New York is connected

KGB Bar
By Kelly McMasters

Once a Ukrainian social club, this epicenter for downtown literati still conjures the crumbling, inconspicuous air of a speakeasy; smokers crowd the steep stoop, and heavy red curtains obscure the intimate second-floor bar where readings are first-rate and free. 85 E 4th St between Second and Third Aves (212-505-3360, kgbbar.com)

THE LIT ELITE
Forget the Barnes & Noble blockbusters; if you want to know which tomes to flaunt on the subway, hit The KGB Series—which comes in fiction, poetry and nonfiction flavors—to see indie faves such as poet Brenda Shaughnessey, novelist Samantha Hunt and memoirist Joan Wickersham. Sun (fiction), Mon (poetry), Tue (nonfiction) 7–9pm

DO-GOODERS AND PHILANTHRO-PHILES
Every second Thursday, literacy nonprofit Behind the Book combines charity with art, hosting new local authors and spreading the word about its mission to promote reading in low-income public schools. Next event: Nov 13 7–9pm; donation suggested

OFF-DUTY BAR FOLK
After the readings finish for the night, the podium is packed away, music replaces the musings, and the crimson bar fills with the East Village service crowd. The drinks are stiff and cheap, and the creaky old spot is a favorite among late-night bartenders just off their shifts. Every night after about 10pm

IRREVERENT AND ROWDY WORDSMITHS
Based on the belief that readings should be short (15 minutes max), sweet (laughter is the goal) and expertly performed (no droning monologues, please), the series Drunken! Careening! Writers! takes over the bar every third Thursday. The next installment features “Funny Gay Males.” Nov 20 7–9pm

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