The best cocktails, friendly staff and lots of books. Nice relaxed atmosphere even when it’s busy. A selection of tasty snacks of the bruschetta and platters kind. Good funky downtempo music that doesn’t drown conversation. They also do a decent coffee and hot chocolate. I don’t really feel a need for cocktail napkins myself, and I’ve yet to inspect the toilets.
Summer B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Morristown, NJ
One of my favorite places in Wellington. It’s very different than any other cocktail lounge I have been to, it actually resembles a real library, overflowing with books accompanied by a dim ambiance. Very sophisticated place, but I went a few times during my stay because of how neat the interior was. The drinks were super well put together too.
Art V. B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Los Angeles, CA
Very nice bar adjacent to Chow. Nice atmosphere with all the books and dark Library environment. Well prepared drinks.
Rosalind C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
Nice cocktails, nice staff, nice atmosphere, quirky style… dirty toilets and no cocktail napkins. Head here for interesting drinks and a chilled vibe.
C W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Poolesville, MD
Everything I wish from a real library: Cloudy Bay Reisling(very exclusive), shrimp cocktail, and printed travel guides from the late seventies. I almost walked past the obscure street entrance but was so delighted to find the sprawling space up a staircase(and thru the very-fake-but-cute hidden bookshelf door.)
Yots N.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Melbourne, Australia
Visualise two flights of stairs leading up into a cosy enclave filled with leather bound books, impressive cocktail list, snacks and view over the cute city of Wellington. Yes, this is The Library for you. I want to open up a similar place in Melbourne. We popped in for a quick drink one windy Wellington night and marvelled at the chilled vibe and attentive staff. Looks like it would be an ace place to start or finish the night. And any place with books is fabulous in my world.
Nick P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Wellington, New Zealand
Cocktail + cake? Yes please.
Miss N.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Wellington, New Zealand
Great drinks, priced equal to their quality. Food is also great. Nice place to start or end the night if you want to wind down. Really nice on a week night where they sometimes have small bands playing, and usually have a special on.
Katey P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Australia
The Library is the kind of cocktail bar that you go to with someone you want to impress. It’s not that it’s overpriced, but it’s. sophisticated. Yeah the staff do dress eclectically and the cocktails are well made but the formal vibe keeps the atmosphere at a certain level. I’ve had a couple of great experiences here — with the food and the drinks, but the staff are a bit stand-offish, not sure why! Worth checking out for the dessert tasting plate. Try the earl grey crème brûlée if you get the chance. Great wine list, well made cocktails, and a good selection of savoury and sweet dishes on offer.