Literary Cafe

Wonderful little bar that I’ve hesitated to review because I want it to remain the hidden gem that it thus far seems to be. I live right around the corner and have walked by this place a million times but did to realize it was a bar until recently. It’s so obscure and low-​key — the only sign is a plaque on the bricks all outside what looks like a regular old apartment building.
Cash only, two taps but usually only one is working — Sam Adams or Miller Lite, and all drafts are served in crystal goblets instead of regular bar glasses. Limited booze selection, but they can do all the basics and then some. It’s dead quiet in here most of the time, though occasionally they’ll turn on the radio; don’t be surprised if you’re the only one there, or if the only other patron is some guy drinking alone, half-​asleep at the bar.
The owner seems nice, laid back, drinking bed behind the bar while he waits for someone else to need something from him. They participate in the Tremont ArtWalk, too, with artists sitting around sketching a mutual subject in the back room, which is covered in sketches from past sessions. It’s easy to feel out of place here, no matter who you are, because it’s such an odd little joint, but if you can suck it up and power through to appreciate the good vibes, it’s worth it.

$ 2.75 Stroh’s. Chill dive bar with normal town folk. They give you a bowl of chex snack mix which is yummy. They have a big old tv they like to play black and white movies on. Music tonight was dub step. Interesting combo with the movies.

This place is a wonderful little secret hideout for my companeros and I. When all the other barley infused establishments in the neighborhood are overrun by pseudo-​urbanist valeting their status symbols, the Lit is, to quote the famous philosopher Quasimodo, «Sanctuary…»
A little too artsy and cerebral for the buffalo wing connoisseur who would prefer a place bathed in the glow of flat screen televisions and fellow grouponners to hang out with, the Lit will always be a bare bones oasis for the handful of patrons that appreciate its atmosphere. Decent beer selection and good prices. Linda and Andy take really good care of you. The 2-​D crowd stare at and sketch live models on Friday nights.

They dont feel like they have to open regular hours like eveyone else. must be nice to be independently wealthy i guess. If your not in their little Tremont art click they arent very acomidating. This sucks because its right by my house and would be a nice stopping off point…

The Literary Café is the unicorn of Tremont. Some don’t believe it exists, but those that do believe find it to be a wonderful and empowering beast. Well, not to ruin the fantasy but the unicorn does exist… but it’s just a shetland pony with a stick in it’s mane.
I wanted to love the Literary café. What a great way to avoid the mad douchey rush of Tremont bars on weekends but a hip, writer-​centric bar off the beaten path? Let’s just say I was disappointed. My BF and I arrived after careful planning. You see, they’re only open Thurs-​Saturday 8:30 — 1:00. That’s not taking into account the many vacations that the owner takes and the overall poor markings of the bar-​front. Most people pass by thinking it’s an eclectic Tremont house instead of a bar with a liquor license.
When we got there we were happily served a bowl of cheesy poofs. This I liked. Then next to us was put a bowl of the remnants of pretzels. You know, the salt and crumbs from the bottom of a container? Uhh… no thanks. Their beer list is limited and several of their taps aren’t even in use. We ordered good ol’ Miller Light and I’m not sure if it’s just because it’s been sitting in the line for a while but it didn’t even taste like Miller Light. No more draughts for us.
A couple of my friends met me out and yes, maybe they’re a little on the louder side. At the same time, that doesn’t mean the bartender needs to give us dirty looks for the remainder of our drinks.
The cherry on top of this evening was that it was poetry night. Poetry night basically means that the bartenders friends at the end of the bar recite lonely, sad and monotonous spoken word «poetry». I’m all for art and culture, but next time don’t just read from a text-​book. When your words are being blasted over the speaker through the entire bar, it makes me just want to leave not re-​contemplate existence.
So leave we did. After paying cash (no credit cards)

i will agree with justin on this one. the literary café is just a cool place. i never even knew it was there, but i’m glad that i know it is now.
think i can go in toting «green eggs and ham» and impress the locals?
…yeah, you know it will.