Best Independent Bookstores In DC
Lifestyle
Looking for a shiny new book to accompany you on your upcoming vacation? Whether you have something specific in mind or are in the mood to browse, we’ve got news: In DC, boutique book stores are officially back in business.
Keep scrolling for our favorite places to shop for the best reads (and book store experiences) in the city today!
#1 Bards Alley Bookshop: This woman-owned bookstore in Vienna doubles as a wine bar and carries a wide selection to browse. And in case you were wondering, yes: The owner, Jen Morrow, chose the name “Bards Alley” to bring to mind classics like Shakespeare and Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
#2 Bold Fork Books: Bold Fork Books is a culinary bookshop in Mount Pleasant owned by former DC restaurant workers. If you’re looking for a cookbook or food-focused book, you’ll find it here!
#3 Bridge Street Books: Bridge Street’s tiny space in Georgetown is packed with books on politics, cultural studies, poetry, and philosophy. You’re not going to find the latest young adult rom-com, but fans of literary criticism would feel right at home.
#4 Busboys and Poets: Busboys and Poets is a popular progressive bookstore and restaurant that bills itself as a community gathering place for artists, writers, and activists. They have nine locations across the DMV and host weekly open-mics and events where you can learn how to get involved in politics and organizing.
#5 Capitol Hill Books: This well-known bookstore stocks a variety of new, used, and rare books. Capitol Hill Books also offers “grab bags:” Just fill out the form on their website to tell the staff a bit about yourself, and they’ll put together a stack of books they think you’ll enjoy!
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#6 East City Bookshop: Founded by a mother looking to foster a community space after her neighborhood bookstore closed, this Capitol Hill bookshop is known for catering to book lovers of all ages. Aside from the usual book clubs and author events offered at many indie bookstores, East City also organizes community partnerships that allow customers to directly purchase and donate books from an organization’s wish list.
#7 Harambee Books & Artworks: Harambee — which means “working together” in Swahili — stocks hard-to-find classic literature by and about people of African descent. Based in Old Town Alexandria, Harambee also features traditional African clothing and gifts.
#8 Kramers: This longtime retailer in Dupont Circle has the honor of being the first bookseller in DC to also function as a café. Now, the bookstore offers a restaurant, bar, and even a barber studio. If you don’t have time to browse the shelves and get a haircut while you’re at it, Kramers sends book deliveries in an hour or less through Postmates and UberEats.
#9 Loyalty Bookstore: Loyalty Bookstore specializes in diverse books, seeking to center the voices of marginalized communities. Among its now-popularized events are Drag Queen Storytimes you don’t want to miss.
#10 Mahogany Books: This Black-owned and family-run bookstore originally started out online and is dedicated to books written for, by, and about people of the African diaspora. They have since opened two physical locations — one in Anacostia and one in National Harbor — where book lovers can find works by A-list writers, new voices, and local authors.
#11 Politics and Prose: A DC institution, Politics and Prose is famous for attracting A-listers — from Barack Obama to José Andrés — to its author events, which are offered at least once a day. If you have a question about a book, just ask any of the incredibly knowledgeable staff in the three locations throughout the District.
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