The Library at the Public is on the mezzanine level of the Public Theater on Lafayette Street in NoHo, named for the Astor Library that the building once was before it became a theater. The space has dark wood paneling and the kind of quiet that belongs to a room designed for concentrated attention, which makes it feel like a speakeasy primarily through atmosphere rather than any hidden entrance.

Chef Andrew Carmellini oversees the menu, which covers American food with local sourcing and the kind of careful composition you'd expect from a kitchen at that level. The cocktail program is inventive without calling too much attention to itself. The clientele tends toward people going to or coming from shows, academics, and a particular kind of downtown regular who knows the theater building has more than one reason to visit.

Walk-in at the bar if you haven't planned, or book in advance for dinner. It's a room that rewards not being in a hurry.