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    Dym - Books & Boba

    4.6 (47 reviews)
    Open • 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

    Dym - Books & Boba Photos

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    Just one of many Bookshelves with great selections
    Cesar C.

    A legacy business is defined by the number of years it's been operating. Learning today that Dym -- Books & Boba opened just one week before the Eaton fire and is thriving, I think that deserves a special mention and a beautiful story for its legacy! Come be transported with a great selection of books and pair it with your favorite tea, coffee, or matcha freshly prepared by friendly owner, Desiree! I enjoyed a refreshing iced coffee with boba (warm and soft ... so yummy!) and happily will return many times. Will you join? A must try!

    Here for the Book Swap
    Pam S.

    Cute little spot at the northern dead of Los Robles and Woodbury Rd. In Altadena (though the zip code is Pasadena). I went this past Sunday for the Book Swap that was advertised on Eventbrite... this was located in the breezeway outside, not inside of the actual bookstore. I did go into the bookstore and they had a variety of genres and little nick-nacks for bibliophiles to purchase. I didn't partake of the Boba (perhaps another visit) but I did have a nice walk around. Parking lot is tight here, but know there is parking on the back side of the building off Los Robles. I must mention that there are a few restaurants in this corner and they smelled delicious! This location does a lot of activities in the community be sure to check their monthly calendar and IG account. Respectfully Reviewed.

    Mia T.

    I was in the area shooting a commercial and took a break and web for a walk and noticed this cute coffee and book shop. I didn't know what to order so they recommended this Indian latte it was different tasting but I enjoyed having something different. The bookstore had very unique collections very cute and full of sunshine.

    Kayla D.

    ~ Open till 6:30PM & Lots of Options! ~ There's so many things you can buy here! Books, sweet goodies, boba, journals, pins, bookmarks, candles, tote bags etc!!! The cookies here are so yummy! And I love the book options. The prices here are justified.

    Ashley J.

    Can't stress how important it is to support your local bookstores!! A major plus since this store also serves boba?! Super unique and one of a kind! This review has been long overdue in my drafts that I've forgot to publish, but better late than never. Thankfully, DYM was left unscathed by the Altadena fires. There's interior seating to enjoy a refreshing drink while reading a book. I tried the almond milk tea (less sweet) and liked it a lot! A lot of great book options from children's, fantasy, romance, and others. There's easy parking in the lot directly in front of the store. Highly recommend you to stop by and check out DYM!

    Learning to play Mahjong.
    Audrey G.

    I love this place. I don't know how I stumbled upon their insta but I did and went to a mahjong Monday! I've been a few times now, and my friend and I really look forward to these meetups. The drinks are good, the people are friendly, and books! They have other events as well that I'm looking forward to attending. More bookstores and coffee shops should start hosting events.

    Inside books for sale
    Jarenn N.

    Free parking in a shared lot, love the book selection of fantasy, BIPOC authors, boba and coffee, etc! Owner is super sweet! Super excited for my blind date with a book! Also loved the flavor of the jasmine lychee boba!

    Brown sugar golden milk tea
    Jenny A.

    Such a cute bookstore and boba shop! It was a lot smaller than I thought but it's so cozy and charming! The owner and staff are so nice and welcoming and I love the selection of trinkets, books and plants that they have! I got the brown sugar golden milk tea with boba and it was so good! I loved the packaging. This store just had the cutest eye for detail, and I can't wait to come back!

    Inside
    Vince P.

    Dym - Books & Boba is one of the coolest concepts to have opened up and a welcome addition to the Pasadena/Altadena community! This spot is community-based bookstore highlight awesome BIPOC authors while also serving up amazing boba drinks as well. This spot is located in a plaza with a decent amount of parking spots and there is also street parking around the area as well. Inside, their shop is like 60% bookstore with a wide selection of different books and then 40% boba shop. They have about 3-4 tables for seating inside and then a nice patio area with a couple more tables for seating. For their drink options, they have a wide selection of different boba, coffee, and speciality drinks to choose from. For this stop, I got an Iced Peach Blossom Tea and wifey got a book of her choice! Overall, we are glad we got the chance to stop by and support an awesome AAPI-owned business. All of the staff here, including the owner herself, are all very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. We will definitely be back next time to grab another drink and buy another book!

    Outside
    Yvonne B.

    One of my top saved bookstores in SGV, I was so excited to check out Dym. They have a lovely selection of books, ranging from non-fiction, fiction, sci-fi, romantasy, and local authors. Loved browsing the local authors section! They offer a few cards and cute pins too. As for their drinks, their menu is super vast covering everything from honey milk teas to specialty fruit teas. I was indecisive and didn't get a drink. But I found a nice book!! Located in a quiet plaza, this place is perfect for book lovers and cafe strollers alike.

    Menu
    Nathan P.

    Super cute cafe! Not only are the drinks yummy, but the vibes are immaculate. Casual bookstore atmosphere where you can drink your lattes and bobas and either chat with friends or read a book. Good range of genres from what I can tell. Clean space, and the owner is super friendly! Definitely worth a stop.

    Julienne D.

    Starting 2025 with a review for a new upcoming spot that I hope has plenty of success in the days to come. I've been a fan of this duo/couple for awhile. They've began a journey that not many are brave enough to do-- starting a business. They've grabbed their love for boba, books, and community and collided it all together. Stepping into it literally feels like a mini Ghilbi studio in its own right. It's theme and love for literacy is hard to miss. The potential of the space is incredible and has so much more to offer as it earns its residency in such a historic part of town. Excited to see what stories and memories get created at Dym. It has all the ability to hold space for future study dates, Boba catch ups, and even looks like a spot for meet cutes of all sorts. The owners are also aiming to fill their shelves representing authors of color while challenging everyone to diversify your mind. If you are seeking for a new boba & book adventure out in the Pasadena or Altadena area, don't skip seeing the growth and process of Dym unfold. It's going to be a lovely journey to watch as a future regular.

    Andrew C.

    Ive been following Dym in tiktok for a while, so once they finally opened, I had to go try it. I love the concept of books and bobax reminds me of Barnes&Noble vibes. The owner was there when we went and she was super friendly as well. Drinks were good, I got the Madagascar Vanilla Latte and I really liked that I could still taste the coffee through the Vanilla. So many places just drown the coffee in sugar! Hope that Dym continues to grow and wishing them success!

    Drink menu

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    1 month ago

    SGV Passport brought us to north Pasadena to try this place. It's cute and drink was good. Thank you sorry forgot to take a pic

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    Super cute bookstore. Very friendly owner. Best boba in 20 mile radius. Very interesting book collections. Great space.

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    Cute little book shop, but doesn't have a lot of options. Got Vietnamese coffee and strawberry black tea, both taste watered down.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Dym - Books & Boba

    Hi. Anyone know the business hour is ? Thanks! :)

    10AM- 6:30PM!

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    Review Highlights - Dym - Books & Boba

    “It's a cute cozy spot in north Pasadena, almost Altadena.”

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Vroman's Bookstore - Their own winebar!

    Vroman's Bookstore

    4.5(992 reviews)
    2.4 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    No better bookstore than Vroman's! At least...within the close vicinity! This bookstore has it all…read more- they have Tepito Coffee inside (shoutout to proceeds going to Homeboy Industries), so many gift items, cards, knick knacks, things that - if you're looking for a gift for someone, you'll find something. Not just books! Not to mention their book selection is stellar and on point. When I went here recently (I come here often), they had an author speaking upstairs, and plenty of chairs out for an audience. Upstairs, they have tons of boxed cards and single cards, and again, lots of things that you may have not known you needed - or wanted to gift someone. I can truly spend hours in this bookstore. They also have additional seating and another drink menu inside as well. Literally, something for everyone! The prices are normal and I'm so happy to support local business in any way that I can. They also share a parking lot in the back with Total Wine and a couple other retailers. I had no idea! But definitely helpful. All this to say - worth checking out, and just know that you'll spend a ton of time here. It's good vibes all around - a perfect place to visit on a weekend, but really, anytime!

    Grew up around the area and was this has been a mainstay in my life…read moreA fabulous independent bookstore that managed to stay in business all these years Great selection of titles, gifts and fun stuff

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    Heartstopper

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    Vroman's features artist Bill Crite

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    Book Alley

    Book Alley

    4.1(178 reviews)
    2.6 mi•West Central
    •$$

    My go to bookstore for specific finds I need, and when I don't wanna support big box stores. These…read moreguys are informed, kind, and well inventoried! They carry new and old books with VERY large selections. Their manga and comic section is really great, and I love to pop in to see what's new. I think they understand there's lots of art students nearby that love these books! :) Thank you, book alley. They helped me snag a specific book I really wanted to avoid buying from amazon, and couldn't find anywhere else! Make sure, if you're in the same boat, give them a call and ask if they can do the same for you! It might incur a fee, but they got my book to me within a week and I didn't have to pay extra! :) Wahoo!

    Book Alley is a cool place to browse if you love books and records. They have a great mix of new…read moreand used books, and it's the kind of bookstore where you can easily lose track of time wandering the shelves. The staff on the floor are engaging and genuinely helpful when you're searching for a particular find. That said, my experience selling books was disappointing. The process felt impersonal, and the seller/owner was not particularly engaging. One example: I brought in a brand-new book that originally cost $40 and was offered only a $1 store credit. I understand used bookstores have to make a profit, but the experience left me feeling like my books would have been better off in a friend's library. Great place to browse and buy, but I would lower expectations if you're planning to sell.

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    Book Alley
    Book Alley
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    Century Books

    Century Books

    4.9(131 reviews)
    2.6 mi•West Central
    •$

    We stumbled upon this book store in Pasadena and had a wonderful experience. The owner was…read moredelightful and provided amazing customer service. Upon entering there are towers of books all around, so much so that it's a bit difficult to walk around, though they appeared to have been in the midst of reorganizing and cataloguing new inventory. Regardless, it was like a treasure hunt to find books that piqued my interest. The prices were great. I'll definitely visit again in the future! The owner did mention that she had some personal matters to attend to the next few weeks, so the hours would be sporadic. If you love supporting small local bookshops, I recommend giving this place a visit!

    Walking into this place feels like stepping into another universe -- one made entirely of stories,…read morehistory, and quiet magic. The moment you walk through the door, you're surrounded by towering shelves and beautiful, chaotic stacks of books that feel lovingly curated rather than cluttered. It's the kind of space where time slows down and you forget about your phone because you're too busy discovering something unexpected. Every corner feels alive. The warm lighting, the golden walls, the endless spines of books -- it's cozy, nostalgic, and deeply comforting. You don't just shop here; you explore. And the owner? Truly an angel. Kind, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. You can feel how much heart and soul they've poured into this space. They don't just sell books -- they share stories, recommendations, and genuine warmth. The customer service alone makes you want to come back again and again. If you love books, hidden gems, or places with real character, this is one of those rare magical spots that reminds you why independent shops matter. I'll be thinking about this place for a long time.

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    Century Books
    Century Books - Mastiff at  century books

    Mastiff at century books

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    The Last Bookstore - Have a seat, it's quite warm. #heater

    The Last Bookstore

    4.5(2.7k reviews)
    11.1 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    While exploring LA's Arts District someone suggested that I check out The Last Bookstore then…read morehesitated when I asked if I could walk there. I could, she said, but with temperatures approaching 100 degrees and the possibility of walking through some seriously uncharming blocks, she suggested that I might not wish to. I walked there anyhow and all was fine. The Last Bookstore is quite a treat, especially if you take the time to head to the second floor. It's on this floor where you'll find a plethora of intriguing artwork as well as a mind-boggling array of used books. What else might you find? A porthole constructed of books, a tunnel constructed of books, and a sitting room where you'll be surrounded by books about infamous murderers. (I might be wrong on that last one, but while I sat in that room, those were the books I saw). There's so many used books up there that I found myself having to move a stack of books just to get to the stack behind it that I wanted to root through. Thousands upon thousands of used books and yes, I did make a purchase. Coming back down to the main floor it was impossible not to notice the concert happening on a big platform in the center of the place. Couches surround the area and for a short while I sat and enjoyed the show. Soon I was asked to move as they were reconfiguring things for a sound bath experience being offered shortly (unlike the concert, the sound bath was not free). So there's a ton of stuff going on here and the place is something to see and experience. I'd not make a special trip here were I not somewhat nearby but if you're in the Arts District, Little Tokyo, or heading to Grand Central Market, you're rather nearby and The Last Bookstore is a great place to explore.

    Super cool book store that feels endless. Full of unique art and character…read more A must stop while visiting LA to take in the vibes, history and snag an affordable book! My friend and I had so much fun just walking around and discovering all of the cool visual art at every turn!

    Photos
    The Last Bookstore - 2nd floor

    2nd floor

    The Last Bookstore - Book Photo Op

    Book Photo Op

    The Last Bookstore - Welcome to The Last Bookstore.

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    Alexandria II Bookstore - Interior

    Alexandria II Bookstore

    4.5(218 reviews)
    2.7 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    I want to say I have been trying to find a good person to help with guidance through tarot and just…read moretheir overall spiritual outlook, I have found that with Alexandria. she has really opened my eyes to what has been happening and what has to be done to get the peace and love that we all seek. We connected immediately and she was able to help me through a big transition that I am in now with my health, love life, career and home life that I know now what I need to do I feel more confident and at peace. She gave me a Peace of mind. I trust in her and know that all messages were from angels and God given to her to give to me! Positive vibrations and felt good about the whole experience!

    I've been shopping at this store for the past seven years and have always enjoyed the atmosphere…read more The employees have been friendly, although they don't always acknowledge you unless you approach them first for assistance. Unfortunately, my experience this past December left me with a bad impression. I stopped in to buy Christmas gifts and while I was being helped by the employee at the register, I asked if they happened to have small handouts explaining the properties of a few crystals that came from the glass shelves. They weren't sure, so they asked the older employee/manager standing nearby. His response was rude. He came over and said they would have to print one out and didn't have time to do that. I wasn't expecting anyone to go out of their way to print something--I was just asking in case they had copies available at the front. A polite "no, we don't" would have been fine. Instead, the sharp tone was embarrassing, especially since it happened in front of other customers, the employee helping me, and my partner. I still purchased my items, but the interaction left me hesitant to return. This is a shop that should feel warm, welcoming, and relaxing considering what it offers. Nobody should leave feeling uncomfortable after a simple question.

    Photos
    Alexandria II Bookstore - Found some treasures

    Found some treasures

    Alexandria II Bookstore - Jewelry & crystals

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    Alexandria II Bookstore - Sound bowls (love the colorful ones!)

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    Dym - Books & Boba - bookstores - Updated October 2026

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