Library Public Theater Andrew Carmellini John Ramirez The Library at The Public

The Library at The Public

The Public Theater
425 Lafayette St. (Astor Pl.)
New York, NY 10003
Map
Cuisine: American / Bar / Lounge
Show-stopping American comfort food at The Public Theater.
Openings: Dinner nightly

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The Library at The Public, New York, NY


The Library at The Public Restaurant Review:


Step into the lobby of The Public Theater on Lafayette Street, turn left, go up the stairs and cross a hallway. Welcome to The Library, named as such because it once really was a library owned by the Astor family. Today, it’s a showcase for chefs John Ramirez and Andrew Carmellini and for classic, well-made cocktails. Order a martini or an Old Fashioned and peruse the menu, divided up into Act I (starters), Act II (small-ish plates), Act III (larger plates) and dessert. Short rib goulash is a rich and hearty delight (especially on a cold night), and the burger, topped with caramelized onions, cheddar and bacon, is show-stoppingly good. Diners don’t need tickets to the show to eat at The Library; the real show, anyway, might be the Catskill Mountain trout --- skin on, bones out --- tender and flaky. For an encore, there are sweets like the Gala apple crumble drizzled with caramel, and chocolate walnut cake with malted milk crème anglaise. The terse yet thoughtful wine list offers bottles from Italy, France, California and New Zealand.