“I recently visited Open Books in Logan Square, and it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience! Even though I’m not an avid reader, I found the atmosphere of the store to be warm and inviting. The space is filled with a diverse selection of books, from popular bestsellers to unique finds, which made browsing quite enjoyable.
The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, ready to assist with recommendations if needed. I appreciated how they seemed genuinely passionate about books, which added to the overall positive vibe of the store.
I found it interesting to explore the different genres and see what caught my eye. There were plenty of intriguing titles that piqued my curiosity, and my friend left with a couple of books that he's excited to read.
I also admire Open Books for its commitment to promoting literacy and supporting the community. Knowing that my purchases contribute to such a worthwhile cause made the visit even more rewarding.
Overall, if you’re in the Logan Square area, I recommend checking out Open Books. Whether you’re a book lover or just looking for something interesting to explore, it’s a charming spot worth visiting!”
11:30AM - 7PM
651 W Lake St, Chicago
Book Stores
“What a gem!! I wandered in here unexpectedly yesterday and was so delighted. They’ve got an incredible selection of books and I loved browsing the store. So many $5 books! My problem is that my backpack was full already so I’ll be back today prepared to purchase ?”
“Wonderful collection of horror films (with the best little write-ups accompanying some titles), a great queer horror book section, and great music and vinyl collection too! Staff is always great too”
“A fun local bookstore with lots of eclectic options and both older titles and new releases. The store is full of asiles of various genres and also has some gift ideas and cards. They have a huge loca section on Chicago and Midwest books which is fun and great for gifts. I loved the smell of the place like slightly favorite books and ink! While we were there someone came in with their well trained dog, and it was kind of fun to see their local flavor (evidently they are well known to the store). A fun place to stop in and shop and find some good new titles to read!”
“The staff is friendly, and they have a nice, unique, and carefully curated collection of books
It’s a tiny bookstore in the Fine Arts Building, but it has so many different books – seemingly something for everyone”
“What a used bookstore should be: piles of books covering every surface, fair prices, obscure and hard to find items along side forgotten gems (and not fifty copies of best sellers choking the shelves). Tasteful selection of gifts and knick knacks that doesn't take away from the glory of the page.Before you go: Pack light! Certain nooks and crannies can get a bit claustrophobic, and a full backpack will inevitably knock stuff over and block the isles for you and other customers.”
“So cute!! Great book options for adults and an adorable little book book for kids in the back - the kids section has some area for kids to sit and look through books before picking out their favorite one(s) to buy :D Highly recommend!”
“This is the 3rd place I’ve been looking for and the closest thing I have found to my nostalgic 90’s comic book store I grew up with. A place where staff- get this actually interact with you. It’s refreshing- they have great stock, the name is badass, & the vibes are great.I love that the first time I was in the store and Wes Anderson’s, Fantastic Mr Fox was playing and the quote “But In The End, He's Just Another Dead Rat In A Garbage Pail Behind A Chinese Restaurant." was muttered in the background. I chuckled and contained on to enjoying every moment I was in there. Keep it up guys!”
“One of the best record shops left in Chicago!
Are real gem, always my first place to look for great records cds, VHS and cassettes as well! Not to mention all of the cool incense pins and posters! They don't make stores like this anymore... Stop in and support a local legend! Guaranteed to find something you've always wanted”
“Loved the selection, especially the sections highlighting Palestine and Arab Heritage Month in April. The space was larger than I was expecting, the store goes in quite deep. There were a lot of people in the store on the Saturday that I visited, which was great to see. Will be back!!”
“Phenomenal used bookstore. I love a place that looks like it goes on forever and this one has that old school, disheveled vibe. However, everything here is beautifully organized by genre and author/subject so it’s easy to find whatever you’re looking for. These days I’m always hunting for 40s/50s sci-fi paperbacks and Myopic had just about the biggest selection I’ve seen in recent years. Grabbed myself five cool titles in great shape for about $22. They had an impressive selection of art books as well and music books (the other types of books I usually hunt down) so I’ll be back when I’ve got more time to dig into those sections.”
“Great local book store with a decent selection and fair pricing. All of the staff are wonderful, and if they don’t have a book in stock they can quickly order it for you.”
“Super cool spot. Upon arriving, I had no clue where the entrance was. It was only when people came out of the building that I realized that was the entrance. Once inside, I was left in awe of the magnitude of the place. A huge old warehouse transformed into a book “store”? Absolutely amazing. REMEMBER, you put the price in the books, not the other way around. When I was here, the cashier tried to give me a price when it shouldn't be like that. Don't feel intimidated and pay whatever you think is fair.There’s also a Spanish section right by the entrance.”
11AM - 7:30PM
1301 E 57th St, Chicago
Book Stores
“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.”
“This is the BEST bookstore ever! The folks who work there are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. If they don't have a book in, they will order it. Great selection of new and used books!”
“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!”
“The owner of the bookstore, Bishop, is deeply wise, poetic, and knowledgeable. He is an authentic priest with ancestral links to Vodou, indigenous, and sought after occultic traditions. He has rare and cultivated abilities in magick of the highest order -- if you seek his care and knowledge, you will be blown away by his otherwordly presence! More than that, he has a generous and loving spirit and cares deeply for the community he serves. You are in the best hands with Bishop. The store's specialty seems to be in preserving occultic heritage and older and rare relics, so that's good to keep in mind.”
“This is the kind of bookstore I remember from my youth but is almost extinct now. A labyrinth of books with gems hidden everywhere. If you're looking for a tight organizational system, accessible aisles/stairways, or pre priced books welllll: go elsewhere. This place rules and I'm so glad it exists”
“Absolutely incredible collection of the bizarre and underground. Independent publishers and books and magazines you won't find anywhere else. One of the greatest bookstores in the world.”
“I found this gem while driving by yesterday and had to check it out! I was met with such helpful and welcoming service plus a great selection of church history, commentaries, theology/doctrine and more! I can’t wait to come back and hang out there a little longer. ?”
“Wonderful Service and inventory! The Owner has a heart to serve and creates an atmosphere the Spirit can thrive in & will lead you to the right choice! Absolutely recommend visiting!!!”
“Such a fantastic selection of diverse and inclusive books!! And the staff are truly so kind and helpful. This bookstore also hosts some of the best bookish/author events in the city! I plan to come again as often as possible!”
“Yesterday, I went to visit the owner Yoel about having my book in his store. I received MUCH more than what I had anticipated. If you are willing to LISTEN you will learn a lot from him and the literary world. There's not many people who will take the time to educate a complete stranger. That is what I would call a TRUE Teacher. Looking forward to working with Yoel!”
“Overall a nice store. I love that they sell used books as well to give them new life. The staff could be a little warmer but it's still a nice store if you go in knowing what you're looking for”
“A humble yet extraordinary culturally robust community center. An absolute Chicago gem. Teresa and Pablo Are generous visionaries devoted to keeping Pilsen culturally authentic as their space consistently gives local artists, authors, creators an opportunity to expand their work. Places like Pach keep Pilsen’s heart pulse alive.
Took moment to drop in as there is no charge and you will see pics artist arts and crafts and some for purchase.
Hot tips: Take a walk around the neighborhood and enjoy all the murals! Looks for the mural Loteria doors that are all around.
Make sure to stop by Cafe Jumping or Urban Treez (next door) for a latte and or meal.
Take a walk to the historical Rudy Lozano Library.
Take a drive to the National Mexican Museum and have a picnic at the park adjacent to it.”
“This is a book lover's heaven. Books from small and large presses of all kinds of genres are neatly organized on shelves sheltered inside a well-lit space. I would spend hours of my life here if I lived in Chicago. Congratulations to all the staff for the excellent service and recommendations.”
10AM - 7PM
5507 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
Book Stores
“Amazing selection of books- if it's not there- it will be ordered. The owner is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely will be returning in the future!”
“Awesome products that aren’t only books but also stickers and bookmarks(and totes, cups, candles etc.) inspired by some of the best written romances. Owner restocks frequently and covers all the niches of romance books. Great place to sift through gems and really indulge in the aesthetic of books you love.”
“A wonderful place with very friendly and welcoming staff! They offer a great selection of devotional articles, souvenirs, and religious books. Whether you're looking for a meaningful gift, something for a special religious occasion, or simply something to deepen your faith, you will definitely find it here. Highly recommend!”
“Very big selection of books and divided into themes, classics, new releases, etc. Very fun to explore! And perfect place to spend on a chill weekend afternoon. The basement area has books on travel, science, languages, religion, gardening, etc. My favorite was the “arts” selections & even bought a book there. Staff was very kind too!”