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    Inquiring Mind Bookstore & Cafe

    4.5 (64 reviews)
    InexpensiveBookstores
    Closed • 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Bao Y H.

    A wonderful stop on our trip in Saugerties. The bookstore is well stocked and has a lot of interesting books. I love the signage and messaging of the store. I didn't get a chance to get a book as it was raining out and we were walking around that day so I opted to not risk buying and ruining a book. It is located in a busy intersection and you have to pay for street parking. The parking meter is one of the ones that only accepts coins and not one of the ones you can pay using an app. We didn't realize it was quarters only at first so we did lose some miscellaneous coins to the machine. Luckily we had cash on us and the bookstore staff graciously gave us some quarters in exchange for a $1 bill. As it was a little cooler due to the rain, I did order a hot chocolate from the cafe inside. The staff both runs the cafe and the bookstore so it did take some time to order. I would have to say the hot chocolate was terrible. I could not even finish it. It was basically just water with a hint of chocolate. I would not recommend that but I'm not sure if any of the other drinks are good.

    Howie A.

    I agree with so many of the reviews for this fantastic bookstore in Saugerties. My wife said, "This is what a bookstore SHOULD be." Has everything, yet doesn't cater exclusively (or maybe at all) to the best seller crowd. Their incredible music section is what got me. Highly recommended!

    Dog Hall of Fame
    Peter D.

    It's very difficult to imagine a better bookstore. Right now you may be imagining your own favorite shop, and I want to stop you right there and ask: Does your favorite bookstore have a Dog Hall of Fame? That's what I thought. Now, you might be saying to yourself, "Self, a Dog Hall of Fame isn't necessary for a bookstore." Well, lots of things aren't necessary, but they are often the things that make life worth living. Anyway, for you oddballs that are not already sold on Inquiring Minds based on the DHoF, you can rest assured that they have an absolutely massive selection of books on anything you could ever want to read about. Philosophy, cooking, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, history, music...the store itself is gigantic, and the shelves are everywhere. Explore, and you won't regret it. They can also order you any book you may like, and then you're supporting a local shop, as opposed to a massive conglomerate that benefits no one but a man who wants to send phallic-shaped things into space. Or something. A non-exhaustive list of other things Inquiring Minds has: -A very nice coffeeshop (smoothies too) in the back. -Comfortable seating. -Kids playing DnD, occasionally. -Mushroom playing cards (of course we got some). -Excellent staff. -Readings, occasionally. -A great selection of vinyl. -A surprisingly great selection of CDs, considering it's in its death throes as a medium.

    Doesn't show it but I got mango, pineapple, raspberry and blueberries with almond milk

    First time here meeting Noah and about to enjoy my custom fruit smoothie. Noah is very personable and has a welcoming spirit. Thank you very much. Honestly I was looking for a cafe at first for a smoothie but happen to park right outside and was welcomed in and next thing I know I'm getting my first fruit smoothie.

    Book I purchased from the store, great condition book from 1941.

    Excellent service and selection, great prices. I ordered via their website to Illinois. Book came well packaged and a nice note. Will be ordering from here again, thanks!

    Drinks
    Brian G.

    Really cool bookstore! Happened upon this place while traveling through town. Great books and prices.

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    4 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    Brian D.

    Hi Michelle, thank you so much for the kind review!

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    Cookie was great, coffee was burnt and bitter. I would just go for the books and a cookie‍

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Thanks for the book. Inquiry mind bookstore is awesome. I received my book very well and fast. Thanks

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    5 years ago

    Definitely has an interesting selection of books from various genres, including local histories.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Inquiring Mind Bookstore & Cafe

    Review Highlights - Inquiring Mind Bookstore & Cafe

    “The atmosphere is incredibly charming and cozy, the kind of place you can wander through for a while and lose track of time.”

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Rough Draft Bar & Books - No books were harmed.
    -W.Shakespeare 
 "The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer"
    -Ken Kesey

    Rough Draft Bar & Books

    4.6(191 reviews)
    10.6 mi
    •$$

    My wife has found her new absolute favorite bookstore! I think it is an incredibly thought out and…read moreperfectly executed bookstore meets bar meets cafe. We were about an hour away where this is typically around 5 hours away so knew we needed to check it out being so close. Snagged street parking easily and even just the vibes of the outside started off our experience so nicely. Located at what is dubbed Four Corners that is I believe the only remaining intersection in the US that has pre-revolutionary stone houses on all 4 corners. Such an amazing sight to see the old architecture. Rough Draft has utilized the space so perfectly. Worth visiting even if you are looking to just browse. I highly recommend trying a coffee or tea drink to start your day though and a baked good. If those aren't your cup of tea grab a beer or wine then. My wife got an Iced Mocha and loved it. I went with one of their current specials, "I Know What You Did Last S'more". It was so good but was unique compared to a typical s'more coffee drink since it had espresso and smoked black tea. I also had a chocolate croissant while my wife had a maple palmier and we enjoyed both. We snagged some window seats and it was the perfect way to enjoy the drinks and baked goods. My wife loved browsing the books and thought it had so many unique books she hadn't seen at other bookstores. Which it really is more than just a bookstore with the cafe and bar vibes! Highly recommend everyone check it out, if you can. We look forward to coming back!

    I have so many good things to say, where do I even start?!…read more First of all, this book and bar spot is absolutely beautiful. It's located on such a charming street, and stepping inside felt like walking into an elevated Barnes & Noble straight out of a Harry Potter movie. There are endless shelves of books across every genre, cozy seating throughout, and the perfect atmosphere to spend hours browsing or reading. The coffee was just as wonderful as the space. I wasn't sure what to order, so the barista recommended a drink and was incredibly accommodating with my many requests. I can't have too much milk or syrup, so I basically gave them a complicated custom order, and they made it exactly to my liking without hesitation. I also ended up buying one of the chocolate bars they had at the counter and turns out it was $20!!!! As a tourist, I had no idea it was a well known local chocolate brand with a factory nearby, so that was a fun surprise. This is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down. I'd love to come back, grab a coffee, spend the entire afternoon reading, and just soak in the comforting smell of books and fresh coffee. Such a cozy, magical spot that's well worth visiting!

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    Rough Draft Bar & Books
    Rough Draft Bar & Books - Clever display

    Clever display

    Rough Draft Bar & Books - The bar

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    The bar

    Oblong Books - and let thy feet
 millenniums hence
 be set in midst of knowledge
       -Tennyson

    Oblong Books

    4.4(33 reviews)
    10.6 mi
    •$$

    My name is Randy and I have a problem. I'm a bookstore-holic. I should stay I'm an independent…read morebookstore-holic. In today's day and age we usually have several, depressing options: big box, megastore, super club book emporiums where the atmosphere is glowing with fluorescent bulbs and dim minded staff...or...click, click on the mouse, shipped to my door in a beige box, I hope I like it online book buying experiences. If you ask me none of those options are all that appealing. With that being said there is hope in Rhinebeck, NY and that hope comes in an Oblong form! (Ok I'm not a comedian) Oblong is the answer to the all too often disconnected book store experiences of the present. This store serves as a sanctuary to those longing for the bookstore of the past ambiance. Tall stacks of books on display with index cards handwritten by the staff strategically placed to provide insight. A friendly staff who goes out of their way to assist you and even remembers you; that's how customer service should be! I recently purchased a book and came back two weeks later for a signing. Upon walking up to get in line a member of the staff recognized me and pinpointed that I was there two weeks prior to purchase to book. Talk about small town charm! Speaking of signings, they often host them as well as meet the author events with Q&A. If you need a book, a place to escape or a time machine to those better days gone past just take a trip to Rhinebeck and visit Oblong. You're welcome.

    Good selection of new books. I didn't see a used section, but I wasn't looking for one. Well…read moreorganized by genre. Friendly staff. Stickers, toys, books, of course.

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    Oblong Books - Outside

    Outside

    Oblong Books
    Oblong Books

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    Inquiring Mind Bookstore & Cafe - bookstores - Updated September 2026

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