The 16 Best Bookstores in Chicago

Unabridged Bookstore is a paradise for book lovers in Chicago. This bookstore offers a vast selection of books, from classics to new releases, organized by themes, making it a delight to explore. Customers have praised the knowledgeable staff who provide unexpected recommendations and are always ready to help. The store's basement houses a treasure trove of books on travel, science, languages, religion, gardening, and more, catering to diverse interests.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

• Great selection of books with unexpected recommendations from staff
• Large sale section with new books and employee reviews scattered throughout the store
• Diverse selection catering to every literary taste with exceptional customer service
• Pet-friendly with a large variety of titles for all book lovers

Open Books is a remarkable bookstore located in Chicago, IL. The store offers a variety of services like Kerbside pickup, Delivery, In-store pick-up, and In-store shopping to make the shopping experience convenient for customers. One of its standout features is the Wheelchair-accessible entrance which ensures accessibility for all visitors.

Customers have left glowing reviews about Open Books. Here are some key points summarizing their feedback:

• Fair pricing for a wide selection of books.
• Organized store with friendly and helpful staff.
• Amazing prices and fantastic selection of books.
• Dedicated to supporting children's literacy in underserved communities.

These reviews showcase the dedication of Open Books to providing a welcoming and enriching experience for all visitors. With an impressive rating of 4.9, it's evident that customers highly appreciate the quality and services offered by this bookstore.

57th Street Books is a charming bookstore located in Chicago, IL. They offer a variety of service options such as in-store pick-up and in-store shopping. Customers appreciate the gender-neutral toilets available on-site. With a rating of 4.8, this bookstore is highly regarded by its patrons.

• This is a fun little bookstore in the basement of this building. You can wander around forever and almost get lost. So much fun.
• Omg. From outside it looks like a small book shop. But it’s actually like diagon valley. Once you enter you realise you have entered a whole new world of books. They have not one or two but 5 rooms where they display books according to the genre marked. Lori at the counter was very sweet. She actually left her seat and showed me around even helped me to look for my choice of books. She was treating every book lover with love n smile I was amazed n very happy to know of this world of books.
• Helpful staff and so many choices. I went in looking for a book but sadly they didn't have it. Walked out with 4 other books including an English Portuguese one.This is a cheerful place that I could easily have spent more time in.
• Lovely little store. Well, not that little, the time and sections keep going. Well curated selection of books and helpful, enthusiastic staff. Great to keep supporting such indie book stores. The basement location in itself makes it a very interesting place to visit.

Myopic Books is a charming used book store located in Chicago that has been captivating book lovers for years. The store offers a wide variety of books at fair prices, making it a paradise for book enthusiasts. With a rating of 4.6 based on 1351 reviews, it's clear that customers appreciate what Myopic Books has to offer.

• No frills bookstore offering used books at a fair price. Despite being crowded, customers were still able to find interesting reads and were happy with their purchases.
• Cool space with a wide selection of books at great prices. Customers appreciated the friendly staff and the unique atmosphere of the store.
• Some customers highlighted concerns about accessibility and air quality. However, they noted that the bookstore was cute and unique, offering a variety of books at different price points.
• Customers praised the kindness and helpfulness of the owners, mentioning the competitive value offered for selling books. They also appreciated the store's contribution to the community as a neighborhood retailer and community resource.

Whether you're looking for a hidden gem or a well-loved classic, Myopic Books is the perfect destination for book lovers looking to explore a treasure trove of literary delights.

The Book Cellar is a beloved bookstore located in Chicago that offers a variety of services and features to its customers. Customers can enjoy delivery and in-store pick-up options for their convenience. The bookstore is known for its small business charm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for book lovers.

• Visitors praise the fantastic selection of books for both kids and adults.
• Customers appreciate the well-made cafe drinks and cozy ambiance.
• Reviewers highlight the exceptional customer service provided by Susie, the owner.

With a rating of 4.7 stars and numerous positive reviews, The Book Cellar stands out as a must-visit destination for book enthusiasts in Chicago.

City Lit Books is a charming bookstore located in Chicago that offers a wide range of books to cater to every reader's taste. With a rating of 4.8 and 356 reviews, it is evident that customers love their experience at City Lit Books.

• Loved the selection, especially the sections highlighting Palestine and Arab Heritage Month in April. The space was larger than expected.
• A small but great bookstore with a friendly staff, a great selection of authors, and a cozy seating area.
• City Lit is a wonderful contribution to the neighborhood, with a vast and intriguing selection of new releases and exclusive finds.
• Good selection of books with customer recommendations, extremely helpful and kind staff - a perfect spot for book lovers.

Visitors can enjoy service options like Kerbside pickup and In-store pick-up, making shopping convenient. The store is wheelchair-accessible and has gender-neutral toilets, creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all customers. Whether you're looking for a new release or a hidden gem, City Lit Books has something special for every book lover.

Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a charming bookstore located in Chicago. They offer a variety of services such as kerbside pickup and in-store shopping, making it convenient for customers to enjoy a good book. The store is LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, welcoming everyone who walks through its doors.

Customer reviews rave about the friendly staff, great selection of books, and cozy atmosphere inside. Some highlights from the reviews include:

• Very friendly staff, good selection of books, and fun book recommendations by genre/category.
• Great selection, good prices, and a quiet environment for browsing.
• Quaint atmosphere with a great smell and hardwood floors, offering a wide range of books with knowledgeable and friendly staff.
• Well-curated selection, old-school wooden floors, and a fabulous independent bookstore.

These reviews paint a picture of a welcoming bookstore with a diverse selection of books and a warm atmosphere. Customers praise the knowledgeable staff and the overall experience, making Sandmeyer's Bookstore a must-visit for book lovers in Chicago.

RoscoeBooks is a charming neighborhood bookstore located in Chicago, IL. With a rating of 4.9, customers rave about the amazing selection of books and the helpful and knowledgeable staff. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

• We love this neighborhood bookstore. The selection is amazing and they'll order whatever they don't have in stock if you ask. They're the best, support your local bookstores!
• Fantastic independent bookstore with very knowledgeable staff who can give helpful recommendations based on what you are looking for. Be sure to ask about the book club for deals. Great selection and a comfortable environment. High quality books.
• This is such a great bookstore with large variety of books that I can choose from. We can actually order the books and have them shipped to our house which is really convenient for us. The staff is very helpful in assisting us.
• The team at RoscoeBooks is so helpful! I came in looking for a gift for a friend and they were able to make a great recommendation. They have a good stock of inventory are also helpful placing an order if they do not have a copy in store.

Customers also appreciate the friendly staff and the store's prime location. They offer services like in-store pick-up and accept credit cards and NFC mobile payments. If you're in the area, stop by RoscoeBooks for a delightful bookstore experience.

Powell's Books Chicago is a beloved used book store located in Chicago, IL. Customers rave about the wide variety of book topics available, from serious academic texts to science fiction, children's stories, and more. The store's thoughtfully selected titles cater to eager readers, offering reasonable prices on used books and intriguing antiquarian collections.

• Customers appreciate the diverse selection of book topics, catering to various interests.
• The store offers reasonable prices on used books, making it accessible to all book lovers.
• Visitors enjoy the unique layout of the store, with vertical bookshelves and intriguing tabletop offerings.
• The staff members are friendly and helpful, offering valuable recommendations to customers.

If you're a book lover or looking for a unique bookstore experience, don't miss out on Powell's Books Chicago!

Quimby's Bookstore is a unique gem in Chicago's book scene. With a rating of 4.7 stars from 423 reviews, customers rave about their one-of-a-kind selection and friendly staff. Some key points from customer reviews include:

• Very unique bookstore with gifts that are one of a kind
• Amazing for zines by small independent artists, comics, and rare finds
• Top spot for indie, small publisher, and self-published books
• Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to make recommendations

Visit Quimby's Bookstore to discover a world of weird and wonderful reads, from zines to graphic novels, and immerse yourself in a space that celebrates all things offbeat and unconventional.

Madison Street Books is a charming independent bookstore located in Chicago. With a stellar rating of 4.9, it's clear that customers love this place. Here are a few key points from their reviews:

• Knowledgeable and friendly staff
• Wide variety of children's books with bilingual options
• Comfortable atmosphere with cozy reading chairs
• Unique selection of books not found elsewhere

Customers appreciate the inclusivity of Madison Street Books, catering to different interests and backgrounds. Along with offering services like kerbside pickup and delivery, this bookstore stands out for its dedication to creating a welcoming space for all book lovers.

Open Books Logan Square is a beloved bookstore in Chicago, known for its extensive selection of new and used books. With two floors filled with diverse literary fiction and nonfiction, customers can easily find what they're looking for. The store is well-organized, making browsing a breeze, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Whether you're in the market for vintage books or the latest bestsellers, Open Books Logan Square has something for everyone.

Some key points from customer reviews:

• I love Open Books so much, they’re my favorite bookstores in Chicago! Logan Square might possibly be the best-stocked in my opinion.
• Really excellent book store. They’ve got books of all genres, vintage and brand new. Well organized and decently friendly staff.
• Fantastic place to buy like new used books! Prices are a steal and the selection is absolutely massive! Staff is very friendly.
• GREAT SELECTION OF BOOKS new and old. Overall great value and I always walk out with something interesting.

Heirloom Books is a charming book store located in Chicago, offering a unique experience for book lovers. Visitors can enjoy the cozy atmosphere and explore a wide selection of used books in a well-organized layout. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always available to assist in finding the perfect book.

• A cozy bookstore with a helpful staff and a wide selection of books.
• Prices are based on internet searches, so it's good to check beforehand.
• Accessible to all, but may be challenging for those with mobility aids.
• Inviting atmosphere, cozy seating areas, and outstanding customer service.

After-Words Bookstore is a charming book store located in Chicago, offering a wide selection of books for all book enthusiasts. The store provides in-store pick-up services, making it convenient for customers to collect their orders. It is known for being a welcoming space, LGBTQ+ friendly and wheelchair-accessible. Customers appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff who offer great recommendations. The store has a mix of new and used books, catering to both kids and adults. The atmosphere is cozy, making it a perfect spot for a quick visit.

Customer Reviews:

• A great local book store with kind employees and a wide selection of books.
• Cozy atmosphere, excellent service, and a diverse range of book titles.
• Well-stocked store with a welcoming environment and helpful staff.

Pilsen Community Books is a beloved book store in Chicago, providing a vast selection of books for all interests. Customers rave about the well-organized layout, friendly staff, and special events like Independent Bookstore Day. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

• I love this bookstore, what a gem in the Pilsen community! Today was Independent Bookstore Day so everything was 10% off, I got an awesome haul of books!
• Such an amazing place with a vast book selection, including a section in Spanish.
• Wide, unique selection of books and extremely pleasant atmosphere. The staff were friendly and approachable.
• Very enjoyable little book store with a large leftist and progressive collection, as well as a great cookbook selection.

With services like kerbside pickup and delivery, this small business is a must-visit for book lovers in the area.

Barnes & Noble College Bookstore in Chicago offers a wide range of services for book lovers. Customers can enjoy in-store pick-up and in-store shopping options, making it convenient to get their hands on the latest reads. The bookstore also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can easily access the store. With quick visits in mind, customers can pop in and out efficiently. Accepted credit cards and NFC mobile payments provide hassle-free transactions.

This bookstore has garnered a remarkable 4.3-star rating based on 1911 reviews. Customers have praised the bookstore for its welcoming atmosphere, diverse selection, and helpful staff. Here are some key points from their reviews:

• Welcoming atmosphere
• Diverse selection
• Helpful staff

Experience the charm of Barnes & Noble College Bookstore for yourself and immerse yourself in the world of literature.