description/

Talk about swanky. The Library at The Public captures the 19th-century era when the Astor family owned the building; that is, if you overlook the framed gold records (A Chorus Line) and posters of celebrated theatrical productions. The restaurant is part of the theater complex's $40 million renovation, completed in the fall of 2012 and designed to lure people to rendezvous all evening, not just for a show. The square-shaped bar is a civilized place for a cocktail and snack, such as a cone of french fries, mini crab rolls or a cheese platter. If you've the time and funds for a real dinner, settle into the leather upholstery for kale salad with cheddar and Marcona almonds, short rib goulash or grilled lamb chops. Andrew Carmellini and Michael Oliver of Locanda Verde created the menu. You know those theater bars where you nip in for a shot before a show or during intermission? This is not that sort of place.