I often swing pass Solid States Books to check out their newest collections of books. I like their staff team. They are always helpful. Good job team! read more

Lovely indie bookshop. I was glad I stopped by. It's a good size and everything looks very modern with light-shaded woods and high ceilings. There's a communal table and some high stools at a bench around the windows. Seems like a nice spot to hang out and do a little work. I came later in the evening so it was pretty quiet, there were a few people on their laptops who looked about ready to pack up. Everything was well organized and nicely curated. I liked the high shelving in the fiction section - it was high enough to pack in tons of books but not so high you were craning your neck to see what's up there. The tables were also well curated and I enjoyed browsing translated fiction. The non-fiction area is more split up into standing shelves by genre. There's also a sizable children's section at the back, and some bric-a-brac and stationery. The bookseller was engaged in a detailed conversation about British politics but did ask me how I was getting on and if I was finding what I was looking for. Definitely somewhere I'd hang out if I lived in town - DCers are lucky to have it. read more

Mid-sized bookstore that I'm happy has found a home on H Street. This is a welcomed addition to the area. As a Gen X'er who grew up with parents that didn't have a tv in the house but allowed me to choose any book in a library or bookstore to read, it's not surprising that my undergrad was in English and I grew a collection of thousands of books. However, as the years have gone by, I no longer armfuls of books each month to read. With a career that provides a constant onslaught of professional reading, I tend to catch up on my "fun" reading on my iPhone Kindle app on the metro to work. But, I do think there is a place for real books and real bookstores! If I want to buy a book as a gift, or a special hardbound copy of a book, or a special edition as a favorite, I'd like to go to a bookstore so I can pick it up, flip through it, see if it's better than another version. I say all of this to recommend to Solid State Books, I wish you carried more hardcover books! I understand that a couple decades ago, it was more profitable to carry paperbacks, since they take up less space and most people are looking for the best price. But now, if someone is price oriented, they pick up the cheapest version they can find on Amazon. If you want the NICEST version of the book, you go to a bookstore to make your own assessment. This is the niche I think bookstores can fill and will always have a leg up on the online shopping experience. Needless to say, Solid State Books has a decent selection. Fun recommendations from the staff. A moderate selection of each genre - though it can't decide between carrying a bunch of copies of the most popular books and a small batch of off the beaten path. I've often walked to Solid State Books looking to pick up a book I'm reading on Kindle or listening to as an audiobook, and found that they don't carry it, but do have multiple copies of the best selling books of the genre (again, let Amazon satisfy these customers), go full-fledged independent. Be the best at it, rather than try to be okay at everything. Besides books, there are many fun gifts for all ages, from puzzles to paperdolls, to calendars and coffee mugs. It's definitely a great place to bring kids and grandparents alike, when you're in the area. With a coffee served inside and fairly frequent book signings, it's a place that makes you feel welcome to come in enjoy reading with a like-minded crowd. read more

This independent book store is, well, solid. They have a good selection of adult and children's books, a small cafe with caffeine and alcohol, and a nice slate of events. I enjoy stopping by and seeing what's new, either for purchase here or to check out of the library later. They also have a nice table and bar tops for hanging out and working, though they fill up fairly often. One of my favorite things about the store is their hours. Whenever I'm wandering H Street I never have to check if they're open or not. Hopefully they will remain a fixture on the street for a long time! read more

I love Solid State Books. The more independent bookstores, the better, IMO. It's super cute inside and the staff is really friendly and helpful. They were easily able to find what I was looking for, even though it was during the busy H Street Festival. Plus, I got to choose a surprise free book, which is awesome. I look forward to coming back and enjoying some wine and some reading. read more

I'll admit I am not much of a book buyer any more, but like many people, I appreciate having an indie bookstore nearby to stop in, browse, and enjoy a drink or a snack from time to time. That alone probably cannot keep Solid State Books in business, but the 3 times I have stopped in since they opened, I have come with someone else who has purchased a bunch of books. I also know I will appreciate having them close by when I am looking for gifts for others. My two complaints about Solid State are that I wish they had a bit more wayfinding and easy-to-read signage on their shelves, and that they had more comfy places to sit near the shelves rather than just having seating in the cafe area. The clean and open minimalist style does have a certain appeal, but it also feels a bit sterile and businesslike, rather than encouraging you to discover and explore. The very minimal handwritten signage on the shelves (while still partitioning books into distinct topical groupings) also makes it hard to locate some of the more esoteric sections. read more

This is a solid bookstore and the only one in the immediate area. I love that there's a coffee shop. I like the little knick knacks and some of the writing notebook options. Not so much some of the attitude of those working here when they happen to be busy. Nevertheless, the shop will survive. Some of the events here seem interesting and I'd love to be a part of it sometime :) read more

When I moved to the area in DC, I was thrilled to find thus cafe/bookstore/bar on H St. They have a great selection of books, seating if you wanna grab coffee, a drink, or do work, Wifi, and even a nice kids area with great books and reading nooks. They also host events and numerous book clubs that are free and open to the public - and the clubs are tailored to specific interests and genres. Pro tip: Happy Hour is from 4-7 monday thru friday, and all alcohol is $1 off. Their long hours (open early, close late) are also a big plus. Will definitely be coming here often. read more

Solid State Books - Just some of their book selection - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I needed a book to read since I was too tired to go to another museum so I bought two just in case! Easy shopping!

It's not a book store, it's an experience. Beautifully designed and with a wonderful selection from day one Solid State has been solid. (I couldn't help myself, sorry!). They are doing their best at establishing themselves as one of the best bookstores in DC. The staff is friendly, they have a very good selection of books, they have children's readings a couple of times at week, a book club, etc. etc. etc. One of my favorite spaces on H Street. read more

This book store is great!! They have a nice little cozy children's area with toys, the staff is really nice and they have and they have some really cool books you don't see at the large corporates book stores. read more

Every time I walk into Solid State Books I'm reminded of why I love reading. The space is comfortable and whimsical. The shelves are well stocked and the staff is friendly. Definitely a must-visit spot if you're a book lover in DC. read more

Great book store! They keep good hours, the staff are knowledgeable and can direct you to whatever you need, and 9 times out of 10 I'm leaving with more books than I intended :) I love their selection of little gifts and locally curated art pieces. They have enough seating and some good events also. Definitely stop in! read more

I love this place so much. I recently moved to the neighborhood and have been coming here nonstop ever since I discovered it. It's airy and spacious, and is 80% indie bookstore, 20% coffee shop. I always get coffee (which is very good!) but I think they serve a small menu of different beverages. There are also some snacks and pastries for purchase (guys, get the Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie from Whisked! Game. Changer). I once came on a Saturday morning and there was a children's singalong in the back, where the children's section is. I suspect it's something they do every Saturday AM? It was SO cute, and really added to the feeling of being a community bookstore. I spent a couple of hours in there and there was a steady stream of people coming in the entire time. It's bustling and lively without feeling crammed. AND the employees are always SO pleasant and friendly to me. Support your local bookstores!!!!! read more

I like this book store. It has a great variety of books. The interior is really nice and there is good space for reading or working from there. They have a small cafe inside the bookstore. Although there's a good selection of books and products I would prefer to buy user books because the books here are very expensive. In addition, there are no power outlets!!! This part is very inconvenient. read more

I often need a quiet(ish) place to read or get some work done, and this is the perfect place. I like the open seating near the window - great for people watching. I've also sat at the bar area to grab tea/wine. It has a nice selection of books and is well-organized. Prices are comparable to other stores in D.C. I always get asked if I need help by multiple staff, all of whom are friendly. Great addition to H Street! read more

Love the comforting atmosphere and they have a great selection of books. It's nice to shop and buy local. The decor is an added plus.

Stopped by with my parents. Initial impression was good; nice selection of books. After we left, one of the employees ran after my mom and stopped us at the end of the block. She asked my mom if she knew she walked out with a book. My mom said she paid for the book and the girl demanded to see the receipt. We were kind of flustered by the whole thing. When my mom got home and looked at the receipt, she saw that in addition to the book she was also charged for a beer by accident too. So yea, not a great experience overall. read more

Smaller selection but a good variety. The day I stopped in last they had a children's story hour type event going on that seemed to be a staple. Ready cute stationary as well. read more

I love it here! I could wander around Solid State all night. Great selection of books, staff is friendly, and a cute little kids section if you're into that. read more

Great bookstore with a nice place to hang out and have a tea or drink some beer. If I lived nearby I would be there all the time

If you're searching H street for wrapping paper at 10:45 on a Saturday night, look no further because all your other searches will come up empty. read more

Today was the first time since I moved to DC I have had the privilege of going to a independent bookstore. This is such a great space and so needed as the larger bookstores have closed down over the years. I found some great collection of books to read and the cafe was a nice convenience. I brought in the baby as well, he napped while I got to enjoy some time reading and writing. I will be back very soon especially with the different events the store host. read more

Y'all - a big bookstore that 1) has a great selection 2) is open late 3) serves beer and wine 4) has a friendly knowledgeable staff?? YES, it's real! So excited to have found Solid State Books and even though I don't live anywhere near H Street, I hope to be coming back very soon. Excellent spot for your book needs in the District in addition to our other fine purveyors. The nice thing about Solid State versus other great book vendors in the District is points 1 and 2 above. They're open later than many others (except Kramers!) and they have a very wide selection so they're likely to have what you need in stock even if it's not the traditional DC politico fare. The space is beautiful, well lit, and would be great to spend some time in enjoying a beer and book. read more

I checked this place out this past Saturday in lieu of going to Barnes and Noble and boy oh boy what a great decision that was. With the help of Maria & Matt (I hope I remembered your names correctly) they helped me select 7 wonderful books after I explained to them my preferences and situation. They were so patient, so friendly, and what I loved most so happy to help. I love that the pop up location is small and unintimidating and I didn't feel as if I was drowning in books. Thank you guys! & Ariel at the register was a sweetheart as well. read more

I was going to wait until they opened at their permanent brick-and-mortar location to review...but Solid State is too great to wait!! Add this one to your bevy of great DC bookstores, because Solid State Books has it all: a friendly, book-loving staff; recommendations from knowledgeable booksellers; a growing calendar of author and book club events; and a small but well-curated selection of cards/crafts/prints from D.C. artists. They have packed an incredible array into their temporary dwellings, and a lot of cozy character to boot, making it the perfect place to take a stroll and find some literary gems you didn't know you (or a friend's bookshelves) needed. It doesn't hurt that you can grab a caffeinated beverage next door at the Wydown before scanning spines. I did a bunch of my Christmas shopping there, and they were able to deliver speedily on almost every title I wanted that wasn't already in stock. I'll take interacting with awesome folk and supporting the local economy over two-day shipping any day. Solid State is exactly what H Street needed, and I can't wait to watch their place in our community grow! read more

Solid State Books - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My favorite book shop!! The staff is wonderful and the shop is doing all it cater to customers during the pandemic. Shop local

This place just opened the other day and it's just amazing. I love that they have quick and reliable service. They also stock a variety of books from sci-fi to romance. Best book store around. read more

Amazing spot. The kid's section is to die for. Such a cute well-thought out space and a MASSIVE selection of kids books. Also had some great DC-themed gift ideas. We will be back many times! read more

This book store is nice. Since, you know, it's actually a book store. That said, I put in an order for a book trying to support them, the book is available for cheaper on Amazon, and when I called 6 days after the order was placed, the person who took my order the last time still had no idea when it would arrive, seemed genuinely confused about their own process for ordering, blamed me for his not being able to give me any information about the status of the book because "I didn't give my last name last time" (what?!), and was oddly defensive when I noted, kindly, that it seemed odd they couldn't provide any information. The book is also available at the library down the road... I guess I don't really see why I should support brick and mortar shops if in doing so I have to interact with this level of offensive service and don't even get the product, or an update on the order status, out of it... I'll probably still take my kid to run through the tunnel thing, with my Amazon-ordered book under my arm... read more

I love this little shop. Great book selection, unique and beautiful greeting cards and little gifts! The staff are really friendly. I love reading the staff recommendation cards, of which they have many. Buy a book here and then go read it at the bar in Whole Foods next door or at the Wydown cafe! read more

Wonderful book store with a thoughtfully curated selection. I try to support them as much as I can because they a great story time on Thursday mornings that my nanny takes my son to. read more

I'm from the midwest, but I discovered Solid State on one of my recent trips to DC and now make certain I visit the store whenever I return. The atmosphere is great, the selection of current (plus older works of course!) and relevant reads (as well as gifts) is marvelous, a great place to have a snack and relax while you browse. It's a definite must for people who love reading widely and keeping in touch. And I love the fact that they make room for groups to meet and for occasional live music. You folks in that area of DC are lucky! read more

I have been in many bookstores and was just passing by Solid State and had to go in. The bright store front lured me in to a fun experience. One of the best selections of books I have seen anywhere and I could sip champagne while browsing. What I thought would be a quick look about turned into 2 glasses of bubbly and several purchases. Super cool owners and great staff. So glad to have stumbled across and cannot wait to return. read more

Yay! Solid State's popup shop is open! 10-8 everyday. Super-cute! Great selection of best-selling & interesting books for the whole family. There's a cute children's section, great unique card selection, and other book-affiliated gifts. I checked--once they open the full store in January, sounds like they will have gift-wrapping service for all the parents who generally make the 10am Saturday Labyrinth or East City Bookshop run before the birthday party circuit kicks in! I'm really happy this store is open and part of the community!! read more

I absolutely adore this place! I went here for the first time today, and I can honestly say this is the best book store I have ever been to. The relaxing atmosphere, the cozy furniture, the welcoming and knowledgeable staff and cleanliness and aesthetic of the store is incomparable to any other book shop I've ever been to. They have a panoply of great books to choose from, and the customer service can't be beat. Will definitely come here again! read more

Great addition to the neighborhood. Story time is one of my son's favorite activities right now, and I get to snack on a pastry at the same time. They've done an amazing job of curating the book selection, and the staff has made some great recommendations for last minute gifts. read more

This place is such a great addition to the neighborhood. The books are au currant and reasonably priced. Looking forward to the expanded space. read more

These guys have the best book collection in town. The store is just amazing. The service is simply great too. You guys should really try them out read more

outstanding store with a great, open design