This bookstore is one of Austin's best hidden-in-plain-sight gems…read more It's tucked away just three blocks from downtown in a beautiful old two-story house that has been turned into a bookstore, wine bar, and coffee shop. Each room has its own type of books, along with original artwork, so it feels fun just wandering from room to room. There are plenty of places to sit inside, plus outdoor seating on both floors. If you head upstairs, you'll find a great view of downtown while you sip a glass of wine and flip through your newest book. The staff really know their books and their wine, and I love that you can walk around the store with your glass in hand while you browse. My only suggestion would be to add a small collection of vintage magazines. I'd probably never leave.

This place is such a gem! A bookstore, cafe, and study spot all in one...house? Amazing! In…read moreaddition, they become a wine bar at night! I come here to study and love this place, but this time I got their salted caramel iced latte, which was average, I'll probably get something else next time!!

Heartbroken to live in cedar park now. Reverie was the first local book store to make it on my map…read moreas an absolute must frequent. Stormy the cat is in for visits often. The space is cozy and the shelves are full of fairly priced adventures for all ages. The store does include a reading corner for younger ages. Staff is fun and helpful. 10/10 recommend.

I've been to a decent amount of bookstores, and this one is one of favs hands down. The selection,…read morethe price, the ambiance. It all just pairs so well. I immediately went to check out the candles and they smelled so good, but if I had to pick a favorite it would have to be the Raven. Everything is neatly organized on the shelves and the amount of LGBTQ+ products was such a refreshing taste to other places I've gone. Everyone is so nice and they greet you the second you come in, and they give some killer recommendations. Good selections and prices with some incredible inclusivity!! Amazing

We came here as our city is being a jerk and closing this down. I know some of that is that our…read moreolder generation didn't want any new taxes on anything as they are selfish and don't want to pay taxes on the 3 houses they own or whatever. Still it sucks to see this going away. We came in, bought some books and browed a bit. They place had a fair amount of people, still quite a few books, music, and movies. I couldn't find much I was intersteied in but Shana did and even found me a book or two. The bathroom is weird, it is around a corner that looks like you are not allowed to go to and there is a key on a hanger that you take in with you, you don't need to unlock the door and I am not sure it even locks. If the key is missing that is how you know the bathroom has someone in it, there is a small hook on the inside to hang the key while you are in the restroom. So you have to hope people notice it is gone and you have to hope everyone puts the key back. But they are clean and they have a sign in the bathroom that the front desk can supply you with pads if needed. The one misstep here was the guy running the front desk, he was not super friendly, I heard his reaction to a lady gushing about how great the place was and how many books she found for such a good price, some were gifts and he could care less. He wasn't rude but he was doing that thing where you just nod and say uh huh. I also heard him later say he was from another branch of the library, I don't know which but I hope we don't run into him again. We got something like 7 or 8 books for 9 bucks which is fantastic. He checked us out fast, as he had better things to do and we headed out.

Recycled reads is a really interesting place. I found out about it from Google when I was looking…read morefor a used copy of a specific book. Let me start with - it's not a big place, and the selection isn't huge so it's not terribly likely you'll find something very specific, much less a popular title. However, it's a nice concept. They sell retired library books for VERY cheap, so if you're list looking for a new book in general, this is actually a pretty decent spot to get some and save money. They have a small lot out front but I had no trouble finding parking. The staff there were really friendly and helpful; they don't have a catalog because of all the turnover but they do have things arranged by genre so they could point me toward where I might find the book I was looking for.

The sweetest girl greeted me upon entering the store. I was looking for some different books, as…read morewell as the usual ones. But mostly different books by new authors with different storylines. I found it here, and it was such a refresher. I mean, the selection of new authors and books was right here in front of me. So I took my time with the different genres. I like how they dedicate areas to this subject and to other types of books. She also told me she can order books that are out of stock, which is great for me. I like to keep one-of-a-kind books on my bookshelves at home. They have so much worth and lessons I like to refer back to. Well, you have to be an author or writer to understand that last sentence. I made myself laugh! I saw an area for authors to speak, and we talked about the monthly events they host. They are an independent bookstore, which is high on my list because you cannot only find the best books, but also new books and authors, but also other items like accessories and more. And it goes back to the events of hearing an author read an excerpt from their book. I always say it's worth the cost and value, which isn't expensive, to experience what the independent bookstores offer.

Book Woman bookstore, a woman-owned and woman-operated independent bookstore, is located on N…read more Lamar in Austin, TX. It is not easy to find. When you get this "arrived" message from GPS and you do not see the place you are looking for, it is unsettling. I called Book Woman and kind voice on the phone told me to go more south. Finally, I found it...score! It is literally tucked away in a small strip mall. First, I notice a beautiful angel painted in many colors on the bookstore's window...warm and welcoming. Next, I entered the store and was immediately asked to put on a mask. Flash back to the heart of Covid days. I have not been asked to wear a mask in any establishment for the last two years, so this was a little off-putting. However, I am rules follower, so I complied. Book Woman was established in 1975 as a feminist collective and the store has spent decades championing diverse voices. It has grown into one of the oldest and most recognized feminist bookstores in the United States, which is pretty cool. It's a small bookstore so it does not take long to peruse the shop. I walked up and down the aisles discovering their genre of books. The selection included women authors, LGBTQ+ literature, social justice topics, and independent publishers. The woman who directed me to the bookstore was the only one in store. She answered my questions and was otherwise busy unpacking boxes of books. In addition to books, Book Woman sells t-shirts, cards, puzzles, journals, soap, and jewelry. These complementary items is a good addition to the books. All items are reasonably priced.

Kinokuniya Books is one of the coolest bookstores I have ever visited in Austin. Calling it a…read morebookstore is almost a misnomer...it is so much more. In addition to an incredible selection of Japanese and English-language books, the store is filled with stationery, art supplies, anime merchandise, pens, unique gifts, charms, and all kinds of fun gadgets. Wow, wow, wow! I was completely overwhelmed...in the best possible way. There was so much to see that I had to take three deep breaths, slow down, and explore one aisle at a time. Everywhere I turned, I discovered something new and interesting. I found myself just as captivated by the beautifully displayed merchandise as I was by the books. As soon as I walked in, a friendly staff member greeted me and asked if I was looking for anything in particular. When I replied, "No, I'm just browsing," she smiled and pointed out the store's main sections, making it easy to begin my adventure. Everything I looked at was reasonably priced. Fun, eclectic, non-standard bookstore...

Such a helpful staff!!!! Whether in person or over the phone they are SUPER helpful, there's one…read moregentleman in particular (I wish I had gotten his name) very friendly and polite. Despite the fact that they have products up to the brim- everything is very organized. The only problem is trying to decide what to get without breaking the bank!!!

On June 20, 2026, a beloved north Austin bookstore will cease operations as a brick-and-mortar…read moreshop. Their online presence will continue during the transitionary period. Black Pearl Books, one of Austin's few Black-owned independent bookstores, is closing this chapter of their physical operations. Husband-and-wife owners Eric and Katrina Brooks stated that this move comes as they "rethink life as empty nesters." I got an opportunity to chat with the couple. Eric said their daughter, Alicia, will be going off to college. He said they still continue to do pop ups with community partners like ACC Highland campus and the Austin Public Library. The owners will work toward their future plans and continue to host authors through the fall. The closing celebration on Saturday will include live illustrations, henna, matcha, and a live reading and book signing. Importantly, the City of Austin has designated June 20, 2026, as Black Pearl Books Day. This bookstore has been a beacon of light in the Austin community and will be sorely missed! For me, it is a bigger issue...we see more and more smaller businesses closing especially over the last few years. Big box national book sellers seemingly are expanding. While Black Pearl Books owners are closing their brick-and-mortar shop, I am excited for the new opportunities that await them. We say so long for now...not goodbye!

Now that they're about to close, I decide to write my review. Well, it's another one that has been…read moresitting for SO LONG as a pending draft, I may as well get to it. Though they are closing the brick & mortar, the owners say they aren't going anywhere and this makes me happy. I am hoping this means we will continue to see them involved in all things books, social justice, and more. This is a place I started going to when I first started coming to Austin on twice-yearly visits (prior to relocation here). For several years in fact. It is one the best places to obtain banned books. The collection is impressive and IMPORTANT. Though it is a small shop, they have EVERYTHING. If they don't they get it for you. They go above and beyond! I write this as if they are still in existence and that's because as I write this, they are. While there is still time, get out and support this local, Black-owned, glorious bookstore! When they're gone and doing other things, continue to support them. We need MORE people and MORE places like this. Period. They walk the walk and talk the talk! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cute neighborhood bookshop :)…read more Lots of community events for adults and kids. There's always something for everyone. They carry a lot of book titles and if they don't have it in store, you can order online as well. They also sell notebooks, cards, merch, and lots of knick knacks. Seating inside can be limited but there's lots of outdoor seating too. There's a parking lot across the street if the parking lot next door is full and they also have lots of neighborhood parking. Overall, great place to browse books, stationary, read, and grab a drink!

First light books is everything & more I wanted in a modern bookstore…read more Great selection with staff notes in every genre. Easy to navigate and choose. Additionally there's cards, magazines, stationery, merch, etc. It's bright, relaxing and just a space you want to stay in all day. The outside seating is nice on a cooler day as well. Their cafe serves great coffee & matcha. I love first light and recommended it to everyone.

We found this place due to looking for independent bookstores when we travel. This one is tucked…read moreaway in a nice little spot. Parking is pretty good. It is not super big but it makes great use of the space it has tons of pre loved books, stickers, various gifts, oracle and Tarot cards, witches candles and so much more. SHANA SAYS: Super cute atmosphere, fun organizing of the books like pre loved, and lots of cute gift items. Plus a cat with its own hours! Kathy was super friendly and helpful. Made the whole experience better and is a genuine person. They do have a game room and a snack bar with free water as well as a keuring and snacks for sale. The bathroom is for everyone and they are very welcoming. Of course as an independent bookstore they have a wide variety of titles with some new books thrown in. They do mystery sells and bundles where you get a vague description of a book that is covered up and you take a chance. It should go without saying but as you are supporting local businesses the prices are a little higher the HPB or Amazon but it means more here and you should buy local when you can. I highly recommend this place. They even have a section where if you spend $50 you get to choose a free gift from books to sunglasses to other items. Go in, say hi to Kathy and The Cat!

Rude staff. Poor book selection. The whole place smells of cat urine. Tried to support a local…read morebusiness and they failed to earn my patronage.