“Was able to get what I needed from the Concordia University store. I got a nice pennant and they had great deals on sales. The salesperson working there was very knowledgeable and courteous. The only reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5 stars is that the store had little to no signage to guide me where it was. I was walking around a lot before I found it in the lower level. Otherwise it was a nicely stocked store.”
“Definitely a one stop shop. They have everything you need for campus life. The employees are always helpful and so nice. I've been here many times, and never had anything short of a great visit. You can order online and pickup in store, or have it shipped to you. A must if you are a Dominican family! They have shirts for the youngest and the dogs.”
“Today I took my great grandson to this bookstore,he loved everything the free coloring area,the fitget toys the books,this bookstore is one of a kind an really kept him interested,he also loved the little door,we purchased a few things,will definitely be back.......”
“Zombie Unicorn Comics is that me of the best comic shops in Chicago. They have a great selection of comics and comic adjacent collectibles and offer pressing and cleaning services. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable! This place is everything you need in a Local Comicbook Store!”
“Bucket O’ Blood is an absolute gem, five stars without hesitation. It somehow nails the sweet spot between “cozy neighborhood shop” and “portal to a cooler, weirder universe,” with shelves stacked high with horror, sci‑fi, and fantasy, plus a dangerous amount of movies. I went in “just to look” and somehow walked out with a vinyl record, a graphic novel, and a horror movie, which feels like the holy trinity of a perfect night in. The guy at the front desk was ridiculously helpful. Go check it out!”
“We happened to be in Evanston during our Chicago trip and someone recommended us that we visit Squeezebox Books and Music. Given the book nerds we are, we did. It’s a sublime place—rows and rows of books and records all neatly arranged, old interspersed with the new, and the resulting joy from finding a classic book or a record that reminds you of a time in your life is indescribable. We spent hours here perusing. The staff were kind and polite. The jazz playing in the back room was inviting as well. :) All in all, it’s a 10/10 bookstore!”
“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!”
“Always get great recommendations from them for new books to read. They have a better selection than you’d expect for a small local bookstore. Even found a book my friend had written in Vermont!”
“I’ve been living in Chicago for over a decade, but only discovered CityLit last year, and I’m so glad I did. The interior has such a bright, open atmosphere, and their shelves include a unique and varied selection of new releases and old favorites. What I especially love is their numerous book clubs, that range from novella reads to trying cookbook recipes. As a participant in one of their book clubs, I’ve had the experience of engaging with like-minded readers in friendly, informative discussions. On top of all that, the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable and always willing to help out in any way they can. I love this bookstore, and I look forward to every future visit.”
“I am always looking forward to New Book Joy’s next book club events! I love participating in their interesting book discussions, whether it is in one of their bookstores, or a fun location that is chosen for the particular book we are reading. I can’t wait to stop by on April 25th for the annual Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl, celebrating Independent Bookstore Day.”
“Great bookstore and community space for events. They have a wide variety of books from fiction, history, memoirs, children section, stickers, and souvenirs. The place is warming and welcoming. The bookstore owner and family are always very helpful and friendly. They also have free non-perishable food to take, no questions asked.”
“This is such a charming little bookstore with an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, the friendly staff make you feel right at home. There are so many wonderful details that make this place stand out. The store is well organized and easy to browse, and being able to enjoy a drink while looking through the shelves makes the experience even more relaxing. The interactive author readings are engaging, and the personalized book recommendations from the staff add a thoughtful touch that makes the shop feel truly unique. This is a special little bookstore that is well worth visiting, and I can't wait to come back.”
“Lovely place for christian theological books of every kind! Got myself a leather checkbook size Holy Bible for my Birthday. Truth is, I went there looking for an Ethiopian 88 books Bible, but they didn’t have it like many other places. So, I ended up browsing through their library and found a lot interesting books. One thing for sure, you’ll find yourself and 66 books Bible version, and a very good prices for that. Don’t hesitate to them a visit.”
“Passages Wine & Books is my favorite third space in Chicago! The owner Amanda is passionate about her business, works closely with the community, and collaborates with fellow local businesses often. I love the wine & book pairing events most of all but I've really enjoyed every activity I've tried here to date, from the monthly book club, to trivia, and also silent bookclub. And if you aren't feeling the activity vibe, it's a great spot to relax, get cozy, and hang out at while you curl up with your most recent book or craft. Highly recommend!!”
“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!”
“I visited Time & Half Books on Independent Bookstore Day with a group of 4 other book lovers. Even though it was busy, the staff took the time to chat with customers and make everyone feel welcome. The friendly atmosphere—even while waiting in line—really showed the amazing community they've built. A few months later, Claire and the Time & Half Books team quickly helped when my Independent Bookstore Day card never arrived, even including a sticker in the mail. I live about an hour and a half away, but Time & Half Books is absolutely worth the drive and is a must-visit whenever I'm in the Chicago area.”
“My Pyrenees and I love our visits here! The owner is always in good spirits and extremely welcoming allowing my dog to relax in his shop as I search for something special. Tashi has a wide array of gifts and singing bowls that range in price. If you love incense, musical instruments, perfume oils and colorful ✨ tapestries and clothes you will find everything you need here! It's definitely worth the visit. He even sells books about Buddhism and Tibetan prayer flags. We always have a good time here!”
“First time here and I'm definitely coming back. They offer a great selection of seasonal items. Everything is so neat and well put together. The ambiance is great, and it smells amazing as soon as you walk in.”
“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!!!”
“Fantastic selection on African American and African history, biographies, children's literature, comic books with Black/Latino characters, selections of hair and skin care like shea butters, aprons, artwork by Black artists, teachers resources too.”
“I joined Unity of Oak Park in 2025, and I love it! Rev. Ev is a great minister, and the community is inclusive and multicultural. The music is phenomenal. Come on by and come on in!”
“Iqra bookstore was very beautiful, with a lot of wonderful books. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. I'm happy to support a Muslim business that promotes islamic education. May Allah reward team Iqra immensely!!”
“Great place with assistance to match. I called in asked for what i needed,got pricing and availability went and purchased. All in less than 20 min. Definitely recommend 👌”
“The staff here are very knowledgeable and kind! The gentleman helping me choose my Bible gave great insight on selecting the right bible version for me. They have Bible options available for all versions to suit all readers. They stock different options in multiple colors and sizes also! They even have highlighters, tabs, and book marks! The two gentlemen on staff during my visit were very helpful and the shop has a great atmosphere! I will definitely be back!”
“Great selection of books and wonderful staff. I felt like Kat Startford walking into the store. They had Sexy Boy by Air playing over their soundsystem and it teleported me back to the 90's. The selection was incredible and I found it impossible to walk out with only one book. There are multiple levels to this bookshop. My knees were acting up on my visit and I was not able to make it down to the basement or up to the 2nd floor. However, I didn't find that I needed to. I walked out with 4 books just from the main level. Even though I didn't feel the need to go to the other levels - the staff have stated they are open to retrieving books from the other levels if a customer is not able. Overall the music playing was excellent, the reading selection even better, and the staff were very friendly. I will definitely be back.”
“Amazing little polish bookstore. When in doubt, you can always call ahead to see availability of a title. Lady there is very friendly and very helpful. Amazing experience.”
“Quimby's has been the Chicago epicenter for indie comics, zines, foreign comics, and radical books of all kinds since the 90s. From readings, special events, and author signings to connecting Chicago comics makers and readers with great material (and with each other), Quimby's is awesome. The space is great, the books are great, and it's in the heart of Wicker Park (for better or worse). Long live Quimby's.”
“While visiting Chicago, I decided to look up local rare book dealers and came across Kurt Gippert. I gave him a call, and to my surprise, he answered personally. What followed was a 30-minute conversation that felt less like a sales call and more like a conversation with a fellow book lover. Kurt was genuinely interested in understanding the kinds of books I was passionate about — not just by genre, but the nuances of what excites me as a reader and collector. By the time I arrived for my appointment, he had curated a thoughtful selection tailored to my interests — including some incredible finds I hadn’t even thought to look for. His knowledge of rare and antiquarian books is deep and impressive, but what stood out most was his ability to connect that expertise to what I was seeking. He doesn't just sell books — he guides an experience of discovery. The space itself is a quiet, well-organized trove — the kind of place where you feel time slow down, and every book has a story. Kurt is professional, warm, and passionate about what he does. I never once felt rushed. Instead, I felt like a welcomed guest in the world he’s created around the love of books. This was truly a personalized, memorable experience — the kind that’s increasingly rare. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into rare books, I can't recommend Kurt highly enough. A must-visit for anyone who loves the magic of the printed word.”
“When your car breaks down it's always a massive inconvenience and stress. J (can't remember full name, sorry!) at IABR was super helpful even when I pulled in with the tow truck an hour before close. They were able to gave me a rough estimate by the end of the evening. Quick service and was ready to pick up by the next evening. Definitely will be back in the future for other services.”
Barnes & Noble is proving that physical bookstores aren't going anywhere. The retailer just opened three new locations across Texas and South Carolina, marking another step in its comeback story. Barnes & Noble opened 57 stores in 2024 alone - more than it had opened in the entire decade from 2009 to 2019. The company isn't slowing down either, with plans to open more than 60 new stores in 2025 and a goal of reaching over 1,000 stores nationwide in the coming years.
