With the rise of online book sellers, many readers seek out bookstores where they can thumb through hard copies of what to read next. There’s a unique pleasure we take in visiting a real bookstore and browsing the shelves. This experience is rare these days, but there are still some great book stores book lovers can visit. See which book store was voted Best Book Store in Philadelphia by Philly locals.
2024: Philadelphia Voted Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books Best Book Store!
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
5445 Germantown Avenue
(215) 403-7058
unclebobbies.com
Uncle Bobbie’s is the kind of bookstore you could spend hours wandering around in before noticing that a moment has gone by. Founded in 2017 by former CNN commentator Marc Lamont Hill, the Germantown Ave shop offers the latest titles from celebrated and up-and-coming authors. With a full coffee and espresso bar, it’s the perfect place to cozy up with a new book for a few hours. Plus, they are constantly putting on free community events such as author talks, weekly children’s story time, and workshops. They’ve hosted the likes of Supreme Court Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson, Ta-Nehesi Coates, and the Grammy-award winning singer Eve. Subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on Instagram to stay updated with all of their exciting happenings!
2023: Philadelphia Voted Brickbat Books Best Book Store! (Tie)
Brickbat Books
709 S 4th Street
(215) 592-1207 – brickbatbooks.blogspot.com
Brickbat is the quintessential vintage book store, offering rare and unique fiction and nonfiction titles way beyond what you’ll see on a Bestseller list. They also double as a book thrift store – a great way to offload some books that are no longer needed for cash or other interesting titles. Their genres include literature fiction, genre fiction, poetry, art, comic books, cookbooks, non-fiction, and more!
2023: Philadelphia Voted Garland of Letters Bookstore Best Book Store! (Tie)
Garland of Letters Bookstore
527 South Street
(215) 923-5946 – garlandofletters.com
Garland of Letters is far from your regular bookstore. They specialize in spiritual titles, including yoga, wellness, spiritualism, and multiple religious backgrounds. They also offer products like tarot cards, crystals, incense, and more! The shop was founded by Dr. Vijayendra Pratap, an applied psychology researcher, author, and yoga expert. You can expect feeling like you’re in a brand-new world stepping through their doors!
2022: Philadelphia Voted Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books Best Book Store!
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
5445 Germantown Avenue
(215) 403-7058 – unclebobbies.com
Located in the heart of the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books was founded by Marc Lamont Hill in 2017. The store’s mission is to provide underserved communities with access to books and a welcoming space where everyone feels valued. In addition to a well-curated selection of books, they serve high-quality coffee and food products, as well as apparel and children’s games. Uncle Bobbie’s also serves as a community space, hosting free author talks, workshops, weekly children’s story times, and back to school drives. The store slogan is “Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee” and the spacious, bright, and warm atmosphere lives up to the promise. The next time you’re in Germantown and need a good cup of coffee or a book recommendation, check out Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books.
2021: Philadelphia Voted Shakespeare and Company Best Book Store!
Shakespeare and Company
1632 Walnut St
(215)-240-1000 – shop.shakeandco.com
Readers across the world know Shakespeare & Company as a book lovers paradise, and the Philadelphia location is no exception. Founded as an offshoot of the iconic brand with locations in Manhattan and London, the bookstore at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia strives to meet the same high standards bookworms have come to expect from Shakespeare & Company — a wide selection of both new releases and timeless classics in a modern, organized space staffed by knowledgeable and helpful booksellers. Shakespeare & Company has truly earned its reputation as both a world class bookstore and a cafe, offering tasty espresso drinks to enjoy with a good book!
