Look, it a volunteer run anarchist leaning bookstore. So now lets revisit that statement -…read moreVolunteer run - sure you get some people that can be off putting and really just get lost in what they are reading or doing but thats not the point. The point of the bookstore is that you have an avenue to meet and associate with like minded people, maybe find a few books, maybe donate a few books you want them to have... Like another review mentioned there is some cognitive dissonance in the whole ""At Monkeywrench Books, the following things are not tolerated: sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and/or any other behavior that is hateful and has the effect of policing others." but thats ok, not because of anything else, again its about the intent and spirit here. Sure the book selection is 3 star at best, but come on, this is truly about the community effort around it and nothing more. So here's to Monkeywrench books and the people that make it possible. 5 stars even if i disagree with you on certain levels. (Also my 200th review , you'll always be special to me :P )

This bookstore is incredible! It's part of my North Loop Jaunt (every few months I head over to the…read moreneighborhood and hit up my favorite places). Did you know it's run by volunteers? Yep, how wonderfully Austin. The book selections focus on social justice, economic justice, etc. It's a gathering space for like-minded people and I feel so at home when there. They have different events like creative art nights and study groups. There's an area that has a shelving unit containing free items. Sofas, lounge area, coffee/tea area. Space for kids to create. It's a welcoming and inclusive shop that's important in today's world. Support local.

Large, well set up HPB with an easy access location and ample parking. Lots of variety in all…read moredepartments, and usually a few surprising finds to be had. Staff has always been welcoming and friendly. I can't speak to selling books or the fairness of their offers, been many years since I've brought in books.

Apparently music has now been added ehich subtracts significantly from enjoying a book crawl thru…read morethe stacks. Find a quieter place to shop.

Great selection of Simpsons stuff, particularly the Tree House of Horrors. We picked up a Kidrobot…read morefigure of Blinky and it's awesome! 10/10 would recommend

I went to Monkey See Monkey Do for fun with my family. We parked in the parking lot and went in…read more The store had a lot of stuff that was reminiscent of my childhood. They had some fun squishy items, dolls, action figures, and other collectibles. I felt like a kid in that store. I told my husband that I had to get out of there or I would buy everything. It was a cool store to visit and I will return to buy more fun nostalgic items.

This is a great bookstore in the heart of Austin. Great selection of books and I really like how…read morethey have little summaries with the staff picks on them. The staff is very friendly and helpful with recomendations as well. Price was competitive as well. It's a nice place to spend some time and browse their books. They have a great kids section as well so we always end up leaving with a bunch of new books.

Continuing my tour of all-time Austin favorites, I made a stop at BookPeople. It's hard to remember…read morea time before it, at least for me, it has always been there, and always been my favorite bookstore. I remember when they sold records and magazines, and while the post-pandemic version leans more into books, gifts, and coffee, the heart of the place hasn't changed. It's still a space that invites you to wander, discover, and hang out. There's something special about its scale and presence as it stands as one of the largest and most iconic independent bookstores in Texas, but never loses that personal, neighborhood feel. Still one of my favorite places to spend time.

We came here as our city is being a jerk and closing this down. I know some of that is that our…read moreolder generation didn't want any new taxes on anything as they are selfish and don't want to pay taxes on the 3 houses they own or whatever. Still it sucks to see this going away. We came in, bought some books and browed a bit. They place had a fair amount of people, still quite a few books, music, and movies. I couldn't find much I was intersteied in but Shana did and even found me a book or two. The bathroom is weird, it is around a corner that looks like you are not allowed to go to and there is a key on a hanger that you take in with you, you don't need to unlock the door and I am not sure it even locks. If the key is missing that is how you know the bathroom has someone in it, there is a small hook on the inside to hang the key while you are in the restroom. So you have to hope people notice it is gone and you have to hope everyone puts the key back. But they are clean and they have a sign in the bathroom that the front desk can supply you with pads if needed. The one misstep here was the guy running the front desk, he was not super friendly, I heard his reaction to a lady gushing about how great the place was and how many books she found for such a good price, some were gifts and he could care less. He wasn't rude but he was doing that thing where you just nod and say uh huh. I also heard him later say he was from another branch of the library, I don't know which but I hope we don't run into him again. We got something like 7 or 8 books for 9 bucks which is fantastic. He checked us out fast, as he had better things to do and we headed out.

Recycled reads is a really interesting place. I found out about it from Google when I was looking…read morefor a used copy of a specific book. Let me start with - it's not a big place, and the selection isn't huge so it's not terribly likely you'll find something very specific, much less a popular title. However, it's a nice concept. They sell retired library books for VERY cheap, so if you're list looking for a new book in general, this is actually a pretty decent spot to get some and save money. They have a small lot out front but I had no trouble finding parking. The staff there were really friendly and helpful; they don't have a catalog because of all the turnover but they do have things arranged by genre so they could point me toward where I might find the book I was looking for.

Breakaway Records is like a records museum! The store has mainly vinyl records and a very large…read moreselection. The store is located on North Loop in Austin, TX off the beaten path. According to staff, Breakaway Records opened in 2008, moved to its current North Loop location in 2010, and later expanded the space. The store is clean, well-organized, and with items strategically arranged with excellent signage. There was no piled-on dust that you tend to see in music stores housing old vinyl records. Breakaway's true highlight was the breadth and depth of its music items and accessories. The shop had an extensive collection of used vinyl and 45s, spanning genres as well as ages that primarily focused on soul, jazz, funk, hip hop, international sounds, punk, and rock. Flipping through their vinyl records was easy and enjoyable with some surprise finds. Listening stations let you preview records before you buy. The staff were knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about music. They'll either give you space to browse or gladly answer questions, depending on what you prefer. Breakaway also sells 45, CDs (small section) and record players. The store carries stereo gear and accessories at a range of prices including turntables, receivers, speakers, and small essentials. They did not have any small music tapes or 8-track tapes...probably my nieces and nephews have never heard of these. Smile. Great discovery...great visit...

Ah, one of my favorite stops during my North Loop Jaunts (it's when I hit up all my fave North Loop…read morebusinessses every few months). The store is well-organized and the folks working here know their stuff! From the rare and obscure to the trendy they can answer you. Their opinions and thoughts on music are bar-none some of the best. You can find just about anything you're looking for from vintage vinyl to super vintage vinyl, cassettes, 7" vinyl (aka 45s), and even 8-tracks. Bargain bins where you can grab music for just a buck! I like that you can listen to music before buying it as well. Like, don't try and sit there listening to an entire recording and then leave. Listen for a sample and make your decision. They also offer repair services (turntables, cassette players, etc.). Great local business. Support them.

Love, love, loved this bookstore. staff was friendly and helpful--selection was clearly curated…read morewith thought and care. My wife and I really enjoyed how welcoming the store was--we will definitely be stopping by whenever we are in town.

Here with a review update...as it stands...still...I love Book Woman. I will always make my way to…read morethis bookstore when I'm visiting Austin. Now, what I do not love is not being acknowledged/greeted when I enter an establishment. Furthermore, if I give you my card in your hand do not ever place my card on the counter. I have hands as well and that's how I should receive my card back. Shit is annoying and disrespectful. Now that I got that out of the way, do better as it relates to customer service because I brought someone to the bookstore after raving about everything from the books to the stickers. Greet people, it's simple. We did receive a bland "Happy Pride" on the way out. You could have kept that tho.

I went to the museum once which lead to my visit to their gift shop (this shop). I must say, I…read morebought a pair of awesome socks with a very cool phrase on them (4yrs ago). For this same reason, 4 years later, i visited to buy more of their awesome socks. Def a cool place to visit for unique fun gifts.

Such a fun little shop! I came in when I first moved to Austin and got a super cute plushie for my…read morerear view mirror. Staff was so friendly. Definitely recommend stopping by.

HPB is quintessential to Texas. I think it started in Dallas actually but this location on Lamar…read morewas a frequent haunt of mine growing up. They have pretty much every bestseller; they do sell some new books too which tend to cost about as much as they would at any commercial bookstore but obvs buying a used copy can save you a bit. They do buy books and media materials but know you won't get much (around 50% of the book's selling price assuming it's in excellent condition seems to be the pattern I've noticed). The staff are always really helpful and knowledgeable. They have plenty of parking too. Will mention I have noticed the location on N Lamar tends to have more books in general (it's bigger!) but as a South Austin native I'm glad to have a location down here.

This place has always been my go-to for buying and selling books. They don't give much on buy…read moreback, but happy to find a home for the books rather than just throwing them out. They usually have the weird titles and authors I am looking for, if not locally, then at another store and has them shipped. I am a loyal customer- thanks for sticking around for so long!

Great first visit to Vintage. They have such a great selection of book, with plenty of caffeine and…read morestronger brews to pair. Quite a bit of street parking and open seating to listen to local artists perform music, poetry, etc. (see attached photo, when they had Julie Mosher playing live). Staff was friendly, knew of recommendations based on your taste and interests. Would definitely come back here to find a new book to read or listen to a great Austin musician!

This place is such a gem! A bookstore, cafe, and study spot all in one...house? Amazing! In…read moreaddition, they become a wine bar at night! I come here to study and love this place, but this time I got their salted caramel iced latte, which was average, I'll probably get something else next time!!