Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar

In just one visit this place became one of my favorite places on Earth.

It perfectly merges everything a person could ever desire in just one location - Old, beautiful books of all varieties; smooth and flavorful coffee; soft and creamy chocolate; the company of beautiful and smart women; cozy ambient live jazz music; and wine - oh! And wine!

It's a cool place I'd take visitors who like high tea, champagne, and books. I'm just let down that they don't fully combine the classy bar and being able to read a book. I know of several places that have successfully integrated these things. Yet, for some reason, they immediately ask if you are there for food and drink, or books. You can't really do both.
I'd love if they let guests have wine/drink and read a book. But you kind of have to nicely beg the staff to do so.
A very cute and timeless aesthetic in this place. But let down that they aren't truly integrating their two concepts. When it says "book exchange and champagne" I'd expect the two to be available together. Maybe in the future!

An atrocity is being committed in the blue mountains of this wondrous town on our books and our psyche. This place may be a sociological or psychological experiment in trying to piss one off beyond your most wildest imagination -- congratulations, they have succeeded. I concede, fully surrender, whatever you want. You can keep your thing, whatever your establishment is, and I promise to never set foot in here ever again.

Chalkboard sign on the sidewalk states: "everyone welcome", yet apparently no one is. You can see many other reviews going back several years or you can let me attempt to explain.

Upon entering (once we were finally permitted to open the door by the maitre de standing there), we stood awkwardly in the doorway and were subjected to an interrogation: "are you here to browse books or have a drink?" Umm, both, but let me in first so I can see what you're offering before you depose me out here on the sidewalk.

The idea of both browsing books and having a drink in a bookstore that offers both items seemed to present a dilemma to the staff. i observed a complex analysis take place regarding where to seat us despite an entire store full of empty tables outside of the immediate bar area. After a lot of yammering and consultation between various staff members,we were sat.

We would like to order a small plate of food; do you have any? "Umm, you have 5 minutes and only off this top page" of an extensive menu with more pages than a top page.

30 minutes before closing, the staff is literally packing up. Chairs being moved so you can't even get out or your seat or space. Are you kidding me? Basic etiquette? Sat there in shock trying to slurp down our one drink we were permitted.

We were less shocked when we got up to leave and had to shimmy thru a 2" open space between the table and the chairs stacks on top of us and my purse flies into a beautiful champagne glass sitting on the table, smashing it to the floor, because chairs literally imprisoned us, while we finished our drinks.

From the moment we were "permitted" through the front door, every moment was excruciatingly awkward.

I cannot even.

PS. We were forced to stay in this purgatory 30 minutes longer than necessary because the servers delivered the incorrect checks to 3 parties and lost someone's credit card during the debacle for a solid 30 minutes.

The Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar was such a cool experience! We had amazing service the entire time with multiple staff constantly checking up on us, the food and drinks were delicious, and getting to browse the book selections after eating was really nice touch for our trip.
I had the BLT and Cosmopolitan and both were delicious!

Fun place for a drink in a bookish location. I'm a reader and didn't find much to browse and enjoy, so disappointing in that regard. Very cute that they deliver the checks in a Dr. Seuss book!

Cute!!

All I kept thinking was - I wish I could have my book club meet here! Comfy seating nestled between the bookshelves make for a really fun cozy vibe. The champagne list was pretty expensive so we didn't order a drink but we were able to browse the aisles for a little while. I didn't see any books that jumped out at me but it was a cool spot.

Check it out!

I used to love this Battery Park Book Exchange especially because it was pet friendly, neighborhood vibe bookstore and cafe. Unfortunately they are no longer pet friendly and also the whole format changed when we were in Asheville last year. Unlike any other bookstore you can't just walk in. There's a host stand at the entrance of the bookstore and you have to state your intentions- looking at books, dining, getting drinks/wine inside, etc

The interior seating areas is not one you can just go in and sit anymore... you have to book a table like a restaurant or something based on what an employee told us when we sat down for a bit at one of the many empty seating areas.

Still have a lot of books as it's a bookstore and such a vibe. It seems like it's more of a cafe/restaurant now than a bookstore and a simple and easy pop in, order a drink and snack, and buy some books. Also, the upstairs is quite stuffy/hot. Maybe the A/C wasn't working because they had a fan. There are more seating/cafe area upstairs too.

Sad to see the change at this place. Wasn't as inviting and friendly service either like it was before. Staff felt a bit snooty snoots and didn't make you feel super welcome in comparison to previous visits in years past. We ended up not making any purchases this recent visit and leaving much sooner than we anitcipated.

Such a cute place. I came with friends, and we enjoyed martinis while browsing the huge selection of books. The atmosphere was lovely, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Came in a little before closing and sat in the bar area for dessert. (They were not serving dinner anymore). Super cute book store with tables throughout to eat/drink. The live music was already over, but that was a nice touch. The bar area was decorated nicely for the KY Derby.

Arrogance abounds. Pretentious place that's uninviting and snooty. Have stopped here in the past. Now the staff is so rude I won't be back. Plenty of other places to get great books.