I consider myself an average entry level writing enthusiast who has purchased only a little more than a few thousand dollars in pens and notebooks. I had an issue with one of the pens that was sold to me in shop and returned expecting some help with my concern. I was told that they couldn't help me and to reach out to the manufacturer. The whole point of buying from a local establishment is to have access to their customer service and support. I left the store frustrated and without the pen that I just left in the store. I, like everyone else, have access to better prices and customer service that is better than what I experienced at this local shop. This is symptomatic of a dying store who will be gone soon. If this is what is acceptable at this shop then good riddance. read more

It's high time I write a review. I no longer live in Texas and I make it a point to visit this store whenever I visit friends or family in the state. It has one of the best selections but the knowledge base that the staff has is bar none. They are honed to customer satisfaction but it is evident that they love their products and their craft. I visited today to pick up a Hobonichi Techo and the only one left had a crease in the corner. Rather than let me leave with something beneath their standards, they opened up a set (cover + Techo) to provide what I needed. Every time, blown away! Their ink bar is great and I've bought samples before purchasing the full item. Their notebook selection is extensive and...wow, it's just a great experience. Dromgoole's - thank you for keeping the art of writing alive. read more

This business is excellent for fountain pen lovers and users of fine writing instruments. It's like a little slice of heaven. It's definitely got a boy vibe, us girls we like things so "pretty" (or at least I do! Lol.) but this is a real journalers, writers, pen and ink boy cave. Love LOVE their selection, so much to chose from! I would REALLY REALLY REALLY TAKE ONE OF EACH if the money was no object. I think their prices are fair too. It's fountain pen ink and accessories, pens, journals so none is "cheap", it can't be. We need fine products. Love their instant selection. No waiting for EVER for an online delivery. read more

I favor Faber-Castell pens for gifts and the selection here is wonderful. They carry almost any name brand pen you could want. Montblanc, Krone etc. But they also carry desk accessories, pen cases, knives, inks for any pen or need and even the regualr ol' pen you need for an art project or drafting or well...if it makes a mark then they likely have it. This is not a Bic ballpoint shop - they have 'em - but rather a fine writing instrument store. And if you have always just been writing with a Pilot pen and thinking it was fine...wait til you hold a good ink pen in your hand and write a thank you note. It makes a huge difference. Seriously! But my main reason to go here is to have pens repaired. Sure the Pen Doctor is on hand certain Saturday's to do amazing pen repair and restoration. From the website: Stephen Pustilnik, M.D. Chief Medical Examiner of Galveston County, also known as the Pen Doctor, works in the store certain Saturdays throughout each month. The following are a few options of what he can do to customize your pen: Customize nibs (italic, oblique, fine, xxfine), adjust the ink flow, repair new and vintage pens, pen appraisals and cutomize pens for left hand writers. But I needed my issue with my Faber-Castell pen diagnosed on a Monday and they had it back and running smoothly without having to mail it back to the company. Whether it's a special gift, repair of a current pen, making sure you have the right and best ink for your pen or you want to write like an adult with a real fountain pen THIS is the place to go. Parking down here usually sucks. But you knew that already. read more

Dromgoole's Fine Writing Instruments - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Houston, Texas

We have made simple purchases, quality note pads and Pentel pencils. If I were a pen collector, this would be my haunt. The folks tending the Store are inviting and helpful without hovering. And one of the very few original shops left in the village. Be part of local history! read more

Live in or near Houston, and need a fountain pen? This is where you need to go. Great service and everyone was super friendly!

This place is Amazing!!!! And that's an under statement!! Best store in Rice Village!! They were kind enough for me to take pictures of their pens for a project I was doing. The owner and staff went above and beyond!! And I walked away with a happy client yesterday as I completed my project!! I'll be back soon for my pen!!! So many elegant and beautiful selections!! To chose from. Want a gift!! Their gift certificates are top notch!! Nicely executed!! and designed!! read more

Knowledgeable staff and great selection of in house writing tools. I was impressed with the selection and time they spent helping me find the pen that I was looking for. Everything from a basic pencil to a luxury writing tool. You'll be pleasantly surprised if you stop by to see their selection. read more

This is a very cool little niche business, and my wife and I always walk away with an interesting story to tell after interacting with the staff - and patrons - at Dromgoole's. If you are in the market for a low-, mid-, or high-end writing instrument, this is definitely your spot. We have purchased two pens from D's so far, and both times the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process. They also sell paper, ink, and - unexpectedly - knives, so plan on spending a little bit of time here while browsing since there are plenty of items to catch your interest. BTW, everything about this shop from the name, the logo, the goods sold, and the staff, is highly reminiscent of a Harry Potter film - and not intentionally, I think. This just adds to the intrigue. Enjoy yourself. read more

Their website sucks, but do not judge this tiny pocket of esoteric office perfection by its inability to create a fitting figurehead for the 21st century. This is not a 21st century store. Do you need a desk blotter? Typewriter part or repair? Pen cartridge? If they don't have it at Dromgoole's, they will find it for you. They have a huge variety of pens (Montblanc-level and below) along with more run of the mill office supplies (frequently in stylish, classic versions you may have forgotten or relegated to the 1940's). You can also order engraved stationery and invitations. Nice pens make great gifts! Their prices are kind of high on small things, but the service is worth it (as is the knowledge that you are supporting a family owned/operated business). I only mention the prices because some Rice classmates used to go to Dromgoole's to get thumbtacks and then complain about the prices - if you are looking for cheap and disposable, head somewhere with fluorescent lights and shopping carts. read more

Dromgoole's Fine Writing Instruments - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I live in Seattle, and recently called and ordered some Noodler's Blue Bonnet ink (Exclusive to Dromgoole's). Process was easy, customer service was excellent. Many thanks to Larry for the personal and caring service. The ink is the perfect shade of blue for writing in my opinion. Being from Austin, it's especially neat having ink named for the flower of my home state. read more

Great place to find higher end Journals and Pens (all kinds including fountain!). Dont expect anything cheap, but they do have lots of selection including some discontinued items. I was specifically journal hunting and saw a bunch of Moleskins, Leuchttrum1917, Rodia, and some other brands. Most brands are American/European but I saw some Japanese brands too! Definitely a place to check out if you're a stationary fanatic with money. :) read more

With Rice Village slowly getting taken over by the mega-chains and corporations, I am happy that local shops like Dromgoole's are still around that still make the village a place where you can get a sense of community. On a bit of a personal note, one of the last things my grandfather ever left me was a solid 24k gold nib fountain pen. I always saw it as a kid and wondered why my granddad wanted to protect this family heirloom over anything else and hand it down to me. So being curious, I decided to come in and browse over some pens. When you enter into Dromgoole's, it's kind of like when Harry Potter walks into Ollivander's for the first time to buy his wand. There are shelves and shelves of not only fountain pens, but rollerballs, dip pens, brushes, paper, and of course all the ink that they carry. On a Saturday, they were hosting an event that had food, and there were a ton of locals and new customers coming in and out as well. I was helped by a few people that day to help me pick out a pen, and what was really unique that I found out only later was that one of them wasn't even an employee, and she kind of volunteers and helps out customers from time to time! I got to spend as much time with the pens that I was trying out, and like Harry, got to really get a feel of which one was suited for me and my style of writing. I was never rushed, never pressured to buy anything, and you could tell that the people in the store love their hobby and want you to experience it as well. There is a sense of community from this long established brick and mortar shop that you really lose from the modern age of the internet, e-commerce, and message boards. It just isn't a replacement for real people, and that's what Dromgoole's is to me. Again in the internet age, it's becoming exceedingly rare to send or receive a hand written letter. There's a lack of personal touch, and a general loss of wanting to make things beautiful. Writing with some of the pens I've bought here has made me want to improve my hand writing, but also some of the thank you letters I've sent now seem to have more meaning behind them. Having Dromgoole's in Houston is one of the things that makes me thankful for living here, and is also to an extent one of the things that I would miss the most when leaving. read more

Pilot Red Retro Metro Pilot Kakuno Noodler's Habanero Noodler's Texas Blue Bonnet Awesome store! read more

Dromgoole's Fine Writing Instruments - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Houston, Texas

I love this store!!y only complaint is that they don't have a location in Chicago! Seriously, the service is wonderful. They really know what they are talking about. I am new to fountain pens and they walked me through everything. Extra bonus they have a cute dog! read more

Incredible selection of writing implements, stationary, and knives. The last item might seem incongruous, but it seems to me that there is significant overlap in collecting fountain pens and high-end knives. As my daughter and I are both inclined to that, Dromgoole's was a great find while wandering around the Rice Village shopping area near Rice University. I'd like to call out Willie (Willet? Big burly guy with an impressive mustache) in particular as incredibly friendly and informative. We spent a happy hour there and came away with a new FP and a selection of dip pen nibs. Very tempted by one of the Benchmade knives, but we're traveling light by plane. Prices are fair and comparable to the Internet (with the exception of one FP). Would definitely come back if passing through Houston again. read more

I had a lot of hopes for this place: from what I can tell it's the only real pen store in Houston. It's pretty small (which is okay) but clearly laid out by someone who has no concept of how to lay out a boutique store (which is not ok). Pen and paper are mixed in multiple parts, there are ridiculous displays for some vendors mixed with whole sections of pens or paper that aren't labeled at all. No sense of flow or order. Lots of trash and empty boxes in the back of the store. Very large sales force in a small store, all clearly on commission and trying to steal customers from one another; either that or they just don't watch any of the other sales people and will all ask the same customer "do you need help?" so that I felt pretty harassed 3 minutes in. Oh, and they all dress differently with no name tags, so it's challenging when you actually want a sales person. Last but not least I requested one tiny item (a small part for refilling ink in a fountain pen) and was sold a USED AND BROKEN piece at higher cost than if I'd bought it new on Amazon. It's my own fault for trusting the lady and not looking it over more thoroughly I suppose. Don't dignify this place with your business; just go look at their stuff, try it out if you want then go order it for 20% less on Amazon. The one reason you might consider buying from them is a good selection of used fountain pens. read more

I recently purchased a pen from Dromgoole's online for a Christmas present for my son. I contacted them to see when my pen would be shipping and got a very quick and nice reply from Larry Dromgoole. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the pen had already been shipped, and even more pleasantly surprised when it arrived today earlier than expected. It was very well packed, and included a very nice note. Do not hesitate to purchase from Dromgoole's. I'm happy that I did! read more

I love Dromgoole's and consider it my "local" stationery shop even though I live in a different part of the country. I make it a point to stop in every time I'm in Houston. If you haven't been, do yourself a favor and go. Great people, great service, great selection. It's the whole package. read more

This place is pen heaven! Any planner person or bullet journal person needs to check it out!!! This place is such a great brick and mortar pen shop with so many different brands which is refreshing to see since most people order their pens online. Sometimes you just need to get the feel of a pen in person! They are so very helpful from the second you walk in there. Their website truly does not do their inventory justice they have way more in store! read more

I seem to spend way too much time typing on a keyboard, tapping on a smart device, and staring at a screen. Yet nothing feels better than a nice pen in my hand. In Houston's Rice Village Area, Dromgoole's is the place to go. Major brands are well represented, including associated stationary, accessories, and even some cool knives. It's fun to browse, try out my doodles on scratch paper, and wear my pen jewelry proudly on my shirt pocket as I venture on. read more

I have only recently started shopping at this fantastic fountain pen haven, where I also get my Moleskine books and highly snooty Crane & Co. stationery. Now I have this to say - this place is everything the hype says about it and is conveniently located next to Merle Norman. Grab a gift for your gal next door at Merle Norman then mosey over here for a fine writing instrument of your choice. They have experts in every area - from stationery to fountain pens to journals and day planners. Expand their in-store inventory with their extensive catalogs in all areas and you will find that between the helpful customer service and wide selection, you'll truly learn the meaning of enjoying a fine writing instrument and all the paper goodies that go along with it. This place has the some of the best selection of Crane & Co. paper products in the city, and if you are into fine writing instruments, you need to expand yourself into fine writing paper and they can take you down this highly addictive road. Open your wallet and you'll feel good about yourself at this nostalgic trip down what it means to shop at a merchant, not at just a store. read more

My mother told my wife and I that we had to go to this store when we visited Houston at Christmas. I've been into fountain pens and ink for a few years, but my wife had never taken an interest until she saw Dromgoole's selection of ink and pens. Now I have a budding penaholic on my hands! The staff was friendly when we asked for help, but otherwise let us browse the displays and the wall of ink. When we had found a few we wanted to try they were super accommodating. We ended up trying out dozens of inks and finally buying a few bottles and a few inexpensive pens. We had no idea that they were closed until they had to unlock the doors to let us out. They never mentioned it or appeared anxious for us to leave. They even let in a couple more customers as we were leaving. I super-recommend this place. read more

I absolutely loved my experience coming here. The second we walked in, Dillon immediately greeted us and made us feel welcome. I had come looking for a pen for a special gift and was afraid the task would be daunting. And I'm sure it would have been had I just gone in blindly on my own to scan the lengthy displays. He asked us the specifics of what we had in mind and our price range and a little about the gift recipient. In a couple of minutes, he came back with a handful of options that suited our taste perfectly. He will give you every option for engraving the items, the packaging it will come in, and notify us of any discounts available. He's extremely knowledgeable and was so sweet and attentive without putting any pressure on us to decide or buy. He made the shopping much more relaxed and enjoyable, and to be honest, he lightened up my otherwise cranky day. This store is just a writer's playground. Every tool at every price range and taste. They have cards and pads and envelopes and an extensive pencil selection. And it's borderline silly how excited I got over seeing wax stamps. A really fantastic store. read more

If you need Fountain Pens in Houston this is your best option. Friendly staff and a large selection of pens and inks I didn't know they sold in America and everything else besides. Before you buy accidentally buy a knock off or broken pen online give them a try. read more

I don't know if Dromgoole's is as good as it gets but is pretty darn close. I used to live in Houston, now Portland, OR and sadly the internet is making these type places almost obsolete. Here you can get fine writing instruments of many brands, pencil lead, ink refills, fine erasures, ink, paper, diaries, journals, filofax refills and lots of other standard office supply items. Highly recommended and I wish they would open a 2nd store in the Pacific NW. Thanks all at Dromgoole's for your great, knowledgeable staff and many happy shopping memories. read more

Absolutely wonderful people here and no wonder the store is jumping on a Saturday, a great selection of entry to high end Montblanc, Visconti, Platinum, Graf Von Faber-castell, fountain pens and inks. But the real star of the show is their fountain pen doctor. I happen to have two pens that I wasn't using as much because they were not smooth and within ten minutes they were like writing with a glass nib :) Amazing, I hope to stop in periodically on Saturdays and get all my temperamental pens in line. Best pen shop!!! read more

I have a fountain pen that I've been wanting to like but the relationship is off to a tough start. I went in and Larry was totally honest and sincere and said that my pen is fine and he went above and beyond by giving it a cleaning and recommending a good ink. All this when I had given myself a $1,000 budget for a new pen. There is a lot to be said for a business that isn't about a sale and IS all about the customer. Great store, staff, selection and they have a customer for life. read more

If I had an endless supply of money, I would spend at leas half of it here! Their inventory is incredible. Service, over the phone and in person, is above and beyond. Being in this shop inspires me to journal more, perhaps write a novel or two and even develop an unhealthy attachment to fountain pens. read more

Dromgoole's Fine Writing Instruments - Invested in my very first Leuchtturm1917 with the help of their wonderful staff! - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This store has outstanding service. I have purchased a number of items in the store recently and have only been treated with respect and courtesy. Larry in particular is terrific to work with. You can tell by the staff's demeanor that they really are into pens. I definitely would recommend a visit. There's a very small parking area which can present challenges at peak times in the village. read more

Long time happy customet of this wonderful store Staff is relaxed and does not pester you but is super helpful w any questions and stops to help you find what you need. Many family members present and they have many volunteers who love to talk pens nibs inks and assist the real staff They have a deep inventory of ink and allow try before you buy and have even filled a new pen w my new in They allow you to try different pens different nibs so you understand the pen balance and weight Very special store with staff who obviuosly LOVE what they do They stood behind their products and in true Texas style - their word is their bond Worth a trip across the country to spend an sfternoon here but luckily I live in town!! read more

I love this store. It's everything useful to someone who is a big stationery and paper nut, like me. I also love Filofax planners, and their selection is pretty great. The business itself has a cozy feel, and it's well organized. Their greatest claim to fame that I can see are their Mont Blanc pens, which thankfully, are not one of my obsessions! They have lots of good supplies that are harder to come by; I have an excellent pencil sharpener by Exacto, thanks to their selection. They have pens that exceed most office stores in terms of type and variety. I was able to find erasable highlighter markers, which is super cool and not your typical item at an office supply store. They also carry leather goods like briefcases, attachés, portfolios, desk blotters, etc - so you can easily find a gift for a business person. They also have many customizable things, like stationery, leather accessories, and other items I'm forgetting. Service: I find their service to be very good. I felt like they let you browse to a reasonable degree without making you feel "under the microscope". But, when you call, I found that the guys who answer can seem gruff or unfriendly. This is not their intention, but it's something that happened every time I call. I think this is just part of their old-school feel. They don't mean to be rude or cold, but they aren't trained like Nordstrom employees or something, in that they don't make a ton of sweet-chat, and they aren't going to be overly friendly on the phone. In person, they are serious but also helpful. Prices were super reasonable, although they are a full retail value store. If you see something that is damaged or overly-handled, you can possibly negotiate with them. I wanted a planner and asked if it was the only one in stock, because it did have some signs of handling. They immediately asked if I'd like a 20% discount, and I didn't even mention it. So that was very nice of them! Also, they have a great return policy...little or no questions asked. read more

Larry took time to explain fountain pen 101 to me, a beebe. Jonathon went into great, and much needed, detail on everything ink and ink related. I really appreciated all the set ice and selection. Thank you, you have a repeat customer read more

This is a great store! There's a wide variety of fountain pens in all price ranges. From the Conklin pen that I picked out to astonishing works of craftsmanship. They have everything a writer could want. Great and helpful staff to assist you. Go by and see. read more

Dromgoole's Fine Writing Instruments - Conklin All American, a terrific fountain pen! - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Houston, Texas

They are so nice to help me find the fittest ink. I believe you can discover a suitable pen or ink and start to write your story and life with them. read more

Went into the storefront approximately 2 pm on a Sunday, during a "Sunday in the Streets" event in rice village area. We were promptly greeted by an employee - she was quick to pleasantly greet us - in lieu of a "what are you looking for?". Online sales have limited the hands-on process, so we are looking for the paper stock for an upcoming wedding, Christine was quick to give us a brief overview of the selection process, lead time, and pricing. Thumbs up for providing relevant information. The sales pitch was minimal, facts were plentiful, and Christine seems as if she loves what she provides to her customers. Worth a visit. read more

I went a few weekends ago while on work travel. All the employees were very nice and helped me with every little question I had. They even let me test out products I was on the fence about. The prices were also very fair compared to other stores and amazon. read more

We would not suggest ever doing business with an owner who does not pay its vendor's. We are a sign and lighting company that was approved by the owner's daughter to fix the outdoor sign on the building. Once fixed we showed the daughter the fixed sign was lit up and working properly she then signed off on the work done. Larry the owner refused to pay. Not how Houstonians due business! read more

Wonderful place! Needed a last minute employee service anniversary gift, an engraved Cross pen and pencil set, really fast. They came through and were so nice and the gift was beautiful! read more

This store was amazing! Dillon was extremely helpful and attentive, and very knowledgeable. He gave us the information to make good decisions and helped us find things we loved. Dromgoole's offers a wide selection of all three things in writing--pens, paper, and ink. The prices were very good, and the other employees were also very kind and helpful. Even if you know nothing about fountain pens, they can get you up and writing in an instant. Would recommend!! read more