Shelf Indulgence Used Book Cafe

I've visited both locations on Main Street and I think it's important to know that the menu and…read moreavailability of items can differ between the two. The original/older location seems to have a lot more available than the other as one seems heavily focused on muffins while the other has empanadas, and way more bakery variety. My muffin was great as was my chai latte. Service is pretty good at either location especially considering how busy these stores seem to be, but I also wasn't in a rush to get to work with breakfast. Something else to add is that the newer location definitely seems to have more space available inside before you consider the outdoor seating.

I visited both locations, both locations are on Main Street about 3min by car from each other…read more The newer location is modern and very spacious, love the aesthetics, however it seems to have not as much options as the original location. This one had the pistachio croissant roll and it was so delicious and well as the freshly squeezed orange juice. The original location has much more muffins, desserts, empanadas but it's much smaller and can get super crowded. Both had great options. Staff is friendly!

Outdoor seating

Cappuccino and blueberry croissant

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Twisty Potter Puff

The Elixir Tea House

I visited Elixir Tea Room on a recent trip to Sarasota, and I highly recommend it. The food was…read moregreat: lots of delicious sandwiches, scones arrived warm which was a nice bonus, and an array of sweet treats. They had a large selection of teas, which were great. The staff was attentive and friendly. The atmosphere and décor is charming, with each room featuring its own unique theme, including an Alice in Wonderland-themed room. I love having afternoon tea and make it a point of seeking out tea rooms when I travel; Elixir Tea Room was a wonderful experience and I would definitely go again when in Sarasota.

I took my husband out for a date night and we had the High Tea experience. It included a variety of…read morepastries and sandwiches. The ambiance was perfect for us, and the venue is quiet. There are also more private rooms for groups. The staff at the tea house were helpful and kind. Of course, the teas were amazing. One tip would be to check out their decaf menu if you are visiting later in the evening. Their selection is delicious, and if one flavor isn't your cup of tea, the High Tea package lets you get a new tea instead. It's unlimited if you get the package. It was $49 dollars per person, but that is not bad considering how many things you receive.

Red velvet cake, peach ice tea, key lime cake, Mango and Friends Tea

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Also the front of the establishment. I loved this Santa!

Kahwa Coffee

4.1(88 reviews)

1.7 mi

I asked for a hot coffee and that's exactly what I got! Also, two young ladies were reading the…read moreBible outside, what an encouragement in the youth. They recommended I get a book called father's child so I figured I'd recommend everyone on Yelp to get it as well. We all have some inner child therapy that we could all heal from. Also love the air conditioning, it was a really hot day today.

The drinks are so unique, and the staff is always wonderful. A special shoutout to Emma for making…read moreextraordinary drinks! Come and try the shaken espresso!! My one wish for fall is a pumpkin spice coffee. I think you'd make an amazing version, and there are plenty of pumpkin spice lovers who would be excited to try it!

Nitro Cold Brew @tiffhuangry

Outdoor seating

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Coast To Coast Coffee

4.6(62 reviews)

7.4 mi

loved our coffee and toasts!! my friend tried the fig and loved it. great matcha too, great locationread more

Both the bagel and coffee were ok. It's decorated kinda tacky with fake plants and such. Just…read morewanted to try somewhere new for coffee in Sarasota, won't be rushing back.

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Iced matcha!

Out And About Coffee

4.6(50 reviews)

1.8 mi

Blown away by how friendly and knowledgeable the staff is. Place is nice looks like it was an old…read morebar converted to a coffee bar which is real nice. Outside seating, bar seating and both high and low tops.

The best coffee in Sarasota. They know what they're doing here. Can't get a better Cortado or Flat…read morewhite anywhere else.

Cortado with a side of Colombian brew

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Iced latte

The Clever Cup Coffee Shop

4.6(230 reviews)

7.2 mi

The Clever Cup is my new go-to spot to start the morning. The environment is so cozy and inviting,…read morewith plenty of space to sit and get work done, and the wifi is fast and reliable, which is a huge plus if you're working remotely. The espresso here is fantastic, seriously well made. My wife got the blueberry maple latte and loved it (fruit in my coffee isn't really my thing, but she couldn't stop raving about it). We also split a bagel sandwich, and wow, it did not disappoint. Fresh ingredients, perfectly toasted, just really delicious. Oh... and they freeze their drip coffee into ice cubes and then use them for your iced coffee.. wow. On top of all that, the service was great, warm and friendly without being intrusive. This place has such a pleasant vibe. Highly recommend if you're looking for a great cup of coffee and a comfortable spot to settle in for a while!

Cute little shop that's walkable distance from many houses. I got the nutty Irishman. If you're a…read morefan of hazelnut, you'll love this. Avocado on bagel 8/10: They use the avocado cups from Costco but it's still really good. Would've preferred fresh avocado Nutty Irishman w/ oatmilk 8/10: Wish there was more of a coffee flavor. However, delicious taste! Did not taste watered down. Cashier let us know they were out of to go boxes for the food. Very transparent! We ended up having her wrap it up in aluminum which was fine.

Area to add sugar and cream if you want some. Bags of coffee beans are available for purchase.

Almond croissant & Blueberry Muffin

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Seating area

Buddy Brew Coffee - Sarasota

4.5(186 reviews)

1.7 mi

In and out coffee place that sits in a covered parking garage. It's clean with chairs and tables to…read moresit. Bring ur dog too! Shady place to enjoy a coffee and a scone.

I found this cute coffee spot near my hotel and loved their honey cold foam. They have tons of…read moreoutdoor seating under the parking garage. Inside is tiny so not a lot of seating there but outdoor has plenty.

Cute branding

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Project Coffee

3.8(180 reviews)

2.1 mi

I thought this cafe was cute, the food was also really good as well…read more The chia bowl was yummmy! And my egg and cheese sandwich was fresh and also good. I did wish they had maybe some fresh juice options for the non coffee drinkers not a big deal though. Service was friendly and quick! Will return again ;)

Mad at you all. Mad…read morebecause I love you so much and I live in Tampa. This is the atmosphere, food and coffee that I seek out when I go into a new coffee shop. Great music being played, big windows letting in tons of light and quality food and drink, hell yeah Project Coffee. I'm not sure how you made that doughnut, or if you didn't where it was brought in from, but I'm going to need 3 dozen of them - ASAP. Absolute crack. Coffee was killer as well. Couldn't be more happy. Went for a latte with honey to get a good understanding of what level we were at as a shop. Now in ready to go back for a flat white, cortado or something. I'm sold. I did ask to take a clipping of the plant that was hanging. Maybe might of scared the staff but they had to ask their "plant guy". Boooo, I didn't wanna be a pirate and take it myself but all I'm saying...when I come back...watch your plants... All love, you all have it going on. Thank you for a great hangout

French toast with berries

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Strawberry matcha

Mojo Risin’

4.5(139 reviews)

6.0 mi

service is amazing and the selection of heady glass is insane!!! Enjoy stopping by whenever I can a…read moremust see

I had a hot latte with skim milk and honey: very good coffee, quick service, clean restroom,…read morecomfortable ambiance to sit and relax out of the sun. I like that they had a full selection of milks: whole, skim, half-and-half, oat, almond, and coconut. What I like most is they are open later than most of the coffee houses on the island. I was there on a Tuesday and most of the other cafés close at 2 PM; this one stays open till 5 PM. That sounds like a small detail, but makes a big difference to those of us on a travel schedule!

Ocean Blue Bowl

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Cafe con leche (hot) kale smoothie

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14 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Marley F.

0

2

0

7 years ago

While at a local school, I heard one of your employees raising their voice at someone for her negative review of your bookstore. I specifically heard the words, "We don't want a--holes like you in our store anyway!" They mentioned that she's "the reason you had to put up a sign that says 'No Outside Food or Drinks,'" but also said that "whenever people bring in Starbucks it pisses you guys off." Everyone nearby felt really uncomfortable and she ended up leaving and crying. Is this how you treat people that bring in outside food/drinks? Why are you guys so bitter? Yes, if you don't want people to bring outside food or drinks into your little shop, that's totally okay. However, harassing someone AT SCHOOL over one negative review is despicable. I've been here before, and I wasn't impressed with your food. The bread on my sandwich was stale, and it took a really long time (about an hour) our food and drinks. read more

Sierra S.

0

1

8 years ago

Shelf Indulgence is the perfect addition to the north Tamiami trail community. The shop is super cozy and welcoming. The book selection is excellent and they have dollar book sales a lot which is great. The coffee is some of my favorite in Sarasota. The food is simple, fun, and delicious. I love that everything is served on cute little Disney plates. This is one of my favorite spots to sit and study or just hangout and work on a puzzle and sip tea. Also the owner Nikki is so warm and friendly, she remembered my coffee order after just a few visits! I highly recommend Shelf to anyone and everyone. read more

Elan W.

0

1

0

6 years ago

This is the best cafe within walking distance from New College or Ringling. They have the BEST sandwiches and ask about the iced teas THEY ARE FANTASTIC! The books are why I keep coming back though, the collection they have is amazingly curated. Usually when I go to a used book store they have the typical collection of trashy paperbacks that no one read outside of their publication year, but Shelf Indulgence ALWAYS has books I want to read. They are somehow current, interesting, varied in subject and reading level, and you can't beat the prices!!!! read more

Rita S.

218

1

0

9 years ago

Shelf Indulgence is now my favorite place in Sarasota. Right across from Campus, their coffee is amazing and so cheap! Me and my friends always come to get one of their sandwiches (would recommend Cheddar+Apple and their Caprese). The best part is that you can sit down and look through their amazing collection of books and games in this adorable rustic cafe. Can't wait to try their "Blind Date with a Book"! read more

Sean P.

194

10

3

6 years ago

I have been going to Shelf Indulgence ever since they opened and not only do they serve the best sandwiches in the city but have the cutest bookstore in town. They've been a big supporter of my local business Stocking Savvy and even do local mic nights and book signing which I'm excited to do here as well. Shelf Indulgence has a wonderful selection of books and is a cornerstone of small businesses in SRQ read more

Rachel N.

0

1

0

8 years ago

A great place to kill some time! Whether you are studying, on an afternoon date, are looking for books, or just want to hang out, Shelf Indulgence is an excellent choice. They have really good coffee/teas/sandwiches, and the collection of used books is great, and updated pretty regularly. The staff is friendly and service is stellar. If youbfind yourself in the area, you should definitely stop in read more

Julia F.

121

1

0

8 years ago

My favorite coffee shop in town! The owners are so welcoming and make a point to make each of your visits personal. Cozy place for lunch, studying, or just hanging out - love, love love!!!! read more

Melissa M.

0

3

0

8 years ago

We absolutely loved this little spot! We visited from out of town, and now wish that we had a place like this closer to us! Awesome books, delicious food, great vibe and music. read more

Donny T.

0

9

13

9 years ago

Finally a sweet welcoming place with awesome coffee and food! Such a departure from corporate branding. This place so represents the creative feel of Sarasota. read more

Charlotte P.

11

1

0

9 years ago

A wonderful place to be it's nice and cozy with a charming selection of books and coffees the cookies and cakes are great

Alex B.

32

2

0

6 years ago

Kind people, great food and drinks for reasonable prices, and a great atmosphere. It's almost a weekly visit!

Sarah S.

84

8

1

7 years ago

Really cute shop and great coffee! I will totally be back! Great prices and very relaxed environment.

Lori M.

0

4

0

4 years ago

So glad we found this great place! Super friendly, great menu selection... and books! Must go!

Deb B.

1

63

15

4 years ago

Loved my Rose coffee. Love the vibe

Shelf Indulgence Used Book Cafe - usedbooks - Updated September 2026

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Don't bother if you're looking for Christian literature. She met me at the front door and doesn't…read morecarry anything except some novels. Largest used bookstore in the area? That's a joke. Area is a little rough looking, too. Didn't feel welcome at all.

My husband picked out books and a puzzle for our little ones only to find they doubled the price…read morefrom what was written inside the book. She said the puzzle was from $6 to $12, I could get a new one from Amazon for $5 more. My husband rightfully declined to be overcharged and walked off. Very dishonest and really upset my daughter.

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Please pass this along: I strongly urge you to think twice before purchasing coffee from this…read morecompany, especially the Lakewood Ranch location owned by Shannon and Logan Gregory. On July 24th, I purchased a large hot coffee from this location and suffered severe burns to my left hand from the coffee and the cup. I am a 3rd- and 4th-degree burn victim, so I take this situation extremely seriously. What has been most upsetting, beyond the physical pain and recovery, is the complete lack of compassion and concern I have experienced. There was no apology, no offer to help with medical expenses or the time I have had to take off, and no meaningful attempt to see how I was doing. I called Shannon Gregory, the owner, several times and received no response. Eventually, corporate contacted me, but I was disappointed by the lack of genuine concern there as well. Weeks later, I finally received a call from Logan Gregory. His response was essentially, "Yeah, what do you need? I was told by corporate to call you." There was no apology, no acknowledgment of what I had been through, and no sincere effort to ask what they could do to help as the franchise owners. Nothing. I am sharing my experience because I don't want anyone else to go through what I have experienced. A serious burn can affect your health, your ability to work, your daily life, and your finances. I believe that when something this serious happens, the least a customer should receive is compassion, accountability, and genuine concern. Please share this and consider my experience before patronizing this company or this location.

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