Who: boyfriend & I When: Tues. afternoon Where: Upper Kirby, Bissonnet St What: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon (~$12) Why: In a city where bigger is better, I am so grateful for Brazos Bookstore. Judging by the outside, it is surprisingly large, comfy, and beautifully laid out inside. The staff is friendly, courteous, and knowledgable. This smaller bookstore does a great job of highlighting lesser known publications while stocking the well-known, as well as nerd-chic accessories (journals, pens, mugs, tote bags, etc.), making it a great place to find gifts. I could have purchased Steal Like an Artist online at Amazon for nearly half the price, but I chose to buy it at Brazos because it was the perfect surprise for my boyfriend to wrap up our date at this bookstore. read more

Brazos Bookstore - Chillin' in the humor section - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

A welcoming independent store with a not-huge but carefully chosen selection of books. Great staff of avid readers and writers who know all about new / niche authors as well as bestsellers and classics. A cozy children's room with wonderful picture books. Cards and small gifts. Best of all, pre-COVID they had a busy schedule of author events: readings, discussions, book-signings. Hope those return soon! read more

Cutest bookstore ever. On a busy street but your immediately transported to book heaven and greeted by energetic and smiling staff. Laura provided a warm smile and took the time to show me books like " Pearl". Bought 2 kids books, a small puzzle game, and Birthday card for a total of $45! Deal! Thank you for your service and hospitality, my baby and I will be back soon. read more

Brazos Bookstore - Complimtary gift wrapping, a wonderful treat! Thanks Laura, helped me in the kids room - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

A legend in Houston, the ultimate independent bookstore. I love the readings. The staff often has excellent suggestions for books to read. read more

Brazos Bookstore - Sehba Sarwar reading at Brazos - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Really great selection of books. Staff was friendly but not overbearing. Very comfortable to browse. Several books I saw were already on my wishlist, but was able to add more. Nice selection of gifts and stationary. Bought two unique color LePens. read more

I didn't have the same experience everyone else has. I Purchased a ticket for a reading they were sponsoring and I mistakenly thought that I could come by and get the ticket (and the book which my ticket price purchased) that day. Evidently, the book doesn't come out until right around the reading. It was a misunderstanding, but you would've thought by how defensive the saleswoman was that I was trying to scam her or something. I will just purchase the book elsewhere, and I won't be ordering tickets through this place again. read more

Might as well update this to 5 stars. Easily the best bookstore in town for new releases. With readings from some really interesting authors. With events for children to adults. Staff is always helping you find what you want. They will always take special requests, often they can get a signed first edition for no extra charge. Either from the special appearances, or just through whatever connections they have. Within the last year, I have gotten a signed first edition from Richard Russo, Paulette Jiles, Louise Erdrich, Zadie Smith, among others. I just saw Amor Towles will be at the store in Feb. Which will be a must see. They have gotten rid of their collectible first editions a few years ago. Though I think that has been for sale and/or on display at the Menil Bookstore, or at least that is what I have heard. Anyway, you won't find a better local bookstore dedicated to new releases of all kinds...while I just focus on various fiction, there is much more in this small store than meets the eye. A Houston institution. read more

It was my birthday and I like to read so I decided to visit a new bookstore. I came to Brazos and started browsing but things got uncomfortable. They followed me around the whole store pretending to fix shelves or pick out books from a shelf. When I would make eye contact with one of the workers she would quickly glance away. Might be because I'm not white, the way I was dressed, or both. The store isn't that big so they could have just stared at me from the counter since I was such a concern. I won't be back but I'm not missing out since the store has books you can find anywhere. They have a decent selection of local magazines and speciality journals, but there are other independent bookstores that carry the same. I walked out of that store feeling very sad from my experience and wondering why they did that. read more

Great independent bookstore. Not a large store but are willing to try and get any title you need. I LOVE THAT THEY STILL CHOOSE TO HAVE A 'WEAR A MASK' SIGN UP!! IT'S AMERICA! Don't like it take you dirty germs somewhere else. read more

If you are looking for the best independent bookstore in Houston, look no further. Houston is lacking in independent bookstores. Sterile chains put together using a marketing formula are the norm. Obligatory coffee shop, Information Desk behind which staff members have to refer to a computer for book recommendations, homogeneous music is piped over the tiny, hidden speakers. You won't find this at Brazos. Thank goodness! I've meant to stop by here for quite a while. Oddly enough, I forget about it; it's on an awkward part of Bissonnet. I finally made it here about a week ago; I was on the quest for a book that is sold out almost everywhere in Houston. This was stop four on the quest of six stores. There was a author talk the evening I visited, with a nice-sized crowd of about twenty or thirty people. They ALL turned to look at me as I entered the store. Lovely. The employee was really nice and helpful, but alas, no book. As he looked up when the books would arrive (they were already on back order) I looked at a few of the display tables. Almost everything I read the back of looked interesting. A whole table and surrounding section of employee favorites. I didn't have the chance to browse around the store much, but almost did anyway out of curiosity and a little spite. (The twenty to thirty people kept eyeballing me every time I whispered something to the employee.) read more

I love this bookstore. One of my favorite things to do is to browse the staff recommendations posted around the store to discover new books I may not have otherwise found. Definitely support this local business! They are such a great place for readers and authors in the Houston area. read more

This small store has a big selection of mass market books, ndependent (but not in THAT way) books, and works by local authors. They host release parties and readings, and they partner up with many local business and writing groups like Inprint. Their mission is something along the lines of bringing "world-renowned authors and ideas to Houston audiences." This isn't Barnes and Noble, and it's definitely not a discount store. It is, however, a great bookstore, staffed by knowledgeable, friendly, and book-passionate folks who will help you locate what you need (even if by special order). Even in the age of Amazon and Powell's, there is still a real value to stores like Brazos. read more

As a student at the University of Texas, one of my favorite Friday afternoon activities was going to Book People on Lamar to peruse the staff fiction picks and ultimately walk out of the store with a heavier back pack and a lighter wallet. I have read many great books that I otherwise would have not picked up had it not been for the insightful BP staff. Upon moving to Houston, I was concerned that I would not find an independent bookstore that measures up to BP in Austin. My fear has been put to rest with the discovery of Brazos Bookstore. The staff are friendly and passionate about their literature I must say! The staff pick section is very full, and the rest of the store has shelves of interesting books by less mainstream authors. My first trip to the store was prompted by a current promotion called "blind date with a book" - a selection of titles are individually wrapped up and each book has a staff review written by hand on the outside of the wrapping paper - you don't know the author or the book, just a genre and a short description. I think that this is a fantastic idea and I ended up buying two! Super exhilarating! I have a feeling that this will become one of my favorite places in Houston. read more

Brazos Bookstore is one of a few independent bookstores in Houston. With the success of Borders and Barnes & Noble which have their place, small bookstores especially in Houston are appreciated on an even deeper level. Brazos will never have the selection of the larger guys, but what they do have is richer and carefully-selected. They have a great architecture section as well as a diverse selection of magazines from all over the world. They also bring authors like Dave Eggers and Marjane Satrapi to read, answer questions, and sign autographs. Take THAT, large corporations! Pay Brazos a visit and remember what book stores were meant to be. read more

Charming, locally owned bookstore. Great fiction section and lots of great ideas for gifts for the holidays for your favorite bibliophiles!

So let's take another look at Brazos Books. Quite a few changes have taken place since my last review. People have come and gone, the bookstore rearranged, a new on-line posting. I have heard voices raised in dismay. It seems human nature runs true-we don't tolerate change very well. Especially when it comes to something as beloved and familiar as our Brazos Books. I am trying to be objective in wading through the pros and cons. I admit my own dismay at the total make-over of the store. Gone is the cozy, libraryish feel. The sit down a while, linger, enjoy a cup of tea and browse a book (well not really tea, it just felt that way). Now the feel is slicker, hipper, edgier. Not quite as warm. But I have to say the children's/juvenile lit room was way overdue for some attention and it is really refreshing and inviting. Before it was a mishmash as if everything had just been tossed into the room. If you were serious about looking for something you had to wade in and start digging. I always got the feeling it was only a nod to children but not a serious attempt to attract that market. For myself it was a serious oversight and slight. I also liked the original staff. Very, very helpful, friendly. Well-read and could recommend or advise on demand. But alas they fell by the wayside one by one. I was always a bit sad to walk in and discover they hadn't been on vacation or had a day off. They were gone! I have discovered some at other places local and enjoy their continued help and knowledge in books. I have to say I understand that in the cutthroat world of books and dog-eat-dog business world one must do their level best to bring in what will appeal to the largest market. I travel extensively and have seen many small, local bookstores. Brazos Books is trying to reimagine itself as a modern, younger place to attract the younger people. And they are right to try because obviously that is the future business that will keep it open long after I am a memory. But really what everyone should realize is that you live or die by reputation. Not by whether you had the hippest blog with all the latest catchphrases and obsure books. Not that your store was spare and slick. Instead of tea perhaps a glass of champagne while you browse?(Well, that's not half so bad either come to think of it!) Nope what will keep Brazos Books going is good books, a larger selection of magazines and news papers(just thought I would throw that in if anyone is listening) and super friendly, super efficient, super knowledgeable staff. So far (even though I truly miss my familiar faces) I cannot complain about the people I have met. I am willing to give all this change a chance. If the staff is up for the challenge and keep their smiling gameface on they just might win over all the discontented doubters. I though will have a harder time w/the on-line blog which seems only to cater to a much younger set. It would be nice if they could reset the tone to be more all-inclusive of all age groups. read more

I never thought that I liked "books" but I do. I love the smell of them and the crispness of them when there new..now do I care to read them..no, but I could use a bookstore scented wallflower! Jeremy Ellis is the store manager and he is super cool. If you love bearded men, this is the bookstore for you. They lady didn't have a beard, so if you like ladies with out beards, I guess this would be your kind of place too! read more

Brazos Bookstore is a gem of a place. Its warm and cozy and the staff are always friendly and helpful. It can get crowded at times but I think thats part of its charm. The inventory in this store strike a great balance across genres. There are the so-called best sellers available but they also carry local authors, the so called indie authors and other books that you wouldnt think to look for, much less read. They have an awesome kids section that I always stop by at, and author/book events almost every week. The merchandise is a bit more pricier than a chain bookstore but not overly so. read more

Was visiting from San Antonio, and was looking for a great local book store. I came across this awesome gem of a place, and was so happy that I did. My girlfriend and I were greeted by the kind staff, and had a great time looking over their well curated selection of books. They had many hard to find books, from interesting short story anthologies, to hard to find cook books. The staff were very helpful, and were extremely knowledgeable. We cannot wait to go back. read more

Brazos Bookstore - Summer of Kubrick - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

Came for the children's section, stayed for everything else. We love the Spec's-like blurbs of the Staff Recommendations. Super cute children's story time (and crafts!) on the weekends. We're excited to drive by and see what's been painted on the big picture window to inspire future reading. Never left this place empty handed! read more

Amazing selection of books and a knowledgeable, friendly staff. The only bookstore I've been to where the people are also familiar with Oulipo (according to the person I was chatting with, they're apparently bringing in the translator of Garreta's "Sphinx" which is a ridiculously cool thing!) - if I weren't visiting from out of state I would spend all of my money here. A great bookstore for avid book enthusiasts, but also has accessible great reads for those looking for something more casual. You must check this place out! read more

Cutest bookstore ever! Had story time for kids, along with crafts. Could browse around here for way longer than I should because I want to buy everything. Adult books, kid books, so many pens and markers, journals, puzzles, fun stuff, you name it! read more

Brazos Bookstore - Story time and crafts - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

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They don't have just a wide variety of books but that's fine and they are a little expensive to my taste.

From being a big fan of Daunt Books in London I thought I had to only deal with Barnes and Noble when I move here. And then I stumbled upon Brazos Bookstore - similar to Daunt Books it is a compact bookstore that doesn't serve only major book publisher's releases but majority are curated books, local writer's work and independent selections! read more

FANTASTIC indie bookstore. Sooo many books, so little time. The people who work here are lovely as well as knowledgeable. I love that they have 'classics' among the new books for kids. read more

Friendly staff and I love attending their events! They start on time and are well-run. There is never pressure to have to buy something just because you came, though you will likely walk out wishing you had bought MORE! I especially love that so many books are forward-facing because let's be honest, don't we tend to judge books by their covers? I love the organization and the smaller size makes it less overwhelming if you are just trying to find something new to read. Worth the trip! read more

Brazos is the best. Storytime for kids is amazing, with a craft and a snack. Their selection is great, the people are nice and if they don't have something they'll order it for you (I sometimes call ahead orders). Great local business. read more

Brazos represents what an independent bookstore should be, as it provides a very refined selection of books that tends to cater to a specific slice of reader. Those of you who enjoy literary fiction, high-brow magazines, in-depth travel guides, and topical non-fiction will find much to love here. Furthermore, my wife loves the poetry section - there's no other place she'll shop for the stuff in Houston. Also, Brazos regularly has authors visit to conduct readings of their recent works and for question-and-answer sessions, bringing a remarkable intimacy towards asking a beloved author "that" question you've always had in the back of your mind. And before I make this place sound overtly exclusionary, nerdy, or snobby, I've always received amazing assistance and recommendations from the employees. They might keep the place rather chill and NPR-ish in tone, but the reason you come to Brazos is to get away from the noise, hustle-and-bustle, and the overt pushing of the e-readers you find in the chain bookstores. read more

I really enjoyed coming in yesterday for a visit. Upon arrival we were instantly greeted with smiling faces and if there was anything in particular we were looking for. The bookstore was full of books, from top to bottom. The ambience was relaxed, with great music. The layout of the store was easy to navigate through, along with little hidden gems like the children section. The small gift items we're also a nice touch as I will be retuning for some of those beautiful fountain pens. I noticed chairs were lined up and what seemed to be an author waiting for people to arrive but unfortunately I was unable to stay. I will definitely dig into the website to see what Brazos Bookstore has to offer. I will be back soon! read more

What a great little bookstore. I didn't think they had a very large selection until I looked around. Quality books and gift! And the staff are just wonderful people. read more

After 3 years away, I'm back in Houston stopping by the old haunts-- Brazos holds up as a very personal, well selected book shop that I could spend hours in despite its deceivingly small size relative to big box bookstores. This time was a quicker trip with a focus on the children's section. They have a good smattering of classics (I picked up the Stinky Cheese Man) but they had so many really beautiful and whimsical other books as well. They also had a shelf dedicated to baby shower ideas, which I thought was nice. Can't wait to get back to grab a new book for me! read more

Support local bookstores!! I love this place. They have a super-friendly and helpful staff, great new book selection, and host amazing events. Also, they have several books for sale around the store that are signed by the author - as a big ole book nerd, I love that! read more

I was so fortunate to do an event here with fellow authors Joy Preble, Mari Mancusi, and Madeline Smoot. The atmosphere here is wonderful with an excellent children's book area! I left wishing I lived much closer so I could frequent this indie much more often. read more

A great all-round independent bookstore in Houston. The only thing I miss from mega bookstores are that I can buy music and video and other stuff besides from them, while an independent bookstore is more or less stuck to books...and maybe some dailies and journals, but that's it. That said, Brazos is a super cozy bookstore (look for their rocking chair by the children's section--my favorite!), and they also offer weekly events. Knowledgeable and friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere make coming here worth it. read more

Great staff, brilliant selections of books and local authors and weekly readings and meet and greets of up and coming writers.

Simply put, this is one of the best independent bookshops in America. The staff is extremely well read, so they are very capable of giving excellent recommendations. The poetry section is unlike any I've seen. They have small volumes of self-published and small press work that you're unlikely to find anywhere else. The atmosphere is quite welcoming and unique with a wolf's head of books greeting you upon entering the shop. I traveled to Houston for work about once a month for two years and this was always a stop I needed to make before leaving. read more

Huh... BookCourt, my favorite bookstore in Brooklyn, appears to have a twin in Houston, with the same kinds of readings, patrons books and layout. Who knew? read more

Most bookstores are too obscure in selection or tote the opposite, and structure to be big-box, corporate. Brazos has an expertly curated collection that will keep me coming back for more. Cannot wait to finish the book I picked up, so I can select my next read. read more

With the ability to get cheap books online nowadays, some people find it difficult to understand the appeal of independent bookstores. To me, what makes a really good independent bookstore is a good Staff Picks section, and Brazos Bookstore definitely has that. In general, they have a good selection of books and I like the way it is organized. The staff is very friendly and helpful as well. It kind of has the same vibe as BookPeople in Ausitn, so if you liked that store, you'll like this one! read more

I love this bookstore. They have regular events for authors on book tours and other things. The book selection is excellent, and the staff is extremely helpful and attentive. The only reason they're getting 4 stars is the parking, and it's a bit unfair because that's mostly out of their control. The lot is tiny and street parking is necessary 99% of the time. read more