The Best Bookshops In Chicago

Besides being known for its magnificent skyscrapers, Chicago is also home to a distinctive variety of bookshops offering an endless array of treasures. Below is a list of the best bookshops in Chicago which offer visitors a relaxing and cultured shopping and browsing experience in this vibrant area of Illinois.

Myopic Books © Steve Browne & John Verkleir/Flickr

Myopic Bookstore

One of Chicago’s oldest and largest used bookshops, Myopic Bookstore is home to over an astonishing 80,000 editions. With three floors packed full of books, this atmospheric bookshop is sure to provide something to suit everyone. Offering a generous range of genres including fiction, art, sci-fi, religion, psychology, and more, Myopic Bookstore provides an endless array of possibilities for visitors hoping to discover a gem of a book.

Price: budget to mid-range

Opening hours: 9am-11pm

Watch out for: the bookshop hosts semi-weekly series of reading and occasional poetry talks

1564 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, +1 773 862 4882

Roscoe Books

A simple yet tastefully decorated establishment, Roscoe Books offers a wide variety of books, including children’s fiction and a range of signed copies. Also hosting a range of book clubs and story-time sessions for younger children, Roscoe Books is the perfect place to visit for families. A highly rated store receiving much praise from the public, this cosy bookshop is likely to be around for a long time.

Price: budget to mid-range

Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm

Watch out for: tegular book signings with a range of renowned authors

2142 West Roscoe Street, Chicago, +1 773 857 2676

Chicago © Roman Boed/Flickr

Centuries & Sleuths

Providing an atmosphere described as warm and friendly, Centuries and Sleuths proudly displays a range of beautiful oak bookcases which are packed with books derived from the historical era. Offering old-fashioned furniture with a rocking chair, two windsor chairs, and a church pew all resting on deep green carpeting, Centuries and Sleuths creates a cosy and welcoming environment. It’s ideal for those hoping to be taken on a journey through time.

Price: mid-range

Opening Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Watch out for: a variety of discussion groups hosted throughout the year

7419 Madison Street, Forest Park, Chicago, +1 708 771 7243

Literature © gacabo/Flickr

The Book Cellar

Bookstore, Store

Enjoy a cup of tea with your novel at The Book Cellar | © Liz Rice

Located in the heart of the culturally diverse Lincoln Square neighborhood, The Book Cellar is more than just a bookshop, as it also offers visitors a range of tasty bites, including sandwiches, soups and salads. Also offering a selection of beers and wines, The Book Cellar is perfect for tourists hoping to stop by and enjoy delicious food whilst they sit back and enjoy a book. This incredible bookshop provides the ideal retreat from the bustling city of Chicago. Price: mid-range Opening Hours: Mon 10am-10pm, Tues 12pm-6pm, Wed-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 12pm-6pm Watch out for: book clubs, spelling bees and live music

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4736 North Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Square, Chicago, Illinois, 60625, USA

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Read It & Eat

A culinary bookshop, offering visitors the distinctive experience of enjoying a bite to eat and a hot drink whilst they sit back and read a book, Read It & Eat retains a high reputation. Providing a range of cookbooks, food memoirs and food history books, Read It & Eat promises to equip those who are passionate about food with exceptional culinary experiences. Claiming to provide something delicious for everyone, Read It & Eat is sure to not disappoint.

Price: mid-range

Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm

Watch out for: hands-on cooking classes

2142 North Halsted Street, Chicago, +1 773 661 6158

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