This is my favorite cafe and bookstore in SA! I always stop by when I'm in town. The staff is…read morealways sweet and I love the handwritten recommendations by the staff. It's a perfect place to buy some novelty items like tarot cards, jewelry, socks, tote or reusable bags. Only downside is parking can be difficult!

Love a hybrid business. This independent book store and coffee shop has most things I could ask…read morefor: wifi, coffee (and non coffee drinks), snacks, and seating. Their displays of books are well curated, and they have some knickknacks and gifts for that eccentric person in your life. I do wish the cafe had some gluten free options (pastries looked and smelled so good. The whole area smelled like butter.). And would like an alt milk option that isn't nuts, soy, or oat based (like coconut milk!). Free parking in the back.

Nine Lives Books is a wonderful bookstore with a welcoming atmosphere and a thoughtfully curated…read moreselection of books, comics, and other great finds. It's the kind of place where you can take your time browsing and always discover something interesting. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to help without being pushy. Whether you're looking for a specific title or just enjoy exploring independent bookstores, Nine Lives Books is definitely worth a visit. I'll be back!

Nine Lives Books may be small, but it's brimming with books, movies, trinkets, and more. It has a…read morequiet, library-esque atmosphere when you walk in, but the friendly owners are always happy to chat about their stock or the latest movies in theaters. While the selection of books and movies is on the smaller side and leans more toward vintage finds than brand-new releases, we always leave with something great! On our last visit, we picked up three Disney VHS tapes and over 40 Magic cards at just 10 cents a piece. The lady at the register was so kind--she even gave us a free plastic deck box for the cards! At checkout, there's also a fun setup of enamel pins, cute figurines, and knickknacks to check out. It's definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area--you might just find a neat hidden treasure!

I love a locally owned bookstore. I want to live in a world where there is no need to go to the…read morebook category killer, and I can source all my novels and trinkets from these local shops. Twig is such a cute, well-designed space with plenty of options to choose from and tons of thoughtful curation throughout. Not a single corner of this shop is missing some merchandise or décor. It's small, it's cute, and it's worth taking a trip to while hanging around The Pearl. RIYL: An excellent locally-owned book shop

While visiting the Pearl, I stopped into this cute little independent book store as I saw it had…read morebeen mentioned throughout so many places. The place was filled with options, but not overly abundant of options. They did however have a lot of the big players in the book game. They have a front and back entrance which was a nice option. No drinks are allowed in the store, but they have a spot up front. During my visit I found the store to have consistent and steady traffic of browsers. I ended up finding a book for my nephew. Checking out was the only time I interacted with the staff. They were polite and I think there might have been a loyalty program as they asked if I had shopped there before and I said no, then they asked if I was local to San Antonio and I also said no, which was followed by a where are you from, probably a rare moment to have a Minnesotan. I do love a independent book store and would totally recommend this to anyone in the area.

Once again Fernanda put together a smooth running event. I do love this event…read more I shop here regularly. So, the opportunity to come & show them more love is okay by me. Their volunteers are always so helpful & knowledgeable. Its why I come back. Well, & the books. I came this time wanting cookbooks. I hadn't ever looked at their selection before. I collect vintage cookbooks, (yes, I use them too. ), I was happy to see the selection they had. I'll be back to look. Definitely adding this area to my focus. Right around the corner from the cookbooks are the vintage books. Well, they had this wonderful little Dick Tracy book. I knew it was coming home with me. Then, when I went to psy they were going to give me the Dick Tracy one. I told them no, I wanted to pay for it, it gives them the money. Isn't that the point!?

The Book Cellar is such a hidden gem! Tucked away in the basement of the Central Library, it feels…read morecozy and welcoming as soon as you step inside. The selection is really impressive, especially if you're into Texas history, local authors, antique books, or those special finds you don't usually come across at bigger bookstores - and at a great price. and I could've easily spent way more time browsing - it's well organized and fun to explore without feeling overwhelming. The staff truly made the visit even better. Everyone was kind, patient, and genuinely happy to help or just chat, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and personal.

Barnes & Noble is always a great time!…read more Frankly I love coming here to discover new book titles or purchase their B&N limited edition books. Shopping books through Amazon or other online retailers can be very easy, but there is nothing like walking through a book store and seeing all the different titles in just one place. Compared to other locations, this Barnes & Noble is not as busy and I like that is just one story building. I also like that they have plenty of spots all over the bookstore where you can sit and they also have a pretty nice size Starbucks. There is also plenty of parking and accessing this plaza is super easy from 410 or 281. Overall, I love coming to this store! The staff is always super friendly and they have an amazing selection.

Probably my favorite location…read more The layout of this location just makes so much sense! Every genre section branches off of a 'main hallway' and you can see over all of the shorter bookshelves so the store is really open and easy to peruse through. They've had what I came in looking for each time I've been, it's been clean and organized every visit, and the café has a ton of Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, and other more popular chain brand products to choose from if you need a pick me up during your shop as well. Give this bookstore a visit! It's absolutely worth your while!

Huge selection of books and nicely organized. It was clean and quiet, which is perfect for…read morebrowsing. The lady at the reception greeted me cordially, as I entered. The prices were a bit high in my estimation. I miss the Cheever Books of old, with more accessibly priced books. But it did have many first editions and collectors books, which is big plus. I would recommend it as a stop for anyone who loves reading and books.

Wonderful selection of quality used books in great shape. A really nice mix of popular and eclectic…read moreand niche titles. The books are all in really great shape, many with covers or in sleeves. This is a store to people who are looking to add to their own collection, as opposed to looking for a cheap stack of books that they will then get rid of (no judgment, both practices have their place). Some negative reviews have claimed poor customer treatment, but my experience was the opposite. I bought a really nice autographed copy of "Baa Baa Blacksheep" and also a memoir by Eisenhower's speechwriter (see "eclectic and niche" above). This copy had no price written in it and had a goodwill sticker on it. I asked the lady at the counter how much the book was, and she looked it over and expressed her horror that the old sticker had not been removed. So she gave me the book at no charge and we had a great conversation about a unique picture of JFK's motorcade in San Antonio on the wall. Just a really nice experience.

Nice selection of Alamo-themed t-shirts, toys, and gifts. This is a must shop if you are in…read moredowntown San Antonio.

WONDERFUL shop full of interesting collectibles, tshirts, toys, and much more. The staff is…read moreknowledgeable and loves engaging with visitors. If you're not interested in making a purchase, that's ok! The store has info graphics all over the walls about Davy Crockett and his life and death during the Texas revolution. We had a blast reading the panels, listening to their music, and conversing with the staff, and their Davy Crockett re-enactor! This shop made our San Antonio trips much more interesting, and we can't wait to come back!

Pink Zeppelin Books & Records is a solid spot to come in to do some browsing and even come across…read moresome local artisan goods too like jewelry, stickers, small decor, and even t-shirts. We came in after noticing the spot while having coffee around the corner. Outside the shop, before walking in, there are several bargain books displayed that help with a visual cue of where you should be heading to. Organization of all records was pretty decent. Everything is spaced out and no overcrowding of records to be found here. You can browse easily without having any issues. I ended up finding a great early Rihanna LP and my partner found a pretty awesome and good quality of an REM LP here too. We were very happy with our finds and the condition the vinyl was when we brought it home to play. Of course you can find bargain records here but their curated records that are priced $5 and up will be pretty good quality in terms of cover and record quality. I think I remember seeing nice juices, beers, and even some energy drinks here that are offered in a cold case? I also saw plenty of magazines and niche zines here that I regret not taking a chance on. You will find something unique and very interesting here even outside of records. I really loved the book area/nook as there are plenty of genres to choose from. I will definitely come back through to browse their selection in the future. I am unsure if they still have bands play outside or in but I would be down to catch some tunes too.

This bookstore/record shop/ clothing store feels just like home. The customer service is on par…read morewith the value of their selection throughout the store. I'm ecstatic to go back with a drink from Gold coffee shop next door as I look for my next great read. Thank you and keep on keeping on. P.S: get yourself a bookmark from Imelda B. Robles ‍ it's a piece of art

Half Price Books is always a good time!…read more I usually go to the HPB location on 410 near North Star Mall and was pleasantly surprised to learn there was one in the Huebner area. This store is not as large as others but they still have a huge selection of new books as well as used books. The staff at this location was amazing and helped me find a couple first editions I was looking for. Please note that their first edition or more expensive books are located next to their sell counter and everything is under key, so you gotta ask for someone to help you with those. Overall, a great experience and can't wait to come back and check out what else I can find!

Support your local businesses/resellers! Books at a…read morefraction of the cost, not to mention puzzles, games, movies. Lots of trending titles and a vast store space. I could easily lose myself in here for a couple of hours. Return policy is good too!

This is an awesome bookstore!!! I went for the first time today, and had a fabulous time. I will be…read moregoing back again soon.

First off, the environment is absolutely amazing. You can find some really cool antiques and rare…read morefinds. They have books of all genres, so if you're looking for something special, you'll find it there. The mom and daughter duo that work there are extremely helpful and friendly. Every time I walk in, I end up chitchatting with them for a good minute. They have a little section of free books for kids and my grandson loves choosing a book when we visit. And their prices are amazing. I highly recommend!