One of my favorite bookstores in the country. For one thing, they still have chairs to sit in while the rest of your group shops after you are done. That is such a rare blessing. The book inspired gifts are fun and they have a decent selection of books. Upstairs is a cute children's bookstore and downstairs is the grown up stuff. Staff is also friendly. read more

If I was writing this review after my first visit it would be a 5 all the way. Staff was very nice and helpful, even if I caught her mid snack she was still willing to walk around to help me find the "just right" book. Great selection of titles and organized beautifully. Upstairs has an expansive kids area with toys, books and Jellycats. I had such a great experience the first time, I went back the next day. This time however, I asked a question and kind worker needed help so she found another employee to ask and THAT employee was dismissive to both the original employee and myself. Maybe she was having a bad day, but if that was my only experience with the shop, I wouldn't return. read more

Sassafras on Sutton - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Cool little bookstore in Blackmountain, NC. I was on a business trip and stopped in here to see if I could find a book I was looking for. This is a cozy place with areas to sit and thump through a book or just come and sit and read. I did find the book I was looking for and several others to add to my list. read more

The atmosphere here was amazing! It's immediately cozy, the staff was very friendly and inviting, great selection of books, coffee, and gifts from every fandom! read more

A very cool boutique with toys on the top level and books and a coffee bar on the bottom, Sassafras was a fun little stop to check out on the corner of Sutton and Cherry Street. We really liked the bottom floor, with all the books and cards for purchase, and the coffee bar, where my wife and I ordered tea and iced coffee. The barista was super nice and attentive as we gave our orders and made our drinks. We liked the little sitting area under a chandelier to enjoy our drinks. Very chill vibes to enjoy and buy a book, a toy, or a knickknack. Sassafras is one of a few stores located either on Sutton or Cherry, where you can check out as you walk around town. read more

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I've made it my mission to use my book addiction for good and find indie bookstores while I travel. This one is two stories with games and kids toys and books upstairs and a coffee bar and adult books downstairs. Lots of comfy seating areas and bookish gifts. They had a small selection of blind date books. I got myself one and I will look forward to a surprise when I get home. read more

This store is so fun. They're two stories many options of everything there's a book there's toys for older kids younger kids in all ages unfortunately, you don't have pictures, but I definitely recommend going there. read more

Tons of books and toys and trinkets and gifts. A great must stop for locals and visitors to the area. You will find something for everyone in the family. We had a great time and would have stayed longer if it wasn't just before closing time. We will for sure be back the next time we are in town! read more

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Super cute book store / coffee shop! They have a wide variety of new books (no used books sadly), games, mugs, trinkets, journals, and more! The coffee is delicious and the employees are very friendly. I wish I was local so I could come more often! read more

Sassafras on Sutton - the inside of a bookstore - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

All of my favorite things~ a quaint book store & a fun name too! This shop has two entrances, one on Sutton and one on Main- and it's on a slight hill- so the two entrances open to different floors of the store. John and I made a bee line for the shop and we found presents for our grandson and our soon arriving niece! The wonderful lady at the counter showed us a picture of her grand-daughter too! read more

Adorable shop with an extensive book collection. They're small curated art and gifts for sale helped me knock out a few folks from my Christmas list. They also have a good selection of coffee and teas and the service was terrific....worth the stop and we will definitely go back! read more

What a cute little book store and coffee shop! I found the exact book I was looking for while drinking the most delicious lemonade chai. The first one I've ever had! It was a surprisingly delicious drink. The barista was also so sweet! She gave my dog a pup cup and a treat. I will definitely come back soon! read more

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Terrific little independant bookstore that is not so little. Nice selection of books in many categories and plenty of unique gift items. There is one whole floor devoted to children's books and toys. The staff are not just knowledgable, but intuitively helpful. They explained new-to-me products such as indestructable baby books and the material that composes them. I asked about "banned books" and they said they were displayed last month during "Banned Book Week" and then showed me a very clever line of candles (in gift boxes) that represented various banned books. The store is charming in Black Mountain's small shops area looking out on the railroad tracks and historic train station/now art gallery. read more

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A hidden gem in adorable Black Mountain. If you like books and/or coffee this is the place to be!! (Better than Dripinator!!) Next time I'm in Black Mountain or Ashville I will make it a point to spend at least an hour and a half enjoying some amazing coffee (or espresso) while browsing their delightful book and gift selections. Did I mention they allow (well behaved) dogs in the store?? They do! And they have treats on hand for our fur babies. i went twice, meeting 4 different employees and all were delightful! This was our first time visiting Black Mountain and it's because of shops like Sassafras on Sutton that I can't wait to bring my family back!! read more

Visited this cute bookstore 4 times in 2 days if that tells you anything. I love the way they have the books categorized! The ambiance is great, I found gifts for all my family and I sat and read for a bit! read more

Sassafras on Sutton - the corner of the street - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Such a cute little book store with a coffee shop! I went in originally to look at the books and was taken aback at how many books fit in such a small space. There was a book for every occasion and everyone. I had a London Fog from the coffee shop and the barista took care in making it perfect for me. It was nice and light. The coffee shop also allows for milk substitutes. read more

Great spot to get souvenirs at good prices. There is a kids shop up top and coffee bookstore down below. I stopped here while I was in town and I will be back! Friendly staff, good coffee, and cute chairs all throughout to chill. read more

Sassafras on Sutton - Storefront - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

I almost passed the shop up and so glad that I didn't. The whole top floor is an amazing selection of games toys puzzles and just about anything that a child or an adult would love to play with. Venture downstairs and find an independent bookstore with in-house coffee shop. Great prices throughout the entire store. Fantastic staff and customer service. You can get lost in the store for hours read more

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Love this place. A great bookstore with great selections and all kinds of gifts and items! A ton!!! Something for everyone literally. There is even a toy store on the second floor that is huge. I love the cafe they have in the lower level with coffees and snacks. They even have sitting areas dispersed around the bookstore that feel like little nooks! The chai latte is AWESOME!! read more

Super cool book store with a whole upper level dedicated to kids. We just poked our head up the stairs but it looks like a neat place for the minions to explore. Downstairs is filled with books, gifts and a coffee bar. The seating area was closed due to COVID but I bet in "normal" times this would be a great place to get some work done. I love how the sections are thoughtfully placed and the displays are themed. If you ever need a gift, there is something for everyone here. Even if they don't read. Staff was very friendly and even gave us a locals discount! This will be my go too place in the future! read more

We have been here multiple times and we love it. The upstairs is nice and light, focused around kids and the bottom level is every book lovers dream. It's dark and cozy with little hidden gems around every corner. Every time we go we see something new. They have a delicious coffee/tea counter in the back that just adds to the atmosphere. read more

This is a must visit for the whole family ... first floor - coffee, books, gifts. Second floor ... toys, books and art! Such a wonderful place! read more

This shop is everything I could ask for in a boutique bookstore/coffee place/gift shop rolled into one. Beautifully and thoughtfully organized and curated. The coffee smelled divine. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is because it was all so expensive. I was there looking for a gift for a friend. Upstairs is an adorable selection of children's books and toys. read more

Black mountain is one of my favorite place to runaway to...now i have a particular place to go to. Its now a bookstore and coffee shop. Great books and products. You will loose yourself in Sassafras on Sutton for hours. read more

Amazing store! So much to see here. They have a packed store of everything you would ever want from books, games, puzzles, & more! This is a must stop if you are in town. read more

I was in black mountain for a women's retreat at Ridgecrest and when we had some free time we decided to walk around Black Mountain. On our walk, someone wanted to go to a book store and found this place. It is super cute and has so many different things, like candles, socks, kids stuff, games, journals, etc. There is a coffee shop in the back that seemed good. I didn't get anything but one girl who did said the coffee was tasty. I loved how there were so many different books, journals, and other cute ideas, like a book with letters to send out each day of the year to encourage someone. The prices were a tad high, but that's expected for a specialty shop in a small town. Lots of great things and you could easily spend an hour looking through it all. Or if you are tired from walking, go in grab a coffee and a book and relax on one of the couches or other seating options in the store. Definitely enjoyed it! read more

My goodness. We were staying in a cabin on Black Mountain, and I stumbled upon this store while driving around looking for somewhere that might have a sketch book for my daughter. What an absolute treasure. The manager and the other staff person were kind, knowledgeable, engaging, and SO helpful. I didn't want to leave!! Wonderful book and gift selection, amazing toy and game selection too! And yummy coffee and hot chocolate! I was wondering what type of game I could get for my family. We have completely different strengths and likes, but the woman who helped me had GREAT suggestions and even showed me how to play the games! My kids LOVED the games - we had a blast playing them the next couple nights, and we are still playing them at home. The manager was so warm and engaging and even helped me find some book gems for Christmas gifts. I think this might be my favorite store on Earth. I wish I could have stayed longer. And, I found out they ship! Can't wait to come back! read more

One of only two coffee spots in town unless you count that new Starbucks which came into existence recently. Anyway, the coffee bar is all the way at the back of the bookstore so you can always find a good read to enjoy as well! read more

Really enjoyed this little gem of a book store! It literally was the best book store I've been in. So much variety and lots of goodies and even a coffee bar. I highly recommend checking it out. My son bought 5 really nice books for under $30. The owner, Susan, was so friendly and made you feel at home. I look forward to coming back to this bookstore in a few months when the leaves start changing! Thanks for such a great experience :) read more

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What a fantastic book & coffee shop. My mother and I were visiting the surrounding Asheville area this past weekend and were referred to Black Mountain during one of one our garage sale stops (because that's how we vacay). Once in Black Mountain we walked around and had a quick conversation with a Sassafras employee on the street. My mom needed a box for her new bird feeder, a garage sale purchase, the woman saved us from recycling bin diving. She said, "Head to Sassafras, that's my store, speak to so-n-so and tell them I said to give you a box." So off to Sassafras we went. The shop was the perfect - it's mix of gifts, books, and coffee. My mother was there for the free cardboard, but I was there for the books. The organization of shelves was outstanding. Strange compliment, I know, but I found a shelf with practically all of my favorite books. Based on that fact, I used it to guide a new purchase. I picked out one at random (A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab). Just a day into the read and I'm already on page 301. Luckily it's a series so I can feed my habit for a few more days. I wish I could go back into town and have them suggest all future reads for me. If you're a book lover and in the area, make a good life choice and stop here. If books aren't your thing - bad life choice - stop by anyway, grab some coffee, and pick up a nice souvenir for a friend. read more

I used to frequent this bookstore taking many trips to Black Mountain. Over Covid I came into the store with my son (who has a medical condition) that does not allow him to wear a mask! When approached by staff regarding my son- I was treated terribly by the workers and Told to leave even though I had a mask on and explained my sons condition! I am constantly perplexed by this level of ignorance- how is someone who has any other medical condition accepted, but the mere removal of a mask makes them a leper- I have never in all my life been treated so discriminatory- I wrote the owner and have never heard back! I am saddened deeply by your stance read more

This coffee shop is absolutely adorable! Great coffee, a huge book selection, tons of comfortable seating available and lots of fun and unique gifts. Very family friendly. A great place to just curl up and relax. read more

Sassafras on Sutton - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Got a 16oz decaf white mocha. It was delicious and the staff was very friendly! Bathroom was also clean.

Books, coffee, cozy seating and friendly staff make this a lovely gem. If every little had one of these shops, Barnes and Noble wouldn't have a chance!!!! read more

This shop is adorable! The selection of books and other items available is great. Tons of variety. But this review is totally about Carson and Mary. While shopping, I had a hypoglycemic episode. I went to the coffee bar in the shop to look for cookies or some sweet snack. Mary asked me if there was anything I wanted and I explained that my blood sugar was dropping. At that moment, Carson came over. She immediately grabbed a soda for me and offered me a candy stick. Mary grabbed a stool and had me sit down. Carson then told Mary not to charge me for my soda and candy. A few minutes later, Carson came back to check on me. Such care for customers is fantastic! So to make a long review short (too late), if you are in Black Mountain, NC, go to this shop. Great selection of books, literary themed candles, a Harry Potter display set up UNDER THE STAIRS, cards, mugs, stickers, chocolate... and the sweetest employees ever! Thank you, Carson and Mary!! read more

Love this store! I try to buy most of my books locally and if they don't have what I want, they'll get it! The BEST place to shop for unique gifts. I think I've got all of my mom's presents from here the last two years. Plus, the staff is utterly charming and helpful. Love Kathleen (she literally knows where every books is) and Carson (such passion and enthusiasm)! read more

Lovely bookstore. Bottom floor is filled with books and the top floor is filled with children's toys/books. The aesthetics were immaculate and the prices were reasonable. I couldn't find any used books unfortunately. Other than that the place was perfect. read more

Visiting this bookstore was a highlight of a recent trip to Black Mountain. The women running the store were friendly and SO knowledgeable. I really wanted to just hang out with them and maybe get wine and talk about books. I bought several books and a few other cute things. My husband just sighed. If I lived in Black Mountain, I'd apply for a part time job here. read more

"Beautiful store! Fantastic selection! I fell in love with this place and would love to be closer. A must go to anyone in the area, especially book lovers! read more

Amazing store and staff but the owner is rude. We were in there one two occasions and one time she was taking a business call on the floor and was speaking very rudely to the person on the other line.... second time she acted completely inconvenienced by us even visiting the store. both times we spent $75+ dollars so i don't know what her problem was. the staff and atmosphere unfortunately can't outweigh the hostility of the manager/owner so we won't return. read more