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    Better Read Than Dead

    4.8 (11 reviews)
    InexpensiveBookstores
    Closed 12:30 pm - 6:30 PM

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    Review Highlights - Better Read Than Dead

    The sort of alley that makes nyc still feel like it has some life left.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The Little Bookshop - Grilled cheese and tomato soup

    The Little Bookshop

    4.6(24 reviews)
    0.7 miEast Williamsburg

    Absolutely loved this place. A friend from outside of NY sent me a video of The Little Bookshop on…read moreInstagram, so I made a mental note to visit. Came here with a girlfriend early afternoon and wow. First, while exiting the entrance of the L train, the scent of good food hit my nose. Without knowing exactly where the shop was but that it was one min away, I only hoped that the aroma was coming from there. I was in for a treat because it was. I received a warm greeting when I entered and ordered a matcha latte to start and then my friend and I each had the vegan butter bean stew and shared a grilled cheese. My expectations weren't high for soup at a bookshop but oh my word, that was the best soup I've had in a while. I practically devoured it, scraping the bowl with the toasted, buttery biscuit it was paired with. The vegan sausage is crumbled and has (to my vegetarian palate) such a convincing meaty taste, that after several bites I had to remind myself that I did in fact order the vegan version. We split a grilled cheese which isn't your typical gooey American or cheddar on sliced bread. It was more of an airy baguette and pepper jack. I still enjoyed it. Overall, such a lovely cafe, with welcoming, family vibes. It's quite on the other side of town for me but I will certainly make the trip.

    This might've been some of the best soup I've ever had in my life…read more This is one of the stops on a Bookstore crawl. I did with a group of friends. It was an amazing experience. The owner stopped by and gave us a couple of samples of soup and told us a little bit of history about her work there. Cozy vibes, warm. All around 10 out of 10 experience.

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    The Little Bookshop - Inside

    Inside

    The Little Bookshop
    The Little Bookshop - Sweet tea& crocheting in the Book Nook

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    Sweet tea& crocheting in the Book Nook

    McNally Jackson

    McNally Jackson

    4.6(40 reviews)
    1.8 miWilliamsburg - North Side
    $$

    It's a good local bookstore chain and in a trendy part of Williamsburg - not far from the North…read moreWilliamsburg ferry stop. Plenty of other nice shops nearby to go through too. This bookstore has a great selection of new books, some of which are signed by the author (but you might need to look a bit hard to find them - it's not easily displayed as it could have been). Part of the reason of it being 4 out of 5 stars. Another reason why it's 4 out of 5 stars is because this location doesn't have a cafe like the other locations - which I appreciate since it makes McNally a true third space for New Yorkers to enjoy. Instead, this location feels more like a take-out/convenience store type of bookstore even though there is one or two chairs placed upstairs that are optimally placed.

    I truly feel you can pick up any book from their "New & Noteworthy" tables and be happy with your…read morechoice. The beauty of McNally Jackson is they do a splendid job curating their selections; there are tables throughout the store with thoughtful staff recommendations. If you haven't had time to read reviews or catch up on new releases then don't worry: you can simply browse these tables and walk away with something you'll enjoy - this goes for literary magazines too. Beyond their selection, their beautiful light wood bookcases make for a calming browsing experience. The staff is also highly knowledgable and friendly - I have enjoyed many book conversations with them here throughout the years.

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    McNally Jackson
    McNally Jackson
    McNally Jackson

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    Molasses Books

    Molasses Books

    4.2(68 reviews)
    0.7 miBushwick
    $

    Few things in this life get me off like a cozy independent book store. I romanticize tf out of…read moreplaces like Molasses Books. I felt like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, or William S. Burroughs when I was in here. It made me want to be in a white button down with the sleeves rolled up, tucked into some pinstripe suit pants, with some trendy glasses on while I rip away at a typewriter between puffs of a cigarette. Instead I was in short shorts and a plain white T smh. Shelves of thoroughly used books engulf the walls, smooth jazz plays subtly in the background, as the young patrons of Bushwick have intimate conversations. A lot of passion in here. A lot of freedom. I got an americano because I'm beast, and the espresso was quality. I knew I was in good hands when one of the Bushwick creatives was making it. Not much else I need in this life than a cozy book store and good espresso... well a couple hundred million would be nice too. Ig @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

    Checked out Molasses Books over the weekend and really liked the concept and shop…read more It's mostly a used bookstore, with a couple of new book offerings, some seating around the shop and a bar area with a few chairs that sells coffee, beer, and wine. I ordered a cappuccino that was good. Nice espresso and froth. I walked around the store and ended up buying a book. Prices are good for the books and pretty decent for the coffee. It can get a little hard to find seating if it's busy as it's a small shop but lots of great books to choose from. Service is okay, not the friendliest. Would come back and buy more books/coffee

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    Molasses Books
    Molasses Books
    Molasses Books

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    Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers

    Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers

    3.5(145 reviews)
    1.7 miWilliamsburg - North Side
    $$

    Fraud alert!!! We were lured by the 50% off they claimed at the small business day with cash app,…read moreand was told by the cashier just to pay with a debit card instead of using the app will get the discount. Transaction end up posted full amount without any discount.The store should address this ASAP and make it right.

    Just the cute name of the bookstore would definitely make me wanna go inside to take a look around…read more Name of bookstore really reminds me of the nursery rhyme starting with the lines of "Sugar and spice...And everything nice" in a way. Size of the place is rather decently small and narrowly-spaced. So, make sure to be extra careful not to knock anything over with your backpack or handbag. When I entered the bookstore, my eyes darted across the room and immediately landed on the cover of a huge and friendly, gray and fuzzy fellow. It was none other than the familiar Totoro himself! Had to flip through the pages of the heavy, hardcover book right away just because how much I love Ghibli Studio and Totoro in general! The selection of books is actually pretty reasonable with different genres like historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, travel, history, memoir, children's books, and so on. Besides books of all types, they also sell canvas totes, stickers, magnets, posters, sketchbooks, stationary, notebooks and postcards just to name a few as examples. Price range can vary but usually more on the expensive side depending on what you happen to buy from the bookstore. Even if you don't plan on making a purchase, I think it's still a great indoor activity (whether just by yourself or with family) to stay away from the cold for the time being. Lastly, I just love their cozy vibes so much and want to stay back for quite some time.

    Photos
    Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers - Bookshelf of Colorful Books

    Bookshelf of Colorful Books

    Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers - Interior

    Interior

    Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers - Time to curl up with a good book!

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    Time to curl up with a good book!

    Better Read Than Dead - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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