This location reminds me a lot of the Barnes back in the day when they weren't these massive stores…read morewith tons of tchotchkes. The emphasis at location is mainly books and I love that checkout is at the entrance unlike The Grove where it's at the very back and you have to ping pong your way through tables to exit with your purchase. Location was also very well stocked and organized and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.

We do go to this location more often than other Barnes locations because it is closer but once…read moreagain, we went in last night and Jasmine was visibly horrible to us. We walked in, she glared at us- I tried not to think much of it, but as she was finishing ringing me up I looked up to thank her and she was literally grimacing at me, and this was after she tried to hurriedly ring me up without even asking if I was a rewards member (I am) or anything else. I keep trying to give her the benefit of the doubt because I also work in retail, but girl just seems miserable. Literally I have NO other issues with any other employee there, everyone else has been so kind so I brought my review up to 4 stars from 3. But if you're going to give me a dirty look Jasmine, wait until I turn around. This is a smaller location but I'll continue to visit, I just really hope Jasmine isn't there- it's always uncomfortable when she is.

We are so lucky to have a bookstore like this in Venice…read more I have been coming here for years and it is wonderful. Hidden in plain sight, tucked behind the bar. The selection is the thing I find most impressive. I've bought a myriad of books over the years, often looking for specific translations or editions and they almost always have what I'm looking for. The people that work there are nice and helpful (in a slightly "idc" barista/mixologist cliche kind of way, ha) All of the books I've purchased there (often classics) have been between $10-20. Also, they have fat cats cruising round! I absolutely love love this place. Maybe I need a tshirt at this point. Or a tote bag

This is a safe haven for those walking around Venice beach!!! When I saw the storefront sign, I got…read moreinstantly excited and dragged my partner in! Hahaha The store is well organized. It's situated behind a restaurant. It is actually quite spacious and has a ton of great books of all genres. A ton of popular, recent books! Loved the environment and how it's a gem tucked away at the beach.

TRUE FACT: It's not -everyday- you find a place that significantly surprises, is pure cool, and is…read moreflippin' hilarious....... Or is it -everyday-? The Time Travel Mart One time, I was told this about this place that was selling time travel supplies, that's pretty much what I was told. So in my head I thought it could be anything from a joke shop to an eyebrow-less guy's electronic shop. But anyway I went, well we went, me and my friend D. Miscavige. Maybe the best part about this place is discovering it. It's really well hidden / in plain-sight on a major street. But still, when you walk up, there it is: A giant sign that clearly reads "Time Travel Mart" and windows that say a whole-lot else. (i.e. Chubble, and Robot Milk) Awesome, then you're inside what looks like like an outpost/sundry shop/living room. Cool, then, upon best the part, "Exploration" you experience what's a like a mini Willy Wonka factory reveal but for "Time Travel" (everything is edible = nothing makes sense).......................... But it all does, in the end.) The space is filled with all sorts-a-stuff. (loose rundown)*ever changing 1. Medicines, tonics, bottles, potions, liquids, maybe purification slugs. 2. Choice gear. 3. Cold Fusion 4. An exquisite library. 5. -Infinite- other stuff BOOBAM - this place is bumpp. And now here I am, and I'm like what is this place? What time is it? Enter lovely lady from the future: She goes on to make sense of the whole moment. She explains that all of this awesome stuff is made by, and supports 826LA; 826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Cool right? Yes very. But what makes this place of particular note is simple: The idea is spot-on, the practice is spot-on (anyone with something to share or teach can apply to volunteer) And the products are spot-on (seriously spot on) You read the stuff I wrote before. Some other cool notes, you can download an 826LA album on iTunes that kids wrote, and some true pro music makers performed. Watch how much of that robot milk you drink. Make sure to get your PASTport. This really is the type of place that improves everything around it. And absolutely should be -anywhere- it's needed. Timing is everything. TRUE FACT: It's not -everyday- you find a place that significantly surprises, is pure cool, and is flippin' hilarious....... Or is it -everyday-? The Time Travel Mart One time, I was told this about this place that was selling time travel supplies, that's pretty much what I was told. So in my head I thought it could be anything from a joke you read what I wrote before Lata

Wish I could leave an actual review, but for a Time Travel Mart that promises to already be…read morewhenever you are, I'm not actually certain if they're open to regular business anymore? I love the Echo Park Time Travel Mart and wanted to give their Mar Vista location a visit sometime while I'm on the west side. Their hours are pretty limited. Google and Yelp claim Friday to Sunday from 12:00-6:00pm, but buried on their own website it says 2:00-6:00pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays. Not sure which is more up to date. But I've gone out of my way on two separate occasions when the hours overlap, and both times they've been closed anyway. Their website does warn they're often closed during their hours and to call ahead, but I haven't gotten an answer. (I guess because they're usually closed?) So yeah, if you can catch them when they're open, great! But I wouldn't advise going out of your way for it unless you can call in advance and confirm they'll actually be open.

The owner is deeply knowledgeable about his wares and curates some rad tunes for your listening…read morepleasure while browsing his wide, well-organized selection of reasonably priced books and records. He has the gift of striking up an unintrusive, perfectly timed conversation---definitely a guy you could spend hours talking to. This is a very comforting, peaceful, nostalgic, and intellectually stimulating place to be---in stark contrast to most other places in Venice/ Santa Monica. As always, I'm particularly keen on supporting small businesses whose existences stand in quiet defiance against the offensively priced, soulless, consumerist corporate franchises that are most businesses nearby. I would certainly come back if I was ever in the area again.

A really great used book and record store where you can find a little bit of everything for a…read moredecent price. The inside is literally filled floor to wall with books and records which is a literal dream for a bookstore lover. The owner is also the nicest guy and plays some great tunes while you shop around. Also always available to help you find exactly what you are looking for, and knowledgeable in what he has for sale. We have been 2-3 times now and plan to make this a regular stop in the future!

Excellent service and marvelous products ... have shopped here for years never disappointedread more

They have some really amazing gifts and home goods in this store, even if it is a bit bougie and…read moreoverpriced.

Independent bookseller. They will do special orders! And the big plus? They have a cat named…read morePages! Lots of off street parking!

The Book Jewel is a small independent bookstore located in Westchester. One of the co-founders used…read moreto own another bookstore in Long Beach called Gatsby Books. The bookstore is not super big, but the store already has Halloween decor on display throughout the store. The store has a smaller gift selection but has some interesting sketchbook kits as well as cute custom greeting cards. There's a section in the back with bestselling books and the bookstore hosts a book club every 2nd Friday of the month at 6 PM. Overall this is a solid local community bookstore. P.S. - Easy free parking with a large shared parking lot behind the building.

Kinokuniya has all your stationary needs! I love this place. It is very similar to Maido in the…read moreMitsuwa Torrance location but this store has a bigger selection. They sell notebooks and pens galore! If you're looking for a unique gift, this is your place. Although it's not a good deal, they now offer a yearly membership for $25. You get 10% off most items and a $10 gift card if you spend $300...what a deal! -not really.. Nonetheless, I enjoy coming here and looking at their calendars, Moleskine inventory and random Pushnee cat collections. They also sell a ton of Manga, although I'm not a fan the inventory is quite impressive. Kinokuniya is fun and beats the pain of looking for parking at their Little Tokyo location!

I love this store, located inside the Mitsuwa market. It offers a great selection of books, pens,…read morestickers, traveler's Notebooks, and many gift items. You can also find Japanese manga and other unique Japanese goods. Their always excellent selection includes blank books, journals, plushies, and cute tote bags. Also, some T-shirts, mugs, mood rings, and coffee mugs. I came in for adult coloring books. Immediately next door, you'll find a market specializing in all Japanese foods and sundry items. This includes fresh sushi to go and shops featuring all kinds of Japanese fast food. After shopping, you can enjoy a meal there--shop, then eat: it's a great plan. Friendly service. Easy to park!

They always have good music playing. They always have a large selection of used CDs, which is what…read moreI go in for. I have found vintage CDs of a favorite musician for a reasonable price, in very good condition.

So I got to LA early to pick up a best friend from the airport and I'm so happy I found this store…read morebecause it helped me kill time and I got some cool things Truly, a wonderful store! I got a handful of things that I think are totally affordable in my mind. I got a great value. They were nice enough to talk to for a minute

An adorable store! Lots of great items, for a wide range of…read morewallets, but all of them seeming fairly priced. They have lots of things: decor items, clothes, buttons, bags, books... Their clothing line for kids is to die for, and very budget-friendly for handmade, cool-looking t-shirts, pants etc. They also have some original, vintage, never worn Nike stuff from the 80s-90s which I would spring for if I actually had kids. But I don't so that's besides the point. It's a bit of a bric-a-brac, which makes it even more appealing. Will definitely go back when I need to shop for gifts... and make the trip even more worthwhile by getting a drink at one of the restaurants nearby, facing the ocean! Definitely recommended.

Great little gift shop located in Fisherman's Village just steps from the marina!!! Highly…read morerecommended for tourists!

Fantastic used section, and very wide array of current books as well. Staff is always available and…read morehappy to help, and the discounts make it hard for you to leave without purchasing something.

Pulp Fiction has always offered a decent selection of new and old comics, and I absolutely loved…read moretheir previous location. That being said...I'm not a fan of their new location. I went down there on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, and right in front was a homeless man and a pile of what was very likely human shit smeared on the sidewalk lol. Now, I know this isn't necessarily a fault of the comic shop itself, and I do sympathize for the city's unhoused population, but having that being my first impression of their new location was kind of jarring. Never encountered this issue at the old location. I do plan to visit again though, and maybe next time can have a more pleasant experience and give the full five stars.