books, brews & blarney

A wooden table with a white mug of black coffee, a red teapot, and a colorful book titled "RABBIT AT REST" by John Updike. The book is placed diagonally on the table, and the background is wooden paneling.

books

Browse thoughtfully curated displays and discover something unexpected. Some guests come in to read quietly as they sip and snack. Others arrive book-curious and leave with a new favorite author.

Our nonprofit partner, Kibbitznest, Inc., operates the bookstore throughout the space. Check out the selection of books in our front room, main bar room, reading room, and all the way in the backroom. Our staff can assist you if you’d like to see any of the 'Rare Books' in the locked case in the front room.

At any given time, the bookstore carries approximately 5,000 books. Most are used books donated by our generous patrons. The bookstore also carries a carefully curated selection of primarily scholarly and academic remainder books in the liberal arts category. sales of the books fund honorariums for the liberal arts programming to further the mission to encourage a balance between face-to-face and digital communication.

book donations

Book donations are accepted during open hours Tuesday through Sunday. For larger donations of 4 bags/boxes or more, please email the nonprofit at info@kibbitznest.org to arrange a time to swing by.

For more info ON BOOKS, please visit our nonprofit partner’s website:

KIBBITZNEST.org

brews

some recent favorites >

A hand holding a glass of beer with a foamy head next to a beer tap shaped like a goose's head. The tap has a red label that reads 'Honker Ale'. In the background, there are various mugs and bottles, and a handwritten note on a whiteboard states: 'Goose Island 4.3% abv Honker's Ale'.
A hand holding a glass of beer in front of a black foam-head. In the background, a black tap handle with the words Cold Time and a red star logo. The setting is a bar with bottles and glasses visible on shelves.
A hand holding a glass of beer in a bar setting with a beer tap that reads "HALF ACRE" next to it. The background has various bottles and warm lighting.
A hand holding a glass of dark beer with a foamy head, next to a black and green bottle of Dragon's Milk Stout from a brewery. In the background, there are shelves with various bottles and products, and part of a handwritten note is visible with the words "Dragon's Milk" and some promotional text.
A hand holding a glass of beer in front of a bar counter. To the left, there is a sign for Off Color Brewing from Chicago. The background shows bottles and bar supplies.

We have rotating selections on draft as well as craft beers and ciders in bottles and cans, wines, cocktails, and lots of non-alcoholic options, too. Whether you’re meeting friends, going on a first date, or quietly writing the first draft of your novel, the bar is for you.

SEE OUR FULL MENU ⟶
A person with a tattooed hand reaching into a wooden mancala gameboard filled with colorful marbles. The person's arm is in a gray sleeve. The gameboard is on a wooden surface and has the word 'BLARNEY!!!' written at the bottom in black ink.

blarney

Blarney is our invitation to play, connect, and have fun.

All patrons are welcome to enjoy A huge library of free board games,Decks of playing cards (available at the bar), A darts board and foosball table,adult Coloring sheets available for purchase, A working typewriter waiting for your thoughts, and CDs and vinyl records you can choose for us to play.

Regularly recurring events in the back room include our silent book club, Page Break, hosted by Patrick Walsh, a poetry open mic, monthly Tenx9 storytelling events, speed friending, and our much-loved pop-up comedy show. 

Our nonprofit partner kibbitznest, inc. also hosts regular events in the backroom, including:

  • Liberal arts discussion Series featuring notable scholars and professors (primarily in collaboration with the University of Chicago Graham School)

  • Jeffersonian dinners focused on thoughtful conversation and civic exchange

UPCOMING EVENTS ⟶