Great prices and a very unique assortment of books in this small shop. They only offer cash for "antiquarian" books, aka over 100 years old and very collectible. If you want to sell your typical used books to them, you will receive store credit. But I think they're pretty generous with the credit they give you. It's nice to have credit and just walk in and pick something out and they ring it up on your tab. It almost feels like getting a new book for free. When I don't know what I want to read next, this is a great place to go. Service is super friendly. If you have an idea of what you want but aren't finding it, just ask! Street parking is pretty open outside using the Park to Pay app. Felix Lectio! read more

Honestly, the only reason I wanted to check out Uncharted Books was to meet Ramona, the store's white husky! This bookstore has been around since '12, and they have a selection of rare and used books, zines, and other unique works. I particularly found their 1st edition behind a locked case in the back pretty cool! The store itself is a bit tight and hard to navigate; the aisles are narrow, but I think the main reason why is due to the group of pretentious individuals you encounter who don't have any manners that have no regards for others. So rude! By the way, Ramona is super precious! Metered street parking available. +Ramona! +metered street parking available read more

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Beyond thrilled by this addition to the neighborhood! The prices are extremely reasonable, and the selection is fabulous - good mix of recognizable titles, vintage classics, and a ton of gems that are worth taking a chance on. It's so cozy and well thought out layout- and decoration-wise, and you can tell how much love and care was put into this place. Definitely my new favorite spot! read more

I am old school when it comes to reading. I do books, the paper kind. Electronic forms of reading for pleasure have no interest for me. I love the intimacy of holding a book, the feel of the pages and my eyes caressing the words. It's not that I can't read books online, I just don't get the same level of pleasure from doing it. The last time I was in a bookstore was in NOLA several years ago. I loved being in there, just wandering around, looking at the titles. I prefer used book stores because of the smell. I like the exploration of new titles, pulling the books off to read the notes, occasionally finding some handwritten note that makes me chuckle. I haven't had the opportunity to do that recently until this little gem opened up. I am very big on supporting local and this place has my support. I love that there is a place in the neighborhood that allows me to just gaze upon rows and rows of books. The shop is small, but well laid out with a nice selection of books across multiple topics. I think there is probably a topic to meet most people's reading pleasure. I have been in the store twice and my biggest concern is that I am going to become a hoarder of books. What made me happy the first time I went in was The Queen pulling a book off the shelf of a collection of Mad cartoons and me finding a book about Lady Jane Grey (great read so far). What I love about having a store like this in the neighborhood is that I get to find books like this I may not been aware of at a decent price and I don't have to travel far to do so. And it is down the street from the Hopleaf, so I can pop into Uncharted Books after having some bubbles. The staff is very nice (on both visits) and you can totally wander around and take your time. The store itself is very tidy and the books are in good condition. I guess they have events that happen in a secret room behind a door that looks like a bookcase. I would like to check them out...wonder if I can bring drinks :-) So glad Uncharted Books has opened. Welcome to the neighborhood and thanks for giving me back the ability to just wander among books again. Lovely way to spend some time. Please support this business so I can have a place to go and get used books. I thank you. read more

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Uncharted has a good selection for a used book store and you can always find a few gems! The vibes are perfect and the staff is always very nice and welcoming. read more

The staff is incredible! I came in with a genre and they helped me find 3 books that I cannot wait to read. There is also the sweetest dog there keeping an eye on things. This place is going to be dangerous for me; I worry for my wallet. read more

Uncharted Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The selection was ok. Most of the books there were alright. I didn't recognize a single book except two. The staff was friendly, though, and the bookstore wasn't as crowded as some reviews mentioned. - Goosie read more

Three floors of books. You'll find what you want here and then some. Uncharted Books is a bookstore by the Jack Kerouac Alley in San Francisco's Chinatown. Its long history with the Beat Generation makes it an interesting place to research as well. The bookstore itself is a relaxed place with THREE FLOORS OF BOOKS (if I didn't make it clear earlier). The top floor has an exclusive rocking chair and a room dedicated to the Beat movement. If I had more time to spare in SF, I can see myself spending days reading books in the rocking chair on the third floor. It's an astonishing, satisfying place with a lot of history behind it. Staff is helpful and kind. Book selection is phenomenal. Highly recommend for those looking to buy books in the city. FYI -- No used books though, everything here seems to be all new. 5/5. read more

Uncharted Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

FYI as of July 1 this spot moved to its new location in Andersonville!! I've never been to its old spot but its new building is super cute and lovely. Sweet Ramona (?) the precious bookstore dog awaits you . This bookstore is mostly great used books with a small new section, too. In the back room they have a fun grab bag section of mystery bags of books labeled with categories for like $5-10 which is cute. Prices seemed super fair! Go to this book store read more

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We stopped by while in Andersonville at Defloured a few blocks away. Nice little shop! Or maybe not so little ?.. behind the secret door that looks like a bookshelf?! : ) If I were richer I'd have definitely bought something, maybe a lot of things, but as it was the prices were ..... Well, maybe fair, actually, but I couldn't see paying $6, $7 each for 3-4 used books that I didn't have time to see if they were REALLY worth buying, and not just checking out from the library, because my parking meter was about to expire and I had to speed-walk back up the hill. Listening to the proprietor on the phone, it sounds like they hold special (secret?!) events (in the secret room?...) that even have a $5 cover! At a bookstore! Wow! So this is Chicago! :) read more

Amazon, I think I spend way too much money on your services. And, you're putting small, independent bookstores out of business much faster than Borders (rest its soul) and Barnes and Noble ever could. Uncharted Books is one of those places I can get lost inside of very quickly. They have a large selection of used books of all sorts. From signed, first editions (not a huge selection) to graphic novels; from literature to history, there is a little for everyone. As an avid reader, this was an experience I've not had in a long time. Go there - buy something. Don't let small independent bookshops like Uncharted Books go the way of other business displaced and disrupted by the internet and large businesses. read more

It's a used book store so the selection is varied; that being said, there's always something good to be found here!! They really know how to curate used & rare books. Also the shop people are super nice :) read more

I love book stores and found book bliss at Unchartered. Love the book seller's recs and the layout. Please support local book stores..grab a book and settle into a chair and relax. read more

Sign on the door: "I assure you we're open." Uncharted Books should get an automatic five stars just for a Clerks reference right out of the gate. I love bookstores, specifically used bookstores. I love the randomness. I especially love the smell: faintly musty, but not in an unpleasant way. As soon as you walk in, you're sure to be greeted by Ramona, the store's resident dog. The friendly owner, Tanner, will also immediately thank you for coming him. And there's deep sincerity in his voice. Uncharted Books sells only used books, but many of them are "like new." Prices vary, but overall are very fair. Plus you're supporting a local, independent chain, something we could all stand do a little more. The variety of books runs the gamut, but UB specializes in contemporary, literary fiction. I bet you'll find an unexpected treasure. It's pretty hard not to. Don't miss the basement--many other goodies abound: art and music books, science fiction and other quirky reads, and interesting artifacts like mummies and statues. Uncharted Books hosts free events and is conveniently located near the Logan stop on the Blue Line. If you're a bibliophile (or even if you're not), be sure and check out this literary haven. read more

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BIBLIOPHAGIST is the perfect term to describe moi! I love, love, love books this place only only ignited my flames of passion. Uncharted Books should also be known as Uncharted Territory of Awesomeness. Look around places likes this are far, few and in between. As soon as you walk in the melodies of life happen to be playing in the background and simultaneously putting your soul at ease. The place is decorated in pure vintage form. You will find an array of used books that range from classic literature to non-fiction. Score! The atmosphere encourages you to relax, take a seat, and explore your creative juices. This lovely gem of a book store also can host private parties if needed. Also, you can sell your books here as long as you comply with the store's requirements. Oh how can I forget to mention the prices were also very reasonable...This place has stolen my Book Worm's little heart! read more

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I can't really give a detail review about this store but I just wanted to say that the gentlemen inside the store was so helpful when were given the stores address for another event we were going to that evening. They even had a beautiful and friendly dog which I believe some people have taken pictures of and posted. They have an event every first Thursday of the month!) 2620 N Milwaukee Ave - steps away from the Logan Square Blue Line stop 7-9pm, FREE BYOB, FREE BEER FROM POWELL BREW HOUSE!!! I love their disclaimer on Facebook: "this is not a 21+ event because it's a bookstore, but don't bring children or be a child because everyone will hate you" I swear if I wasn't babysitting tonight I would be right there...lol I have to wait until next month but I look forward to being apart of this event! I will let you all know how the event goes when I get a chance to go. Enjoy! read more

Uncharted Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Paradise!!! I walked into this place and I felt exactly that :) What an amazing place for anyone who loves to read and wants to be surrounded by books all the time. This store has some fantabulous collection of books from all the genres and centuries. I did not catch the name of the girl who helped me in store, she was so friendly and kind . This will be my go to place from now on for all book shopping sprees. read more

Convenient hours and cozy! Uncharted buys from the public on Thursday and Friday afternoons and is always looking for books in Spanish, poetry, sci-fi and recently released fiction. Coffee and beverages are allowed, and all events are BYO and free. There is also a sweet dollar bin and TONS of comics! Forget emailing, just stop by! read more

I believe I have been giving out too many five star reviews because when I go to a place like Uncharted, I now cannot distinguish how much better it is than the rest. Let the Yelp grading system be damned: I give this book shop six and a half stars! As a known cheapskate, I rarely venture anywhere outside of the library for books, but I will be a regular customer at Uncharted. Though there is an excellent library system around these parts, there are two advantages that the small bookshop has. One is that it is easier to browse a book store as they do not arrange the books by a number system as Stalin would do, and the odds of screaming kids is much lower at the little bookstore than at the library. If you were playing Family Feud and the category was places where you should keep quiet, "the library" would easily be one of the top three answers. Somehow kids and their guardians do not feel this would apply to them. Interestingly both the CPL and Uncharted are now closed on Mondays. Another nice quality of Uncharted is that it smells like books, that is it smells like yellowing paper. Not sure why this is a good smell or if I would want my house to have this aroma, but it fits perfectly here, like fresh cut grass at a ballpark or spilled whiskey at the old Tuman's. New businesses such as this give me the feeling that the behemoth that was Borders spent all of its fuel and exploded like a supernova; from a few of its elements little bookshops will arise all over the city with their gay studies sections and their tattered copies of the Communist Manifesto. Let it be so. read more

I'm happy to say I shopped here on the first day this fun little store was open, and it was hard not to buy everything in sight. This used bookstore is clearly a labor of love for its owner, who greeted customers upon arrival and cheerfully explained that he's the only employee for now. For the first day of business, I was impressed with the selection and the number of customers at the store, which is located conveniently close to the Blue Line Logan Square stop. It's only about a block and a half down the street from New Wave Coffee, so we stopped there and brought our drinks in with no problem. The store has a large selection of fiction/literature, and smaller sections devoted to subjects like Women's Studies, Young Adult, Chicago, Poetry, Sci-fi/Fantasy/Horror, and my favorite genre title: "Arts & Farts & Crafts." Gotta love a reference to Wet Hot American Summer! There's a nice, possibly vintage wooden table with chairs all around it to sit in and read or use the free wi-fi or just set your coat on while you shop. I also enjoyed the decor, which included a signed, framed picture of Sean Connery over the front counter. Prices were quite reasonable--most of my purchases were around $8 each for paperbacks, and my fiance picked up an oversized hardcover coffee table book for $25 which was half its list price. I was happy to see books by Margaret Atwood, Tobias Wolff, Zadie Smith, Joe Meno, and Mark Danielewski among classics by Vonnegut, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jane Austen. The space makes for easy browsing and I enjoyed hearing Smashing Pumpkins the whole time I shopped. When I was there, it was cash only; but it sounded like he's working on being able to do credit cards as soon as the phone line is up and running. In the meantime, there's a Chase across the street with an ATM. He does have an inventory of his stock in the computer, which is helpful if you're looking for something specific; and he said the store will be buying books and taking donations as well. I look forward to returning when there's an even wider variety of books available, and I'm sure the shop will become a neighborhood hot spot as soon as word gets out. read more

This has to be one of my favorite used bookstores due to how wonderful the woman working was! She was extremely helpful and kind! I found a book that I have been looking for at a reasonable price for sooo long! The only downside of this store is that it is extremely dark in there. It hurts my eyes to really look for books. But besides that, it is amazing! read more

I'm a compulsive geocacher, and I was grabbing a geocache that was nearby. I had my little dog, Ella, with me, and we happened to walk by Uncharted. I had see it before, but never gone in - and the first thing I noticed was the Open sign. Specifically, it said "I assure you we're open!" A fellow Clerks fan. I just about died laughing on the street, so I poked my nose in...only to find that a very pretty husky was greeting me. Fortunately, Ella and I were welcomed in by the owner, Tanner. Pretty much the way to my heart is loving dogs, and intelligent conversation, so Tanner quickly made it there (don't worry, Assumed-Mrs.-Tanner, I mean in a purely professional way). I wandered through the store, chatted for a while, and eventually wandered off when I realized I needed to get home to refrigerate tofu (true story, not a ploy). I didn't check out the prices, other than the copies of the Chicagoan, which I'll be back for, but the selection seemed varied. I personally probably wouldn't go in looking for a specific book, but rather to look for something to move me. Overall, great place. I love that there's a bookstore 3 blocks from my casa, as well as one in Logan Square in general. And, given the passion of both a visitor and Tanner, I suspect I need to get by very soon to grab a Chicagoan. read more

Since moving to Chicago from the East Coast I have 2 major complaints: 1) Flat screen TV's screaming into the street 2) Not enough bookstores. Those East Coast warnings about my Midwest re-location began to haunt my sleep... I grew steadily more concerned. I feared my future held little more than gorging on baskets of fried food and watching the game on 20 flat screens. Would I someday waddle home to die in a La-Z-Boy recliner as East Coast naysayers had predicted? Then Uncharted Books moved into my neighbourhood and the dawn had risen over my Midwest future! They have all sorts of nifty finds hidden upon modest shelves. There's also great staff willing to banter about books to my hearts delight! Bonus, I can walk on weekends and I get to support a great independent local biz. I love this town! read more

My favorite used book store! The staff is always so nice and helpful and if you're lucky you'll visit when the owners fluffy angel doggy is there! Great selection of zines from local artists and I've found myself going back for the locally made candles. read more

I get my Shakespeare jokes, my excited dog tussling time and my used book rummaging fix all in one place. Uncharted you may be, but a regular call of port you've become. R.I.P scifi section. May you build up again soon. read more

Awesome bookstore with a charming interior and a super sweet huskie named Ramona guarding the place. Great selection and roomier aisles than Myopic, plus they hold lots of free events. It might look a little kooky, but check it out--you may discover a new favorite book! read more

A nice, well-organized space - much cleaner than most used book stores. The woman working there the day I went in was very friendly, and didn't mind me just hanging around a while to stay out of the cold while I waited for my bus. Most importantly, they had a good variety of books at reasonably prices. Can't ask for better than that. read more

I have been waiting for this bookstore to come in. Definitely a great addition to the up-and-coming area of Milwaukee Avenue near the Logan. I cannot tell if the unfinished walls are on purpose or in process. I sorta like it that way, though. When I first walked in I am reminded of Quimby's, but an all-books version. The bulk of the stock is used, but in excellent condition. You can tell they won't just take anything. The prices are a little higher than I would expect ($8.50 for a recent paperback) but I'd rather give him my money. Up front are a couple chairs and a table of new, independent books. Stop in and say hello! PS: They're cash only for now, but that'll change sometime soon. There's a Chase bank across the street. read more

Aka THAT bookstore by the Logan Theater, I too often forget the name of(lol). In fact, I just looked up Google Street View, which once again refreshed my memory on its name. Anyway selection isn't the greatest, but it's a friendly enough store, and I feel they mark up their prices a little less than Myopic, though it seemed it wasn't quite as cheap as Armadillow's Pillow in Rogers Park. Another nice thing is that I've sometimes unexpectedly seen them open past their usual 9 to 10pm(depending on night) closing time, for I believe occasional evening store events. Plus, the store dog is very friendly, which I love. It's interesting there's one bookstore in town that doesn't have a store cat, which seem to be more common at bookstores for whatever reason. Unfortunately it seems I never make it here except for before or after seeing a movie at the Logan, but I'm glad it's there for those infrequent times. read more

A little pricier than other used bookstores, but the atmosphere and selection is fantastic. I got lost in the poetry section for 45 minutes. I love that they sell local goods and local writers, PLUS they carry chapbooks. I highly recommend supporting them and would definitely go again on my next Chicago visit. read more

Books, dogs, and kind employees that are super knowledgeable, I don't think a book store could be any more perfect. read more

Uncharted Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I don't go to Uncharted when I want a specific book (they don't have the selection of larger stores) instead I go there to browse and find a gem or a deal (they have scores of used books where you could find an out of print undiscovered treasure or a really cheap used copy of an intriguing book that is worth taking a low-stakes risk on. Their often times disorganized stacks of newly purchased used books lie everywhere which add to the experience of being a book hunter exploring and looking for lost gold. Its nice to support a local friendly store. And I always come away with something unexpected to feed my reading needs... read more

Great used book store. They have lots of books but I find it a little difficult to find what I am looking for since they do not have too many signs identifying what genres are where. I was told they were printing up new signs so maybe that will make it easy to find what I am looking for. The staff is really helpful and actually have a pretty good grasp on what they have and what they don't. We stop here on a pretty regular basis just to browse around. I wish they had more kids books but you can't have everything. read more

Awesome used book store. Just a heads up: they recently moved two store fronts down and I don't think they've updated the address on here to show that. It's basically the same location, just two store fronts down like I said. Great ambiance, the perfect kind for a book store. Great selection of books and a staff that is knowledgeable about literature, some even show some genuine passion and even more important they're knowledgeable about what their current selection is. I've found this often to be an issue in used book stores but here it is definitely not! A little bit more pricey that usual used books stores but all the books are in good quality condition. read more

Wonderful book store; friendly staff. Great collection of contemporary poetry, graphic works as well as older classics and collectibles. Very interesting to browse there. I enjoyed the comedy night first Thursdays (my first time this week). Great community gathering place. read more

Ok, so I haven't bought any books here yet, but I like this place. They were generous enough to allow our bookclub to have a meeting in their space, and it gave us all a chance to check this place out. Their foreign language section is a bit sparse, but there's a pleasant, friendly feel here. I will definitely come back to this place for some shopping. Oh, and don't be fooled by the old sign still up and Google Maps telling you it's "Pump Room Shoes"...it's not. read more

I give uncharted five starts simply because this is my kind of place! The owner has gone for quality, not quantity of books (which if fine by me). The owner actually works there, and greets you as you walk in. You can tell he has taken great care in selecting the books that are available. There is also free WI FI. And yes, I agree, it smells like a bookstore, and that is awesome! It felt like just the kind of place I wouldn't mind visiting again (and again and again). read more

I've been in here a few times now, and it's great to have a bookstore close to my home. I enjoy the selection of this place for browsing purposes - I can manage walking around the whole store and seeing what's there, as opposed to Myopic where if you don't know what you want... good luck. The staff is always friendly, including Ramona the husky. read more

Fair prices, a friendly owner and a well curated selection of fiction, biographies/memoirs, Chicago and world history, poetry and gender studies. Most of the books are gently used and the prices reflect that - don't come in here looking to spend a dollar per book and you'll be golden. read more

To some, this will be a "well-curated small bookstore," but to me it is a bookstore with no books that I want. Prices seem very high. There is an unpleasant aroma present, and there's a huge weird bump in the laminate floor that you will trip over. Still, it's a bookstore in Logan Square, so I hope it all comes together, but I don't think it is for me. read more