Dream a little dream at this over 100-year-old massive emporium of knowledge, treasures, and even treats. Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California is a must in the San Gabriel Valley. Located on Old Historic Route 66 off Colorado Blvd between Molino and Oak Knoll Avenues next to Total Wine & More, Target, and just next door to the Landmark Playhouse Theater. There's a classic newsstand on the far east entrance which also happens to be near my favorite side with its charming cafe and fiction sections. The cafe is a great place to take a beat, enjoy some bites and even some flights (wine and beer or non-alcoholic cheer). Everyone there is very kind and personable and the vibe is very warm but relaxed with deep earthy tones. Being such a big bookstore Vroman's has two levels, accessible from stairs or elevators, and just about everything you'd hope to find or see including gifts, cooking wear (and of course cooking books), stationary, school supplies, travel (maps and guides galore) plus lots of deals. If entering from the back which is where the shared parking lot lies you get more seasonal decor and possibly a hardy hello as the main checkout area is just to the left. Kids and families can have a field day on the 2nd floor just off the elevator. as the section is huge and spacious. Vroman's has a customer service area, cards for all occasions, and a huge area for book readings which makes you really feel the welcoming enchantment of this place. Definitely the kind of place you'd want to enjoy as a highlight of the day. Nearly 128 years of bookstore bliss with many more to come. Tell and take everyone to Vroman's! read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

A wonderful experience! I called before going just to make sure I am allowed to bring my dog. Dogs are allowed as long as they are well behaved and leashed! We stopped by and spent almost 2 hours just browsing the books and store; we also met some of the friendly staff and guests at the bookstore. I will definitely have to go back again. read more

Definitely one of the nicest bookstores I've ever been to. While each category and genre pf book is represented, there isn't a deep selection. Seems like a place you can always get the New York Times Best Sellers or Hottest releases. I was more impressed with the stationary section and gift areas. If you're looking for a gift for a book nerd, they got you covered. There was a poetry reading going on by local poets, which was neat. Parking is pretty bad, just plan for that. Kids section is great and the most organized part of the store. Looking forward to going again at some point. read more

I put a book on hold and came in to pick it up and was met by the rudest woman, who offered no valuable assistance, only passive aggressive rude comments through a fake smile on her face. Was excited to support a small bookstore but definitely will not be returning. read more

Established in 1894 Vroman's is California's oldest and largest bookstore. It's always a treat to come here. They have an excellent selection of books, audiobooks, calendars, cards, seasonal items, and gifts, especially for those who are hard to shop for. Funny socks - they got it. Something for your animal loving friend - they have that too! Everything is organized and books are sectioned off by genres, fiction, non-fiction, etc...which makes it easy to find what you are looking for. There is also a children's section with story time on Saturdays. With two floors to explore, you can spend hours here browsing then stop by the charming café for a glass of wine and some nibbles. Free parking in the lot. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. read more

See all

Beautiful bookstore. The selection of children's book is insane! Let's support local bookstores !

I am in love with this bookstore! I wish we had something like this closer to where I live. It was so great seeing so many people finding and sharing books. read more

Could waste hours in here !! They gave everything. Books , stationary , decor. Coffee shop in the front and a wine bar inside .

The selection at this bookstore is mind-blowing. Multiple floors of books, magazine, and even homewares. I enjoyed browsing. The staff was friendly and helpful. For an independent bookstore this place rivals big chain stores in every way! read more

Love this place! Bookstores are far and few now a days! Need to keep this place open for people like me who refuses to use kindles and love a turning the pages of a book read more

Found a gift card that I had to use! I've never been to this bookstore before so I couldn't find the parking that some people mentioned. No prob, we parked in the street in front. You can prob also path in the structure for target... Anyway, great selection of books, crafts, cards, small little goodies. read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Inside - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

First time visit Very friendly service Large selection of books A place to sit, chat, have drinks Large parking lot read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

A must if you are in Downtown Pasadena! There's so much to look at here, whether or not you're a bibliophile. Books are sectioned off by genres, age groups, guide books, nonfiction, young adult fiction, and even a small manga section! There's also a bar inside, but it was not open when we went. Multiple cashiers throughout the first floor of the store, so that's pretty nice and convenient. There's also a section for people who love fountain pens and journaling with lots of the neat ones I see on bujo/bullet journaling Instagram. Lots of pens and ink wells. There's also a section with just miscellaneous gifts of all sorts for all occasions. souvenirs for tourists, and a greeting card area too. Stationary galore. The children's book section had a lovely mural painted in the back and is a great place to take children. They also have authors and guests speakers and a read aloud circle time area for children. Also in front there's these spinning top chairs. Really fun and kinda spooky since you feel like you can fall over but you don't! I will take anyone who's with me whenever I'm in the area. read more

See all

Everything is good here. Very nice shopping experience. Staff is helpful and there is a good selection of books.

As we do every autumn, we headed to Vroman's to pick up some fall decor, new notecards, wrapping, and just imbibe the upscale and heady atmosphere this elegant mind emporium creates. These days, a fine independent bookstore is almost vestigial. But, here it is, in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, two stories of department after department filled with the best made items of their kind anywhere. And for over 100 years! As I mentioned in my original review, I have been coming to Vromans for four decades because the vibe is so New York meets Europe, but all California brightness and cheer as well. It didn't disappoint. There is a huge free parking lot, places to sit and enjoy the ever-perfect balmy temperatures and breezes of beautiful Pasadena, with a view of the mountains in two directions. And, as is done with each season, the owners and staff have decorated the store with enchanting objects hanging from the ceiling, on every wall and table, that just bring -- this time -- Halloween to life. This is on my list for holiday gifts as I know I can trust their uniqueness and quality. I am so happy and grateful that Vroman's is thriving. And in every direction is a first-class restaurant or coffee spot to complete the day. Don't miss a chance to visit. See my new photos. read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Having a Halloween party? Make sure you check out all these special items on the first floor. - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

Gorman's is an institution - the kind of bookstore you don't just peruse, but want to spend the whole day at.

Vroman's is synonymous with ambiance. The place includes not just books, but book-themed T-shirts, and other products like teas, cups, pens, paper, and even soap. All of great quality. They also have author events - though I haven't attended any. The books themselves are very well selected, and well presented. It is a pleasure to browse through their collections. Their service is good - if they don't carry something, they can get it for you from their suppliers. Unfortunately, this place is in the process of being sold. Another one bites the dust, as we slowly transition into Bezo's classless antiseptic world for a 10% discount. read more

Such an iconic shop in Pasadena. Great place to browse with a variety of all kinds of things you never knew how you lived without. Also love the wine bar! Great choice for an afternoon cocktail. The bartenders and the entire store crew are top notch. Thanks for everything. Please don't leave us... read more

Vroman's is handsdown the best book store in LA. By a mile. Great selection, great energy, great staff. Great area. Great parking. Coming here is s resl treat! read more

This is hands-down the best bookstore I've ever seen. Even better than the Strand on lower Broadway in New York. Wish I lived closer.

I'm in love. I don't think I've ever been to a bookstore that I've liked more than Vroman's, and yeah I've been to the Last Bookstore and that one bookstore in Berkeley with all the nerds. I'm so fortunate to have this so close to me, and right next to a Total Wine & More to boot (check out my review on their Yelp page). This bookstore has two levels and sells other gifts in addition to books. They also have a bar and a coffee shop, which were closed for a while due to the pandemic but may be open again at the time of me writing this review. It's well-organized and a decent size. The employees are friendly and know their stuff. I've actually been on a date here and had an amazing time despite not buying anything. If you're walking around this area and have some free time, you should pop in to check it out. read more

I really like this bookstore and would rate the store itself five stars. However, I'm giving one star because of the staff. They often come across as rude--no "excuse me" when passing by, no offers to help while browsing, and at times even unprofessional. I once witnessed a staff member raise her voice at a child in front of the mother, which was completely unacceptable. This is a wonderful bookstore, but the staff should take more pride in treating customers with courtesy and respect. read more

An amazing place for gifts and books in the heart of Pasadena. I'm impressed with the sheer volume of stock and the lovely customer service.

When I used to live in Pasadena, I would frequent Vroman's a lot, so it was nice to go back after not having been there for at least 3 years. It's the same Vroman's but now with a newer coffee shop, as well as the usual great selection of books downstairs, as well as gifts and children's toys upstairs. However, something new that I hadn't seen before was the addition of a bar where they serve alcohol. Not sure how long that has been there, but it's nice to see people hanging out there on a Wednesday night. I hope this place stays in business since it's hard to find large bookstores like this nowadays, especially in such a prime location where rent must be pretty high. read more

With 1.5 hour to kill waiting... stopped by and was pleasantly surprised as it's been at least 13 years since I can recall my last visit. Nice courtyard to linger in the back walking in from the parking lot, and enjoy the last rays -- as days are getting shorter. Two levels to explore, with various sections labeled that helps navigate the aisles easily. While you won't get an extensive non-exhaustive list of books like that online store we all know too well.... there's a simple pleasure in physically touching the books that is irreplaceable! Love all the Knick-knacks as well, great gifts ideas for any occasions. There's a adjacent coffee house that was closed when we were there late on the day. What topped Vroman's to full 5-star is the wine bar!!! Offering delicious wine flights and small bites, we can't wait to come back to try it out. read more

See all

Great variety of books, gifts and so much more! Not all staff members are the kindest which made me feel unwelcomed to the space. It just made me want to get what I was looking for and quickly leave. Besides rude cashiers, staff also aren't one to approach or be open to giving advice. Maybe it was an off day... Hope I could go back and have a better experience. read more

I love this place, I love the smell of books, I love wine bars, it makes me happy. Located on Colorado Blvd, this spot is an institution in the area for over 100 years. Two floors of books, gifts, super expensive pens, home decor, book signing/readings and a cute newsstand out front for quick access to magazines and newspapers. They have a huge assortment of all themes and genres of books. Everything is well organized. We were especially interested in all the WWII history books. It was amazing. I love the hand written staff recommendations on different books all throughout the store! This is so thoughtful! I bet it helps with sales too! They have an outdoor patio for readings. There was a reading during our the most recent visit. The children's area on the 2nd floor is super cute! Lots of little gifts too! Lots of dogs walked through the store and we got lots of pets. :) There is a water bar for the pups out in the patio, too! Loved all the Holiday decorations, it made it feel very warm, comforting and inviting. Parking is conveniently located in the back. Definitely recommended! read more

See all

Order a book for pickup online. Got there no on knew where the book was nor were they interested in finding it for me. Told me to cancel my order downstairs and look for the book and make an in store purchase. Called left a Vm to see about these lack of customer service and they said sorry to hear about it. Ok? I guess this is why people turn to buying books online. Thanks for nothing Vroman's. read more

I can't believe I haven't been here before. The size of the children's section alone should have every parent running there for entertaining, education and overall amazing selections of children's books (well labeled too if you are perhaps looking for particular subject books like 'science' and a column of Richard Scarry books among similar titles. Helpful if you love that genre/author). The woman who worked there pulled five titles for me when I asked for a certain illustrator. They had FIVE. No other bookstores had any copies in their stores when I asked. Also, I have never encountered a bookstore that had French books - not language teaching books - reading books in French. There were only a few but I am impressed. It's rare. The wine bar, the coffee shop. The size, the way the whole bookstore is organized. Their gift and all other offerings - delightful. They have a sale section that is deeply discounted but still beautifully organized. Very deep cuts there. I was very happy to find a few to take home. Vroman's reminds me of my favorite bookstore in Colorado - The Tattered Cover. It feels like a cozy reading corner and I will be back as often as I can. read more

My first time heading there and it was amazing! It had many history books I wanted to read. Staff was super friendly, welcoming, and nice. I would be happy to go back to keep supporting them. read more

i spend a long time here! there are many selections and then some, you'll probably find what you're looking for or come across something cool. and they have a section of local writers! friendly staff (: restroom is upstairs read more

Super cute bookstore! And the coffee shop was also good. The workers were helpful as well but the store was prety organized so it was easy to find all my desired books. read more

The best place for a date, the best place to have a girl's night cocktail at the bar, the best place to wander solo for hours, the best place, period. I love Vromans so so much and hope the next owners preserve the magic of this place! read more

Love this place! Great selection of books (some of which are signed), gifts, and cards! Pre-ordering books online and picking up is pretty easy too. Everyone is very nice, and parking is super easy (and free) read more

I brought my daughter and 5 of her friends on her 13th birthday. Man I wish this store was closer! We all had such a fun time exploring the various sections. The book seller was very helpful. They seem to have as many books as larger big chain stores. Some of the books were prices a little higher, but I was happy to support such a wonderful neighborhood shop. read more

I really hope Vroman's will always be there. It is more than a bookstore. Staff is always super helpful, and it has great selection, including discounted section. read more

Who doesn't love a bookstore?! Something about walking around and smelling new books that I love so much. Having a wine bar inside a bookstore? Genius! I'd say it's a cute date spot! I enjoyed a peach mocktail with their truffle popcorn! read more

See all

Love this bookstore. We can spend hours here & keep finding great things to read & do. Do not miss Vroman's!

I buy everything in the store, as well as books. I also enjoyed looking at what the store says the best sellers. I especially go to the store at Christmas time. We're almost everything. read more

Wow. Maybe my favorite store in all of LA. I reserved a book online because I was going to be in Pasadena, and had no idea it was going to be such a huge, sprawling store. Organized in such a way where around every corner is another beautifully curated section of something you had no idea you were even looking for, but there it is! Recommended this place to everyone I've talked to since then. read more