“Came for the 1st time for a special event, and I love this place! Cozy. I love books, but I spent a small fortune on gorgeous cards and fun stickers. Support independent book shops! A great addition to Regent Square too.”
“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!”
“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.”
“Amazing food and really unique environment ! Alphabet City is so cool, restaurant and bar on one side, stage in the middle for musical performances, and library on the other side! Awesome, Northern-Italian inspired dishes, this time we had the arancini (best in the burgh) bolognese pappardelle and braised short rib ! One of the best Italian joints in the city”
“Hands down my favorite book store and I’ve been to ALOT of them in this county. First, I love the ample parking (paid but it’s available so I will take it because it’s the city after all). Second, AMAZING selection. If I could carefully curate my own collection for a bookstore it would be just like this. I love the classics and they carry so many options and harder to find books. Third, the people working are super kind, friendly and laid back. Lastly, everything is so well labeled. Prices are not a mystery and they’re very reasonable. They carry new and used which gives the opportunity for buying a book you might really want at a lower price point or one you’d like to keep as a collectible on a more “fancy” version. Inclusive! I will be back every chance I get.”
“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!”
“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.”
10:30AM - 7PM
320 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh
Book Stores
“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!”
“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”
“Pretty well stocked right after the holiday. They had what I was looking for. Some novelty merchandise was way over priced in my opinion. Clerk at the register asked if I was a rewards member and I responded probably not, no attempt was made to determine if I was so I still dont know. Paid for my books and left.”
“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!”
“Very large and clean, the lady who greeted us was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the store/books on hand/locations. She was also attentive and willing to look up anything she didn't know. Very pleased.”
“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!”
“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”
“The book section is fantastic! I found a Christian lg print Bible,leather bound for 17.99! I have been looking for years!
I found children's books that would have cost me 70.00 anywhere else & I got them for alot less! I have fallen in love with this store!”
“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!”
“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.”
“New, well stocked, very friendly, large inventory. Was able to hold a book that I couldnt find at other barns and noble locations. I wish there was a place to sit and read. Otherwise good place to grab a book if another place doesnt have it.”
“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!”