If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: Chicago has one of the best literary communities in the world. It’s not a secret why that’s true. It’s because we have such a strong independent bookstore scene here in the Windy City.
As we prepare for Independent Bookstore Day, what better way to celebrate than to visit the local businesses and community hubs that make our city special? To help you get started, here are some of our favorite bookstores in Chicago to get lost in!
Note: This list only includes bookstores that sell new books. Our list of favorite used bookstores is coming soon!
57th Street Books & Seminary Co-Op Bookstore
Located in the South Side neighborhood of Hyde Park, Seminary Co-Op Bookstores is a true Chicago institution with a long history of thoughtful bookselling. I love these two bookstores because they always offer impeccable curation and an eclectic collection. You can also support the co-op by joining the ranks of their thousands of members worldwide, which comes with 10% back and a weekly newsletter featuring new books, reviews, and coupons.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
I first discovered Barbara’s Bookstore on State Street by accident and was immediately taken by the depth of their collection, even in their comparably small location (don’t worry, Barbara’s now has six locations across Chicago, and they’re all notably unique). What really appealed to me was their fantastic Chicago collection! Filled with history, fiction, and poetry of all generations, I finally left with my copy of Jasmon Drain’s Stateway’s Gardens.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
On the far South Side neighborhood of Beverly is Bookie’s, a cozy shop that’s certainly worth the stop on any book-buying excursion. Bookie’s sells both new and used books, including a great children’s section that’s perfect for afternoon storytimes. Come in the summer, and they’ll most likely have set out a few tables out front where you can enjoy your new book under the sun.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
This Black woman-owned bookstore in Hyde Park places a special focus on works by writers of color, with this mission displayed prominently from the books on the shelves to the Toni Morrison quotes that greet you when you enter. With a great selection and plenty of spots to cozy up and relax with your new book, this is a can’t-miss spot on your next bookstore tour. Call & Response Books also hosts a great silent reading night event where you can come together with your community of readers and get uninterrupted time to dig into your next book.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Located in the heart of Logan Square, City Lit Books is the perfect spot to land on a weekend afternoon. The bookstore is both comfy and expansive, offering plenty of corners to get lost in. Then, once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you can sit back next to the fireplace and start reading. City Lit Books also offers a wonderfully eclectic assortment of book clubs, including Blood & Guts for horror, Cookbook Book Club, where everyone discusses their favorite recipes, and Weird X Wonderful for all things strange fiction.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Exile in Bookville is my favorite place for discoveries. Every table display is carefully curated (honestly, it has the best curation I’ve ever seen in a bookstore), featuring a collection of fascinating and under-the-radar indie books and works in translation. Whether you want the best recommendations of your life from the owners, Javier Ramirez and Kristin Gilbert Ramirez, or you just want to explore, you’re sure to find something you weren’t expecting. Located in the beautiful and historic Fine Arts Building and overlooking Grant Park, this is the perfect bookstore to spend an idyllic literary afternoon.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Enjoy floor-to-ceiling shelves of classics and new releases at this West Loop bookstore. Need a book club? We recommend the Chonkers Book Club, where you’ll break down big books into manageable chunks so you can finally tackle books you may otherwise be too scared to attempt alone.
— Greg Zimmerman, Daily Editor
Chicago is the birthplace of the American labor movement, and Pilsen Community Books exemplifies that history and spirit. This worker-led and operated bookstore specializes in leftist politics, literature in translation, and poetry. In addition to being the best place to find books that will expand your worldview and deepen your knowledge, Pilsen Community Books is committed to hosting regular events for organizers, unions, and educators.
Also, love a book subscription? Pilsen Community Books has my favorite program, where each month they’ll send a work of nonfiction and a work of fiction around a particular theme. It’s truly a can’t-miss subscription.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Break free from your reading rut at Quimby’s, the Wicker Park stalwart that specializes in zines, comics, and graphic novels, and all things weird and wonderful. Chris Ware said it best when he noted that Quimby’s was “the only place to go to find unexpected, surprising, and id-satisfying small-run experimental publications…” There’s so much to discover here, and what you may find will likely surprise, shock, and titillate you. But that’s the joy of art, and Quimby’s continues to be both an incredible advocate for boundary-pushing artists and a great bookstore all around.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Because I happen to work here part-time, is it a conflict of interest to write about this cozy neighborhood store? Probably! But I’m doing it anyway — because I do love it. I’ve been here for nearly 12 years, after all, since the day it opened. In fact, because I work here, I have inside knowledge of just how hard we work to carefully curate the books to fit as much of interest to our neighborhood as we can in our space. That especially goes for our children’s section — Roscoe Village is a neighborhood of families, and the store carries a ton of picture, activity, and board books for all ages. You’ll still find the latest contemporary fiction titles, along with a solid selection of new nonfiction, and even some surprises.
— Greg Zimmerman, Daily Editor
Sandmeyer’s Bookstore is the cornerstone of Chicago’s famous Printers Row neighborhood, so you know this place knows books. Be sure to admire the beautiful architecture before heading into this family-owned business and literary gem. Founded in 1982 by Ulrich and Ellen Sandmeyer, this bookstore’s staff is both incredibly knowledgeable and ready to help you find your next favorite read. No trip to Printer’s Row Lit Fest would be complete without a stop at Sandmeyer’s Bookstore!
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Opening in 2023, Skunk Cabbage Books is a wonderful queer-owned bookstore in Avondale with a special focus on nature and climate-themed books. As an avid reader and conservationist, the store combines owner Ren Dean’s love for the environment and books to connect readers with books that explore our connection to the natural world. Skunk Cabbage Books is a shining example of the ways literature can create positive change in our world, one reader at a time.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
My neighborhood bookstore, The Book Cellar, is the perfect cozy spot to browse on a cold or rainy day. The staff is so friendly and helpful with recommendations, and their stacks are simultaneously compact and expansive. Grab a coffee or glass of wine right inside the store and start exploring!
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
This cozy bookstore is where you take the romance reader in your life. Specializing in romance, rom-coms, romantasy, and everything in between, you’ll certainly fall in love with something when you step inside.
— Greg Zimmerman, Daily Editor
This theater-focused bookshop and coffee shop in Andersonville offers the best vibes, plenty of space to study, and even more books to discover. In addition to the latest fiction and poetry, the Understudy shelves are packed with hundreds of plays, theater history, and books on craft. The store is also impeccably styled, from the perfectly placed shelves and the warm green tones to the beautiful seating. Stop in regularly for their wonderfully curated events, including staged readings of new plays, embroidery classes, and drag shows.
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Three Avenues (named for its location at Southport, Lincoln, and Wellington in West Lakeview) is a relative newcomer to the Chicago Indie Bookstore scene, opening in late 2022. But it’s been swift in making its mark! You’ll find a terrific assortment of new and backlist titles here, as well as a selection of books that center on neurodivergence (the married-couple owners, Tim and Jordan, are both neurodivergent). In addition to book clubs and storytimes for kids, the store hosts some really creative and fun regular events, including regular open mic nights and reading meet-ups (which is exactly what it sounds like — readers meet in a nearby park or at the lakefront…and read!).
— Greg Zimmerman, Daily Editor
Time and a Half Books might be the newest bookstore on this list, but they’ve already established themselves as one of my go-tos. This small and mighty store in Ravenswood is impeccably curated and stylish to boot, and they offer a variety of fun book clubs that focus on works in translation, books with film adaptations, and Irish literature (where they meet at a local Irish pub for a pint and stimulating discussion). I love Time and a Half Books!
— Michael Welch, Editor-In-Chief
Given the ebbs and flows of the bookselling game, the fact that this venerable store has made it 46 years is a feat to be celebrated. Unabridged is a Lakeview stalwart, situated on the bustling Broadway corridor that has changed a ton over the years. True to its neighborhood and its roots, the store also centers LGBTQ+ books and literature. Be sure to check out the remainders room, where you can find previous bestsellers for a fraction of the original cost.
— Greg Zimmerman, Daily Editor
Not just one of the best and most beloved bookstores in Chicago, this indie routinely shows up on “best bookstores in the country” lists. And far be it from me to disagree. From an impressive calendar of author events to its well-documented bookstore activism, this store is a leader of the Chicago literary community. Women & Children First features a huge LGBTQ+ collection in addition to the books geared toward its eponymous demographic. I often tell people that if you only have time to visit one bookstore in Chicago, make it this one.
— Greg Zimmerman, Daily Editor
