots and even screenplays enter your imagination, but certainly not bound hardcover classics that create an atmosphere of intellectualism and sophistication. Maybe not even pulpy paperbacks that sell for a shiny quarter at Goodwill.
So perhaps it comes as a surprise that there is currently a trendy movement occurring in Los Angeles that has seen the marriage of books and bars. That’s right – drinking establishments that have lined their walls, and shelves, with everything from hardbound classics and modern novellas to law encyclopedias and philosophical tomes. Actually, alcohol and the written word have a close correlation and long history; among the famous writers who were heavy drinkers include Hunter S. Thompson, Tennessee Williams, Charles Bukowski, William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway.
As for the current trend of styling everything from dingy dives to stellar speakeasies with books, well, it may be just that – a trend. But while it’s around it’s worth ordering a cocktail and soaking up the chill library-esque atmosphere that some of these L.A. bars are working hard to recreate:
The Wellesbourne in West Los Angeles
Picture brass reading lamps, a bar menu printed on textured paper, oversized bookshelves jammed with books and guest checks issued in miniature novels, and you get an idea of the detail that went into designing this literary bar. With a cozy fireplace and plenty of comfy seating, you can easily while the night away until last call. 10929 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 (West L.A)
Hyperion Tavern in Silverlake
If this place confuses you when you arrive because it looks like a house, that’s probably because it is sandwiched between two houses and may have actually been a house at one point. Regardless, its dive-y sensibility coupled with its elegant law library makes it one of the most interesting, and odd, bars in L.A. 1941 Hyperion Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Silverlake)
Library Bar in Downtown LA
Downtown L.A.’s fast-growing nightlife scene has seen the opening of numerous upscale bars, but this is certainly the first one to not only capitalize on the literary trend, but also suggest it in its name. Intimate spacing, plush stools and a classic-rock rockin’ jukebox add just enough kick to this library bar. 630 W 6th St Ste 116-A Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Downtown)
XIV
XIV in West Hollywood
When you combine the talents of renowned chef Michael Mina and designer Philippe Starck, the result is a culinary and visual experience so stellar that it changes the landscape of nightlife on the Sunset Strip. Add to that the custom, decorative book collection created specifically for XIV by Juniper Books and you end up with an environment that truly exudes a stylish literary sophistication. 8117 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046 (West Hollywood)
Unlike drinking and cars, books and bars make a perfect combination and the opportunity to visit a drinking establishment that has a literary atmosphere can be a fun way to spend the evening.
(Hint: If you don’t live in L.A., there’s a good chance that the “Books & Bars” trend has made its way to a city near you)
Please feel free to share in the comments any book friendly bars you’ve come across in Los Angeles or elsewhere!
Tags: bars, book bars, book bars in los angeles, library restaurants, los angeles book bar, los angeles books and bars
ooh don’t forget Hemingway’s in hollywood!
http://www.hemingwayslounge.com
This is a great idea for homes as well. Highlighted dual purpose home bars at http://ow.ly/3ysag as a way to combine books and cocktails into multifunctional rooms with decor that works well together.
Lots of large budget inspiration here that can be scaled down for personal pubs.
Wow. How did we miss Hemingway’s?! Looks incredible.
This has kind of been a thing in Toronto for a few years now. They have bars/coffee shops/libraries all in one.
See Union Hall in Brooklyn.
Great article, but for any other Angelinos thrilled about a cool bar in West LA, the correct address for The Wellesbourne is 10929 W Pico.
Thanks for the correction Dory. We’ve updated the address.
I can’t wait to check The Wellesbourne. But XIV? Really? Umm…
Never eaten at XIV. I hear it’s better than Mina’s Vegas establishment but doesn’t measure up to the food at his SF restaurant.
I know Maloney’s right in front of UCLA has book/bar scene too, but in a much more dive-y way.
This is not a new idea. This place http://www.librarytwo.com/menu.htm has been open at least 35 years in South Jersey and if I remember there were numerous more here (7 or 8?)
Do they have problems with people taking the books? Or do the owners not care? I do think it is a wonderful idea and at the Oregon Coast was a restaurant that had books for perusing and if you wanted to, you could purchase them. Some of the books, needless to say, were stolen.
Really, it’s not new at all. I live in Stavanger, Norway, and we have at least 3 bars I can think of off the top of my head that are lined with books. They have been around for years.
Ah, you’re making me homesick!
The reason that the Library Bar is called that, is because it is directly across the street from the Los Angeles Public Library Central Library, of course.
When I was in grad school in Austin, there was a bar on 6th St. called “The Library” for the sole reason that drunken frat boys could honestly tell their mothers, “Sorry, I didn’t get your call! I was at the Library. I was at the Library, ALL night long!”
Terrible, terrible.
I remember going to “The Library” in downtown Dallas but don’t recall seeing any books.
How did I not know any of these existed when I lived in LA? Maybe I would have stayed. Mos def will have to check them out the next time in the LA area.
There’s a bookstore bar in Hudson, NY I used to frequent when I lived up that way called The Spotty Dog. Now to find a bookish bar in the ATL.