Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a gem! Everyone who works there is so friendly and it makes for a great…read moreatmosphere. It feels really cozy inside and I could spend an hour or so perusing the book selection. They also have a nice variety of bookish gifts and cards. The best part is the sale corner in the back where you can find books of all kinds marked down to really reasonable prices. I'll always stop at Sandmeyer's when I'm in the area!

What a gorgeous location to have a bookstore! Sandmeyer's Bookstore sits in Printer's Row and is a…read morevery lit and airy environment. The selection is not too bad, considering they are recovering from a flood. There are so many titles and a vast array of topics available. I found some classics, fiction, a wonderful selection in their non-fiction area, and translated books. They also provide you with lists of books that have won prizes or coincide with different regions in the USA and the world! I thought that was very helpful. It's a medium-sized store, but their displays are quite prominent. Everything is easy to grab (no ladders or staff needed to get to the high books). All the areas are labeled and it's visually pleasing. The staff was nice, too. Checkout was easy and they were friendly. Prices are standard of paperbacks and hardcovers. You are paying for an indie bookseller (I paid about $40 for two books, which includes tax). I wasn't at all disappointed with the price. They also have a loyalty program for those that are regulars. I really am happy I checked out this spot. It was beautiful and friendly. There was a lot of books and totes to chose from, it was hard not to leave with more in my bag!

Loved The Dial Bookshop, On the 2nd floor of fine arts building, It is captivating. I found this…read morebookshop online while wanting to explore the city mainly for literature. Very clean and organized. Reasonable prices for used, old and new books. Great selection and genre of books. Floor to (almost) ceiling bookshelves, wood floors, plants, huge windows, it's just a beauty. Through out the store there is some history about how the shop came about. We copped around 6 books that were $7 to $10 bucks, WHAT A FIND. Definitely a best kept secret, it's worth your time

A super sure bookstore tucked away in the old Studebaker Building on the second floor…read more New and used books by all the authors that matter. In an era where boutique bookstores are all but gone this is a gem! Tip... they have a great selection of vintage Chicago postcards!

Such a cool space!!! They have a huge downstairs level full of books too. Wow!…read more There is a large hand sanitizer dispenser near the entrance and everyone who enters is asked to sanitize their hands before touching books. I like that. They also have a really spacious separate room available for events. The Chicago Writer's Association hosted a lovely event there last night, and my boyfriend was chosen as one of the 12 Chicago writers to read some of his work. I'm glad we know about this bookstore now.

Staff aren't the nicest and not very warm, welcoming, or helpful. Honestly not the best vibes…read more Maybe it was an off day for them. Seems like a good selection and I'd rather support an independent bookstore but this one is just not it.

I was drawn to this building because of the light fixtures and marble and brickwork. The inside was…read morealso very interesting with huge columns and high ceilings. It seemed to mainly be a DePaul University bookstore as they carried all kinds of T-shirts and other school items as well as lots of books. There is also a Barnes & Noble Cafe where you can grab a quick coffee or light breakfast.

It says they close at 10 pm on Google so I walked all the way here, got here at 6:10 and apparently…read morethey close at 6pm, which was made known no where online.

Awesome used bookstore in West loop! It's tucked under the green/pink line near the Clinton stop…read more The selection of books is insane and it's well priced! They have a bit of everything from cookbooks to political history, you can find just what you're looking for here. They even have a selection of a new books. The staff is always helpful! I'd definitely recommend!!

Absolutely adore this used book store! I can always find something new to read and the employees…read moreare consistently helpful with making recommendations or pointing me in the right direction. One of my favorite book stores in chicago

super cool store…read more three separate stories and an underground level of used and new books, all well kept and organized among a flurry of rows. everything you could want out of a local bookstore and then some.

This is a cute bookstore, which gets so busy and lined up even before they open at 12…read more That was pretty interesting to me, but they had a good variety of books and good categories. A lot of used and new books and I had a good perusing through. I didn't end up buying anything since I had other things happening but a good place. Must try!

A bit tricky to find as it is not clear that it is located INSIDE the Macy's big giant shop,…read moreperhaps in the lower level? I can't remember now. But we were in Chicago last week on our way to a concert and decided to buy the performer some children's books for his kid and I yelped "bookstores near me" and this one popped up. So we jumped in a cab and got to Macy's then wandered around a bit until someone told us how to find this part of the store. It is not a stand-alone bookstore, but it does have most things you would need from a bookstore, plus a friendly and helpful staff person. She picked up the phone when we called to ask her where she was located and the shop hours. We were in and out in a flash with a bag full of children's books as well as a bunch of cool postcards, pins, and a few decals, too. Huge "Chicago" section, lots of nice gift and souvenir options. Thanks!

So incredibly hard to find. As of April 2025, it is located by the luggage section in the basement…read moreof the Macy's. Despite its very odd location, the store gives indie bookstore vibes. A careful selection and a large YA section.

Madison Street Books is a bright and airy West Loop bookshop. They had a wide variety of books, so…read moreyou can find something for everyone from kids to grown ups. They even had a small selection of bookish gifts and stickers that I enjoyed browsing. I picked up a book and a few stickers that spoke to me. Pricing was comparable to Amazon, but I loved that I got to support a small business instead. I'd come back here again.

Wonderful selection and excellent service. Beautiful space with high ceilings. Pristine and well…read moreorganized. Spacious, open, and bright. Big windows and lots of natural light. Feels good in here!