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Minneapolis' best

Bookstores for reading

A quiet corner to get lost in a book that isn't just a crowded cafe with a shelf of paperbacks.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Wild Rumpus Books image 1
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Bookstore filled with live animals including cats, birds, and lizards creates a lively and magical atmosphere. Whimsical decor features storybook-inspired doors and cozy nooks designed for children. The space invites quiet exploration and offers a sense of childhood wonder throughout.

Offers an immersive children's bookstore experience with a unique and fun indie vibe. Focuses entirely on kids' books, creating a magical and delightful atmosphere for young readers.

Cozy nooks and live animals create a unique reading spot for kids and parents. The space offers a wide selection of books alongside comfortable seating and a playful atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a great spot with an amazing selection of books for kids."

"This reading spot is magical with cozy nooks and roaming cats."

"This bookstore is magical and full of imagination for kids."

Good to know

1

Storytime happens weekly, providing a fun experience for kids.

2

Parking is limited to on-street options, which can be challenging.

3

The bookstore features a great selection of children's books, including local authors.

02
Birchbark Books & Native Arts image 1

Small bookstore with nature-inspired decor and cozy reading nooks creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Space includes a children's loft and play area, making it family-friendly. Focus on Indigenous authors shapes a unique, community-centered vibe.

Offers a beautifully curated selection focused on Native American authors alongside other genres. Features Native art throughout, creating a unique and special bookstore experience.

A cozy bookstore with a well-stocked selection of books by Native authors and children's titles. The space includes a small children's reading nook that welcomes little ones with books within easy reach.

People are saying

"This bookstore has a unique selection of Native American authors and stories."

"I found a great selection of children's books here."

"This cozy Reading Spot feels so homey and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Traditional events are hosted at the Lake of the Isles during summer and winter.

2

Birchbark Books & Native Arts features a wide selection of books by Indigenous authors.

3

The bookstore offers a unique collection of Indigenous-made art and gifts.

03
Magers & Quinn Booksellers image 1

Vast space filled with endless shelves invites exploration and discovery. Cozy, well-loved atmosphere creates a relaxing vibe where visitors can easily spend hours. Dog-friendly policy and curated selection of new and used books add to the welcoming environment.

Cozy, well-loved atmosphere invites long browsing sessions. Books sell for cheaper than retail prices, making it a go-to neighborhood bookstore.

Many spots offer seating to read before buying. The incredible selection of books comes at prices below retail. You can find books and puzzles alongside chocolate for a quick treat.

People are saying

"This bookstore has a huge selection of new and used books."

"This place is cool, it's huge inside and has a great selection."

"I found a huge selection of books at this Reading Spot."

Good to know

1

They host numerous author events throughout the month.

2

Expect a variety of events, including book talks and signings.

3

Parking can be limited, so consider public transport or ride-sharing.

04
Eat My Words Bookstore image 1
Used book store

Used bookstore with cozy nooks and well-curated collections offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere filled with vintage and local authors' works. Live puzzles and occasional guitar music add to the inviting, eclectic vibe. Space encourages browsing, reading, and community events like book signings.

Quiet aisles hold a great selection of used and rare books, including many older and vintage titles. The bookstore offers unique finds and a welcoming space for book lovers to explore and discover.

A warm and inviting space encourages sitting down to read and browse. The store hosts book signings for new authors and features a large selection of rare and vintage books across genres like mystery, suspense, and local poetry.

People are saying

"I found this used bookstore to be delightful and eclectic with many unique books."

"It's a charming little reading spot with cozy nooks to explore."

"I found so many unique little bits and rare books here."

Good to know

1

The bookstore hosts events featuring new books by Minnesota authors.

2

The store has a dedicated section for local authors and crafts.

3

The bookstore is not handicap accessible.

05
Comma, a bookshop image 1

Compact space offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with bright, clean design. Shelves hold a carefully curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, and local titles. Dogs are welcome, adding to the friendly, homey vibe.

Cozy and inviting space with a carefully curated selection of books and gifts. Offers helpful recommendations and carries titles not found in big bookstores.

Quiet and homey atmosphere invites long reading sessions. Carefully curated books feel like browsing personal bookshelves with titles not found in big stores.

People are saying

"This local spot has a great, curated collection of books."

"This Reading Spot has books I'd enjoy but wouldn't find elsewhere."

"The bookstore staff here are so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Comma offers a carefully curated selection of books, including local authors and unique titles.

2

The bookstore is pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their pets while browsing.

3

They feature a mix of new releases, classics, and local cookbooks.

06
Big Hill Books image 1
Book store

Bright, airy aisles create a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of room to browse. Resident cats add charm and a cozy, friendly vibe. The space feels inclusive and peaceful, combining a neat layout with a beautiful, inviting design.

A friendly and beautiful local bookstore with a nicely stocked selection of books. Cats roam the space, adding to the indie bookstore charm.

A well-lit sanctuary with a carefully curated range of quirky and must-have titles, this spot offers a wide selection of books clearly labeled by themes like Minnesota or LGBTQ+ content. The atmosphere stays peaceful and inclusive, with friendly staff ready to order books not in stock.

People are saying

"The bookstore staff here is so friendly and welcoming."

"This Local Spot has an incredible, broad selection for everyone."

"It's a charming, well-lit reading spot with a great book selection."

Good to know

1

Story Time Saturdays start in the summer months for kids.

2

They host author events regularly, providing a chance to meet writers.

3

The bookstore connects customers with community events like the queer writes book fair.

07
The Irreverent Bookworm image 1

Cozy independent bookstore with a queer neurodivergent vibe and witchy, indie charm. Warm, inviting atmosphere features fun genre subcategories and comfy seating nooks that encourage exploration. Offers a broad selection including large queer and occult sections alongside local zines.

An independent bookstore with a broad used collection and a queer viewpoint in curation. It features bookseller recommendations, clever genre subcategories, and cozy themed nooks.

Cozy space with a wide range of well-organized books including large queer and occult sections. Aesthetic includes a little wall behind the checkout featuring items found in used books.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of new and used books here."

"It's a fun place to shop with clever descriptions and themed nooks."

"It's a cozy reading spot with an adorable vibe."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find despite no attached lot.

2

The store does not accept refunds on purchases.

3

You can bring your dog with you when you visit.

08
Inkwell Booksellers Company image 1

Open, airy space combines bookstore and coffee shop with natural light flooding the stacks. Atmosphere leans toward library or study hall, offering dog-friendly seating and cozy spots to read or work. Coffee bar draws crowds, creating a calm yet lively vibe with a focus on relaxation and browsing.

A cute, dog-friendly bookstore with a clean, well organized space and an awesome selection of books. It also features a good cafe inside, adding to the cozy vibe.

Cozy spot with natural light and a dog-friendly vibe. Offers an extensive book selection alongside a small cafe to enjoy coffee or root beer while reading.

People are saying

"It's a bright, airy reading spot with a cozy coffee shop vibe."

"I enjoyed the good coffee and cool atmosphere."

"I found the bookstore's selection of books to be extensive and appealing."

Good to know

1

The bookstore is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

2

Expect limited seating options, especially during busy weekends.

3

Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find.

09
Tropes & Trifles image 1

Small bookstore offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with bright, well-organized spaces and thoughtful curation. It features a diverse romance selection across many subgenres, including LGBTQIA+ and local authors. Chairs provide comfort for those not browsing, enhancing the inclusive vibe.

Specializes entirely in romance novels with a strong focus on that genre. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The store has a clear indie vibe dedicated to romance books.

Bright, cheery spaces with comfy chairs and couches invite sitting down to read or chat. Books organize into helpful subcategories, and staff describe titles in detail, making it easy to explore and enjoy a phenomenal selection.

People are saying

"This bookstore has an incredible selection of books."

"I found so many great LGBTQ+ books across different genres."

"The staff at this Reading Spot gave me great recommendations and described books in detail."

Good to know

1

The bookstore specializes in romance novels across various sub-genres.

2

Books are organized into helpful subcategories for easy browsing.

3

Staff picks are available with summaries to assist in decision-making.

10
Odd Mart image 1
Comic book store

Comic book store blends dark, quirky vibe with eclectic local art and indie graphic novels. Space feels like a welcoming creative hub with vintage comics, toys, and art markets in the back. Atmosphere stays laid back and chill, inviting casual browsing and creative gatherings.

A mix of a comic book store, thrift store, and gaming store creates a unique spot for alternative comics. It also serves as a community hub where creatives connect and inspire each other.

Shelves hold a mix of local art, comics, and books that offer good reads. The collection includes various nick nacks and odd ends alongside the reading material.

People are saying

"I found the art and independent comics here to be amazing."

"This bookstore has such a weird and far-out selection of rarities."

"I found awesome books and comics at this reading spot."

Good to know

1

Odd Mart hosts art fairs every other Sunday, showcasing local artists.

2

Open drawing and cartoon watching events happen regularly in the back of Odd Mart.

3

Keep an eye on Odd Mart's calendar for various pop-up events throughout the month.

11
FRGMNT Coffee - Mill District image 1

Coffee shop inside a bookstore with three levels and a rooftop patio offers a laid-back vibe and art-centric setting. Seating includes high chairs with outlets and spaces suited for groups or dates. Pastries and coffee have a distinctive sour espresso and varied baked goods.

A bookstore sits inside the cafe, letting you grab any book to read while enjoying coffee. The setting blends a museum vibe with a coffee shop atmosphere.

A bookstore attached to a coffee shop offers a great spot to grab any book and settle in. The cozy ambience invites long reading sessions with tasty coffee nearby.

People are saying

"The coffee here is always great and smooth."

"It's a great, relaxed atmosphere for work, with an open concept and nicely spaced seating."

"The coffee here is great, with interesting flavors and quality espresso."

Good to know

1

Pastries and breads are delivered around 7:45 am.

2

There was free parking on the east side of the building.

3

Paid street parking is available in front of the location.

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