I stopped by Lost City Books with a friend yesterday, when we spent a beautiful spring Sunday morning on a walk and mini bakery crawl through Adams Morgan. We both love to read and love bookshops. I love big bookshops, little bookshops, romance bookshops... Lost City Books was a wonderful surprise and immediately became one of my favorite bookshops in DC. Why? It isn't huge, but it makes such good use of its space that I found it to be one of the best stocked independent bookstores I've visited in a long while. I always try to support local independent bookstores when I can, and some of them are tiny (if your neighborhood bookstore is one of the tiny ones, remember they'll probably place orders for you if you want/need something they don't have in stock). But - at the risk of sounding silly - we got lost in time at Lost City Books. We meant to just pop in and quickly pick something to take home. But we wandered through their fiction section and staff picks, pointing out books to each other we loved or have been meaning to read and all of a sudden a half hour had passed and we only really explored one tiny section of the shop. We walked out with four books between us, too. The customer service was friendly to boot. Just a great independent bookshop and another reason to love Adams Morgan. read more

Lost City Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great selection and wonderful vibes. The best part all of the staff recommended books throughout the store. The reviews are thorough and helpful and makes you feel lol they care. read more

Lost City Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Lovely local bookstore down the street from Tryst (give them a try for breakfast/lunch)! They have a large selection of used books at amazing prices as well as postcards and pins local to DC so they make perfect little souvenirs. Everyone I encountered there was so sweet and helpful if I had any questions. There's also a little cart outside with $5 books! read more

Great selection of books with friendly staff! I walked in for a quick visit and spent way more time than I thought I would in this bookstore. The 2 floors were filled with books of all genres, including new and some used books. read more

Great bookstore - 2 levels, tons of books, plenty of post cards and regular cards, fun merch. In the bathroom they have collages of bookmarks from many different bookstores (apparently they're from the previous owners from when it was a completely used bookstore). Friendly employees and fair prices (remember, Amazon prices out small businesses to make them close, so shop local!). read more

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Located at Adams Morgan, Lost City Books has two levels, offering nice selection of books - new and used. They have the typical sections, rare books, and also a large collection of queer titles. Staff picks are all over the shelves. They also have postcards, writing instruments, etc. This is a cute bookstore, worth visiting. read more

Lost City Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Decent stop. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I wandered over here on Inauguration Day (which if you recall, was a nipper of a day with temps in the single digits) after having a perfect lunch at nearby Lapis. We've sort of started an informal tradition of visiting independent, edgy bookstores on our adventures, and this seemed like an obvious destination (especially since we didn't have to be outside for too long to get here). I think our comp going forward is always going to be Brattle Books in Boston, which (and this is no disrespect to Lost City) has much, much more inventory, history and character. I'm sure there's some nerdy underground community that ranks this type of stuff, but I can't imagine there are too many places in the country that top that one. But for what it is, this is a nice spot. It's a cool, hipster-y neighborhood, and the vibe inside is welcoming. It's set up more as a formal bookstore than a scatterbrained used book store in the mold of the Strand in NYC - which was my home away from home during college - and I'm always more drawn to that type of setup. Personal preference at the end of the day. The advantage to having a more official-looking interior is that it's well organized, and it was easy to roam up and down the stairs searching for specific genres. Again, your mileage may vary but if you're looking for something niche or something within a specific subgenre, you're not going to have as many options as you might elsewhere. For instance, if you're looking for a Richard Nixon bio? You're probably finding two, maybe three options here versus 10. That really might not matter to a lot of people. And because it's more intimate (this was really the biggest selling point for me), it allows for employees to post their "tasting notes" for certain books, very akin to what you would see at a wine store. I don't know too many unapologetic bookworms who don't like to compare notes, and this is a really cool way to get the perspective of an independent reviewer with a very personalized breakdown of their reading experience. Every place should have this, but it would be pretty difficult to do it at a place with more space/inventory. So in that regard, they maximized what could be considered a negative. They also had some comfortable chairs in the upstairs area to sit down in and peruse some of the selections a bit more intimately. Nice touch. Really the only aspect of this that left a bad taste in my mouth - and I don't think it's specific just to this bookstore - is how political these places are getting now. I don't necessarily disagree with a lot of the opinions that were clearly reflected all over the store, especially by the counter, but I come to bookstores for the books, not for the non-literary opinions of its staff. People on all parts of the political spectrum can appreciate a good book, so I don't know that alienating a huge chunk of a potential base is the best business practice. But that's a judgment call at the end of the day and ultimately we DID still enjoy our time here and each bought a few books. Worth some time if you're in the area for sure. read more

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Great bookstore! Open late and massive selection. They offer a mix of new and lightly used books, and I scored a like mint copy of a book I was looking for at a price even cheaper than Amazon. Got to feel good about that. They don't have any space to sit and stay to read, but stop into Tryst a few doors down, and you're solid. One of the city's best bookstores. read more

This place is absolutely gorgeous. If you are in DC I highly recommend visiting this please they have every kind of book you can think of all ranging in different price ranges. They are travel books and nonfiction fiction romance fantasy. The inside is very aesthetically pleasing they sell postcards match books little notebooks anything you can think of that's book related. Would be a perfect place to spend your weekend. There are many coffee shops around. Also, would recommend going here if you're looking for a gift for someone. All around the bookstore there are staff recommendations of their favorite books. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Lost City Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very weird and rude vibes. Cute aesthetic and nice selection but the customer service was awful. 0/10 wouldn't recommend. Especially if you're black. I'm visiting from LA but would never return here on any future trips. read more

Excellent selection, well curated, very good variety of books and several that were on my to read list. The fiction section is especially strong. read more

One of my favorite ways to explore any new city neighborhood is through bookstores and coffee shops, and Lost City Books is an amazing representation of all that's great about Adams Morgan. This three story bookshop is labeled to perfection with awesome staff picks that could get you lost in the literary cosmos for hours. I probably spent an hour browsing through the shop and thinking about all the things I needed to add to my TBR list. I love how this shop is laid out and appreciated the friendly staff and beautiful SWAG. I almost bought a tshirt just because it was SUPER cute, even though I live in NY. You must, must make a stop in here while in DC. I wish I had brought a bag to carry around for the day so I could have purchased more, as the prices were all super reasonable. Nothing like getting lost in a good book and this shop will leave you wanting to get lost a million times over! Thanks for a great experience, LCB. read more

Lost City Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Wonderful bookstore and selection of books! Got some fun games and a few paperbacks. The recommendations/selections are amazing! I can't wait to go back on my next visit. The store is adorable and people who work there are so kind. Support independent bookstores!! read more

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It's clean, the staff is friendly. Lots of books to choose from definitely worth the visit if you're in DC and love to read. I enjoy buying a book from different bookstores when I'm traveling and this one didn't disappoint. The only thing I didn't like was that I bought 5 books and was given only 1 bookmark. I bought three books for me but the other two were gifts so it would have been nice to have had a bookmark for those books as well. I appreciate the bookmark because I love that they do that. read more

What a great local independent bookstore. There is a ton of books and good variety. They whole place is crammed well with books and different sections. The kids section is in the very back. Cookbooks on the landing of the stairs. Softcover books upstairs in the back. Lots of great personal recommendations from the staff with hand written reviews. Definitely worth stopping by. A little something for everyone. Of course they special order books if not in stock. Overall very clean and organized. Come enjoy yourself or with a group!. read more

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A cute little bookstore spread across two levels and a landing. There's a large queer section, as well as the typical sections readers will find in a bookstore. They sell new, used, signed, and rare books. The staff were very friendly and helpful. If you are wanting to browse a bit in a safe, friendly space, go check it out! read more

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This is a better bookstore in Washington DC. The store space is spacious and old-fashioned. The selection has all the independent standards and it also has some original picks. I didn't know it was here and stopped by with a scooter. I didn't want to eat on the block and I didn't see any other store..bookstores are heroes and bookstores are the best places..this bookstore is the numero tres. I would come back here. The others can boo boo kitty boo. read more

Great local AdMo bookstore with plenty to love for queer readers. Wide selection, great merch, and beats shopping on Amazon every time. Staff is friendly, and the vibes are great. read more

Lost City books has horrible customer service. Do not do business with these people. They took the first chance they could to charge me over $200 for essentially walking books down the block. Go to Kramers nearby and support a bookstore that does not treat their customers like crap to make a quick buck at the expense of long term business. read more

It is a nice book store on Adams Morgan, 2 floors of books. I liked the place overall, unless one small detail - post cards with lenin. read more

Lost City Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Amazing selection, perfect ambiance, and just overall good vibes. You can tell the people who work here care about and love what they do. I could've lost houuuurrsss browsing here! read more

Stopped by this bookstore to look at their birthday cards and book selection. I loved that they had a virtual book club and had an author scheduled to stop by that night. The walls were lined with books and with suggestions from the staff. I was only able to spend a short time there but I loved what I saw and will be back. read more

Lost City Books - Store Front - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is so cute! They've got a great selection and their staff is always so kind and helpful. Stopped by and picked up a few books during their 20% off sale before their week off. read more

Lost City is my go-to bookstore. I'm an English lit phd student, so I'm always on the lookout for decently-priced used books. Lost City has a fantastic selection, and it's an impressive size for a local bookstore. I've picked up several books (for both classes and research) that I haven't been able to find anywhere else. I stop by whenever I'm in Adams Morgan, even if I don't need to buy anything. It's such a lovely break from the busy-ness of DC. Plus, the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I've had several wonderful conversations with people shelving books and running the register. Lost City Books is my favorite spot in the city! read more

I stopped by Lost City Books on August 24, 2020 to donate 2 bags of books from my library. One of the store employees - wearing a face mask like myself - came forward from the rear area of the store and carefully placed the books from my bags into 2 open boxes. Thereupon, I thanked him for accepting my donation. The store, in contrast to the humidity outside, was cool, spacious, and air conditioned. read more

By far, the best bookstore in DC. Two stories and a mix of used and new books with the coolest staff ever. Their selection is equally highly curated and rare-ish books, coupled with popular books you often find yourself needing before a trip. Because of this combination, you may find some of your most anticipated buys at a discount price. The first floor is mostly fiction, with some poetry and memoirs and kids, and the organization is so easy to navigate. The space to move is a little small, but that's why I love upstairs so much, whether they have their non-fiction organized thematically. They do really cool events from Valentine's Day gatherings to your standard book club. They are super committed to inclusivity. They response to community ideas and concerns. They communicate very well on Instagram- frequently closing early to celebrate their staff or give them a much needed break. I value businesses that care about their employees and cultivating a strong sense of community that naturally trickles down to impacting the empathetic customer experience- lost city does this better than anyone else I know. I feel like I don't have enough space to compliment them. Of all the bookstores to visit, this would be my top rec while in the district. read more

Lost City Books - very cool way to display bookmarks! - Used Bookstore Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I highly recommend checking this place out, they have a good variety of different books. The staff are really helpful and friendly. I'm planning on coming back to get some more books soon! read more

Really great local bookstore in the middle of the Adams Morgan/18th St NW strip. I especially appreciate the selection of used books they have, the customer service, and the discount at Andy's Pizza next door when you buy a book. Such a good combo. read more

I walked in here because I can't resist a good bookshop. I had just gone to the bakery & was feeling very supportive of small businesses. They have a great selection of diverse books- both new & used. I picked up a hardcover book I had been wanting. I thought the price was a bit steep, but meh- small business and all- I got it. I went home & looked up the price on amazon & it was less than half of the price I paid. It makes it really hard to want to support local businesses when they are robbing you with this much mark up on a book. I wouldn't buy anything else here. read more

I was walking by here with some friends and was soon lost in here while they left me. I mean I was intentionally lost in a trance looking at all of the awesome books they have here. A great selection of used books in great quality in pretty much every subject you could possibly think of. I personally got swept up in the Philosophy section and the memoirs. They also have a lot of fun coffee table books. There are some rare books as well and some gift items. They do have new books too but that's not what I was caught by. Surprised by the negative reviews. The owner? And dog were upstairs and friendly even though the dog barked at me. The lady downstairs was friendly but quiet which is what I expect from someone in a bookstore- to leave me alone unless I ask for something. It's a bookstore after all. I'll be back here for sure! read more

Cute book shop, which I was enjoying until I was barked at for taking an urgent call on my cell phone. He said somethng like we don't allow cell phones in here and seemed visibly annoyed. The sales person somehow expected me to know their policy which is not posted anywhere. read more

Wow! They did a great job with the renovations, and I love the new management. This is exactly the kind of local bookstore I always wanted -- a nice curated mix of used and new books, a pleasant environment that is careful about social distancing, virtual events, and helpful staff. Love that they can order in any book they don't have in stock, too, and that they can have it shipped to you as well. Plus a great meeting/reading room upstairs that I would love to spend more time in post-pandemic. read more

Lovely selection of books but the staff borders on rude. When spending over $100 on books, one would expect better treatment.

Excellent bookstore in Adams Morgan. Looks really comfortable and inviting after the recent renovation. Two floors of interesting books to explore. Some community events. And really nice staff. read more

Friendly, helpful staff with a great selection of books! We also bought one of our favorite coffee mugs at Lost City - highly recommend stopping by next time you are in AdMo. read more

I was going to buy a couple of CDs and a book but after the guy minding the store walked to the back section where my sister was perusing an India guidebook she WAS going to buy and gruffly told her to watch out how she WAS 'manhandling' the book, I and my whole family/relatives/friends will never drop a dime here. She is visiting India in January for the first time & wanted a good guidebook & so she was sifting thru the pages, looking at the map, etc. She (we're both senior citizens) was so shaken by this boorish moron's behavior that it took a while to calm her down; needless to say it ruined her day. read more

I can't believe it took me a year of living in Admo to start heading here for my book needs! In 2020 I'm going to try to stop using Amazon and start buying local, and will be getting my books from here! The clerk was kind and helpful, the store clean & perfectly scented of old books & they even let my pup Charlie look for Buddhism texts by my side. I look forward to many more visits read more

Used to be a great used book store. Selection is limited. And the music was so awful- hardcore head banging that I left without buying anything. A first. read more

I love the cart of books that's continually parked out front. Sometimes, one will find something worthwhile- like some racy A.R. Roquelaure! read more

A truly wonderful neighborhood bookstore! The staff (and owner, Adam) are all super pleasant and it's really gorgeous after their recent remodel! Instead of buying a book from Amazon, buy local from Lost City. Love their merch, too! read more