Kick Back and Relax at These Eight Cleveland Bookstores
Because sometimes all you need is a good book and a cup of tea.
Yes, our city is full of hole-in-the-wall, eclectic bars and tasty eateries, but let’s not forget those places you can go to just chill in the quiet. Let’s be honest: some of us are going to be in bed by 9:45 p.m. and aren’t trying to kick it like the old days. A late afternoon coffee or tea would be nicely paired with a book or two.
Check out our list of favorite indie bookstores.
Visible Voice | Detroit-Shoreway
Not only does Visible Voice Tremont have a cafe with local Duck Rabbit Coffee and Metolius Tea, but it also serves wine and beer that you can bring into the stacks while you read. Like a home away from home, you can get cozy in the store while you take time to browse.
Mac’s Backs | Cleveland Heights/Coventry
Want to go somewhere like Barnes and Noble, but still support the local community? Check out this shop where three floors are filled to the brim with books, puzzles, journals, mugs, and more. Mac’s also participates in a book exchange where you can trade one of your books for one of theirs. Have something on your shelf that you just couldn’t get into? Bring it into this bookstore and get something new to try.
Loganberry Books | Shaker Heights
You might recognize this independent bookstore from its spine book mural on the side of the building. Loganberry Books’ large selection includes new, used, and rare books, like many on the list here, but they also provide e-books and audiobooks!
Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop | Kamm's Corners
Because comic books are books too! A 90s baby, Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop has actually shrunk in size to offer a more curated selection. It still has the hottest titles from Marvel and DC, but it also shows small-press comics as well.
Flame & Fable | Lakewood
If fantasy worlds and swoon-worthy romance are your thing, Flame & Fable in Lakewood is worth a visit. But it’s more than just books; they host a range of events, from author signings to workout classes and everything in between. The standout feature? Their website includes an entire section dedicated to different romance tropes, making it easy to find exactly the kind of story you’re craving.
Horizontal Coffee & Books | Ohio City
Horizontal Books is changing its name and look. Known for turning books on their side to make the spines easier to read, this rebrand will include a cafe featuring coffee from across the region. Look out for their new logo and storefront paint job so you can snatch some low-cost books.
Zubal Books | Tremont
Since 1973, Zubal Books has served the West Side with its antiquarian books and scholarly material. At any given time, there are 25,000 cataloged books, pamphlets, and documents that are available for purchase for only $5, including those oversized coffee table art books. Rare books are also posted online for purchase.
The ThirdSpace Reading Room | Glenville
Located in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, ThirdSpace Reading Room, known as “The Space," is a Black-owned bookstore created by the team behind ThirdSpace Action Lab. With a mission to inspire the next generation of free thinkers, it offers more than books. It’s a community hub where people gather to share ideas, spark conversation and imagine new possibilities, all within a cozy space.
