Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Phoenix Books

    4.3 (122 reviews)
    InexpensiveBookstores
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Phoenix Books Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Phoenix Books

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Vic C.

    Phoenix Books is located in downtown San Luis Obispo. I visited this store twice, trying to give it a chance but found this store to be overly cluttered and a bit overwhelming to shop and browse at this bookstore. I love bookstores, as I love to read. I especially love used bookstores because you can often times fine the best deals. But this bookstore was messy and a bit confusing to navigate through. There are books on the floor, in boxes and just all over. If you don't feel like browsing, then this is not the store to visit (and both times I came here, I just gave up browsing because there is just too much to look through). Employees were not friendly when I came to visit twice and some of the prices for books did seem a bit overly priced. But am glad that others find this bookstore to be great.

    Terron R.

    Easily best used book store been to in years. Was here over an hour and got two bags worth of great books wanted to get for a while.

    Vintage building
    Lisa V.

    We always find good books on every visit. The staff are happy and positive with book knowledge. There is something for everyone here, fiction and nonfiction.

    Timmy S.

    If used bookstores were actors this place would be straight out of central casting. It's the epitome of what you imagine a used bookstore to be. Yes, it does have a bit of that used bookstore smell but not overly so. It is a large store with several rooms, somewhat organized into categories which are randomly placed here and there so it's a bit of a treasure hunt if you are after books of a specific type. At least the categories are labeled on stickers so you have a fair chance of being successful on your hunt. Most of the books are on the shelves but there are more books than shelf space so you'll find stacks of books on the floor here and there. Prices are excellent. I found a couple books in "like new" condition that I'd easily pay double for anywhere else. This is a really fun place to browse. I visit here every time I come to SLO.

    Great find on my last trip!
    Alicia B.

    Hands down a must visit for me every time I visit SLO. I always find something I "need" and at a good price. My latest score was an old copy of The Wizard of Oz, not in the best condition but at $3 I was stoked! For the size of this store and as jam packed as it is with books they are fairly organized. The always have a rack of .25¢ and $1 books out front or right as you walk in, a separate place for new arrivals, and a great children's and young adult section. I'm lucky to have a daughter that loves to read and loves to look for new stories right along with me. Be sure to bring your own bag as the area is very eco-friendly and most places charge a bag fee. If you like books this is the place to find that hidden gem you never knew you needed!

    New Arrivals Section
    Taylor G.

    As an avid reader, I'm always looking for ways to save on buying books (other than the library). While you won't always find the latest and greatest reads, I always leave with something unique or hidden gems if you will. This past week, I visited Phoenix Books to sell back a stack of books taking up space in my home. As expected, the selling price was fairly low. You have two options: 1) receive store credit 2) get cash. But the cash value is about 50% less. I sold about 10 books for $22 store credit. However, I feel it's fair in support of a small business and one of the only indie bookstores in the area! I highly recommend taking the books you don't sell to the little libraries around town as well. All in all, a visit to Phoenix Books is a treat! The store is surrounded by shelves of different genres and covered in stacks of books. It feels homey and is a great way to spend an afternoon.

    See all

    Photo of Cate H.
    0
    17
    22

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Good prices and broad selection. Going back to buy a few more books to complete the series.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    What a fun and funky store! Bruce Miller and now his son run a great bookstore full of gems to be discovered. Enjoy the hunt!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ok B.
    0
    48
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    So many books! Great place to wander and discover! A wonderland of well loved books! Great central location too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam O.
    2
    17
    0

    2 years ago

    Love these guys. Knowledgeable, friendly crew. Always an adventure digging through their stacks. Support your local book store!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nico D.
    1
    64
    101

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rachel H.
    346
    10
    2

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Don J.
    6
    13
    0

    3 years ago

    Great spot. Tremendous selection, fair pricing and friendly staff. Also a convenient location.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sunil R.
    1128
    10447
    36164

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Judy T.
    67
    52
    20

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Lots of books! Found exactly what I was looking for. Customer service was very helpful. Price was just right.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Phoenix Books

    Review Highlights - Phoenix Books

    Finding a specific title is a challenge, but you will find an amazing assortment of topics and titles.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bookstores 492 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Barnes & Noble

    Barnes & Noble

    3.9
    (103 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I absolutely love going to Barnes and Noble to peruse new titles, look at the beautiful journals,…read morecheck out the games, and more. You can find local interest items as well. There is a great variety in prices, so if you are looking for a gift or something for a set price, this is an easy source to utilize. The only downside is the customer service at Barnes and Noble. It may be that I always visit when they are busy, but the staff never go out of their way to help, don't seek to care if you find what you are looking for, I have stood at the "customer service" desk several times and had the person at the desk completely ignore me. They didn't even offer an, "I'll be right with you." One even walked away to do something while I was standing there. Wow. All in all, I will still visit for my book needs, but I never expect good servic

    I've been to Book Stores ALL my life. Naturally born book worm. Ive frequented SO many B & Ns I…read moreshould get compensation. jk but I really wanted to say SLO Barnes & Noble? Is where it's at!! Nestled in the beautiful heart of downtown SLO only a stones throw from other thriving businesses, beautiful architecture, great restaurants/eateries and right there next to ALL of the awesomeness? Barnes & Noble SLO. Love this bookstore! Feels like stepping into an exclusive hidden world of awesome stationary, music, books, and just about anything you can imagine for the wee ones. Should you be traveling? & need to grab some slime, or a lego kit, cards to play. Something for everyone here. Including the book worm sig other who mayn't be that into just books. Love this little nook of magic!

    Photos
    Upstairs and down
    Upstairs and down
    Barnes & Noble
    Seaglass Hunters dream (guide for literally ANYTHING you find)

    See all

    Seaglass Hunters dream (guide for literally ANYTHING you find)

    Phoenix Books - bookstores - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...