Sideshow Books

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5 years ago

Tony who runs this place is one of the most hospitable proprietors I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Truly. Today was my first day in the store and upon entering he greeted with me a hello and offered me a cup of coffee! In all the years I've been going to small mom and pop businesses, I don't think someone has ever once offered me a complimentary coffee right at my welcome. When I told him I was looking for beautiful antique books pertaining to geography, history, and California he steered me right in the direction where I was able to find wonderful vintage titles that fit perfectly into my new home's decor. Oh, and when I mentioned that our house was built in 1919 he steered me straight to a volume that was titled "1919". Insane that he knew exactly where that was. It's a real treasure and I wish I had only knew that this little receptacle of literary gold existed sooner. read more

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Tina V.

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2 years ago

Tony the owner, was so so nice! It was my first time at the bookstore and right when I walked in, he kindly greeted me and offered some expresso. Felt like I was treasure hunting for books and ended up with some great finds! Definitely recommend! read more

Sideshow Books - Books - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Steve D.

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11 months ago

This is a mad dream of a used bookstore, with towering shelves full of unexpected treasures and lots of nooks and crannies to explore as you learn to navigate its eccentric organizational system. (There is one, but you'll be so overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of stuff, you may not detect it at first.) I've found all kinds of offbeat items here -- a souvenir paperback collecting files from a cop who investigated JFK's assassination, a Ray Bradbury screenplay, a late-period Cornell Woolrich paperback I didn't even know existed, and all fairly priced. The genial & vastly knowledgable proprietor is always a delight to talk to, and there seems to be a constant kaleidoscope of community activities going on here -- cut-out collage art workshops, backyard film screenings, and who knows what else. (I wish I lived a bit closer so I could check out more of the events.) I wish this was my neighborhood bookstore, and so do you. read more

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John S.

83

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7 years ago

INITIALLY: Our first visit occurred in 2016. It was late at night... they closed at some ungodly hour which was fine by us, since we would have stayed until the cows got up (they had already come home. LoL). NEW LOCATION/PARKING: This shop is now much easier to locate than the original shop and if you stop by on a Sunday evening, like we did, parking is simply right outside. MY VISIT/PURCHASE: This place has an amazing amount of books packed into what may seem like a small space... but, the shop extends toward the back a good ways. Come with time to spare and check it out. I found a nice copy of James Hilton's Lost Horizon and Goodbye Mr. Chips in a single volume, delightfully presented in an ornate hardcover edition. It wasn't even on my list... I somehow overlooked it. GAME PLAN: I travel from bookshop to bookshop with printed list of classics I am looking for. Neatly stored in sheet protectors in a binder. That said, a bookstore is never a 1, 2, 3 visit for me... as I am seeking titles from multiple genres, and this includes dozens and dozens of titles. True no shop will have all that I seek but, part of the fun of collecting is an unexpected find that you simply stumble upon. This place is good for that. RECOMMEND?: Yes, most definitely. We'll be back. read more

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Ron L.

Elite 26 All-Star

97

604

7068

4 years ago

I needed to find a book, Good Sam, for a book club and I went to this local book store, Sideshow Books. The owner, Tony said he could get it for me and he text me a few days later. I am only a few minutes away so I headed over and I meandered around the labyrinth of books, vinyl and interesting memorabilia everywhere in this small store chocked full of fascinating items. This joint is a throwback to earlier days when one could take the time to explore a store and make a discovery, something not going to happen in ordering online. read more

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Joseph E.

4

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2 years ago

Yes, just yes. A living breathing used book store with poetry and danger, hidden corners that call you to get lost, and the ringleader Tony who will make actual real unhurried conversation with you and maybe an espresso if you are lucky. This is an affordable used bookstore for the kind of people who love dogeared annotated books pulled from forgotten Nantucket libraries and the occasional first edition signed collection of Anaïs Nin. If there is still some magic in L.A. buried under the tech spawn and YouTube stars in their luxury box apartments, the doorway would be found here. read more

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Rachel S.

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2 years ago

Best bookstore on earth. It's literally perfect. Great prices and the owner Tony is amazing. Stop in. Have some espresso.

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Liberty S.

33

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5 years ago

This is my ultimate favorite book store in all of Los Angeles! Before covid they hosted some of the best movie nights in the backyard, comedy shows, music shows even poetry night. This place is a haven for those who love exploring the world of books or just socializing with new folks from all over the globe. Tony the owner is the best person to help you get a good book ! He is super friendly and courteous! They even have art galleries !! And much more I can't wait for them to host these amazing events read more

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A Foodie F.

106

89

4 years ago

I am not from LA but stumbled upon this bookstore on a visit to a museum. I am a sucker for dusty mountains of books and cool people that love books like I do. I am a book collector, specifically of poetry and art. This place was a diamond in the rough that is actually Beverly Hills. The City of Angels is a trip, I tell ya. This round I only got two but I could spend all day there if I had the clout to buy everything that caught my eye. Thanks for the free espresso, was delicious! Never met a store owner that does that. read more

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herman b.

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1 year ago

such amazing atmosphere, pretty much anything you can think of- they have. highly recommend this place.

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J L.

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2 years ago

A small used bookstore packed to the brim with a great selection of reads. Books, espresso, & amazing service. Tony was super friendly & helpful. My favorite new spot! read more

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M Y.

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5

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4 years ago

This is a wonderful used bookstore with easy parking, welcoming owner and a wide selection of books! Everything is organized in sections and the owner is super helpful in case you need any assistance. He's clearly very knowledgeable about his inventory and cares a lot about his customers! read more

Sideshow Books - complimentary espresso - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Amy M.

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7 years ago

Really cool bookstore. I could easily spend an hour here browsing all the books. They also have sections on Dreaming, Alternative Healing, Science, UFO's, etc. There's cool art on the walls if you take the time to look. Some random stuff too like a box of found photos and vintage postcards. They close at 9 pm not 10 pm like it says for their hours. Weeknights after 7 pm, there's plenty of street parking! They have events like collage night, book club, occasional concerts. read more

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Steph H.

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10 years ago

Decided to kill some time here before catching a movie at the Nuart and it turned out to be a lovely visit. It's got that pleasant clutter of most used book stores, and whilst browsing the stacks I came across three books I wanted to check out--score! Plus 10% Yelp check-in discount--double score! Amongst the stacks you'll find the unexpected: a tiny screen on one of the shelves playing a vintage b&w movie, for instance, and a box of random snapshots (from god knows where) for 50¢ a pop--an art project in the making! The middle-aged gentleman working that night was very nice as well and I'm definitely looking forward to visiting again the next time I'm in the area. STEPH JUDGEMENT: Very cool used book store with all kinds of treasures. read more

Sideshow Books - Found photos 50¢ each! - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Sideshow Books - A shelf with a little screen paying vintage movies! - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Jasmine H.

Elite 19

3

84

93

7 years ago

I'm so glad I found this gem of a place! Whoever you are, you're bound to find something that sparks your interest here. The owner is kind and informative. Everything is fairly priced and negotiable. I can probably lose myself in this store for hours. I stopped by after a meeting at my company's LA office and I can't wait until I have to go to another meeting so I can visit this shop again! Support your local small businesses, especially this bookshop. read more

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Daniel B.

753

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5 years ago

What a phenomenal book store. Tony is intelligent and well versed in his collection of curios and books to read! Also, he makes a mean cup of espresso! Will definitely be coming back :) read more

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James B.

7

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4 years ago

This is nearly the platonic ideal of a traditional used bookstore. Books piled everywhere, good prices and great music. There's no cat and Tony could be a bit older and grumpier for my tastes, but nobody's perfect. read more

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Harry R.

13

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7 years ago

Been seeing this flyer posted about discounted books. Thought it was a pop-up shop on NORTH La Cienega. Nope, they should be at this location for awhile. And they are on SOUTH La Cienega, closer to the 10 freeway. Glad to see some used & vintage bookstores actually opening up nearby. Most of the ones I used to go to are now closed up for good. They also have some records, photos, postcards, art, & other curiosities. As well as special events! read more

Sideshow Books - 2018 Holiday Sale Flyer - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Sideshow Books - Special event calendar for December 2018 - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Sideshow Books - February 2019 events - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Jon M.

0

27

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2 years ago

At first when you whiz by you think it's like a mirage in the desert; what is a bookstore doing in this miserable stretch of La Cienega. And so I ignored it for months. I finally went there and found the mirage is actually paradise. The ideal used bookstore for everyone, with a vast supply of rare and wonderful books in every subject, and an owner who will do everything to help you find what you are looking for, or don't even know you want. How can we clone him and it? read more

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Judi C.

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14

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6 years ago

Was stuck in traffic yesterday on Cienega and saw this massive sign that just read "BOOKS". I decided I'd pop in for a quick minute because I was in need of a new book; however, I ended up staying for about 2 hours. The owner of this bookshop, Tony, immediately offered me a cup of coffee and, thanks to the cozy little seating area, I was able to actually sit and flip through some of the pages. Eventually I left with about five new reads, and I fully intend on returning (even if it's just for the coffee and conversation.) Highly recommend! read more

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Izzy V.

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7

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3 years ago

This place is one of my favorite bookstores. It's such a warm happy environment and they have the coolest books, magazines, and prints. The workers are so nice and offer you an espresso when you walk in. It's really the perfect used bookstore. read more

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Alena M.

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3 years ago

If you're looking for a unique local bookstore, please show your support here. My husband and I found this place by pure happenstance and we are so happy we did. Tony, the owner, is incredibly kind and helpful. His store is fun, eclectic and filled with all kinds of books. You could spend hours perusing. He immediately made me feel like an old friend when I called and gave us an incredibly generous offer for all of the books we were selling. Thanks again, Tony!! You're the best!! read more

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Bijeta L.

10

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3 years ago

Exploring this store was such a wholesome experience. They also have a great selection of books!

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S K.

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22

1

3 years ago

Cool place! Lots of books and the owner is really nice. Lots of cool rare books you won't find anywhere else. Just an all around great place to hang out and buy vintage books. But I noticed sometimes they charge me tax and sometimes they don't? So not sure about that.. read more

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Ashley P.

231

90

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5 years ago

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK STORE I've EVER BEEN TOO. Immediately when walking in the owner offered us free espresso which we gladly took. He then offered our dog some water which we also gladly took. He had a very large selection of books. I was in for an hour and probably could have stayed an hour more. When checking out, he knocked down the price of one of my books by ten dollars because he thought charging a book that much was too much. He also briefly chatted about each book each one of us got. After leaving, we all talked about how much we loved his collection and eagerness to please. I told my local friend I would visit again just to experience this book store again. Please support your local bookstores and visit Slideshow Books. read more

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Lucy Z.

1

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11

6 years ago

this place is a hidden gem . when you walk in it feels so comforting & home like. thank you Toni for offering me some coffee, so very kind of you , it adds so much warmth to the book shopping experienceI found so many books I wouldn't normally find at main stream bookstores . Can't wait to return read more

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Andrew E.

22

8

19

7 years ago

Best book store you will ever find. Please respect the vibe though. It's one of the few places in LA that still has the RIGHT kind of love. Not a place you go in and out of. It's a place where you find yourself. The staff is always ready to help, but if you want to check their hours and merchandise it's best to call before heading over and wasting your energy. Plus the art is pretty amazing if you take a moment to look up at the ceiling. I would even recommend bringing someone here for a fun date. It's a good place to let go and just have fun. :) read more

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Natsuki M.

436

198

222

12 years ago

This age, everything has become digital with bookstores being replaced with American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch. I'm glad sideshow is here to stay and to be open late as well! I'm not certain what the exact hours of operation are but I know they're open quite late (10:00p). Although small, they have a great selection of books and the workers are very helpful and kind. It may be difficult to navigate around the store so don't be bashful and just ask for help! They're quick to lend a hand and help you get what you want! They have a good selection of sci-fi books. Just bought a Philip K. Dick book there just yesterday! read more

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Todd S.

203

50

1

8 years ago

Great example why great book stores are closing or folding because of Barnes and Noble... Yelp said this place was open, I drive over (I don't live around the corner either), and apparently it's closed until 2pm...a note on the door said they were recovering from the Royal Wedding. Great business model. Not returning if this place can't stick to their hours. read more

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Dovid K.

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2

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6 years ago

You don't know where you are unless you know where you have been. Before the electronic media, people would become educated through books, follow dreams and explore far away lands through the printed word mixed with the imagination of the reader. Things have changed since then. We are in a time when truth is relative; true and false have become archaic concepts--replaced by alternative facts. Sideshow Bookstore captures the past, returns the person to a mellower time through the rows of books and illustrated posters from a gentler generation. Books have become a sideshow. Only a person who loves books could build such an establishment. Thank you Tony. read more

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Anika N.

0

2

0

6 years ago

A great but messy bookstore, books are everywhere on the floor and it's hard to walk around. They've a lot of books piled up, hard to find, since they're not well sorted. They've a great selection of Hollywood's movie stuff, from books to scripts, since they're in the area. The price is on the high end of a used bookstore. Most HC are $10+ and the worse of all is the owner like to close his store during published business hours. I drove by two times during the week during business hour and it's closed. A bit frustrating, I'd suggest you to call before going to confirm. read more

Business owner information

Tony J.

Annika,…

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More info about Sideshow Books

1639 La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Pico-Robertson
Directions
(310) 428-4631
Call Now
Visit Website
http://sideshowbookstore.com

Hours

What time does Sideshow Books open?

Sideshow Books opens at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Friday.

What time does Sideshow Books close?

Sideshow Books is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Sideshow Books closes at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.Sideshow Books closes at 5:30 PM on Friday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Thu, Sat-Sun 12:00 PM - 6:00 PMFri 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Sideshow Books take credit cards?

Yes, Sideshow Books takes credit cards.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Sideshow Books have bike parking?

Yes, Sideshow Books has bike parking.

Does Sideshow Books have parking?

Yes, Sideshow Books has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Sideshow Books wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Sideshow Books is wheelchair accessible.

From the Business

Specialties

Sideshow Books specializes in vintage, used and new rare books, magazines, journals and ephemera in the realms of Modern Art, Photography, Crime, Pulp Fiction, Cinema, Rock n Roll, Sci-Fi, UFO, Esoteric, New Age, Exotica, Afro-American Pulp, Womens Studies, Lesbiana, Gay, Sexuality, Erotica, Vintage Illustration Art, 1960s Concert posters, Gently used Literature and classic childrens books. One-of-a-kind finds including signed books, limited editions, original artwork, arcane media, and long-forgotten writings re-discovered. Specials change weekly.

Review Highlights - Sideshow Books

“Tony who runs this place is one of the most hospitable proprietors I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.”

Mentioned in 19 reviews

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