To celebrate print’s everlasting power in a fast-paced era dominated by Kindles, pay a visit to one of these five haunts that both conjure New York’s literary past and prove it’s still very much thriving.

Blue Bar: The 1920s, when “The Vicious Circle” convened at the Algonquin Hotel for a double bill of Round Table lunch and laughter, were glorious years at this classic Midtown hotel. Today, ensconced in the circa-1933 Blue Bar, you can almost feel the vibrant spirits of Dorothy Parker, Franklin Adams, and Robert Benchley while sipping a potent gin martini amid the artwork of Al Hirschfeld. (59 W. 44th St., between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 212-840-6800, www.algonquinhotel.com/blue-bar/)

Pete’s Tavern: A visit to this Gramercy staple is typically inspired by the simple desire to wash down a mammoth burger with a pint. Yet this watering hole, which dates from 1864 (there are warring claims about whether it’s the city’s oldest drinking establishment), was once frequented by wordsmiths. O. Henry, the short story master born William Sydney Porter, was a regular here when it was called Healy’s, purportedly penning “The Gift of the Magi” in one of its booths. The original rosewood bar also lured Ludwig Bemelmans, where he dreamed up the whimsical Madeline series. (129 E. 18th St., between Irving Place and Third Avenue, 212-473-7676, petestavern.com)

White Horse Tavern: Its rich bohemian past may no longer be as robustly apparent, but back in the 1950s and ’60s, this West Village mainstay teemed with writers like Dylan Thomas, who famously imbibed here just before his death, and James Baldwin. Plans for the country’s most well-regarded indie newspaper, the Village Voice, were even hatched here. Sit outside with a beer like all the other revelers drawn to this animated saloon, and it’s easy to see why Jack Kerouac also kept returning—and getting kicked out. (567 Hudson St., between W. 11th and Perry Streets, 212-989-3956)

The Half King: Owned by writers Sebastian Junger and Scott Anderson, as well as director and producer Nanette Burstein, the Half King is an inviting Chelsea pub with a quiet back garden, where you can enjoy homey fare like lamb shepherd’s pie. (505 W. 23rd St., at 10th Avenue, 212-462-4300, thehalfking.com)

This article appeared in the May 27, 2015 edition of PW BEA Show Daily.