Book Larder

When I imagine the perfect cozy bookstore, this is exactly what I picture. The upstairs was easily…read moremy favorite part--the little book nook overlooking the entrance to Pike Place was absolutely calling my name. I could have curled up there with a book and stayed all afternoon. The collection itself was also so fun to browse. There were so many unique and interesting books that I don't normally see in bigger bookstores, and the whole place just had so much character. An absolute must-stop if you're a book lover visiting Pike Place!

I tried for four days to place an order with this bookstore…read more I had to call them three times from overseas to get just a price quote, as they could not be bothered to answer an email. Each time I called they told me they'd look up the books and give me an answer and then they didn't do it. I said I was happy to pay for shipping, and to support the local book shop. I was ready to drop $1k to support a local store. But these guys can't even be bothered to sell me books. SMH.

Inside

Little nook

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Hat he is wearing is an Israel one. This store is owned by ignorant racists

BLMF Literary Saloon

5.0(50 reviews)

I loved this bookstore the best! Used bookstores make my heart happy. Pricing was excellent. The…read moreowner/cashier was super nice, and you could tell he was such a cool guy! Very helpful. I got a sprayed edges copy of a book I've been wanting to read for a great price. Books make the best souvenirs too! Definitely stop in.

What a bookstore!!! Nestled at the bottom of Pike Place Market, this beauty had me mesmerized. I…read morehaven't been in a real deal bookstore in a while, even with being an avid reader. I love how much everything was put together but also how much it wasn't (if that makes sense). Met the owner who was an incredibly nice and sincere guy. Great selection of every book genre, great prices as it a second hand book store ( definitely could've fooled me, by the looks of it). I can't wait to come back to visit Seattle to stop in.

Cookbooks

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Entrance.

White Horse Tavern

4.2(298 reviews)

3.4 mi•Downtown

This place is such a classic. I haunted this place 18 years ago before I lived in London, so once…read moreI was living in London I'd visit pubs and think, "oh! This is just like the White Horse", but now this place brings back fond England memories. I'm not entirely sure a classic Pims cup is what they're serving, but then again I wasn't entirely (or even nearly) sober when I was in there last week so who can tell? Yay for bad decisions and blurry Sunday mornings.

Dark and dank. Pub vibes. Lots of whisky, some wine, some good imported beers. Good bartending…read morestaff and great music.

The bar at White Horse pub.

Interior

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The last sip of mead

Lamplight Books

4.5(46 reviews)

Amazing bookstore in Pike Place market. They have a lot of used books that are decently priced. I…read moretook my time browsing the collection and left with a book to read on my flight.

Tucked away deep in Pike Place Market, Lamplight Books is one of those charming little spots you…read moremight walk past a few times before realizing it's there. My cousin and I were basically playing hide and seek because I couldn't find where she was. Lol. I had a hard time finding it, but once I finally did totally worth it! This cozy bookstore feels like stepping back in time. Shelves are stacked with a mix of used, vintage, and classic books, and honestly... they smell like it too. Lol. There's just something comforting about that old-book scent. You'll find everything from fiction and poetry to rare finds and children's titles tucked in the corners. It's small, quiet, and slightly perfectly imperfect in the best way because every shelf feels like a treasure hunt! The nostalgic vibe makes you want to linger a little longer. Priced fair, service is fast. If you love books with history and personality, this is a sweet little hidden gem worth discovering inside Pike Place. A nice escape from the Market's buzz just you, the books, and that unmistakable paper and ink smell.

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Elliott Bay Book

4.6(757 reviews)

3.4 mi•Capitol Hill

It may be hyperbole but Elliot Bay Book maybe the best bookstore in the United States. That's…read moresaying a lot but after spending a complete afternoon here, I am comfortable in my decree. EBB is have to visit if you are Seattle. Skip the bubblegum wall and the original Starbucks. If you truly want to see Seattle, visit Elliott Bay Book and you will thank me later. I wish I had more time to visit every section and shelf. I wandered aimelessly at first then found myself in Queer True Crime. I ended up having a fantastic conversation with a lovely human at the information desk. I don't remember their name but they even spoke with my daughter on my iPhone as I was looking for a particular book for my wife. I was also on the hunt for Etna, a novel but it was sold out. I ended up purchasing per a staff recommendation, 'Attempt at Exhausting a Place in Paris' by Georges Perec Reading the first couple of pages instantly transported back to Paris, a place I know extemely well, and I saw every bus, man, woman, child, server worker, and heard every klaxon and shouted obscenity. Do yourself a favor and search out Elliot Bay Book when you visit Seattle, you'll be supporting a local business and feeding your mind and soul.

I love this bookstore. There's a small coffee shop inside and places to sit and read abound. It's…read morebig and they've got a lot of books. The staff is great and they have fun recommendations. I like the location on Cap Hill which is by a lot of other stuff making it easy to accomplish a few things in one trip.

Stained glass front entrance

A must when visiting Seattle

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View at the stair landing from 2nd floor (7/28/23)

Lion Heart Book Store

4.7(82 reviews)

I absolutely enjoyed this bookstore not because of the selections, but because of the owner- David…read more From the time that I entered the store, he had me laughing and smiling due to his affable and jovial demeanor. He also steered me into the directions of books that were absolutely hysterical. From "The Gas That We Pass", to "Everybody Poops", to perhaps my all-time favorite of "All My Friends Are Dead." I paid $27 more for the fantastic customer service that I received from the owner much more than the actual contents of the book that I purchased. Certainly one of Pike Place Market's vendor staples that I will absolutely return to on my next visit.

This bookstore is a credit to Pike Place Market, primarily due to the owner. Every bookstore…read moreemployee will say that the book you're eyeing is good. Not many will share their favorite poems with you from memory! When a friend and I first walked in, we remarked on a Shel Silverstein display, and the owner told us the story of the author's last published book. We quoted some of our favorite pieces, and he gave suggestions for new reads. Despite knowing I was going to walk around for the rest of the day, I bought a book, because I wanted to support this business and I trusted the recommendation. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly. They have an amazing selection of used paperback fiction and the pricing is great. Inventory balances old and new, classic and under-appreciated works. A must-visit!

David the poet and owner

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Arundel Books

4.3(43 reviews)

4.2 mi•Pioneer Square

I absolutely adore bookstores and going to one of the most beautiful bookstores in Seattle was such…read morea treat. It may not be the largest bookstore I've visited, but the architecture makes up for it. Also I love the name Arundel, it's so stunning. Walking in here is a book lovers paradise with so many books available for purchase in a vast variety of genres. Bookstores are perfect to explore different genres, especially when you're in a reading slump. I took photos of so many books to add to my to read list. They also have some cute knickknacks like prints from local artists as well as postcards. Even if you don't pick anything up from here, it's definitely worth a visit.

I recalled Arundel Books previously located closer to the Seattle Art Museum before Harbor Steps…read moreexisted and also in the Grand Central Building. They have been at this current corner spot at 1st and S Jackson since February 2021. This bibliophile clearly has been very late to the party! I stopped in during Independent Booksellers Day (4/25/26) and it was packed full of people. Warmly acknowledged upon entering and later when departing. I briefly browsed the shelves. There's a decent selection, as well as, other merch available for purchase. What really caught my attention were the high curved ceilings. It gave a bright, airy feeling despite feeling a bit cramped with the current capacity onsite. My previous indie booksellers in Pioneer Square were Elliott Bay Book Store (moved to Capitol Hill) and the treasure trove owned by the late David Ishii. It was good to be reacquainted again with Arundel Books, a mainstay in Seattle since 1995.

Lots of cool books!

(4/25/26)

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(4/25/26)

Twice Sold Tales

4.5(297 reviews)

3.1 mi•Capitol Hill

Twice Sold Tales is a fantastic independent bookstore filled with used books at bargain prices…read more Plus they have cats. Like a lot of cats. The staff including the cats are very friendly and there's books upon books to browse from. Make sure to stop by and see the cats and pick up a couple books to support Twice Sold Tales

No notes. I love Twice Sold Tales. They sell used books and have cats, what more can you ask for?…read moreTwice Sold Tales is a charming maze of bookshelves filled to the brim with all genres of books. Although slightly off the beaten path of Cap Hill, it's one of my favorite places to take people and visit when I'm in the area. You'll see cats wandering all over the store and cats will be cats, so sometimes they'll let you pet them sometimes they won't. There are even cat toys lying around to play with the cats. The books are also sold at reasonable prices and the staff are friendly. All around a great place to pop into when in Seattle/Cap Hill.

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Metsker Maps

4.8(159 reviews)

So so cool, the most interesting store ever. I bought a faerie land map-- so unique and funread more

We love Metsker's Maps. Everytime we're in Seattle we have to go and stop in at this store…read more This is one of those great "shops" that you hear about, and that Pike's Place is famous for. It's unique, it's absolutely perfect, it's not in any danger if getting replaced by the Internet. And if you love maps, wow. A lot of the maps they have here are legitimate works of art. The staff is also very friendly, and they're great with kids. My kids love this place. They are also really knowledgeable and can help you locate things. Would definitely recommend making the walk up the hill from the market to check this place out.

4.4 mi•Chinatown, Chinatown International District

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Kinokuniya Bookstore - Seattle

4.4(285 reviews)

This Kinokuniya in the International District is located inside the Uwajimaya market. They have the…read moretypical selection of Kinokuniya products with some extra Seattle themed goodies as well!

I have been a Kinokuniya Bookstore member for many years and recently renewed my membership while…read morepurchasing 10 books. At the time of purchase, I specifically asked about the return policy and was told that returning books would be "no problem" as long as they remained unopened in their original plastic wrapping. When I later returned to exchange or return three of the books 10 days later, I was told that I could not do so because I did not have my receipt. This requirement was never mentioned when I asked about returns. As a longtime member, my purchase is documented through my membership account, so it is disappointing that this record could not be used to verify the transaction. I find this level of customer service unacceptable. If a receipt is required for returns, customers should be clearly informed of that at the time of purchase, especially when they specifically ask about the return policy.

Miffy blind bags

Jujutsu Kaisen collection

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Alicia C.

10 years ago

Book Larder is such a neighborhood gem and I'm so lucky to live within walking distance. The staff is helpful and always ready to make a great suggestion. They have classes, signings and demos frequently. I really appreciate their stock of classic favorites as well as the best new cookbooks out there. It's such an inviting environment to browse and salivate over the beautiful books and magazines. I've had to put myself on a cookbook budget because of a few too many splurges at Book Larder. I can't wait to start my holiday shopping there! read more

Andrew K.

10 years ago

Well, Book Larder you just lost a large sale due to your policy on not allowing well behaved dogs in your book store. Shame on you. Please get with the times and recognize that you are in Seattle, one of the most dog-friendly cities. Il take my business to Queen Anne Books. read more

Shannon D.

12 years ago

Book Larder is literally the best store on earth!

Book Larder - bookstores - Updated October 2026

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5.0

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Magnolia's Bookstore

4.5

(24 reviews)

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Keeping this review short and sweet to match the small footprint yet amazing selection of this…read morehidden, off the beaten path gem of a bookstore. I grew up regularly getting birthday gifts for friends from Magnolia's Bookstore. Yes, I was THAT kid who brought books to the party xD prob explains why I'm so verbose now ;P I digress... I get warm and fuzzies thinking back to childhood memories walking in, feeling welcome (I think a classmate's mom possibly worked here at that time, OR we truly visited frequently enough that we were indeed familiar customers), and taking our time browsing the wide selection to pick the just-right book. Today, when I visit my parents in Magnolia, I will always take any opportunity to step into the shop and step back in time. I feel as welcome as ever, and I kid you not -- it smells just as it did 2.5+ decades ago. Books aren't marked up, so value is standard, and it sure does feel good to support LOCAL. They still have their neon blue complimentary book marks. I sure hope they still provide wrapping services with fun, thin, curly ribbons placed on top like a dollop of whipped cream. If you're in Magnolia and still enjoy the feel of turning literal pages, stop by to find something to keep your nose in!

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