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.
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.
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.
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!
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 showcases small press comics as well.
Selling only new books, Appletree buys directly from the publishers instead of the traditional third-party wholesaler. The bookstore also sells super cute bookends that would make cute collectibles for those with space on their shelves. With large windows and bright lighting, this space always feels warm no matter how it looks outside.
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.
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.