This is exactly what a great neighborhood used bookstore should be. The shelves are packed floor-to-ceiling with an incredible mix of hidden treasures, rare finds, and classic paperbacks that you can easily lose an hour browsing through. They have a fantastic "buy three, get one free" deal that always convinces me to grab just one more book than I originally planned. Plus, the fact that they have an awesome vinyl collection means you can hunt for records and books at the same time. The staff is always laid-back and friendly, making it a staple spot to hit up whenever you're hanging out in Squirrel Hill or downtown. read more

Amazing Books & Records - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We stopped by on a whim around 10pm on Saturday night and there were way more people there than I thought there would be! They have a fairly large selection of used books and records with many tall bookshelves. You never know what you'll find there! A staff member asked us if we had been there before and we said no. He told us that they have a buy three get one free deal and on Saturday nights they have free beers and seltzers. I didn't end up buying anything because I was a little overwhelmed but all the options (you could probably spend hours in there!) but it's a fantastic option and I like that they were open until midnight on Saturday! read more

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This place was an utter disappointment. I did hear from some residents that the chain has a mixed reputation around the city. What's mixed? Who likes it? It was mostly organized, as in things were labeled and in generally the right area, but not really. Mostly I was annoyed by the selection. Whenever I travel, I visit a bookstore. All the books were oversized, so they won't travel well or easily. The selection was meager and it wasn't quite textbooks or books even books worth buying. The prices are too excessive for book quality and selection. Nothing amazing about this place, except maybe location? read more

On one street is a bookstore selling new books and one selling used books. This one sells used books and records organized on large shelves. Because the books are used, you'll never know what you will find. In terms of travel books, they had a better-than-most collection, including guidebooks to Italy, Greece, and other countries. read more

Amazing Books & Records - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Selection for everyone!!! Staff was knowledgeable with all questions asked and pricing was very affordable. Would definitely go back next time in Pittsburgh read more

I had a wonderful experience at the new location on Walnut in Shadyside! The staff were so friendly and extremely helpful. Gave me great recommendations and even helped me to look up some books they didn't have. I also really enjoy their ongoing special- getting to choose a free book upto a $10 value with every 3 items purchased....what a great deal. I will definitely be going back often and will be making this one of my first stops in future book searches. read more

Nice used bookstore - you could really find a rare treasure, I felt, I'd you spent hours looking and if you knew exactly what hard-to-find title or edition you wanted. I saw some great looking titles I've never seen at other bookstores. But, as other reviewers have said, the prices are pretty up there, for used books. I saw multiple books priced even higher than the original price paid new. read more

I've stopped by this shop now maybe 5-10 times, looking specifically at records. Selection is sometimes okay, with some good records in the new arrivals bone, but the prices are simply too high. Higher than Discogs (or most any online source) for condition condition of the records. I had to walk out last time when there were several common 70's rock records priced at $20 or higher. Not sure who is pricing things, but there's an altered reality they work in that doesn't fully align with ours. Shame as I'd like to support local business, records shops in-particular. read more

More than once now, I have selected a book, brought it to the cash register, and had it rung up for well more than what I thought it cost by looking at the number written in the book. This last time, it was Vonnegut's A Man Without a Country, good condition, not first edition or anything. The hand-written price was $10 and that seemed like a fair price. At the cash register, the teller, whom I think was the owner, said "That will be $21.40." I said "I thought it was ten dollars." He opened the book and showed me the hand-written price. To me it still looked like 10, but I could see there was the subtlest of curves near the top of the "1". I politely declined to buy the book at $20. The thing is, this is not the first time this happened. On a previous trip, I tried to buy a slender volume of Rimbaud poetry. It was the same thing--I don't remember the numbers involved--it's been a couple years. I don't look for this kind of drama at the cash register. Others have noted this store's prices are high. I agree. But they can charge whatever they want and I can make my decision to buy or not. But really, adventure with the price and handwriting is something I will do without from now on. I should also say that the books are not put in order very well. Usually I am looking for a specific book or specific author, and I have to look well out of the ordinary place ofttimes, because the order of the volumes on the shelves tends to be helter-skelter. They could try a little harder. My overall sense is that the locals love having a bookstore, any bookstore, these days. If I was content to go in and show the flag, and feel good about not buying from an online vendor, the experience would be great. But usually I am interested in books, and this place just doesn't do it for me and I will not be going back. read more

A great local records store with very fair trade in value. I will definitely go back in again soon.

I went for a second time today and while I did find some books that interested me the prices were outrageous. A used copy of Razorblade Tears for $21?!?!? Not even good used condition. A brand new hardcover on Amazon is $13 bucks. I don't mind paying a higher price to support my local bookstore if the product is new. I shop at White Whale and understand the slightly higher prices. If prices at Amazing ever become more reasonable I am happy to shop there. Until then very hard pass for me. read more

This is a fabulous bookstore selling mostly used books (I believe they can order new for you). It's well organized, clean, and the nicest staff. Best of all, they are open on Christmas Day to give people who don't celebrate such as the owner, or are alone (or both!) a fun and warm place to be. read more

Under Amenities, it says "Staff wear masks." Is this perhaps literal, as in, Staff wear masks but Owner doesn't? He wasn't wearing one when I stopped in today, anyway. If you require your customers to wear masks, maybe you ought to too. Just saying. Also, why are so many shelves empty or nearly so? At least in the old location, I had the feeling of abundance; here it feel like I should expect a Going Out of Business sign. What's going on? read more

Great little used book and record store! Nice selection and atmosphere with very friendly and helpful staff. Nice place to browse. Books are affordably priced. They also will buy your old books/records. Open late with some occasional weekend evening events. read more

I have just found a new perfect spot to browse books and records/vinyls. I can't say enough great things about this place. Nevermind Jerry's records in Squirrel Hill, this Amazing Books and Records store is so underrated. It was only my second time coming to this Amazing Books and Records in Squirrel Hill. I live in the area so it's really convenient having a store near by. The staff was very friendly, made me feel welcome, and they have really good deals on records where you buy like 3 of them including a book, you get a free one. From what I heard, every Thursday and Saturday night too, they offer a free beer for customers who walk in too. Of course over 21 and they do card but it's procedure. If you are a night owl on a Saturday night and like to hang out browsing your favorite music and books or even socialize with friends including maybe meeting regulars there (where the staff doesn't pressure you forcing you to buy anything accusing anyone of loitering) I strongly suggest taking your business to this place and supporting them. Big thumbs up and I am very impressed how great this place is for this day and age. Please stay in business and tell customers to give this place more respect! I will for sure be back. read more

The new place is bigger, which is a plus, and they do have several interesting things. However, as a previous reviewer posted, there are no prices on the books and since I was only browsing, I felt strange asking such a general question. I came in there for vinyl however and was amazed at the prices they wanted for LP's that had covers that were falling apart, which usually indicates that the records are in fair or poor condition. Even if they slashed the prices in half they would still be more than what you can get online or several other places in Pittsburgh who sell records. I hate to be critical of a local independent bookstore/vinyl shop, as they indeed need our business but for my purposes, I found them overpriced, lacking quality, and a bit disorganized. In a few months, I'll try again and readjust my score if things have changed. read more

I absolutely love a bookstore. I love a second hand/second loved book store even better. I walked around the store on a humid Friday afternoon picking up anything with a title that called my attention. I eventually settled on two books. I never saw any prices mentioned anywhere. But I thought, how bad could it be for two USED books? Each of these books goes for less than $5 used online, but wanting to support a local business I proceeded to the checkout counter. There was no ringing things into a system, just a pencil and paper. However, I'm confident that I definitely have less than $20 worth of books in my hand... so when I heard **$29.96** I was a little more than shocked. It really seemed like these prices were just made up on the spot. Obviously, no research into what a fair price would be, happened before placing these on the shelf. Needless to say, I won't be back and I won't be recommending this place to anyone I know, I genuinely feel like I've been taken advantage of. read more

Prices of books and records are generally too high. Prices are closer to new books and records.

I went to this bookstore today. The store has a great selection of books however, there are no prices on the books therefore I warn you to ask for you go to the front and purchase. There was a special get three books and get the cheapest book for free. I had called to ask how much the cookbooks would be before I got into the store and the man told me no more the $12. Since there was no prices on the books after I got my total it was expensive for used books (that were really dirty). I hoping he was just making up prices on top of his head while I was there but that's the vibe I get. I really love to support small book stores but it's hard when you don't know the prices in advance and was told something differently on the phone. Sadly I'll be continue to purchase my used books from amazon instead. read more

Diverse selection, old school bookstore, great personal recommendations from an actual person, not an alg. Best way to spend an evening.

Excellent collection of curated books and decent collection of vinyl as well. The book curators are quite knowledgeable about good writing and know music as well. If you can't find something , ask them they'll find it if it's there. Also, check out the Southside 'Amazing books 2' read more

Amazing Books & Records - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Local business with very huge selection of books, the owner are friendly and knowledgeable and the his stuff always helpful. Prices are very fair. Im always stop here when I need anything related to book. Great place!!! read more

Insane amount of treasures in this book and record store! Highly recommend going! People who work here are super helpful and very kind! Can't wait to come back! read more

BEST STORE IN PITTSBURGH This and the one in Downtown on Liberty Ave have the best selection of books for a good price. Politics, Science, Philosophy, fiction you name it. Classic political science, the classic philosophers, existentialism, utilitarianism, etc. Classic novels like Orwell, Vonnegut, Steinbeck, Twain. Went there today and came back with 6 books all for a great price. Gave me a 20% deal off too, I've heard they usually have deals. Overall happy, not crowded, room to move. Went to Caliban in Oakland and it was by far the worst bookstore I've been to. I'm new to Pittsburgh and from the six or seven or so stores I've visited in the area, Amazing Books is my favorite. Will be visiting again, since I haven't visited the one in downtown in a while. read more

Heads up to the owner/staff. I would have loved to have spent more time looking for books to purchase, but the music you had playing made it impossible to focus on reading. Plus, you had amped up the bass so much that I got a heck of a headache from all the thudding and had to hightail it out of there shortly into my visit. I strongly suggest you turn the volume way down, or even better, turn it off. Music is intrusive when trying to read. read more

AMAZING STORE!! I am new to record collecting and came in briefly but could have stayed all day! Evan was extremely helpful and offered his opinions on music he liked that was similar to what I had mentioned to him I was looking for. Left with 5 new albums hoping next time you'll have some Sinatra in store!! Will definitely be back and need to check out the downtown location read more

I recently ordered books from their website and had a great experience. They were timely and everything looked great. I highly recommend going to this bookstore. read more

I love this bookstore & have been shopping here ever since I moved to Pittsburgh in 2011.

I just ordered some books from their website and was surprised how great the experience was -- the staff have made *very specific* notes about each book's condition, and the alphabetical titles list is actually enjoyable to click through. There's a great mix of books here, and prices and shipping costs are all fair (or better than fair). Support this store, these people obviously love what they do. read more

The collection of books was not at all what I was looking for or expecting. I was hoping for endless pop books like Nicholas Sparks ad Diane Chamberland. However, my disappointment was short lived. I told the employee what types of books I typically read and she suggested 4-5 authors and books off the top of her head! Even though there were several customers in the store, she took the time to pull several books for me to choose from. I ended up buying 3 books and so far, I'm pretty pleased with the recommendations! I will return with an open mind ready for more unexpected recommendations! read more

I meant to update but accidentally deleted my review! Really nice owner, good prices and big selection of books. Happy I found out they're open on Sundays since they always have the books I'm looking for, and I hate having to order from Amazon. read more

Bring a backpack. This is the place to spend an hour happily browsing before carrying off an embarrassingly heavy armful of the books you just had to have. They're especially rich in philosophy and religion and other scholarly nonfiction. This store isn't so big that you'll lose an entire afternoon there, which means you can justify visiting more often. I especially love coming in when the staff is sorting and pricing the contents of an estate sale haul, surrounding the front desk with boxes and heaps of unknown treasures with that inimitable private-library scent of dignified decay. I'd pay them to let me help out, not even kidding. Do check the hours on their main website, rather than Google. The Jewish Sabbath and holidays are observed, so you'll need to get there before sundown on Fridays and plan on a nighttime visit on Saturdays--they stay open late then, so stroll over after dinner. read more

Wonderful selection of books from every genre at an affordable price. Friendly and helpful staff.

Interesting bookstore. We enjoyed digging for treasures,,. and found several to take home. Eric was particularly helpful. Need to check out their other store, too. read more

Amazing Books is true to its name. Go visit--there's always parking within a block of the store on Murray. The first amazing thing is the variety of books. In a moderately sized space, packed with books from floor to ceiling, you can find a long wall of fiction, an array of mysteries, a remarkably rich section of Judaica, aisles of new additions, a healthy handful of new releases, and hefty shelves full of poetry, biography, lit crit, African-American, music, drama, art, gardening, kids, travel, sci-fi/fantasy, American history, European history, religion, sociology, and philosophy. There are also interesting selections of LPs and DVDs. ***That's the key--the books are indeed well chosen, and the selection is constantly changing.*** Almost all of the books are used, and thus sold at good prices. And the prices are discounted if you buy a handful or join as a member. Used books are bought and sold there all time. The next-to-best thing about Amazing Books is the staff, who are great folks--friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They throw parties about once a month, and the store is always up to something fun and interesting. Finally, I don't want to ignore the obvious. The best thing about Amazing Books is that it exists at all, in a great location, providing Squirrel Hill and all of Pittsburgh with a constantly changing selection of classic, popular, academic, rare, new, and always attractive books. Thank you, Amazing Books, for making Pittsburgh an even better place! read more

Amazing Books is a fine book store but it can be a bit difficult to find specific titles.

This is the definition of a business that only cares about profit. I felt like the owner just wanted me out of the store the second I gave him my money. And on that topic, all the books are priced at least 30% higher than any other used bookstore I've ever visited. This includes books that are marked up with pen or that have cracked spines. I typically drop $150 whenever I visit a used bookstore. Half-Price Books, for example, gets a ton of my money--nicer books, better prices. I could hardly stomach the $6 I paid for an old Penguin Edition here. Should have been a dollar book. Cafeteria lighting and a warehouse setting with nowhere for customers to sit, and not a single good price? Pass. Go up the street to Classic Lines. If you're going to pay premium prices, at least get premium books from a real bookstore. read more

I had walked by this store for years and never felt the need to enter but i had decided to give it a shot and i immediately regretted it, the entryway was dirty and the stairway leading down dangerously cluttered. It was atleast a solid 10 minutes before i had entered the store before i was acknowledged by the employeee sitting in what can only be described as a nest of dirt and cut paper hunched over his laptop. I began looking at a few books and it was terribly obvious that their books were overpriced for their condition and that their records were insulting on how much they charged for literal rubbish. Finally the employee mazed his way out of the nest of filth to introduced himself as the owner shockingly; he was unkempt and scraggly and smelled of old beans but we all have our bad days so i disregard that though he gave a fake interest and an air of prpretentious. Not to my surprise the rest of the store was covered in messes of books dangerously stacked and actual sawdust on the ground, i was surprised to see that they actually had flooring under all this chaos ( i can firmly get behind a store feeling cozy and unique but this was clearly from neglect and lack of caring) . Too end it short i do not plan on going back to this store anytime soon though ive heard they have two other locations so i may stop by those later this week read more

Amazing books is one of my favorite book stores! Unpretentious and a really great selection on any topic you choose! Their selection of books on Judaism is unrivaled by any book store in the city! The owner Eric is really passionate about his store and the quality of books they sell. The staff there is really friendly and knowledgeable. They make you feel welcome and it's really easy to browse around. They also have a good selection of vinyls and always have decent music playing in the background. Check this place out! read more