Maybe I don't go to West Side as often as I should. Then again, it's kinda that kind of place. I always go in looking for a specific book and they never have it. Don't get me wrong -- this isn't a complaint. It's just the ritual. Going in with a goal gives me a place to start. Then I can spend as many happy moments wandering from there as it takes to satisfy that 84 Charing Cross Road vibe I love. This is the store that taught me the joy of endpapers. I've purchased several very antique books there simply for the endpapers and the old-library smell of them. I've rediscovered books from my childhood I'd forgotten until I saw them on the shelf at West Side. I've found weird and wonderful things. I know they carry new books and bestsellers, but I've never even thought about going there for that purpose. Oh, and they often have really cool music playing. Sometimes I'm so wrapped up in the books I don't even notice until I get to the counter to pay. I do believe I've talked myself into a field trip to West Side Books. read more

This is a find for sure. We just moved from the capitol hill area to Wheat Ridge near the Highlands. My Mother and I were shopping and wandered into this bookstore. The woman who runs the place is as good as it gets for a used bookstore owner. Hundreds of books piled on shelf after shelf and not in great order, but when I asked her where a book was she walked right to it. When it wasn't there...she pulled me a stool to browse and went to find it. New books and old....and VERY old. This store has a ton of charm. I'm not sure how long it's been there, but the atmosphere is as good as it gets. There is no coffee or lattes at West Side. There's not 3,000 bookmarks, 12 postcard racks or a computer kiosk to find your book(s). I'd be surprised if there were a public restroom there. It's all about the books...nothin' but the books, and they're a TONS. Charm, baby, charm. read more

I'm torn as I write this review. I'm a huge fan of used bookstores and typically give great reviews just because used bookstores have a special place in my heart. This one...eh. The prices seem a tad high, and there are numerous new books mixed in, throwing me off when I'm looking for a deal. They do have a great collection of signed and first editions, so if that's something you are looking for, it's worth a trip. There are a few too many vintage collections for my taste and it just feels dusty in there, but once again if that's something you are looking for, then check it out. I agree with Jenn C. when she says it's more antique store than a book store. read more

So, one of the criteria I absolutely demand when walking into an independently owned store, is character and LOVE... This place exceeds both in spades. I've been shopping here for the past 10 years or so, albeit infrequently, and always find some sort of curious item. The people working here are super friendly and knowledgeable. Not only do they carry an eclectic assortment of books, they have all kinds of paper ephemera. This place is a browsers paradise. They may not have the precise item you're looking for, but if you're a used bookstore aficionado, you wont leave empty handed. My favorite used bookstore in Denver. read more

West Side Books engulfs you with towers, and stacks, and racks, of books. I love the feeling of being surrounded on all sides with books. It's almost like a maze, and it's definitely easy to spend more time than intended scouring the racks. It's a little bit disorganized, but in a good way. I think the prices are about average for a used bookstore. They also have new books which they charge full price for. Amidst the rows and rows of books, there are some cool posters and goodies tucked in here and there. Definitely a neat place to go from time to time. read more

This is by Far my Favorite bookstore in the world!! It is exactly what you want in a used bookstore...books abound! I feel like they are beckoning me in every time i pass by!! It is like a treasure chest, you never know what you will find until you dig in :-) For those collectors, wow! So many amazing out of print, hard to find, first edition, local author and signed books!! Great! I have found the most unique birthday and special occasion gifts here, always impressed! My only complaint, the bookstore is Not in my neighborhood :-( i wish i could stop by everyday!! Thanks West Side Books for still being around in this kindle or non reading society we have become! Some of us are very thankful for you!! read more

You know it takes a lot for me to give a bad review of any establishment, especially on such a definitive forum such as Yelp, but I have had nothing but bad experiences after 3 tries at this bookstore and can no longer refrain from voicing my frustrations. I have received nothing but rude "service" from the employees at this shop. This impolite service has even extended to when I called to check if they carried a particular book on shelf! I have lived in used bookstores and been an avid reader since I was 5 years, so I understand that the record store employee cliche can extend to bookstores, yet I find it unacceptable regardless. In a world where books can be purchased with the click of a mouse and the hunt for particular titles no longer lasts past a Google search, I would expect the employees of a used bookstore to show a little more enthusiasm and support for those customers who do actually wish to partake in the ancient tradition of paper chasing. Sad to say, I will never frequent this establishment again and I hope that they pull their heads out of their high and mighty clouds to realize that elitism is no way to run a bookstore. I should also add I work for public libraries and highly support books in all their forms, and when I desire a purchase a book for myself I always seek independent used stores. All that being said, they do have a great selection of titles available, so I recommend it if you can, avoid interactions with the staff (at least the 4 employees I have encountered on my various visits and call). read more

Book stores don't get much better than this. I do wish the whole store was more like the bigger room and the front room didn't have to exist, but I understand they have to actually sell enough to make rent, but damn, there were books I'd been searching the world for ages to find here!! read more

West Side Books is a great used book store (but then I've never met one that I didn't love). It has a nice selection of books, with a suitable browsing atmosphere - although it is crammed with books (not a detriment, in my opinion). I rarely go into a used book store with a specific book in mind - a general idea, sure; a list of books I'd like to have, absolutely. Although I may not find what I came to West Side Books for, I usually always leave with something exciting and fun. read more

Employees here are always helpful, which is good because piles are high and stuff is a bit scattered. If you don't find it in one place, ask for help because it could be in one of five other places. I agree with other reviewers that its focus on antique and collectible books makes it better for browsing than buying for me, and it may nudge their prices a bit higher than other places--though I'm sure their rent is not cheap either. Kudos to their window displays, staff picks and specially featured books; I always learn something new when I am here! read more

I have to disagree with Craig. The book prices always seem a little too reasonable to me. I find myself flipping through to find what's wrong with the book. Of course nothing ever is. This is a true find. Books in stacks all over, on every surface, even in the bathroom. It's truly a marvel the staff can find anything, and yet they always can. They're always incredibly helpful and friendly but also willing to let you wander to your hearts content without pestering you. The woman who owns the shop is incredibly sweet and gives the distinct impression that she's one of those rare book dealers who got into the biz to hide her bibliophilia. My only complaint is that it's entirely possible to lose whole afternoons in this place. read more

A large used book store wt a good selection of books on every subject, you might have to look for a wile to find the books you want but that is half of the fun. read more

Staff can locate any book and always offer great suggestions. The selection is immense with some great finds. Love everything about it!

O.k. just so we are all clear, I violated one of my biggest rules this weekend and entered a used bookstore. As a book fanatic who lives in a tiny house, this was a very dangerous decision. However, I needed to make an exception to the rule because I was in need of some cheap medical textbooks. I decided to go into West Side Books to see what I could find. Let me say that I hit the mother lode! Great medical textbooks at unbelievable prices. Four books for only $48.00. This place is packed floor to ceiling with books. Hundreds and hundreds of books. They have everything from antiques to current best sellers. I was blown away. West Side Books, you and I are going to have a long and dangerous affair! Time to get rid of some furniture, I need more room for books! read more

This place is wonderful, it really sets the bar for what a used bookstore should be. The staff borders on psychic, and it's truly amazing how quickly they can put their hands on any book you ask for. Make sure you have the time to browse, you'll discover interests you never knew you had. read more

This is my favorite book store ever! Such a friendly helpful staff and it's so fun to spend hours in here searching for books.

After reading the reviews I was hesitant to go to this bookstore, but it was close and I wanted an easy read for camping..figured they would have to have something..I was pleasantly surprised...great selection, super helpful staff...even had the 2nd of Steig larrson's girl with red dragon series, which my husband wanted. Well worth the visit read more

West Side Books distinguishes itself from other Denver used book stores in that it feels more interestingly laid out. Don't get me wrong, others' musty spartan vibe is fine with me, but their large back room makes you feel like you're on a treasure hunt. I like that there is a small but well-chosen new books section and a very large used selection. I'm not exactly sure why or how certain authors get their own little part of the store, but I really couldn't care less; it's well marked and idiosyncrasies are integral to a bookstore's charm. Prices aren't spectacular, but sometimes they have a good sale (like 50% off sets.) The staff is lovely and there are some really interesting finds to be had. read more

This place is as cool as the other side of the pillow. Carry both used and new books which are really fairly price. Every time I go in, I spend at least an hour wandering around the used section...partially due to the organization. Obviously they won't have the best variety, being a neighborhood used both store, which is completely understandable. Personality makes up for variety. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. read more

Stalwart, intriguing, and cavernous used bookstore with new books, art and fun stationary items interspersed. It's where I come to get my wander/wonder on...the mind's getaway read more

One of my favorite bookstores of all time! There are shelves of books, stacks of books, books piled on every available surface, towering to the ceiling with mind-boggling balance. There are mostly used books, some new books, rare books, books on every imaginable subject, spanning every genre. The staff is friendly and helpful, but for the most part leave you alone unless you ask for help because they know that's what their customers want. How they know exactly where every book in this place is located is a mystery to me. The prices are fair, and considering the sheer amount of inventory crammed into the place, it's remarkably clean. This is a bibliophile's sweetest dream. read more

My favorite bookstore. Superb selection, smart, amiable staff, good coffee and food in the neighborhood...Prices are good, and they welcome good books for trade credit. The current Yelp photos don't show the new addition, which adds even more shelf space and a light-filled room. Big art and fiction sections. Rare and collectable things. Lois, the owner, is admirable, has been doing this since the 70s. New website, sometimes with specials. Don't miss this place. read more

I stumbled across this jem a few months ago and am so happy I did! Friendly and helpful staff- awesome selection of books. Really great find here in NW Denver. Great store great people. Can complain! This place is great only wish they had a few comfy spots and I'd be there all day. Lovely place for book readers and for cool gifts. They order books for you too! read more

Awesome books and so many unique reads! The best place to buy for those who are hard to buy for at this time of year! Lots of events to attend and great staff to help find that long lost read! read more

My all time favorite book store. If you're looking for a corporate place that has helpers in aprons then go to Barns and Noble. This store is what stories are made of. Plan on spending some time there, don't go there in a rush to find something. The person who helped me today I'm pretty sure is the owner. I could tell she likes people who are interested an enjoy the experience she is creating in a bookstore. I could see somebody writing a fantasy novel that includes this store, and the woman who owns it. read more

As a seller I would definitely start here. I had a huge amount of books (she won't look at more than three boxes) of mostly hard back in excellent condition all random stuff. Amost all of the other book stores i called in denver were so rude and pretentious and flat out told me not to even bother basically before they knew what I had. i get lots of people are seselling books but I am also a potential customer, and I want to support the local book stores. i ccould name a handful not even to bother with they were so nasty and useless. West side encouraged me to come in, bought over half my books and gave me a totally reasonable price. She was also really sweet. I will definitely go back next time I have to sell or buy used books. Only complaint you can only sell Tuesday's or Saturday's. read more

This place is within walking distance of my home. Staff is always really nice and helpful. Prices are good. If I go in, it pretty much means I am leaving with something. Even if I have no idea what I am looking for, I find something. As a new small business owner, I really appreciate places like West Side Books. I haven't been in for a while (because I am currently backed up on literature), but I need to take a trip over there to see what's new. read more

I am sure the people who have bought books from West Side Books had a positive experience, however my personal experience selling to this establishment was horrendous. Today at 11:30 A.M I dropped off a box full of books with the owner (elderly woman), who said she would call me in about 20-30 minutes on my cell when she was done evaluating them. I returned about 45 minutes later to find her making a long, dramatic personal call at the front desk. I later called to find out what her evaluation was; she offered me $5 of store credit for all the non text book (approximately 7 books). I told her I was not going to pursue the sale and to please return my books. When I returned to the store, she had lazily thrown my box of books by the front door- and the 7 she wanted to buy were missing. I asked her what had happened to them, and she pretended not to know anything about them. This woman is unfortunately either a liar, thief, or ill equipped to perform her duties. For your own sake, I would suggest selling else ware. read more

Cool book store that just happened to be down the street from where we were staying. Good selection of used books.