The Dead Poet

There is no mistaking the theme at this Upper West Side bar: Framed literary verses and portraits of writing greats hang from exposed-brick walls. Specialty cocktails bear names like the Edgar Allan Poe (vodka, triple sec and lemon) and the Jack Kerouac (tequila, blue curaçao, fresh lemon and lime), while Guinness—poured with a shamrock carefully drawn into its foam—anchors the 13 taps and an extensive Irish whiskey selection that would make any heavy-drinking writer proud. Grab a classic from the small in-house library to skim before the rowdier night crowd arrives.