1. Unabridged Books
9.4
3251 N Broadway St (at W Melrose St), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Lake View East · 40 tips and reviews
Matt Adorjan: Almost any book you could want, they have, whether new or old. The employees are awesomely helpful. One of the best bookstores I've been to
Explore Chicago: An independent neighborhood bookstore, Unabridged Bookstore is known for its specialization in gay and lesbian titles, but carries something for the book lover in anyone
Joe D: Support local small businesses!
2. 57th Street Books
9.1
1101 E 57th St (at S Kimbark Ave), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Hyde Park · 16 tips and reviews
Paul Luning: This is why you go to an independent bookstore - helpful, enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff that can give good recommendations without being pretentious. Nice layout lends itself to browsing.
Explore Chicago: A Michelle Obama favorite, this 26-year-old bookstore, part of the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, Inc., is a visually colorful nook with a vast collection children’s and cook books
thestackscat: Go in with a plan, otherwise you'll spend a lot of money! Read more.
3. Open Books
9.0
651 W Lake St, Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Fulton River District · 4 tips and reviews
Kaitlin: Fabulous bookstore! Amazing selection for a mostly used collection, and very fair prices. Your purchase helps fund literacy programs, so go ahead, get a few extra books!
Filippa: Great place to explore. Used books that need love. Also your money go to a good cause. You can't beat that!
Chicagoist: Open Books isn't your average used bookstore. It has a selection of 50,000 books—10,000 of those dedicated to children and teens. Its location in the West Loop is clean, well-organized and sprawling. Read more.
6. The Book Cellar
8.4
4736 N Lincoln Ave (btwn W Lawrence Ave & W Leland Ave), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Ravenswood · 34 tips and reviews
Brian MacQueen: Great local, cozy bookstore with a coffee shop inside. And they serve wine and beer, too!
Explore Chicago: Discover a unique 2-in-1 bookstore and cozy café serving coffee and wine in the heart of Lincoln Square, hosting events such as Essay Fiesta and Local Author Night.
keidra chaney: Books and wine. You can't go wrong!
7. Quimby's
8.4
1854 W North Ave (at N Wolcott Av), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Bucktown · 32 tips and reviews
Steven Frost: Their zine collection is the best in Chicago. Great place to hang out and browse.
Explore Chicago: Quimby’s features one-of-a-kind publications such as small and independent press books, magazines, zines, and underground comics, like Chicago cartoonist Chris Ware's Quimby the Mouse.
Maureen: Check out the sale rack in the back, it's the best in town. Cheap stuff they're trying to get rid of, often find a lot of great hardcover first editions. Also, great prop bucket for the photo booth!
Chris Natoli: I always find things I didn't know I was looking for. Oh and the Marxism section is amazing.
AFAR Media: Books. Endless row upon row of books. You will duck pipes, dodge faucets, and squeeze between shelves and working furnaces, and you will love every minute of it. Read more.
Shana Carp: get Lost in this Bookstore in the Basement of what was a Church, now becoming the Milton Friedman Institute. They have maps if you truly do get lost though! Buy some ridiculously academic book! Read more.
Mark Saint: Best book store in Chicago for everything theological, philosophical, historical...okay, best store period. Check out the free book box outside the door every day. Great gems in every box.
Anne J: Bring in a Powells bag or tshirt on the first of the month and get 20% off.
David Smith: Books Books Books Books
13. First Aid Comics
8.2
1617 E 55th St (btwn Cornell & Lake Park), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · East Hyde Park · 15 tips and reviews
David Martin: Your friendly neighborhood comic shop. I love this place, friendly staff, James The owner is great and will help you find whatever you may need for your comic collection. You get discounts on pulls.
William —: This is what a comic shop ought to be. Diverse crowd, friendly and knowledgeable staff, wall to wall stock, and a welcoming gaming area. Not just culture being retailed: part of the culture.
kevin smith: Make sure you harass James Nurss, the owner. LOL
Paul Copeland: I always dip into this place to escape the city. Quiet place filled with the sound of soft music and creaking floors. Book selection is very good, but full price
Explore Chicago: Sandmeyer’s has been a neighborhood institution in the the historic Printing House Row District for over 25 years. Browse their large selection of fiction, children’s & Chicago themed books. Read more.
Explore Chicago: Family-owned and operated since 1982, Sandmeyer’s Bookstore has been an independent neighborhood institution in the historic Printing House Row District for over 25 years.