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    Library Café

    3.8 (523 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

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    Business Info

    LIBRARY CAFÉ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

    Recommended Reviews - Library Café

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    Reviews With Photos

    Top shelf bar
    Chun M.

    We had been wanting to go to the Library Café for a while but never had the chance, so I made a reservation for lunch after Christmas while we were out running errands. I'm assuming that this corner building on Main St was a library or bank at one time with its high ceilings. This makes for some really high top shelf liquor at the bar that you would need a rolling ladder to get to. It was a really cold day and our front corner table had the heat vents right under the bench, so our toes were pretty toasty. The menu is typical American fare with lots of bar appetizers, sandwiches and a few plated entrees. We started with some BBQ Wings, Short Rib Chili and Philly Cheesesteak Empanadas. The empanadas only came 2 per order, so we got 2x2 which for $16x2 is kind of pricey. The chili came with fresh made crispy multi-colored tortilla chips. I really could not tell it it was short rib or regular ground beef though, but was topped with melted cheese and still very tasty. The kitchen turns out some really fresh dishes, each made with care. Each sandwich had a choice of side item, some for a +$3 upcharge. Around the table, we had very tall Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Marinated Sliced Steak sandwiches with Waffle Fries. My BIL had the Classic Burger (8oz) with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and I had the Roast Beef French Dip Melt with Onion Rings. The au jus for dipping was good and the rings are fresh batter dipped, just the way I like them. My wife was different with the Southwestern Burrito Bowl with Marinated Steak. The bowl of rice pilaf, corn, black bean salsa, avocado, cheese & pico de gallo looked impressive. We did not order dessert, though there were some tempting items on the menu. I definitely would like to return to try more of their tasty dishes.

    Danielle A.

    One of my absolute favorite bar/restaurants in the town of Farmingdale. The food is superb and the drinks?! Don't even get me started on the drinks! Easily, some of the best drinks I have ever had. There isn't the widest selection of seating but if you can get in you're in for a treat!

    American Burgers
    Andrew C.

    We were taking the train from Farmingdale to Emont UBS station to attend an NY Islanders hockey game. Before catching the train, we decided to explore Farmingdale town and have dinner there. Our choice was Library Café; a popular bar and restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated 1907 public library building. The ambiance is truly unique combining a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. The décor and setting create a cozy, vibe Their menu features "storybooks" of American pub fare, offering a variety of classic dishes with a creative twist. They also have an extensive cocktail program, with drinks cleverly named after authors and famous books. We ordered the American burger, which turned out to be very good. Our server was attentive and pleasant, making sure we had everything we needed. Overall, we were quite happy with our choice of dining spot before heading to the game.

    Dirty Martini (looks better than it is)
    Briana C.

    I really wanted to like this place, but the food and drinks missed the mark. I ordered a simple salad, but it came absolutely drenched in dressing(it was overwhelming and not enjoyable at all).I also ordered a dirty martini, and unfortunately, it was the worst I've ever had. I couldn't even drink it and just left it. On the upside, the service was friendly, and the space itself is beautiful. It's a nice spot to relax, and have a few beers, especially if that's more your vibe. Just wouldn't come here for the cocktails or food.

    lunch date
    Barbara P.

    DELICIOUS! FANTASTIC MENU!!!! Great service! I can not wait to go back! Great place for a date or to go with friends! You can have little bites (the appetizers are FIRE), you can have a delicious meal or you can have it all! Their drinks menu is also great! I just can not wait to go back. Ps: don't skip on the desert, we had the cheese cake and it was the best cheese cake I ever had! So light so smooth! I am drooling thinking about it!

    John V.

    The Library Cafe incredible interior showing a massive-magnificent display of many liquors requiring a ladder reaching them. Also a Sailboat Display above the Door Exit. The Bartenders great customer care.

    Buttermilk Fried Chicken
    Rhonda S.

    Tried this spot after seeing the reviews & it didn't disappoint! Our waitress Annie was professional, fun & made great suggestions on what to drink & eat. We have the mini-Reuben's & empanadas for appetizers! I had the marinated steak sandwich which was delicious. My friends had the buttermilk fried chicken combo & the drinks were awesome. We had their signature drinks which didn't disappoint. We tried the yellow brick road, the patron pineapple margarita, the notebook & medieval romance! All excellent! I will definitely be back even if it's just for dessert! Very nice bar area & nostalgic representation of a library!

    Byron S.

    I swear L.I has some spots. This was a bank, that turned into a library, that's now a bar. It's definitely a welcoming vibe as soon as you step in. Keeping up with the theme they have drinks based on authors. Both drinks was fantastic! My bartender was awesome. He took time to explain and offer great suggestions.

    Up-close cheesiness!
    Amneris M.

    Still one of my favorite spots in Farmingdale. We started with the pretzel sticks. I got the French onion soup and hubby got the marinated skirt steak, which had mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe. The service was great, luckily we didn't have to wait too long for a table. The upstairs is for events, which I was able to experience over the fall.

    Pinneapple margarita
    Erica W.

    Used to be a library and has become such a cute restaurant! The drinks are named after authors and books, and tasted delicious! Food was delish, we enjoyed our shared appetizers and our meals. Fried chicken sandwich, Cobb salad, and burrito bowl were a hit. Service was fantastic! We had a group of 12 walk over from the funeral home and they were so accommodating to fit us!!

    bar area

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    3 months ago

    They are not open on wednesdays until 2:30am. Went at 12:30am, and it was not open. Despite the hours on the website.

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    Page 1 of 14

    Ask the Community - Library Café

    Can you eat at the bar? Where is the live music played?

    Yes, of course!

    Would I be able to call and make a reservations? Or are there no reservations allowed for regular hours?

    You can certainly call to request a reservation! Based upon availability, our hostess will be able to help you accordingly. We hope to see you soon!

    Are there any reviews on group parties upstairs for brunch?

    For all brunch reservations, please call the restaurant: 516.752.7678.

    View All 5 Questions

    Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails

    Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails

    4.6(45 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Surprised by the lovely, bright & open bar and well made cocktails & food. Bartender Madison did a…read moregreat job and has a promising future mixing up some fabulous drinks. Unassuming would be the correct word, in a strip mall where years ago we must have visited for one of the original AYCE sushi places. More recently, there was a pub that had live music. You may know it as the strip with the Post Office & Bottle Values (what I picture a liquor store in the former USSR feeling like. Lee & I made the mistake of not heading East into Carle Place/Garden City for a celebratory cocktail, we attempted to try The Foundry in Hicksville, but that was incredibly short lived. Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails turned out to be a nice choice. I enjoyed a Bee's Knees, perfectly made in a Nick & Nora glass (a way to place less spirits than a coupe) and Lee enjoyed a Mezcal concoction on the rocks which he enjoyed. We had some fabulous Mussels in a white broth and the Thai Calamari with peanut dressing. Both memorable. The owners are not novice restaurateurs. I believe if this is correct, one is of KYMA and the other was somewhere that I was familiar with the bunch of names. We would return, yes..but the overall setting and vibe was true to a strip mall. Lots of parking though !

    This was my first visit to pearl. Quaint little place in Bethpage strip mall. Nice bar , spacious…read morecouple TV's. Service is friendly and courteous. I had oysters and Fish tacos for apps. Oysters were great! Fresh, shucked perfect and chilled well. Fish tacos were deep fried a bit heavy but tasted good. I had seared Ahi tuna for main. It was cold and a bit tough but seemed fresh. It was decent but I wouldn't order it again. My girl had Salmon which was fine, unseasoned but was decent as well. Prices were fair not too expensive. I would return but I'll order other options .

    Photos
    Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails - Bar

    Bar

    Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails
    Pearl Kitchen & Cocktails

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    The Coop Nashville Kitchen Bar & Lounge - Espresso martini

    The Coop Nashville Kitchen Bar & Lounge

    3.8(38 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Wow..... what a disappointment.... I had been looking online for a place with good ol' southern…read morefried chicken, Most of what I found was "skinless," which to me, defeats the point of getting fried chicken! I admit it, I love the skin! We ordered a bucket of 8 pieces, and chose mac and cheese and cole slaw. We also ordered a side of jalapeno corn bread. There's really no good news here. The chicken was so dry inside, we couldn't eat it and thrw out all 8 pieces. The mac and cheese wasn't terrible, but I've certainly had better. It too was dry, and was basically one big piece of mac and cheese. The cole slaw was..... interesting. It was an odd pinkish color (red cabbage?) with really no sauce that I could find. My hunt for great fried chicken,,,, withnthe damned skin on..... continues.

    I was very impressed with this restaurant. Not only was the hostess so welcoming when my group of…read morefriends came in for my friend's birthday, the staff was so friendly and accommodating as well. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are in a restaurant in Nashville. The menu and the drink list really transport you there as well as the live music. The band was so good! I'm on a diet and the waitress was able to work with the chef to accommodate my needs. I was so impressed. I will for sure be back again. I ordered the sweet potato bowl with brisket, tomatoes and onions. I had one drink, whiskey pig bourbon, was very good. The restaurant has a fun cocktail list and a lot of bourbons. Can't wait to take my husband here

    Photos
    The Coop Nashville Kitchen Bar & Lounge
    The Coop Nashville Kitchen Bar & Lounge
    The Coop Nashville Kitchen Bar & Lounge

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    Grexicana

    Grexicana

    4.2(75 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    The food is tasty. The service is good. The people are great. The ambiance is cozy. It's a small…read morerestaurant. I went with a couple of friends and the main dish did take a while to arrive. The appetizers were delicious, we got the calamari and yucca fries. The only thing I will say is that their portions do not match what they're charging. I thought it was a bit overpriced and we barely got calamari and yucca fries. Our main dish was tacos and we barely got anything. The whole idea of having a mix of Greek and Mexican cuisine is cool and wonderful. I don't want to stray you away from this place. I think if you want to give it a go, it's great, and hey maybe you end up liking it more than me and my friends

    I came here on a Thursday with 3 girlfriends. We made a…read morereservation but there was plenty of seating. We ordered the chips and guac as an app I ordered the moussaka enchiladas for dinner and it was so good. The béchamel was so creamy and I loved the meat and eggplant inside My friends got the lamb shank orzo and birria tacos. We all devoured our meals. We also loved the dessert. The churro nachos. The chips were cinnamon sugar and so crispy and covered in dulce de leche, strawberries, banana and a scoop of ice cream. The baklava cheesecake was also great. Our waitress was great, she didn't rush us. The restaurant was filled with tables of friends of all ages and it was so nice to see. They also have bar seating. All of the dishes had a little Greek, a little Mexican and I can't wait to come back and try them!

    Photos
    Grexicana
    Grexicana - Mexican Brownie

    Mexican Brownie

    Grexicana - Birria quesadilla

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    Birria quesadilla

    Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar - Pollo Alla Griglia GF

    Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar

    4.3(732 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    An Italian restaurant located on the main street of Downtown Farmingdale. Came on a weekday evening…read morefor early dinner and found street parking out in front. The place has a good amount of seating area including high tops, low booths, bar table, and a private room. There is also two unisex restrooms. I came with my boyfriend before an event at Farmingdale State College and we were on a time crunch. I made a reservation on OpenTable but it was not busy at all. We got greeted and seated immediately upon walking in. Then, a server came with ice water for the both of us before our actual waiter came to introduce herself and ask if we were ready to order. Shortly after ordering, the waitress brought us a plate of complimentary bread that comes with garlic on top and olive oil dip on bottom. We got the fried calamari which was perfectly battered (not too little nor too thick) and fried perfectly (not too burnt nor too pale). The taste was great and went well with the marinara sauce. The Clams Oreganata were delicious too - very meaty and flavorful with a nice sauce and lemon to squeeze on top. The Clams Vespa is very unique and creamy. It reminds me of a white Alfredo sauce with baked clams. They had a huge variety of drinks and it was hard for me to choose, but the lady recommended me the Sicilian Kiss which is a strawberry flavored cocktail. It is supposed to be on the sweeter side but the alcohol was strong too. As for our main entree, we got the Papperdelle Bolognese which was a veal, pork, beef ragu on ribbon pasta. Very well cooked and the taste and texture went perfectly together. We were so full, but never skip on dessert! I'm personally not a fan of cheesecake, but they have creme brulee cheesecake and rainbow cookie cheesecake which I would have loved to try if it wasn't for the cheesecake. But I was happy to find out I could order the rainbow cookie gelato that usually comes with the cheesecake. That was yummy! The texture reminded me of the cake mix Ice-Cream from Carvel and the flavor is not too strong. Overall, great vibes and service. Will definitely be back to the the pizza and other pastas.

    Service is great and fast. Large space, larger than you'd think…read more Menu is large and they have something for just about anyone. Food is good! Good spot for dinner/drinks on Main St.

    Photos
    Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar - Interior

    Interior

    Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar - STUFFED ARTICHOKE!!!

    STUFFED ARTICHOKE!!!

    Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar - Braciole Siciliana ~ 1.8.25

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    Braciole Siciliana ~ 1.8.25

    Library Café - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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