Sean Manning's book features essays on bars as far away as Antarctica.

(Courtesy of the publisher)

Saloons. Gin joints. Watering holes. Pubs. The bar has played an outsize role in the creative lives of authors, musicians, and all manner of creative -- or sometimes just weird types.

In his new book Come Here Often? 53 Writers Raise A Glass To Their Favorite Bar, Sean Manning collects essays from dozens of writers singing the praises of their favorite boozy haunts the world over. Contributors include party animal Andrew W.K., The Hold Steady's Craig Finn, author Andrea Nutting, arts critic David Hajdu, Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Malachy McCourt, and many others.

One of those "others" is Rosie Schaap, author of the monthly “Drink” column for The New York Times Magazine, and a battle-tested Brooklyn bartender. 

In a conversation with Soundcheck host John Schaefer, Schaap and Manning discuss a few of the essays in the book, including Schaap's own: a story about a writers' pub in Belfast, and an unlikely encounter therein with one of Northern Ireland's most important musical icons.

The authors also talk about the qualities that make for a good drinking establishment, and what kinds of music are best heard while imbibing.

Read Rosie Schaap's column about 'bartender rock' for the New York Times. And read Craig Finn's essay about The Uptown Bar in Minneapolis.