I love this bookstore in Venice Beach. Something about the zines in the section by the front door…read moreand the fact that one of my favorite healing authors books was being displayed prominently when i walked around a corner (so i bought it) made it feel comforting and homey. The people who work there are really knowledgeable. If you're in Venice Beach and get a chance to stop by, check it out. It's the kind of bookstore that makes you want to slow down, wander, and maybe leave with something you didn't know you were looking for.

Who reviews a book store? Well me and 99 other people (at the time of review there was 99 haha)…read more I came here on a terrible date several years ago, but because I love this book store so much, I make the trek here every now and again despite my initial encounter. If you're seriously allergic to cats, enter cautiously. They keep to themselves, but I know some people do have fierce cat allergies. Otherwise it's a lovely independent bookstore with recommendations guaranteed to get you out of a read slump. Definitely a fun way to escape the chaos of Venice beach for a few minutes while you stroll through the packed aisles teeming with books of all kinds. One of my favorite things to do and places to be in Venice!

Wish I could leave an actual review, but for a Time Travel Mart that promises to already be…read morewhenever you are, I'm not actually certain if they're open to regular business anymore? I love the Echo Park Time Travel Mart and wanted to give their Mar Vista location a visit sometime while I'm on the west side. Their hours are pretty limited. Google and Yelp claim Friday to Sunday from 12:00-6:00pm, but buried on their own website it says 2:00-6:00pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays. Not sure which is more up to date. But I've gone out of my way on two separate occasions when the hours overlap, and both times they've been closed anyway. Their website does warn they're often closed during their hours and to call ahead, but I haven't gotten an answer. (I guess because they're usually closed?) So yeah, if you can catch them when they're open, great! But I wouldn't advise going out of your way for it unless you can call in advance and confirm they'll actually be open.

If you're coming because you saw this on instagram, please dont set your expectations too high!!…read more I'm really happy I found this place by chance when strolling through the area. Then I saw it on my IG feed weeks later and all I could think was how content creators over-hype all these hidden gems in LA. I just notice that influencers put an exaggerated spin on spots like these to make them seem a lot bigger or crazier than they actually are for the sake of views. Not to say they aren't worth visiting, but I think the fun part about these kinda shops is discovering it for yourself or that element of surprise. I've just been severely disappointed by some places I've visited that didn't live up to the expectations set by content creators. It's not the businesses fault, but just how social media works these days. Anyways, it's a small shop that you'll probably get through in a few minutes, but definitely worth checking out. I'm so glad I so happened to stumble upon this place by surprise, and I hope that's how you find it too :)

The owner is deeply knowledgeable about his wares and curates some rad tunes for your listening…read morepleasure while browsing his wide, well-organized selection of reasonably priced books and records. He has the gift of striking up an unintrusive, perfectly timed conversation---definitely a guy you could spend hours talking to. This is a very comforting, peaceful, nostalgic, and intellectually stimulating place to be---in stark contrast to most other places in Venice/ Santa Monica. As always, I'm particularly keen on supporting small businesses whose existences stand in quiet defiance against the offensively priced, soulless, consumerist corporate franchises that are most businesses nearby. I would certainly come back if I was ever in the area again.

A really great used book and record store where you can find a little bit of everything for a…read moredecent price. The inside is literally filled floor to wall with books and records which is a literal dream for a bookstore lover. The owner is also the nicest guy and plays some great tunes while you shop around. Also always available to help you find exactly what you are looking for, and knowledgeable in what he has for sale. We have been 2-3 times now and plan to make this a regular stop in the future!

very unfriendly staff- interesting how they sell asian/japanese goods (at a whack price point btw)…read moreand only greeted *certain* customers that walked in - and my partner and i definitely don't fall into that group... it was quite hard to look at anything when you felt like you were being watched but at the same time not even acknowledged as a customer. i would suggest going to tokyo central or small businesses in little tokyo/torrance that are more deserving and most of all, FRIENDLY. for the store managers, i suggest teaching the staff a few manners like hi and hello! i hardly ever leave a yelp review for a store, but it truly was such a negative experience

They have some really amazing gifts and home goods in this store, even if it is a bit bougie and…read moreoverpriced.

The Book Jewel instantly brought me back to the neighborhood bookstores of years past--warm,…read morewelcoming, and genuinely cozy. It has the kind of atmosphere that invites you to slow down, grab a book, and settle in for a while. Though small in scale, the shop is thoughtfully laid out and manages to offer a little bit of everything. The seating area, with its comfy chairs, rugs, and soft lighting, really adds to the charm and makes the space feel lived-in and inviting. There's even a sweet, sectioned-off area just for the littles, which is a lovely touch. We didn't manage to spot the store cat (must've been on a break), but we did find some great books, so no complaints there. Parking was easy thanks to the large shared lot, which made the visit even more stress-free. We'll definitely be back.

I love a cozy independent bookstore, and this is one of the coziest I've seen yet. Lovely place…read morewith a robust collection of new and used books. Well-organized across a wide range of genres and interests, the inventory is a pleasure to browse. Lots of lovely gifts and toys, too, including local and California-themed items. Service is welcoming and friendly, with knowledgeable booksellers. Parking is ample and the surrounding area has lots of cute little shops to browse as well. A delightful place to visit and shop!

I love this store, located inside the Mitsuwa market. It offers a great selection of books, pens,…read morestickers, traveler's Notebooks, and many gift items. You can also find Japanese manga and other unique Japanese goods. Their always excellent selection includes blank books, journals, plushies, and cute tote bags. Also, some T-shirts, mugs, mood rings, and coffee mugs. I came in for adult coloring books. Immediately next door, you'll find a market specializing in all Japanese foods and sundry items. This includes fresh sushi to go and shops featuring all kinds of Japanese fast food. After shopping, you can enjoy a meal there--shop, then eat: it's a great plan. Friendly service. Easy to park!

So this is the 3rd kinokuniya branch I visited and this is the smallest branch. The good thing…read moreabout this location is that it's by mitsuwa supermarket. The location also has a small food court area with a selection of various Japanese stalls. Since it's a smaller branch the selection is less. But if you want to go to a Japanese bookstore, grocery and eat some Japanese food - this location has all 3.

I love this record store, they always have a chill and quiet vibe in here!…read more The owners are very friendly and welcoming!

Best record store in West LA.... I've been a happy & loyal customer for decades. The owners are…read morethe best and helpful in every way, obtaining both new and used records and CDs.

Great little gift shop located in Fisherman's Village just steps from the marina!!! Highly…read morerecommended for tourists!

An adorable store! Lots of great items, for a wide range of…read morewallets, but all of them seeming fairly priced. They have lots of things: decor items, clothes, buttons, bags, books... Their clothing line for kids is to die for, and very budget-friendly for handmade, cool-looking t-shirts, pants etc. They also have some original, vintage, never worn Nike stuff from the 80s-90s which I would spring for if I actually had kids. But I don't so that's besides the point. It's a bit of a bric-a-brac, which makes it even more appealing. Will definitely go back when I need to shop for gifts... and make the trip even more worthwhile by getting a drink at one of the restaurants nearby, facing the ocean! Definitely recommended.