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

Among my favored bookstores in the city. The selection is terrific, and I find I can never leave without picking up something or other. I spent the past year catching up on all the leisure reading I didn't have time for while in college. This primarily included comics and various sci-fi staples. Once I started moving beyond the Big Two comic publishers, I found Quimby's had an expansive selection for me to peruse and find many a treasure. The DC Vertigo line has also helped me finish some essential reading in the literature of Moore and Morrison. The table with their newest offerings also makes a fun trip. I've found many delightful purchases I'm not sure I would have found quite so readily by myself just by perusing the store (a book of Kara Walker's art and critical essays concerning her career, African Psycho, Notable American Women, and other such lovelies). It is also quite frequently updated. The novelty books are also a fantastic find. In fact, I've found Quimby's to be a wonderful place to look for a gift that you probably wouldn't find anywhere else just browsing in person. The zine and magazine selection is also quite extensive, though I frequent these less often. Whenever I have gone to look I have found something to suit my interests, however. The staff can be somewhat aloof, but as I've become more a regular I have found that I can often have conversations on whatever items I may have just purchased, or just generally have a conversation concerning some topic or other. I've also seen them put up with some rather rude customers (unprovoked), so I can probably somewhat see why some level of aloofness is required. read more

My favorite bookstore in all of Chicago. Fantastic selections of self published artists and writers. Subversive as hell. Great posters. Bizarre subjects. Hours of fun for any dysfunctional family, except the maybe the Republican kind. If you are looking for an alternative viewpoint, an obscure book on the notes 5th graders pass to each other, lots of sex comix, or just things to occupy your eyes and mind at the same time, this is the book store for you. read more

Ok, #1, this is not a comic book store. If this is a comic book store, than every other bookstore is a comic book store. They had a handful (I'm remembering 4) graphic novels, and a few zines with comics, but that's it. There is no comics section, there are no single issues, there isn't even a shelf where comics dominate. Don't get me wrong, I'm not into superhero books at all. I like indie comics. But this is not the place for someone who is looking to buy comics. This is a place for someone who wants to buy books, and wouldn't be too upset if there is a small percentage that have pictures in them. If i were to describe the main publications on sale here, the word 'zine' comes to mind. So if you're into the self-published world, this is your place. It's just not mine. read more

Quimby's is my freaking favorite. I wish I lived in Chicago so I could pester them mercilessly until they gave me a job so I could be there all. the. time. Quimby's is not your usual bookstore. It's not even your usual indie bookstore. It takes indie to a whole new level by offering tons of independently-produced zines and comics, in addition to a fairly well-curated fiction section (if you go in with a title in mind, be prepared for them maybe not to have it--it's not a B&N) and a section with graphic novels. Then, there are the magazines. They carry the good. stuff. Hi-Fructose, Juxtapoz, Modern Farmer, Lucky Peach, and dozens of other mags that have fantastic content, but that you'd rarely (if ever) find on a mainstream magazine rack. If you love magazines, you need to stop in. Love music magazines and books about music? They have those, too. Also greeting cards that I wanted to buy a zillion of, postcards, and just the right amount of extrabook content. Stuff you'd actually WANT to own. My only wish is that they were a little more hardcore with their small press selection. I looked for several titles that I thought would fit in super-well and that I expected them to carry, but they didn't have them. They did, however, have a copy of "selected unpublished blog posts of a mexican panda express employee" by Megan Boyle, and I've been wanting that foreverrrrr so I snapped it up. I can't even imagine finding that in any other bookstore. Quimby's, I heart you. Keep doing what you do. read more

I'd give Quimby's seven stars if I could. This store and I go way waaaaay back to the 90's at a previous location. I'm so excited that they're still open and still carrying their own unique blend of indie and commercial offerings spanning every genre, plus a great selection of cards, buttons, and gift items I'd be hard pressed to find in a brick and mortar store anywhere. Comics, magazines, zines (hooray for people who still make old-school zines!), plus "serious" books and literature as well as genre categories. Love love love. Hate that their hours are so short now with the pandemic and crime. Hope to make it back soon when they aren't closed! Prosper, Quimby's, do prosper! read more

I love zines. There's such a great tactile pleasure to holding a handmade, creatively laid out or constructed zine in your hand. To me it's an uplifting humanized form of personal expression that is just so much better than the blogosphere. Quimby's has an awesome zine selection, prominently featured (not hidden off in a corner, or with a few by the counter), and cool comics, graphic novels, etc. Even though it's a bookstore, there aren't that many books per se, so don't count on going to grab a zine or comic and a bestseller a friend suggested. You'll have to make a special trip. Speaking of special trips, if you are an artsy geek and are either curious about zines, or you already know that you like them, Quimby's is worth a special trip. read more

Okay, Quimby's, this is hard. I mean, in terms of substance--your wares--you can't be beat. There's no other place in Chicago that offers such a wide array of zines and independent lit (Chicago Comics does, but they're much more comic-focused). However, you employ some real jerk-offs. I know that seems to be a Wicker Park standard, but by the good baby jebus, I swear, those boys need to get a hot date here and there and lighten up. Consider: a. I'm participating in a reading at good ol' Quimby's, which brought in a good thirty or so people, and the mopey guy at the counter ended up yelling at us when a juggler (yes, there was a juggler there) started his set. The juggler was good; he had performed there before with no problem; the owner had been aware that there would be a juggler. Why yell? b. I bring in flyers one day; I begin to ask whether I can leave them there. The boy (different one) interrupts me without glancing up and barks "Read the sign" (the small one surrounded by a bunch of other junk, almost unnoticeable). So I did. It said "You can post flyers here." Why bark? c. I really do like the woman who works there (owner?). She's super cool. Except for her predilection for mopey men. Anyway, Quimby's, you're cool enough not to have to perpetuate some "cooler-than-thou" standard some of your employees seem set to do. So drop the 'tudes, dudes. read more

Even though this place is quite small, I could spend hours upon hours looking at the selection of books, local zines, magazines etc. I was especially impressed by their selection of political books, vegan cookbooks, finger puppets and other kitschy wonders. I almost bought a book on anti-consumerism but was struck with the thought that buying the book would actually be a form of consumption and ended up spending 55 cents on a rubber finger puppet with it's brain exposed. Later on, I bought a pair of shoes--the notion of not consuming sounds so civilized but I don't know that I'm the best candidate for the anti-consumerism movement. read more

Oh Quimby's! I love you so much and now I will never shop at you or recommend you again. My boyfriend thoughtfully bought me the Recipe Moleskine at Quimby's 2 weeks before my birthday. I opened it and was so excited, but he had grabbed the blank sketch book by mistake. The Quimby's sticker was still on it so we thought we'd go and exchange it and pay the difference as the recipe Moleskine was more expensive. We arrived at Quimby's on the day of my birthday excited to get the right notebook and browse and possibly buy more stuff! The nice guy behind the counter whom I'm sure was just following policy, told us not only were we too late because they accept no returns after a week, but that they wouldn't exchange it without a receipt even though their sticker was on it. Dude, it was a blank Moleskine in shrink wrap...it's not like we bought a book, read it and tried to return it. Now we're stuck with this fancy notebook we don't want. Damn. I really liked that place. read more

Cool little comic book / zine shop that has a ton of original works to choose from. Not your typical comic book & magazine store. There's definitely an acquired taste for shopping here (one that I may not have personally) but nonetheless, I enjoyed spending an hour just browsing through everything for the first time. They have some cool stuff - on real relevant topics, just for fun, etc. Kind of something to hit the spot for a wide range of people. I ended up getting an original that I thought had some sick graphics as a coffee table piece! I think this place is better suited for adults / young adults since most material is a bit mature. Oh, and there's a photobooth! Definitely would like to try it out next time I'm in the area to stop by. Overall, fun place to stop by if nothing else! read more

Quimbys. You know its great beacause its able to stay in six corners like a rock well its surroundings are evolving into shops where you can spend $45 dollars for T-shirt or $11 for an icecream cone. Support this local bookstore before they buldoze it turn it into a Flat Top Griil or Gap. By the way, love the cell phone rule. Thanks Quimbys. read more

More hipster and punk than geeky and nerd. I wasn't in the market for anything they were selling, but they had such a vast variety I would be remiss to say it was a waste of time. Definitely worth a trip inside, even better if you have the time to really look around. read more

Oddities, independant and rare books and magazines. One of my top destinations when visiting Chicago. I always spend a grip of money when I go here because they have items you won't find anywhere else. read more

I've been all over this great land, and I usually stop at comic book shops and independent bookstores when I see them. Quimby's holds the title in my book as one of the best of these that there is. The selection is impeccable: hard-to-find leftist books next to any homemade zine you could imagine. This is the place for you if you've spend hours at Kinko's on your own publication featuring the new Melt Banana album; or simply if you love reading interesting stuff. Great for fans of comics. Daniel Clowes, Adrian Tomine, Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez, Jhonen Vasquez, etc. are all here. All the greats and a bunch of new sweet stuff as well. Zines? Zines from every corner of the earth. I've found some back issues from some friends' zines back in Michigan from 5 years ago! How much better of a catalog can a place even have? HUGE NERD BONUS: If you've ever read Burn Collector (which you definitely should), or listened to the bands Milemarker or Challenger; Al Burian, the man behind all three of these projects, works here. He has also written numerous other graphic novel type books that are simply incredible. The other staff here is kind of pretentious and can be dicks, but I guess you have to accept it as part of the territory, like a bookstore version of Championship Vinyl. Go here, and thumb through a book. Whether it's about sex, drugs, rock'n'roll, Satanism, or urban sprawl, you'll find it here. read more

This ain't your father's Barnes and Noble. They have a huge variety of alternative books, magazines and comics. Some of the magazines look like they were made at Kinko's on the photocopiers -- that is how alternative we are talking. Make sure you have your hand ready to cover the little one's eyes for one section of the store. read more

A true Chicago treasure, with the best collection of indpendent, alternative; and small press publishing in town. Great comic selection and a dedicated supporter of local writers and the indie publishing/zine scene here. That being said, whoever handles their magazine distribution sucks . One time. I asked when they might expect the new issue of Bitch, the woman behind the counter had no clue when the last issue came out, I had to tell her. One time, I asked for the latest issue of Colorlines, the person behinfd he counter had no clue what magazine I was talking about, then with a little research found out they hadn't carried the magazine since 2003. They do a much better job with carrying 'zines, comic, even small press books, but there are so many great indie magazines and I wish they'd do a better job of carrying them and staying up on that scene. read more

I will give Quimby's five stars because there is no place like it anywhere else in the world and that is sometimes -often- worth a a five star rating. I love, love, love the food 'zines. And the local 'zines. And all of the amazingly subversive literature and ephemera Quimby's has collected on its well kept shelves. Quimby's is a gem on North Ave. Go there and take your out of town friends because even if they are totally cool and maybe even cooler than you-- even if they are from NYC, they will still be impressed. read more

Love, love, love this place. Unusual publications art books, comics, odd magazines, and a TON of zines make this not your typical bookstore. In fact, if you're looking for a best seller or something for mom, go somewhere else. But if you're seeking something specific, unique, and personal, something for a best friend or yourself, this is the spot. Every time we come to town, we have to stop here. Be prepared - if you go in with a set amount you're willing to spend on new zines, you're bound to leave happy. And if you're not set on spending, at least go in and browse. Awesome place. And online: www.quimbys.com read more

Quimbys is an independent book store that specializes in underground comics and zines from small publishers (or self-publishers). The zines are broken down into various categories (Chicago, photography, music) and the comics are more less altogether. There's also a ton of graphic novels, music and art magazines, etc. This is one of my favorite places and I always end up dropping $20 when I come here. There's always something new and strange here. p.s. - don't be a jackass and come in here talking on your phone. read more

Excellent selection of reading material and knick-knacks (bacon flavored mints?! Sounds hilarious, I know - but do not try them). A little snooty/unfriendly the times I've been there. I, too, appreciate the cell phone rule (having worked retail and hospitality, I find them incredibly rude), however when I QUIETLY phoned a friend to find the name of another friend's zine, I was shushed in an equally as rude manner. That didn't make me feel very nice. *pout* read more

I spent two hours in this place the first time. I mean where else can you get Craft Books/Magazines, Upstanding and Up-n-coming Literary Journals and Pin-Up/Housewife Pron? Quimby's of course. I probably would have spent less time here had I been able to use my cellphone, as four people called me while I was in there, but I actually love that concept. Sometimes you might feel as if you're not "cool" enough to be in Quimby's but just go down the street to Filter and you'll realize you could feel a lot less cool (if that makes sense). I also spent way too much money here and I am very ok with that because everything I bought was different and eclectic and hilarious and insightful and all that. I only wish I lived closer, but then I'd be completely broke every damn week. read more

I'm like a goddamn kid in a candy store in this place... I don't know where to look first. Easily 3 hours spent. Check this place out. read more

When I'm forced to browse in Myopic after they shut down, I always secretly wish Quimby's was still open at that later hour. Since I finally revisited here twice within the last few weeks, and was reminded how much I love this store, and that often the things I read here end up being more interesting vs. Myopic. Not that there's anything wrong w/the latter, since I've still found interesting things to read inside Myopic. Nice small selection of magazines(not as wide as Barnes and Noble, but big kudos for them having 2600), books, local books you won't find at other indie bookstores in town, goofy and weird toys and other things like that(not the filler non-book promotional things you'll see at B&N), and more. I'm 99.9% sure this is the only bookstore I've ever seen, with a photobooth inside. Plus even some props just outside the photobooth, that you interestingly can use in those shots! With the trend towards more and more chains and sterile stores near The Crotch(the original nickname for the North/Milwaukee/Damen intersection, and it'll always be that to me), I'm glad places like Quimby's keep going strong. read more

I was pretty impressed by Quimby's. There is a great selection of magazines, especially ones dealing with political issues (think "In These Times," "The Nation," etc) and they have a lot of locally published works. Its nice to see a business that supports the local artists, and this is the best place to find zines and the like from the neighborhood. The staff are very friendly, and the place is easy to get around and well kept. The only warning that needs to be given is that there are tons of erotica and pornographic materials in the place, and it might not be the place to bring your toddler for a wander. If you're in the market for some S&M literature, though, you'd definitely dig this place. read more

Quimby's is the center of Chicago indie comics. It is just that simple. Anyone who reads comics should go and experience Quimby's at least once.... Wait...you know what? That sells Quimby's short. Anyone who READS should go and experience Quimby's at least once. The comic medium is looked upon as a nerdy pastime, but honestly, I would challenge any true bibliophile to go to Quimby's and not leave with something interesting and worthwhile. read more

This place is a goldmine of independent press covering music, politics, sex, humor, art, media and all that stuff. Tons of zines, books and all things in between. When some aging punker releases his or her memoirs through some small printing press this is the place I go to get my hands on it. Stuff is pretty reasonably priced and it's well organized. They have readings and events sometimes, but I have never gone. There's one dude that works here that's sassed me once, which is why I can't give this joint the full 5 banger, dude seems a little pretentious, but the gal that work there and/or owns the joint has always been awesome, courteous and friendly. read more

I'd like to thank every person who has recommended that I stop by Quimby's. You were all right, Quimby's is awesome! A plethora of independently published zines, comics, books and other ephemera as well as sometimes hard to find magazines (niche interests: art, being a chick, marxism, etc.), exhibition catalogs, etc. Be sure to browse, there are lots of delightful discoveries to be made! And, unlike some indie shops...the clerks don't watch over you like vultures circling carrion, so you can browse long and peacefully. read more

I'm not a huge graphic novel fan, but there is the occasional one that is reccomended to me, or handed down... Quimby's definitely has it all. They have really nice editions of stuff from Ware and Gorey... which is predominantly what I've purchased here. At one point they had a couple different sets of really attractive notecard sets from Gorey. Prices are expected, but usually listed whatever the suggested publishers price is. If you don't know what you want, it's a great store for browsing! read more

I have a penchant for non-fiction books having to do with econmics, class, technology and the like.... they actually had a book that was called "class and technology in post-capitialist society" or something. who else would have that? I quickly purchased it. Quimby's has such an excellent assortment of academic-ish books that I always find myself reading. And art books. And zines. And mags. And posters. And just about everything else that is worth having in an independent bookstore. read more

This is quite the bookstore. The collection is eccentric & awesome. I could spend hours in here and I don't even read much. This place is especially awesome because you couldn't find these publications online even if you knew the name. There's local stuff to graphic novels & just the bizarre & awesome. read books = good times read more

Quimby's is one of the best bookstores around. Lovers of non-superhero comics (there are some there but it's not that kinda comic book store), alternative and small press titles, weird magazines, little Japanese toys, and sweet, sweet, funny bookstore employees will get their fix here! Only slightly biased because Liz the manager is a friend and they carry my books there but hey - they carry hundreds of books. The outpost of sanity in what used to be a non-corporate neighborhood. read more

This place is awesome to go if yr looking for quirky books or presents when Borders cant fill the order. I got my boyfriend's Vday gift from this place. We are both really into music && they have a great selection of Lester Bangs stuff here. yes...exciting! the staff is typical JEsus cHRiStiKeRs-what-do-you-NEED-LEAve-me-ALONEish. but hell, yr in Wicker Park. What do you expect? read more

Best spot -- they even stock the rare Gross Magazine, whoa! Super extensive selection of major and independent titles. read more

I'd heard about Quimby's for years, as there were always ads in "Factsheet Five" and other such sheets. When I moved to Chicago, I was glad to find the legendary reputation was justified - Quimby's is one of the finest bookstores for people like me I've ever encountered. I try not to go very often, 'cause it's a lead pipe cinch that I'll spend monies I shouldn't. Their bargain rack is more interesting than most chain stores in their entirety. They've always got a selection of books that I've never heard of, but am interested in the moment I look at them. Of course, they also have a wide selection of zines and magazines, as well as comics and graphic novels of the more indie variety.The video sections are worth checking out, full of obscurities and the kinds of things that are hard to find even WITH the Internet (you kids today don't know how easy you have it...). The employees are friendly and knowledgeable, and I've never not liked the music playing when I walk in. So go already! read more

Ahhh, the fabled and storied Quimby's...beware fans of the self-published printed words, for you will be smashing piggy banks, turning over sofa cushions, and forgoing that square meal just to manage this month's selection of "Groovy Basement Ranting"#3 and "It's Like A Blog With Staples" #11. I jaw-dropping wonderland of pulp, with all the local suspects ("Roctober" stands out), as well as zines, magazines, comics, chapbooks, folios, and all manner of print from the angry teen to the accomplished elder. These days the word "institution" is tossed around as a marketing tool, but for those inclined to pass through the front doors...to call it a mecca for this branch of publishing wouldn't be overblown at all. And you know what? They...have...a..photobooth. read more

Quimby's Bookstore - did I mention they have a photobooth? - Comic Books Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Here's my theory: with the advent of Amazon and the now emerging e-book scene, bookstores, if they want to remain open, are going to have to cater to a very select niche market, with very specific tastes. The old fashioned New York Times Best Sellers list isn't going to cut it. This is where I envision Quimby's thriving. Unlike Barnes and Noble, the choice of material centers on mostly underground, small press, or art press. You will find beautiful art books from Taschen and Phaidon here, or indie zines made by struggling newcomers. They have one section of wall specifically for graphic novels and zines, and a whole rack of vintage porn comics, not to mention a nice wall display of McSweeney's and The Believer mags. You will find rubber fetish magazines next to radical philosophy journals, Japanese cosplay photobooks next to collections of Norse mythology. The beauty of Quimby's is in juxtaposition (and yes, they carry Juxtapoz too). Their shelves are like pieces of art, the whole store is an installation piece, where the product choices reflect a perspective missing in the general culture. You won't find this at B&N. You can't find this at B&N. And Quimby's knows this. It's a bit on the small side, and don't bother coming here to pick up the latest Jodi Picoult novel, but the pleasure lies in browsing the bookcases, in catching the irony in the shelf placement. Quimby's is for people who still believe in books. read more

Where else can you stop in before a friend's Divorce Party and buy her a "Make Your Own Sex Toys" book? Clearly awesome. read more

Just a really great bookstore, loaded to the gills with interesting small-press titles, just about every zine you can imagine, graphic novels, and more. Not your run-of-the-mill plain-vanilla bookstore. The friend I visited with turned me on to their special "mystery mix" bundles of random periodicals. You get a newspaper-wrapped package of 10 or so random magazines, zines and other periodicals to enjoy, with no idea what you're getting, for $10. Fun! read more

I'd like to point out an error; this is NOT a bookstore. It should be named "Quimby's 30 Minute Distraction and Idea Exchange". I'm pretty ecstatic about stumbling upon this place because I now have that store to get an awkward and/or inappropriate gift for someone's birthday. Quimby's is loaded with indie and art zines and publications. They have tons of print material on random genres. I love that there's a section on "Nude Art" or "Sex Comics". Also, of the regular books they have, they make good selections. Their comedy section has funny books and isn't just loaded with "Ziggy" anthologies or those joke books your uncle reads before family gatherings. Even if you don't find something that you find purchase worthy, there are tons of things to look at for the picture book you've been meaning to put out although if you were thinking of a picture book of your cat doing any number of poses/activities, someone already beat you to that. read more