If you haven't been to Rainy Day Books, and you've passed by at any point, you're really missing…read moreout! Every time I go into the shop, even if I think I know exactly what I want, every staff member is so knowledgeable and helpful that I always leave with more ideas on my TBR! The little shop is located in the tiny shopping center off Brush Creek Parkway, which means it can be hard to find parking if the center is petty busy--but it's worth it! They have great sections for adult reads, but they also have great sections for kids and teens--you'll find what you're looking for even if you're not sure what that is. Over the holidays, I even asked for kids and teens recommendations from the staff which they were happy to give! As noted earlier, their shop isn't huge, but full of possibilities. And if at the end of your visit, you really still want that book they don't have in stock, they'll order it for you for pick up or shipping--it's a simple process and they're more than happy to help people find their perfect next read. They may not be a book superstore, but they create value in their suggestions, recommendations, and their tiny book reviews and recs on the shelves (even in the teens and kids sections, written by kids and teens!). So glad to have found this place early on in my time in KC, and so happy that they're still doing their thing in their amazing bookshop!

Rainy day Books has lots of books (obviously) but what makes it stand out are the people who work…read morethere! They are the best & they will help you find the best book for yourself or a friend. their author visits are outstanding. Don't miss out on this local gem!

Super cool bookstore! I come here with my family and we stay for hours perusing the selections and…read morereading.

Such a delight! Enjoyed an hour Saturday browsing their selection-- could spend days here. Looking…read moreforward to returning soon. Purchased a book printed 50 years ago comparing where I lived for two decades in California and Kansas City, MO and an out of print philosophy of fairytales companion. Such a find!

Omg !!!! LOVED this bookstore. I live in the Northland so I don't often make it down to the OP area…read morebut stopped in here on a day out and I totally will be back at some point! They had a great selection of books and easy to find your way around with the organization of the books. Walked out with a nice little haul :)

The cutest bookstore I've ever been to! I discovered this shop on instagram years ago and had to…read morestop in on a trip to KC. They have great selection and a wide variety of books, houseplants and novelty items. 10/10!

Made it back to place, visiting a friend; and I give this place high marks for their efforts!…read more The big breakfast burrito, if you're into a little Hispanic spin for your breakfast - well this one is for you and it'll be a good one. I'd personally go for (more) cheese sauce next time. The salsa that came with this burrito dish - it appears they're making that salsa - and it's a great tasting salsa! So good a salsa, that I make one small suggestion: Instead of those Tostitos round chips being served as the side. Might I suggest something like the Tostitos Cantina style chip. The salsa deserves to be paired with a far better chip! And I'll mention again, the music memorabilia adorning the walls, sure is neat, all throughout the place. Somebody took some time collecting that collection of items!

It's great having a nice diner/coffee shop in town. Lindsay is an excellent chef and the food is…read morealways fresh and delicious. I enjoy that it is also a book store with a reading section and even two tables outside that I enjoy relaxing at while drinking my coffee. 4.5

Very nice book store and had some really good prices in some areas. Recommend a visitread more

A hidden Sedalia gem!…read more I was recently visiting family and decided to search for a used book store. I was pleasantly surprised by how cute this place is and they have pretty good prices too.

This was my first time at Afterword (though I have been meaning to go for a while) and I am already…read moreplanning on coming back! I love the vibe of the space, which is lined with bookshelves and they even have a card catalog. The drinks are fun and with some Literary references for the names. I had the poppy war and really enjoyed it. We sat inside but they also have an outdoor patio. The bathroom was also extremely clean. Service was very quick with barely any wait before the drinks were ready. I would recommend anyone that loves a cocktail to stop in!

Cozy, book-filled, and perfect for unwinding with a drink. I tried the drink of the month the…read moreBoozycatipillar, a fun literary-themed cocktail supporting Read to Lead KC delicious! The only downside? Ordering at the bar makes it tricky to hold your seat as a solo guest. Drinks are a bit pricey, but the ambiance is worth it. Great spot for book lovers looking to relax with a cocktail!

I love coming to KD's. As an educator, I can always find the "hottest and newest" books for my…read moreclassroom AND for myself! I love supporting local, and I love what they stand for as well. Every time I come in, I am always welcomed with friendly conversation. The price of the books are great, and better than you can get in those big box stores or Amazon. Support local book stores!

This store was fun a year ago when they had used books and fun book treasures, but it's even better…read morenow with an expanded adult section. They no longer have the used books, but they have all the new releases and more. I always stop in here when I'm in DTLS. The employees are so helpful. I love it when they have events. I once met a local author signing books, and we need more of that! I will continue shopping here so we can keep a great indie bookstore in business.

I had the joy of going to the new location for Monarch shortly after they opened it! I LOVED the…read moreatmosphere, book selection, and the fact that they also had plants and gift items as well. My one lament is selfish, and that's the fact that the antique books were, from what I understand, for display only (I collect antique books, so I always have an eye out for places to browse for them). I believe the person I met there when I went was the owner, who was extremely friendly! Plus I love that it's a locally owned store. Overall I really loved visiting and browsing. Monarch is definitely one of my go-to bookstores now!

What an adorable book store! This was my first time in. Went with a friend for their 6th…read moreanniversary party and it was fun. They had mimosas and cookies. They were selling blind date with a book books. My friend actually got a book she really wanted that way! I don't buy anything because I just can't right now, but I'll be back for sure. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was relaxing.

I go to romance bookstores in cities I visit and Under the Cover is probably the best I've seen!…read moreIt's large and organizes books by tropes. There's just a lot of small details that the owners have taken note of and implemented in the store. It's 2 large stores now (it's gotten bigger) and the decorations and gifts are wonderful. Very Instagrammable. Lots of books and gifts like candles, shirts, bags, knickknacks. Cute signs and decor. Books by local authors are highlighted. Staff is very helpful. Bathroom is clean and cute. There's lots of ladders that remind you that you're not Belle, do not stand on them! A must-visit if you're in KC!

I used to be in the bookstore business. Remember bookstores? Those cavernous spaces with endless…read moreshelves of books of which maybe only 5% actually got purchased? Yeah. Good memories. That's not the case at Under The Cover. This is a legit, almost boutique-ish, book and gift store. It's not a warehouse of books and just 'stuff'. No, their specialty lies with LGBTQ+ literature, awareness, and advocacy and that theme is everywhere in this cozy space. Under The Cover is moving books aplenty and their merch and sundries game is amazing. Throw up a hand if you're an LGBTQ+ supporter. Heck, throw up a hand if you're on the other side of those lifestyles, because Under The Cover will WELCOME you, too. There are plenty of Christian bookstores, so balancing that ledger with inclusivity and love by patronizing an alternative choice & lifestyle business should be on anyone's radar. The service is uber-friendly and they will give suggestions for just about anything. Sign their guest book (so fun!) or just drop your email to receive future discounts, notice of specials, or even in-store author events. Support local is not just a rallying cry for farmers markets or service industries. It's critical to buttress our friends and neighbors who pour their hearts and souls into offering the great city a neverending array of shops & locations by supporting their businesses. The value in a place like Under The Cover is not just in the price tag of the items. No, it's more in the merit of small businesses and their place in the fabric that is Kansas City. Parking is city-style, which can mean you're on your own. Prices are fair and consistent, and you will appreciate what this space has become and how it can add to the Union Hill area. Take the time, and the opportunity, to stop in and feel the love.

This is a small book shop tucked away inside a co-op art center. The floors creaked upon entering…read more I was greeted by one of the arts who joked how no one can sneak up on them anymore. According to the workers, their shops were new-ish due to half the space being constructed into a microbrewery. Prior to that, they were spread out around the space. Blue & Grey is the only book store within the four walls. The majority of the selection are history books and cookbooks. I found a large copy of the Illustrated History of Jackson County which detailed postal codes, city development, and land ownership in the early years. Other history topics include WWI, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. I also found the Collectors' Guide to Cookie Jars.There are some VCRs on the shelves too. Everything is reasonably priced. Becky, the owner, was bubbly. She talked to me about what's inside the store and showed me the adjacent art gallery featuring 12 local artists. It seemed that she really enjoyed working in this space with the artists. In short, this space is worth a walk through, and if you can support any of the local artists/vendors inside, do it!

From the owner: The Blue & Grey Book Shoppe has an expanded inventory of Civil War, Local History and other…read moreAmerican History books - New, Used, and Rare. Plus a selection of Fiction and Non-Fiction books, Doll Clothes, Maps, Curated Gift Items, Fine Art, and Much More.