We walked in on Tuesday for an early birthday celebration and to take advantage of the Long Island Restaurant Week menu. My brother has always wanted to try this place, but we never had a chance to actually step foot inside the Library Cafe. As the name suggests, the restaurant sits at the site of the old town library, and the bar area has tall shelves and a rolling ladder to pay homage to the name. To maximize the restaurant week menu, three of us tried different appetizers. The ahi tuna taco was the best of the lot- crispy shell and nicely prepared tuna filling. The Thai calamari was a little too overcooked and the sweet sauce was cloying. I didn't get to try too much of the French onion soup because my dad almost inhaled it whole, but it was gooey and comforting. I had the honey-soy glazed salmon with broccolini. The salmon was a little dry, but the glaze and cashew went well with it. Maybe a touch of spice could have improved the dish. The broccolini was nicely textured and not too bitter. My mom's fish and chips were underwhelming, though the not-proper "chips" were well fried and seasoned. It was not served with vinegar either. My brother had the Buddha bowl which he enjoyed and felt was a good health conscious option. I did love that they allowed my dad -- who was not feeling too well-- to order just an entree while the rest of the table had the restaurant week menu. I know some restaurants require all members of the table to order off the prix fixe menu sometimes. He had the burger, which was cooked very precisely to medium-rare. We did have dessert though we were stuffed at this point. The sticky toffee pudding cake was lovely, moist, and so decadent without being overly heavy. I ordered the wild berry cheesecake, and while the clearly house made berry compote was a nice touch, it was just a little underwhelming next to the sticky toffee pudding. Overall, we had a good time at the Library Cafe, and though service was a little slow due to sudden rush of diners, it was a fun little weekday dinner. I did see signs for their happy hour, which I'd love to try-- especially their cocktails named after writers! read more

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Recently had lunch at the Library Cafe when visiting Farmingdale and was amazed at the interior ambiance. One cannot miss the large wall of liquor bottles behind the bar. Never went to a bar that needed a rolling ladder to access the top shelves. The high ceilings ( believe it was a renovated library ) even allowed for a small sailboat to be displayed above the main entrance foyer. Shout out to the staff. We were immediately welcomed by the bartender and informed we could sit anywhere rather than wait to be seated. Our server Annie was exceptional: welcoming, friendly and attentive with some appreciative suggestions from the menu. The menu, excluding the St Patrick's March Menu, was your typical American bar pub food fare: appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and limited entrees. Started off with the onions soup which was cheesy but light on onion slices but very good. Passed on the St Pats March Menu ( except for the Guinness beer ) and stuck with sandwich options. The sandwiches came with a side ( other sides available with an up charge). The sliced steak sandwich, roast beef French Dip sandwich and classic burger were all cooked to perfection and served with either a salad or waffle fries. The Library features an extensive cocktail menu with creative names of famous authors and even novels. In addition there is a separate open air event area ( above and overlooking the restaurant floor ) for private events or parties. Overall a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some good food that's reasonably priced. Definitely will be back when in the area again. One note Street parking is limited but there are municipal parking lots nearby. read more

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My friend recommended the Library. I ordered the Cod Tacos. The good was the shells were fresh as were the lettuce & tomatoes however the Cod in the Tacos were tiny . They were the size of my pinky. Obviously frozen and I mean really small. I have had Tacos at places like B&B in Amityville & The Belfast in Lindenhurst. They were both terrific. The good at the Cafe was the nice bar tender & also the nice attentive waitress. I don't like to write negative reviews but the Tacos were a great disappointment. read more

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. read more

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We have dined at Library Cafe a few times and I also had my rehearsal dinner here before my wedding. We have always had delicious meals here. I liked having my rehearsal dinner here because it was in a separate lofted space above the main dining area. There is no elevator access (just FYI) but you have your own private bar. It is part of the Lessing's venues! I was able to pick a buffet option over a sit down menu which our company enjoyed more. The nighttime it does become a bit more of a drinking scene which can get quite crowded. We do enjoy eating here and would definitely recommend! read more

Amazing food and service! Our waitress Lauren M was very pleasant, friendly, and professional will definitely come back! read more

Haven't been to The Library for a while, but was glad we went yesterday. Has a very varied menu with lots of interesting and vegetarian items, which I appreciate. Reasonable prices. Gotta mention our stand out server: Andrea B/ aka Annie. She was really amazing and made the luncheon even better. So helpful, pleasant, engaging, and accommodating. She is quite an asset to the place. Honestly not sure how she can maintain her exceptional service! Anyway just had to make a shoutout to her. Parking is on the street or municipal parking lot nearby. Sorry no pictures this time but our salads were great and good portions . Cappuccino was excellent and $6, which I think is reasonable. read more

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! read more

Library Café - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Farmingdale, New York

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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. read more

Library Café - American Burgers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Farmingdale, New York

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. read more

Library Café - Dirty Martini (looks better than it is) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Farmingdale, New York

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I had my first experience here a few weeks ago on a Saturday night. We were there for dinner and not the bar scene so we decided to make it an early one. We ordered the Thai calamari for an appetizer. It was crunchy and flavorful! I chose the 'shroom and Swiss burger for my entree. I don't normally get burgers because I feel they are hit or miss depending on the establishment . Well, I was thrilled with mine! So juicy and filling. Our wait staff was friendly with the right level of attentiveness. What impressed me was, from the decor to the cocktail names , Library Café does a delightful job incorporating its literary theme! I will have to make it here for drinks sometime soon. read more

This place was a complete disappointment. We showed up expecting the same experience we had just the weekend before--same day, same time on a Saturday--when we were seated right away by a young lady with no reservation required. This time, however, we were told we needed a reservation. There was no prior notice and no consistency with how things were handled. The person who spoke to us, who I remember from our last visit going booth to booth (so I assume he's some kind of floor manager), claimed that reservations are required on Fridays and Saturdays, which simply isn't true based on our very recent experience. I was there with my mother and sisters, and honestly, the whole interaction felt off. The place wasn't crowded and there were clearly open tables, yet we were turned away. It came across like we just weren't "cool enough" for the establishment--especially considering my elderly mother was with us. Whether intentional or not, that's how it felt, and it left a really bad impression. It's especially frustrating considering that on our last visit, we had a great experience and left a very large tip. There are plenty of other great places nearby that actually value their customers. This place is not that big of a deal and definitely not worth it. The person managing seating made the whole experience feel unnecessarily unwelcoming and, frankly, pretty lame. We won't be back. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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Perfect bar for an intimate conversation. The inside is vibrant, atmospheric, picturesque. Great beer menu - served nice and cold . read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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

We were a very large group. 21 people. The super waitress was spot on for service and efficiency. The food was great. I had the chicken Cesar wrap and had to pack half of it! It was sublime. Everyone was very happy with their choices. All in all it was a great experience. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. It was a little noisy because it was so crowded. And mind you, they had just opened for the day. Try the Library Cafe, u will not be disappointed. read more

Haven't been back in a while due to a decline in food quality over the years, but recently hosted a party in the upstairs area and had a great experience Pros: - The bartenders and waiter assigned to our party were fantastic. They were attentive and quick to resolve any issues that came up - The buffet spread (with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) was delicious and well-received by all guests Cons: - The upstairs area is only accessible by stairs. However, there's a second set of stairs that leads directly to the bathrooms downstairs, which is very convenient. read more

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!! read more

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Enjoyed some wonderfulndrinks with my peoples, and the food, service, and ambience was on point. willndef reccomend pasing thribfor some goodnronks and great eats!! read more

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I cannot rave about this place enough! I'm visiting for a wedding and decided to stop by while walking on the street. I got the Mac n cheese with pulled pork, I asked for BBQ sauce on it and it is hands down the best Mac n cheese I've ever had!! It's so good! The rest of my table got martinis and they loved them! You can tell a lot of thought went into the creation of the menu! read more

Library Café - Lucky Mac N Cheese with BBQ sauce - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Farmingdale, New York

Stopped here on a whim and was seated immediately. It's for sure a step up from the typical bar/pub fare. This is one of the many places on Main St. to get a decent meal, but they set themselves apart with the extra touches. If you were paying for a date, I think you're looking at about $100 for a party of two with mains, an appetizer and some drinks (good luck if you like to 'em back). Good: -Smokehouse Burger -Buddha Bowl with steak -Chicken wings -expansive menu -not too crowded -comfortable setup & décor -good ambiance Bad: -none read more

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Good place ! Been going there for a very long time. Always pleased with the bartenders and food. Enjoyed a fabulous espresso martini, served the best way. They fill the martini glass 3/4 and put the rest in a little carafe on ice in a snifter. Best way to serve it! No spills by the servers or me. lol. Mini Rueben's and the chopped salad delicious. We've met so many wonderful people there. read more

Library Café - Great bar! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Farmingdale, New York

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Great service and food. Came on a weekday for lunch and we were all very happy with our selections! Best potato salad I've had at a restaurant! read more

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Located in what was once an actual library, the Library Cafe offers a mix of mostly American fare with a few attempts at Mexican inspired dishes. We were able to find parking in a paid lot nearby. We walked in and were greeted and seated immediately. Our server was friendly, but a little too busy to be on top of things like refills. The food was good, but nothing really stood out. The thing I enjoyed most was the building itself. I liked the colors and wood trims, it added such a nice such. If someone else wanted to eat here again, I would come, but this wouldn't be my first choice. read more

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Cute little spot for cocktails. They have an extensive menu of book themed cocktails and the inside has a nautical theme. Be aware to sit at a table you need to be getting food otherwise to just have drinks you're at the bar which can get busy. read more

Came here recently for a Sunday brunch. Had a reservation which is recommended, or else it would've been a 45min-1hr wait. Service was a bit slow due to being busy, assuming so -- but then again still waited a while to get the check once people cleared out later in the after noon. The food was delicious and served hot. Absolutely loved the SpinDip as it came with both pita and tortilla chips. Would like to come back to try the dinner menu. Inside was clean and inviting with booths and an upstairs. read more

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Had reservations for two people at 730. Business was packed. Checked in at 715. Went to the bar. Excellent bar. Beautiful place. Asked over and over how long only to be told 10 more minutes. Ended up leaving st 815 Will not go back. There are too many other nice establishments read more

Can't wait to return. Great customer service even on a busy Sunday. And the food was delicious! My daughter won't stop talking about the brownie dessert! read more

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Place is amazing lots of younger people, but the place rocks People are friendly, drinks are made to perfection ,, the place has a way about it to make you feel good read more

Such a cool spot! We took our friend her for her bday dinner and got the best seating in my opinion! Right in front on the balcony and it was such an amazing dinner! Great food, drinks, friendly staff & reasonably priced. Would definitely come back again! read more

I came here for brunch because it wasnt crowded like the other local places. Its a cool vibe; music is nice and not too loud. I sat at the bar and was hosted by John. OMG he is the best mixologist! You know when a bartender knows their stuff. He made me a coconut margarita and it was so smooth. He also recommended the Reuben sandwich which was great. I had it with salad. I would definitely recommend this place. Make sure John makes your drinks! read more

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Stopped in for a drink on a Thursday night. First time here. I was surprised to see a pretty decent crowd and yet the bartenders were so attentive and nice. The drink: Edith Wharton: Age of Innocence 15 Ketel One Citroen / Cointreau / Fresh Lime / Cranberry - was fantastic. Definitely looking forward to coming back to eat. read more

Library Café - Edith Wharton: Age of Innocence 15 Ketel One Citroen / Cointreau / Fresh Lime / Cranberry - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Farmingdale, New York

Attentive staff, beautiful cafe with interesting history, and bottomless brunch and great deals ( $30 chicken and waffles). One of my favorites. read more

Held a bridal shower there for my daughter yesterday. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. The staff was friendly and professional, the food was excellent and the restaurant, which has its own fun vibe, allows you to decorate tables etc to add your own personal touch. We all had a great time! Thanks read more

Library Café - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Farmingdale, New York

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So, I forgot to take pictures so please forgive me, lol. This is a very nice looking restaurant with some great appetizers and some decent salads and burgers. The service is slow, and from what I've been told by other patrons the wait staff usually takes a long time to check on you and refill drinks, etc. My largest complaint is that there is live music that is way, way, WAY too loud. We could not hear each other speak. It was absolutely a terrible acoustic nightmare. I would not come back here to eat just because the music was too loud and I felt like conversation was impossible. The food is good. It is. But the restaurant gets a 3 star until the music stops. read more

"We're good people", management told me tonight while hosting a private part for my mother and indeed they are. I had a lot of changes with this event because my mother is sick and needed surgery. They were so empathetic and accommodating and this was weeks before her birthday dinner. The dinner itself was divine. The food was amazing. The service! The best service I think I've ever gotten at a restaurant. They are GOOD people! They've made a regular out of me. I highly recommend booking a private event here. It was marvelous and affordable. Cap is 42 people and the space really accommodates a lot of people. The food was so delicious! The drink package is totally affordable as well. It was such a great night. Thank you so much Library Café! read more