The Read Cafe and Book Shop

A living room for friends with ideas to share

Address:

158 Bedford Ave - (At North 9th Street)
11211 - Williamsburg/Brooklyn
NY

Nearest Bus or Train:

L to Bedford Ave

Open Hours:

7am-11pm Mon-Fri; 8.30am-11pm Sat-Sun

The smell here is so good that you go straight to the counter, only later doubling back to browse stacked bookshelves that resemble the eclectic collection of someone you wish you knew. Second hand books and new magazines are all for sale, but you are welcome to just read them at your table. Laurence, an owner, comes in at 4am each morning and starts cooking the day's menu from scratch, including pastries, tarts, waffles, quiches and pies. Sandwiches include the Flaubert (French dip with Swiss cheese), the Bukowski (ham and cheese on rye), the Vonnegut and the Balzac, all served with beans and salad ($6.50). There is a dog biscuit bowl in the front for your pet. Wednesday nights a professor from the neighborhood holds the "Philosophy Salon of Williamsburg" in the café, giving a short lecture and then opening the discussion to the café collective. Tuesdays, Brooks, the other owner, gives informal classes in Tibetan Buddhist theology from 7pm-9pm. In May a weekly Jazz Performance Lecture Series begins, completing a musical schedule featuring live jazz every Thursday through Sunday, and jazz singers during the summer months. Warm and inviting, the Read takes on the character of its staff and regulars.

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