Welcome to Bar of the Week, a running series from TV and City that highlights New York’s best spots for drinks, vibes, and just the right amount of chaos.
Each week, we spotlight one bar. Sometimes it’s a cozy cocktail lounge. Sometimes it’s a sprawling beer hall. Sometimes it’s a barely-marked door behind a fake hardware store. We don’t try to cover every bar in the city. Just the ones we actually go to. The ones we’d take a friend, a first date, or someone visiting who asks, “So where do you usually hang out?”
These aren’t curated for algorithms or chasing clout. They’re the bars that make up New York. One week at a time.
📚 Bar of the Week: The Dead Poet
📍 Location: 450 Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side
🚇 Nearest Subway: 79th Street (1)
Vibe: A snug, literary-themed pub that feels like a haven for book lovers and casual drinkers alike. If you were an English major in college, this spot is a must-visit.
✍️ Why We Love It
The Dead Poet stands out with its unique homage to literature. The walls are adorned with black-and-white portraits, musing quotations, and poetic passages, creating an ambiance that invites patrons to reflect and unwind. It’s a place where the love for literature meets the comfort of a neighborhood bar.
🍸 What to Order
The signature “Dead Poet” cocktail is a must-try. While the exact recipe remains a secret, it’s rumored to blend seven different liquors, resulting in a drink that’s both potent and flavorful. Served on tap, it comes in a glass emblazoned with the bar’s logo that you get to take home, which is a great keepsake to remember your visit.
Other literary-inspired cocktails include the Edgar Allan Poe (vodka, triple sec, and lemon), the Jack Kerouac (tequila, blue curaçao, fresh lemon, and lime), and dozens more.
These drinks not only pay tribute to their namesakes but also offer a delightful tasting experience.
🍺 Beer and Whiskey Selection
Beyond cocktails, The Dead Poet boasts a robust selection of beers on tap and an extensive Irish whiskey collection, catering to diverse palates.
🗽 Why It’s a TV and City Pick
The Dead Poet captures the essence of the Upper West Side’s charm. It’s thoughtful without being pretentious, spirited without being loud. Whether you’re raising a glass to Shakespeare, Salinger, or your own deadline, this is a bar that makes drinking feel poetic.
TV and City 