The Book Cellar is really much more of a community center than just an independent book shop or cafe. They have a lot going on, and there is much to take in: live readings, comedy and theatrical performances, classes, book clubs and a rendezvous for some other meetup groups. I just last night took in a free reading by three local writers. These are a little like listening to other people's music. The work may or may not speak to you, but the intimate setting, the helpful staff, and friendly writers (looking to sell books!) all make for a potentially fun evening at little cost. I even won a pair of tickets for a movie premiere at The Landmark. How great is that? I have not really taken advantage of the cafe offerings other than the coffee and a glass of wine, and an occasional cookie. But prices for the small plates and salads are reasonable. Wines are $7-9.00 per glass, and coffee and tea drinks are standard cafe prices. I am not a fan of the Julius Meinl coffee, but every once in awhile it's OK. What I like best about Book Cellar is that it's one of those "condensed" businesses that offers narrowed choices to customers. I get a little overwhelmed in any kind of "mega-shop", so I appreciate the Mayberry aspect where quantities are limited, quality is high, and many of the books have little summaries or reviews by the staff attached to them. It's a great place to browse, and one of the best little shops in Lincoln Square. Love the magazine choices and foreign publications. It has been the hangout of choice for many of my British and European visitors, 'cause, well they require an "intellectual" ambience! Standard little outdoor cafe/corral in summer, overlooking the "Square" and the fountain. Great people-watching. read more

I don't know what it is about this place, but I really like it. It's cozy; it's comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful. I've discovered several books in here and am always really excited to get home and start reading. The little cafe is good, also. There are several tables up front and a handful of comfy chairs in which to hang out and read. There are also a couple of chairs toward the back of the store near the bathrooms, if you're looking for a quieter spot. Oh! And the bathrooms...always super clean, which I think is a huge plus in a place where you could easily spend several hours. read more

There's a Twilight Zone episode where a banker ends up the lone survivor after a nuclear blast. He's happy because he can now read all the books he wants in peace without being bothered by his boss or his nagging wife. Without being too dramatic, if I had to be somewhere as the lone survivor, why not at the Book Cellar? Books, Coffee, Wine...just a few of my favorite things. There is a great selection of books and I love the local author and Chicago books section. I have enjoyed some events/book-signing there, each showcasing local authors. As others have said, it is small and the aisles can feel a little claustrophobic when the store gets full of customers. But I love the charm of tall, overflowing bookshelves and I always welcome book suggestions so the staff picks/recommendations are always helpful too. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I have yet to have any of the snacks, but have always enjoyed the glass of wine or cup of coffee while breaking into a book. Always had a great experience at the BC. Now if you knew the Twilight Zone episode I was talking about, no worries, I have 2 pairs of glasses :) read more

Books...Wine...sounds like a win-win situation to me. Located in the heart of Lincoln Square, this little bookery fits absolutely perfectly into the sqaure's adorable clustering of quaint and singular shops. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want to grab a great read and simply turn 180 degrees and be able to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine and a nosh. As for the book selection, I am amazed. It feels as though the buyer picks each book by hand making sure to appease all niches. They have a great selection of art history and architecture books. I give many thanks to the Book Cellar for selling me "Anthropology: 101 Ture Love Stories" by the sardonic Dan Rhodes...my new favorite book. If you're looking for the mass hysteria that is Borders or Barnes and Noble, don't come here. If you are looking for a laid back cozy place to find some wonderfully amusing books and wash it all down with a chilled class of reisling, The Book Cellar is for you. read more

I love this place...Its a very trendy bookstore because it has a liquor license . So you can buy wine and beer and read "Diary of a Madman" drunk. Or peruse some novels written by good old Charlie Bukowsky such as : "women", barfly, and "post office." Maybe you need to call a taxi to get you home after leaving this bookstore.. Who said "don't drink and drive after a night from a club or a bar"? Unfortunate incidences can happen at a bookstore. I would never know reading can be dangerous. II read more

I went here my first day ever in Chicago. The guy working the register was condescending and made a loud, rude remark to us about our age as we sat at a table, laughing quietly to each other. Now, we weren't teenagers but a group of people who look very young, and this guy was maybe 3 years older than our oldest group member. That alone has made me not want to return even though I live here now. read more

It's an amazing place to spend an afternoon eating quinoa salad, sipping on coffee and wander in a pile of books. This place will make you wanna snuggle and read all day. Not to forget they have wine too; coffee, books, wine and sunlight, what else do you have to ask for? read more

The Book Cellar - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

For a small bookstore, they seem to cater to my brand of nerd. My aunt first brought me here for Essay Fiesta, and ever since I've been trying to work on something I want to submit myself. The space is cozy and reeks of bookworm love, and I can't resist killing time in their small cafe, sipping a mocha, and more often than not ordering a panini. The staff is of course friendly, and the place is quiet as most book oriented places are, which is perfect for zoning out and buckling in on writing. I would love it if they hosted a NaNoWriMo event. As bookstores go, this place is a little haven for me. They've got a good selection of Fantasy, Fiction, and of course little gifts for us book nerds. read more

The Book Cellar is a cute, cozy (read: small) place that fits in well with the neighborhood. I like the feel, but the aisles were a bit cramped. I went in right after the holidays so they were low on stock. I wanted one of two books-- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathon Safron Foer. Both are pretty well known, so I was surprised they didn't have either in stock. But I suppose it's to be expected right after Christmas. At least people are reading quality books! I liked the staff picks and explanations scattered throughout the store. If I'm in the area, I would definitely return. read more

Love this independent book store! The tremendous book selection has me returning, as well as the cozy environment that it exudes with its warm café area. The Julius Meinl coffee here is great, as are the sweet treats. They sell wine by the glass here, as well! I come here to purchase books, drink coffee, eat treats, and engage in thought provoking conversations. Space is a bit tight, with 6 small 4-seater tables, and a nook area of 4 comfortable chairs. The major drawback is the perpetually-down internet. I've never been able to sit down with my macbook here, as the staff has incessantly claimed the Internet is "oddly down." It's been "oddly down" each 8x I've visited. Failure. Just say there's no internet, and spare us the wasted resets and time! read more

I have an "in" with bookselling industry so I don't buy a lot of books at retail but I have been in here to browse a few times. Their selection is really good for such a modestly sized space and the cafe seems like a nice date place. However, there's something about the atmosphere in here that seems a bit chilly. It would help if the staff were a bit friendlier. Not a "what can I sell you?" kind of friendly but just a "hi" and a smile kind of friendly. read more

I love this bookstore. I had my book launch here, and couldn't have asked for a better spot. Nothing's better than a nice, cozy, friendly spot and stacks and stacks of good books. Everybody there is fantastic. Check it out, if you haven't already. You'll love it. . read more

I must admit, I used to wander into the Book Cellar for the sole purpose of visiting my former neighbor Steve (great guy!). Now, I go because I just love the feel of this neighborhood place & also to read the reviews written by the staff. I love to wander around their stacks & read the notes hanging from the shelves with recommendations. I would not have you think I do not buy things from there--I do! However, sometimes I am broke--so I just go to peruse stuff. The owner of this store is very friendly & you can tell she loves her store--that is so refreshing to see. She goes out of her way to host special events here: readings by authors, signings by authors, book clubs, etc. If ever you are in this hood, check it out. Oh, they also have food--yum! read more

The Beatles once sang, "All you need is love." While that may be true, I believe you could make the argument that all you need are great books and great wine. Enter The Book Cellar. My favorite book store of all time, and for so many more reasons than the ones you might imagine. Yes, it is a book store for the average wino, but without even that unique element it is just an amazing place to purchase books. It has a fantastic selection crammed in but still well organized. You receive help when you need it, but there is no pushy sales guy asking you what you are looking for. A trait I love. Every time I am there, I spend at least a half an hour getting lost in the rows of bookshelves without interruption. When I lived in Chicago, if they did not have a book I wanted, they ordered it for me. It was wonderful. Every time I go back to Chicago, I go to The Book Cellar because I am not just shopping, I am experiencing. read more

Cute little shop with plenty of temptation for an avid reader like myself. I like that the shelves are so close together, makes me feel like I am treasure hunting. I found a few books that I would like to have but will save for another day because I already have a stack of unread ones. I did not try any of the food items but the menu looked decent. I did have a hot chocolate because a warm drink in a bookstore is tops. read more

The Lincoln Square/Ravenswood neighborhood was a place I had not known much about. It was difficult to visit given that I would go to Belmont, downtown, or Wrigleyville most of the time. The time came when I found a place to take Portuguese classes at. Then I decided to explore the neighborhood. Then I found a remarkable cute-looking square with medieval-themed pubs, a very classy dessert cafe, a European style supermarket, and then the Book Cellar. The cafe is unique in that there is a space to drink coffee and sit down on one side and then there is a small, cozy, indi style bookstore on the other side. I had a good time readying my book and coming to this one-of-a-kind cafe which was clean, peaceful, and full of books. My only reservation is that the seating area is kind of limited so if the maximum capacity of the cafe is filled, then I have to shed a tear and exit the cafe... :( read more

I feel that I need to start my review by stating: I especially like that they sell wine by the glass here! This place is a cozy addition in Lincoln Square. It can be a bit too cozy, with little space to walk around when it's crowded. They have a decent selection of books, and I like that they have a lot of cookbooks! They also have a ton of recommended selections. However, this is a small bookstore, so they do not have as vast of a selection as other places. I am sure they can order whatever one needs though. Their cafe is wonderful. They have a few sandwich options, and lots of different coffee drinks, and of course, wine! :) read more

Wow, a bookstore that sells wine instead of lattes with their books! And in a really cute little neighborhood. You're not gonna find books that have been in print for awhile here, though. Most of the literature is hot off the press, which can be a good thing, depending on what you're looking for. read more

Bookstore concepts are a rainbow from dingy subcellars dripping in resident bats and moldering pages to Guggenheim steel-serpent affairs where books are holographic glass panels delivered by androids. The Book Cellar marries two very scholastic past times, reading and getting sauced on wine, for a much needed addition to the Chicago scene. I am a oenophile (wine-o-phile, aka gimme that pinot noir, stat!), literary omnivore, and writer. Naturally coming into the Book Cellar is something like going home. I sailed past a case of baked goods in search of a glass book-panel and a volume of wine. I might have that backwards. Surround me in too many shelves of books and I eventually go haywire as my natural sorting abilities short-circuit. Well-ordered and labeled shops, then, induce a distinct pleasure. Bookstores cluttered up with more materials than jumbled junk on my teenaged sister's bedroom floor turn me right off. The Wine... err, Book Cellar has a certain elegance to its arrangements which practically demands swanning down an aisle with a good burgundy or syrah dangling from your fingers in one hand, the other plucking at gems in the rough. The employees here breed a certain sort of informative halo around them. Snag one and ask for recommendations, you will soon be engrossed in a vivid conversation trekking across authorial continents. Nothing thrills quite like reaching out for a fellow reader to get directions, and ending up leagues from where you intended in a destination even *better* than the one you fantasized when you walked through the door. The book selection avoids Airport Bookstore Syndrome (coined here first). Sure, some bestsellers are visible, but local finds and staff favourites predominate the stock. Real treasures that won't be on the top 100 at Amazon, but still have enormous value, are at every turn. Slap on your favourite hat, don some lovely gloves, and delve like Victorian explorers of old into the deepest, darkest heart of Literary Chicago. Now get one of these in Detroit, stat. read more

Gotta love the local, independent bookstores. This one's way cute, they have an excellent selection of books in key categories (travel, cooking, fiction, children's books), and you can't beat the wine and sweets in the cafe area. They also have plenty of events for adults and children alike. I enjoy, in particular, the staff picks--handwritten tags taped to the shelves underneath the books--and the local author/signed copy section. If they don't have what you want, they'll order it--most ordered books arrive within 2-3 days. I browse for books at Borders and Amazon, then I do my actual buying here. Totally recommend it. read more

I love the fact that this place stays alive, so that I can feel good about buying books from an Independent book seller instead of being a slave to Borders/Barnes and Noble. Even though they have food, the books are never manhandled or show signs of being 'perused' over (or under) a sandwich. Just like your local chain bookstore, they will order anything they don't have in stock at your request - unfortunately I don't see much of a point in that, since nowadays you can order a book yourself and have it shipped directly to your home. My only detraction about the store is that the employees sometimes give me the impression that I'm just not cool/Gapers Blocky enough for them to deign servicable. read more

I want to like all independent bookstores. I do. And I wanted to like this place, but the truth is that this store is not for people such as me. It is not for people who are not young or who have multiple young children or don't have tons of money to throw around. If you aren't like me, enjoy. Please. I WANT you to go to this place, because I want local businesses to thrive. If, however, you are at all like me, you would probably be better off elsewhere. The book prices are new book prices. No surprises there. But it takes itself SO seriously. You walk through the doors, and it reminds me of that line from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: "The place is like a museum. It's very beautiful and very cold, and you're not allowed to touch anything." Any kids wandering around are looked at with a wary eye, and heaven help children that speak above a whisper. They do events for kids, but they're the quaint events that seem cool unless you're not in your 20's or have two kids or more...the kind with banjos. Also, unless you're used to dropping $15 per person on a snack, don't eat here. The prices may well be comparable for what they serve, but it's also really high all things considered. read more

First, their selection has all the top sellers you might be looking for but also has some interesting oddities and sections including a hefty one on Chicago. Also some fun gifts and cards. Second, booze. Third, cafe. Need I say more?????????? Forth, they host several low-pressure book clubs of different genres including general literature, young adult, classics, spirituality, and many others. Chances are you'll connect with some clubs and books here. I attended the Book Cellar Book Club for years until I moved away....now that I'm back in town, I will likely be joining again. Fifth, they also host book signings and tours. Lots of fun in a small space--much more intimate than at a huge Barnes & Nobel or something like that. Sixth, it's in the heart of Lincoln Square right outside the neighborhood plaza and fountain. Swoon. read more

My favorite thing about the Book Celler is that they have staff suggestions, with little cards reviewing the books posted under some of the staff favorites. When I'm just browsing the shelves, those are what I look for. I've bought a couple of books based on those suggestions, and loved them. Their stock is not all encompassing, but it is eclectic, and their displays might lead you to find something interesting you didn't know about. read more

Simply the loveliest book store in Chicago... Much of this is a reflection of Suzy, the owner... The stacks are not large but wonderfully edited. The staff picks are a wonderful offering. Also, they're fabulous about special orders - I've done a lot of that. If you join their buyers' club, you get 10% off book purchases. Once you hit $250, you get $25 store credit. The periodical selection is smallish but nice. Wonderful greeting card selection, stationary, journals. The cafe is delightful. Really nice food, reasonably priced. My faves? Veggie chile, grilled chees sammies and the salads. The seasonal salads are so delicious, they often sell out. The wine list is very well selected. Beers are tremendous - only serve Unibroue from Quebed. (The Ephemere is particularly tasty, especially on a summer day.) Though it's primarily wine/beer, throughout the year drink specials are offered - Irish coffee in winter, fabulous mint juleps during Kentucky Derby weekend If you don't feel like sitting in the cafe, several comfy easy chairs are scattered throughout the store. Check the calendar as the Book Cellar also offers terrific readings. read more

I'm new to the city. Which means the first time I find any place that is even remotely cool, it seems like it's the best place in the world. Best tacos, best coffee, best karaoke bar. But The Book Cellar struck me as something different right away. This place just straight up RULES. First off, if you're like me and you're even slightly neurotic, you feel a brief wave of anxiety going into a new place. You don't know the layout or the people or if they have a rule about coming in shirtless with a giant tattoo of a naked lady and a dragon on your chest. But you will not feel in anyway uncomfortable walking into this place. It's like strolling into your own living room. Except there's more books. And people are there you don't know. And a full coffee bar. The selection of literature is an awesome amalgamation of hip, clever modern literary fiction with old classics. You won't have any problems finding anything and, even better yet, each row of books feels like your own book shelf at home. Sufficiently organized, but with books and random knick-knacks charmingly stacked about. Complete with neat posters, left-over autographed books from book signings, and a lovingly cared for graphical novel section (Which is an often neglected element these days). The real clincher is that the employees have taken the extra time to add little notes about most of the books. Not long-winded synopses or spoiler-filled reviews, but personal little quips to inform you in a moment about what's inside. And let's not forget the ample seating, comfortable and highly conducive to casual reading and enjoying the brilliant coffee and full menu of lunch meals. So, if you've skipped down to the bottom without reading, here's all you need to know. TOTAL. WIN. read more

I love places like this! It was mid-week but still super packed particularly in the cafe area. We had gone in just to look around and maybe find a quirky little gift or nice card for a couple peoples' birthdays. We did find the cards and... I got a 'face a day' journal which is the kind of journal I LOVE! All these novelty fill in the blanks, draw a face depending on your mood kind of thing. I hadn't heard of this particular book before and didn't know if I'd ever see it again so it was something I couldn't pass up. Here's a link to an image of a book I bought here: http://images.angusrobertson.com.au/images/ar/97807704/9780770433352/0/0/plain/face-a-day-journal-doodle-your-mood.jpg They have classics, sci-fi and pop culture/comics, normal, oddities...Places like this are always changing up their neat stuff, so I'll probably stop in again sometime. read more

I do like walking around and the store is extremely cozy. Their kids section is pretty good and so is the travel section. And getting a glass of wine to walk around with is very neat :) I also very much enjoy reading the employees' picks reviews all over the store. They have a nice small gift/card section in the front, too. things I don't like: I ordered an iced latte this summer and it tasted like chalk and milk. I would have gone back in, but I was already down the street when I realized what I was drinking. They forgot the espresso and burned the milk, I swear. -I was sad once when they were out of "Eclipse" (from Twilight) and the lady gave me this look like I was such an idiot for reading those books. She said "well they're on back order" And walked away. Believe me, she was nasty-faced. -Their non-fiction section consists 80% of save the planet, anti bush, anti war, and terrorism is not real books. All right, I get your political beliefs, but I'm looking for something else here.... read more

Great selection, great cafe. I'm happy to support a local business and will usually go here before anywhere else if I need to buy a book or some other cute gift item. But to echo other reviews, the customer service is really lacking. I find that the people in the cafe are slightly more friendly, but I think after many visits, I've only had ONE good, friendly exchange with the people at the register. It's a real shame, because there is a great local selection and I love to browse there. But I have such mixed feelings about the vibe there. I wish they'd hire some people who actually care about what they're doing... and the people they are helping. read more

I am in love!!!! Wine? Books? Coffee? They have it all! The bookstore is small, quaint and amazing. The titles are obviously selected with care and they have a great selection of books. I really love going into a bookstore and seeing small cards that highlight certain books in the stacks - all of the store employees had reviewed some of their favorite books which is really great when you're trying to find something new and interesting. I also like to know that the employees are reading as much (probably more!) than the patrons. If you work in a bookstore, you should know books. Period. They also have a wide variety of fun little trinkets, greeting cards, calendars, etc. for sale at the front of the store. I like the selection and there's something for every occasion. They also have a really big selection of Moleskine notebooks. And the cafe! There's a small cafe with a great selection of beverages including wine! It looks like a great place to sit and use your laptop, chat with a friend or read a book! I will definitely be back. I had never been to Lincoln Square before this trip but now I am in love! This may be my new favorite bookstore. read more

I can't tell a lie, I came to The Book Cellar because I heard that it was a bookstore in which you could browse with a glass of wine. And, who knew, books become even more enticing after downing some smooth Cabernet. I wasn't overly impressed with the selection of books--it rivals any other small bookstore however as far as inventory there wasn't anything that made The Book Cellar stand out. The staff at The Book Cellar seemed really kind and helpful; knowledgeable about their inventory and ready to assist with those high-reaching books. Each time they smiled or had a book suggestion it made my heart break recalling that I typically buy my books from Amazon. Maybe The Book Cellar could help me make the switch? read more

Bookstores and libraries are my two favorite places to spend an afternoon, and The Book Cellar is one of my favorite bookstores. It is cozy and comfortable, well organized and well curated, and it has a decent cafe. What is there not to love? The store is very small and may not have the selection of larger shops, but they carry an excellent variety of both fiction and non fiction, and if you can't find something for which you are looking, then the staff is more than happy to order it for you. I love the various recommendations marked on the shelves and tables and have found some really wonderful books that I may not have otherwise picked up had it not been for those recommendations. The staff is very knowledgeable and seem to really enjoy their work, and I have had some truly wonderful conversations sparked when asking one of the Cellar's employees for help finding something. Their cafe has a good selection of food and drink, and yes, they serve alcohol. I love to sit with one of my new books and enjoy a pastry and cup of coffee or wine. I mean, really, who doesn't love a little booze with their books? Ladies and gentlemen, please support your local booksellers and pay a visit to The Book Cellar! read more

The most fabulous bookstore I have ever been to! The selection is great and the readings and author signings they do there are truly fantastic! The first time I stepped foot in here was for their meet and greet with Lisa See for her new book "Peony In Love" I got there extra early and was able to secure a seat right up front. It's so lovely to have such an intimate setting where everyone can hear an author read without needing a microphone. I'm certainly hooked on books and highly recommend The Book Cellar for all of your literary needs! read more

I've actually only purchased one book here- pre-ordered the Harry Potter book from them- but I've stopped in for coffee a few times. Very pleasant staff and nice, quiet/comfortable discussion-level talking atmosphere. Plus they don't charge extra for soy milk which is nice when you drink soy because of milk intolerance, not because you're super cool. My only complaint is that there's always something going on-- which is great for them obviously. But when you just want a quiet place to read and grab a coffee this is not the place. There is always a book club meeting or author lecture, etc. and it gets super loud. read more

I. Love. This. Place. I've been in here twice - only twice! - and I still feel that strongly about it. Just walking in the door makes me feel at once peaceful and incredibly excited to start snagging books. The staff pics are hilarious and clever - it's nice to have recommendations besides "NY Times Bestseller List" like in most bookstores. Their cafe has lovely food and beverages - and they have wine! wine, I tell you!! If you love independent bookstores with a great selection, a homey vibe, and a smart, friendly staff - you must go! I might move to Lincoln Square in a few months when my lease is up....and seriously I'm actually considering proximity to this bookstore as I make my apartment selections. I'm such a nerd. And this is place is that good. read more

The Book Cellar sold me the single greatest resource for living in Chicago...the NFT. I love my NFT. I couldn't live without it. I even bought one for my boyfriend, because he kept stealing mine. read more

For some reason I find it very exciting that I can drink alcohol while I'm reading, in public. I suppose you could bring a book to a regular bar, but then you're that guy who brought a book to the bar. Here you fit right in. They have a good selection of books, although it is small, and a lot of thoughtful, well written reviews by their employees. The Wi-Fi is free, but sometimes it can be hard to find a good spot to set up shop. Overall, a great local, independently owned bookstore. read more

Books Wine Food Friendly Staff Book Clubs Great recommendations Kids Fun All I can say - this cellar has it all !!! The owner, Susie is really nice and friendly. It seems that every time I visit the place she is there. She always smiles and tries to talk to you. The employees are also great, Robin and Javi give great recommendations - my last summer reads were fantastic. Food is fine for a little place like this as well. My favorite is when it is snowing or cold to come in here get tea or hot chocolate pick out a great book and snuggle by the window on one of the comfy chairs. If my eyes get tired from reading I watch the busy square or chat with one of the employees. :) read more

This is such a comfortable bookstore/cafe. The staff was helpful without being pushy (and shared my 'if i hear one more thing about President Obama, look out 'cause I'm throwin' shoes' sentiments). The store also has a very lovely selection. I happen to be a book dork, so moleskin journals, french vocab magnets and comfy couches always get the thumbs up from me. They sell books and trinkets and wine and baked goods and - oh hell, just go. It's quite the cozy spot. read more

This cute little bookstore is amazing! The staff are so friendly and helpful. If they dont have the book you're looking for, they'll get it and usually within days. I stopped shopping amazon because these people are so much better. read more