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Former Google Contributor

Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

To those of us that have our heads constantly stuck in a book, there are few things better than curling up with a mug of something tasty and cracking open a new title. If you’re one of us, check out these spots meant for sipping, snacking, and reading that are recommended by your fellow Local Guides.

 

Have you reviewed or taken photos of your favorite bookstore? Show us in the comments below!

 

Cook & Book (Brussels, Belgium)

This enormous shop offers much more than your typical bookstore. Divided into eight sections, each is decorated accordingly, like the travel section that features a real Airstream, and each has its own cafe, so come hungry.

 

Caption: A photo of the interior of Cook & Book, a bookstore and eatery in Brussels, showing a cookbook display set up on a table and rows of tables and chairs set against large windows. (Local Guide Lahaise Deborah)Caption: A photo of the interior of Cook & Book, a bookstore and eatery in Brussels, showing a cookbook display set up on a table and rows of tables and chairs set against large windows. (Local Guide Lahaise Deborah)

Local Guides say:

“One of the most magical places made by man. If you love books, music, food and coffee this is the perfect place for you. With unique design and decoration in each room, you can eat or enjoy your drink surrounded by books and also read.” - Local Guide b zouzouni

 

Ler Devagar (Lisbon, Portugal)

With a name meaning “read slowly,” it’s no surprise this bookshop is a place built to linger. Housed in an old factory, Ler Devagar provides multiple levels of books to be enjoyed over snacks and a drink from one of the shop’s two bars.

 

Caption: A photo of Ler Devagar, a bookstore in Lisbon, showing the shop’s multi-level interior with rows of bookshelves, a suspended piece of art of a person riding a bicycle, and a cafe with tables full of patrons. (Local Guide Nuno Ribeiro)Caption: A photo of Ler Devagar, a bookstore in Lisbon, showing the shop’s multi-level interior with rows of bookshelves, a suspended piece of art of a person riding a bicycle, and a cafe with tables full of patrons. (Local Guide Nuno Ribeiro)

Local Guides say:

“What a beautiful bookshop! A massive rotary press proudly stands in the middle of the place. You will find here a huge selection of books that cover a wide range of topics...There is a little café in the bookshop what is nice and they have some good cakes. So it is nice to have a coffee or some cup of tea and to enjoy the place.” - Local Guide Helder Mendes Baiao

 

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe (New York City, New York)

This Soho bookstore and cafe is actually a non-profit that fights AIDS and homelessness. Funded entirely by donations, you’ll find a great selection of secondhand books here along with coffee, snacks, and a plethora of literary events.

 

Caption: A photo of Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in New York City, New York, a multi-story, open-concept shop, featuring rows of dark wooden bookshelves and tables stacked with books as well as patrons sitting at tables. (Local Guide Rajiv Dewan)Caption: A photo of Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in New York City, New York, a multi-story, open-concept shop, featuring rows of dark wooden bookshelves and tables stacked with books as well as patrons sitting at tables. (Local Guide Rajiv Dewan)

Local Guides say:

“A beautiful bookstore with an extremely important mission. A NYC institution that is welcoming, warm, and a respite for all folks in the area, regardless of socioeconomic status. There are two levels, with tables placed accordingly amidst stacks of books that frame the space well. There's a small coffee bar in the back, with some decent coffee (although the point is not be a Stumptown - it's a non-profit folks). Staffed by volunteers, the store has created a really awesome atmosphere that absorbs you into the space and makes you feel at ease. Definitely check it out and support what they're doing.” - Local Guide Idine Mousavi

 

Barter Books (Alnwick, U.K.)

Housed in an old train station, this adorable secondhand bookshop has plenty of cozy corners and a cafe that turns out homemade eats.

 

Caption: A photo of Barter Books in Alnwick, England showing rows of bookcases and decorative wood panels hanging from the ceiling with lines from Gerard Manley Hopkins’s poem “Heaven—Haven.” (Local Guide Dave Chick)Caption: A photo of Barter Books in Alnwick, England showing rows of bookcases and decorative wood panels hanging from the ceiling with lines from Gerard Manley Hopkins’s poem “Heaven—Haven.” (Local Guide Dave Chick)

Local Guides say:

“Lovely, relaxing, place...This second hand bookshop is situated in an old railway station which has lots of nooks and crannies in which to sit and read. There's also a canny li'l cafe...You can just purchase books or take your old books in and get credit to 'buy' more...In winter, in the shop, it's lovely to sit in front of the open fire with an 'honesty box' coffee to test out your 'new' book…” - Local Guide Sandy

 

El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

This gorgeous converted theater offers dramatic opulence with its stacks of books. After you’ve chosen your titles, grab a coffee and snack to eat at one of the tables on stage.

 

Caption: A photo of El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a multi-tiered bookstore housed in a converted theater with rows of bookshelves where the orchestra used to be and a cafe on the former stage. (Local Guide Luis Salinas)Caption: A photo of El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a multi-tiered bookstore housed in a converted theater with rows of bookshelves where the orchestra used to be and a cafe on the former stage. (Local Guide Luis Salinas)

Local Guides say:

“Beautiful historical building in Buenos Aires. Building itself is worth the visit, but once inside you can get caught in the immense amount of books, a beautiful cafe (where once was the stage) and music shop.” - Local Guide Ariel Macedo

 

Massolit Books & Café (Krakow, Poland)

This independent, English-language bookstore offers a maze of cozy rooms filled with new and used books as well as plenty of seating to enjoy drinks and pastries from its in-house cafe.

  

Caption: A photo of a room in Massolit Books & Café featuring many bookcases, an open window, and a seating area.  (Local Guide Iwona Pobereznyk)Caption: A photo of a room in Massolit Books & Café featuring many bookcases, an open window, and a seating area.  (Local Guide Iwona Pobereznyk)

Local Guides say:

“Massolit is a cute little book shop that sells books in English. They also have an area in the back where you can sip on coffee and nibble on some tasty cheesecake while you do your work, or read a book. WiFi is also provided!” - Local Guide Cecylia Witkowski

 

Boekhandel Dominicanen (Maastricht, Netherlands)

Built in the 13th century, this beautiful former Dominican church has found a second life as a bookstore. Peruse the shelves and then head to the cafe in the back for a coffee while taking in the incredible architecture.

 

Caption: A photo of Boekhandel Dominicanen, a bookstore Maastricht, Netherlands housed in a stunning former church,  showing the children’s books area as well as the store’s cafe among stone pillars. (Local Guide Martijn van Wagtendonk)Caption: A photo of Boekhandel Dominicanen, a bookstore Maastricht, Netherlands housed in a stunning former church,  showing the children’s books area as well as the store’s cafe among stone pillars. (Local Guide Martijn van Wagtendonk)

Local Guides say:

“It's a book store ... In a church! The moment I entered I was overwhelmed by how large the store is. It contained a wide variety of books and had really kind workers. For those looking for a break there is always a spot to drink a coffee in the back of the store.” - Local Guide Tom Vanwesemael

 

Battery Park Book Exchange (Asheville, North Carolina)

This Asheville gem offers a sumptuous interior to browse its shelves of used books. Clusters of seating areas dotted throughout the store make it easy to enjoy treats from the cafe or a glass of bubbly from the Champagne bar.

 

Caption: A photo of Battery Park Book Exchange in Asheville, North Carolina featuring a beautiful decorated seating area lined with bookshelves. (Local Guide Randy Gordon)Caption: A photo of Battery Park Book Exchange in Asheville, North Carolina featuring a beautiful decorated seating area lined with bookshelves. (Local Guide Randy Gordon)

Local Guides say:

“What a lovely book store!! Super dog-friendly! Delicious coffee, treats, and champagne! Such a neat layout and atmosphere. Lots of cozy sitting areas for small and large groups. Amazing book selection. I absolutely loved my visit here!” - Local Guide Cristie Ashe

 

Rendezvous (Queensland, Australia)

This charming shop in Dayboro offers a menu of breakfast, lunch, and snacks alongside shelves overflowing with books and gifts.

 

Caption: A photo of the covered patio at Rendezvous, a bookstore and cafe in Queensland, Australia, featuring tables and chairs as well as a bookshelf filled with books available for exchange.. (Local Guide Owen Davies)Caption: A photo of the covered patio at Rendezvous, a bookstore and cafe in Queensland, Australia, featuring tables and chairs as well as a bookshelf filled with books available for exchange.. (Local Guide Owen Davies)

Local Guides say:

“An excellent book Shop with cafe attached or was it vice versa? Very interesting range of quirky books, a great array of kids' books plus interesting gift presents as well as great teas coffees and other yummy drinks plus normal and gluten free cakes and tasty treats. Don't miss this little gem in this sleepy little hamlet!” - Local Guide Patrick G

11 comments
Level 10

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

Great post and so amazing photos dear @kmajewski
Keep up to share the beautiful photos and informative posts.
Thank you for sharing


Best Regards
Rezgar

Level 8

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

WOW! These are all beautiful places. Luckily, there are such places in Prague as well.

The two I like most are:

Ouky Douky Coffee

Káva, čaj, knihy - I tried to add the place in maps twice and it keeps failing

Level 8

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

Wow this is my favourite post of the week

I loved this post @kmajewski 👍👍

kaliroalex
Level 8

رد: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

Good 

Level 8

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

@kmajewski Many thanks for you ....

MaxMaz08
Connect Moderator

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CAAmazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA

A modern take on a bookstore - went to my first Amazon Books in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Founded as an online bookstore and pretty much closed down both big bookstore chains, such as Borders and many Barnes & Nobles, and many independent bookstores across the U.S., Amazon is slowly opening physical bookstores!

 

One of the many book areas for browsing and purchasing, Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CAOne of the many book areas for browsing and purchasing, Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA

Books are more curated here, which means the selection is limited. Only the top sellers. You can purchase Amazon-branded products, such as Amazon Echo and Amazon Fire.Amazon Echo and other Amazon devices to test out and play with, Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CAAmazon Echo and other Amazon devices to test out and play with, Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA

 

Amazon Fire, Alexa  to name a few - Smart Home Products, Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CAAmazon Fire, Alexa to name a few - Smart Home Products, Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA

Coffee and tea can be purchased as "to-go" or "take away" only from local San Francisco Bay Area favorite - Peets' Coffee.  NOTE: Alfred Peet, the founder of Peet's, taught the former founder Starbucks founder how to roast coffee beans and make coffee. 

 

Peet's Coffee inside Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CAPeet's Coffee inside Amazon Books, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CACheers,

Karen

Level 7

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

Nice

Level 10

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

@kmajewski Great post, I wish we had such places in Kenya.

Level 9

Re: Sip and read at these 9 bookstores with in-house cafes

Nice post @kmajewski

Really nice beautiful places for Book Lovers

Thanks for sharing