-
- English
- Français
- Log In
- Sign Up for Yelp
Eric "Howsitgoing.eh?" B.'s Profile
Independent Book Stores
See All Lists
1. Open Book
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 215-2650
Categories:
Bookstores,
Art Galleries
Neighbourhood: Downtown Minneapolis
I was back at Open Book yesterday to revisit the scene of my first (and hopefully not only) ROTD. This time I brought Gayle and my son with me.
There is so much to like about this place. This Warehouse District building (near the Guthrie) is…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/2/2008
I read about Open Book (aka Minnesota Center for Book Arts) recently in the New York Times and… Read more »
2. Kepler's Books
I returned to Kepler's yesterday on the way home from our father-son Sharks outing. Since my last visit, they've realigned the interior and in a much more user friendly and visually pleasing manner. I also like some of the added touches such as the…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/29/2007
This IS a really great bookstore. Nice selection, knowledgable staff and a nice selection of… Read more »
3. Book Passage
Book Passage is one of my favourite independent book stores, although you might need directions to get there. But it's worth passing Go (Barnes and Noble) and collecting the "$200" of literary treasures that await.
Book Passage has been around for…More »
4. Black Oak Books
Following in the literary footsteps of Dorothy C., Toni M. and Alan L., I ventured into Black Oak Books yesterday. This place is still very much an unfinished manuscript, but with all the raw material and promise of a runaway best seller. While the…More »
5. Black Oak Books - CLOSED
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 486-0698
Category:
Bookstores
Neighbourhoods: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley
I have enjoyed coming here for years to browse, buy, and listen to some great authors.
I have found the staff friendly and helpful. And as far as the previous observations about attitude and psychological abnormalities go, this is Berkeley…More »
6. Diesel Bookstore
I have always enjoyed stopping into Diesel when I'm in the Rockridge area. Recently, Gayle and I stopped as part of an afternoon out in what she would call the urban and gritty East Bay. I love walking down the various sections of College Avenue…More »
7. Bonanza Street Books - CLOSED
This is a very comfortable independent bookstore with interesting crannies and good finds to be had. The overpacking of the books adds to the atmosphere. There is also a nice separate children's section.
8. Cody's Books - CLOSED
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 559-9500
Category:
Bookstores
Neighbourhoods: UC Campus Area, Downtown Berkeley
Let's hope this Cody's can stay open. It's still best in class. Great selection, knowledgable staff and a convenient and fun location. It's nice to buy something to read and hang out near Peets (too bad Pete Olson the musician got chased off).…More »
9. Afikomen Judaica
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 655-1977
Categories:
Bookstores,
Jewelry,
Bridal
Neighbourhood: Claremont
Ditto regarding the welcoming and knowlegable environment. The folks there are helpful, but not pushy. I'm also impressed on the owner's (Jerry Derblich) generosity and commitment to the community.
10. Stacey's Booksellers - CLOSED
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 421-4687
Categories:
Bookstores,
Cards & Stationery
Neighbourhood: SOMA
REVIEW #700
It will soon be a little lonelier in the independent bookstore world with Stacey's closing. Gone too are Bonanza (Walnut Creek), A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books (SF and Corte Madera) and of course Cody's in Berkeley.
And I'm partially…More »
11. Nolo Bookstore
The Nolo Press goal is to make America's legal system accessible to everyone. I've put several of their self-help publications to good use including topics as diverse as divorce, homesteading my house, landlord and tenant rights,…More »
12. Bay Books - CLOSED
As it turns out, there is a decent independent book store in greater Pleasant Hill. It's located in the Park N Shop Centre (near Fry's) and is the sister book store to the one in San Ramon. And since it's about the same drive here than to the twin…More »
13. Kinokuniya Bookstore
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567-7625
Categories:
Bookstores,
Comic Books,
Music & DVDs
Neighbourhoods: Japantown, Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights
As I come up the stairs in the Japan Centre, the Kinokuniya Bookstore is to the left. But unlike my usual political leanings, I first go right to the Stationary store of the same name. And when my KSG/Maido card is full, watch out!
Kinokuniya does…More »
14. The Banff Book & Art Den - CLOSED
This is a very handsome, nicely appointed, and well-stocked book store on Banff Avenue. I first wandered in their previous location back in 1994 and make it a point to return every time I'm in town. The staff is friendly and well-versed. Browsing…More »
15. Mac's Fireweed Books
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2B2
Canada
(867) 668-2434
Categories:
Newspapers & Magazines,
Bookstores
Mac's Fireweed Books is an excellent independent bookstore. And it's open late for just hanging out for a nice browse. They also have an active internet business under http://www.yukonbooks.com.
In addition to a hugh magazine/newspaper and paperback…More »
16. Harbor Bookstore
Friday Harbor apparently has 4 bookstores and this one is probably the best. Just as you get off the Ferry, look to your left and you'll see the Cannery Building and the sign for the Harbor Bookstore on the 2nd Floor.
The bookstore is on the small…More »
17. Next Chapter the
This is a pleasant and inviting independent bookstore in a well restored historical building at the end of the main commerical street in La Conner. It has a good selection of books and has a coffee bar in the back and comfortable places to sit in…More »
18. Bloomsbury Books
There aren't as many top notch independent book stores like this anymore. I really like the feel of this place, including the layout, the coffee shop upstairs, the knowlegable and engaging staff, and of course the creeking floors. The only thing…More »
19. Watermark Book Co
I stopped by here tonight before dinner. This is a very nice independent book store and a great place to spend a little browsing time. The book shelves are nicely layed out with various little nooks and crannies to explore. In addition, Watermark…More »
20. Bookshop Santa Cruz
They pulled the plug on Cody's last month and Black Oaks Books seems to have recently escaped the grim reaper with a change in ownership. Kepler's has also had its close brushes with death. I don't know how Bookshop Santa Cruz has done it, but what…More »
21. Builders Booksource
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-6874
Categories:
Bookstores,
Hobby Shops,
Home & Garden
Neighbourhood: Fourth Street
A fun bookstore with lots of interesting books and such. Architecture and Design subjects are particularly well represented here. Great themes, many of which I had never considered nor am I particularly handy with. And yet I have found and…More »
22. Well-Read Books
Well-Read Books is the other bookstore in Whitehorse in addition to Mac's Fireweed Books. This bookstore specializes more in used books of which they have an extensive collection.
The store has a very comfortable livingroom feel about it that…More »
23. Firehouse Books
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 232-6609
It's too bad Firehouse Books isn't connected to nearby Cafe Diem as what a combination that would make! It's a used bookstore that's a bit musty/dated, a bit disorganized, and and a fun adventure to explore in this meandering and cave-like space.…More »
24. Bay Books
Gayle and I ventured down to San Ramon Saturday for her grandson's birthday party. He's a handsome boy at 2 years old and a flattering combination of his Mom and Dad. The mother-in-law outdid herself again with her party planning skills and warm and…More »
25. Prairie Lights Books
This is a REALLY great independent bookstore and is on par with the old Cody's (RIP), Keplar's, and maybe even City Lights in the SF Bay Area. I like the "nooks and crannies" of this place which encourages you to browse and just settle in for a few…More »
26. Bell's Book Store
This is a really cool old world bookstore, that has been in business since 1935. Bell's grabs you immediately with their pleasing window displays and sucks you in as you walk in the door and see books from floor to ceiling. There is also an…More »
27. Rogue Books
Rogue Books is located in the Railroad District within the old Ashland Fire Station #2 and Jail (Haskins Garage) that was built in the early 1900s. This really neat historical building (with the red gasoline pump outside) is across the street from…More »
28. Serendipity the Used Book Place
You have to look a little harder to find this bookstore, but it's worth the jouney.
Serendipity sells used books, including Northwest themes, fiction, children's books and other almost any other topic you might think of. As you might expect, this…More »
29. Feldman's Books
I don't come to Menlo Park very often as I thought that Feldman's used to be around the corner and maybe where the flower shop is currently located. In any event, Feldman's is a great bookstore and is just a short and rewarding walk from the holy…More »
30. Beaverdale Books
After stopping in at Back Country Outfitters, I wandered across the street to Beaverdale Books. It's a cozy and locally owned bookstore, with a nice selection and comfortable chairs to hang out and read. The person a the front desk was very…More »
31. Powell's Books for Home and Garden
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 228-4651
Categories:
Newspapers & Magazines,
Home Decor,
Bookstores
Neighbourhoods: Southeast Portland, Hawthorne
Earlier this week, I enjoyed browsing around throughout this interesting Powell's bookstore with a home and garden theme. My son ended up with some cute gold dragon object, while I traversed the maze-like layout of this relatively small space and…More »
32. Powell's Books on Hawthorne
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 228-4651
Categories:
Bookstores,
Newspapers & Magazines
Neighbourhoods: Southeast Portland, Hawthorne, Richmond
I made a short trip back to Portland last weekend. On Sunday, I twice made the trip to the mega-Powell's on Burnside. That store was full of interesting and happy people and there definitely was a buzz in the air. And after witnessing the sad demise…More »
33. Powell's Books
A trip to Portland would not be complete without multiple visits to this Independent Bookstore Mothership. And compared to Barnes and Noble, Borders, smaller independent book stores, and their national used book buyer prowess, Powell's might be…More »
34. Wonderland Books
You rarely find small independent book stores like this anymore. My old favourite M.C. Newburn's Books in Albany is long gone, yet somehow Wonderland Books still survives. And it deserves our support.
Wonderland Books is located on Fairmount Avenue,…More »
35. Audreys Books
Audrey's Books is on Jasper Avenue in downtown Edmonton. I make it a point to stop at this very nice and comfortable independent bookstore when I'm in town. I usually come here after going to the nearby Alberta Crafts Council gallery and sometimes…More »
36. Book Exchange
Ashland is blessed with a great independent book store (Bloomsbury) and some nice used book shops including this one - The Book Exchange. It's located on the same block and side of the street as the Standing Stone Brewing Company and right next to…More »
37. Woodruff & Blum Booksellers LTD
Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0
Canada
(403) 522-3842
Category:
Bookstores
Just after you get off the Trans Canada Highway or the Bow River Parkway and as you head towards Lake Louise, there's a small mall on your right. There's also a Parks Canada Visitor Center nearby. Within this mall is a grocery store, a post office,…More »
38. Book Passage
This Book Passage is a smaller daughter to the Mother Ship in Corte Madera. And for your convenience, there's a Peets right next door and plenty of places within a short walk to sit down, relax, and read. I also belong to their Membership Program…More »
39. Los Osos Book Exchange
Formally the home of Peaches the Cat (RIP)
Some good family friends used to own this small, funky, and well-stocked used book shop in Los Osos. It was always a must stop and I hope for those in the area, it still is.
40. Boardwalk Bookstore
This is a pleasant little independent bookstore. It's accessible from both the Spring Street and the boardwalk sides. I'm not sure how 4 different bookstores can make it in this town, but all are worth supporting.
The bookstore itself is more long…More »
| 1 to 40 of 42 | Go to Page 1 2 | Previous | Next |
Recently updated lists from Eric B.
Yelp Elite Events! (38)Between my son, Gayle, and work, there's not much time for Elite fun. Business trips to other Yelp cities help. |
2 Star Reviews (64)You Really Have to Try Hard to Get Less Than 3 Stars From Me! |
My ROTDs! (18)I'm a prolific writer and enjoy telling stories. It's an honour to receive an ROTD as recognition, although I have no idea how they are reallly picked. |
Where to Show My Brother/Family Around SF? (27)One Guide For The Perplexed.... |
Fix It Guys (20)Sometimes every home owner needs some help! |
My Spirtual Journeys....To Be Continued (42)Peaks and Valleys, but always moving ahead... |
1 Star Reviews (7)With 2100+ reviews, only 6 have earned my lowest rating..... |
Ashland Oregon (105)Gayle and I come up to Ashland in April for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and a great time away....Please also refer to the excellent Ashland lists by Jen K. and Toni M. |
Greater Genoa Nevada (30)Near the Kingsbury Grade, there's a magical place..... |
Iowa Great Lakes (21)If you have heard of Lake Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake, or even Estherville, read on.... |
See all 24 lists »
"Chasing the Past, I Stumble Into the Future....."
- 1786 Friends
- 3672 Reviews
- 146 Review Updates
- 1048 Firsts
- 173 Fans
- 1398 Local Photos
- 24 Lists
-
Rating Distribution
Loading...
- View more graphs »
Review votes:
25602 Useful, 15166 Funny, and 22246 Cool
Albany, CA
Yelping SinceMarch 2007
Things I LoveMy Son, Gayle, My Parents and Siblings, My Home, My Work, My Dogs and Cats, Iowa, and Canada.
Find Me InAlbany or Pleasant Hill
My HometownEstherville Iowa - Home of the Mighty Midgets!
My Blog Or WebsiteEvery Yelp Posting Tells A Story About Me, Past, Present, or Future....
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm With Gayle, My Son, at Work, at Home, or on Facebook.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI Love America and Freedom!
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadAnderson Valley Advertiser
My First ConcertElton John at the Iowa State Fair
My Favourite MovieField of Dreams, Slapshot, or the Fugitive
My Last Meal On EarthPagliai's Pizza in Iowa City
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I'm a Yankee and an Aggie (Gig Em!)
Most Recent DiscoveryI Don't Roll on Shabbos!
Current CrushMary Gayle