Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe
While Kramerbooks is something of a literary haven in of itself, the adjoining (aptly named) Afterwords Cafe draws a whole new crowd of bibliophiles to the landmark Independent book-depot. Offering an all-day menu of upscale American eats, and a full library of beer, wine & cocktail options, the space is an ideal reading, writing or gathering space. Far more than a mere bookstore café, the menu at Afterwords offers a collection of inventive egg plates, an expansive list of entrées -- think blackened salmon filet or grilled pork chops -- and plenty of late night eats, served as late as 3am. Come to browse shelves crammed with eclectic tomes by the likes of Susan Sontag, Henry James, and David Foster Wallace, or come instead for a Gin Gatsby (gin, hibiscus, lime) and a plate of fish tacos. Or better yet, come for all of the above.