Sara Smith

Influenced by Tik Tok, my girlfriend and I made our way to the Hudson Valley from CT on a day trip to check out this book store. It’s adorable and exactly as advertised. The book selection is great, the coffee fantastic, and the beer on tap is excellent. We’ll definitely be back!

Robin Eads

Cool place to go anytime of day. Lots of different seating and good variety of drinks. You can get your 3 drinks, one for caffeine, one for hydration, and one for fun. Good selection of books too (I'm not a big reader but, I even found something for me).

betty pierre

A wonderful book store in historic Kingston, NY. Delicious coffee, latte, and draft . Popular local hangout for artists and writers

Shelby Thompson

Great spot that has become a local favorite to many. Their food and drink menu is wonderful as well as their book selection. It's also a great place to work on your laptop. The space is tight inside and there is street parking only so disability accessibility is low, but they do have an accessible bathroom. Outdoor seating is nice in the warmer months. Dog friendly and family friendly. Vegan options available. Very busy on the weekends so be aware if traveling there on Saturday and Sunday.

Glenvicia Sim

The highlight of Kingston IMO! This is a place conducive for thinking, reading, ruminating, socialising, people watching, imbibing and just dwelling. You can browse their books while having a drink (beer or coffee). It’s also kid-friendly, with an ample kids section of books. Spent 2 hours here and felt like I could spend many more!

+1

Rosa Vila

We took a quick getaway trip to Kingston - our first time there. We stopped off at Rough Draft Bar & Books and it did not disappoint. The book selection was good, and my kids liked the kids section. I did end up picking up one book on my list which always makes me happy. My husband and I both had caffeinated drinks while we were there: mine was a mocha, he had one of their specials: Lav-ender’s Game. That one was interesting, you have to try it to see what I mean. If you are in Kingston put this place on your list - I kind of wish we had one closer to us! :)

Kelly Dautrich

Rough draft is a book shop, coffee shop, and bar housed in one of the most historic buildings in Kingston. It is a place with respect of Kingston’s past while having a real pulse on Kingston’s present and hope for its future. The staff are incredible! They are knowledgeable, kind, and efficient. If you visit, I recommend you try one of the monthly coffee or tea specialties named after books. Each year I look forward to the “June Austin” (a lavender and vanilla latte), and the “sex drugs and coconuts” that generally returns in August. If none of these appeal to you, then I recommend the cold brew, the hot chocolate, and the mocha. I also recommend you try one of the pastries from the case that they source from Kingston bread and bar; my favorite being the salted chocolate chip cookies. The tap list is always exciting to look at as they do curate a fantastic selection of local craft beers and ciders. This place is excellent for everyone! They often have story time on Sundays for children. They have a schedule of events that always surprises me with its range from trivia nights, to author book signings, to meeting your public representatives. There’s bound to be something that interests you. They also encourage you to come to work with your lap tops or notebooks. The seating here allows it to be friendly to all size groups. There’s bar seating along the windows if you’re cruising solo, smaller tables of you have 2-4 people, one bigger table or a lounge area nestled around a coffee table for larger groups. I always recommend this place to friends visiting from out of state as I feel like this is a great place to see what Kingston is really like. Edit: I recommend bringing your own reusable to-go cup! They have always been environmentally conscious, and as part of that consciousness they do charge extra if you require a paper cup. This isn’t a problem if you intend to stay to drink your coffee there! However if you’re taking to-go, best bring your own cup!

+4

Michael Moroz

A charming and cozy spot with fantastic coffee and delicious food! The almond croissant was absolutely divine - flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the scent of books creates an unforgettable atmosphere. I’ll definitely be returning. If you’re in the area, this place is a must-visit!

+1

Kristen Walsh

Great chill spot for morning coffee, a study session, or to have a night cap! We visited during a holiday weekend, and though it was busy, we still found a spot to sit and enjoy the awesome atmosphere. Definitely recommend if you’re visiting the area!

Elena Yee

The owner of Newt recommended that I check out this coffee/used bookstore and I’m glad I did. I ordered a cafe air lait and the coffee was wonderfully smooth. They had benches and tables outside and it was a perfect way to enjoy my coffee and read a book I brought. A bonus is that dogs are welcome to come inside. Though not a dog owner, I do love dogs so seeing dogs made me happy.

Steven Quinn

Pretty hip bookstore that has beer and coffee! Highly recommend the iced mocha, it's made with chocolate milk. The beer list is pretty good as well. Definitely has something for everyone to include sour beer. Staff is really friendly and happy to answer questions. They have tons of books in all genres. I definitely recommend giving this place a try if you are in Kingston.

+3

George DeVita

Rough Draft Books in Kingston, NY is a literary gem worth discovering. The inviting coffee bar serves up aromatic brews that perfectly complement their extensive collection of books. The cozy seating areas provide the ideal atmosphere for getting lost in a good read or engaging in lively conversation with fellow book lovers. The author events hosted here add an extra layer of excitement, offering patrons the opportunity to connect with their favorite writers and discover new literary talents. There is a unique beer list, which adds a refreshing twist to the traditional bookstore experience. Whether you're a bibliophile, a coffee connoisseur, or simply looking for a welcoming space to unwind, Rough Draft Books has something special to offer.

+3

Every guy has a ponytail and every girl has a buzz cut, but that's the allure and magic of the place. You come here and you know what you're walking into. Warm, comfy, hipster-collegiate vibes. These…

This place is cool simply for the building it is in, it is a part of the four corners across John and Crown street. The four corners are the only intersection in America where the buildings on all co…

The baklava pinwheel is the suggested snack to get here. It doesn't disappoint. This cozy book shop/bar/coffee shop is a Kingston staple on a historic cross street it holds history, endless character…

The baklava pinwheel is the suggested snack to get here. It doesn't disappoint. This cozy book shop/bar/coffee shop is a Kingston staple on a historic cross street it holds history, endless charact…

A great bookstore, bar, cafe. Friendly service, lovely, inviting space, good food and drink. Definitely recommend!

A great bookstore, bar, cafe. Friendly service, lovely, inviting space, good food and drink. Definitely recommend!

A great bookstore, bar, cafe. Friendly service, lovely, inviting space, good food and drink. Definitely recommend!

A combination bar, cafe and bookstore, this spot is a fun place to hang out in. In addition to alcohol and coffee/tea, they also sell hand pies, baked goods and bread from local places. It was bu…

A combination bar, cafe and bookstore, this spot is a fun place to hang out in. In addition to alcohol and coffee/tea, they also sell hand pies, baked goods and bread from local places. It was busy…

A combination bar, cafe and bookstore, this spot is a fun place to hang out in. In addition to alcohol and coffee/tea, they also sell hand pies, baked goods and bread from local places. It was busy…

Kingston, NY - I've been to plenty of bookstore cafes, but more should adopt a bar like this one!\n\nThis is a very cozy and inviting cafe-shop that beckons you to lounge or browse over a coffee or…

This historic building hosts the perfect coffeehouse/bar/book shop! The drinks are delightful. The book options are wonderful and diverse. The staff is friendly. AND ITS IN A PRE REVOLUTIONARY WAR …

Great coffee. Great owners. Great staff. Great space. \n\nJust great. \n\nOh, and beer and books! \n\nSupport this place, they deserve every bit of it. \n\nI remember when they first opened and I w…

Awesome spot with an amazing location in historical Kingston. Great, fresh selection of local beer and I need to try their coffee. There was live music both times I visited and an awesome crowd. …

Awesome spot with an amazing location in historical Kingston. Great, fresh selection of local beer and I need to try their coffee. There was live music both times I visited and an awesome crowd. Go…

I love this place. I can have a beer or a coffee or both . ambiance is super cute . \nstaff always pleasant !

Great atmosphere. Well curated books and amazing Golden Tea! Also an option to buy a book that an inmate has requested which is a cool program.

My adult daughters and their partners are so happy to make a pre-dinner trip here. Coupling a drink and perusing books--a win win. They had live music when we stopped by. My daughter made a purchase …

My adult daughters and their partners are so happy to make a pre-dinner trip here. Coupling a drink and perusing books--a win win. They had live music when we stopped by. My daughter made a purch…

My adult daughters and their partners are so happy to make a pre-dinner trip here. Coupling a drink and perusing books--a win win. They had live music when we stopped by. My daughter made a purchas…

Super cool space with a very friendly staff. Perfect combo of historic bar and small town bookstore vibe. The reading selection is extensive for the size, and the drink options are great?

Super cool space with a very friendly staff. Perfect combo of historic bar and small town bookstore vibe. The reading selection is extensive for the size, and the drink options are great?

Super cool space with a very friendly staff. Perfect combo of historic bar and small town bookstore vibe. The reading selection is extensive for the size, and the drink options are great?

I was looking for a book: Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff, 2015. Not avalaible at B&N. Too old I guess. I went to this FABULOUS bookstore. Very nice , welcoming.After buying a coffee, I was direct…

Took the kids here to buy some books and drink some coffee on the way back from Windham. This place is very special - kids loved it, coffee was dope. Love the vibe of Kingston generally and this …

We were in walking around Kingston and came across Rough Draft Bar & Books. Excellent coffee, great atmosphere and, of course, books!

We were in walking around Kingston and came across Rough Draft Bar & Books. Excellent coffee, great atmosphere and, of course, books!

They make great hot chocolate, the atmosphere is rustic modern and there are books all over the place

Charming spot in Kingston to stop for a drink or small bite - nice patio - and nice seating inside the bookstore/cafe/bar as well. Would be a great hang out spot if I lived in Kingston. Lots of boo…

We loved this place. Not only do they have a great selection of books but, the bar offerings and knowledge of the staff were beyond excellent. If you are an early riser like we are, this is one o…

What a wonderful experience. Every single detail of this bookstore coffee shop is truly beautiful. The staff is very friendly and the coffee with cream design was perfect. I think that if it was…

Jay Reynolds

Visited in the Monday between Christmas and New Year's, and it was absolutely packed. I'm assuming that the date and the recent social media hype play a huge role in how busy it was. Although there appeared to be ample seating for a place of it's size, there were just as many standing and wandering as there were seated. Great space in a beautiful old building (pre-dating the country's founding), serving beer and coffee and selling books of all genres. Hope to get back there when everyone isn't on vacation and the hoopla dies down.

Sheila

This review is about sustainability! Thank you so much for providing real, reusable mugs and glassware to your customers. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, and it means a lot to me to be able to support local businesses that respect their surrounding ecosystems. Especially in a place as gorgeous and meaningful as the Hudson River Valley. I loved the water refill station, and I loved the sign above the cashier to ask for your drink to stay. A wonderful way to remind customers of their autonomy in making the more sustainable choice. Well, I did see lots of people enjoying their drink to stay, but in a throwaway trash cup, I see nothing but hope and potential in those that chose the sustainable option. So if you’re a customer reading this, know that you can ask for your drink to stay! Thank you again, and while I’m here, I must complement the absolutely delicious mocha I had…perfect after a lovely hike nearby.

+4

Such a cute place. It has books, coffee, tea, beer and wine, and some light bites. They had a drink on the menu with ginger beer, and I asked if I could just get the ginger beer which t…

Such a cute place. It has books, coffee, tea, beer and wine, and some light bites. They had a drink on the menu with ginger beer, and I asked if I could just get the ginger beer which they acco…

Such a cute place. It has books, coffee, tea, beer and wine, and some light bites. They had a drink on the menu with ginger beer, and I asked if I could just get the ginger beer which they accommod…

We enjoyed perusing the books and having a light breakfast. The breakfast pie was exceptional and the chocolate croissant was yummy. My chai latte was average at best. I would return for the …

Lou

Nice place with pretty good prices. People are friendly. They need though to get Decaf regular coffee. And tops that don’t leak out. If you’re walking with the coffee, it spills out because the top doesn’t close fully. There’s a small opening to drink from. 🤷‍♂️🙃 The Lord’s blessings and hope! Gospel John, 1:8-14!

Michele Bissonnette

My daughter found this place on a Google search so we took backwoods to enjoy a beautiful day to visit and eat. Very nice atmosphere but we both felt that it is a place for "regulars". We didn't eat there because there was a line and after checking the place out and feeling uncomfortable, we left. There were 2 people at the book help station but neither could be bothered to look our way, I stood there trying to get their attention to ask a question. So, 3 stars because we loved the decor and concept, but that was about it. We did not get food or drink, so no comment on that.

Anyone can come in and get a coffee, tea, water, or another type of drink they might enjoy. You can also sit down or stand. You can also read a book, look at a book, or buy a book. You can speak wi…