In the words of Ernest Hemingway, “Drinking is a way of ending the day.” And what better way to cap off a day at the Brooklyn Book Festival this Sunday? We asked the following writers from BBF to give us their top local picks near Brooklyn Borough Hall. So read up and drink up! 

Rakesh Satyal, author of Blue Boy

What is your favorite memory of being at a bar near Borough Hall and why? A couple of years ago, I had my birthday party at the Brooklyn Inn. It was the first year that I had the party in our fair borough instead of in Manhattan, and it was so special to see all of these staunch Manhattanites walking into that gorgeous bar and understanding why Brooklyn is so unique. Few bars in Manhattan have the character and cozy nature of that establishment.

If a lush from another borough visits the Brooklyn Book Festival, what would you hope she drinks nearby before heading home? I have fallen in love with Henry Public. It is perfect for a drink not just because the space is so gosh darn adorable but because the drinks are simply delectable. They have a drink there called the Sweet Liberty Smash that is practically criminal.

Jonathan Segura, author of Occupational Hazards

Where do you get fancy cocktails and which one do you get? Brooklyn Social—that's my go-to fancy cocktail joint in the area. I'm a gin guy, and they do a magnificent martini there. Stirred, not shaken, as is proper. Further up Smith Street, Char No. 4 is a whiskey lover's heaven, and while they do some excellent drinks—their Bourbon Bloody Mary is a great way to start a day—I'd recommend a whiskey, straight up, preferably one you've never heard of and costs a fortune. Let's see, how about Hirsch 21 Kentucky Rye—$100 for an ounce.

Where does an out-of-towner visiting BBF go nearby to drink and mingle with locals?  Floyd NY is a solid local, on Atlantic between Henry and Clinton. It has a good selection of tap, plus cheap beer by the bucket, beer cheese and you can get takeout from Chipshop next door. Also, they open early for the English Premier League.

Sloane Crosley, author of How Did You Get This Number

Where's your favorite watering hole near Borough Hall and what do you order? The Roebling Inn. I have been there twice so as you see from the stats—I came back. I have ordered vodka sodas and been given peanuts, gratis.

What is your favorite memory of being at a bar near Borough Hall and why? Probably the bar at Bar Tabac. I'm sure it has something to do with Jonathan Ames and/or a live farm animal but if I could remember all the details, it wouldn't be a very good bar story.