Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a gem! Everyone who works there is so friendly and it makes for a great atmosphere. 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! read more

See all

What a gorgeous location to have a bookstore! Sandmeyer's Bookstore sits in Printer's Row and is a very 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! read more

See all

Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a beautiful little bookstore in the South Loop and my favorite bookstore to-date in Chicago. It is well-located, tucked between local cafe's and restaurants and located next to the local farmer's market. They have cute themes for each month, like their march madness book bracket a few months ago. There is a great selection of books, included one my partner had been trying to find for months. read more

Cute little bookshop in Printer 's Row. Vibe was cozy and charming, and I enjoyed perusing. They have hand-written recommendations for certain books, which I always enjoy. They also had some fun gifts and merch for sale. I will say I was a little confused by the signage - for example there is a big sign hanging over the fiction section but only when you get to the back of the last shelf did I realize there was a dedicated mystery/thriller section. Of course, the shop is small enough to do a complete lap but just fyi to not rely solely on the overhead signs. I ended up purchasing 2 books and the clerk who rang me up was friendly. I love when they send you off with free bookmarks too - even if they're just paper ones. Overall, a worthwhile visit - I only wish they were bigger! read more

Sandmeyer's Bookstore - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

The outside of the bookstore alone is to die for, but the inside will steal your heart. I love the crisp layout of the bookstore, packed with all kinds of bookish treasures. Like any good indie bookstore, the shelves are full of staff recommendations, which I always love to read. The booksellers are friendly and excited to chat. I picked up a couple of poetry books at a great price, and can't wait to return next time I'm in town! read more

Sandmeyer's Bookstore - Outside of the bookstore alone store - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this neighborhood bookstore in Printer's Row! Feels spacious and bright inside. Even when crowded, it's easy to maneuver around. It's organized really well and things are easy to find. Colorful decor. Fun gifts and merchandise too. I found some really fun socks for my boyfriend here. I joined their free rewards program to earn points and discounts. Friendly staff and good vibes. I've been here a few times and will continue to return. read more

See all

Such a nice store on printers row w the old charm of a historical building. Nice cool books that are current and cute cards and gifts. read more

See all

Recently stayed in South Loop Chicago and meandered over to Printer's Row to find a tea and stumbled upon Sandmeyer's. The staff were friendly as I perused. It's pretty small! I'm not sure if there was AC but it was a hot day and definitely hot inside too. For such a small shop, they had a pretty extensive collection. I liked that when you walked in there was a section just for Chicago history and culture, perfect for tourists. I didn't end up purchasing anything here but it's a cute spot! read more

See all

Sandmeyer's is one of the better bookstores in Chicago. Their service is very good and they have an amazing selection of books as well. Check this place out if you're ever in the area. read more

Wow! What a wonderful find in the Printer's Row neighborhood! This charming bookstore offers everything this neighborhood stands for. The exterior is lovely. Walking in, I was delighted at the LOUD creaking of the original hardwood floors. This history of this building and its family business just warmed my heart. As I walked through the racks of books, I felt the calm beauty the written word can offer. I was amazed at the variety of the selection and loved the adorable children's area. The salesperson was friendly and welcoming. She greeted me warmly and checked on me as I shopped. There was a neighborhood lady visiting with her also. It feels like a place locals visit often. In addition to books, this shop offers gifts, greeting cards totes and more. I picked up a cute surprise for my sister. Street parking was easy so stop by this adorable neighborhood. After visiting the wine shop, market, coffee shop or restaurant, you can finish your day with some book shopping. read more

See all

A fun local bookstore with lots of eclectic options and both older titles and new releases. The store is full of asiles of various genres and also has some gift ideas and cards. They have a huge loca section on Chicago and Midwest books which is fun and great for gifts. I loved the smell of the place like slightly favorite books and ink! While we were there someone came in with their well trained dog, and it was kind of fun to see their local flavor (evidently they are well known to the store). A fun place to stop in and shop and find some good new titles to read! read more

This is a nice bookstore. I enjoyed browsing the aisles. We couldn't find a history section, though. I ended up picking a fiction book that I am excited to read. It was $18, which was less expensive than I expected. The lady at the checkout desk was friendly and helpful. I would recommend coming into this bookstore. read more

Sandmeyer's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So cute and everyone was so nice. I love this place.!! They have really nice staff pics for books and they write about the book and why they liked it which is super interesting. read more

Interesting small independent bookstore with lovely creaky wooden floors, nice window display, fun little old books of essays. Not a good postcard selection. Not as many classics as I would've liked. Prominent LGBT section. Lots of poetry! No used books. : ( read more

One of my favorite bookstores in the city - great service, great selection, and on such a nice street in Printers Row.

Cute little neighborhood bookstore. My efforts to procure some reading material for my return flight home has brought me to this wonderful quaint bookstore. They carry items that even I haven't seen at major book sellers. The shop is on the first floor in the Rowe Building which has some character and charm. The wooden floors creaked as I walked through perusing through the shelves for a suitable read. They also carry various knickknacks any book aficionados would find enjoyable. I especially like the locally made bookmarks. I ended up picking up a couple of novels by Mia Manansala and book of Stained Glass for a dear friend. Pricing was standard. There's a sale section in the back which does have some promising reads. The staff was very friendly and I noticed she was writing down my purchased books on a clipboard before taking my payment. Something about this sales process brought back memories of visiting the local library (pre book scanner) and receiving a due date stamp on the book flap sign out page. This actually made me smile and cherish the appreciate these local shops. I'd love to return and get more reading material. read more

See all

A great find via Yelp while walking Chicago. Small store with a wide variety of books. Loved this store. read more

Sandmeyer's is the spot! envision homey floors that creak, most any book is going to be there, but they can always order! Employee selections are always right there and good choices in each genre! read more

A charming, independent, neighborhood bookstore. The store is not large, but well organized and has a great selection of books. The bookstore is located in an old building and the original wood floors creak as you walk. They also have greeting cards, note cards, bookmarks and a few other items. They do not have seating, possibly due to the size of the store, but there is a park next door if the weather permits to sit and read. A charming bookstore in Printer's Row. read more

Sandmeyer's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Beautiful bookstore! I spent most of my time in their religion and philosophy sections. They had this great display of philosophy books that were paperback and pocket sized and I ended up leaving with three of them. Loving my selections! The sales person that I interacted with was very friendly and welcoming as well. Great little shop! read more

See all

Love this bookstore!! I was on a walk through Printers Row and just happened along this little bookstore. The selection is a lot larger than I would have thought and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I'm really happy I went inside because I have since become a regular here! read more

Sandmeyer's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I had the opportunity to stop into this South Loop independent, family-owned bookstore during Printers Row 2021. The shop is small but it is easy to navigate without feeling hemmed in. The children's section in particular is comprehensive, especially given the size of the shop. I would definitely be a fixture here if shopping for a young reader in my life. The windows filled with books had me mentally adding to my TBR list. The gifts and cards are worth a look as well. Standouts include the Chicago-style hotdog illustration and a plethora of New Yorker cartoons on greeting cards. I look forward to returning next time I am in the area. read more

Oh, how I love a local book store. This one was well stocked with the kind of stuff I gravitate towards- local, history and decor, as well as my hubby's faves of architecture-focused. Saw books here I'd not seen elsewhere, even though I peruse the same sections at any bookstore. Which I guess, come to think of it, I haven't done in quite some time. So, I'm thrilled this place exists and plan to be back. It's in a lovely historic building in printer's row, with old wood floors, and a lot packed into their space, without feeling cramped. Quite fitting that there should be a book store on Printer's Row, so long may they reign! I wonder how often people buy books and sit in the cute little park next door with the "letterpress" benches? May that be me, sooner rather than later! read more

this is a cute bookstore in the south loop with all new books-- most sell for the normal, non-discounted price. nonetheless, this place has great vibes and an excellently curated selection of books. i would recommend checking it out if you're in the area (it's also seconds away from the south loop farmer's market!) read more

Loved it! Friendly workers and great selection of items. Very cute knick knacks that would make great gifts.

The staff here is extremely rude and unprofessional. I would not recommend this place unless you want to be treated poorly. I went in with a small dog during a tornado warning and thought it would be nice to get a book and some shelter from the storm. They made us leave... in a tornado warning They have a unique section of books and the building is cool tho. read more

A really nice store on Printer's Row with a well-curated collection of new books. They also stock a small selection of Out of Print Books merchandise like tote bags and socks, and some other small locally-made crafts and bookish bits and bobs. I'm not sure how old the store is - it feels contemporary but does have very creaky floors. I guess it adds some ambiance to the place! The way books are shelved has a nice effect on the whole, but when actually browsing I found I was craning my neck a bit. But I did like that there was plenty of room for lots of titles to be placed face-out. Overall I think this is a great little shop for a short visit to browse and I found a few titles I was interested in and bought one, too. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit. read more

Sandmeyer's Bookstore - Sandmeyer's Bookstore entrance - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place has a great selection of books for all age groups and also popular titles and classics. I had the opportunity to speak with the management about a book I was looking for and had a lovely conversation. I love supporting local businesses where the staff is knowledgeable about the merchandise. The place is clean and adhering to all protocols for COVID-19. Definitely continue shopping here. Oh and they have cute accessories for bibliophiles! read more

Sandmeyer's Bookstore - Book bag -great selection - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went in with my dog yesterday because they post dog pictures in the store all over their social accounts so I assumed they were dog friendly. The staff looked disgusted that I brought her inside. Didn't greet us or say goodbye, and just stared at us the whole time we were in the store. I live in the area and have shopped here many times. Not anymore. read more

A very kind and helpful establishment. I just moved to Printer's Row and wandered into the store on a Saturday afternoon. I was delighted to find a diverse selection of high-quality options. I selected four books, including a thriller, and the clerk was very helpful and gave me a list of additional thrillers to check out. I look forward to visiting this welcoming and charming store many times in the near future read more

Great bookstore that I don't frequent enough in the South Loop: a boutique selection of local books and the best of new and old fiction/non-fiction. The setup is very cozy and makes you just want to stay there all day and browse. I long for the days when all bookstores were like this. I guess I should come more often to keep it alive! read more

Who doesn't love a cozy neighborhood bookstore. I love the selections they have here especially the Chicago section which has books on the history of the city as well as the architecture. It's really quaint and small but still has a lot to select from. I wish they had a bigger selection of discounted books(there were just a few in a table in the back when I went) and an area to sit would be nice, Of course support your local bookstore but Know you're paying full price - i left a little surprised at how expensive books are. Had a little 'You've got Mail' moment read more

Awesome selection and attentive but not over bearing staff. Interesting lay out, easy to move around in and the big store front windows keep it nice and bright with natural light. Just an overall great book store to visit on Printers Row. read more

I love this bookstore. With the creaky wood floors, the smell of books and a knowledgeable staff, it's just what I love in a bookstore. If they don't have the book you are looking for, they are happy to order it for you. Located in the historic Printer's Row, it is well worth a visit. read more

Unbelievably nice bookstore close to the Hilton Chicago. Large selection of well curated books. Too bad my suitcase can't fit more. The range of books was exquisite. This is a true gem. Go here for your holiday gifts . read more

See all

I absolutely love this book store. I've been coming here with my children for the last ten years. It's a small shop and the owners put a great deal of thought into their book selection. The children's section in particular is just wonderful. If you want to find the best children's books, from classics to contemporary, look no further. And Mrs. Sandmeyer is highly knowledgeable when it comes to recommendations. read more

I feel like the most family friendly place should be a bookstore. The very livelihood of stores that sell actual books DEPENDS children learning to love reading books. I love this place. I do not love the older gentleman who hates kids and has always made me feel like a burden every time I come in with my kid...my kid who isn't loud, who loves paging through books, who isn't destructive. Why have a kids section if you aren't going to welcome children and be a downright curmudgeon when they are they. I have been in this store dozens of times and when alone always find a book for myself. All four times I've come in with my kid this man has done something/said something to make me leave and decide to purchase books elsewhere. read more

This is a neat little independent bookstore in the South Loop! I had been in a few times before, but I was impressed with how accommodating they were during the COVID-19 situation. Prior to the shelter-in-place order, they were super helpful in finding a book for me, taking my payment over the phone, and then meeting me outside the store so I could grab the book. I'll definitely continue supporting this place as businesses reopen. read more

What a joy to browse a bookstore these days and my visit to Sandmeyer's last Thursday was that much more appreciated. Nestled in the Publisher's Row neighborhood, The stacks and shelves had the appeal I was craving and Ellen greeted me, helped me look up a title and was full of charm. I look forward to returning the next time I'm in town. read more

Favorite bookstore in this part of Chicago. The books are thoughtfully chosen and the space is pleasant for browsing. Wish they had a bathroom and some seating for customers, but I guess that's not practical in this area. read more