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    The Wild Detectives

    4.1 (554 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    Outside
    Kelley H.

    Cute little coffee shop and mini bookstore ! I loved getting to visit. A few tables inside and few outside. They are an unplugged coffee shop- so no WiFi. Overall the staff were all super nice and the space was great!

    Entrance to Wild Detectives
    Denise P.

    We were looking for a coffee shop as visitors who were not too familiar with the Dallas area. Saw that they had a book collection and we were intrigued. In actuality, it was a smaller selection than expected. What they lacked in space, they made up with curation. Still enjoyable to peruse but we were expecting just more books to shop from! The space had an overall cozy vibe. A couple of folks were noticeably working on their laptops and others were talking at the bar. There were a few tables inside, a couch, that could host about 6 people comfortably, and more chairs and benches outside. The WiFi does get shut down at a certain time I believe, so I would check in on that. We ordered a couple of coffees - brown sugar latte and sea salt latte. They serve alcoholic drinks as well but we didn't get to try those. I thought that the coffees were light on the caffeine but they tasted as expected. The brown sugar had the right amount of sweetness and the sea salt had a hint of salt without it being too salty. I would expect to come here more as a casual hangout. If you're pressed for time, you may have to be more assertive depending on how many baristas are working because we only had one helping us that day. Since we were not in a hurry, we did not mind the wait but we did have to wait for a while for our coffees.

    Nadia A.

    4.5/5 Located off one of the side streets in the Bishop Arts District. I visited just before 6 p.m. and it operates as a café and bar, with books and vinyls displayed throughout the space and available for purchase. I ordered the Spanish gin and tonic and it was excellent. Strong, well balanced, and very flavorful. Easily a 10/10. Staff was friendly and welcoming. The book and vinyl selection is not huge, but it's well curated and unique. By around 7:00 p.m., the space filled up quickly, with a lineup forming and both indoor seating and the patio becoming busy.

    A very cool diorama tucked between even cooler books
    Caley F.

    Amazing coffee, and really neat bookshop. Sort of a speakeasy vibe. Plus, it's in a converted, maybe craftsman house in the coolest part of Dallas.

    Honey latte
    Allie H.

    I love a coffee shop/bookstore moment and The Wild Detectives is just that! They have a great selection of books and a great menu of drinks. For the salted honey latte which was def pretty sweet but the salt balanced it out! They have tons of seats and are a great place to Chill or get some work done.

    Irish Coffee
    Haley D.

    First time back in a while! I've been in the evening and enjoyed an Irish Coffee, but today I was there in the afternoon and tried their delicious matcha. Most places serve it already sweet, so I really enjoyed that it comes unsweetened. The ambiance and book selection is always top tier!

    The outdoor signage.
    Joy B.

    Located in the Bishop Arts Center is The Wild Detective. You couldn't tell from the name, but this a bookstore, bar, and coffee shop. What a cool looking place. Lots of places to sit, read, snack, or enjoy a cocktail. It is a little dark in some areas, but there are plenty of seats with light. The bar area is warm wood and the people working were very nice and pleasant. Although, we were book browsing, I would love to come back and spend more time here. What a charming way to spend an afternoon!

    Jesmin N.

    Cool little spot for a drink and exploring some unique books. Cozy vibes that allow for a good place to read. Parking is a pain in the butt because it's street parking in a mostly residential area, so you may have to drive around or circle back to find an open spot.

    Salted Honey
    Christian G.

    Almost log cabin aesthetics. Parking was tough. The coffee wasn't - I didn't see cold brew as an option. Our barista just kinda left in the middle of things to do a smoke break so food was late, but nothing to write home on with the empanadas. They have a good assortment of books and records in there if that's your vibe but overall not somewhere I'm going to tell a friend they should go try.

    Mirna P.

    This was at the top of my list of bookshops to visit on my last short visit to Dallas. It definitely lived up to the hype. With a decent selection of books, in both English and Spanish, you can purchase something to enjoy a caffeine or boozy drink with. I went in on a Thursday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by their happy hour: buy a book, get a drink. So I enjoyed a nice local lager with my book. This is a great reading space, working space, and gathering place all at once. Will 100% visit again on my next stop in Dallas!

    Austin Z.

    This place is a very interesting place -- it's a bar, coffee shop, and a bookstore, all in one. I don't think I've ever seen a place of interest like this, honestly -- or anywhere, for that matter. Upon coming here after not having been to this place for about five years, there's one thing that really hasn't changed: the fact that they do the unplugging of WiFi and electronics on the weekend, and at night, they do poetry night or open mic nights to let people from all over the metroplex join in on building community and artistry. After all, it is in the heart of the Bishop Arts District, ain't it? On the coffee side of things, they also locally source their beans from other coffee owners in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, which makes it extra special for the locals and for the people visiting. I ordered a "Milk & Honey" kind of latte, and honestly, it did NOT disappoint at all. It was by far one of the best lattes I've EVER had on this trip. The variety of liquor they had was INSANE -- as you can tell by the pictures, they included quite a bit in there, and there were even people getting drinks while they were at it. I'll definitely be back to try this place when I make my trip to the metroplex!

    Melissa M.

    This place is so cool! A book store, coffee shop, bar, and community space all in one?!?!? So awesome! They are located off of bishop arts in a house converted to business in the neighborhood! The staff is cool and attentive. I came here to work, but found it that they cut wifi at around 6:30 pm, so get there earlier if you need it. I got a dirty chai latte, but it wasn't my favorite. It tasted artificial and a little burned. If i come back, it will be to go to the bar area for a drink, to try their drinks out. Still, this place is so cool! If you are coming to Dallas for touring, this place is a must do!

    Out front
    Stephanie W.

    EXCELLENT vibes in here - only reason I'm taking off a star at all is just how crowded it is (like it's hard to get a table/seat). I love the concept though with the full bar; I had a lovely cocktail called the "war of roses" (it was pink and did taste like rose!). It wasn't very big but it was suuuper good.They have a nice outdoor patio with live performers/speakers; it is HOT out there in summer. They do have books, it's a limited selection but still several bestsellers and quirky options. The bar staff work SO hard here too, mad props to them bc it was CRAZY busy the Friday night I came by.

    Front outside entrance.

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    3 months ago

    Excellent Hot Toddys. Can get a little crowded but if it's not cold you can sit outside in the back.

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    3 months ago

    great ambiance, great books, awesome events. a wonderful neighborhood hub. love it.

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    Page 1 of 14

    The Wild Detectives Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - The Wild Detectives

    I don't find many reason to come out to the Bishop Arts district but I'd make a trip out here for a nice day date.

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    Deep Vellum Books

    Deep Vellum Books

    4.8(30 reviews)
    3.7 miDeep Ellum
    $$

    Deep Vellum Books is a gem. Let me tell you why…read more Deep Vellum Books is the storefront and headquarters of Deep Vellum Books & Publishing, a nonprofit literary arts organization and the largest publisher of literature in translation in the US (I did not know that!!!!). They stock their own titles as well as a curated selection of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. I visited with my family (dad, stepmom, adult siblings, husband) last weekend, and we spent way more time in the store than we expected to given the store's size. It's not large, but the store is packed with interesting and unusual and harder to find titles. I started to read a book's dusk jacket flap blurb, which led to a conversation about the book with the staff in the shop. (I bought it, I already read it, I loved it.) It's that kind of store - I was walking around, reading blurbs out loud to my family - finding book after book that piqued my interest. I left with a book, my siblings with two or three each, and my dad with at least one. There were six of us, and we bought maybe 8 books. The staff working the day we were visited were incredible, chatting with us about books, telling us about Deep Vellum, and answering our questions about their events. It's clear that people who work at Deep Vellum love books and that always makes shopping at a bookstore more wonderful. (I'm not sure I would have taken home the book I did if I hadn't chatted with a store employee for a few minutes about it - it's a little out of my wheelhouse - but I loved and I'm so glad I picked it up). The store hosts book clubs which sound amazing. I mean how many bookstores offer a "Homer Out Loud" book club that meets to read Homer's epics out loud once a week!? Or has a book club called "Underdogs in Space" that meets once a month to talk about underread sci-fi books?! If you're in Deep Ellum and you love to read anything at all - make your way over to Deep Vellum. It's a great organization and a great bookstore. I couldn't love it more.

    Came here for the first last last week 15 minutes before closing (I know!!) but they were so kind…read moreand helpful. The ppl who worked there are incredibly knowledgeable and can offer wonderful suggestions if you tell them the genres/writers you like, no matter how niche! They had a lovely array of diverse books--they featured books, authors, languages, genres, and themes from all backgrounds. There were lots of translated books and books they published there. There's also a book club they host if you're interested in joining--they read underrated sci-fi works and discuss them on site. 12/10 would come back again :)

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    Deep Vellum Books
    Deep Vellum Books
    Deep Vellum Books

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    Lucky Dog Books - East Dallas

    Lucky Dog Books - East Dallas

    4.5(56 reviews)
    10.4 mi
    $

    Lucky Dogs Books is a book store that clearly serves its community. The store occupies one of the…read morehistoric former downtown Oak Cliff buildings on Jefferson. And the store is huge! There's a large corner with chairs up by the big glass windows that is very cozy. There are fans. Yeah. I love fans. I don't know if they have a book club but there is room for that! I didn't get a chance to really explore the store as I was on the hunt for children's books. I have to say that there was a very kind manager there to help, but children's books seemed to be everywhere in this midstore nook area that had children's books on shelves and in boxes on the floor. I didn't have the ability to get down low and check them all out. 75% of the books I looked at had some kind of minor boo boo. But I was realistic. If this was my child, I wouldn't care about that. They were clean. There were so many varieties. However, I was buying a gift and didn't know how the mother would feel. Really, most were in excellent shape considering we are talking kids here and I WAS looking for a two year old. In the end I found three highly regarded used books for $18 total. One had a spot of coffee or hot chocolate? Yum. lol Anyway, I found out they buy back books here. I can't really say that I absolutely understand the process, but I do know that STORE CREDIT is a big part of the plan. What a deal to keep recirculating books for reading. For those looking to make money on their books, they do offer cash for more current titles based on original sales price. They take into consideration condition and inflation. Just ask. Lucky Dog Books is a very intimate browsing experience. It's comfortable. They have DVDs, VHS tapes, Music - CD's, sets. And books. Check it out.

    Good local independent book seller. They have a large selection of books that may well be of…read moreinterest to a diverse customer base.

    Photos
    Lucky Dog Books - East Dallas
    Lucky Dog Books - East Dallas
    Lucky Dog Books - East Dallas - Really cool titles that kept my eyes scanning every shelf for more!!

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    Really cool titles that kept my eyes scanning every shelf for more!!

    Half Price Books - VHS & DVDs

    Half Price Books

    4.3(457 reviews)
    8.9 miLake Highlands
    $$

    I have been shopping at Half Price Books for most of my book-buying life. I remember shopping here…read moreall through high school, and I've continued to shop here when I return to Dallas (my hometown) for visits. To sum up my review, Half Price Books ruined me for all other used bookstores. Since leaving Dallas, I've lived in 6 other cities. While some had some pretty decent used bookstores (others not so much), none even come close to HPB. It was one of the many things I took for granted growing up in Texas/Dallas. I thought all cities had stores as large and well-stocked as HPB until I left. Most cities (even large ones) just don't. I've been shopping at HPB since the early 2000s (maybe the 1990s, too), but it's been open since 1972, and this Northwest Highway location is the original - its flagship store. It's huge. In a world with fewer and fewer bookstores (thanks, Amazon), bookstores have also gotten tinier and tinier (some are about the size of postage stamps now, but I'm still happy to visit and support them!). Not HPB. This location is 54,000 square feet. 54,000 square feet!!! There's a coffeeshop (La Casita Coffee at HPB), a large community space (where they host signings and author events, live music, and a monthly game night), and tons of places to sit, read, study, etc. (I should point out that not all Half Price Books locations are THIS large. Most - and I've shopped at a lot of other locations across Texas - are still pretty large stores, but this flagship location is massive. Founded in Dallas, many - 37 - of their 100+ stores are in Texas.) The store is also incredibly well stocked, housing more than half million books and then tons of movies, vinyl, CDs, games, and other items. When I say well-stocked, they have more books than this bibliophile can even process, including tons of mass market paperbacks, rare books, art/photograph books, and more. If you're looking for a classic, they'll have 40 copies (I was looking for an anthology of plays by Eugene O'Neill with a certain play included when I visited this past Saturday, had had about 10 options - and that's for a play not included in the larger anthologies). If you're looking for something rarer, they still might have it. But it's also a great place to browse - to come not knowing what you want. On my most recent visit this past weekend, I left with 3 or 4 books - two I wasn't really looking for and 1 I was. I also grabbed a coffee with my family in the cafe. If you have books you need to sell, this is the place. There's an area in the back where they'll take your books and then you can shop while they review. Then they'll call you up over the speaker in the bookstore when they have an offer for you. Don't expect a lot of money per book, but it's a great way to pass along a book you're done with to get something new to read. I can't say enough about this location of Half Price Books. I've loved it for more than half my life, and it's still the used bookstore I measure all others against. If you love a bookstore, you simply have to shop at this flagship store.

    I absolutely love this location and could spend hours on end roaming the aisles with my TBR list…read more Whether you're searching for a new title off the NYT's Bestseller List or one from five years ago, it's more than likely here. Music, games, DVDs and rare titles/collectible items have huge sections, as well. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly; especially those in the Buy Back area! There is plenty of quiet space tucked away for workday tasks or a quick Zoom meeting and you can even bring your puppy (on a leash, of course). There's an attached coffee shop for sustenance and nice, clean bathrooms, too.

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    Half Price Books - Fun decor

    Fun decor

    Half Price Books
    Half Price Books

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    Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Cashiers

    Barnes & Noble Booksellers

    3.7(79 reviews)
    8.6 mi
    $$

    The Barnes & Noble across from NorthPark mall is one of the best ones in the Dallas area. It's one…read moreof the largest B&N I have been in, and it's well designed. I was very impressed with the children's Halloween book selections here. And their displays were true visions that would make any child happy. I also like all the extras offered - like little ghost coin purses that look like the ones from the early 20s. You know what I'm talking about, little beaded coin purses with a little fringe Om the bottom. But with ghosts in them. lol! The people working there were happy, and that says a lot about a store to me. I asked a few questions and they were very knowledgeable and quickly answered my questions with confidence. It was a great experience and there were many people buying books early in the morning. It's a great way to start your day.

    What's not to like at 7700 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Tx…read more There were several small round tables filled with books as soon as you walked inside. Well lit, nicely organized. Sale discounts were posted everywhere. A chance to get the best bang for your dollar. You could spend hours upon hours going through the store and did I mention taking the escalator to the second floor? Found a cute area set up for the children's section. My granddaughter found several books to start off her summer reading. A nice gentleman checked us out. We were on our way and happened to notice the cafe. Just couldn't miss picking up a little treat :-)

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    Barnes & Noble Booksellers
    Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Sipping & Reading on A Rainy Afternoon! (December, 2022)

    Sipping & Reading on A Rainy Afternoon! (December, 2022)

    Barnes & Noble Booksellers

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    The Wild Detectives - coffee - Updated May 2026

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