Adore Quimby's - it is always such a joy to stop in here. Support Smaller Artists!! So much love! read more

My friend and I entered this bookstore on a whim as it is near the pierogi restaurant where we had just eaten dinner... with our mothers. This bookstore is a specialty bookstore with various things that are not always available at bookstores and libraries, including zines. We spent about 5 minutes browsing. My mother and I developed a high threshold for awkward content consumed together thanks to some CD releases by the Bob & Tom Show in the late 1990s. [You and your first-degree female can become like us. Our curriculum included Gimme an "F", Planet Bob & Tom, and Fun House, which remains my favorite.] I didn't buy anything, but my friend bought a few stickers. read more

After a recent visit, it's safe to say this is my favorite bookstore on earth and the best example of why physical bookstores matter and should be supported. Tons of titles -- and especially self-published/indie zines -- that you will literally not find anywhere else and are worth your time and dollars. A feast for curious people looking for truly unique and interesting reading material. If you want to be reminded what raw creativity and non-corporate book culture looks like, this is the place to come. read more

Quimby's Bookstore - Outside view of store entrance and front window. - Comic Books Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My wife is a big fan of Quimby's and this was my first visit. The selection was unique and vast. The ambiance was classic. The staff were friendly and attentive. There are even chairs to take a seat and read for a bit. I can see why my wife digs this place. You can't get this kind of experience online. A must visit brick and mortar. read more

See all

A Chicago landmark. They stock everything you can't find anywhere. Flipping through their zines and indie comics is a great way to spend some time. read more

Very fun progressive bookstore, the most Zines I've seen in one place. Tons of graphic novels, sprinkled with art pieces. Friendly staff, it looks like they host events there too. One note, keep an eye on the kids. Mine wandered off away from the kids' shelves and quickly found books that were not age-appropriate. read more

I love Quimby's. It was the final destination of many teenage journeys into Wicker Park, and it's still dishing up an eclectic mix of zines, graphic novels and independent press offerings to this day. I bought gift certificates for my sibling here during the pandemic, and I can't thank Quimby's enough for sending them something personalized and life-giving during a grim, grim time. Besides the books/zines they got, my sibling now carries the Quimby's tote that I threw in around with them constantly -- if only all my gifts were so successful! Please stay open forever, Quimby's. read more

The curated selection here is A DELIGHT! It's welcoming, whimsical, and everyone (staff & customers) are so nice and friendly. It's a great place to shop for gift- and get something for yourself too :) read more

Support Local! They have a wide selection of zines, independent literature, and eccentric works from your favorite author. It's pricier than buying online, but the experience is worth it. Employees treat you like family. Great clearance selection in the back and don't miss the grab bags at the front. read more

Ever wonder why there are some people in Chicago who talk to themselves? They are probably possessed! I found a strange book here at Quimby's Bookstore (see picture). Totally weird! This place is rad though. They have unique and interesting DIY books, and bizarre graphic novels. The shop is small, but it is literally jammed to the roof with odd reading materials. read more

Quimby's Bookstore - Comic Books Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I'm absolutely floored by the extensive selection of comics, graphic novels, etc stocked by Quimby's. Although the bookstore is packed with a ton of printed material, it is by no means close to a Barnes & Noble at all-- Quimby's is more of a paradise for underground/alternative genres. I randomly stopped by and ended up spending quite some time browsing. read more

This is such a lovely neighborhood spot. Staff is super knowledgeable and the graphic novels are perfectly curated to a wide variety of interests. A really impressive collection of local zines, including some charming teeny tiny ones for the miniature loving zine fancier in your life. A perennial highlight is the vintage photobooth. read more

Quimby's Bookstore - photostrip from the vintage photobooth - Comic Books Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Zines! Zines! Zines! If you're looking for a particular 'zine, they've probably got it. Amazingly well curated. Far more of a "graphic novel" bookstore than a traditional "Comic Book" store. read more

One of those real "must visits". A fantastic blend of self-published, indie, and even some more notable releases, but the zine scene here is the real highlight. Amazing variety, and there's no real barrier to entry - not only is it fun to brose through, but it's genuinely inspiring to go back and create. read more

The "Je Suis Charlie" Charlie Hebdo magazines are only $9.99. Still some copies available! Had to purchase and exit as quickly as possible as this magazine is somewhat taboo. My buddy in California will get one, I'll get the other copy. eBay has the same issue of Charlie Hebdo for anywhere between $15-$100. Quimby's rules! Thanks for putting Charlie Hebdo in the display window or I would have missed this extraordinary deal altogether. read more

Quimby's Bookstore - Comic Books Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I haven't found a bookstore quite like Quimby's, but I've been looking for one ever since. I've only been there once (I don't live in Chicago) but I fell in love immediately. The staff's great, the vibe fun, but it's selection--unparalleled if you're looking for zines or to push past the usual offerings of most comic and book stores. Go there if you can, it's more than worth it! read more

fantastic spot - Quimby's is a can't miss on the Chicago bookstore scene! Tons of DIY 'Zines - fantastic staff- super helpful and NICE! They also have an eclectic collection of vintage tchotchkes & art 'items' for sale. Last I checked they ask every guest to wear a mask & they don't provide them. (just a heads up) Do it. It's WORTH IT! read more

A long standing Chicago institution, a zine store that is still going strong. They have regular books too but the zines are the reason to go. They're cheap and homemade and stuff you can't get many places. Punk vibes. Very indie. 90s Nostalgic. Highly recommend, especially for bookworms, poets, comic fans, anarchists, and feminists, queers, and tourists. read more

One of my favorite bookstores of all time (and I LOVE bookstores). Some really obscure and unique pamphlets too--a wonderful place to get lost. read more

My favorite place is the world!!! It's where I spend all my money and it's a joy to give it to them. Great staff- Liz is the best!! There selection of unique periodicals is like no other in the city. During COVID they even did personal ized picks of zines and comics for clients ! I can't say enough good things. Go! Check it out! read more

As long as there are still independent bookstores like Quimby's existing, the world's not as bad as it often appears. Where else can you clandestinely peruse a morbid but fascinating book on serial killers? Embalming? Pornographic cartoons? King Velveeda (AWESOME talent!!) comics! I don't get here nearly enough, but have been here quite a few times over the years. read more

My experience with independent bookstores is very limited and admittedly, I am only familiar with the chains. So, this was pretty much my first trip to an indie independent bookstore. This isn't your traditional bookstore by any means. There were sections for smut books (basically porn), which were a little too out of the box for me. If that's your thing, great, but it isn't mine! I would not recommend any young children go into that section at all. Some of the things they see may shock them! There are lots of zines, which are basically self-published books by local authors. They aren't hardcover books and are printed on paper and stapled. They reminded me of a time when I had to write books for English classes in grade school. The zines cover many different topics and interests from comics to poetry. The shop is small, but there's plenty to look at so I spent a lot of time browsing the selection. I ended up buying a handmade heart plushie made by Chris Uphues and a book on the feminist movement from 1792 to the present. One small issue occurred at checkout. The heart plushie was marked $5, but the cashier told me that it really was $10 and that the stickers from the items keep falling off. The sticker looked pretty well placed to me, but I wasn't really going to complain so I paid the extra $5. However, in other retail places I've worked at, I've given the customer the price marked on the item since we (the store) incorrectly marked it. But, it must be their store policy not to do that. Oh, and another gripe was that it can get HOT in there and there isn't anywhere for you to really sit down to flip through a book. Overall, it is an interesting concept for a bookstore, but it is not my taste so I am not anticipating a return trip any time soon. read more

Quimby's Bookstore - Heart Plushie by Chris Uphues - Comic Books Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I find this book store amazing. They have interesting books on their shelves. Lots of horror genres, graphics novels and comics you can see. They also have monster figurines which you can see inside. If you are a fan of horror genres you will find this amazing. You can choose anything. They have a vintage photo booth that you will find interesting. It looks like a call when I try it. I now have a remembrance of this book store since it's far in our hour. I just found out about this place when I stopped by. It's fun when I'm searching and choosing what books I should buy. But in the end I choose a comic book that has an interesting cover. I think it has a good store by its cover. Hoping I will come here again. Highly recommend this. read more

A few times a month, usually timed to coincide with my haircut at a place just around the corner, I make a trip to Quimby's for books and magazines. The selection in the store is exactly as the other Yelpers have described: books, magazines and comics you won't find in your local chain. One of the things that brings me back is their support of zines, of which they carry a tremendous amount. Politics, angst, poetic storytelling, punk diarists, collage, alternative religions, conspiracy theory...there is a zine for nearly every interest. Quimby's selection of music magazines is great, too. From Punk Planet to Venus, Copper Press to self-published music zines, it's here. Other magazines like The Believer and art/design periodicals are here, too. The store has a great staff of savvy, literate and helpful folks. They've recommended books, bands and local events that have turned out to be right on the dot. Things to remember -- 1) turn off your cellphone or put it on vibrate and 2) if you do get a call in the store, walk outside to answer. People don't always read the (very obvious) signs, and the employees frown on cell phones disturbing others. read more

Quimby's Bookstore - Quimby's Sign (Daytime) - Comic Books Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I called in for gift ideas, Caroline was able to find great recommendations over the phone and shipped them for me! All in about 10 minutes. Amazing service!!! read more

Quimby's is stellar. The books here are all amazing. None of the run-of-the-mill cliche bestseller list stuff, but intriguing, edgy and alternative reading selections, paired with a vast expanse of magazines geared toward every thinkable aspect of music, art and culture. And the zine selection blew my mind. For anyone who thinks that zines are things high schoolers make where they haphazardly spew adolescent hormonal-induced crap onto paper and market it as "interesting"... well, check this place out. It will change your mind, and perhaps blow it too. Also, free matches. Ultra FTW. read more

Quimby's is the place where your inner zinester punk can thrive!! Check it out if you're into alternative zines and comics. You'll find racks and racks of independent creator's works that you're unlikely to find outside of a zine fest or their own website. I just wish that there were more visibly POC creators. Maybe a section of POC creators would be helpful as the zine community is oversaturated with white creators. There's a lot there so maybe they're around and I had trouble finding them. Still a great store! read more

I hit this funky book shop every time I'm in the neighborhood because there's always going to be something fun to read. They have all manner of mags, zines, comics, graphic novels and books on specialty topics by small or unusual publishers. This is also the place to get yer free papers and other oddball handbills and the like; they're cluttering up the entryway. My one issue with this place has been the "hipper than thou" vibe that emanates from the staff. I've been in a number of times; it's always been the same guy on the desk and he always had the same slightly aloof & superior attitude, no matter what. Maybe I've been in enough times now to prove my worth, or I asked the right question, or the stars were aligned in the proper house, because I actually got a smile out of the guy yesterday. I think it's fun that they have giveaway items; since I'm a matchbook collector, I love the big bowl of multi-colored matchbooks with their logo on them at the front desk, plus stickers and buttons etc. More places should do this! So next time you're on North Ave. and have some time to spare, turn off your cell phone (they have a rule, in case you haven't heard) and head into Quimby's...and try not to have a heart attack when you round the back corner and run into the customized devil girl mannequin. read more

Before last month I hadn't been to Quimby's in close to 20 years. I remembered it being awe-inspiring but had forgotten just how stupendous it was, and continues to be. (That probably has something to do with how drunk and/or on drugs I was through much of the 90s, especially when going to places like Chicago or Ann Arbor.) So I was in the Windy City for a short while and Quimby's was #2 on my short list of places to go. Quimby's is packed floor to ceiling with fun, interesting, enlightening, amusing and baffling books, comics, zines and a few other sorts of odds and ends. It's engrossing and yet frustrating since I would need far more time and money to properly delve into the collection here. Counterculture and off the wall stuff is their specialty here. Don't come walking through the door expecting to find a collection of Dilbert comics or Hillary's book on why she lost. I always end up having to choose between some hefty, expensive book that I can tell is going to be great or a whole stack of much cheaper comics and zines that I can't vouch for off the bat but can have an adventure taking hours to go through. This time I went for the latter, bypassing a large coffee table book about early New York subway graffiti for a stack of comics and zines that I don't have in front of me, and you would probably be annoyed by the obscurity of anyway. (One especially droll comic was called Men's Feelings. Forget who it's by but it's pretty funny.) Quimby's also has an old time photo booth and some cool mannequins and other strange furnishings. I didn't ask the guy behind the counter for help with anything, but from what I remember the staff really knows their stuff. He gave me a book marker with their website address and told me they do a fair amount of mail order business too, when my comment that I hadn't been there in almost 20 years combined with my enthusiasm for the place made it apparent to him I wasn't from around those parts. If you ever find yourself in Chicago and like weird printed matter, Quimby's is definitely worth feeding the meter for, even if you have to go back out and plop more quarters into it. And I invite Chicago Yelp readers to come check out Book Beat in Oak Park, MI if ever they're in the Detroit area. It's the nearest equivalent to Quimby's around here. Another great rabbit hole for your time, though it isn't as heavy on the comics and zines. For those I recommend Vault of Midnight. The downtown Detroit location is decent but the Ann Arbor one is really stellar. read more

I've been boring lately. This is a statement of fact because I've been lacking inspiration. I have become a slave to my boring, boring weekday routine for way too long and when I felt the need to bust loose and get some creative inspiration I turned to the one place that always cheers me up. That's right it's Quimby's Books! It's the best bookstore in the city because of their wide variety of 'zines and fantastic author readings. Last night, my mission of inspiration was Joe Meno. He read from his newest book, "The Great Beyond." He was engaging, funny and real - all the things I like in an author. Plus, he had Charles Kim play music to emphasize the main points of what he read, which gave the piece a whole new dimension, and gave me some creative ideas on how to make my readings more engaging as well. Thank you Quimby's Bookstore for always giving me that boost of creative inspiration, especially when I want to lie down and claim defeat. You're always there to remind me of my creative roots and you show me why I should never give up on the passion that keeps burning inside of me to follow my writing dreams. read more

I had an hour to kill in between appointments and dinner when I was in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood (or should we say West Lincoln Park?),and I have been meaning to stop in for quite some time. Quimby's is the sister store of Chicago Comics in Lakeview on Clark - a fact that I know from my splurges at CC - if I buy more than just a comic the bigger bags have the Quimby's logo on it. The differences in the 2 stores may be a reflection of the different neighborhoods. I was expecting a Chicago Comics clone, but is a store all in it's own style. There are tons of books with a smattering of comics (the opposite of CC). I learned that is my go-to store for the following: *the evolution of Punk music in hardback books. *UFO and extra terrestrial books and magazines. You know, for when your bum is feeling sore for no reason in the middle of the night. *Goth coloring books. Old school Elvira style, not modern day emo hipster. *Indie publications. *Robot Porn in comic book form. HOT! *"Reading is Sexy" bumper sticker. Which I would have totally bought if I had a bumper to put it on. Other than my own bum that is. *Matches. By the front door. You know, since smoking indoors is now outlawed in Chicago so you need to get your match fix from a bookstore of all places. Wait, I just realized the irony of this - to have a good old fashioned book banning and burning? *Small selection of comics, but they do have an extensive selection of Neil Gaiman, who I have been meaning to check out for quite some time. *Oh, and there are Buffy comics in the bound collections. They even had "Tales of the Slayers." YAY! read more

OH MY GOD. DO NOT BRING YOUR REPUBLICAN, STRAIGHT LACED, PRUDISH FRIENDS HERE. Now that I've told you that, I love this place. Quimby's has a varied and extensive collection of alternative, independent magazines and books. You can get a photo book on Japanese sex hotels, check out the latest Butt magazine, http://www.buttmagazine.com manga, drug mags, transgender/gay/bi wedding mags, hentai, political mags, macabre mags, and lots of magazines that look like they were printed and stapled together at your local copy store. That is what makes this place special and I could spend hours here just perusing the shelves. As for what I bought? I bought one of the least conspicious magazines I could take on the plane ride home, Bitch. http://www.bitchmagazine.org read more

I have to admit I always feel slightly uncomfortable in graphic novel stores because I'm not heavy into the culture. I have a few series I read, and I pick things up here and there. But by and large, I don't know much about the comic book world, and I feel like people in these stores can tell I don't know what's up and judge me for it. A little ironic I feel like an outcast in a world predominantly made up of misfits and pariahs, but there you have it. That said, I've never felt more comfortable perusing graphic novels than I have at Quimby's. I picked up a couple things I'd never heard of based on the staff recommendations and absolutely loved them. They are incredibly helpful in a really nonchalant way. Even better, they carry a lot of obscure stuff published by not very well-known authors and artists. In fact, my boyfriend found a book written by his childhood best friend, who he hadn't talked to in over ten years. And in the acknowledgment's, my boyfriend spotted his name! If that doesn't tug at your heart strings, I don't know what will. read more

I've been a fan of Quimby's since the day (in a past life) I was there for a reading by an exploitation movie buff/former pornstar weirdo, who later offered my friend and I some drugs from his fanny pack and tried to talk dirty to us on the internet. That's how I roll, and that's how Quimby's rolls. They have tons of zines and arty magazines, and art books and comics that you won't find elsewhere, and who doesn't enjoy looking at erotica in a public place without the risk of being hauled off to the slammer? People have complained about the aloof staff, but I don't want to look at boobies with an overly peppy shopkeep all up in my grill, thank you. That fifth star is for the photobooth and more importantly, the photobooth props. They also sell Proximity which I write and edit for, and which you should buy. Shameless plug, ended. read more

I'm gonna be upfront, the low rating on this store is mostly because of the associate behind the counter that day. A lady walked into the store (that I didn't know) and the associate was not very nice or accommodating to that customer which actually was quite repelling. When I was later up by the register, again not so friendly with me personally. There were some very interesting things in the store, and some cute knickknacks. I might be more inclined to return if the service was better. Not sure if I caught an off day, but it definitely made an impression. read more

If Quimby's doesn't have it, you don't need it. No, I take that back, you might need it, but it's probably boring. This little store is definitely a piece of my Chicago heart. It's always a good time, and it's the only bookstore I know of with a photobooth AND a jackalope. Or, either, really. read more

Recently I was shopping for a book on Goth Beauties who knit, have crazy tattoos, worship Ra and produce their own horror movies with 100s of cute kitties and bunnies and puppies. And sure enough, there the title was...although broken up into 6 titles in 6 different sections of the store. I came here for a friend's book reading. I had purposely avoided the store as I know what places like Quimby's do to me...I start shaking, perusing every book in the shop (especially the huge and wonderful selection of Indie and mostly 'genre-free' -- read, superhero-free -- comics) and am soon separated from my filthy lucre. Alas, I couldn't say no to my friend and showed up, wallet in tow, for his reading. I should have known better. When the reading was over and it was time to go home, my bag was much heavier and my wallet appreciably lighter. I have a mortgage to pay, I just can't do that. If you are interested in US and international subcultures, as captured in the written word or in photographs, Quimby's is a great place to get your feet wet or take a deeper dive into your area of interest. If you aren't interested, and you just want to understand what people who aren't like you are fascinated by, Quimby's is a place to get your 'freak' on...and even a bit of the freak on if you like comics about dirty dirty bored housewives. There's a COMIXXX section for you, too. For fans of the illustrated and not-so-illustrated word, there's lots of hard-to-find zines, mini-comics, boutique press editions and limited editions here too. Quimby's is paradise for geeks and the people who love them. Yes it is. read more

Quimby's Bookstore is like that girl in your freshman creative writing class who has old glasses and wears weird bedazzled sweaters and is a little cross-eyed and takes notes on her forearm: every time you see her you want to wrap her in your arms and propose marriage. Not to be a commodity fetishist, but if you can't find something you want to buy at Quimby's, you're probably a d-bag. read more

Brett's prerequisites for a non-food related five star review on Yelp are as follows: 1. Have the Rockin' Bones box set, the greatest discovery of Brett's music appreciating life, playing over the store PA when he walks in. 2. Have an entire section of your shop devoted specifically to DC's Vertigo comic line, Alan Moore titles, and books by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. 3. Sell good comic books, including but not limited to; anything published by Vertigo, underground and independent comics that are difficult to find, works by prolific artist/writers such as E. Gorey and R. Crumb, and sex comix on the sales floor, not hidden away under lock and key behind the register. 4. Have an entire section of your store devoted specifically to the sale and display of books on carnival freaks, traveling magicians, musicians, artists, photographers, or tattooed beauties. 5. Have a fucking photobooth. People, I can't express to you how seriously awesome this is, but Quimby's Bookstore, it has ALL of these things. So by that rationale, it actually gets, like, 25 STARS! I didn't actually leave you know. Somewhere in my head, it's Quimby's all the time. read more

Quimbys, what more is there to say? I want weird exploitation books? Check. I want books with murder scene photos? Check I want strange Asian character comic books? Check I want to pick up some local indie comics? Check I want a book about some obscure pop culture phenomenon? Check. I want to find amazing pulp fiction? Check And if they don't have it in stock they can get it for me with the help of their knowledgeable staff. The chain book stores have nothing on Quimbys. read more