What a fun, witchy, weird little find! Quimby's located on Metropolitan Avenue near the new hotspot of Williamsburg, is a very cool stop! Tons of zines on every subject imaginable (composting, gardening, witchcraft, gay/queer subjects, politics, and more). Little booklets, funky cards and books. I picked up several cheeky cards I can't wait to send to friends. They also have records, crystals/stones, tchotchkes, small decor items. I think they also do tarot in the back. And they have a cute shop cat! The store decor is a lot of fun, with mirrors, political posters, a large ram that plays on the ventilation system. There is a lot here you won't find anywhere else. read more

See all

I stopped in Quimby's the other day and was so very delighted! I love a quirky this shop is. They have a great selection of books. But, they also have other little unique things as well. I was so happy to find a cute old school flip book to gift my nephew. The guy working was very cool and nice! And honestly, the shop has great pricing all around. It's definitely worth a trip for a gift for you or someone you care about! read more

If you were to try to describe to someone with actual words what Williamsburg is like, you need to just bring them to Quimby's. This place has such a chill, cool vibe, and the incense in the air is so calming, and cleansing at the same time. Little bookstores like this are falling into extinction, and this is a place that should be fought to be kept in the neighborhood at all costs. Come inside for a casual, no rush visit to scan the shelves with subject that are literally lined, "sex, drugs, and rock and roll". I couldn't help myself at the cleverness of these categories, and they have everything from cleansing your inner spirit to LGBTQ+ awareness for advocates and friends alike. Browse the pins, postcards, edge-y greeting cards, and local publications on the area. Great place to visit any time! read more

Cool, much smaller branch of the Chicago classic. Lots of zines! Great selection and everything was reasonably priced.

Just visited this amazing gem! It was such an amazing experience and space. I'm so glad I went and saw this. So many choices and selection and the staff is so welcoming, helpful, and friendly. The selection was amazing! So many variety and types and all ranges of prices. I am going to have to come back to this gem!!! Plz support this business and check out all their unique and amazing projects they have. read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - The front of the building! - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A small bookstore jam packed full of incredible items and curiosities crammed into every corner and hanging on the walls. There are a selection of some books, records, jewelry, cards, postcards, stickers, magnets, and a massive amount of zines available for purchase at different price points. Inside the store there is a machine where you can get mini buttons by the entrance. You could easily spend hours here looking at it all. Plus there is a sweet cat who resides in the store who greeted me when I entered. Definitely worth a visit. read more

This place is really one in a million! I heard about the zines before I came, and was pleasantly surprised at the sheer number and diversity of them! I loved looking through them, they're all super creative. Theres a cute bookstore cat, and who doesn't love that. They also have an eclectic selection of books, and there's something for everyone. There's used books that are pretty cheap, and then some new books that are priced at new book prices. Also tons of art and records to look through. I also had a great interaction with the owner who was super friendly! read more

A super unique store with more Zines than I've ever seen before! Friendly staff and a cute cat as well :) read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - Outside bookcase - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Used to come by a few times while walking to the gym. This is a weird little bookstore with a pretty odd selection of books. Cats are cute though. read more

Instant love! It's a bookstore with a cat (Gracie), a kind owner, and tchotchkes. They sell little bits of everything: pens, jewelry, art, zines, candles, vinyl. Their receipt exclaims "No boring books!" and I definitely had trouble picking just one. I especially enjoyed their section on feminism. They also have some occult books and supplies. Shops like this make me so happy, and are harder and harder to find in NY; well worth a visit! read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I could have spent days exploring this bookstore. The staff were friendly, the selection is plentiful.

this place is so cute. I barely missed it as I was walking by! Quimby's is a small and unassuming book store that carries a unique selection of low key books, products, and zines. I've been to a number of bookstores in nyc by now, and none of them have really impressed me until quimby's. I actually very rarely buy books or zines from bookstores, but because of the unassuming selection here, I ended up buying 3 zines and a book! Rip my wallet lol. You can also sell your zines here (they get 40% of profit and you get 60%) Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area! A rly fun place u cud spend time perusing thru random books read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

The world can use more bookstores!! Let's make reading cool again. Like John Waters has stated " If you go home with somebody, and they don't have books, don't f*ck 'em!" Quimby's is a delightful bookstore, with your Black Metal greeting cards, zines (Maximum Rocknroll & SCAM), cool punk jewelry, tonssss of independent and rare books and even my favorite, TAXIDERMY!!! I couldn't believe what a nice collection of taxidermy they have and there's even a pretty cute rat by the register. I will have to splurge for my birthday and get a little something. I still feel like I want a skunk though. I also met Steven! He's the owner who has a pretty sweet, rat tattoo! This guy loves rats! Steven definitely lives in the right city. I also loved that the music playing ranged from Cabaret (Liza version, of course) to Bad Brains!!! So basically the perfect spot to hide in a corner and get your read on!! I picked up the recent Maximum Rocknroll along with a Viking ax, single earring! Pretty happy with my purchases. I even signed up for the upcoming events! This place is going to have some good ones, I just know it. Also brilliant that they are set up next to My fave NY comic shop, Desert Island!! read more

See all

Found this cool bookstore after visiting a shop about a block from here. I didn't spend too much time looking around as I had a 2 year old to run around after, but I noticed that they had some good anarchy literature. I'll definitely be back. read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Quimby's is such a special place! If it's independently published or self-published this bookstore has it. Whether you're looking for quirky art books, punk zines, sweet greeting cards, weird patches, or mainstream literary book titles, you will find something for you. Steven the owner is incredibly supportive of independent artists and bookmakers (and is one himself!)--I sell my work there, thanks to him! Support local Brooklyn artists, publishers and stores--visit Quimby's, I promise you will find something magical. read more

Happened to pass by it today and i felt like i was transported into another world. Lovely hidden gem, great music - would love to come back!

Fell in love with this bookstore which I stumbled into by chance. Lovely book selection with eye catching details hung up all over the walls. I bought myself some pretty cool reads and can't wait to go back again for more! The plus: the gentleman behind the counter gave me a little book of quotes by John Waters as a free gift!! read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A tiny storefront conceals a larger interior. If you are queer or kinky, it's Mecca in here. I left with a couple of hefty kink-related quarterlies and a copy of the latest BITCH that I plan to send to my dad. (Apparently 80 is the age at which he has developed a keen interest in feminist critique.) Also, a postcard of an adorable puppy with the caption, "I benefit from privilege even if I don't like it." I could've wasted hours in here but hungry tummies made it a short visit this time. Send your nerdy bff next door to the comic shop. Street parking only; I highly recommend taking the nearby G or L train. It is about as handicap-friendly as the rest of Brooklyn: narrow and a bit crowded. read more

Nice independent book store down the street from my work. Mostly new selection with a few marked down sale items from time to time. Great selection of punk music books . Cool art books and some political ones too!! read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

It is becoming such a rare thing to find a bookstore these days. Quimby's bookstore was founded in Chicago in 1991 by Steven Svymbersky who got the name "Quimby" from when he wrote comedic pieces for his high school newspaper in Illinois. I got to speak to him about his journey in the industry. After selling the bookstore in 1991 and moving to the Netherlands, he got the bookstore back and reopened in 2017. Quimby's is not like any other bookstore that I have been to. Selling items like Zeens, self-care booklets, postcard, buttons, and books on race, feminism, and LGBTQ from $1-$150, his shop sells things that aren't available anywhere else. Svymbersky even has his logo tattooed on the back of his neck. read more

See all

Rarely these days are there new additions to Williamsburg that embody the artistic, communal, counter culture essence of what the neighborhood once stood for. Quimbys not only adds something honest and culturally meaningful to the community but does it better than most. The owner Steven is super welcoming and proactive in creating a forum in which to feature local writers and artists. He also has a wonderfully curated collection of published books. It's a great place. read more

With retail establishment on the defensive these days and the ever growing dominance of Amazon, it's really nice to still see an independent bookstore like this. The owner seems like a really nice guy and welcomes each customer. They offer an eclectic mix of self-published material, magazines and small pins and buttons. They also feature the photography of several different local artists and some unique shots of the Williamsburg neighborhood. There are several small cozy benches or seats for taking a break and reviewing things. It's a non-rushed atmosphere that's a nice spot. read more

Quimby's Bookstore NYC - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

If you long for the days when you could pick up a zine written by human hands in a store surrounded by local art as opposed to the sterile coffee shops filled with people trying to impress you with their laptop usage than head here. Not only is the zine alive and well but if you prefer counter culture to instagram influencers you'll feel like you're in heaven. Just go here, buy something small (or many things!) and know that whatever purchase you make is keeping the Kardashian's one step away further from Brooklyn. read more

It was a small store but still had many books to choose from. I got this small book and it was super fun and short to read. The store owner was a nice old man and I will for sure come back soon! read more

Hands down one of my favorite bookstores in New York. I love visiting Quimby's and exploring their wide and unique selection of books and zines. A must see for visitors and locals alike! read more

So happy this location exists! Love the underground finds. My favorite place for zines.

One of the best bookstores in NYC. In addition to new and important works in gender studies, critical theory, postcolonial/decolonial studies, and other subjects, Quimby's offers a unique collection of zines and enamel pins and other art swag. The staff is lovely and knowledgable. A gem in a great location. read more

Wonderful selection of books and zines by local artists, and also a cool collection of stationaries and niche collectibles. I wish I spent a little more time in here but overall a great experience in this little gem. read more

Where to start with this place? The 70s punk they've always got playing? The loads of dope zines they have? The random and awesome events they put on? This place is a modern day church for all I care. Come here to feed the soul and meet some kindred spirits. read more

I really loved looking around this bookstore when I was visiting a friend in Brooklyn. The owner was friendly to talk to but in no way intrusive. A wonderfully curated selection of books and zines, especially social justice oriented. When a bookstore is on the smaller side it is such a treat to still get to spend lots of time browsing through and buying (a few) items of interest. read more

Good bookstore, good selection for a small store - a lot of genres and topics represented. Owner is nice & will make solid recommendations.

Quimbys is one of the best new bookstores in Brooklyn. Amazingly curated by the owner Steven, its impossible not to find something unique to enjoy! There's great art and photography around the store too. read more

Went here for the first time this week. They have a really cool selection of books, magazines and zines. The owner was really cool and Im stoked to have this place right by my house. read more

This place is what made new york so special..a dying breed, back from the dead. I applaud the owner for his courage in opening this very special little place in an age of abbreviated digital text and barely English conversation!!! That said, he was super helpful in helping me charge my phone as I perused the curation (not a real word, I know) of unusual publications. I think everyone should purchase at least one item in support. haha, I know you will find something that will tickle your fancy...I would hate to see something so nostalgic get lost in a sea of generic. read more

I love this bookstore. I always find something new and interesting here. Owner is cool. Affordable prices. Recommend.

Fantastic selection of creative, unique fringe and off-the-beaten-path books, zines, and topical publications. Very interesting selection of the print underground. Lots of things I have seen nowhere else. Inventory constantly changes, I always find new things. Great place to get turned on to new ideas, subcultures, specialty interests and weirdness. Every time I come to Quimby's I get at least 3 things, it never disappoints! read more

Quimby's is my favorite bookstore in NYC. There is a great selection of books and zines! I met the owner, Steven, and he's a great guy! If you are in Williamsburg, definitely check it out! read more

Do subcultures still exist? Is there still such a thing as an underground press? For whatever remains off the beaten trail and too rad for sad Amazon, Quimby's Bookstore is essential. The owner Steven has spent decades supporting and unearthing the wildest and the greatest in independent publishing and you'd be very hard-pressed to find someone more knowledgeable and passionate about this kind of material. The store's selection is fantastic, Steven supports publishers directly in a way that keeps artists working, and this is the kind of bookstore that should never be taken for granted. Anyone that would carry hundreds of 'zines--the kind of publications that ooze personality but have a pretty low profit margin--is a Saint. Give Quimby's Bookstore all of your love and money. NYC is lucky to have it. read more

I went to the opening of this place. The owner had a long list of thank you's and a truly moving letter from his friend in Uganda (?). But anyway... I practically shit my pants over how awesome this place is. I thought zines were dead. No. They are not. There are still a few old timers doing them. Counter culture? taxidermy? Medical oddities? It's all here. All of the things I love, in one utterly fantastic shop. I come from Portland Oregon, and this place was so Portland it actually freaked me out. I haven't lived there for over 15 years, but it was a peculiar reminder. I'm inspired. I'm going to spend a ton of money there and probably meet my future lover there, and I'm going to start a zine I'm also crazy, but whatever I still love this place. It instantly felt like home.Also, the owner's kids were the entertainment and played a music set. Among the song was In The Pines by Nirvana, one of my faves. and they killed it. Those kids are going to grow up cool. read more

I love this place. They have a delightful, reasonably-priced zine selection. I called ahead to see if they had "Radical Mycology" - and they did! I went there to pick it up and ended up staying for more than an hour. I left with like six zines. One of my favorite browsing experiences in a while! read more