This bookstore is incredible! It's part of my North Loop Jaunt (every few months I head over to the…read moreneighborhood and hit up my favorite places). Did you know it's run by volunteers? Yep, how wonderfully Austin. The book selections focus on social justice, economic justice, etc. It's a gathering space for like-minded people and I feel so at home when there. They have different events like creative art nights and study groups. There's an area that has a shelving unit containing free items. Sofas, lounge area, coffee/tea area. Space for kids to create. It's a welcoming and inclusive shop that's important in today's world. Support local.

The staff is so friendly- this is a great example of an ATX bookstore and has a purpose . It is a…read morebit hippyish but that's what's so great about it. But also the other best part: VEGAN DONUTS- get them! You can really find some books that are a gem here and very good prices.

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!!!

My Nephew is very into anime and wanted to get him a gift. I know nothing about anime so was…read morepraying the staff could help me out. I was directed to a Menga authority where she did an amazing job of interpreting my gibberish about what may work for my nephew. The store has an amazing selection, and staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you for your help and needless to say you impressed.

First: SHOP LOCAL! This is a terrific woman-owned and…read morewoman-operated independent bookstore. But it doesn't just sell books. I've attended book signings and readings. I've had tarot readings conducted. I've shopped during special "seasons" highlighted, such as Banned Book Week. There's a terrific representation of women of all types. Color, age, sexual identification, etc. It doesn't matter who you are--even a CIS male--you will be welcome here. I'm so happy Book Woman is here!

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.

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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ah, one of my favorite stops during my North Loop Jaunts (it's when I hit up all my fave North Loop…read morebusinessses every few months). The store is well-organized and the folks working here know their stuff! From the rare and obscure to the trendy they can answer you. Their opinions and thoughts on music are bar-none some of the best. You can find just about anything you're looking for from vintage vinyl to super vintage vinyl, cassettes, 7" vinyl (aka 45s), and even 8-tracks. Bargain bins where you can grab music for just a buck! I like that you can listen to music before buying it as well. Like, don't try and sit there listening to an entire recording and then leave. Listen for a sample and make your decision. They also offer repair services (turntables, cassette players, etc.). Great local business. Support them.

Breakaway Records is like a records museum! The store has mainly vinyl records and a very large…read moreselection. The store is located on North Loop in Austin, TX off the beaten path. According to staff, Breakaway Records opened in 2008, moved to its current North Loop location in 2010, and later expanded the space. The store is clean, well-organized, and with items strategically arranged with excellent signage. There was no piled-on dust that you tend to see in music stores housing old vinyl records. Breakaway's true highlight was the breadth and depth of its music items and accessories. The shop had an extensive collection of used vinyl and 45s, spanning genres as well as ages that primarily focused on soul, jazz, funk, hip hop, international sounds, punk, and rock. Flipping through their vinyl records was easy and enjoyable with some surprise finds. Listening stations let you preview records before you buy. The staff were knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about music. They'll either give you space to browse or gladly answer questions, depending on what you prefer. Breakaway also sells 45, CDs (small section) and record players. The store carries stereo gear and accessories at a range of prices including turntables, receivers, speakers, and small essentials. They did not have any small music tapes or 8-track tapes...probably my nieces and nephews have never heard of these. Smile. Great discovery...great visit...

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.

This is a great bookstore in the heart of Austin. Great selection of books and I really like how…read morethey have little summaries with the staff picks on them. The staff is very friendly and helpful with recomendations as well. Price was competitive as well. It's a nice place to spend some time and browse their books. They have a great kids section as well so we always end up leaving with a bunch of new books.

Local bookstore in Austin where I attended an author event…read more Highlights: - Nice staff - 2 floors of books and very large space - Set up area upstairs with some chairs for the authors to speak Lowlights: - Bit older and worn

This place slams! Love it so much. It's a video store and…read moremini movie theatre with 25 seats or so. Non-profit and strictly run by volunteers. These folks know their stuff. Ask them anything about the most of the wall movie you can think of and they'll know the answer. They host all kinds of cool events including watch parties and viewings. This is a Mecca for film buffs. They have so much stuff from the rare and obscure to modern and classic and cult films. It's a membership video rental shop that provides access to movies that aren't available on streaming services. You can rent VHS, DVD, & Blu-Ray. This iconic space in North Loop is a meeting ground of sorts for like-minded people to gather. It's a welcoming and kind vibe, exactly what Austin is known for.

This is an adorable video rental store. They have a pretty massive selection of films in DVD,…read moreBluRay, and VHS. Upon entering, to the left they have alphabetized films according to director. But further in, you'll find films sorted by genre. They also have a private screening room in the back which seats 25. When we visited, there seemed to be a party or event going on. They also offer memberships for renting, which seem to be on a per month basis, where you can rent one, two, three, or five movies out at a time, with extra rentals costing $2 per.