1. Book Soup

    0

    West Hollywood, CA

    Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Book Soup

    4.4 (329 reviews)
    Open • 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Book Soup Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Book Soup

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    street view
    Zan L.

    An awesome little bookstore in West Hollywood. It was founded in 1975 so they just celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, which I think is really great. They have a great selection of materials and everything inside is very clean and organized well. Even though it's not a very large store, I was able to find many of the titles I was looking for and it just has that really quaint local bookstore feeling. They don't have a dedicated parking lot, but I was able to find a metered street spot directly in front. The staff was also very friendly and pricing was fair so I would definitely recommend to any bibliophile or anyone visiting the area.

    Jessica C.

    A book lovers dream!!! So many books it made my heart so happy, definitely even bigger inside than it appears from the outside. Could have spent much longer in here but only had a limited amount of time. Besides books lots of interesting trinkets and gift ideas. The employees were very helpful and chatty, and loved reading the recommendations they had written on some of the books also. Best part about this business being where it is is the parking! What a parking lot in this area, be still my heart! Can't wait to come back, love suggesting this place to all my book friends who ask for a good spot!

    Inside.  Not a ton of books but quality over quantity.
    Craig W.

    It's a fairly small but very nicely curated bookstore. It has been around forever. No used books here, folks, and the prices aren't cheap. But this is West Hollywood and the Sunset Strip and someone has to pay the rent. They frequently have very famous authors and other speakers here so if that interests you, keep an eye on their website. Limited free parking in their own lot behind the store. Otherwise, maybe pray for parking on the street. They have friendly employees here. This is a historic LA bookstore that everyone should check out at least once a.

    Sylvia L.

    A small and cozy independent bookstore with plenty of titles. Parking is tricky and you may need to park a nice walk away. Staff were friendly and helpful. They offered to order a title that was not on their shelves. Prices are as expected compared to B&N or Veromans, but better to support an independent store, rather than looking for the online deal. I personally love bookstores that sell recycled books, but unfortunately sometimes what you need isn't available. Book soup is a good alternative, has a lovely vibe, and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. I walked out with a few titles, I'm sure you may as well.

    Gohar K.

    I saw this store by accident while having lunch in the area. Wow ... what a beauty. It has been open since 1975... I love seeing book stores survive so we book lovers can visit and enjoy shopping in person rather than buying books online. The smell of the books give me so much joy, and the flipping of the pages is everything. After browsing for a few minutes I purchased a few books and promised myself to come back when in the area. They have a big variety of books, gift items , children's book and more ... very organized and clean. Great customer service. Love it here. Must visit for all book lovers.

    Something for everyone
    Melissa M.

    Has a variety of books. Something for everyone . A bit narrow so if you have any special needs such as a scooter or wheelchair, it might not be so maneuverable . Prices are moderate. Street parking only so a bit harder to get to.

    Here for book signing!! Jake Adelstein, author of Tokyo Vice, which became a popular series on MAX.
    Hana O.

    I've never been here before & only came for a book signing event. It's a Weds. night & I think parking would be tricky. They do have a small parking area behind the store though. The bookstore is on the west end of the famous Sunset Strip. I love these independent bookstores like Vroman's - so many interesting books & gifts, displayed on black bookshelves in a maze like store. Book Soup has book signing events quite often so make sure to check out their website to see if your favorite author will be there. I came to see my old friend, Jake Adelstein. He is the author of Tokyo Vice which was made into a popular TV series for MAX. Both Season 1 & 2 were amazing so watch the series if you haven't already! If you're in the neighborhood & you love books, definitely stop by! So much more character & an experience than going to Barnes & Nobles!

    What a great event hosted by Book Soup! Elle Macpherson was amazing and inspiring!
    Morgan K.

    Wow! What a great selection and collection of books curated in this lovely spot on the famous Sunset Blvd! Just minutes away from the OG Roxy, Comedy Clubs and Whisky a Go Go, Book Soup is a haven for someone who wants to escape to a quiet yet tantalizing environment! They also have great book signings and they get quite a few of them! Look up their calendar and see who's coming next! They are amazing!!! See you here!

    Gorgeous book!
    Claudia M.

    What a wonderful store! Great selection and staff. We were there for the first time for the Annie Lennox book signing event. It was very well organized. We definitely will be back to shop.

    Magazines
    Christine L.

    Wow books for the soul, please support local bookstores. Lovely recommendations on the shelf with some signed copies. Also lots of gifts for book lovers that included socks, stationary, bags etc. Highly recommended!

    The Serpent's Bridge by SZ Estavillo
    Zofia G.

    Absolutely love BookSoup as an author myself. The fact that they have a consignment program is fantastic--I dropped off five of my books for consignment, and the process was smooth and welcoming. The interior of this indie bookstore is incredibly charming and inviting. I fell in love with every aspect, from the ambiance to their diverse selection of books. It's wonderful to see a place that stocks not only big-name titles but also indie books, showing immense support for local indie authors. Highly recommend this gem for all book lovers!

    Michelle M.

    This is such a cool book store to visit. If you are local be sure to connect with them through social media or their email list. They have a lot of book signing events and conversations that are really cool to get to attend. I recently went to the book signing for the Oral History of the OC. It was my first time attending an event here so I had reached out to the store via email to get some details and they were very quick to respond. For events it is suggested to arrive 60-90 minutes early. I arrived around 90 minutes early for the event and was 10th in line. Only 30 guests were let in for the conversation so arriving early is important. You are not given a number when you join the line so unfortunately when people join their friends you get pushed further back in line. There is one hour parking behind the store but you'll need more time for special events. I paid for metered parking right by the Viper Room. It's two hour parking so I had to add time to the meter but that was not an issue. The store is filled with a fabulous collection of books and they also have fun LA items as well. I loved some of the LA pins they had. They do have a restroom but you'll need to ask for the key from the back counter.

    Loralei B.

    This is a super cute bookstore! They have a wide variety of books and other gift like items. They have a pretty extensive film section and queer section. I always find something and never leave empty-handed. They give you a bookmark with your purchases. The service is always friendly. I would say that it has general pricing that you see other bookstores. They also sell albums. The parking is a little bit of a nightmare as there is only street parking along the residential neighborhoods and a couple spaces with meters.

    Happy dog at Book Soup

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz F.
    0
    16
    0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Henri V.
    62
    1483
    28642

    5 years ago

    Helpful 81
    Thanks 0
    Love this 78
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    A lovely bookstore with a lot of character. Fun old time postcards, good selection of books and some fun extras as well.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kia A.
    2
    103
    184

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 20
    Thanks 0
    Love this 19
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S G.
    2
    39
    30

    2 years ago

    Extensive selection of books and magazines. Also, interesting and unique small gifts and gadgets. Reasonable prices and helpful staff.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erik H.
    469
    595
    4208

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron L.
    103
    623
    7372

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alfie E.
    2088
    817
    2245

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jo S.
    665
    2435
    15378

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kit K.
    0
    29
    5

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Book Soup

    Does this store sponsor a book club?

    Where is the best parking for book soup?

    There is an alley behind the store to the parking. When I was there there were maybe 3 spots of 10 already occupied. I don't think many know of it, but it is for Book Soup only.

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Book Soup

    “It's true, they may not have as many of the academic obscure books as some of the independent book stores out East, but hey...”

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Newspapers & Magazines 1,525 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Kosher News

    Kosher News

    3.7(12 reviews)
    1.6 mi•Fairfax

    Cool little place. Good selection of drinks, snacks and magazines, they even have some basic house…read moreneeds (toilet paper toothpaste), saves me a drive to the grocery store. Tito and Paul are very friendly and helpful. The biggest plus is the cigarette selection. They rarely ever run out any kind, and if you keep buying there they'll keep bringing it.

    DO NOT COME HERE. TLDR, owner writes his own prices onto…read morethe magazines and tries to white out the printed price. Shady!!! My friend and I came here last night to get magazines for a vision board and while grabbing the magazines, I noticed all the prices were missing. At first, I didn't pay too much attention until I came across one that had a price written over ($8.99) what was white out. Confused, I scratched it off and noticed the printed price of $7.99. I went to the other magazines I grabbed and noticed the other ones had white out over the prices too. I went up to the guy working and confronted him about the pricing. He could not even look me in the eye or provide a good excuse as to why he would be upcharging magazines. He said he can give me a discount on all the magazines. For the originally priced magazine, the register marked it as $9 something before taxes, he offered some slight discount. I said no. This isn't right. No one upcharges MAGAZINES. I had maybe 5-6 magazines in my hand. Easily $60 worth of business he just lost. Don't come here. Go to the nice lady who owns the newsstand at the farmers market at the Grove. She was so sweet and kind.

    Photos
    Kosher News - Cool magazine selection

    Cool magazine selection

    Kosher News - Ice cold drinks & snacks too!

    See all

    Ice cold drinks & snacks too!

    Sheltam Books

    Sheltam Books

    3.9(14 reviews)
    1.8 mi•Fairfax
    •$

    Sheltham Books is a staple at the Farmers Market for nearly 50 years now - that's a heck of a long…read moretime! And for me personally, I stop in here probably half the time I go to the Grove or Farmers Market. They don't know it, but I'm a regular. Usually, I just buy scratchie lottos from the machine...a simple joy in my life lol But I sometimes cash those same scratchie lottos at the cashier, and they are always nice. I've also bought a random drink or needed random item while here. This Sheltam Books is like an old school newsstand mixed with a convenience store mixed with a USPS Post Office. Yep, they have an official little outpost for buying stamps and mailing packages via regular mail. And they have tons of fun magazines on the shelves, tons of celebrity pop culture things that I didn't even now existed. One of my boyfriends Seth Rogen was on the cover of one! I actually read because of the owner's special connections, they get some unique & hard to find publications here. I've been here a bunch and had no issues, it's always met all of my needs with a smile. I'm so thankful to have a shop like this at the Farmers Market! Knowing it's not just a small store but seeped with Los Angeles history feels even better - support local!

    They have the rudest, most agressive, condescending and not very bright, asian looking employee…read morei've ever encountered. I can see that many people have already complained about her on google, yet they do nothing about it. I guess they do not care about customers being aggressed in here.

    Photos
    Sheltam Books
    Sheltam Books
    Sheltam Books

    See all

    Barnes & Noble

    Barnes & Noble

    3.3(423 reviews)
    2.0 mi•Fairfax
    •$$

    This is the most grand Barnes and Noble I had ever seen, like woah…read more I was in so much awe, like how gorgeous is this store, I love my local Barnes and Noble but comparing it to the one at the Grove is impossible. I did feel a little overwhelmed because there was just so much and I felt a little rushed so I just wandered around a bit. Everyone was pretty friendly and the store was so open and welcoming. They had so many options, from books to magazines, special editions, little trinkets, we always need those and movies. This location hosts a lot of the book signings and it was so cool to finally get to see the store. Definitely need another trip to LA and actually just spend hours here, the ac was great and I like be surrounded by so many of my favorite books.

    I feel compelled to address customer service. Specifically addressing the balding white dude with…read moreglasses with the crap attitude. If I'm spending over $150 in books and games you better validate my parking ticket and we'll get to what happened: I was super nice as I always am towards people who are working. When I said, "oh I need to validate" and his response was, "I'll take a look at that" He looks at the ticket, judges it and then says, "sorry we don't validate if it's over two hours" Luckily in this case...the person I came with arrived the same time I did and was making a purchase next to me, and I asked, "why did she validate his?" These employees looked stopped in their tracks. This was discrimination. He said to me, "oh ummm well it might not work" and I said, "let's see..." He scanned the ticket and it said, "validated" I looked at him and said "hmm looks like that worked..." He didn't apologize, he didn't say anything. He just stood there and looked like he got caught in his shitty customer service. I looked up policy on this and Barnes and Noble are supposed to validate NO MATTER WHAT as long as it's with purchase. THEY COVER UP TO TWO HOURS not "if it's over two hours we don't validate" EVEN AFTER SPENDING MONEY. If i come to the grove, eat, walk around, then shop at Barnes as my last stop because I do spend a lot of time in here because books are my passion then what the fuck does it matter if I'm over by ONE HOUR. "Sorry we can't validate" Validate my two hours, and let me pay for the remaining hours on my dime. Don't worry about if "it doesn't work" If this continues to happen then expect more bad reviews. And I'm getting names next time. Also this has happened three times. I've never made a scene before but the dude at the register just radicalized me. Even my sister who was next to me experiencing his customer service was like, "ew why are people like that. The girl next to him had no problem validating my husbands ticket but he had a problem validating yours" And that's what triggered me. That's what lead to this review.

    Photos
    Barnes & Noble - Mel Robbins

    Mel Robbins

    Barnes & Noble
    Barnes & Noble

    See all

    La Brea Cigarettes

    La Brea Cigarettes

    3.6(7 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    •$

    This place has become a part of the community for such a long time, it has become a historic…read moretobacco shop from my point of view. It has been around for 15+ years . Even though the neighborhood has become a bit more higher in crime rates, this place tends to still somehow offer great customer service and dodge all the everyday craziness. Even the crazy locals don't mess with the shop

    Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure you just sell cigarettes Mister Brightly Painted Yellow Building…read moreThat You'd Miss If You Drove Down La Brea Too Fast Or Looked East At The Pastrami Bacon Avocado Tri Tip Filet Mignon Jalapeno Triple Cheese Everything But The Kitchen Sink Burger Poster at Carl's Jr. Cigarettes. Yeah. Sure. What they don't want you to know (actually they do, they have glass cases full of them) is that they also sell "CONCERT AIR" DEVICES! Oh yeah, they got em all here. Those damn "concert air" containers! They've got big ones, small ones, unbreakable ones, tye dye looking ones, fake Sharpie looking ones, fake cigarette looking ones and even pretty zebra striped flower ones!! I'm tellin ya, if you want a glass holder for your "concert air" to "hang out in" until you take the "souvenir shirt" in, "try it on" for a bit and then "toss it back out into the crowd," then this is the place to go! Much cheaper than other "concert air" holder selling places and the guy behind the counter is cool...or so i hear, since I NEVER go to CONCERTS!

    Photos
    La Brea Cigarettes
    La Brea Cigarettes - It says newstand but they don't sell magazines or newspapers

    See all

    It says newstand but they don't sell magazines or newspapers

    Ramodi's - This place in a nutshell

    Ramodi's

    2.7(7 reviews)
    2.9 mi•Hollywood
    •$$$

    Please come here -- it's an amazing experience. They sell stuff that one would find in a landfill…read more Old beatup VCR's go for $40. Used, re-shrink-wrapped books on sale for more than the cover price. And my personal favorite -- headshots of random failed actors. Some of these go for an unfathomable $10. My friend asked if these prices were in Yen, at which point the cranky owner picked up his phone and started screaming "Security!" Hilarious! We walked out of the store laughing hysterically. They advertise that they sell mushrooms and Salvia, but I'm pretty sure this place has to be a cover for something non-legal that goes on in the back. It's the only explanation why dirty, used kitchen appliances sell for twice the price of a new one. There aren't enough martini's on the Boulevard to get someone drunk enough to actually buy anything here. This place is best enjoyed in the midst of a bar crawl or Sunday Funday. Have a few, come here and laugh your ass off. Just don't touch anything -- the owners will scream at you and then call security. On second thought, touch everything you see. It only adds to the hilarity!

    This is one of the most underrated shops in Los Angeles. Anything and everything you never knew you…read morewanted from back issues of every magazine, strange VHS tapes from another dimension and a red and green device that lets you communicate with alien artifacts (ask the guy in the back). Please go here. For the sake of all that is weird, all that is dusty and all that in Los Angeles...

    Photos
    Ramodi's - One of the many items for sale at ramrodi's

    One of the many items for sale at ramrodi's

    Ramodi's

    See all

    Book Soup - mags - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...