Something in this DC water cause these places rock. If I could transport this store and the person at the counter to NYC I would be lucky. G Books sells gay accouterments at lower prices than I've seen at other stores. The proprietor was also personable. In my experience, the people working at these kinds of shops are usually stiff but this guy was cool. This shop boasted so much more than the standard homosexual fare (porn, condoms, etc...). Books, comics, erotic art, manga...the gay agenda right before our eyes! read more

I'm not mad, I am curious. It seems to me that this store is specifically meant for a *specific* demographic who know *exactly* what they are looking for. I asked the gentleman at the counter if a bubble wrapped book I picked up had content throughout that matched the cover and he said "its a book maam. Have you ever seen a book?". When I insisted that I understood that it was a book but wanted to know its contents he stated that he did not know what it contained. Another customer came in while I was there and asked for poppers and the gentleman seemed more helpful to him than he was to me. Also, as other reviews have implied, the store is cramped and full of unpacked boxes, books, misc toys, etc. I mostly want to know, sincerely, how this place stays open. Are poppers in that high of demand? read more

G Books - Entrance of the storefront. - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I am back for more - G Books has not changed since I last visited and I still like it. Charly A Category: Bookstores Neighborhood: U Street Corridor 5.0 star rating 2/10/2011 2 photos G-Books - I love this place! The location maybe hard to find if your driving but if you park and search the address you will find it down in the basement - I posted the photo of the building - yes, G-Books looks as if they just moved in with all the boxes and dust but if you're willing to ask for the item and willing to search for it, you will more than likely find it. The owner (YUM) is behind the counter and very willing to help you search. I have made a number of trips to G-Books in search of varies items and found them with prices that were much lower than any other adult store. Oh, from reading other reviews about warning Black people are not welcome to shop is complete B.S. I am a Dominican man, so yes I look black, and I have received EXCELLENT service. Hmm, maybe someone was already in a sour mood? Anyhow - Go - Spend your money - Enjoy G-Books! read more

To be very honest, I would give this place 0 stars if I could. I was in the DC area recently with my girlfriend and we decided to stop by G Books to check it out for the first time. Upon arrival, I noticed two things: 1.) The store looked like a hoarder's walk-in closet, and 2.) The unwelcoming, miserable store owner. The owner of the book store, who was standing at the counter, did not smile or greet us. Instead, he stared at us angrily as if we were not welcome at all into his store. I then decided to pull out my cell phone (unaware that cell phones weren't allowed) to search for another place to go. The owner, after not saying a word to us, all of a sudden started to yell and scream at me to put my cell phone away. Then, he mumbled under his breath some profanities such as "stupid, f---ing idiot" to me and "b----" to my girlfriend. I felt like the owner should have handled the situation 100x more professionally, and if he had asked me nicely to refrain from using my cell phone within the store, I would have gladly walked outside (which--believe me--was what I was planning to do anyways). I absolutely do NOT recommend this store to anyone due to my experience with this guy and how we were mistreated by him. Just a final word of advice: There are other gay-friendly bookstores that you can go to in DC that you can be treated with respect. I would not recommend anyone spending their money at G Books. Spending money here would only keep horrible people like him in business and reward his appalling behavior. read more

They have the best prices - on stuff. Super helpful guy who runs it - definitely worth going to - and they are open late ! Support local businesses now more then ever. Prices seem to be as cheap or cheaper then amazon! I'm thrilled they made it through the pandemic. read more

He's very friendly and nice. And the best High quality items. And the best price. I Commend it to everyone

Truly wanted to love this store. Walked in and I couldn't even access 80% of the books because of the clutter and boxes that littered the place. I asked the owner if he could help me pick out a book. I said "I'm not super read and I want to support a gay business and read more gay authors. Could you recommend something," he said "on what subject?" I said, "I'm honestly not sure and very open. Fiction, non fiction, whatever the few books you'd first recommend when someone comes in." Then he didn't say anything at all. Actually complete silence and no response. Super rude. I was very ready to spend some money, walked all the way here to support a gay business and left without anything. Was super disappointed. read more

I don't know what's sketchier. The fact that this basement level gay bookstore actually looks and smells like a basement or that I went there two times in four days while visiting Washington, DC... Whatever. Gotta stimulate that economy :( The store is cramped and messy. Boxes and piles everywhere with bins and shelves overflowing with merchandise. But that means if you're looking for any sort of gay literature (or some moving pictures on DVD) they probably have whatever tickles your fancy. They also sell toys, tools, and "jewelery." FYI - the owner behind the counter is helpful and might give you a "pretty face discount" - VHS cleaner, 2 for $22. :( Sorry mom. Sorry TSA who searched my checked baggage. Sorry baby Jesus. Thanks G Books! read more

Warning- Black people not welcome to shop in G Books! Made the mistake of going here with 5 of my friends before dinner last week and as soon as we walked in the door, the shopkeeper (youngish 20-30s, Asian male) stopped us and said, "You have to leave. Too many of you in the store. Sorry." There were six of us and only about 3 other customers in the store when we were rudely kicked out. I think we were all in complete shock when it happened and unable to react. I have never been kicked out of any place in my life. Personally, I find it especially insulting to be kicked out of a dusty old unorganized bookshop. This place wasn't one square foot larger than my studio apartment, so it would be impossible for anyone to steal anything without being in plain eyesight. How dare you kick out a customer? I'd think the owner of a dump like this would be grateful to see anyone walk in with a few dollars in hand. I can shop on the Champs-Elysees in Paris but not in a used bookstore in DC....Ugh, the nerve! It's 2010 and high time the ignorant and uninformed realized that not all black people are petty criminals. Some of us have higher aspirations in life than stealing used books. read more

So, when you walk in, don't expect glamour. This is a very small space, and a lot of stuff is packed in. There's not much room for browsing. And certainly don't go in hopes of cruising other shoppers. That said, the proprietor knows exactly what he has in his store. If you simply ask, he will be of great service. Don't be shy -- you're in a gay store. Be up front - he won't judge you. I'm honestly surprised a gay bookstore can be a moneymaking venture in today's world. So kudos to this shop for sticking around. If you're near U St and in search of gay books, videos, lube, condoms, whatever. Stop in. And please, don't be bitchy. read more

Second review lol What a great guy Tom is, always welcoming and has great price. can't beat that read more

Great prices, and a huge selection Bookstores, especially ones that cater to us gays, are disappearing. G Books doesn't quite fit the mold of a big-box, wide aisled bookstore. This one is more in the vein of one of those sleepy little shops you discover by accident. They have a lot of stuff crammed into a very small space, but if you are looking for something and get overwhelmed, talk to the guy behind the counter. And when I say talk, I mean, have you ever chatted with someone who runs a store? Talked about the weather? Politics? Asked "How's Business?" Yelling commands at this guy really isn't going to get you far. Polite conversation might find you a book or a movie you've been searching for months to find. He also has great prices on porn, condoms, lube and a bunch of other stuff. It may not be your usual shopping experience, but definite worth a look. Oh, and I looked at a review claiming the guy is a racist. To Mitchell S., Did you look in the store? If you and 5 guys were headed in, and there were already 3 people plus the shopkeeper in that tiny store, he likely told you to turn around because there wasn't enough room for all of you. He's always been nice to me, and I'm Black. read more

An amazing old-school gay bookstore that leapt out of the 80s into the present day. Delightful, odd, messy, and fun. Definitely an experience--I loved flipping through the old gay magazines. Also, the shopkeeper is generous with discounts. You won't find anything else in DC like this. Absolutely worth a visit. read more

Stopped by yesterday with a friend just to check things out. There is definitely ALOT of stuff around, but I was happy to browse. The prices are pretty fantastic and the guy behind the counter (the owner?) was friendly, but not too "in your face" while we looked around (which I appreciated). I'll definitely be back. read more

If you're prissy about your adult bookstores, then this place isn't for you. Just left and rather enjoyed the explosion of everything. The gentleman at the counter was helpful and we got what we needed in quick order. A must visit again. read more

Just finished getting supplies from there! Great Service and Great prices. The guy behind the counter has been helpful and awesome. This is the only store you can get the supplies you need for a great night ;0). I will have to return when I have more time to browse more. read more

I actually just joined the new Nextdoor social network for neighborhoods for U Street Corridor and it asked (on my profile form) what my favorite part of my neighborhood is. I put down G Books and I mean it! Hooray for them and thank God for them. I actually like that it's a tight squeeze and that the owner doesn't greet you with a painted-on Starbucks smile. He's -- hello? -- genuine. And, very knowledgeable about the products he sells and the ones you may be looking for. Plus he knows where everything is - so just ask him already. As for the troll from Manhattan who flamed G Books and its owner, go back to Manhattan and stay there. -- Jeff M. read more

I'm not sure what all the bitching is about. I like this store. It has everything I am looking for. The individual behind the counter (owner/employee?? Not sure) is EXTREMELY helpful. He has always been able to answer any questions I have. @Mitchell S - not everything is about race. Although I am white, I have seen on more than one occasion black individuals in this store. The employee was treating them with the same respect he has always afforded me. You said that there were 6 of you along with 3 other customers in the store. That makes a total of 9 people. That store is too small and cramped to handle 9 people at once. Perhaps that is why you were asked to go outside. To simply assume you were asked to leave because you are black is absurd. and to post that blacks are not welcome is an affront to anyone who has experienced bigotry - and yes, as a gay man i have experienced plenty. read more

Went into the store; cartons piled in the middle, all the shelves with books upright behind piles of books laying on their sides. No apparent order, other than "fiction" labels on the shelves. Shifted some books laying on their sides to look at the books behind. After a moment the Asian mentioned in another review came over and asked if I was buying anything from that shelf. I said no. In an aggressive and nasty tone he said, "You've disarranged my shelves, put things back as you found them." He then reached in front of me and re-arranged the shelf I had just browsed. I find it hard to describe the nasty tone and manner he displayed. I was taken completely by surprise. After a moment taken to put aside the embarrassment I had no reason to feel, and rather than be verbally attacked a second time, I put down the book I had previously decided to buy, walked to the door and said, "I'm sorry to have disturbed you." "Don't come back," he snapped. Which is no problem for me. Be a cold day in hell before I'll patronize that mess of a place again. I like to patronize "community" retailers, but Amazon is always there when needed. read more

I LOVE G BOOKS! I was actually just in there today! The ONLY spot in DC I'd go to buy lube...Great selection, they have the BIG bottles, and the guy there is always so nice!! It's where I tell my friends to go. read more

Regularly come here to get supplies. I was just back in today and the owner was as friendly and helpful as ever. The store is full of stuff but the owner amazingly knows where everything is-- just ask he will get it for you! Good prices and add discounts on top of that and I don't think you'll find cheaper lube or other supplies in the city. He's very appreciative of referrals. Great selection and he always throws in freebies to boot. And of course you have to appreciate it when he says "oh you are going to have an amazing weekend" after a XL lube purchase or other supplies. Like I said, take it with a grain of salt, the place is packed with stuff and can be easy to miss if you don't know exactly where it is, but it's well worth the stop. The prices are extremely competitive and he always throws in freebies. read more

G Books is what it is, in the tradition of small shops for gay men. It isn't about spacious aisles, multiple departments and smiling clerks. The charm and magic for me is that it is just what I described above. The owner is sometimes surly, although most times friendly and gracious. Bottom line: it's an honest shop with an honest owner. I have been a customer since this shop opened, and plan to continue shopping there for some time. read more

The best prices in town! The previous review about being kicked out does not give the whole picture. This store is tiny and crowded with merchandise and has only one aisle, the few times I have been in there when one other customer was there you had to sqweeze by the other person. There is just not a lot of room. If there were already three people in the store as the previous reviewer said, that would be really tight and I can understand telling SIX MORE people coming in the door that it was just too many. Not everything is racism, sometimes it just is what it is TOO MANY PEOPLE. He should give it another chance and go by himself. read more

Amazing!!! I happened to be in DC for the weekend and guess what I forgot to pack, well everything you need for a fun weekend for 2. A friend tipped me off about G Books and I did not regret shopping there. The owner had everything I needed in a convenient place and at the right price. Also, the space is just right for that one on one service which you find at a boutique. I think this might be one of the only gay bookstores left on the east coast so we definitely should support the store. When I find myself back east again I will take a little time to browse. read more

This place is awesome, I can't stay away from this place so addictive. They have it all...for all of your needs. And the owner is supper friendly!! This place represents gay dc ;) read more

Friends and I only shop for supplies locally at G Books. Always has the lowest prices. The owner is helpful and knows what is the best product and recommends new ones to try. Thankful to have somewhere locally to get things and not have to wait for shipping! read more