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Eliot's Bookshop
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
584 Yonge StToronto, ON M4Y 1Z3
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 925-0268
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
10 reviews for Eliot's Bookshop
10 reviews in English
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Review from Jimi S.
ON
11/17/2008 2 photos
eliots is both bold and humble. outside is a simple sign, perhaps even unremarkable and a quick glance at the window might chalk this place up to another used book store for you. big deal perhaps. well it is because i was quite impressed at how organized this place was with its sections and categories. ( i saw a section devoted to the kennedys or us presidents). up on one shelf sat a full set of american encyclopedias from god knows when (for those of you born in the eighties and beyond you might hear someone like me or older say when i was your age i didnt have the internet! i had to look at these dusty old tomes to do research! and you ask me why i have bad posture!). anyhow as you walk in the back wall behind the guy at the front is like a wall from your favorite serial killer's movie bedroom. its COVERED, as in OBSESSED with LIFE magazine. there are other similar treasures like little colourful pulp fiction books.
yes, the books are really cheap too. it seems they are at least half off the original price, although im sure that depends on the quality, abundance and popularity of the book in question. though there are no seats to peruse, you might just feel like slinking down to the floor cross legged and sifting at your leisure like the good ol days with your kindergarten librarian.
so if you love books, dont pass up on this place. -
Review from Susan N.
Toronto, ON
12/16/2011
Used bookstores don't get much better than this. Eliot's is a pleasant shop with lots to explore!
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Review from Pankaj S.
Scarborough, ON
7/29/2010
Eliot's looks like a regular, tiny, dusty used book store from the outside, and unless you walk in, you won't realize what you are missing out on. This place is 3 floors high, and every single inch is packed with books.
I was asked to leave my back pack at the counter, which is quite fair. Unlike some other reviewers, I found the old gentleman at the counter quite pleasant. (he might be someone else).
The place, although stocked with more books than you would expect at a used books store, is very well organized. Each section is neatly labeled, and I found browsing more convenient here as compared to a regular Chapters or Indigo. The sci fi and fantasy section contained almost all the books i was looking for. Although the space between book shelves is tight, you can still find a cozy corner for yourself to sit and go through books for hours.
They have a pretty decent history section, with some really interesting books. I was also impressed by selection of books on religion and philosophy. For those into new age and occult stuff, they have a larger collection of books than I have seen at any other used books store. The upper floor has a neat collection of books on acting, theatre, cocktail mixing and Canadian Lit. I was particularly taken by the music section, and ended up buying a few books on the history of rock and jazz.
The prices seem fair, although I would have loved this place more if they hadn't blackened most of the prices on the spine of the books with a sharpie.
I am going to be a regular visitor at Eliot's, just to enjoy those lazy afternoons browsing for books in a lovely, vintage library atmosphere. -
Review from Brian C.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Has great selection.
Is well organized.
New stock added often.
Has old timey rolly wooden ladder.
You get your purchase in a plain paper bag making it appear as though you are toting around porn. -
Review from Kaye H.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2009
Due to my chosen career (which is also the program I am enrolled in at school) of acting, I am always needing to purchase plays, books on acting, etc. (whether it be for scene study, an assignment or personal exploration). It is extremely difficult to find some of these plays at big-chain bookstores, not to mention pricey (especially if I do decide to go to a specialized book store), thus I am always searching throughout used bookstores when I find them for the gold.
I began visiting Eliot's when I moved here in September, as it is very close to my apartment, and I was in dire need of finding Arthur Miller's 'A View From The Bridge' (on an off-topic note - why the hell does no bookstore in Toronto carry this amazing play??). I found the play in this bookstore along with a wonderful play to sift through hundreds of books.
The store is charming, and the employees don't mind if you sit on the floor for hours looking through books, etc. I have found some terrific little items here, and if I am ever on the prowl for something specific, I check out Eliot's. -
Review from David R.
8/23/2009
3.5 truly. Eliot's has three floors, so selection is a strength right off the bat. Prices seem fair, and books are in mostly good condition. They have a LARGE offering of science fiction and fantasy paperbacks.
They also have a full shelf of cocktail/drink books--perfect for when you need a housewarming gift for a young friend or family member.
It's a great place to get lost for an hour some lazy weekend afternoon. Just based on size and aesthetic, Eliot's is the best used bookstore I've seen so far in Toronto. -
Review from A V.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2010
Great store for browsing in. They've always got a good selection of books on just about every topic.
They ask you to leave your backpack at the front counter, especially if you are going upstairs, which is understandable.
I used to think that the guy behind the counter was a bit...not dismissive or flippant (like another reviewer said)... but aloof. That's fine. I actually don't really want to be bothered when I'm browsing. But I witnessed some situations/patrons he's had to deal with and I think I can understand his demeanor now. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2008
A 3 story used bookstore, Eliot's is easily one of the best used book shops in the city. Each floor is brimming with books, both new and old, and often you'll see stacks of more that haven't been shelved yet. That's a testament to the high book turnover the shop has. If you go in one day and can't find that certain book, go back a few days later, because the cast of books has changed.
The staff there (I've only ever seen 3 different people working here) are all very knowledgeable and helpful. Describe a book to them, and if they don't know it by name, they can usually muddle out the genre and direct you towards the right shelf. -
Review from Terry H.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2010
This is a great bookstore to browse. The clerk at the front gives me the creeps for some reason, but he's certainly helpful enough. Love all the levels, almost reminds me of the Harry Potter library.
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2008 1 photo
I love used book stores, they are one of my many weaknesses and probably my favorite vice. There is a feeling when you walk into a used book store of complete potential. In every shelf is another opportunity to read a good book. Eliots Book Store is one of the best I've ever been to; where some used book stores feel crammed with too many books, Eliots feels just right. There are thousands of books in the store and yet there is no feeling of disorganization and you can find what ever you want easily. The store has three floors jam-packed with books from all over and in all genres. I personally recommend that even if you do find what you're looking for on the first floor that you make your way to the second, because it is a beautiful room dedicated to books. The upper floor is light and airy and they even have those little rolling ladders so you can reach books on the upper shelves. I recommend this book store to everyone who can read. Used books are by far the way to go because they never get used up and Eliots is definitely the place to get used books.
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