This was my 17th stop on the Indie Bookstore Passport tour. Since my favorite genre is mystery/thriller, this store really appealed to me. Half of the store is mystery/thriller books and the other half is science fiction. The selection was really good, and there were large sections of used books. The organization of the store was a little chaotic, as each corner of the store had differing genres, and it didn't seem to correlate to this half of the store is mystery and the other half is sci-fi. There were a lot of boxes of books on the floor, so it felt like the place you might want to spend an hour or more treasure hunting for your next great read. The vibe in the store,and how it was organized, is "choose your own adventure". For $3 you could signup for a 90 day membership that earns a 10% discount on purchases. The staff were welcoming and helpful. I believe there is only street parking. read more

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This bookstore is packed full of sci-fi and mystery/ horror books. They are very well organized and the front desk clerk gave me a run through of what was where when I walked in. Very friendly staff and a cute store dog. Did i expect to find anything? No. Did I walk out with arms full? Yes. They have rare books and new books that of course are priced appropriately, and well loved books. All the books I bought were better priced than other used book stores, even some thrift places. read more

What a cool bookstore! If you or someone in your life loves science fiction or mysteries, they will have a blast getting lost in the selection here. Books are fairly priced and it's nice that they have used books for a great value in addition to their new books. The people working there are great and the friendly dogs are a bonus! read more

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I've been to the new location twice. The first time was a bit disappointing because they hadn't rebuilt their inventory yet. Now, two years later, the store is back to what it used to be, and it again has the best inventory of SFF books that I've ever seen. They have shelves and boxes full of used paperbacks, most of which are just $4, plus a great selection of new books. read more

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Walls and walls of books, maybe used paperbacks. You can find most anything SF or Fantasy and some mystery as well. Excellent selection at good prices. read more

Amazing selection of the two genres, great for super fans/super readers! No frills; one chair.

If you're a reader who loves science fiction or mysteries, this is going to be one of your favorite bookstores. The original location burned to the ground and the business faced an uncertain future, but fortunately they found a new home and they're filling it with lots of cool stuff. When I walked in, I was greeted by that familiar, comforting bookstore smell (if you love books you'll know exactly what I mean!), and then I had the good fortune to be offered a lovely welcome by shop dog Ecko, who is absolutely the best girl. The store layout is not immediately clear, so I just dove in and started browsing. Not surprisingly, I ended up buying a pile of books. The owner was pleasant and the other staff member I spoke with was helpful. Overall, a fantastic first visit to what will be one of my favorite bookstores. read more

This place is amazing! The selection of fantasy books is beyond anything I dreamt of!

Uncle Edgar's mystery bookstore was a trip - and a good one at that. We sought out old-fashioned bookstores and fell upon Uncle Edgar's when we went to Uncle Hugo's - confused? Us too. When we arrived we didn't expect much - and were we surprised. This store really has the mystery genre down pat. They have new and used, and they have current titles, and all the oldies. Whatever you are looking for in mystery and thriller, we suspect you'll find it here. Hugo's and Edgar's share the same large storefront on this strip. One entrance gets you in both - Hugo's science fiction on your left as you enter and Edgar's mystery straight ahead of you. I was surprised to find scores of old and new titles here at Uncle Edgar's. Nice location, easy street parking, and free parking in the next door lot on Saturdays and Sundays, and of course a great selection of books. Try this place. read more

The most commonly disappointing aspect of inveterate genre reading is bookstore owners and staff.

I regret to say that few businesses fared worse than the late Uncle Hugo and the companion Uncle Edgar. The floor did not even survive. RIP read more

Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I'm more of a scifi nerd than a mystery nerd, but I still took a look through here every so often when I was visiting Uncle Hugo's. http://www.yelp.com/biz/q9CIJyf-mdNJ7ffMqJsjAQ This is the other half of the same bookstore as Uncle Hugo's, but they share the same entrance and, I suspect, some of the supporting staff. The people working here are really serious about mystery books. They know all there is to know about them. If you like reading mysteries, you will love a visit to this store. read more

Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

It is dark, dingy, crowded, haphazardly organized, and run by a quirky sometimes rude staff. In short, it's perfect!

As an avid sci-fi reader and lover of quirky bookstores, I was very excited to visit Uncle Hugo's on a recent trip to the Twin Cities. I can barely visit a bookstore without buying something. My advice for Uncle Hugo's: unless they get new staff, skip it. I went in with my family and a list of sci-fi books I've been looking for, and I left empty-handed. The older woman behind the counter was unhelpful to the point of rudeness. She told me that some of the inventory could be searched by the computer, but when she didn't find my first two books that way, she stopped helping me. While some of the books are used and some are new, Uncle Hugo's also seems to have books at new price in used condition. I try to support independent bookstores, but when shopping online can give me a book at a better price and condition, I really don't want to put up with rudeness. I had sought help because I had arrived a half-hour before closing and wanted to make some purchases. While good bookstore staff might help someone in this situation make a purchase, Uncle Hugo's staff just wanted me out of there. I can't remember the last bookstore that was such a disappointment. Edit: after I read this review to my family, they wanted me to note that my father is a sci-fi reader, and my mom and sister are mystery readers. They were similarly disappointed. This store squandered the opportunity to sell us at least a half-dozen books today and more in the future. read more

All kinds of retro here. As you walk in it's old childrens mysteries. For years I overlooked a favorite local author, Mary Janice Davidson. She writes mysteries, but because the leading characters are witches, werewolves, vampires, and mermaids, they're over here. I guess fantasy tends to be thrown into the sci-fi shuffle. At Borders she's in the romance section, because she writes those too. This combo store definitely needs a second location. As a teenager, this was my genre, and I never got around to reading all those books either.They often bring in authors at both places for signings. Same shared newsletter. read more

If I had more time and had driven instead of flown, I would have been in read trouble here. As it was, I bought more books than I could comfortably shove into my suitcase and don't regret it for a minute. I am a librarian who's favorite genres are sci-fi and fantasy, and I was truly impressed with the selection of both new and used books at Uncle Hugo's. The huge assortment of titles can be overwhelming, but the store isn't cramped, like some bookstores I've been in, so just make sure you come with ample time to browse and you will certainly find some gems to take home! read more

As long as Uncle Hugo's is open, I can be rest assured that I am dating a total geek. (Any place that has so many books that they are piled on the floor is a-ok with me.) read more

Its jammed packed with books - both new and used. The selection of SF&F is daunting compared to any other similar store I have been to in the metro. There are more wizards, warlocks, aliens, gnomes, goblins, dragons, and clever protagonists here than you can shake a stick at. Bring a friend as the title you want may be in one of the boxes stacked 8-10 deep in some areas. I found mine after excavating only 3 layers. Don't like SF&F? - Try Uncle Edgars next door for a mystery or two. read more

I told my friend we were stopping here to at least get her a t-shirt. I was not particularly in the market for any sci fi, fantasy or mystery books. That does not mean, however, that I wasn't overwhelmed and totally impressed by Uncle Hugo's. Our itinerary for the day was pretty tight so I had to limit our time here to just under an hour. I could have easily walked around that store for days. I wasn't looking for anything in particular. I would be intrigued by a book title, I would pick up said book and be endlessly entertained by the description. I even spent some time in Uncle Edgar's, the back half of the store devoted to mystery books. I was again entertained, this time by the amount of covers and stories that involve cats as well as the plethora of "punny" titles. (I think my favorite ended up being "Fillet of Murder" - great title, great cover.) By the time we got there (day 9 of our 10 day vacation), my friend also needed a new tote bag. Thank goodness Uncle Hugo's also sells those. For her to promptly fill up with all her new books. read more

Everything a bookstore should be! Full of books (literally from floor to ceiling) from writers I know and those I've never heard of...at obscenely low prices. Love me my books and man do they have 'em! Plus the guys there are friendly, and if they don't know the answer to your question, they find out. I always walk out with at least 4 books and some mullah in my wallet. I also like their recommended section which has steered me right with several authors I'd never heard of. Go. Read. Feed your mind and imagination. read more

I was in Minneapolis for a few days with my wife for the internet cat video festival and we wanted to check out some of the book stores while we were there. We are both science fiction and fantasy fans going way back and so were excited about visiting this place. We were not disappointed. They have the largest selection of new and used science fiction and fantasy books that I have ever seen in one place. There was plenty of new stuff., including I noticed some paperback books even that were signed by the authors. I have never seen that many original series Doctor Who and Star Trek books in one place before lol. Some of the stuff was not intuitively organized but the person at the store knew where to find everything easily and was very knowledgable. We ended up getting more books than we could take back with us on the plane, but they were able to ship the books back home for 6.00 shipping which was very reasonable and which took less than a week which isn't bad considering that we live in Massachusetts. I only wish we could have brought the store back with us to Massachusetts, too, but I guess that wouldn't have been fair to the people of Minneapolis. read more

I've been a customer here for about 25 years - love this store. It's a book-lovers bookstore, and has the best selection of new and used sci-fi books around. The store itself is over-stuffed with books - they fill the shelves, and spill out into boxes on the floor (organized by author). It's exactly what a bookstore ought to be. Sadly, the feel of the store has changed over the years, since some of the best employees have moved on (or passed away), and I've since had a couple of encounters with a cranky clerk. But, frankly, it's worth it for the variety and selection they always have on hand. Since I now live out-of-state, I can hardly leave without spending a couple hundred bucks. read more

This is a dangerous store for a library geek and her science fiction geek husband to go to. There are stacks and stacks and upon boxes upon boxes of every kind of science fiction mystery you could ever want. New and used, hardcover or paperback. Ask for a specific book they will either walk you right to the shelf or look it up on the computer first to be sure. We had a delightful dinner at the Midtown global market which you can see from the parking lot of the adjacent dental office parking lot which you can use after 5 PM. We got a frequent buyer 10% off card, will be back! read more

I could spend days in Uncle Hugo's/Uncle Edward's bookstore. Packed with shelves, piles, mazes of books from new releases to that 1988 issue of Dragon magazine that your 11-year-old self thought was gone forever. Be prepared to peruse because this isn't your average coffee-shop/bookstore; instead, you'll find inside a treasure trove of titles. If you're a book lover, especially a genre-fiction lover, don't miss this place! read more

Uncle Hugo's, founded back in 1974, was considered to be the oldest independent science fiction bookstore in the U.S. This place was a Minneapolis institution. Over the years, I've spent countless hours perusing the books, both new and used, and conversing with the knowledgeable staff. I am heartsick that it's gone, completely burned down on 30 May during the rioting. Hopefully, Don Blyly, the owner, can rebuild. read more

Great book store but do not light a match in this place! Books packed on shelves, piled on counters and on the floor. You could browse forever. There might be a dead body under the mass of books in the mystery section. Everything is in alphabetical order so don't worry about finding what you want. Loved it! read more

Found wide range of books that brought back significant nostalgia. Picking up a few of their Black Library books punched 27 year old Kiernan to 13 year old Kiernan who trawled BnN shelves for latest warhammer books. Despite packed nature everything was expertly organized and easy to scan through. Staff were on point and fun to talk with about range of topics. Must see when coming to twin cities. Did I mention they sell a car Cthulhu role playing game? read more

it is a great place for science fiction and mystery fans. But be advised it is not easy for a person with a walker to get around and if you're in a wheelchair you can pretty much forget it. This is not intentional it is just that there are so many books not just on shelves but all over the floor that it just leaves no room, So if there's a title you really want contact them by email and have someone pick it up for you. read more

Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore could also be called "Uncle Introverts Disorganized Book Piles". It is the antisocial and unkempt sibling of Uncle Edgar's Mystery Books (they are connected). Walking in, you might see a guy working behind a desk but don't make eye contact or even look at him! If you do he won't acknowelege you... Why you might ask? Because... he's EXTREMELY BUSY. You see, he has one of the most important jobs in the world. Taking piles of old science fiction books and strewning them about into various piles throughout the book store. Sometimes he'll take a pile of Star Wars novels and put them over here. And other days he takes a pile of Star Trek novels and puts them over there. So now you see his importance and why you can't bother him. The true importance of his job shines through when you realize his book piles are all about blocking people from walking around. Tthe less people can find what they want, the less people will come here. EXCEPT for deserving people who truly love science fiction. Eventually you will walk in only to see a solid wall of old science fiction books blocking the door. From within you will hear muffled voices of truly worthy sci fi worthy book lovers. All kidding aside, this place is pretty great. It does have an ENORMOUS selection of Science Fiction books / magazines / games, whatever fuels your nerdy desires. It could be a bit more organized, but that's part of its charm. I mean, if I wanted a perfectly laid out, well-designed, cold and calculated bookstore, selling the same books you might find on the NYT Best Seller list, and where someone stands at the front waiting for you to walk in so they can hard sell you you on their hot new tablet and give you a hint of negativity when you decline to buy their frequent reader's card, then I would have gone to Barnes and Noble. Duh. For discerning nerds, this is the place to be. However... my last warning to you is about the bathroom. Don't go in it. It's a vortex, a wormhole into another dimension, and if you fall in, you may never get out... read more

This store houses both a mystery bookstore and a sci-fi/fantasy bookstore, and it is one of the most fabulous shops I've ever been in. When we approached, the building is so run down and the signs so faded that we were worried it was closed. Nope! Inside are floor to ceiling books, a maze of books, with piles of books and boxes of books all around. Considering how much stuff they had, it was amazingly organized. I found vintage Mckillip that I've been looking for forever, Jack Vance's the Dying Earth, and assorted treasures from hard to find authors like Haggard, Lord Dunsany, and Mervyn Peake. I really appreciate the fact that they stock writers like Lethem that aren't usually consider sci-fi. read more

Uncle Hugo's is in the front for science-fiction, and Uncle Edgar's is in the back for mysteries. These two bookshops are Minneapolis institutions. They do a great job of stocking what's new and their prices on used are reasonable -- I think the last time I was there the price of used books was half off or a minimum of $2.50. They've got a discount card for frequent shoppers and a monthly newsletter (also available online) to keep you up-to-date on the new releases, store news, and author signings. read more

Uncle Hugo's defines bookstores to me so there's no way I can't give it 5 stars. However the staff varies widely in helpfulness and I sometimes feel I'm a burden to them when I want to buy something. You can't beat the stock or the ambiance, but I hope the morale improves someday. read more

Several years ago I was looking for one story in a paperback shortstory compilation. Didn't know the title or the author/editor. All I remembered is the book cover. I described it to the man behind the counter. He immediately wove a path through the stacks and the piles on the floor. He stopped in front of a shelf on the last side shelf and plucked the correct book off a middle shelf. He knew the store better than I knew the inside of my kitchen shelves. I moved away and ordering books online does not come close to the experience of being in the store. But I'm back now. read more

The day I made the original review I had a really odd and frustrating experience. Today I had a follow up to that experience... it wasn't good. On 7/27, I called in and asked if they had a used book I wanted to buy. The bookstore clerk went to check, said they had one and would set it aside for me. I arrived at the store a few hours later, she handed me the book. It was not used. I told her I called for a used copy. She said that those don't come in very often. I agreed and said that's why I called in before stopping by in the first place. She says that she didn't hear me say used. She offers to put me on a list to call if they get a used copy. I say that will be great. Then, I say what the heck and that I'll just buy the new copy, so I don't have to make the trip again. She seems surprised that I want to buy it. I have to repeat that I want to buy the book. I actually in reality say, "I'll just buy this copy. That way, you won't have to call me." Of course, today I got a call in the morning telling me there is a used copy of the book I wanted. I tell her she sold me a new copy. She replies, "We didn't know that." I think I'd be okay with the entire experience of not being heard if it wasn't for the royal we nose in the air attitude about the whole thing. I've worked customer service for 6 years and know the customer isn't always right, but a simple acceptance of some responsibility for the situation would be nice. Just like "Whoops, sorry" or anything really. I think I'll go back to shopping for books online... read more

Great selection of new and used scifi. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful. This is a great place to go shopping for gifts or to find rare books! read more

I am lucky enough to live within driving distance, so I've been able to stop by in person about 4 times a year, for more than 10 years, as well as get and read the newsletter via e-mail every couple of months. I've also used their mail-order service for books about twice a year-- perfect service, reasonable shipping costs. This place is awesome -- books by every science-fiction author you've EVER heard about. If you want help, just describe a book you've liked and they'll recommend a dozen others for you to try -- all good reads. Very willing to help you find/buy a used copy if they have one. The store has no decor at all, just racks and stacks of books, floor to ceiling. Nirvana for readers. Street parking is easy, but there's also a lot/ramp across the street and on weekends parking in the small lot beside the building is sometimes allowed -- check before you use that. read more

Uncle Hugo's is located on a major street in downtown Minneapolis and there are only a few parking spots at the curb in front of the store. The adjoining larger lot may have restrictions on it for most of the daytime hours. There is a KFC a short distance away, so it may be worthwhile parking in that lot, and stopping in to grab a soda to justify taking a space prior to visiting Uncle Hugo's. As for Uncle Hugo's, I primarily shopped for used paperback books, and they have a pretty comprehensive selection. You can find DAW books from the 70s and Ace Doubles from the 60s. Note that you will need to be careful as you teeter around boxes of books lying on the floor, and many titles are stacked so high on the top-most shelving that you will need to recruit a staffer to get them for you. The one drawback is that may titles are in 'good' to 'average' shape, so you're not going to find real gems on the regular used shelves. But if you don't mind your copy of 'Orbit 5' a little beat up you will be happy here. read more

Uncle Hugo's (and, I'll admit, Uncle Edgar's, but I don't go there as often) feels like a glorious part of my brain. Stuffed with books, old and new, filled with friends of one sort or another. There's a feeling I get there that the glitziest Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstore just doesn't evoke from me. Never had a problem with the prices or selection, always been pleasantly surprised with what I've found there. The newsletter they send every few months always makes me feel part of the community (even if the community is infected with romantic vampires and mashups of New Orleans and the Arthurian mythos, but that's the state of the genre). I can empathize with the poor schmuck who got caught in the chimney trying to sneak in- if I thought I could get away with it I'd sneak in overnight and try to read everything in the place. A good store and an anchor for the writing and science fiction community. It's worth braving the wilds of Chicago Ave. and Lake Street to find this place. read more

Love this place. They're holding strong for the sff geek in us all. Go with a credit card, or a ton of cash, you won't leave without an armload. read more

I've been shopping for books here for about 25 years. Started at the old location and followed them here. Besides their wide variety I love the new book section right up front. I can browse and pick up an armload of books in just a few minutes rather than searching through the bookstore and probably buying a book I've already got. Some books are worth reading again and again, but most are not. Some of the clerks are very helpful (as is the owner), some would rather there weren't any customers to interrupt their reading. read more