I came here a few weekends ago as I was staying in the area, and it was super cute! If you love indie bookstores with the ability to buy coffee, pastries or wine, then you have found your spot! They had a good amount of seating (including both in the coffee area as well as surrounding the books). The service was friendly and they had a really good variety of books to choose from. I'd come here all the time if I lived close by. read more

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I have so many good things to say, where do I even start?! First of all, this book and bar spot is absolutely beautiful. It's located on such a charming street, and stepping inside felt like walking into an elevated Barnes & Noble straight out of a Harry Potter movie. There are endless shelves of books across every genre, cozy seating throughout, and the perfect atmosphere to spend hours browsing or reading. The coffee was just as wonderful as the space. I wasn't sure what to order, so the barista recommended a drink and was incredibly accommodating with my many requests. I can't have too much milk or syrup, so I basically gave them a complicated custom order, and they made it exactly to my liking without hesitation. I also ended up buying one of the chocolate bars they had at the counter and turns out it was $20!!!! As a tourist, I had no idea it was a well known local chocolate brand with a factory nearby, so that was a fun surprise. This is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down. I'd love to come back, grab a coffee, spend the entire afternoon reading, and just soak in the comforting smell of books and fresh coffee. Such a cozy, magical spot that's well worth visiting! read more

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I fucking love this place. The service is decent usually, but the 5 stars are for their food and environment. I wish they had more separate tables and chairs bc it gets packed but this is a nice place to kill some time, come w ur partner, or just do some work. Their drinks are amazing! If I lived nearby I would come here every week to get their matcha's. Their food is just as good! I LOVE their hand pies!! I have not tried one that wasn't good. Their pastries are good quality too. If you've never been here idk what you're waiting for. read more

The baklava pinwheel is the suggested snack to get here. It doesn't disappoint. This cozy book shop/bar/coffee shop is a Kingston staple on a historic cross street it holds history, endless character and unique cozy time. I would recommend popping by just to browse or grab a drink. There's a few small places to hang out. It's kid friendly and very charming for a one on one friend hang out or date night. Parking is on the street and there are sidewalks. read more

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What a cute bookshop! There's a wide variety of books here - literally every genre represented. There's also a table featuring local authors. In addition to all the wonderful books, they have a café and bar here so you can drink tea/coffee or get some alcohol. There's plenty of seating too, and they let you read books here as if it were a library! I had a matcha latte and it was divine. Super cozy, and people mind their own business which I appreciate. read more

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I wish we had something like this closer to the city, but I will take what I can get! If I owned a bookstore, I would love to have something similar to this place, because they serve great drinks and they have a very cozy bookstore environment. I tried a new seasonal drink on my most recent visit, which was delicious (one of my friends thought it was too sweet though). It was called The Fig Sleep and had hojicha tea, fig, black sesame and your choice of milk (I got oat). I got mine hot and it was so good, but I would say it was definitely heavier on the black sesame flavor. They also have a good amount of seating inside, and when I visited in September, they had outdoor seating available as well. There's also some really nice merchandise available for sale in addition to the books! read more

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Every guy has a ponytail and every girl has a buzz cut, but that's the allure and magic of the place. You come here and you know what you're walking into. Warm, comfy, hipster-collegiate vibes. These people know how to brew a f**king cup of coffee, let me tell you. I love that the playfulness with the ingredients in making niche coffee flavors actually works. The drinks I had were exactly what I needed on a cold day. I'm obsessed that the place is essentially a used book library that you can either hang out in and read, or go in and purchase the books to own. LOVE that they have a community/local book club that meets up to hang out. Perfect place to grab a beer, grab a book, sip on some coffee and hang out with friends. Definitely recommend read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

This place is cool simply for the building it is in, it is a part of the four corners across John and Crown street. The four corners are the only intersection in America where the buildings on all corners were built pre-Revolutionary War! Freaking coolllll older than the USA... Anyway, its a cute bookstore and cafe, they have the spacing nailed pretty well where you can browse casually while others are on line to order and not feel entirely overwhelmed. It was pretty packed when I was there but didn't feel stuffy, there is also seating towards the window. Overall positive experience, and I picked an interesting book for my book club. read more

Such a cute place. It has books, coffee, tea, beer and wine, and some light bites. They had a drink on the menu with ginger beer, and I asked if I could just get the ginger beer which they accommodated. I appreciated that, but wish they'd told me it was just a fever tree bottle -- I was hoping it would be on tap. Still good though! We also tried the verde pozole pie and a jalapeño cheddar biscuit. I really enjoyed the biscuit, great distribution of the jalapeños! The pozole pie was unique too. I love it as a soup and it went pretty well as a flavor to the savory pie. Also shout out to the Smiths playlist that we all enjoyed, really caught the vibe of the rainy fall day well. read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

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Kingston, NY - I've been to plenty of bookstore cafes, but more should adopt a bar like this one! This is a very cozy and inviting cafe-shop that beckons you to lounge or browse over a coffee or craft beer. The ambiance is warm, with thoughtfully curated book displays. We went for an afternoon pick-me-up but lingered a bit and ended up buying a "Where's Waldo"esque book for my child. I'll always be a fan and advocate of book-books as nothing beats brick-and-mortar or the feeling of thumbing through the pages of the physical article in your hands. read more

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A combination bar, cafe and bookstore, this spot is a fun place to hang out in. In addition to alcohol and coffee/tea, they also sell hand pies, baked goods and bread from local places. It was busy on a Saturday afternoon. There are some couches and tables but if it gets crowded, there aren't a lot of places to sit. Street and metered parking read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

This place is such a dream. A bookstore with tables, couches, high top window seating and a bar where you can order cocktails or order coffee drinks or both. It was a little chaotic when I ventured in here around 3 o'clock on a Saturday. There was a decently long line of people at the check out, which is also the bar area, also the coffee area, I think there might be one designated area to buy books, drinks food and all that. While I was waiting on line one of the workers yelled out, "Is there anyone here just wanting plain old coffee?" ME. So I went to the front and got a cup for here, in a mug and my gosh the coffee was divine. One of the best brews I have ever had before. They had a no laptops at the bar rule after, maybe 4 o'clock, can't remember exactly. They were encouraging people to be social at the bar I guess. However had I come a bit earlier I would have definitely posted at the bar with coffee and a book. I got the vibe they didn't want people doing that around that time, again, not sure. I took a seat in the window at a high top bar. A bummer about this place is that there is only one bathroom and people line up for this. There was a line of at least five people standing sort of in the way of moving traffic to use the bathroom. Maybe it was a fluke, but it was a little weird. It's the perfect date spot. Highly recommend to anyone passing through who likes books and coffee. read more

Amazing bookstore where you can get a great microbrew hence the name "rough draft. " I was able to get a lager for seven dollars and a James Baldwin paperback for $20. Very cool take on a bookstore - You often see the coffee shop /book store combo, which they also have - along with tea, but to be able to grab some brews makes this place just amazing, along with the eclectic selection; ranging from the occult to self-help!!! 10/10. read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Historic building from the 16 to 1700s - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

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A great place to go anytime of the day or evening! Books, Caffeine, alcohol or food. It's cozy in here and you can sit within the books or at the bar. The staff is attentive and very friendly. Coffee - 4 out of 5 Lattes - 4.5 out 5 Cookies - 5 out of 5 The molasses cookies were so damn good. The drink specials is a must! If you are in the area go check this place out. read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

This place is such a gem right in the heart of Uptown Kingston! You wouldn't know you're in the middle of the city walking up. The street is quiet and has lots of trees. The shop itself is a charming coffee shop/bookstore combination. It's like if Barnes & Noble but just as much emphasis on the B&N Cafe as they did the books. The pastries are locally made and delicious, with unique and tasty flavor combos. The coffee itself was also delightful and well done. There aren't many places to get a REAL cappuccino done well, but RD is one of them! If you have an extra hour to spend, grab a coffee here and enjoy some reading. read more

This place is so great. like so great we went back the next day kinda great. I highly recommend trying to go as early as possible as the afternoon hours on saturday proved this place the most popular spot in town. So many people in one space! and it's not small! The pastries were fantastic, cappuccino and tea were both delicious and well made. They can get backed up because they only have one cash register for food/drink - so prepare to wait a little. But there's no better place to do it since you are surrounded by interesting literature, ambiance, and a little cards/games selection to browse. Overall a cozy spot and a must see if you're in the Kingston area! Dog and kid friendly! :) read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - cappuccino - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

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What a great drive to Rough Draft Bar & Books from NJ. I can't tell you enough how anxious I was to walk in, browse all their books, try their delicious coffee and find a poetry book. This gem of a place is nestled in the town of Kingston, NY of which is filled with incredible history (if you're a history buff, you'll love the town). I arrived at peak time, so it was quite busy. However, I was able to find a stool in the corner at the bar area. I waited for the staff member just bit (understandably) and I placed my coffee order. What I ordered: Sex.Drug & Coconuts version 2.0 It was their featured drink for the month of August (see their Instagram page - @roughdraftny ) I was so excited that I immediately asked for the coffee drink not realizing that I had a option between hot or cold. What I wanted was the cold version, but I got the hot which was outrageous delicious!!! Plus I got the bonus beautiful decorative foam on top.(see photo) Staff members were kind and the ambiance was very cool and relaxing atmosphere. Plenty of stools around the bar area. Different types of seating, near the window, large farm table in the center with benches, and sofa. You can order draft beer. The prices were reasonable too. I didn't order anything else, but I'm looking forward to going back soon with a few friends who are books lovers. Great selection of books of all genres and a small gift shop with cool tshirts. (I'll get the tshirt next time around) There's outdoor seating as well. Perfect place for a date and and Autumn Trip. read more

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This is one of my favorite bookstores PERIOD. Located in the historic town of Kingston (New York's original capital), the whole area is oozing charm and Rough Draft Bar & Books is no exception. The only thing I like better than browsing a bookstore is browsing a book store with a beer (or one of their super fun rotating coffee specials!). No notes. I highly recommend! read more

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What a fun place. Cozy, warm and great prices. Staff was friendly and helpful. Didn't get to try the beer, but will next time.

This historic building hosts the perfect coffeehouse/bar/book shop! The drinks are delightful. The book options are wonderful and diverse. The staff is friendly. AND ITS IN A PRE REVOLUTIONARY WAR BUILDING. This must be a stop on any trip to Kingston! read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

This place is soooooo cool! Where can you get beer at the wee hours of the morning?? Rough Draft! Books and Beer Books and Beer!!! Boooooks and beeeeeeer!! read more

I'm always looking for somewhere to work from as a remote employee. Rough draft has the best community vibe, loads of events, and delicious coffee and treats (and after hour drinks)! Definitely recommend if you're in the Kingston area. read more

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A great bookstore, bar, cafe. Friendly service, lovely, inviting space, good food and drink. Definitely recommend!

My partner and I always stop in here if we're driving past Kingston. The bookstore is such a wonderful combo of books, cafe food and drinks, and beer/alcoholic drinks. It's large enough but not too large. Each section is pretty curated and there are plenty of books highlighted for you to pick up and check out/purchase. They sell pastries from Kingston Bread and Bar which is super exciting if you're like us and didn't make it there before closing and want their fantastic peanut tahini miso cookie. They also sell great personal sized pot pies (flavors rotate) that serve as a comfort lunch. Definitely worth spending some time here! read more

I love the bookstore/cafe/bar combo! Very popular place on a Sunday afternoon and there was a long line for beverages. We enjoyed hot cider on a crisp day, and I enjoyed their special of the month too--Squashington Irving (espresso, pumpkin, vanilla and spices). Very fun latte! Outside seating. I love a good bookstore and this was very enjoyable. read more

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Awesome spot with an amazing location in historical Kingston. Great, fresh selection of local beer and I need to try their coffee. There was live music both times I visited and an awesome crowd. Good selection of books and regular specials. read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

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Soooo stinking cute! We came up from NYC and needed a place to work from. It is a brewery, bookstore, and cafe all in one rustic inviting place. It was clearly a popular destination as many of the seats were taken. The 5-stars is for the wonderful service, creative drinks, and all-around awesomeness of this place. The vibes were so nice. The drinnnnnks of the month are so interesting and creative. My friend had a strawberry cardamom latte and an IPA. I had a blackberry honey espresso tonic. My drink tastes like iced tea with a bit of an espresso kick! Good amount of seating although limited outlets and table seats (for laptops). One bathroom only. Dogs welcome! Saw plenty of cute pups just hanging out inside too. Hats off to this place! read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

Amazing! Great good, lots of choice and great espresso. Also, you can work there and not be told to leave. Lots of folks, eating and writing. Beautiful building and nice size place too! read more

Large book store in Kingston with coffee, tea and alcohol served. They also have fresh baked good from various local bakeries Variety of seating inside and some outside when the weather is nice. Went on a Friday night and they had live music read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Drink with books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

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My friend recommended this place, so I went and bought a croissant. Unfortunately, it was stale--probably a leftover from the day before. The guy who sold it to me looked like he knew it was old. It wasn't worth $5. read more

*sigh*. This place wasn't as magical and cool as I'd hoped it to be. It gave me a Barnes and Noble feeling. You know when parents grab stacks of books for their kids and sit in the corner making a mess and think it's their own personal playground. Or when other adults do the same time with a huge stack and leave it there without buying anything. Also this place was PACKED (which is a good thing for the business) but I just wasn't a fan :/ read more

Best bookstore in Kingston! I'm not a coffee drinker but I do love their hot chocolate. I order the same thing every time I stop by ( Small hot chocolate and a cookie) .This place is super cozy with an awesome selection of books. If you can find a seat on a less busy day your in luck! It's a chill place to meet up with friends or get some work done. Staff is always friendly and helpful. If your new to Kingston definitely check it out it's one of a kind. read more

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This place is cute! They also have the best croissant I have ever had in my life. It is so buttery you can see the butter on your fingers, and it has so many layers, it's actually crazy. The coffee is also veryyyy coffee - you know sometimes when you get a latte and it tastes like it's just pure milk that someone wafted coffee onto? That doesn't happen here. Your latte is going to taste like coffee, and that's apparently rare these days. read more

Super cool spot in uptown Kingston which is a favorite of mine for many purposes. Great for starting or continuing day time drinking on the weekends, good for casual date nights or before dinner drink, but my favorite is as a study spot. The medium to low noise level at all times is hard to find elsewhere. I also love the big windows so you feel slightly less like you're in a dungeon of learning. I also love it simply book store, with lots of cool display themes that have lead me to books I otherwise wouldn't have found. They have trivia night, though I've never tried. They sell fresh bread from local spots and sometimes sweets from the local Kingston candy bar. Ive seen advertisements for various author events, too. This place is a great addition to the local community and I always recommend! read more

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This could be the coolest idea I've seen in a while. Combining four of my favorite things in one place-beer, coffee, baked goods, and books. Wifey and I stopped in here today while on a mini beer tour in Kingston. Located in one of the most famous areas of New York (Four Corners in Kingston) the place has a great beer selection, amazing books, very cool ambiance (as long as the hipster community doesn't annoy you), dog and kid friendly, and a warm friendly staff. I had the King's Christmas Scotch Ale and Wifey had a Rose Cider. Both were fantastic. A couple items to note - Parking around here is tough, but there's a free parking lot down the street, getting a table in here is also tough as there aren't a lot, but people seemed more than willing to share their space, and with all the beer and coffee served here there was a queue for the restrooms. That said, I would love to come back here again. read more

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I think I found heaven. Books, beer, AND brew?! Only thing that would make this place better is if they opened up a location near me on Long Island! read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

One of the coolest bookstores I've been to. A great spot to curl up with a book and drink (beer and coffee, they've got all the bases covered). My mom and I were trying to find a parking spot near our AirBnB (this stretch of Kingston is a pain when it comes to street parking, thanks to the super narrow roads). We finally gave up and decided to just use the meter parking rather than risk a bad parallel parking job but found out, d'oh, no quarters. Walking into Rough Draft, clutching a one dollar bill, I felt a fair bit of trepidation, since most places in this day and age have gone completely digital, but let out a sigh of relief as soon as I spotted the old-fashioned tip jar. The guy behind the counter couldn't be nicer in giving the quarters. Came back later in the day to try their pistachio cookies. Absolutely delicious, with a kick of ginger, tons of pistachios, and a nice crumb. There's a good amount of seating - tables, couches, bar stools. They may have upped their free WiFi since past reviews because I didn't have any trouble with the Internet speed in logging on remotely (which usually causes my computer to crash if I try to log on outside my house). They have a no-calls, no-Zoom policy for the indoor seating, which I fully support. Come here and support a fantastic local bookstore. read more

Atmosphere: Great. Hang out: Wonderful. People on line, standing to the side waiting for their order, Individuals hanging out and people conversing ...all blocking the books. Fail. read more

The books are displayed nicely, and easy to find anything you're looking for. Because they are arranged around the furniture it feels like a welcoming space. I purchased three books here and spent an hour reading. They also have a drink menu, and I got a seasonal drink and a cookie. They have a nice little display of coffee books near the coffee bar, and I browsed while waiting for my order. They have a good selection of poetry books, which I don't find often at smaller bookshops. I would recommend this book shop and I hope to visit again. I also appreciate the well kept bathroom space, as it's far from home, and it's difficult to find clean bathrooms while traveling. I can tell they care about the customer experience. read more

Rough Draft Bar & Books - Autographed Book, Coffee, Poetry Books - Bars Near Me - Kingston, New York

- awesome service - long lines on Saturdays, but it didn't feel crowded There was a lot of space indoor and out But turnover is fast - tasty cookie - raspberry beer was good - beer available at 8am - soundtrack is cool - bathroom line can get long - good variety of charming books read more