The store is nicely organized, has a good selection and helpful staff. I want to be clear this is not a staff complaint but an issue about store policy and how that policy is not posted or made clear to customers until it is too late. They have a store credit only return policy that is not posted anywhere and that the staff I spoke to didn't even know about! I made a purchase on a Tuesday and returned on a Thursday to make the return since I found out the recipient of the gift had decided she didn't want it. The book had not left the bag, I had my receipt and while the first employee was actually planning to give me a cash refund, the employee who came over to help him informed me it was store credit only. Had I known this policy in advance it would have been fine. I would have found another book and made it work. However because I hadn't been informed of the policy and there hadn't been a sign I had already made a replacement gift purchase. So here I am left with a store credit that I have no use for. I like shopping at local places but this makes me want to only go to chains and/or stores that will give a full refund on purchases. If they had had the policy clearly marked, or had informed me of the issue upon purchase (which many other stores with the policy do) I would not have had an issue. However the only place that it was noted was (as was pointed out to me) on the receipt - which I received after making my purchase. That and the book I had purchased was over $15 less on amazon. I'm willing to spend a bit more (and put up with a bit more) for local - but $15? That's asking a lot. read more

Yesterday, June 16- Bloomsday. How did I know that? Thanks to the NYTimes. UCBerkeley used to make quite a fuss about celebrating James Joyce, but I guess now literature no longer has a capital L, let alone a capital J. However, determined to celebrate, I googled Bloomsday/Berkeley and found that Mrs Dalloway's was hosting a reading of passages from Ulysses, so I betook meself, after donning my Berkeley muted-color garments, to the Elmwood to sit among the bright bookcovers and soft colored plant to join the literati of my town. And, sure and indeed, the readers were excellent, I suspect they were all born actors. What really made my Bloomsday.... A woman had brought her 8 and 10 yearolds to the reading-- To amuse themselves the literate children were browsing in the Children's Lit section- Quietly. In between readings, I chatted with the kids, who told me not only what books they enjoyed- but what they thought made the books worth reading. Long live the Independent Book Store! read more

This place is one of my favorites, especially for gift shopping for my mom, grandmother, exboyfriend's mom, etc. It has great light and enough room to move around, and is never exceedingly busy though there is usually at least one other shopper when you go in. They only carry four types of books: food/cooking, fiction/novels, children's, and garden. They specialize in Garden & Fiction but have (even within their very limited space) an excellent cooking section that shows thoughtful selection. I always find something I like here, and for some reason, don't mind sacrificing any discount I might get on Amazon.com because the experience is so pleasant. read more

As a rule, I'm usually categorically against new book stores. I'm much more at home looking through dusky stacks and yellowed pages. However, once in a blue moon, I will make an exception, and Mrs. Dalloway's is my newest. This is perhaps the most charming bookstore I've ever been in. Displays are abundant and well-informed, with helpful explanatory placards on particularly well-loved books. Their poetry section is (not only extant but also) well-curated and not relegated to a back corner. They have the adorable letter-pressed cards and tea towels and such. And, as the cherry on the top of the darling pie, there are also garden accouterments and plants. Perfection! (Ah! And don't forget--Virginia Woolf, who provides the shop her namesake, has a "shelf of her own." Too cute.) Elmwood in general exudes an almost-twee charm, but on a Sunday afternoon, I can't think of anything better than grabbing an espresso, wandering about and stopping in to a friendly book shop and browsing through. read more

Great local bookstore! The staff is nice and very friendly. They have a wide variety of books and huge collection for gardening. Tons of other local shops around it and it's in a great neighborhood read more

What a lovely book and gift store. i found any great gifts and many books to add to my "must read" list.

Mrs. Dalloway's is everything you could want out of a neighborhood bookstore. It's wonderfully edited and there are several tables of recommended books that have personalized reviews from the staff. It's these little things that set indie bookstores apart from the giants. I also love that they carry local books from small publishers. There's a focus on gardening books and while I'm not much of a gardener, I think it adds a nice little aspect of charm to the place. They also seem to have somewhat frequent book signings and readings/talks, which is great. read more

I love this bookstore. After a month of living just down the street, I feel like I've found the perfect weekend activity... stop by an Elmwood bakery or breakfast spot and spend leisurely time browsing the little stores that characterize Elmwood. I've found a lot of great books by reading from the various staff recommendations, too. Just like most of Elmwood, it's a little pricey, and so I'd only recommend going here if you're looking to treat yourself a little. Moe's is a good alternative. read more

This is basically your dream independent bookstore. On one side of the place you've got a well-chosen fiction collection that runs the gamut from Miranda July hipster short stories to tomes by dead Russians, but also somehow manages to have at least one copy of that new novel that just got a good review on Fresh Air. Then you've got the quirky non-fiction and pulpier thrillers and an entire kids section that I've never visited, but which looks nice from a distance. Then, taking up a full half of the store, are a ton of books on gardening and plants and other green things. Again, as someone who doesn't spend much time outside of the fiction section, I can't comment much about their gardening offerings. But when my gardening fanatic mom came out to visit and we ended up in Mrs. Dalloway's, it took an hour (and threats of abandoning her in Berkeley to make her own way home) to get her out of there. All in all: A great place run by friendly people who know their stuff. read more

Mrs. Dalloway's is an upscale store with a very nice selection of high-quality new books. They host author readings and have great selections of gardening and childrens' books. They're also fairly easy to get to, unless you're using BART. Mrs. Dalloway's is located in a nice part of Berkeley with lots of other shopping opportunities nearby, and makes this a good place to make a day out of a single errand. read more

Such a charming bookstore on an avenue with a small-town feel. Mrs. Dalloway's has a "picket-white-fence" (feminine-rustic) ambience, and along with books, the store sells cute little plants and unique gifts catered to plant/garden-lovers. Most importantly,the bookstore carries book editions typically unavailable in chain bookstores (female authors). read more

Caveat emptor! I tried to buy a book here that was clearly marked $19.99 on the dust jacket. The clerk rang it up for $10.00 more than that. When I asked her how the book had come to cost so much, she informed me her "database" listed the price as $26.99. Even after I showed her the list price on the book, she continued to scrutinize her database to prove she was right. I'd given her my payment card by then and she made no move to adjust the price -- though eventually, almost grudgingly, she said she would. By that time I'd had enough. I told her to cancel the sale. She definitely didn't want to do that. I had to ask three times in all and then demand that she give my card back.and not charge me for a book I wasn't going to buy. She didn't once apologize for the error. Other shoppers have noted how rude the staff is at this otherwise promising establishment. I now regret going out of my way to buy anything there. read more

Hooray for every single independent bookstore that has been surviving the onslaught of Amazon and chain stores! While I do not often shop in the Elmwood shopping area (mostly due to parking/traffic problems), I make it a point to buy something from them every time I do. I love their selection of garden books, and the little garden corner at the entrance is sweet (although a little sparse...). The mystery selection is quite good as well. One request there would be a "sort by topic or genre", and to add staff reviews. Thanks for being here, and I hope that the loyal Berkelites will continue to support small and independent stores. read more

Every time I visit this great bookstore in a happenin' section of College Ave, I felt that old Cody's feeling. Maybe you know it? You leave with an armful of books, maybe ones you didn't even know existed before, very much looking forward to settling down and reading them. We talked to the children's book area woman (I want to call her a librarian, of the Super Helpful and Knowledgeable in Many Areas breed), for at least a half hour. She was so helpful leading us towards books we might enjoy based on books we've read and liked. (A week later: She was right). A tasteful section of tiny, locally made, limited addition arty books is quite pleasant to peruse. Big gardening section, and some nice gift tchotkes. But the literature section is always my fave, and Mrs. D's does not disappoint. Some hard to find things (i.e., not found on Amazon). A pleasant, very well lit and comfortable place to spend time to boot. If you want to do something besides (or before you) eat great food and go to a show on your next date or hang out time, pay a visit to Mrs. Dalloway's. Does not disappoint the book lover. read more

Any bookstore automatically starts w/ 3 stars in my book, just by virtue of the fact that they sell books, rather than...I dunno...footballs. This one gets an extra star for being heavy in some areas I'm interested in, such as fiction, gardening, cooking, etc. It's a good "leisurely" bookstore--but not necessarily the place you'd want to go to stock up on all your serious book needs, like Powell's or something. It's small, & a nice place if you're in Elmwood. read more

Very cute bookstore. It's nice to have a neighborhood bookstore still, very friendly staff. Came here for a book signing with children's author Patricia Palaco. She talked about some of her books and the stories behind writing them. She's from the area, so she talked about her past as well. Very articulate and awesome woman. Glad I came. One tip I would suggest is to limit the amount of her books sold to people today, they ran out of her books. People got to order them and she will sign them still. But some people drove far and didn't get a chance to buy a book. read more

See all

Pretty sure I just fell in love with this bookstore. I picked up a collection of Edith Wharton stories the other day that I spotted the second I walked in, and I plan to come back ASAP for the rest of the books I was drooling over that afternoon. Quaint, nice staff, prime location in the Elmwood area, nice selection of books, and a pretty impressive children's section (where you can find me looking for old favorites & reminiscing on those youthful glory days!). They have nice window displays, and I always seem to be lured in by them, even if just passing by. I love reading the "staff favorites" reviews tucked in a number of books throughout the store, too. Charming local bookstores like this are the reason I can't part with actual books (as opposed to e-readers). It also reminds me of you've got mail with the whole "Shop Around the Corner" vs. "Fox Books" mega-chain showdown. Power to the independent bookstores, especially during times like these! read more

Absolutely lovely, vibrant, open space bookstore. They sell fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and even have a short story section for those short story lovers. I enjoy their plant and gardening section as well- so many cute succulents. As a college student, my favorite section is the sale section, which usually has at least one great book for me- today it was bolaño's detectives salvajes. read more

After walking and browsing nearby, my wife wanted to get some books for the kids. We stopped by here and loved that there were some good books. The staff was friendly and helpful. Prices were good IMO. read more

At 6:35 after I had been looking for a book for over 10 minutes I was abruptly told they were closing and I had to leave. I said "I thought you were open until 7" and was told "well, we're short staffed so were closing early." As I was walking out that same person said "I hope you'll be back tomorrow" Right. I've never written a bad review before but was irked enough to do so tonight. Here's what they could've done instead: 1. She could of told me when I walked in that they decided to close early so I didn't waste my time 2. If you really couldn't stay open for another 25 minutes before kicking me out, perhaps they could've ask me if needed help finding something to help move things along quickly. I'm bummed because I needed a gift and was fully intending on walking out with something. They lost a sale and a future customer. read more

Had a delightful time watching authors Katharine Dion and Alexander Tilney in conversation about his new novel, "The Expectations"; had almost as good a time browsing their eclectic collection before and after. Great stop in a fun area. read more

Good assortment of books. I usually order online and then do curbside pickup, and everything has been pretty easy for me.

This is the bookstore to be. I'm usually not a fan of independent owned bookstores, but this one was pretty legit. They had an awesome section on gardening, nature, and I even checked out the kid's section and it was pretty amazing. I almost bought a composting children's book. I also like how they have random seating everywhere so that you can just pick up a book and skim through it while you are there and just take a seat. read more

Super cute little independent bookstore - very tidy and neat, not my usual type of place but I do enjoy visiting when I'm in the neighborhood. I make a point to visit just about every local indie bookstore that has survived the online and big box retail expansion that has happened in the industry the last several years and I encourage you to do the same! read more

I am in love with this bookstore, and used to go more often, when I also enjoyed a nearby Chinese restaurant, which due to its massive slip in quality shall remain nameless. Mrs. Dalloway's is an intelligent bookstore, run by lovely people who love books and love their customers. I always find new authors there, and enjoy just browsing, seeing what's new, and chatting with the sales people, who ultimately make you feel like an old friend. One of the reasons I like it is the size -- it is not overwhelming, and the aisles and tables are well spaced, so you don't feel trapped or like everything would fall on you in an earthquake. I love the little displays they set up as well -- it shows thoughtfulness. As much as I enjoy shopping on-line, I have decided that from now on, unless I absolutely can't find a certain book locally, I'm going to channel all my former Amazon.com dollars to local bookstores. I am terrified of losing any more of them, and feel that unless they have a committed group of patrons who are willing to sacrifice convenience for the local bookstore experience. I usually find street parking, and there is also a public lot right behind the bookstore, where I've always found a space. There are plenty of cute cafes and restaurants nearby if you want to grab a bite or cup of tea. Will you join me, and vote with your wallet? read more

A cute little bookstore.Mrs. Dalloway (?) well - a cute older woman works here is pretty active in helping you find what you're looking for - and if she doesn't know, one of her hunky sales book-men will know. Seriously though, you begin to wonder. Anyhow, I've gotten some good book recommendations and I love this place. It's very different, and I think better, than shopping online for books. Of course, you can order best sellers for cheaper if that's your thing on amazon but if you kind of want a reference from a non-stranger, it's kind of cool to talk to someone face to face. It's just one of those benefits you get from going to a mom and pop style bookstore. Not to mention there are wonderful little bakeries/coffee places nearby at which you can enjoy your newly found literary friends (worthy of mention: beanery and the little place next door - used to be Ollie's soda shop?) I like the idea of holding a book and reading a bit of it before I actually buy it - which is why I will shop here from time to time. read more

This five star review is based mainly on the kid and young adult section. I came in here with the GF to buy some books for her cousins who are in 3rd and 6th grade; we knew we were definitely getting a copy of Ender's Game for the 6th grader. The 6th grader reads every opportunity she gets (she recently read both Hunger Games and Catching Fire 4 times EACH), the 3rd grader does not particularly enjoy reading. The clerk who helped us knew her YA and children's books and made some great recommendations that I'm not sure we would have known about otherwise. We got two books we feel pretty sure the 6th grader will not regret reading and two books the third grader might find appealing enough to encourage him to read on his own more often. Five stars for incredible service that was friendly, insightful and pressure free and some really fair prices. I would much rather support Mrs. Dalloway's instead of a big book chain. ALSO, IF YOU CAN'T FIND A GARDENING BOOK SOMEWHERE, I BET MRS. DALLOWAY'S HAS IT. That gardening section is HUGE. read more

While I admit the staff here can be a bit unfriendly at times, this is still one of my favorite neighborhood bookstores. I absolutely love coming here after work just to browse their non-fiction tables. They've got a wonderful selection of new fiction at the front of the store, but I feel like their real gems are in the back where their biographies and social and political works are. Whoever buys and displays for these tables are really spot on and I honestly get excited seeing what they choose to have face out. The store is also very family friendly and the children's section's section is always well stocked. It's so great to see young kids come in and they just can't tear themselves away from what they're reading. The store is not very big compared to other bookstores in the area, but they do have quality books here that will bring you back for sure. read more

This is a wonderful independent bookstore with a great selection. I always enjoy browsing and finding interesting books. Great kids' selection too. read more

Cool little bookstore I've passed many times but never really stopped to explore before. They have a lot of art books and gardening books. There's also a nice section of children's books. In other words, they really cater to the neighborhood. Some of the staff seem slightly cold but once you start talking to them they warm up and are friendly enough. read more

Enjoyed our shopping experience here. Gentlemen in the kids area was very helpful and friendly. Made recommendations and gave insights into a book I had questions about. We walked out with 3 gifts for the holiday and look forward to coming back here again. read more

An older woman told my wife and I that the store would be closing in ten minutes. TWO MINUTES later the same woman came into the section of the store we were in and turned off the lights. Excuse me?! So much for the $20 book we were going to buy. (We got it on Amazon for a lot less.) I've never been a fan of their snooty customer service but now I'll never shop there again. read more

Even if Mrs Dalloway's wasn't awesomely terrific I'd have to give them 5 stars just for hanging in there as an independent bookseller. But they are fabulous - everything you could want, for all ages and interests. 5 stars! read more

Although I found the environment physically pleasant, the staff was extremely rude. I was shopping with my sister and purposefully looking for a new good read. We walked around browsing books for a long while, talking about how it would be great to have a recommendation. At no time did either of the two women, sitting behind the counter doing absolutely nothing, offer any assistance. Nor did they greet us when we came in, or after. I decided to ask a question, and asked one of the saleswomen if she had read the book I had in my hand. She simply replied "no," and again, didn't offer help or explore what types of books I liked or anything. I asked whether they had a second book in stock, followed her to that part of the store, she handed it to me, and immediately walked away. Although that experience was "neutral," a very negative exchange happened at the counter when I went to pay for my book. The second saleswoman said NOTHING to me. She took my credit card, I signed my receipt, and she did not even have the common courtesy to say "thank you"! I believe in bookstores, and am one of the few people I know that hasn't converted to e-books to support local businesses. But after this experience, maybe I should consider shopping online - or at least - avoiding Mrs. Dalloway's who clearly could care less about their customers! And by the way, this is my first ever negative Yelp review. Bad karma, ladies! read more

probably one of the most interesting bookstore's I've ever been in. It really ought to not be called Mrs. Dalloway, since that name tends to conjure up images of dense, yet richly perplexing prose. This is an airy, well planned space where the books don't 'compete' with each other for your attention. Rather the eye wanders leisurely over the different sections and finds clusters of interest. The prices are a little steep but then the books are good finds. They do have a decent discount area with some good buys. Overall a great place to browse and find something you'd like. read more

My main beef with Mrs. Dalloway's is that I think their selection is subpar. It's possible they have a good selection of some genre I'm not interested in, but of the types of books I read it just isn't good. There are so many bookstores in the area with better selections that I find no reason to go here. read more

My go-to store for reasonably-priced gifts for just about any English speaker. The staff are friendly and knowledgable, and have made some stellar suggestions! I appreciate their sale table, and sometimes the non-book items are just what you need. Sweet neighborhood bookstore we're lucky to have in Elmwood! read more

I truly agree with many of the reviewers stating the rude service this bookstore provides. They are extremely unprofessional. I am amazed that this store is surviving at the rate they are going. Please patronize other book establishments with welcoming, professional and friendly staff. read more

This is a lovely bookstore. It's a beautiful space, and the staff are helpful but not overbearing. They have a decent selection of books. It's a small store, so obviously the selection is limited, but it's extremely well chosen by thoughtful buyers, so that doesn't really matter. I especially love browsing through the books that they have selected to put out on their display tables. This is clearly a bookshop for gardeners or the types of women who would garden. Cookbooks, gardening books, Jane Austenish literature, and thoughtful non-fiction abound here. Don't come here if you want the latest romance novel. Do come if you want to find a great new book to read. read more

The bookstore is nice but the staff is extremely rude! There's no many independent bookstores in this area, there's no need to go back to this one! read more