Obscure, interesting books you won't find anywhere else. I never leave this place empty handed.read more

This is one of my favorite bookstores in all of LA. Adam is one of the most informed and genuine…read morepeople and brings a light to his space and the books he sells Highly recommend

Do not support this spot. The owner has a history of not wanting to pay a local artist and inviting…read morequestionable speakers. People of the community in surrounding areas have spoken out about speakers like Ernesto Ayala. They dismiss concerns from community members although they claim to care about the community they're in! I have spoken to many people that said they do not feel welcomed here. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BOOKSTORE.

Welcome to Boyle Heights Re/Arte!!!…read more I saw a flyer online for a reading taking place at Re/Arte Centro Literario and decided to check it out since I haven't attended a live event like this in a while. They are doing a hybrid model for their events. Folks are able to join via zoom or go in person. The event was interesting and I really enjoyed it and hope to come to more events in the future. I believe this Centro has the potential to grow into something great for the community where local writers/artists can have events showcasing their talent. I love that there is already a writers workshop happening every Wednesday with Matt Sedillo. I look forward to being able to go to one of the workshops in the future. I didn't have a chance to take any pictures of the space but if you go on their Instagram they have tons on it. Good luck Re/Arte! I'm really looking forward to seeing you grow and thrive!

¡Imaganante! As Thursday night draws closer and you wait on…read morepins and needles to find out: Will Rubella kiss Antonio finally? Will little Mariá find out that Chacho is her true father? Will Maite Perroni finally learn how to swim and leave? Or will she just stay in the hot tub with her glass of champagne and that no good lying traitorous boyfriend? *sigh I would never of known. I had to work late and missed my night of telenoveles. BUT WAIT! You and I no longer need to worry. Soto St. Magazine stand carries all the latest news on the telenoveles. If your power goes out, a friend stops by and you don't want to cry in front of them so you turn the show off, if you have to work late... whatever. Soto St. Magazine stand has you covered. They carry lots of Spanish magazines. Bullfighter Illustrated, H, Playboy, Better Homes and Agave, Rick Bayless unleashed... Okay they don't have that one. Rick Bayless is annoying. But they do have some written in english also for those that don't speak español. They have all the latest trade rumors for Liga/Primera Divisíon De la Federcíon de Mexicana de la fútbol. They have everything! Salma Hayek, aforementioned Maite Perroni, Maria Elisa Carmargo, Blanca Soto... Anyways... Oh, and they have a TV set and always a couple people milling about gossiping. I have no clue what they are saying but it makes me laugh.

Only place I know that sells Mexican periodicals, El Proceso and La Jornada for when I need my fix…read moreof left leaning Spanish language in-depth journalism. If you read Spanish these will give you a much broader perspective on the world. Soto Street also sells Mexican newspapers La Reforma (middle of the road) and Excelsior (right leaning). And of course they also carry People en Español, Vanidades, Telenovelas, and best of all, Spanish language graphic paperback novels.

Good library, very cool looking form outside. Great spot for families to cut on video gaming and…read morespend quality time togheter. We all need more time in libraries. The library is also a used bookshop, so bring your wallets. It's small and tucked away from Hollywood glamour but worth visiting and giving them your time.

What a great addition to the community!…read more This place has been around for six years and has proudly held it spot at the mariachi plaza the last two years. It's a lending library that functions on the honor system. All you need to provide is your name and email address and viola, you're a member! You can borrow up to three books at a time. As if that wasn't enough: - They have enthusiastic staff (special shout out to Chris!) - They have a growing Spanish section. - Tons of FREE street parking. - It's right off the "Mariachi Plaza" gold line stop. - And on Fridays there's a farmers market a stone's throw away! Oh! And they gladly accept book donations, especially Spanish titles.

Walking into The Last Bookstore feels less like entering a shop and more like stepping into a…read moredifferent world. Housed inside a former bank, the space already carries this grand, historic energy that sets the tone before you even start browsing. What makes this place unforgettable is how it's designed to be explored, not rushed. There are cozy spots scattered throughout where you can sit and get lost in a book, but the real magic is upstairs. It opens into a maze of rooms, each with its own personality, filled with carefully arranged books that feel more like art than inventory. At times, it genuinely feels like you've wandered into a dream. One of the highlights is the famous tunnel of books, which adds to that surreal, almost cinematic experience. Everywhere you turn, books are used as decor in the most creative ways, and it creates this quiet moment where everything else fades out. Upstairs also holds one of my favorite parts, a row of art studios featuring work from local artists. Every piece feels intentional, unique, and thoughtfully placed. Right nearby, there's a small coffee shop surrounded by beautiful artwork, making it an easy place to pause and take it all in. This isn't a quick stop kind of place. Plan to spend a few hours here, wandering, discovering, and just enjoying the atmosphere. It's one of the most iconic bookstores I've ever been to, and it absolutely lives up to the reputation.

from my experience, the last bookstore is one of those places that, if you've seen it on instagram,…read moreyou already know the one. it's definitely more of a destination than a practical bookstore you'd go to shop at. my instagram feed has seen a few cameos from friends and strangers who've visited, and after seeing it pop up a few times, a friend and i decided to stop by a little while back. that said, i wouldn't really recommend it if you're going in search of a specific book. it's less "grab a book and go" and more "wander and hope something finds you." everything feels pretty scattered, so if you are looking for something in particular, be ready to spend a good amount of time browsing. it does get unbelievably hot inside, especially when the weekend crowds pick up for photos in the iconic book tunnels, shelves, and art installations upstairs. it's definitely a unique shop, but it really leans more "experience" than "practical bookstore." it feels a bit like a bookstore where the real plot is the decor, and the books are almost supporting characters in their own store. i did find it funny how they call out shoplifters with signs outside the entrance though. i've been once, took my photos (bc duh), checked it off the list, and happily moved on.

If you are in the area and like unique custom made shirts and different art work from the areas…read moreartists then you will find it here. During the cicLAvia bicycle event I always stop by to see what new inventory is in stock. I love collecting shirts so that's why I'm in here to find that one of kind item.

It has been nine years since I first wrote a review for Espacio 1839 so it's time for an update…read more Still five stars. In fact, it is a STRONG five stars. This gallery/community space/boutique/gift shop had endured the pandemic and a shaky economy, STILL holding space for events that fortified, uplift and support the neighborhood and community. This is the place where you can catch a live music show, listen to poetry, meet authors and learn about their latest book release, look at art and find a new art piece for your home and buy the most unique gifts around. Their space is filled with local artists, but traditional and modern, unique clothing line, progressive books and items that are hard to get. This place is too good to gatekeep and the prices are very fair and reasonable. For their art shows, they take care of their artists by waiving a commission fee and collaborating with local business to treat them with a dinner and drink. In a city where galleries feel cold and transactional, Espacio 1839 sets the bar for the art scene. Come by, grab your next book, buy presents for your loved ones and start your art collection.

Originally came to Book Off because I saw it had merchandise from Tokyo Sea. Apparently so did…read moreeveryone else. By the time I came, all the good merch were sold out. But no fear, they have so many other items to choose from. They offer books, collectable figurines, old game consoles and games, vinyls, and many other items. Some are Japanese related but not all of them are. I would say it's a pretty good sized store and everything is organized and labeled. It's fun rummaging through the boxes to see what goodies one might find, remember that this is a used book store so most items are pre-loved. I didn't get any Tokyo Sea items but I did get a pre-loved well kept Japanese Pressed vinyl of Air Supply's greatest hits! Priced at only $19, I thought it was a great find. Clean, well organized, lots of things to go through. Definitely a place worth checking out if you like hunting for treasure.

This is our first visit to Book Off. We are normally not just hanging around in Monterey Park, but…read morewe had a lot of time this visit and I love a bookstore. This is mostly used books. They also have CDs and other items. They have a great selection of books. Their prices are a tad high, but not insane. It is my understanding that they don't pay much for books you bring into sell, but I have found that to be true where ever I go. I just don't bother anymore and give my books away. The service is great. They know where the books are, there are so many, and they will actually help you and not just point in some direction. Parking is easy and free. The place is packed with books, but you can get through with no problem. I found a couple of books that I did not have and have not had the chance to read. All in all I was very happy.

My son had a birthday celebration in November. His friends and their parents loved the video games…read moreand liked that this place was local. Love supporting Latino owned businesses. The staff was very accommodating and helped the kids and adults with game selections. I booked the event space on the company's instagram. I was able to bring my own food for the kids, which I'm grateful for bc a lot of places won't let you bring your own food. The kids had fun and it's better than a game truck bc the space is so big.

I play Magic the Gathering here. Their space is huge for all kinds of gaming. They run video game…read moretournaments here and trading card game tournaments. If you're reading this then you should probably check this place out !

they have an excellent selection of gadgets, trinket and all things cute HOWEVER, as i was perusing…read morethru the aisles on a rainy day mind you, the worker kept asking me to move so he could mop the floor just trying to clean while im clearing occupying the space and looking around, in the end i couldn't get a good look because he kept getting in my way. seriously such an annoying thing to experience

BE WARNED! Terrible products and they won't refund you when the garbage they sell falls apart…read more My 8 yo son bought a soft toy for $35 - it was his own money so it meant a huge amount to him. Within a few weeks the stitching came apart and the filling fell out. We tried to return it and they refused - apparently they only take returns on the day of purchase.