If you combined all the public readings GalleyCat readers have attended, you could probably piece together a lifetime worth of literary lectures. What can we do to make them better?

Earlier this week, Maisonneuve published an essay bluntly entitled, "Why Are Literary Readings So Excruciatingly Bad?" Among the many points explored in that article, GalleyCat appreciated this meditation on literary bars:

"Bars and cafes become the preferred locations, because the availability of alcohol makes attracting people a bit easier and, generally speaking, writers like to drink. But bars are not always ideal settings either: the music in the adjoining room, the chatter of televisions, the rattle of the cash register."

Intrigued by this topic, we asked author and bar expert Alan Black to list his favorite literary drinking establishments. His answers follow in this video interview at McNally Jackson bookstore in New York City. Add your favorite literary watering hole in the comments section. (Via Tomorrow Museum)