Chicago's Best Bookstore

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You voted for the best Bookstore in Chicago, and we counted. Check out the results below.

1. Women & Children First

5233 N Clark St, Chicago, IL

This feminist bookstore offers a comprehensive, wide-ranging selection.

Reviews:

  • LOVE IT!”
  • “Brilliant”
  • “Absolutely the best”
  • “Reader’s Delight”
  • “Great alternative bookstore”

Tips: There’s also a small women’s music section (Ani DiFranco to Madonna), gift items and a small library of rental DVDs.

Women & Children First

2. The Book Cellar

4736 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL

Quirky combination bookstore and cafe takes its play on words seriously.

Reviews:

  • “Great bookstore!”
  • “Awesome bookstore in Lincoln Square”

Tips: A serious wine program features several red, white and pink options from Europe and the U.S. all reasonably priced under $36 per bottle, $8 per glass.

The Book Cellar or email The Book Cellar

3. Printer's Row Fine & Rare

715 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL

Reviews:

  • “Excellent bookstore”
  • “Don’t Support This Bookshop”
  • “Good selection”

Printer’s Row Fine & Rare

4. Borders

830 N Michigan Ave Ste 2, Chicago, IL

Shop for books, music and more in a warm, relaxing and customer-friendly environment.

Reviews:

  • “Boo”
  • “books are awesome”
  • “carbon copy”
  • “Best chain of its kind”

Tips: Most locations have an in-store cafe, featuring caffeinated specialty drinks and a small selection of baked goods.

Borders

5. Myopic Books

1564 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

Bookworms will love burrowing through this dense Wicker Park book exchange.

Reviews:

  • “Don’t wear a watch”

Tips: In addition to bookmongering late into the night, Myopic keeps up its cultural stewardship through sponsorship of irregular readings, a Sunday poetry series, Experimental Music Tuesdays, and a Wednesday chess night.
Things usually kick off around 7pm.

Myopic Books

6. Unabridged Books

3251 N Broadway St Ste 1, Chicago, IL

Although dubbed “the gay bookstore,” this independent local shop offers titles for all readers.

Reviews:

  • “Wow. What a bookstore!”
  • “great bookstore”
  • “Spend your afternoon here”
  • “Great Boys Town bookstore”

Tips: Check the signs for frequent book readings and signings with authors ranging from Caleb Carr and James Elroy to David Sedaris and Anne Rice, the latter a longtime favorite at Unabridged.

Unabridged Books

7. 57th Street Bookstore

1301 E 57th St, Chicago, IL

You’ll find everything from general-interest volumes to very rare paperbacks at this revered Hyde Park book nook.

Tips: Inspire reading in your child and pick up a few titles in the extra large children’s section.

57th Street Bookstore

8. Transitions Bookplace

1000 W North Ave, Chicago, IL

Lincoln Park bookseller that feeds the mind, body and soul.

Transitions Bookplace

9. Seminary Co-op Bookstore

5757 S University Ave, Chicago, IL

This Hyde Park institution is one of the best academic bookstores in the country.

Reviews:

  • “Caution: Bookstore Hazardous to Budget”
  • “Terrific store – make the trip!”

Tips: A fringe benefit of the store’s relationship with U of C is that it stocks titles from class reading lists, allowing you to take a private refresher course in world literature or Greek philosophy.

Seminary Co-op Bookstore

Seminary Co-op Bookstore

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10. Pennyworth Books

3920 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL

Independent book store sells thousands of titles for only $5, both paperbacks and audio books available.

Reviews:

  • “Mountains of great books! Great customer service. "

Tips: Check out the store’s schedule online to find out which book fairs they’ll be at.

Pennyworth Books

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Best Bookstore in Chicago

The Best Bookstore based on votes from Citysearch users.

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