By Kate Bartlett
The Roycroft Library Bar recently re-opened under new ownership, with a newly expanded and reimagined bar menu. The new Library Bar offers increased bar and table seating in their signature Roycroft style.
The Roycroft has always been a pillar in the East Aurora community. Established in 1897 with Elbert Hubbard, a legendary man with a vision who founded the American Arts and Crafts Movement in East Aurora, NY. For more than 20 years, the Roycroft Campus was a center for entrepreneurship, creativity and learning, a hub of activity for over 500 working artisans and craftsman. Today, The Roycroft Inn continues to welcome visitors offering a beautiful destination for an overnight stay, special dining, drinks, or both.
the 1930’s, with The Lounge and Ali Baba’s Bar in the basement
opening in the 70’s.
The Library Bar was the first bar at The Roycroft, opening in the 1930’s, with The Lounge and Ali Baba’s in the basement opening in the 70’s.
In April 2023, The Roycroft came under new ownership with Douglas Jemal and Douglas Development. It was a quick decision that one of their first projects would be expanding The Library Bar, as it was cramped and too small to meet the needs of their guests.
The new Library Bar now offers an expanded bar with seating for 10-12, in addition to 4-5 full-service tables. “It’s a great space; much more efficient and better utilized,” says Isabel Davidson, Bar Manager. “We can now seat and serve guests at the bar and at tables; it was much needed.”
Not only does the space offer increased seating capacity, but it fits into the library area nicely. “The design suits the space,” says Isabel. “It’s a cozy, relaxing atmosphere with that signature Roycroft style.” The back bar was designed and shipped from Washington DC, and the room has wooden accents throughout. Books line the walls and the fireplace completes the room, helping guests relax in the cozy ambiance.
The menu was reimagined as the space is now able to better accommodate guests for both food and beverages. The food menu offered here is exclusive to The Library Bar, offering sharable bites including pizzas and charcuterie. Isabel designs the cocktail menu which rotates seasonally with a selection of 7-8 signature cocktails, in addition to the classic Manhattan, Martini and Old Fashioned. “We keep our staple popular cocktails on the menu year-round,” says Isabel. “We use select spirits for these: Black Button Vodka and Gin from a local Rochester distributor.”
This winter season, The Library bar will offer 8 festive spirited cocktails, including Winter Eggnog Martini, Hot Butter Rum and a Maple Old Fashioned. “I have fun creating the cocktail menu,” says Isabel. “We do our best to blend customer favorites with a seasonal twist.” Isabel and the bar staff can also make almost any cocktail upon request, and offer 3 non-alcoholic mocktails that also rotate seasonally.
The Library bar consistently keeps about 6 local beers on tap, one from Wayland Brewing, their signature lager from 42 North, and 4 other local craft brews. “We definitely want to recognize our local brewers,” says Isabel. “Especially 42 North, our East Aurora neighbor, who designed a craft brew exclusively available at The Roycroft.”
Isabel and the rest of The Library Bar staff have been warmly welcomed by the community since their grand re-opening in October. “Business has been great,” says Isabel. “We’re much busier and we can accommodate many more guests. The East Aurora community has embraced us, and we’re looking forward to a busy holiday season.”
In addition to live music every Friday, The Roycroft will also host their annual Lounge Lizard Holiday Spectacular on Thursday, December 19th, featuring some of the areas most talented local musicians.
For more information visit theroycroftinn.com, follow on social media, visit at 40 S. Grove Street in East Aurora, or call (716) 652-5552.