Had to stop by the award-winning friendliest bookstore in Pennsylvania -- White Whale Bookstore (ranked 71st in the country!!) Not only do they have an incredible book selection, but there's also a cozy coffee + tea shop attached Huge shoutout to Luis (GM!) for helping me pick the perfect latte -- I went with the banana bread latte (on the menu until the end of the month, so don't miss it!) [[HIGHLIGHT]]They truly prioritize community, host events, and create such a welcoming vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely check out their website for upcoming happenings! read more

Great bookstore with a wide variety of genres, but the cafe is what really makes it special! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the honey nut latte which is very comforting and fall-like, super great place to grab a drink and browse, also with a little seating area too, you can get a book and immediately start reading which I love![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Honey Nut Latte - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Calling all bookworms! White Whale Bookstore is an independent bookstore and cafe located in Bloomfield. This place is a gem, I love to shop here, and I highly recommend it to my fellow readers. White Whale stocks the latest in both fiction and nonfiction, as well as poetry, history, local authors, children's books, etc. Arguably best of all though, they'll order a book for you if it's not in stock. They've become my go-to if I'm looking for a particular title. Orders get here fast, too; so if you're looking for ways to ditch Amazon and support local businesses, definitely start ordering your books through White Whale! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The store itself isn't the biggest, but it's well-lit and well-organized.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plus, their cafe and seating options make it easy to relax and enjoy a book.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's reminiscent of Borders or even Barnes & Noble...but it's better, I think because independent businesses always have a "homely" touch that larger businesses don't.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There is no parking lot and it's street parking only, but if you time your visit right that won't be an issue - I've always been able to find parking myself. Definitely stop by soon and enjoy the vibes - you won't be disappointed! read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Great bookstore!! lots of different choices that seem different than what I've seen in other bookstores. Wide variety of material. Staff was also very nice. read more

This is such a gem of a local, independent bookstore. Support local, independent bookstores! Sure, you can save a few dollars buying at a big box retailer. But you don't get the ability to browse, sense of community and personal service that comes with a place like this. I have read nearly 100 books this year and today I spent a whole lot of time in the store reading the staff's reviews posted alongside some of the books. It was fun to see whose vibe meshed with mine, to get a sense of whose recommendations I might want to follow on things I hadn't already read. This shop has introduced me to quite a few interesting authors and books that I don't know if I would have found outside of them being front and center via staff recommendations here. Attached to the main bookshop is a coffee and tea shop with some small food items. Here you can also choose from a very nice selection of cards and some White Whale merchandise that is very cute, like mugs, tumblers and apparel. I bought a sweatshirt and a beanie for out-of-town friends who love to visit Pittsburgh and are both book people like me, and both items seem very high-quality. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are some spaces to sit and/or work in the coffee and tea area, which I believe has now been approved for a liquor license as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] In all, this is just a quality local place with a great selection and great staff that deserves your business. read more

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We stopped by here yesterday afternoon to cowork for a couple of hours. I got the hot moo deng drink and it was delicious and the glassware was really cute. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They don't have a ton of tables to work at so try and get there on the earlier side if you can![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've been here a couple of times and the staff is really friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They seem to have a good selection of books and other things like getting cards.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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What a great bookstore! My wife, eight-year-old daughter spent an hour browsing books. Spread across two rooms, they have a wide selection of books, including a great children's book corner. They also sell cards, games, and other items. There's a cafe and a few tables to sit a latte at. If you love travel, their travel section is small, but it does exist. read more

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Great local bookstore and coffee shop right in Bloomfield! Staff are super helpful, the book selection is great, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]there is a coffee bar and seating/work areas...what more could you want in a bookstore![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend shopping here for all of your book needs! read more

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This is my absolute favorite bookstore, not just in Pittsburgh but across the board! The staff is so friendly, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the store is cozy,[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] the coffee is delicious, and the events add so much to the community. I would highly recommend! read more

Recently went to WW to cowork and enjoy the cafe and it was wonderful! My matcha was 10/10 and the scone was good too. They have really interesting syrup flavors like lemon vanilla which my friend tried and was delish. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe was chill and pretty conducive to working and relaxing too and they have WiFi.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I finally made it to this spot. A great stop for coffee in Bloomfield. Plus - [[HIGHLIGHT]]The smell of a book store is so nostalgic to me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I also loved the handwritten cards with book descriptions- what a nice touch![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They had such a friendly and helpful staff who made recommendations and discussed the specials with us. read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I look a small business bookshop and being able to get coffee is even better. I think we have to keep frequenting this place so they can eventually move to a higher space because my only gripe is that I want more. More space and more inventory so I can spend more time there. read more

Synesso espresso machine, skilled barista, oat milk iced latte with brown sugar syrup - delish. Banana Split Iced Latte wasn't my favorite, but my daughter loved it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean, thoughtful offerings in books, merch and f&b, nice place and would happily return![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I recently went to White Whale for the first time & oh my was it wonderful! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The energy, the collections, the people all 10/10.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There is even a beverage counter inside so you can order coffee, beer or wine. I went with one of my follower's recommendations, the Gingerbread Chai with a shot of espresso! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I spent a lot of time in the growth section checking out self help-esque books & the regional section where there were tons of books about Pittsburgh & Appalachia.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lots of kid friendly books can be found at White Whale too![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Honestly, what a fantastic indie bookstore in Pittsburgh! There is a small cafe, which I have not tried, but the book selection is absolutely fantastic and well organized. I also love that they have a small selection of books that you can purchase for local incarcerated individuals - helping them gain access to resources and education. read more

Cute place to catch up with a good selection that appeals to modern tastes. Their baristas are incredibly personable and seemed to put some care into their drinks. Some sections have a limited selection, such as philosophy. However, it's worth a visit whether you're alone or with a friend. read more

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Great independent bookstore. Well-curated selection of books in all sorts of genres. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bustling and friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I picked up a number of books and could have bought many more! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the vibe, the coffee is good and everyone is super nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I go back and buy books here every now and then too just to support them. read more

Wonderful indie bookstore with a lovely café (and yummy gluten-free options!). The team was knowledgeable and warmly welcoming, and I was impressed by the thoughtfully curated middle-grade section: It had a place of its very own. I also enjoyed seeing local writers highlighted, and the merch is top notch. read more

I love this place with my whole heart. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The coffee is incredible (sometimes I swing by just for a coffee!) and the atmosphere is amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's clean and very pretty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Theres two bathrooms in the back (one is out of commission right now), WiFi, a good amount of indoor seating, and when the weather is nice, they bring out the outdoor seating too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's a good selection of books and if you need anything they don't have on the shelves, you can ask someone behind the counter to order it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I almost always get a honey almond iced latte, but I've also had their Mango Lemonade (summer special I believe), which is also delicious! If you're unsure of any of their drinks and you ask nicely, you might even be able to get a sample! But I promise all their drinks are delicious! I do not like the muffins though. They're crumbly and dense. I've had the banana chocolate (not pictured) and the blueberry (pictured), in which I'll say the blueberry definitely has better texture than the chocolate banana, but nevertheless, they both seem very overmixed. Good flavor though! This is a place I am always recommending to my friends! read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Iced latte with honey and almond milk. Blueberry muffin. - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Very nice book cafe vibes. Cute seating areas with charging ports, I just wish there has been more seats. They have a wide selection and cute description cards. The workers were very nice and helpful. They have coffee here so you can grab something to drink and do some homework or just read whatever vibe you're looking for. read more

I LOVE this bookstore! It has a cute and delicious cafe attached which is a great place to grab a coffee, read a book and/or browse for a new one! If you haven't been here, I definitely recommend! read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Blueberry matcha latte! - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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My wife likes anything with whales. I surprised her and said I'm going to a brewery but we went here. Walk in small quaint little place. I immediately go to the bar area. They offer beer from mindful and have coffee options. I walk around and found several good books. Got a book on wine drinking and the whiskey rebellion. Ordered a cream ale, drank and read and purchased both books. You are required to wear a mask in the store else when drinking. They provide masks to you upon entry to the left of the entrance. I liked this place. Sad we live in an environment that doesn't have this anymore. read more

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Came here to do some studying and grab a drink with a friend, they have a nice little seating area. I was not too crazy about my coffee but I tried something that I am not used to getting so I blame that. The worker who served me was very sweet. I would come back here to do some studying again! read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Gluten free cookie and coffee - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, White Whale Books & Coffee is a box of chocolates. Choose what you want or eat it all. ;) White Whale Books & Coffee offers the book lovers getaway with all of the books, gorgeous decor, and plenty of seating. They have events and they're conscientious about community care. Be sure to check it out! Paid parking is available, and you may find free parking around the block. read more

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I love this little bookstore. Although it's small, it's packed with tons of titles and character. I'm excited to see the expansion coming to the store. I already love the new mural. Know that it's a mostly street parking available. If it's very busy in the area, I believe there's a parking garage nearby! read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Such a cute and cozy book store and I love the addition of the coffee shop! The staff was helpful, able to find a book I was looking for and make great recommendations. Loved it! read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - a person holding a book in a bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I like that this a locally owned bookstore (the owners are our neighbors!). They will order books for you if what you want is not in stock, and they have a Bookshop page. I haven't visited their new coffee shop yet but plan to (hopefully by the time omicron dies down they will have coffee!). The staff are very helpful. What more can you want? read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - The beauty in breaking, by Michelle Harper - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I absolutely love this shop!! Every time I am in the area I try to stop in, my kids love going there as well! They have a great selection, the staff is so nice and also give great recommendations and I love the candles that they sell. It's an awesome locally owned shop and I love giving them support! The cafe is wonderful as well! read more

No public wifi. Strange vibes like you're doing something wrong or not pleasing them. A little hard to breathe.

This is honestly the best coffee I have had in a while (i got a decaf americano and an oatmilk latte) I honestly didn't expect this because it functions as mostly a bookstore, but that fact simply just adds to the vibes. Also, the chocolate chip cookie with sea salt on top was a party for my taste buds read more

White Whale Books & Coffee - Decaf americano - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

They have a cute cafe with beautiful round pottery mugs. Nice two rotating book displays of Penguin classics. Other than that it was just too crowded, and the focus was all on newly published fiction, which I have no interest in. read more

I went here for a poetry book launch in the evening. We had to bring our covid cards and wear a mask. It's a nice unique bookstore in Bloomfield. Street parking was difficult but I managed to find one around the neighborhood block, close walking distance. They also serve coffee and of course new to the menu-- beer! The staff are very nice. The environment is very welcoming. read more

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Staff rudely demanded I put on a mask the minute I opened the door before I got the chance to ask if they had an extra one, (literally no reason to be so aggressive) no Wi-Fi, no outlet for charging laptop, coffee 5/10. Won't be back read more

This place is so cute and I love it so much!!! I didn't try their cafe but I got a few books and a really cute tote bag! If you are looking for a really specific book this may not be the place to go as their selection is small especially compared to giant bookstores like Barnes and noble but coverall I thought their selection was really good! read more

We did a bookstore tour of Pittsburgh. This shop had a nice selection, but they were a bit pricey.

Wonderful neighborhood bookstore! If they don't have what you're looking for they can probably order it for you. Very responsive to messages. Extra thoughtful precautions during covid that made it feel safe to shop in person. Curbside and mail order also available. Lucky to have this little gem in my neighborhood read more

this is my favorite bookstore. i'm so happy for their coffee shop addition and love grabbing a drink after i shop. i've also been to one of their events, nicely planned! read more

I love this place so much The selection is beautifully curated and the staff members are all so nice. I love love love the books with little notes from the employees. If a small hand-written index card says you have to read something... you just have to read it right? read more

It is clear how much love and care the people who run this shop put into selecting books and curating the store. There are little personal notes and descriptions from staff on many of the books, with their recommendations. My favorite part though was the combo of new books and used books. The best of both worlds honestly. Perfect to pick up some cheap older books and the new memoir you've had your eye on. They have about 2/3 new books and a few large shelves of nice quality used books in the back. Good balance, but honestly the whole shop would be even better if they had a larger stock. read more