Great independent book store on Main Street in Middletown near Wesleyan. They have a wide selection of Wesleyan merch and of course a great book selection. I've always had terrific service and they do a good job of curating kids' books. On more than one occasion, my son picked out a book to later discover that it was an author-signed copy. My favorite Hartford area coffee shop Story & Soil took over the cafe space. The pairing of S&S and RJ has great potential. read more

See all

This is only on the bookstore, I have no experience with the cafe. This is a combination college bookstore for Wesleyan and actual bookstore with books for all ages. If you want Wesleyan paraphernalia, this is a great place to grab a hoodie, shirt, or onesie. The general book selection is very good if that's what you're looking for. Parking in the front is limited, it's pull-in to the curb and a crapshoot if anything will be open. You may have to drive down a few blocks. read more

See all

I reached out last winter to request assistance in hosting a "book bar" for my wedding. Although our plans took a different direction completely, the booksellers and Kathryn were extremely helpful and communicative throughout the process. They were willing to provide us some creative guidance and support and were accommodating throughout the process! read more

Today I finally made it to this awesome bookstore. While I didn't have a ton of time to explore on this trip I enjoyed my experience. If you are a book lover this is a must visit! I came across so many books that I hadn't heard of before. The way they've showcased books draws you in and easy to get swept away with your next great read. From staff member recommendations, best sellers, and everything in between it's hard to walk away empty handed. In the market for a gift, this store has such a selection of bookish and bibliophile gifts, to an expansive selection of other items for the non-book lover in your life. While I went in just to browse, I I definitely made a book purchase, and added to my ever growing want to read list from all the other books I wanted to take home so me. I was also looking for a thank-you gift for someone and wasn't sure what to get or even where I'd find that gift. RJ Julia came through! The staff was friendly but not overbearing. Of course since this is the Wesleyan bookstore there was Wesleyan apparel on the street level, but it looked like the core of their bookstore was located on the lower level. There's also a Story & Soil coffee shop here. It broke my coffee loving heart not to grab a cup this time but there is something about quaint coffee shops in bookstores that speaks to my head! FYI: while RJ Julia stays open until 8 on Saturday's, the coffee shop closes at 3 (as of May 2021). Looking forward to another trip when I can spend more time browsing and enjoying some coffee! read more

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore - Main Street Entrance - Cafes Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

What an amazing local bookstore in the heart of Middletown. I can't believe this was my first time in! Although catered to Wesleyan students (as you can see with all the college merch) it definitely has a lot to offer for the average customer & book lover (or novice). We visited today looking to try the new Story & Soil location that took over their cafe and were caught up browsing the whole store. Absolutely beautiful with TONS to offer. They're also DOG FRIENDLY and the staff was so excited when we brought our pup in. They even offered her a treat :) I'm so glad we finally visited because this will not be our last! read more

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore - Gorgeous interior - Cafes Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

See all

I'm on an independent bookstore kick and this one was on my radar. It's a lovely store. Clean, well organized, helpful staff. There's a café and indoor and outdoor seating. I was afraid that maybe because it seems to focus on college students that perhaps I wouldn't find anything but I was wrong. I found several titles that I was looking for. Definitely worth a visit when in the area. read more

See all

Awesome new bookstore in Main St in Middletown! I had never gone to the old Wesleyan bookstore, as it just seemed like the college bookstore. This is a bookstore for the community! Lots of great books, cute gifts, a children's section, and Wesleyan gear. There are lots of hangout spaces in the cafe and in the bookstore itself, as well as outside. I can't wait to try the grown cafe inside the bookstore. Today we had just eaten breakfast, but I will definitely be back for some fresh squeezed juices and healthy organic dishes! read more

See all

We came here looking for coffee but ended up loving the book store. The cafe "grown" serves organic vegan gluten free food that's "grown" and not manufactured. That's a whole other review, but know there is meal for you at the bookstore. Didn't realize that the Wesleyan university was in the vicinity.... this probably is a great store to have for textbooks, computers and supplies. Check out the event listing. There are many events....even for little ones, family story time and crafts. Great for kids! I may come back for the letter to Santa event (the most important letter to have ever been written)...plus hot cocoa and candy cane perfect to get you into holiday spirit. read more

Wesleyan students, I am slightly jealous that you are so close to this bookstore. R.J. Julia (RJJ) is, without a whisper of doubt in my bibliophile mind, one of the best local bookstores around. It's not your typical bookstore by any means. There are so many personal touches by the staff that make it a good experience when perusing shelves of books. This shop has a little of absolutely everything, and even more with special texts for college students downstairs. Get your Cardinal gear here, too. Every time I've visited, the staff has been so kind and welcoming. From personal recommendations from a staff member to the barista at the coffee bar walking over to hand me my coffee when I was looking at books waiting, I've had such great customer service. The best part is that RJJ has a rewards program--like I needed more incentive to go to a book shop. Add up enough points and you get a bonus certificate to use for a percentage off your next purchase. How awesome is that?! Book lovers, hear my call--RJJ is a place to get bestsellers and local authors and hard to find books, and fantastic service. Grab a coffee and then go shop or sit and read!! That makes for a perfect afternoon. read more

What Middletown has always lacked is a good community bookstore and RJ Julia is just that. Though it's definitely catered to Wesleyan (as you can see from the abundance of Wesleyan apparel), there's a large selection of popular titles and the sort of things you'd find in any Barnes & Nobles. The book worm in me wants to spend all hours of the day at RJ Julia. From the book lover knick knacks to the shelves of top titles, I could spend all my time here. I do love the tight knit community feeling of RJ Julia. The books upfront have small notes from the staff on their favorites. Different types of events, from children's readings to authors, happen here. They even have a rewards program, so I can be rewarded for spending all of my income here. RJ Julia creates a book lovers community in the heart of Middletown. There's a nice cafe and a fair amount of seating to curl up with a good book or hole up to work. My only qualm with the work atmosphere at RJ Julia is a shocking lack of outlets. It took a bit of exploration to find one of very few amount of outlets to be able to do some work. Over all, RJ Julia is such a gain for the Middletown community, not just Wesleyan. The perfect place to eat, read, and enjoy your day. read more

I checked out the biography section on a Sunday morning. A personable, knowledgeable employee came over and gave me great book recommendations- Jell-O Girls by Allie Rowbottom and Vacationland by John Hodgman. They also have unique gifts here. Fun socks and more. read more

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore - 40% off - Cafes Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

See all

Yummy organic chicken, black beans, avocado and cheese quasadia " lol and they even have pretty spa water :) read more

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore - Cafes Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

What a great book store! They have an organic cafe when you first walk in, which looks very cute. The store is well-organized and set up nicely (there are 2 floors). They have lots of Wesleyan swag, like shirts, mugs, etc. The staff seemed very knowledgeable and friendly. They were able to quickly help us locate a book that my mother in law was looking for. Nice spot! read more

A great space in Middletown. The coffee was great and though I didn't eat it looks like they have plenty of vegan options. The vibe is cool and relaxed with a wide range of folks hanging out and a great selection of books. Overall great place. read more

Beautiful bookstore. Kind and knowledge staff, great events, and a delish little cafe. I love bringing my kids here, but I love going here by myself as well. This is definitely one of my favorite spots in Middletown read more

Hung out here to study a few times. This is a great place to spend time unbothered and get some work done. There is plenty of seating in various areas of the book store. I prefer near the cafe. But if you really want to get away, you can go downstairs. The cafe is organic, farm fresh and I love the healthy smoothies they make. They also have great coffee. I also like how there are little notes on the shelves providing book recommendations. The staff are there when you need them but for the most part, realize that you don't want to be bothered. A great community bookstore. read more

Really love this bookstore. The staff is friendly and the selections are great! I tend to buy books for children's birthday gifts and their children's selection is large and has something for everyone. I can't usually walk out of there with less than 3 books. My children (ages 3 and 4.5) also love to go there. read more

This is a really nice local bookstore that caters to their market, Wesleyan students, Duh! We have been a few times, and while their selection of books for our kids isn't huge, they have always found something interesting. We have had tea there too! and it looks like they serve light fare. So the verdict is: lots of fun all around... read more

Had a great breakfast here in early May with a few of my girlfriends. The staff were happy, super attentive and aimed to please. My potatoes were cooked beautifully and my omelette was just how I like it, no burnt yellow. I was able to substitute a muffin for toast and blueberry muffin was delicious.The coffee was in the strong side and flavorful. I appreciate that they have kombucha available as well as many different varieties of tea. I'd like to come back for lunch sometime, defined a great breakfast spot is always special. Plenty of seating and very clean. read more

A great new addition to Main Street, Middletown, this bookstore is a partnership between Wesleyan University and the RJ Julia store in Madison Connecticut. It is just their first week after opening, and they are already hosting author events and children's activities. Like their Madison store, the staff is great with book recommendations and the selection is growing every day. read more

Perfect place to shop, eat, drink and even work. Great selection of everything you'd want from a book store

Great new branch of a classic independent bookstore. Great selection, staff... The cafe makes this a place you'll want to sit down and spend some time. read more

Nice lounge area downstairs. Small cup black coffee is $3.20 and it was rather mediocre.

they don't have any wesleyan gear, and what they do have is not nice. they also have a bad rep for how they treat their workers. also have issues with organizing student's textbooks. read more