Nakia S.

I love WORD! A Quaint, independent bookstore with a great selection of good reads. Of course it's not on the same scale as BN, but that's the point! Staff is so friendly and always willing to assist even offer suggestions. There is also an awesome virtual BookClub , sign up online or here https://shop.wordbookstores.com/virtual-book-clubs

Nephthalie E.

I am a sucker for small businesses, especially bookstores like WORD. I was in the neighborhood exploring on a random Tuesday night and WORD definitely caught my eye. (Its a few steps away from the GROVE st. PATH stop so very easy to get to)When I first walked in, I made eye contact with one of the staff members but wasn't greeted or asked if I was looking for anything in particular. I made way throughout the bookstore and was impressed by the vast array of books for such a small bookstore! My favorite aspect of the bookstore was there section of Black/African-American books for children. Seeing that made my heart so happy! There is also a large section for children overall. I love that there is a small area to sit, read and sip on some tea/coffee. I can't speak on the coffee or treats that they serve but would definitely come back to relax and grab a book. Lastly, I also loved that they offer cards, small last-minute gifts, and journals/notebooks.

Cassy B.

WORD is everything I'm looking for in a bookstore and so so so much more. It's a quaint spot but filled with so many goodies. As soon as I walked in I was greeted and asked if I needed help. I really was just browsing before meeting a friend for dinner in the area. I spent at least an hour in there, this bookstore consumes you. They have every section you could long for, a feminist section, cooking, rally and resist, best selling fiction/nonfiction. Not too mention their amazing cards! They have a nice selection up front of great cards for any occasion. So funny, witty and just plain charming. Can't wait until I have to buy a birthday card because this will be my first stop. There's also a cafe near the back, I would check their hours for espresso drinks because they stop serving them at a certain time. They also have a few snack to munch on. Little bookstores like this one just make you want to celebrate and support small businesses. Can't recommend WORD enough to anyone who enjoys a good book.

Sallie D.

Love this place so much! I was waiting at Grove Street PATH station and needed a quick coffee. Saw this place on Yelp. The cafe inside a bookstore thing is kind of old and reminds me of cheesy mall bookstores so I had pretty low expectations. Imagine how happy I was to find that they serve Stumptown coffee! The baristas are great. Their espresso creations are amazing. They also stock an assortment of random food items that look pretty tasty/interesting (fluffy banana pudding anyone?). Also they have the hard-to-find, delish, and only mildly sweet Pilot brand lavender peach kombucha I've only ever seen at Foragers market in Chelsea. If you get one drink I would go with the aptly named This Side of Paradise, a double espresso shot with Mast Brothers dark chocolate, steamed milk, and coconut flavor (impossible to go wrong with this ingredient list). That first sip was so amazing I literally stopped walking in the middle of the street and almost got hit by a car. Edit: I went back a second time and the drink was pretty bad - chalking to a one off for now. Otherwise make sure you get the good barista...

Kab B.

Love supporting local businesses. Nice selection of books. Classics, new, old, and everything in between.

Irina G.

I really like the concept. Books, tea, coffee and even gluten free baked goods - what's not to like. It's one of those places that makes a neighborhood cool. The place has a hipster vibe and staff is nice. I just wanted tea and a pastry and was happy to learn that they had gluten free options. I got a rice cake and a tea called "Paris". The cake was ok. A bit dry for my taste and the tea was ok too. The space in general had a welcoming atmosphere. I wished I could hang out there longer and didn't have to run somewhere. I am a book lover, but somehow the arrangement of the books wasn't drawing me in. I think the books could be displayed better to catch my attention... but what do I know...? Overall, the place is cool and I wish there was something similar by me.

Stephanie Y.

Well a bookstore is always needed and although she be small, she is fierce! They have a lot of great books, a great kids section and even some really great arty/comic/graphic novel options. Score. As you can see from the other reviews, they also boast quite a great greeting card variety. What you may not know is that they also have a cafe in the back. I spent an afternoon there, taking advantage of the free wifi and enjoyed some coffee, a lox & cucumber sandwich (from Roman Nose) and a gluten free or maybe was it vegan? peanut butter chocolate chip cookie. Well this endeavor was not cheap. The coffee was close to $3, the sandwich close to $9 and the small cookie over $2. Everything was tasty, however for my own preference definitely a splurge. A bonus: they do have a frequent members club, you get some sort of a discount when you spend $100, food included. With no windows and natural light in the back of the store, this place reminds me more of a back of a library with the communal tables than coffee shop, which is a nice change of pace. Oh hey: They have lectures and speakers in all the time. Definitely get on their mailing list to learn more. I definitely say head to Word if you need a book, a child's gift, a card. Definitely enjoy some of that Stumptown Coffee while you are there!

Paul M.

Mainstay bookstore (both locations) The staff always helps me find my holiday gifts, great art and music selection. Blank notebooks and moleskines.

Satwinder H.

I've walked past this place dozens of times and never given it a second glance. On this occasion my kids were looking for some graphic novels so we decided to step in. I'm really glad we did. I'd forgotten how nice it was to actually browse in a book store instead of buying books online! The staff were very knowledgeable and spent a while talking us through the suitable graphic novels for my kids. This place has a great vibe. Aside from the obligatory books, you can buy small gifts and trinkets, gift cards and most importantly coffee and snacks! There's even a space at the back to sit down and work whilst you enjoy your beverages. My favourite part of the visit was at 11am (Saturday) when there was story time and one of the employees read not one, not two but three stories all whilst trying to engage the kids and have them discuss the meaning of the story. This was a lovely touch and a great way to get the kids engaged in books.

Mikaya S.

One word: That little bookstore that could... You know that overwhelming feeling you get at big box bookstores, when they still existed anyway?? I know you know what I mean. Well, you won't get that here, as this shop is quite manageable, esp. for persons of ADD with little time... Unless you preplanned spending a whole day here, which I'd question, as there aren't any real accommodations here, unless you're a couple of kids... Though granted, there are two tables outside for you and your drink(s) purchased from the inside cafe... So you get to browse their "curated" selections--I say curated because they can't possibly fit every book and curiosity in all the publishing and creative realms in here because how would we get inside?? Final word: Again, this is that little bookstore that could... Which brings to mind the same idea in the film You've Got Mail... You stop by for the experience, not the size of the place. Though in terms of actual space, I'd say this is big enough and also has a flagship(?) store in Brooklyn, which opened first. Extra words: The cafe grub (inc. the brownie, cookie, and tomato Scone) and drinks (i.e. hot and ice coffee, and Matcha) I tried are just okay (though pricier than others in the area) and not something I'd come here for. There are more than enough spots in the neighborhood to satisfy your gastronomic needs. But for your upper department, go ahead and peruse this place. Also note: Some of their items will crack you up silly, so be prepared to wave that thing you're ogling to save face... Or you might look like a giggly, mental case. But who cares, I've been there and bought the thing... It said "I'm a delicate [ducking] flower." So laugh away and cheers--it's good for the heart.