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McNally Jackson Books
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Food Coffee & Tea Bookstores, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
52 Prince St(between Mulberry St & Lafayette St)
New York, NY 10012
Neighbourhood: Nolita
(212) 274-1160
- Nearest Transit:
-
Prince St (N, R)
Spring St (4, 6, 6X)
Broadway - Lafayette St (B, D, F, M)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 10 pm
Sun 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Michael C. said: "Little chaotic attempting to order but pretty cool place. Bagel with two eggs, bacon and cheese hit the spot." read more »
174 reviews for McNally Jackson Books
Review Highlights
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"It's independent, yet so shiny and new." In 39 reviews -
"The cafe is seriously yummy too." In 66 reviews -
"The fact that it's not Barnes & Noble." In 14 reviews
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174 reviews in English
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Review from Tonya C.
4/20/2012
This is one of the cutest bookstores I've been to in possibly forever. It is neatly organized with books separated in various nooks and within each nook of books are seats to perch and read for a bit. This is the first time I've actually sat in a bookstore and read an entire chapter of a book I hadn't paid for without realizing I was still in the store.
The staff is equally wonderful and incredibly helpful. I went to the information desk looking for a book with the following clues: The word water is in the title, Something about talking nice and mean to rice, It's like The Secret, The guy who wrote it is a doctor...maybe. And with obviously nothing to go on, the guy helped me look for this mysterious book for about 20 minutes. He was fantastic. Downstairs I also got into an amusing conversation with the staff, who were setting up for a reading, about Tupac still being dead or alive. Seriously that is a classic moment you'd never have at a Barnes & Noble.
I'm so beyond impressed by this bookstore. I cannot wait to go back and just wonder around. -
Review from Charle M.
4/4/2012
Bllalalala. That's how I feel about McNally.
It's right next to my apartment, I walk by it every day on my way to work. It has coffee and places to sit down, always a plus. It's not a chain and it's independently owned, another plus as you won't feel especially generic and boring whilst you shop here (which you should if you walk into any Barnes and Noble anywhere). Their card and postcard selection is unique and wonderful and reason enough for a four star rating. They also have book clubs and readings on a monthly basis plus a handy newsletter email to inform you of both, should you feel inclined to participate. You know what else they have? Books. Really, that's all you need to know.Listed in: Nouveau 'lita is the new…
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Review from Rena J.
New York, NY
3/26/2012
Another great independent bookstore. I could browse books here for hours on end.
It's clean and well-lit, they have an extensive book selection, and they also sell coffee and croissants. A fantastic destination for book lovers. -
Review from Samuel H.
Bronx, NY
5/14/2012
You can find me here practically every Saturday morning for a coffee and a book. This place is cool and a nice change of pace from other book stores near my work. Only negative comment is sometimes the cafe area gets packed so you can sit down.
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Review from Michael T.
New York, NY
4/28/2012
Hipster cool bookstore located in the village. Great coffee shop located inside and the staff are awesome good people.
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Review from Shin F.
Manhattan, NY
5/1/2012
The place has always been having good selections, nice cafe area and knowledgeable and friendly book sellers.
However, my latest experience was not like that at all.
When I asked to one of book sellers about books I'm looking for, she didn't even seriously searching the database and said, 'No, we don't have that in our database'.
I told her that I've spoken with another bookseller there in the previous week, he immediately found the book and I was told that it supposed to arrive on XX day.
Nevertheless, she just repeated, 'no, we don't have it.' Although she obviously didn't know the author's name, she didn't even try to check the spelling, and didn't even try twice, totally ignoring what I told her.
Then, I've asked about another book, which she found the same title but by different author, XX. I told her that I know that book and that's not the book I'm looking for. Again, she didn't even try again and said 'we got the one by the author XX'. Is she kidding or not taking me seriously as a customer!?
What was worse, there was another bookseller right next to her, listening to all of these communication, but he was just laughing and did nothing.
It's fine to have 'nice' or 'cute' appearance of the store, but the bottom line is reasonable services with their good knowledge of books, which we expect from stores claiming 'non-generic' 'independent' bookstore.
Then, they should take customers more seriously. Without it, it's just another cosmetic and superficial fancy bookstore in NYC.
One more thing, did they poke holes in those books hanging from the ceiling of cafe or just made it look like that? Either way, I thought that's just total waste of books. -
Review from Jesse F.
1/12/2012
Great staff recommendations, a hilarious twitter account (@mcnallyjackson), and fun events like Nerd Jeopardy.
A wonderful indie bookstore for literature geeks! Go support them. -
Review from Nina L.
1/3/2012
I wish there was a way to CONVINCE more people to shop here.
I didn't know about McNally Jackson until I stumbled in after walking around SoHo, and I have to say I feel like I've been living under a rock. I'd much prefer shopping/reading/working here than any Barnes and Noble or corporately owned bookstore/cafe. They carry a nice selection of independent zines and books (perfect for designers). Also, they just started a program where you can publish your own book. The children's section is adorable, something out of a movie that you don't see as much in new age bookstores. Bathroom costs 25c but you can ask an associate to help you in if needed. -
Review from Sharifa C.
New York, NY
1/18/2012
I live for this cafe...really! I can be here for hours and get lost in blogging or reading all their high-priced foreign fashion magazines lol. Great bookstore and charming cafe for meeting up with friends or grabbing a scone and coffee to refuel before another bout of shopping.
It's usually quite a few people occupying tables but you can usually always find a seat. Prices are -
Review from Katie S.
1/12/2012
A bookstore that's not a behemoth like Barnes and Noble and not so teeny tiny that you can't really sit down with any of the books. I love coming in here just to read or browse books. There's a small cafe too for people doing work and that want coffee
Another plus is that it's finally an Indie bookshop that doesn't look rundown or smell funny. It's so clean and organized and there's plenty of places to plop down with a magazine or book or just quietly chit chat.
Yay for real books! As functional as kindles/nooks are, i hope they don't drive places like this out eventually. Still a faithful book buyer. -
Review from Alexandra M.
1/12/2012
So many books you would not find at a chain! Nice chairs if you want to realx and read one as wel--especially downstairs!
But you do have to pay for the bathroom, which made me feel bad for the people who bought drinks in the cafe... -
Review from Sunny Y.
Brooklyn, NY
1/27/2012
Go small local indie bookstore!! McNally Jackson is a generally awesome store to go browse an excellently curated selection of (non)fiction, zines, etc. and have warm caffeinated beverages. I often wander in there and find myself buying a lovely impulse purchase.
In this particular case, I desperately needed last minute travel guides that had just come out the week before. Brooklyn Public which usually has an excellent travel section sadly had really out of date books (support your library so they can buy more books!). I then called Barnes and Noble thinking they are massive behemoths with lots of every sort of book, but alas, between the e-order and physical bookstores, everyone was really nice but unable to work around warehousing and shipping restrictions.
McNally Jackson to the rescue! A super nice human immediately picked up the phone, walked over and pulled the books of the shelves and put it behind the checkout desk. And they had the relatively obscure travel titles in stock.
Thanks McNally Jackson! -
Review from Finlay L.
Brooklyn, NY
11/30/2011
Even though I haven't been to all of them, I'd venture to say that this is the best bookstore in New York City. It does everything a really good book store should, as a place to buy books and as a community space.
The talented staff curate the bewildering selection of new books that come out, making it easier for readers to figure out what they want/like to read. I literally can't come in here without picking up something interesting from their "New & Noteworthy" table, either for myself or someone else.
If you already know what you like to read, you'll find a wonderful selection of all different types of writing (from graphic novels to sports to poetry to international fiction to children's books and back). If you've been to a chain book store lately, you might know how hard it can be to find books that aren't currently in the spotlight, or classics.
They're helping to create new readers and writers by hosting free classes, bookgroups, and lectures -- and kids' story time!
The store itself is welcoming: it's big enough to walk around it, but small enough not to be overwhelming. If you wanted you could spend some time and browse the whole shop -- unless, of course, you got distracted by something, which is almost sure to happen.
Bonus: delicious iced coffee and croissants!Listed in: Bring Your Book
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Review from Dimitrios D.
New York, NY
12/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's an independent bookstore, which I like.
The cashier was friendly and complimented me on my Toronto Maple Leafs shirt and even called me all sorts of hip names that a guy would call another guy in a hipster, indie bookstore (if memory serves me, he called me "homie" a few times, or something to that effect).
The book selection is large. I found nice Christmas gifts for both my mom and brother here. The titles are nicely organized by author's national origin (so they have a Canadian book section, a Russian book section, etc.).
There is even a coffee bar which I did not try, but will when I return. -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/6/2011
With
Readings,
Cafe, and
Printing press to
Create books I am impressed. Great bookstore. -
Review from Isabelle D.
Brooklyn, NY
12/8/2011
Oh how I love thee, McNally Jackson, let me count the ways...
1. You can hang out browsing for hours in there.
2. They've recently rehauled the basement and turned it into a bright, jolly place for children, which makes me happy for several reasons-- yes, convince those wee ones to love books early on! Well done, MJ.
3. The staff recommendations all around a pole near the back on the right over by American Fiction are excellent, quirky and a fun variety. I like how along with the books they've got little essays posted from the staff giving reasons for the recs.
4. The tables stocked with new in fiction and new in non-fiction always have the best offerings-- you CAN find bestsellers in there, but they push books you might have missed as well. Quality not fame seems to guide their recs in this regard.
5. The magazine selection is sick. Literary reviews, little heard of funny little political magazines, tabloids, every well-done fashion magazine there is...grab a pile and a spot on the bench, a scone and some not shabby coffee and wile away an extra hour.
6. Did I mention the scones? Yummy. And if hot chocolate is how you're inclined, I think they serve the best hot chocolate in the city.
7. If they don't have your book, they're very efficient about ordering it for you stat.
8. And if one of their recs doesn't pan out so hot, they're very gracious about returns.
9. Everyone of the staff is dressed like a different character from an off-Broadway show called "McNally Jackson."
Yes, I love thee to the depth and breath and height of five stars. -
Review from Liz F.
Brooklyn, NY
2/14/2012
One of the best independent bookstores in lower Manhattan. If you like your cafe tables with magazines and coffee, you'll like MJ Books. The print on demand service is kind of spectacular. If they don't have the title you want, they will print you a copy while you wait.
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Review from Raphael D.
Brooklyn, NY
10/25/2011
The tactile experience of leafing through different selections, appreciating the design of a cover and having the help of staff who know their stock is one that no online retailer can ever give you and larger shops can only allude to. If that's what you're looking for then this is the right place.
The selections are fresh, devoid of mass-market noisy pulp and there's a high abundance of art and design books as well and if they don't have something they can order it for you.
Give the one-click ordering a rest and spend a couple of hours here. It's good for the soul. -
Review from Shalin D.
10/27/2011
I love this place. I love that they have armchairs and encourage hours of browsing. I love the attractive staff. I love the fact they have the Paris Review the day before it comes out anywhere else. I love the in-house cafe and the bright walls, displays of REAL books (not the candy fiction you see everywhere). I love the unassuming facade and the author's series they hold each week.
I come to NYC only occasionally, but I'd take this place over the Strand or any other bookstore in Manhattan. -
Review from Kelly R.
10/14/2011
Very cute bookstore-I would go back here time and time again. They had a really awesome selection of books I've never seen before. Even a Clare Rojas illustrated children's book-Amazing! They also had a nice selection of hard to find design/art books.
the children's book section is adorable-with a cushion shaped like a book.
The magazine section is pretty extensive for art magazines-but they are all cramped among eachother and really hard to see on the top shelf.
The cafe looked cute as well but we never stopped had a cup. There is a single bathroom and you have to pay to use it-just fyi. -
Review from Valerie L.
New York, NY
6/19/2011
Love at first sight.
I only met McNally a few hours ago, but I've already made up my mind that it's The One. It's the bookstore I can peruse for hours because of its wide, interesting selection, convenient location and cool layout.
If you're tired of the same old, pop in and discover an assortment of magazines/zines/literary journals you've never even heard of. Even if you don't like to read, the photo magazines on the top shelf will certainly entertain. Then there's the huge wall of Moleskin notebooks and journals.
Oh, and a small cafe in the corner in case you need a cup of Joe to sip on while reading your new foreign magazine that you've never seen anywhere else.
It's a refreshing space where magic can happen. Literary magic. This is easily one of the best bookstores I've ever visited. -
Review from Anthony A.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2012
Wow, I love this place. Not only does it have an awesome coffee house, the book selection is extensive. Cozy environment from the bustle of Nolita & Soho.
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Review from Stephanie C.
Washington, DC
10/24/2011 1 photo
Nice discovery, this place, which is gaining attention and gainng ground. I think the retail cycle is changing -- from big box stores (R.I.P. Borders) to a trend of localization and personalization. The thing that is unique about this place is the organization of the fiction section: by country (e.g., American authors, English and British -- including Beckett, I noticed).
They have a nice rack of journals and mags; an impressive collection of small, artistically crafted and printed greeting cards; and unique, charming paper-oriented gifts. Very nice place, very helpful staff. Nice vibe. -
Review from Cici T.
5/2/2011
A great transformation of space to further your literary mind, broaden your horizons, put you at ease, and feed your soul.
The intimate 2-story book store is comprehensive but not overwhelming. It's a brightly lit building that's reminiscent of spring weather and happy days. My recent finds were the ecological chic home design and culinary sections, both of which were much fun to peruse. For those that prefer flipping through magazines, McNally's collection does not disappoint.
To the side of the first floor is their adjoined cafe where you can go settle down with a book while having a butter croissant and some hot tea. -
Review from Sarah R.
New York, NY
9/30/2011
This is my happy place in NYC and so I will schlep down to NoLita from Murray Hill whenever I need that calming zen-full state of mind that only a good bookstore can provide.
There is a larger than usual cafe where smart looking people are reading or typing away on their computer. Their fiction section is organized by country, which means that finding certain books can sometimes feel like a wild-goose chase ("American? Nope. British? Nope. Hmmm. Ah! Canadian!") They also have a great selection of travel narratives, my current favorite addiction.
I just wish it was closer to my apartment so I could come in all the time. But I guess its for the best because otherwise I would have even more books sitting on my floor, waiting to be read. -
Review from Albert W.
1/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Decent coffee and selection of books with plenty of places to read.
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Review from Katherine B.
New York, NY
12/28/2011
You don't have to travel to the sinking city of Venice to get lost - a trip to McNally Jackson may warrant pushing back those dinner plans or telling your friends to "go ahead without me" prior to your upcoming shopping trip - this place is a delicious labryinth of words, pictures, and overpriced lattes. The cookbook section is quite formidable, as is its fashion and photography hardcover counterpart. A daunting selection of P.G. Wodehouse left me crouched in the corner of British literature for over 35 minutes. I was also able to find a lovely birthday card for my mother. And when the store was out of "Less Than Zero", I was told it could be ordered and would arrive in two days. Just another excuse to not show up for spin class.
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Review from Ro N.
New York, NY
1/9/2012
They carry Bubble Letters NYC and Letters Lubell stationary!
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Review from Devanshi G.
Manhattan, NY
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Last time I was here I had the half grilled turkey apple sandwich with the half tomato gazpacho - both of which were simple and perfect little meals. Today I came straight after the gym - ravenous !!
Im always happy to see cafes sell boiled eggs and haven't seen it nearly as much as I'd like to. I was tempted to revisit the Turkey sandwich but resisted and ordered the veg quiche and iced latte instead.
I can safely say that the Quiche was one of the best I have ever had. It was fluffy cheesy and with a great pastry. The side salad too was delish - with sliced almonds, cranberries and cute little cherry tomatoes. Simple and superbly executed !
Staff was great. My iced latte order got lost in the busy-ness of the cafe but they apologized and got it to my spot by the window. Gotta love the decor :) -
Review from Marygold H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/19/2012
Yay. I'm a fan.
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Review from jae z.
11/27/2011
I really wanted to hate on McNally Jackson when they featured on Gossip Girl, but, in fact, I love this place - from the selection, recommendation to the set up. As a bonus, they have a great selection of greeting cards and stationery.
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Review from Magenta R.
New York, NY
8/21/2011
If McNally Jackson were a person, s/he would be my soul mate.
Each time I come here, I'm inspired to read something completely different than what I came in for--if not by the events and book clubs that they have each month, then by the dedicated, friendly staff, who actually make suggestions and maintain an awesome Tumblr (which I highly recommend checking out). Their magazine section, while not enormous, is very diverse, stocking everything from Vanity Fair to Paris Vogue to n+1. Their book selection is fairly substantial (two floors), and if they don't have something you want, you could definitely find something else to tide you over while you continue your search (and other Yelp reviews lead me to believe that they could order books for you, although I haven't confirmed this for myself).
Another thing I have yet to do is order from their cafe, which actually seems serene and cool, and not annoying like a Starbucks at a B&N. Every time I've been to McJ, it's never been crowded.
Lastly, the store generally looks very clean and organized, which to me is the ultimate book-shopping experience.
Go go go--and at some point, get on their events newsletter list! -
Review from Joy B.
Manhattan, NY
3/23/2012
Best bookstore in NYC! They consistently have every book I need for my literature classes while most Manhattan bookstores can't be counted on (including Barnes and Noble.) Honestly, the other ones in the area should seriously learn something from McNally Jackson.
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Review from Jess B.
6/21/2011
After discovering this gem about five years ago, this remains one of my favorite independent stores in the city. Not only is the store layout intricate and the book selections stellar, but the cafe has some great offerings, too. I'm obsessed with their mixed greens salad and iced mocha.
The last time I was in here, I was eye-stalking James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem as he perused the aisles with his gorgeous wife. If you want to have some indie star sightings, this is the place you want to be. -
Review from Lucy C.
Temple City, CA
2/3/2011
I could not get enough of McNally.
The majority of my trip to New York was spent here, with a cup of tea or latte. I love the communal tables and the large variety of books they offered.
It had a certain sense of community, and yet also modern, but not too bougie. Definitely a great comfortable space, especially if its raining outside! -
Review from Geoffrey A.
Houston, TX
6/1/2011
I thought this bookstore was cool mainly because they have the coolest notebooks ever. If you are a moleskine notebook nerd, they have every obscure moleskine, plus other very unique notebooks from all around the world. They also have a nice amount of self-published and books published from small publishing companies.
I read an article that said small bookstores will improve while large ones like Barnes and Nobles will go downhill due to Kindle and other ebooks. I definitely think this is one of the small bookstores that will be ok. -
Review from Elle P.
12/3/2010
Will books ever disappear because of electronic media? I hope not because wonderful little independent bookstores do so much to add character to a neighborhood, as well as the cultural literacy of a generation.
Every week McNally Jackson hosts several book readings, along with other events, such as book clubs (also in Spanish!), workshops on writing, and activities for children, including a resident storyteller. I love how they encourage you to stay with a cafe inside the bookstore and having comfortable chairs scattered throughout. This is my kind of place!
We heard about Jonathan Franzen's reading at the last minute, and were worried that we wouldn't be able to make it in, but happily for us, we found room. Franzen gave a terrific and interesting 17-min reading of some pages from his latest novel, Freedom. I can't wait to read it now.
McNally Jackson is a fantastic destination for the literary-minded.Listed in: Quirky New York, Bibliophile's dream
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Review from Beatriz A.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I loved this bookstore! It had plenty of lounging areas, in case you wanted to read a bit, before purchasing your book. There were so many books, of all types. The bookworm in me really liked this place.
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Review from Crystal W.
New York, NY
2/23/2011
Oh man. I love McNally Jackson. It's a bastion of 100% booky goodness right in the middle of Nolita shoe, bag and tart craziness. Even when it's closed, when I walk by at night and gaze at all the books brightly lit on display, I feel better by osmosis.
Better yet, when I step inside when the store is actually open, I smile instinctively just being surrounded by all these beautifully displayed books. The store is well stocked (and warmly lit) without feeling like a superstore, with a collection that smartly toes a fine line between popular and just highbrow enough to make you feel smarter. Their cafe is a pleasant space to spend an hour or two browsing or conversing. They also have a great rotating calendar of readings and events, although I've yet to attend one. Be sure to follow them on Twitter as well for a constant stream of funny in-store commentary and updates on going-ons.
The real proof that I'm smitten? I just ordered a book today that costs six dollars more than it does on Amazon and will probably take longer to arrive, but shrugged it off because I am happy to pay the premium to support a bookstore like this in the middle of downtown Manhattan. If that's not love, I don't know what is. -
Review from Joelle B.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2011
I love me a good indie book store, but this one is different. It's clean. It's organized. It doesn't smell funny. The staff is so nice. I could go on, but really, just go there and buy a book. You'll get that smug sense of self satisfaction you can only get from a fresh, new first edition in your hot little hand.
