“I've almost been hesitant to write a review because I feel like I'd be letting the world in on my own secret paradise, but the vast majority of comments here speak for themselves. This is far and away the best (non-used) bookstore in DC. The owner/book purchaser has INCREDIBLE taste and its inventory is brimming with an array of literary, poetic, and philosophical achievements that I've ever encountered on one bookstore's shelves. So far as I can tell, its selection in everything else is equally superlativeSome purchases that I've never found elsewhere in one place include: Robert Musil's The Man Without Qualities, Walter Benjamin's Arcades Projects, Vico's Nuova Scienza, JFK and the Unspeakable by Jim Douglass, The Ghost: The Secret Life of CIA Spymaster James Jesus Angleton by Jefferson Morley, and Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit if you're looking for a cure for insomnia.Sure, the stuff is pricey, but treasures are innately valuable. Dodge the NPR stans at P&P and support a store that manufactures intellect and taste.”
“Cute book store that specializes in cook books and books about food! I really liked the selection of kids picture books. Friendly staff. LGBTQ friendly and accessible friendly. There is a small ramp to enter w/ a pull door but the space is tight.”
“It was a wonderful experience, I was curious about getting the Quran and this was the only place that had it. I went inside and was immediately greeted with the best hospitality I’ve received in any establishment I’ve stepped foot in. I spent about 2 hours inside talking about Islam and life experiences with the owner. 10/10 would recommend if your interested in Islam or just want to know about Middle Eastern culture.”
10:30AM - 5PM
1025 King St, Alexandria
Book Stores
“As I was "Window Shopping" in Old Town Alexandria, I saw this book in the window ...Surviving Depression & thought maybe that book could help me get through the depression I'm having after loosing my son to suicide.After talking with Sister Cynthia, she pointed out the other 2 books & donated the Psalms Bible to me, she also stated there was a chapel upstairs if I needed some alone time (I did go up there & it was very peaceful & it's exactly what I needed .. some alone time with God). ❤️I'm not Catholic but I am a Christian, I absolutely loved this bookstore and the people who worked there, I will be back! Thank you so much for listening to me & letting me shed some tears, about my son Zachary, with you. ?God Bless you, Sister Cynthia ❤️?”
10AM - 7PM
5232 Port Royal Rd, North Springfield
Book Stores
“This scout shop is decent, however, the staff is not always responsive and sometimes lacks the knowledge on the most up-to-date information when it comes to changes to requirement and rules.”
10AM - 5:30PM
3750 University Blvd W #201, Kensington
Book Stores
“The store is open ! It as a new owner and moved a block aways.Very friendly owner and helpful to .The stock is a bit less then the old store but it is normal due to the change of ownership just let them know what you need and they will get it for you.Just go visit them next time in the neighborhood”
“Politics and Prose (specifically this Conn Ave location) is my favorite bookstore - not just in the District, but nationwide. They've got so much more than just books to offer, although of course they've got plenty of good books. I love that they have an entire area of sale books, where I can always find gems, especially with cookbooks. They can order pretty much any book imaginable if it's not on their shelves, and if you pick it up at the store, there's no delivery cost. Beyond books, this location has a great cafe in the basement. Perfect for a sweet pastry or a glass of wine. And, most importantly, Politics and Prose has an incredible offering of classes and events each season. I've taken 4 classes (all online) so far, and loved every one of them. They are able to attract great instructors, and they have a wide range of topics for all interests. I particularly enjoyed the Art of Food Writing class I recently took with Nevin. Forget Amazon - come to Politics and Prose (in-person or virtually!) and support a wonderful local establishment.”
“This is a better bookstore in Washington DC. The store space is spacious and old-fashioned. The selection has all the independent standards and it also has some original picks. I didn't know it was here and stopped by with a scooter. I didn't want to eat on the block and I didn't see any other store..bookstores are heroes and bookstores are the best places..this bookstore is the numero tres. I would come back here. The others can boo boo kitty boo.”
“My dog and I visited on a Saturday afternoon and the place was packed, but staff was still fabulous. For such a small space, they fit a great selection of new releases, and even gorgeous editions of Penguin classics. I'd probably have stayed and ended up buying more than just one book had it not been so busy - I *love* bookshops like this one and my dog very much appreciated how welcome she was made to feel as well. :)”
“The owner is so so sweet and listens to what your looking for before suggesting something. Rhe prices of books are super reasonable and the selection is diverse. He also has learning posters which is super rare. I 100% will be back soon. Ive never been so happy to spend money in my life.”
“Great place on the receiving or giving end. Loads of wonderful books and games on all levels. Hard to leave. Take your time - 2 -3 hours! Volunteers help you with shlepping the books inside. Don't forget the tax receipt when finished giving. If they served coffee I would live there and it is helping the Montgomery Library and Education systems.”
“The cutest little bookstore in downtown Alexandria. They have lots of books for kids, adults, and everything in between. They even have a small cozy reading section. The staff are friendly and provide any help needed, even ordering books if needed. The prices are very comparable to your big box stores, but going to a mom and pop place.”
“Absolute knock-out bookstore. Always find nice surprises. They have bargain book section along with “new arrivals” section. They have well-curated selection of every section of subjects. Best bookstore in town. Fair prices.”
8:30AM - 2:30PM
1658 Columbia Rd NW, Washington
Book Stores
“A great local bookstore and cafe. Came on a Sunday right after opening and it was nice and warm (in a chilly day) a few people here which made for a really nice breakfast where I could read some books and drink tea. No downsides to this great shop. They had great music (soft) playing in the background and had great seating options lining the windows (lots of light and great for people watching) and At least ten tables for outdoor seating Highly recommend getting anything with the house made biscuits. I got to breakfast sandwich with bacon and it was overflowing with egg (yum)”
“There are several bookstores closer to me (independent and B&N), but I drive the extra distance to this one because of their excellent selection, especially of works by women in translation and sci-fi/fantasy. They also have a great children's section, and the staff is always helpful with suggestions. Definitely my favorite shop in Nova!”
“If you need books in French, this is the place to come. They have everything from the latest novels to classics to an extensive collection of children's literature. And the proprietess is wonderfully helpful and friendly. But make sure it is open when you plan to come because the hours of operation are somewhat limited.”
“Located steps below the Washington Monument, on the National Mall. Large selection of books on the first U.S. President and souvenir shop. You will also find public restrooms at this location.”
“Great little bookstore just off a busy road.Wonderful selection of books - and their website can inform in advance if what you are looking for is in stock or needs to be ordered.The young man who helped me out was extremely courteous and offered to wrap one of the books (at no cost) when I mentioned it was a gift.They also sell a few wines at decent prices.”
“Amazing bookstore. Came in looking for a leather bound ESV Bible and they had just that. The customer service was great and the woman behind the desk was engaged and cared about spreading joy and Christian love.”
Open 24 hours
9112 Dara Ln, Great Falls
Book Stores
“Handwriting that works is such a wonderful book that repairs everyone's handwriting in just a little time with the aid of the unique language used in the book. Kudos to the author, Mrs Kate Imansuangbon.”
10AM - 6PM
121 West Basin Dr SW, Washington
Book Stores
“Been really wanting to get back to DC to experience this memorial. It is breathtaking. When you walk through the Walls of Despair you are inspired. You have never seen Dr. King like this. When I looked into his perfectly sculpted eyes, I wanted to see all of the unfinished work he was looking towards. It was an emotional experience (you do not come to this memorial to "see it). Such a fitting tribute to the man and the legacy.”
“This bookstore is incredibly vibrant yet cozy and welcoming. Kensington has a street dedicated to antique retailers, consignors and upcyclists which goes by "Kensington Antique Row." More information can be viewed at: kensingtonantiquerow.com.”
“Had everything I was looking for & even for the one book they didn't have - they helped tremendously! Even got some new book recs & I'm so glad I got them!”
“Very nice breakfast spot on our recent visit to DC. Loved going into the bookstore after and purchased a book for the plane ride home. Food (waffle with fresh berries. Kramers breakfast) was all delicious and I loved the little teapot filled with tea. Service was excellent.”
“Great little gem in Alexandria Old Town. If you’re a book person and you’re looking for something special, you should definitely visit Bernard’s store. Carefully curated selection of books and Bernard will be happy to give you recommendations if you’d like to. :-) We’ll be back!”
9AM - 5PM
3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington
Book Stores
“This place is a good and quiet. Ground floor is 3 rd floor. Staff was very helpful. Was clean, plenty of computers for campus students to access. You can even digitize any book you might need. And transfer to you device.”
“This location is amazing. The staff is very helpful and passionate about what they do. I went in with a few ideas and the staff pointed me in the right direction. The pictures don't do it justice way more items then what is shown. I would like to Thank all the staff for helping me today and Happy Easter.”
“I was recommended by my friends in political science to come and check out the large selection of Middle East books here. I wanted to check out the cookbooks- I wanted to make Maqlooba!! They do sell coffee and oil and pottery and scarves. This was the busiest bookstore I have ever been to. It gets very crowded so you may have to wait outside.”
“Please do not leave this area because of some big real estate investors. Love you guys here, need you guys here! Value so much of what you guys bring to the community, to bookworms.”
“Barnes & Noble at Tyson’s Corner Center is located at the South End of the mall on first and second floor. Indoor escalators included. Arts, magazines, gifts, games, media and cashier downstairs, novels, children, youth and cafe upstairs. I go here often just to watch what’s new but I do find something anyway. My favorite B&N is still the one on NYC’s Union Square, but that is anyway hard to beat.”