I absolutely enjoyed this bookstore not because of the selections, but because of the owner- David. 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. read more

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Traveling to seattle and I wanted a book for my journey back. First off, the reviews were so awesome I was so tempted to visit. Took me an hour to find Lion heart book store cause it's in one of the levels at Pike place and being such a small and crammed spot with many many stores was very hard to find. I totally will take the blame on my navigation skills but what was disappointing was calling multiple times and no one picked up my call - just for some tips or guidance. Next the owner wasn't in the store, there was this boy who no matter how well or how nicely I tried asking for tips on books or any details around books the only response I got was "unfortunately I don't have any info, you have to look up the books" gosh! That wasn't the help I was expecting and the boy refused to move from his spot or even try helping from the spot he was so comfortably perched on. No matter what, bad bad experience! read more

This bookstore is a credit to Pike Place Market, primarily due to the owner. Every bookstore employee 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! read more

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This jem of a bookstore is hidden away down stairs at Pike Place Market. The owner is warm and gregarious, and will put you in the BEST mood. He directed to me several excellent books that I gave as gifts and were well received. Though the store is not large, there is a good selection to peruse with new titles and plenty of old favorites all reasonably priced and in great condition. Definitely a must-visit. read more

This was such a wonderful bookstore! I'm not much of a reader myself but something about this store drew me in and I found myself buying 3 books that I'm dying to read! I've already started one of the books and I can't seem to put it down. The store is a mix of used and new books and the prices vary. The workers there are amazing as well, some of the nicest people I've encountered. They are very friendly and want to make sure that you're satisfied with your purchases. Every time I visit Seattle, this book store will definitely be on my list of places to visit back to. If you visit Pike Market, make sure to drop by here! :) read more

This bookstore we found walking inside the market. It's a small space but has a ton of books. They have used books. We found two unique books. The owner is very welcoming. Also the owner is extremely knowledgeable. Prices are amazing. This place is a must stop if you're in the market. read more

Came across this bookstore by chance on a trip through Pike Place Market. The shop owner is a gem! He has items collected in his childhood and openly shares his memories with you. Definitely worth a stop to browse the store, he will entertain you as you shop! Also, he has a binder with postcards that people send him! read more

This was definitely one of the many highlights of Pike's Place Market and it was no surprise that locals love this unique bookstore! The owner was super friendly, humorous and seemed to be the perfect person who would be the ideal, super awesome professor in Harry Potter lol! Besides the great service- there is a book for everyone in this bookstore and you could find classic books that remains you of childhood. I also thought it was cool that the owner collects puppets- beware for those who don't like puppets but there isn't an overwhelming amount lol. read more

Lion Heart Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Every traveler's coup de foudre, Vaulted treasure, days of yore Conjured spell, bedtime story An anachronous glory... read more

While visiting the market today came in this book store called Loin Heart. The man at the register was very friendly and helpful. He was talkative and in good spirits. Made funny puns about the book I purchased. Books were priced reasonably. read more

Lion Heart Book Store - Great collection of books - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Books, new and used, await you here with a lion heart of an owner. * YES - Small old shop filled with new & used books * YES - Owner knows his books~ My friend picked up a children's book and he recommended several others & editions by same author as well. * YES - Also carries calendars, stationary, postcards and greeting cards All were amplified by the fact that David was cheerful, warm, and spouting poetry/songs on and off with everyone...and I didn't even have a chance to converse during my perusal. He took great pride in everything about books and his shop! * FYI - First bookshop on lower level, right under main entrance with flower marts * FYI - Accepts credit cards read more

Lion Heart Book Store - All I heard during the entire visit was David's friendly interactions with all customers...he was so full of joy - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I LOVE bookshops and this is the first one I stumbled past on my trips to Seattle, so I peaked my head in. What happened next was the nicest man poked his head out from behind the counter and greeted me with the most kindness and generosity I would've never expected from a stranger. Never before had I met a person with such a bubbly and upbeat personality than him. He regaled me tales of all the books I took interest in, and he was very knowledgeable on just about everything. Unfortunately, I left the store wanting to pick up some Camus but he had just sold his last copy the day before. Despite not buying a thing he was appreciative of me stopping by and hoped I'd stop by again. So two years later, that's what I did. Out of all the time that had passed one memory stood out to me from pike place, and it was this very bookstore. So I'm my return I went looking for it and lo and behold that same upbeat demeanor found me again. I exchanged pleasantries and he greeted me in that same pleasant attitude. This time however was different, he had Camus! So I stocked up on the books I wanted and with great appreciation sent me on my way. It was fate that I saw him again, recently his mother had become Ill-and so he hasn't been able to be open all the time, and that's partly a reason why i believe he enforces a mask policy at his store but it's a small price to pay for the livelihood of his family and those around him and that's something I can deeply respect. Rarely do you meet a person who stays in your head over such a tumultuous time and I have got to tell you, this is one such person and place I highly recommend you stop by and do you your shopping at. read more

Lion Heart Book Store - Books - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

It has an excellent children's section with quite a few books based on Seattle and the North West. If your in Pike's market with kids worth the visit read more

Lion Heart Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I'm always reluctant to go into book stores out of fear of adding once again to my never ending "to-read" list, but I would have completely regretted not stepping into Lion Heart while wandering through Pike Place Market. You're immediately welcomed into the shop by David, who sees all of his customers as his friends, sprinkling the air with a sing-songy "Welcome In" and Shel Silverstein quotes. David is one of the most kind-hearted individuals I have met, and you can almost absorb his love of books just by speaking with him. I'll definitely pay the store a visit every time I come to Seattle, and it's one that I don't mind extending my reading list for at all. read more

I stumbled upon this bookstore as I was waiting for my old lady to finish using the restroom (yes, it's right next to the book store). This bookstore is hidden beneath the market itself. What caught my eyes were all those books that I remembered reading as a kid, like Where's Waldo, and The Berenstain Bears book series. The gentleman working behind the counter, which I assume is the owner, was super friendly. He told us all the different names of "Where's Waldo" in different places in the world. He was just super friendly. Even though I didn't buy a book (which I regret now), he was super nice and engaging. I will definitely come back and visit him on my next Seattle visit! read more

Wonderful, Marvelous! Walked in looking for some classic literature for a 2 year old, and right in front of me is Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree".. but wait.. the owner, David, I learned, starts reciting poetry from Shel Silverstein's books. I was taken in. What a breath of fresh air. I was enchanted on the spot. He also just started singing words at the top of his voice. I want what he's on.. Grabbed a few more books like Ferdinand, which he and I discussed - the sweet bull, among many other children's books.. the owner just looked so gushing with love for his work. If he's putting on airs he's a great actor. He also had some classic jazz albums about and used books as well for adults too. So worth going there. It felt very small town, nostalgic. Loved spending my money with him. read more

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The selection was nice and although I never got anything, the bookstore owner was such a friendly delight. I saw him interact with everyone whether they bought something, were just browsing, or coming out the door. He asked me if I needed help with anything awhile later after walking in, and I said no. And even in the end, he was so friendly even though I wasn't going to purchase anything: we had a lovely short conversation and he also gave me a few free suggestions to do in Seattle without me asking for recommendations. It was my first day in Seattle. His goal is to make at least one person smile a day. I love his energy and personality. He also knows his books! I've noticed from his other interactions when people would pick up his books. I'm a total bookworm so I'm very impressed. OH! And he also knows which Waldo book is the hardest.. So ask him if you want suggestions or anything. Bless his kind soul. read more

I wish I remembered the name of the cashier that was working when we went but this is a man who LOVES his job. As soon as we walked in, he made a huge deal about us. It was nice to be treated special. Once we told him we were celebrating our 1 yr wedding anniversary, he made an even BIGGER deal about us. Which was really nice considering that even on our honeymoon in Hawaii, it was like no one cared that it was our honeymoon. He made great conversation with us and was a really congenial person. He helped me find a nice edition of Pride and Prejudice, which I collect now because it was the first movie my Husband and I watched when we moved to San Francisco. I had never seen it before so we watched it because my mom had bought us the DVD set. The store is great, with a nice selection of new and used books at fairly inexpensive prices. This place is a hidden gem at Pike Place market. If you want to feel like you're the most awesome person in the world, take a stroll through this bookstore. I guarantee it will boost your ego. read more

Lion Heart Book Store - Lincoln thinks I'm cute! - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Books range from new to very well used, and are priced accordingly. I got 6 books for $17. It's a small store so you can browse the entire shop fairly quickly, and find hidden gems throughout. Owner is very friendly. Currently enforcing masks. read more

What a gem! The owner is amazing and so much fun to talk with, and they have such a great collection of interesting books. The cards are spectacular--unlike anything you'd find elsewhere. Definitely worth stopping in! read more

Here to leave a review for the owner who is a unique soul. I believe he is psychic? He began singing my favorite song to me, I was shocked how he even knew... David is a must meet in Seattle. And the books are wonderful. read more

Every time I am in Seattle, I come here for a book! Excellent service and great book selection

As a local I must admit that it's not very often I'm down in The Market. Especially 2 floors deep in the labyrinth of stores that mostly cater to tourists. However, Lion Heart Books won me over on a visit there a few months back. Filled to the brim with books representing all topics I landed in the children's section first. Whodathunk that this cute, quaint store would have dozens of books that I read as a child? I fought the urge to buy their entire selection of Berenstain Bears books but did take home a few copies of other books I loved. The owner who stood at the register was kind and warm. He welcomed each customer and made small talk with each person who approached the counter. He said as I left, "come back soon!" Thanks sir, I will. read more

Lionheart is wonderful but unfortunately closed right now. However, it is doing a GoFundMe campaign to support the store until it reopens. https://www.gofundme.com/f/lionheart-bookstore-support read more

This has got to be my favorite bookstore on the planet. And Im the daughter of a librarian, so I have a great love for books and any sort of indy bookstore sets my heart a flutter... but this place, is the best. If anything I would have to say David (or as I like the refer to him, "the happy bookstore man") makes any visit here wonderful. he is always pleasant, cheerful, and will sit and talk books with you all day long if you let him. If you are visiting Seattle he'll kindly give you a map and recommendations of places to see. Honestly I can't blame him for being so upbeat and friendly --he has a lovely bookstore in one of the greatest locations ever and you can tell he just loves his job. I always leave his store with some gem of a book tucked under my arm. read more

David, the caretaker of the bookstore, is absolutely delightful and a true joy to meet. The bookstore is small but carries a lot of steals if you spend the time to look through it. It's one of those small stores that makes you feel giddy and all good inside after giving it a quick walkthrough. But of course, David plays a huge part in this! You'll probably find him singing a tune or telling a tale or giving you a quick life lesson. PRO TIP: There are these adorable notebooks with cute little inspiring quotes in them on the spinning stands. You'll probably want to buy one...or a couple to take home to your friends! Great gifts. read more

I would come back to Seattle just to visit David In his bookstore. You just have to stop by visit with him and pick up a book yourselves...you'll know what everyone's raving about. Fantastic larger than life man in a quaint awesome little bookstore. read more

Daughter (13) needed a reading book for our down time in Seattle. Found this place on yelp, used directions but could not find. Don't give up, this place is worth it. It's located on the bottom, or maybe middle? level of Pikes. Dude behind the counter was comedic and perhaps genius. In the end my daughter found an excellent book with the help of the employee (perhaps owner) behind the counter read more

I was wandering around Pike Place Market taking photos when I noticed a tucked-away bookstore that prominently featured a variety of Vonnegut in the window display. I obviously went inside. I couldn't have been happier that I did. The collection is amazing and there are so many fun little things just lying around. I ended up buying about $16 worth of black and white postcards of poets and writers so I can frame them (I already own everything Vonnegut), but that's not the most wonderful part of the store. David, the owner, is really the heart of Lion Heart Bookstore. He welcomed every single customer, held conversation and was genuinely interested in all these strangers browsing through his books. He initiated a battle of the sexes race to see if a man could find Waldo before a woman did (because, in his experience, women are usually much quicker at finding that chameleon), he recited poetry to men to try and tell them how to woo women. When I was looking through the postcards, he started serenading me, his voice booming, singing something about locking eyes with a beautiful girl across the bookstore, and when I didn't sing back he said "what, no reciprocation? Well, this is awkward! I'm in high school all over again!" When I went to pay for my finds, we spoke about schools, past loves, astronomy, Greek gods, religion, dream homes, hometowns, Voltaire, desserts, and our thoughts on life. He really was such a magnificent human being with such a love for life and a passion for what he does. I don't know if I've ever met anyone quite as fantastic as him before, but I hope I will again. I asked if I could take his picture and instead, he beckoned another patron to take one of the two of us together. I wanted one of him alone, so he let me take the shot. I thought it was really interesting that he sat very still, his arms down in his lap, his smile very small and shy. When I asked "How come no grandoise gestures? No huge, wide smile? You've been doing that all day!" He responded with "But, I'm shy!" It really was the most precious thing. I'm rambling, I realize, but TL;DR, this bookstore is the greatest place on earth, and David is easily one of the greatest people on earth, as well. You don't even need to buy anything (but you should, because again, great collection!), but please, go do yourself the service and meet David. I can honestly say he'll make your day. I know he made mine. read more

Lion Heart Book Store - Vonnegut! - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Loved our experience here the caretaker was knowledgeable and so sweet!!! A great atmosphere for everyone in the family! Cool prices too! Definitely stop by if In the area read more

I was not going to leave Pike Place until I found this book store. I do not have a map of Pike Place stores and eateries tattooed to my heart...yet. With my limited knowledge, I knew I would have to venture to the lower level of the market. One level down and across the ways from a Chinese restaurant, display windows filled with books welcomed my searching eyes. It was a phenomenal sight in my brief moments delight. I found it. Typically, the science fiction section envelopes me in its familiar embrace of artificial intelligence, space travel, and alien encounters. To expand my literary adventures, I sought the advice of a helpful gentleman who directed me to Kurt Vonnegut's "The Sirens of Titan". Just like that, SOLD! He was ecstatic at my instant approval of his recommendation, albeit, a little skeptical as well. As I told him: If I like it, I'll be back. Stay tuned... read more

What can I say...let's see...how about BEST BOOKSTORE OWNER I'VE EVER ENCOUNTERED IN MY LIFE. This man is the sweetest most genuine person I've met at Pike Place. His shop is located downstairs of Pike Place, and he always has a smile on his face. He just instantly makes everyone happy. He is all about positivity and positive behavior. He can make conversation with anyone and you will not regret talking with him. I would go back to his store just to talk to him. He has a lot of books for great prices. Sale books are $1.75. And they are newer books, too. Unlike many stores who put their unsellables as sale books. I wanted to buy a few books, but I was broke and didn't have any money. I was really tired before coming into his shop, but his smile and positive energy really picked me up. VISIT HIS SHOP. You won't regret it. read more

Came here looking for a specific children's book set in Seattle and found it. While browsing I overheard the caretaker of the store, David, happily engaging with all his customers. His enthusiasm, smile, and passion for books is infectious. His knowledge on a a wide variety of subjects is astounding. I will return to this store solely because of this gentleman. read more

Such a cute shop with an owner so charming that you'll laugh the whole time. Amazing prices on classics and paperbacks!! Love this place!! Wonderfully curated collection of children's books, massive quantities of sci fi and mystery paperbacks, classics, postcards, and did I mention the hilarious, charming fellow who runs the place? I got a book of Rumi poems for under $5 and a stuffed Wheedle for under $12! read more

Loved this book store! The owner is so friendly and truly loves books. He made recommendations for authors new to me after telling him the books that I've enjoyed Wide variety of used books too. read more

Excellent place to find a good variety of books. It has great and friendly customer service. The owner is very nice and kind, he shares good jokes and stories, also sings great songs. Prices on books are great as well. It's in the middle of pike market and there are many shops around to stop by. I highly recommend this book store, you'll love it. read more

I fell in love with this store! There is an amazing selection and the owner went above and beyond helping me. If you need a book or even some funny and light banter this is the place to go. read more

The one time that I stopped in here to browse was one of my favorite experiences at Pike's Place. The owner of this bookstore is very entertaining and knowledgeable. It seems as if he's read every book in the store, and he's very quick to start in on an extended review of any book you pick up. I walked away with a couple purchases even though I walked in only intending to look. He's very persuasive, and for some reason, I get a kick out of being flirted with by middle aged Middle Eastern men with uni-brows. read more

Thank you for your book suggestions, David. I finished "The Alchemist" and I'm working on "The Stranger", which I never would have read, if you hadn't introduced them to me. I very much enjoy going to Lion Heart Book Store every time I'm in Seattle. read more

First off ...this man knows books. Second off he is fun to be around. I have to say when I walk into Lion Hearted Book he makes me glad i'm alive. I really can't say enough nice things about place. If I had stated this about someone else it would probably be stretching the truth but here it is authentic and real. Truly a good soul in this aptly named Shop. One of the undiscovered jewels in Seattle Underground. "Book-love, I say again, lasts throughout life, it never flags or fails, but, like Beauty itself, is a joy forever." ~ Holbrook Jackson 'The Anatomy of Bibliomana Vol.II.' read more