Though certain behemoth online retailers have opened NYC-based brick-and-mortar bookshops in the past, they’ve been short-lived experiments. That’s because there’s nothing like the staying power of locally established independent bookstores, which offer charming details, social missions and a sense of community. Here are some of our favorites from across the five boroughs.
Albertine
Opened by the French Embassy’s Cultural Services, this warmly lit bookshop carries titles in French and English, highlighting work from dozens of French-speaking countries and encouraging cross-cultural discussion.
In-person perks: A gorgeous space with a hand-painted ceiling tucked away in the Stanford White–designed Payne Whitney mansion.
Courtesy, Astoria Bookshop
Astoria Bookshop
Located in a bustling section of Queens, this cozy shop has been a queer, woman-owned hub of the community since 2013. They offer several book clubs, including feminist and mindfulness-themed curations, and host author events and readings. As well, there’s an after-hours date night package, with private book browsing, snacks and the like.
In-person perks: Specialty gatherings like tarot deck swaps and adult “story time.”
Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks
This East Village gem has been owned and operated as a labor of love by Bonnie Slotnick since 1997. Inside, you’ll peruse new and vintage cookbooks, organized by country and cuisine. Hours are usually 1 to 6pm, but they change weekly—visit the shop’s website for details.
In-person perks: Private “shopportunities” can be booked in advance so you have the run of the place for an hour or two.
Courtesy, Books Are Magic
Books Are Magic
When authors (and spouses) Emma Straub and Michael Fusco-Straub found out their local Cobble Hill bookstore, BookCourt, was closing in 2016, they decided to open their own around the corner. It’s since drawn raves for its welcoming atmosphere and impressive calendar of author events. A second location opened in Brooklyn Heights in 2022.
In-person perks: Events featuring major literary talents including Grady Hendrix, Curtis Sittenfeld and Taffy Brodesser-Akner.
Courtesy, The Center for Fiction
The Center for Fiction
As its name might suggest, this Brooklyn institution is a well-stocked indie bookstore as well as a hub for all things fiction. The venue features a café, library and event space, and offers classes, workshops and reading groups.
In-person perks: Many, many marquee author events, like this memorable conversation between Ottessa Moshfegh and John Waters.
Every Thing Goes
This Staten Island space is one part used bookstore, one part vintage shop and one part café. It exudes chaotic warmth, but there’s a method to the madness. The books are organized by category, and each of its three main rooms has a dedicated theme. The front-most area is also used for events, which include concerts, storytelling circles and film screenings.
In-person perks: Alongside the rest of the eclectic wares, you can hunt through records (and test them at a listening station), purchase plants and hang out in the fairy- and gnome-strewn backyard garden.
Forbidden Planet
This one-stop comics and collectibles shop has been around since 1981, and every graphic novel lover—and writer—worth their salt is a regular. You’ll find both new and classic comics among the stacks, and their events bring out industry heavy hitters for signings; past participants include Dan Slott, Brian K. Vaughan, Lloyd Kaufman, R.L. Stine and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
In-person perks: The staff is legendary for their breadth of knowledge. If anyone can help you find a new favorite issue to dive into, it’s them.
Photo: Alex Lopez
Greenlight
This Fort Greene fixture was founded in 2009 and is distinguished by a neighborly vibe and a robust lineup of readings. They offer special kids book groups and reviewer programs and have a merchandise partnership with their neighbor, the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
In-person perks: What’s better than nabbing an autographed copy of your favorite book? Having it personalized by the author at one of their events.
Photo: Phil Kline
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
This Soho bookstore—which features beautiful curving staircases that lead to a second, wraparound level—is part café, part thrift shop and all social purpose. Housing Works’ robust slate of programming includes everything from live readings of beloved classics to book talks with experts to karaoke events.
In-person perks: One hundred percent of the bookstore’s proceeds go back into Housing Works’ nonprofit, which helps people with HIV/AIDS.
The Lit. Bar
In 2019, Bronx native Noëlle Santos had a dream to bring her borough a literary hub—and made it a reality. The Lit. Bar features a wine bar, works by local artists and events like readings, poetry slams and story time.
In-person perks: Even your high-speed cable modem won’t drop you into a wine bar.
Photo: Will Steacy
McNally Jackson
These shops are convenient and well-curated, with everything you might possibly need in a bookstore: kids’ corners, cafés, tables and chairs for reading and studying, wide selections of international literature and book clubs covering a variety of interests. With five locations—Nolita, Rockefeller Center, the Seaport, Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg—you’ll be able to browse no matter where your subway wanders take you.
In-person perks: Your favorite authors are always making appearances at McNally Jackson, especially their new Seaport location on historic Schermerhorn Row.
Courtesy, The Mysterious Bookshop
The Mysterious Bookshop
Halt your search for a bookstore focusing only on mystery, detective, crime, thriller and suspense fiction—X marks this Tribeca spot. Founded in 1979, it’s the oldest of its kind in America, and, along with events and signings, they offer book subscription clubs and a weekly newsletter.
In-person perks: A full wall dedicated to Sherlock Holmes.
Photo: Julienne Schaer
PowerHouse Arena
Home to publisher PowerHouse Books, this Dumbo bookstore is set in an industrial space and comes with views of the Manhattan Bridge and its archway. It doubles as a venue for art shows, author talks and music performances. Check out their Park Slope and Industry City locations as well.
In-person perks: Big-name authors like Colum McCann, David Sedaris and Joyce Carol Oates, live.
Courtesy, Revolution Books
Revolution Books
This Harlem-based bookstore, with texts in English and Spanish, has virtually every leftist text a beret-wearing radical (or intellectually curious lover of free markets) could want. The shop, frequented by students and other community members, also hosts political and literary events.
In-person perks: Shopping here helps keep their lights on—this nonprofit has an all-volunteer staff.
Courtesy, The Ripped Bodice
The Ripped Bodice
In 2023, sisters Leah Koch and Bea Hodges-Koch opened this Park Slope outpost of their popular Los Angeles–based bookshop, which specializes in romance novels. Inside you’ll find stacks organized by subgenres like historical, contemporary and paranormal, merch boasting the locale’s signature hot-pink hue, well-attended book clubs and events including author talks, live podcast tapings and midnight releases.
In-person perks: You can take a chance on one of the shop’s blind dates with a book, which hides each cover under wrapping but offers up a short, enticing description about what’s inside.
Courtesy, Rizzoli
Rizzoli
This airy Nomad location focuses on fine arts, literature and foreign language books. You can also find European magazines and stationery—you’ll feel fancy from the moment you walk in.
In-person perks: The vibe of a high-class literary salon.
Photo: Alexander Thompson
The Strand
This is NYC's most famous bookstore, drawing visitors from across the world to its Union Square location. It’s easy for a bibliophile to spend hours here, thanks to its three and a half floors of books ( “18 miles,” as their slogan says), near-daily discussions and author events with the likes of Percival Everett, Oprah and Elizabeth Strout, and discounts that border on the unbelievable (sometimes you can find new hardcovers around half price).
In-person perks: The Rare Book Room features editions that are centuries old. Book lovers have even gotten married there.
Three Lives & Company. Photo: Christopher L. Smith
Three Lives & Company
Perhaps the most photographed NYC bookshop storefront, this Greenwich Village corner location boasts an iconic red front door, tin ceilings and stocked floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves. Walking through the entrance immediately transports you to bohemian NYC—the locals have made this place their veritable living room since 1968. Just about every acting and writing great you can imagine has browsed the stacks.
In-person perks: Most of the employees have worked there for decades, and oh, the stories they tell!
Courtesy, Turn the Page Again
Turn the Page Again
This used bookstore in Bayside, Queens, partners with TSINY (Transitional Services for New York, Inc.) to support people with mental illnesses and help them prepare to move on to other jobs.
In-person perks: All books are moderately priced, and monthly and weekly specials bring costs even lower.
Photo: Sharon Zobali
Westsider Rare & Used Books
This Upper West Side bookseller is small and haphazard—used books stacked two deep, or lining either side of the stairs. They’ve got an eclectic mix of fiction, nonfiction, first editions and rock records. Find a copy of an out-of-print guide to UFO hunting or an edition of Sherlock Holmes from the early 1900s.
In-person perks: The chaos of discovery. Westsider might not be the best choice for a specific in-and-out purchase, but it can’t be beat for browsing.
Photo: Phil Kline
Word
This cute little Greenpoint shop, established in 2007, offers book groups, story time and author discussions. In keeping with the neighborhood’s tastes, it carries a lot of fiction and indie stationery. In 2013, they opened a second location in Jersey City to share the love on the other side of the Hudson.
In-person perks: Word sponsors events like arts and crafts, book launches and writing workshops at their Drink ‘n Draft nights.
Courtesy, Word Up
Word Up
Washington Heights’ Word Up is run by volunteers who want to foster an inclusive, empowering environment for their community. It’s multilingual, hosting readings, workshops and other events in Spanish and English at its colorful, homey space.
In-person perks: Poetry, comedy and rap open mics.
