Photographers document NYC bars in new book

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — A night out on the town is a special experience in New York City.

Friends have all kinds of choices from historic taverns and pubs to high-end places and dives.

James and Karla Murray are well-known photographers who have published books on street photography, storefronts, and street art.

“Great Bars of New York City” features 30 of Manhattan’s well-known watering holes.

PIX11 News met the couple at Horseshoe Bar (or 7B as it’s also known) on the corner of East 7th Street and Avenue B in the East Village.

“We focused on those with history and also a wide range of styles. All have a story to tell,” said Karla Murray.

Pete’s Tavern is on the cover. The place on East 18th Street in Gramercy Park has been open since 1864.

The new book also reveals famous links to movies or television and special details, such as the pig buckle sign at Horseshoe Bar. It’s a reference to the former catering hall at the location in the 1930s.

“Trying to capture the feel of the place was very important. We photographed it all in natural light,” said James Murray.

The bars and scenes do not feature any people in the pictures. “We wanted the interior to be the star of the photo,” said Karla Murray.

All of the establishments are still open. They started in Manhattan and are always looking for other places and projects.

The book is available September 10 ^th at bookstores and online.

On Thursday at Village Works on St. Mark’s Place, there will be a book release party and gallery showing of some of the photos.

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