We recently visited BLMF Literary Saloon, and we love this floor that seems to be hidden away. The bookstore may be small, but it's packed with a great selection of books at decent prices. We ended up picking up lots of good finds, including a recipe book from Pike's Place. One of the best parts was chatting with the owner, who adorned the wall behind him with photos from his travels. We talked briefly about his adventures in places I've also visited. On other days, his staff is equally friendly, greeting us warmly and even giving us a rundown of the store! read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Cookbooks - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Very small used bookstore. He actually got a couple of preowned copies of the new book Atmosohere, but they sold out within an hour. There are lots and lots of great finds though. read more

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What an awesome shop inside the pike market. Books floor to ceiling. Great vibes. New and used books ranging from comics to manga to fiction and non fiction. They've got it all. Employee working was helpful in finding the sections I was looking for. Great prices. Worth stopping out! read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is my favorite used bookstore ever. Your visit to Pike Place Market is not complete without combing though the treasures here. Great selection of books. The owner is knowledgeable. Such a pleasure! read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Make sure to come to Seattle with room in your suitcase for books! - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This is definitely the best used bookstore in the market, it has one of the best selections that I've ever seen in a used bookstore in general! I could have stayed here looking around for hours. read more

I love a used book store and will always stop in and see if there is something that needs to go home with me. They sure do pack a lot of books into a small space. They make great use of their space and this means that you can spend lots of time browsing and searching for a treasure. I found a book I've been looking for for a long time. And you can't beat the price. I was so excited when I located it. I'll definitely be back! read more

I wouldn't say it's the most well-organized bookstore in the world but in a way, it worked out well because it made me really hunt for the nuggets--and there ARE nuggets--here. It's small but they've got some great stuff. If you love used books at reasonable prices, you should swing by. read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Entrance. - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Enjoyed this bookstore! Friendly service, great selection of books. Loved all of the used books, great condition and great price! read more

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One of the most well kept bookstores I've ever visited. The shelves were dust-free, and even the glass doors were spotless. The staff were smiling and answered my questions with care. It made the whole visit feel warm and personal. read more

A staff member saw me looking lost and immediately came over to assist. Not only were they helpful, but the area was spotless. No trash, no disorganized shelves just a clean and pleasant space to enjoy books. read more

The environment here is peaceful and extremely clean. The staff are polite and attentive without being overbearing. I appreciated how tidy the checkout area was. Everything from the shelves to the reading chairs looked cared for. read more

My first time in Seattle and my bf wanted to take me to Pike Place, so I found this bookstore as I was looking up places I had to try. The owner was friendly and welcoming. I was looking for something in particular and didn't find it but I look forward to coming back. read more

Really enjoyed this bookstore and we walked away with books the two times I went while visiting! Super nice that they are used and have a huge selection. I was shocked by their ample cookbook collection and found one by bad manners for a great price ! The owner was very friendly and offered to help us with the stack to get our book we wanted. Definitely stop here! They have lots of new releases and popular books! read more

I've loved this bookstore since I first stumbled upon it 8 years ago, and I only just now learned what BLMF stands for... my adoration just reached an entirely new level! Executive summary: Books are awesome. Bookstores are awesome. Come here for piles upon piles of pure awesomeness. Come here for a bookshop owner who, when asked for a recommendation without providing any additional context, gets a book that knocks the wind out of you and gets you out of a several months-long reading rut. No hesitation. Pure intuition, or experience, perhaps. Whatever "it" is, this bookstore owner has it. It's a labyrinth of literary joys waiting to be discovered, and you have an excellent, gifted guide, should you choose to trust his recommendations. Since my visit, I haven't been back to Seattle, but I have asked friends to visit the bookstore on their trips to Seattle. I'll have them pass along the books he's recommended to me in the past, and receive a new one. The last friend I sent came back with three books for me. One of them I have since gifted to several people. I adore this bookstore with my whole heart and then some and can't wait to come back and get lost again. read more

This store has so many literary treasures to explore! You definitely need time to be able to get through all of it. All genres are available and the prices are great! Customer service is top notch and very knowledgeable about the products on hand. It's actually amazing!! Why buy new when you can buy depreciated and in good condition! read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I'm from Orange County and BLMF is a bookstore I plan to visit again when I'm next in Seattle. I find the saloon that good. When I browse the store back in August 2017, I buy a used copy of a Kafka book for $7.50 ($8.26 with tax). I am impressed with the condition of the book, which is pristine. The man working in the bookstore and I have a conversation about Kafka's The Metamorphosis and Other Stories, which is what I have purchased. He has a good lexicon and the conversation is a good one. On the receipt, it is printed, "BLMF A Literary Saloon At Pike Place Market Keepin It Real Since '96". The printing is in capital letters, by the way, but I don't want to appear as if I'm shouting in my review. To me, the saloon is worth a visit if you like books. I'm certainly going back on my next trip to Seattle. read more

In my opinion as a flight attendant, surveying bookstores across the world. THIS IS THE BEST BOOKSTORE IN AMERICA. End of story. HALF priced books. New inventory EVERY SINGLE DAY. I looked for Steinbeck's "the long valley" and this store had multiple copies. Their poetry section is OUT OF THIS UNIVERSE. They even get signed copies from the author...again half price. I can't say enough good things about this place. I've been in Powells in Portland, yes, it is a wonderland but this store has always been my number one. Cheers. read more

Shockingly good, scoring first edition hardback Bruce Sterling, China Mieville and Lewis Shiner for under 50 bucks. While I visibly marveled the keeper assured me he sources new stock every day. Not the holy grail grandma prices you dream about, but the hit to miss ratio makes the grounded sticker a steal. Pilgrimage worthy, for the Mega-City One grade commercial space of Pike Place alone. read more

This is a nostalgic used bookshop. There were plenty of books to choose from. However, I found that some books were just stacked atop each other making them not all that accessible. Also, we weren't very well accommodated for what we were looking for. The staff seemed a little unapproachable. Nonetheless, if you're into this type of classic used bookstore, you may really like it. read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This used bookstore is a surprising gem in the market, it's packed to the brim yet there is a sense that books were selected to be part of the whole. Very friendly owner indeed. Used bookstores don't get any better, and this small one punches above its weight. read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Love the social "science" label. - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Awesome collection of books from all over walks of life and he knows every book in the store! read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

What a great used bookstore! It's located downstairs in Pike Place, and it has enough books to make for a good browsing experience, but not too many books where it feels extremely overwhelming. Prices are reasonable - half off or more on the cover price. I didn't speak to the owner, but he seemed nice enough. I wasn't looking for anything in particular so I didn't ask. I managed to find The Black Swan in a decent condition for $9.95 and Ender's Game (paperback) for $3.50. Sweet. read more

One of my favorite surprises at Pike Place Market! BLMF has a great selection of second hand books, and the owner is incredibly helpful. If you love being surrounded by stacks of books, you've got to check out BLMF! read more

BLMF Literary Saloon - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Every time I go to Pike Place Market I come away pixie-dusted from some small but magical new discovery. A flavored salt that transforms my cooking for months, a potent bag of Spanish star anise, a tiny, beloved teapot, an old ruble from the coin shop for my kid. And then there's that awe-inspiring vintage photograph of a smoldering female snake charmer enchanting a cobra...while the boy who will later become her husband looks on from the corner of the frame, even more enraptured by her than the snake (that's at the bead shop just down the hall-ask to see it!). And this last time, there was BLMF, nestled three levels below the boisterous braggadocio of the fish-tossing dockhands and the world's most photographed pig. Shoulder your way into the tight rows of beckoning books and even more beckoning old R&B (who was it that was playing? I should have asked; it was marvelous). The space isn't all that large, so the owner's forsaken quantity for quality. The collection's well curated. Anyone searching for a five-finger discount will be preemptively chastened by one of the most hilariously awful fucking acrylic paintings I've ever seen. Worth the visit. The owner and I chatted about our mutual incomprehension at the longevity of zombie-themed...everything (he has recommendations he feels transcend the genre-just ask!). He will give you guidance if you ask, but I noticed he did not intrude on conversations taking place nearby to offer his suggestions. I'm not the type to mind that, but I think restraint is cool. You know...for other people. Not for me. We picked up some Frank Miller for the road. The prices are fair across the board, the owner's great, and you can't beat the lovely descent down wooden stairs, from bustling cacophony into sweet, softly swirling blues and the familiar, reassuring company of great books. read more

I decided to join the Yelp book club so of course BLMF is the place to go. This is how it went: My bf and I walk in, store owner asks me what I'm looking for, I give him the title, he turns, walks about six feet away, quickly scans the shelf and returns with the book within 30 seconds. No lie! When I tell him it's for a book club, he goes back to the shelf and makes sure to bring the one remaining book of the same title to the counter in case one of you decide to come get it. That, my friends is service! Go get that book! He's moving his inventory to the space next door to his current space beginning Monday. It'll be a cooler space, I'm sure! More windows. read more

BLMF Literary Saloon is hands down one of the very best bookstores in Seattle. It's placed in the heart of the underground portion of the Pike Place Market (3rd floor down) and the store owner strategically has many of the Beats facing outward, just calling you in. Books are stacked high, and the store gives little room to wiggle. Can't quite find what you're looking for? Just ask! Because the man behind the counter knows exactly where your title is, AND he can suggest your next favorite read! Not a fan of the Beats? More a 50 Shades of Grey? Well you can find that here too. Do you prefer comics and graphic novels? Well then you better run down to BLMF because he has you covered! Time and time again I have come back to BLMF Literary Saloon and I am never disappointed. In fact, I am constantly wowed at the selection and the fair prices that are attached to the books. If you haven't yet ventured to BLMF, now is the time! read more

One day, ten years ago, I wandered into BLMF and picked up a Ken Kesey book. The owner said, "Hey, you've got some good taste! Here's something else you might enjoy..." and handed me another great find. For years I returned about once a month. I didn't even need to look at the shelves -- JB would just hand me something great, something that would change my view of life and something that would send me on a new path. JB kept feeding me books. One day, years later, JB was walking down Broadway and heard someone say, "Look! There's Lele's book guy!" which made him smile. I was thinking today that I have not read anything good in quite some time, and I realized that was because I have not made my way to the market lately. So, I'll be seeing you soon, BLMF. xoxo read more

BLMF - one of my favourite bookstores in Seattle for sure, and maybe anywhere. It's a little space down two levels underneath the bustle of Pike Place Market, and it's packed full with shelf upon shelf of good books, all used, sectioned off into areas that wander and expand. Books overflow onto the high shelves above, and sometimes onto the floor below as well, and one section flows into the next with deceptive ease. Like all my favourite bookshops, BLMF is one that encourages (maybe even necessitates) exploration, with each corner leading you around and over and through, until suddenly you're somewhere you didn't expect, and you've found something you weren't looking for but simply have to have. You can go to BLMF with a particular title in mind, and chances are good that you'll find it (if you don't, ask the owner and he'll know for sure). But even if "that one book" isn't there, chances are even better that you'll find something new, something unexpected, and something delightful. All this is a tiny space underneath Pike Place Market in Seattle - a tiny space, packed full of literary treasures just waiting to be found. read more

This is my kids' favorite book shop. They have everything - packed into a very tiny place. But the owner is amazing and knows exactly where everything is. You just need to ask. He is the friendliest guy. We could talk to him for hours! The store feels overwhelming, and feels a bit like it is one bad toddler (or clumsy lady) away from falling apart, but it is part of the appeal. You never know what treasures you might find - but you know you will find treasures. If you are looking to pick up a book, for a good price, and save the planet and our local book stores at the same time, stop by! It will be fun and worth the trek to the "down under" at the market! read more

I just love this place. First of all, you can't get into the place without the dude (owner?) asking if he can help find anything. He's very attentive. Then, after wandering the wonderful stacks and stacks of books, when I cave in and ask for his help, he's enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Yesterday, I barely got an author's name out of my mouth before he started removing books from a stack on the front desk, only to reveal the precise book I was seeking. A finer used bookstore you will not need when visiting downtown Seattle. Go browse and be happy. read more

My favorite bookstore in Seattle. I love JB's. He's friendly, the store always has what I am looking for and for a great price. I couldn't possibly recommend this store more. Once the owner found out what I read and was looking for he would point me to more in that genre. I really love this place. It is small, but really, I love that about the bookstore, I'm in, get my book and out again with a few minutes to chat up the owner, JB. We helped him move the store a few years back and it was a lot of fun. read more

I can never pass up a used bookstore. There's always a book I need, a collection filler, etc. And I love buying used. Popped into this cute little store. Packed to the gills with books, feels just like my living room. The very nice gentleman asked me immediately if he could help me find anything. Just browsing, at first, but then I remembered--there was a Russian American author I was interested in checking out. I gave him a partial title of a book--he knew the author immediately. It was Gary Shteyngart! It rolled right out of him as if he'd just finished this guy's book last night. He even knew what he'd have in stock. Pretty impressive in my world. If you're in Seattle and you venture to Pike Place Market, be sure to support a small business owner and buy a book. You know there's something you've been wanting to read... read more

Wow! It's packed. If you like hunting this place is weirdly charged with serendipity. I was looking for a specifically rare scifi book, part of a series. Did he have them all? Nope. Just the one I was looking for, and also another book by the same author that I didn't know existed. It's like rarity, but there's a magic to it. The difference is, I think - the owner is not a business person, he is a total book lover. It's eclectic, and he's not trying to be Amazon. There is a little bit of magic going on. It's like the Rolling Stones song, "You Cant Always Get What You Want" - at BLMF you will probably end up with what you need. Yeah so I spent a little too much. Sue me. read more

So many amazing books! J.B. Knows where everything is and is more than willing to help. Wish I lived closer so I could shop here more!

Still amazing! I stopped in here the other day to grab a couple more books to read on my flight. The man working there (employee, not the owner) was friendly and helpful. This store is just so wonderful, I really appreciate the care that they take in choosing their stock and their friendly, helpful, smart manner. Three cheers for BLMF! read more

Incredible selection of used books especially for the speculative fiction fan. Great and helpful proprietor too!

As a person who used to work downtown, and a lover of the market, I frequently took the "bowels" of the market for granted. I would pop down to grab lunch, flowers, vegetables, and meat or seafood at street level. Destination only, please, and avoid-the-tourists-at-all-costs type of visits. Last week, I took 4 amazing nieces and one of their also amazing friends to the market we spent about 4 hours there with the plan to do the whole tourist market thing. I am thankful that we spent a lot of time in this store. The owner was somewhat reserved at first (hmmm, 5 teenagers in a store...I would have been too!). But he warmed up. I think a couple of the girls could have spent the rest of the day there. I only bought one book, because I am in the process of trying to find space for all of the ones I already have (once I figured out what the name of the store stands for, I could relate). My group of high level reading teens found more than they could decide on. Do not be overwhelmed by the stacks. He knows exactly where everything is, and will help you move the vertical stacks if you need it. Prices were very reasonable. Newer editions were roughly 1/2 off ticket. Rarer/vintage books were not overpriced. It will be a definite stop on any trip back to the city again. Well worth a trip to the quiet 3rd floor down. read more

BLMF is a little hard to find, but absolutely worth a visit if you like used book stores. It's located two stories below Pike Place, and I happened to stumble across it while looking for another business. I'm so glad I did! The selection is good, but the best part about my experience was the owner, who immediately asked me what I was looking for and helped me find it. I love books, and I appreciated the owner's ability to discuss everything from Stephen King to Flannery O'Connor with me while I was shopping. read more

Great bookstore in Pike Place Market. The prices were very reasonable. Good selection of books and genres. The owner was helpful in finding books and friendly. read more

This store was the highlight of our trip to Pike Place Market! What can I say that hasn't been said before: the owner was knowledgable and helpful and his selection was incredibly curated. Somehow, BLMF does not automatically pop up when one searches for bookstores on Google or Yelp, and this added to the feeling that we, as tourists, had stumbled upon some wonderful hidden gem. read more