“LOVE this bookstore. It’s cute as heck inside and the staff is always very friendly. I love that they provide a few gifty things but it isn’t over run by knick knacks and focuses on books.”
“A super independent bookstore in Pittsburgh. Traveling here from the Bay Area, we were recommended to come to the White Whale, and it did not disappoint! Excellent staff recs-- cool fantasy section. It's essentially got two rooms —one with a traditional independent bookstore atmosphere, and a coffee area connected to it with spaces to work. I liked the memoir and essay section. Unique, thoughtful picks, and the staff message cards were well done-- clearly a lot of thought put into this! They had an impressive Young Adult section and a Young Adult LGBTQ+ section. As a film student, I came across a great book about David Lynch. Great place to visit if you're in Pittsburgh! Highly recommend!”
“Such a cozy store filled with an amazing selection!! We got several books from the kids area as well as a vintage fishing book from the main section! We'll definitely be back!”
“Such a cozy and unique selection bookstore! If you love to find rare books or spiritual reads, it's definitely the place to go. The ambience is so relaxing and staff is very friendly and helpful. I would definitely cozy up with a good find in this magical bookstore!”
“Great place and fun selection of books! Just taking 1 star off because of the truly puzzling decision to lock what was basically the front door. I can understand if there was some shoplifting issue or something, but why the doors near the children’s area? That side of the building has the most people due to facing other storefronts and the shopping center’s main parking lot. They now want people to walk around to the basically deserted part of the shopping mall, with nothing but the PF Chang, basically no foot traffic at all. If you were say at the Five Below or Panera and then wanted to check out the bookstore for impulse shopping or something, you have to walk around. It’s a thing you have to really think to do, since there’s really nothing on the back area of Settlers Ridge. I just don’t understand. Why not keep the children’s area doors open and the back area locked? I think the management decision is making this bookstore lose business and inconvenience potential customers.”
“Brunch was fantastic! It was hard to pick because everything sounded delicious, but we did the burrata and the frittata. Excellent choices. Plus the brunch drink menu was great. Great service and atmosphere; bonus: got 15% off the books I bought for having dined in!”
“Wait until you open the door and walk inside! It's like stepping through the doors of a wardrobe and into a magical place - because it is. Within you will find many beautiful and curious things curated by the owner who is always happy to share her knowledge and insight and answer any questions you might have. The prices at Sparkledragon are more than reasonable. The things I've purchased there cost double or triple elsewhere. The owner is trustworthy, kind and as honest as they come. You will enjoy your shopping experience at Sparkledragon.”
“Amazing staff. Amazing bookfairs (much better than Scholastic). I had the pleasure of being both an employee and a patron, and truly, the events and care that go into this indie bookstore is exceptional. Don't just check it out. Become a regular, go to the events, etc. You won't regret it!”
“Kinda pricey books but the selection is unmatched. Lots of curated tables of well known and indie authors. The inside is bright and airy as well. Stop by this place for sure!”
“She had such an awesome vibe about her and the story it’s that classic bookstore where you never know what treasures you’ll find! She had a lot of books that I had never heard of which I absolutely love”
“Amazing Books & Records is a treasure trove, constantly replenished with new additions to browse through and buy. I spend a great deal of time there, and it's always a real pleasure. Eric Ackland and his staff have become friends, whom I greatly enjoy talking to. I mainly go to Squirrel Hill, and now there is a new branch downtown!”
“Really interesting selection of books including new and used! The used ones are discounted which is really nice and the layout is very easy to navigate! They also have a deal running at the time of me writing this review where if you buy 3 items you can get 1 item (under $10) for free!”
“Every location has a great deal and a great find. A friend of mine found these great books and magazines worth lots of money, but that’s not what we’re looking for. We’re looking for rare finds at a great deal.”
“Riverstone is a local store that sells books for adults and children as well as gifts such as stuffed animals, puzzles, and greeting cards. During my visit, I purchased a couple of items, and two employees courteously served me. I read on this store’s website that they hold in-store events such as meetings with authors and story times for children.”
“Very relaxing and calming vibe! Always wanted to go in after my doctor's appointments. I went in yesterday and was too shy to ask but what music do you guys play? Absolutely loved it!”
11AM - 5:30PM
2028 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh
Book Stores
“Fantastic and honest small business. They had a cookbook I couldn’t find anywhere else and opened the store to accommodate my needed. Excellent experience”
“Perfect place to find books to own. Such a mystery fan; hope it's total fiction though haha. You can get lost in such a world of books. The staff here are kind and intelligent.”
“Book books books! They have an incredible deal that if you buy three you get one free! I bought some of the most incredible books from the 1900’s still with placeholders and letters inside them. This is not a bookshop you want to skip over, and the employees are very nice, and will help you find what you’re looking for!”
“A mecca of sorts. Bill is a legend in the alt / indie / underground comics scene and runs this incredible store on his own, seemingly through pure magick and love.The selection is.. overwhelming, to put it mildly, but Bill somehow keeps a mental inventory of everything and will dig through boxes to find you some obscure gems.I wish i could spend weeks here (and a small fortune).Prices are great.The online shop is phenomenal if you can't make it in person.Support this Pittsburgh treasure!”
“Best starbucks around. The guy there is an awesome Barista and for some reason the drinks taste way better when he's working. Great selection of books and employees are always helpful and friendly.”
“Typical University Bookstore in 2025. Not many books, but cool apparel and knickknacks representing Carnegie Mellon. And you could have bought a class ring off a really cool guy with and an even better beard.”
“Great selection of books and office/composition/art supplies, and you can shop there without any university affiliation. Seems like it caters to students at all levels, their families, and anyone curious from the wider community.”
“Great unique local spot. I’ve bought multiple sets of wind chimes and bibles from this store and they have plenty of other offerings. Great spot if you care about shopping local”
“I was looking for a chicken coop that was advertised in their flyer and I called my local store which is in the Pittsburgh Mills and they said they just sold the last one that they had but they were so kind and I never even asked. They just said how about if we call in Monroeville or another location and see if they’re available and they did and it was available in Monroeville. They truly did more than any other employee in retail fantastic job guys.”
“I have been buying books from this store for the past year and have never been disappointed. I have had to ask for recommendations based on my children's interests and Lea has always delivered stellar lists. I look forward to visiting the store in person and attending a book reading. I will continue to recommend The Tiny Bookstore to all of my friends and family!”
“Only for the books. The staff don't really engage you 1st with a greeting at the counter. I had to do so and they seem checked out. Don't hold any enthusiasm for serving the public. Which is no one's fault but their own bc they chose that job.”
“A really confortable building that can offer really nice experience. They have all kind of studying supplies, also covering snacks and beverages. Don't forget to check out the clothing department and browse t shirts, caps and other stuff. Good to go there between classes and take your friends . They even hace combs and hair styling stuff.”
“Stumbled upon this place yesterday and loved it. Such a cute and unique gift spot. A great and funny collection of stickers, cards and other smaller gifts. Will certainly be coming here for all of card needs!”