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    Drama Book Shop

    4.6 (95 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Drama Book Shop Photos

    DRAMA BOOK SHOP ATMOSPHERE

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    Nice photo op
    Ed L.

    This cafe is just blocks from Times Square and is worth visiting just to take a photo of the floating book structure, which is so cool! The coffee drinks are priced really well (especially by NY standards) and they have seasonal drinks - I had the eggnog latte and my wife had the peppermint mocha. As this is a 'Drama' bookstore close by Broadway, their offerings skew towards books on acting and plays (the back half of the store is just aisles of plays sorted alphabetically by author). On the front displays they keep an inventory of plays that are currently playing down the street - so we picked up a copy of Beckett's Waiting for Godot on the way out. This is a fun little bookstore/cafe!

    Emily H.

    What a lovely little bookshop! I stopped in during my recent NYC trip. First off, the tornado of books is such a fun focal point when you first enter. It lends something whimsical to the space, and considering that it's devoted to selling and featuring theatrical works, that totally tracks. It contains a curated selection of plays and scripts as well as a selection of memoirs, which I personally loved, and a hopping coffee area. Patrons could be found throughout the space either reading through a manuscript or working on laptops, perhaps penning their own. Plus it was fun to be in a space with such a storied history. The Drama Book Shop has been around since the early 1900s and in its current spot since 2020, when Lin Manuel Miranda and Thomas Kail purchased the store and redesigned it. This is a community arts space, and even if you aren't in the market to buy a playscript, it's great to pop in.

    Carolina C.

    CALLING ALL THEATRE FOLKS! The drama book shop has has just about every play I've ever heard of ready for your reading pleasure. I think one of my favorite things was finding a place that my friend had seen, but missed out on the last monologue, and he was able to read it and end his story on a note that was frankly missing. And that's what drama book shop aims to do. They have books on successes of place, how to be a better actor, just about everything under the sun as it relates to theater. And walking inside it's just an experience. And just as any feeling of a great book shop, Drama Book Shop makes you fall in love every time.

    Jaeden W.

    Amazing selection of plays and other dramatic texts! Very friendly staff! I wish their design section was bigger (although, as a designer myself, I am biased).

    Katie C.

    A unique and amazing cafe + bookshop nested between Hell's Kitchen and Midtown. Popped in to get some work done and was blown away by their installation of books that wrapped around the shop. The barista was sweet and they have WiFi when purchasing something at the cafe.

    Rachel E.

    As a huge Broadway fan who takes the train up from Philly several times a year to catch a double show day on a Wednesday, I don't know how I only recently learned about this shop. It's the perfect place to browse and find a book I absolutely have to have when I'm in between the matinee and evening shows. The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and the selection is perfectly curated for any aspect of the theater you may be interested in. There are display cases throughout the store where you can catch a glimpse of some theater memorabilia (a team was setting up a new Operation Mincemeat display in one of them when I was there). There's also a cafe to pick up a coffee beverage and a treat. Unfortunately, I didn't arrive in time to try out the cafe before it closed on my first visit (it closes an hour before the book shop), but I browsed through the menu and saw several sweet latte flavors I can't wait to try on a future visit. There's plenty of seating throughout the store, but nothing was open when I visited. I can imagine the seats don't turn over very quickly, so if you spot one being vacated when you're there and want to sit and stay awhile, jump on it!

    Michael P.

    Always a stop when in the city on a theatre binge trip. Scripts, resources, you name it. You'll find it here. Add the cafe and quiet seating and it's a theatre lover's Mecca. Love the overhead book sculpture drawing you in. Can't go wrong!

    Ambiance
    Cindy P.

    Very cute book shop in NYC centered around "drama," theater, music, etc. The coffee I had was good and I enjoyed it while perusing through books.

    Book art!
    Rachel C.

    What a gem! Loaded with scripts, books about the theater and all aspects of production. Even though it was in the heart of the city, prices were not marked up. They have a sweet cafe there too but we did not partake.

    Stationary section
    Melody B.

    What a wonderful place. Loved just looking around and being still and enjoying the atmosphere! Will be going back next time I'm in NYC!

    Lucy J.

    The Drama Bookstore is one of my favorite places in New York! The atmosphere is warm and creative, and the selection is incredibly diverse scripts, theater-related items, you name it. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the whole bookstore feels inspiring. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or simply want a unique bookstore experience, this is definitely worth a visit.

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    1 year ago

    I literally forgot about this fabulous place, but thanks for the reminder! I plan to visit very soon! chef's

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    Smooth, rich coffee with a lovely aroma. Cozy spot and warm, friendly service. Truly a delightful experience.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Drama Book Shop

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    No animals are allowed in the shop due to café regulations.

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    Review Highlights - Drama Book Shop

    Lin Manuel Miranda bought it a few years ago and reopened it in its new location on 39th st.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Barnes & Noble Booksellers

    Barnes & Noble Booksellers

    3.3
    (182 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I never realized this Barnes and Nobles was here. It's right on the corner and it's pretty big…read more Three floors of books and toys! The cashier is on the main floor with escalators taking you to the basement or the 2nd floor. It's set up like most B & N's where everything is broken up into sections with very clear signage. I still love having copies of physical books once in a while.

    I went there yesterday to look at many books, and all of the employees were as wonderful as…read morepreviously; incredibly friendly and helpful. However; the reason why I'm writing this update is because there are some changes at the store. Firstly; the large "Information Desk" at the rear of the first floor is no longer there. Instead, there's a small one on the right side of that floor (and it's almost hidden). Secondly; the huge first floor display of beautiful photo books of NYC and environs is now much smaller (although it seemed like there were more of them on the lower level than previously). There's also another change; the restrooms are now only accessible with a code, and a code can only be obtained via a receipt - so if you don't buy anything, you can't use the restroom (I ordered some books online later, since I didn't want to lug them home from the store). Further; employees don't have access to a bathroom code (obviously they have some other way to access the restrooms). I was there for a few hours - and if it wasn't for the fact that I had a dental appointment nearby afterwards, it would have been problematic. Having said that, I do realize that the restroom situation is an issue; at the Union Square store in particular, there used to be a big problem with homeless people and undoubtedly a corporate decision was made. I'm still keeping a five-star rating because of the employees and because the store has a great selection.

    Photos
    Movie DVDs
    Movie DVDs
    Miyazaki books with MoMA highlights behind!
    Miyazaki books with MoMA highlights behind!
    Outside 5th Ave location.

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    Outside 5th Ave location.
    Bookoff - New York

    Bookoff - New York

    3.9
    (465 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    Such a cute store set in the heart of the theater district. Downstairs has lots of anime. Upstairs…read morefiction and non-fiction. I love that it's a store where you can sell and purchase. I feel the prices were very reasonable, even though I saw some comments about people saying the books are overpriced. No one bothered us when we spent quite a while looking through the various shelves and it felt like a very calm environment in a busy city. Left with a few books so the trip was a hit.

    Buying and Selling at Book Off What a cool store. So much to…read moresee. Unfortunately, it is lousy to sell at and expensive to buy at. First, Selling. I brought in three statue items unopened in the original packaging. I checked on ebay for what the items sold for (not asking price but sold price) and it added up to about $600, I lugged the items over there and had to leave them there because they wouldn't get to them right away. The people/kids working there were very nice. I went to have lunch and got the text to return, and they are offering $150. So I picked up the items and turned down the offer. Again, they were very nice, it's just I wasn't willing to accept 25% of the value. I figured at worst it would be 50%. But I am better off getting closer to the actual price on ebay. Now, Buying. Lots of very expensive and exiting things to get, and I didn't have time to price check things so much, but my son is into the Nintendo switch and i spotted a used Marvel VS Capcom game he might like. It was $34.95. But just in case, I pulled up Amazon and looked the game up. A brand new one costs $21.79. So it would have been a terrible idea for me to buy it there. I guess if you are leaving work and need a quick gift, you might stop in and pay too much for an item. If you are in real trouble and don't have time to wait for an Ebay sale, you might consider selling your collectables for 25% the value, this place might come in handy.

    Photos
    Books
    Books
    Bookoff - New York
    Section by section of pure organization

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    Section by section of pure organization
    Kinokuniya Bookstore

    Kinokuniya Bookstore

    4.3
    (816 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Great bookstore with tons of books, toys, and tons of merchandise from Japan…read more Stopped by since my kid is a huge anime fan. We were exhausted from walking all day but suddenly he found a burst of energy and was fine browsing the store for over an hour. There are two floors with a cafe on the 2nd floor. Overall, there is a really big selection and there were lots of people shopping while we were there. Service was good; the registers are located downstairs and they have lots of cute items + point of purchase displays. I was overstimulated by the time we reached the register but that may just have been because it had been a long day.

    I seriously need to stop coming here but I just can't. I love a good bookstore, and this one has…read morealways been special to me. Located right across from Bryant Park, it's almost impossible to walk by without going in. It's usually crowded, but that's part of its charm. The store has three levels, each worth exploring. The main floor features an impressive selection of books, including bestsellers and new releases right as you walk in. The lower level is where you'll find collectibles, specialty pens, beautiful notebooks and stationery, unique gifts, even more books, and plenty of cute items that will tempt you to spend more than you planned. The book selection is excellent, although I have to admit the prices can be a bit on the higher side. The staff are always friendly, and checkout is surprisingly quick, so don't let the long lines discourage you. One thing to note: drinks aren't allowed inside, so you'll need to leave them with security before entering. If you're visiting the area or spending time around Bryant Park, I highly recommend stopping by. Whether you're a book lover or just enjoy browsing, this bookstore is absolutely worth a visit.

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    Interior
    Interior
    Kinokuniya Bookstore
    Stationary

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    Stationary
    McNally Jackson

    McNally Jackson

    4.5
    (19 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    This was another bookstore that my wife and I came across randomly during our travels. If you are…read moreunaware of McNally Jackson they are an independent bookstore with 5 locations in New York. My wife and I enjoyed our time browsing here. It's a multi-level store that is separated like most bookstores into genres as expected. They had lots of newer books but still plenty of classics as well. My wife even happened to come across a book she has been looking for and wanting to read for a long while so big win there. Staff were friendly and we did not have a long wait to buy the book, no line. Prices felt quite standard for a book store. This was a fantastic independent book store and one definitely worth visiting for book lovers or those seeking gifts for a book lover in their life.

    I stopped by this McNally Jackson location when I was in the area a couple of weeks ago. McNally…read moreJackson operates five stores in the city, in addition to three stationary stores (Goods for the Study), and it's been around since 2004. The store isn't huge, but it's incredibly well-stocked and, being on the street level of a Rockefeller Center building, gets incredible light through their windows. The staff were friendly and I had practically picked out a book while window shopping (their inventory is incredible). Since 2021, McNally Jackson is also a publisher, publishing a paperback reprint series devoted to "hidden gems." I had to pick up one of their titles. Great shop for bibliophiles.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Inside
    Inside
    McNally Jackson

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    Koryo Bookstore

    Koryo Bookstore

    4.1
    (160 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    This is a great little shop full of K-pop gifts! They don't have a wide selection of every K-pop…read moregroup, just the popular ones. However, of the merch they have it is abundant. It's not a big store size wise but they do pack a lot of punch. Service is kind and friendly, often times they can get busy due to the demand but they manage. Items are priced slightly above par, but that's pretty common when it comes to K-pop memorabilia.

    Koryo Books is a Korean bookstore and K pop merchandise shop in Koreatown on 32nd Street, and it…read moreoccupies a small footprint that gets crowded quickly once a few people are inside at the same time. I walked into a store that is essentially one large room, and the density of product on display meant navigating it during a busy period required some patience, but the selection within that compact space was broader than the size suggested. The Korean literature section covers both Korean language and English language editions across a range of genres, which makes it genuinely useful for anyone studying the language or looking for titles that are difficult to find at general bookstores in the city. I saw children's books in Korean, well stocked. The K pop side of the store covers albums, photocards, posters, keychains, stickers, and merchandise across a wide range of artists, with BTS having a particularly strong presence historically alongside newer groups. Pricing runs higher than what I would pay ordering online or finding the same items at a larger retailer, which is the standard trade off for a specialty shop in Manhattan. Album prices in particular can be steep, though sale events bring them down to more competitive territory. Individual accessory items like stickers and bookmarks are priced at a premium relative to their size, so going in with a sense of what I am willing to spend helps avoid sticker shock at the register. The store is a reliable stop for anyone looking for Korean books or K pop merchandise in a physical retail setting in New York, with the caveat that the pricing and the crowd level are both factors worth knowing about before I go.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Koryo Bookstore
    Koryo Bookstore

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    B & B Rare Books

    B & B Rare Books

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    On an annual trip to NYC, I decided I would visit bookstores and take in all I could. B&B was right…read moreby my hotel, and I was delighted to find a comfortable room full of baseball memorabilia and a great variety. They specialize in 19th and 20th century English and American literature, which means you're going to see a lot of titles you're familiar with. I stopped in late in their day, so I wasn't surprised to be the only one there, but the team gave me space, answered very basic questions I had, and - gasp - LET ME TOUCH THE BOOKS. This is far from a stuffy environment, and when I finally convince my partner that I need that very expensive piece that has F. Scott Fitzgerald's music for Princeton, I know exactly where I'll go.

    5 minutes before B&B books was closing, I buzzed the room located on the third floor to see if they…read morewould let me in "just to look." Well, 45 minutes later, I was still oohing and awing at the marvelous selection of first edition books they have to offer. This is the largest selection (aside from corporate-owned Bauman's) of rare books I've seen that include the dust jacket- a collectors actual dream. It's the biggest breath of fresh air to find a rare book store owned by a woman, and to be treated like a human being. I normally get side-eyed from rare bookstore owners and some of the conversations I've had sound like: "May I see the Portrait of a Lady in the case?" "All of these books are at least $100.00 and up." ".....I know." "Do you have any Wilde?" "The book about the woman hiking alone? That's too new to be in our shop, Barnes & Noble would have it." "I'm talking about the 1800s poet." "Oh." I take it personally because while I look like a millennial who doesn't know what she's talking about, I treasure my rare books like they're my children. Sunday stayed AN EXTRA HOUR at her store while I looked and answered all of my questions that I had, never making me feel rushed or unwelcome. After selecting a first edition Fitzgerald, she wrapped it in bubble wrap for my travels back home and gave me an updated book with all of the rare book sellers in the country.

    Photos
    B & B Rare Books
    B & B Rare Books
    B & B Rare Books

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    Drama Book Shop - bookstores - Updated August 2026

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