HomeWashington, DC5 Best Bookstores in Washington, DC

5 Best Bookstores in Washington, DC

Below is a list of the top and leading Bookstores in Washington. To help you find the best Bookstores located near you in Washington, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

Washington’ Best Bookstores: 

The top-rated Bookstores in Washington, DC are:

  • Lost City Books – provides arrays of new and used books for the whole community
  • East City Bookshop – independent neighborhood shop featuring a diverse range of book genres
  • Solid State Books –  independent and black-owned bookstore and coffee bar
  • Kramers – has been in the neighborhood as a bookstore since 1976
  • Bridge Street Books – offers a wide selection of university, trade, and small press publications since 1980

Lost City Books

Lost City Books Washington, DC

Lost City Books provides arrays of new and used books for the whole community. It is owned by a veteran and dog lover. Adam is also an enthusiastic disseminator of books. he leads a team of book lovers. Furthermore, they offer a place where people can ist diverse ideas and time periods. They encourage their visitors to be curious -emotionally intellectually, and psychologically.

There are book bundles like indie, sci-fi, and spooky bundles. Moreover, they have books tackling art, fiction, poetry, and vintage. There are also signed books and collectibles available.

Products/ Services:

bookstore, book bundles, rare books

LOCATION: 

Address: 2467 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone:  (202) 232-4774
Website:  lostcitybookstore.com

REVIEWS: 

”Very nicely organized Bookstore in the heart of the thriving Adams Morgan neighborhood. It has both new and gently used books and a great selection of the classics. Staff is friendly and it is a great atmosphere for book lovers to browse. It is a must stop every time I visit that neighborhood, and I don’t even live in the area.” – Pev Vas

East City Bookshop

East City Bookshop Washington, DC

East City Bookshop is an independent neighborhood shop featuring a diverse range of book genres. It opened in 2016 and has been a gathering place for book lovers of all ages. Furthermore, the bookshop allows people to freely talk about books and ideas. The shop also offers author events and book clubs. There are also community events that support literary arts at every reading level.

The shop features signed books, audiobooks, and ebooks. Moreover, there are gift bundles and merch to choose from. Aside from books, there are selections of toys, gifts, and art supplies.

Products/ Services:

bookshop, toys, gifts

LOCATION: 

Address: 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE #100, Washington, DC 20003
Phone: (202) 290-1636
Website:  eastcitybookshop.com

REVIEWS: 

“This is a great independent local bookstore. They have a little of everything and will happily order what they don’t have. The orders come in fast. A nice children’s and YA section. I always find something to read when I visit. You can also buy arts and crafts for the kids. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We’ll worth the visit and there are lots of things to do around the area. Visit the bookstore then go and have lunch.” – Luis Rueda

Solid State Books 

Solid State Books Washington, DC

Solid State Books is an independent and black-owned bookstore and coffee bar. They encourage the community to be intellectually and socially active. The shop is ideally situated in the heart of the historic H street hub. Furthermore, it is a full-service general interest bookstore. They have a deep and diverse section of non-fictional and fictional titles. Their book selection can cater to every age.

They have exciting activities like children’s story hours, book groups, and author readings. Moreover, they host author signing events and political conversations. There is also a coffee bar featuring pastries, snacks, and wines.

Products/ Services:

bookstore, coffee bar

LOCATION: 

Address: 600F H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 897-4201
Website:  solidstatebooksdc.com

REVIEWS: 

“Great bookstore to pick up Dogman books obviously. All around cool place. They have a wide variety of topics and books covered here and it’s close to a few coffee shops so you can enjoy a good read and a cup of coffee.” – Chris Atkins

KramersKramers Bookstore in Washington, DC

Kramers has been in the neighborhood as a bookstore since 1976. They are committed to providing their patrons with access to the best books and food. Furthermore, the bookshop has a lively and convivial atmosphere. They ensure that there is something for everyone. The bookshop also hosts hundreds o book-related events every year.

They offer bulk book burning and offsite bookselling. Moreover, they offer hardcovers and paperbacks from classics to the latest releases. Aside from books, they have tasty options of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast dishes.

Products/ Services:

bookstore, cafe

LOCATION: 

Address: 1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 387-1400
Website: kramers.com

REVIEWS: 

”I’m really happy this awesome bookstore came recommended by a friend for me to check out while staying in Dupont Circle for a long weekend. The books and gifts are well curated and there is a restaurant in the store with delicious food, drinks, and dessert. The coffee is great, too.” – Cara Forte

Bridge Street Books

Bridge Street Books Washington, DC

Bridge Street Books offers a wide selection of university, trade, and small press publications since 1980. The books are available for online and curbside orders. Furthermore, they have a well-curated collection of fiction, philosophy, and poetry books. There is also a diverse selection of science, psychology, religion books. In addition, they feature books from Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and many more.

The bookshop features booksellers like The Midnight Library, The Song of Achilles, and Dune. Moreover, they offer puzzles and other educational toys for children.

Products/ Services:

bookstore, poetry books, puzzles

LOCATION: 

Address:  2814 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone:  (202) 965-5200
Website:  bridgestreetbooks.com

REVIEWS: 

”One of my favorite bookstores ever, after just one visit! Two levels of books in a fairly small square footage yet had the total works of so many authors! So important to showcase an authors complete works, not just the well-known ones. Also, a HUGE poetry selection (pictured). Will definitely return” – Rachel Little