These independent bookstores in Seattle are a must-visit for readers.
These local indie bookstores are a mix of longtime icons and hidden gems in Seattle. Even if nowadays most of us resort to buying books online without human contact, nothing will ever be as comforting or as special as listening to the literary recommendations from the bibliophile sitting behind an enormous mahogany desk.
There are several days throughout the year that are ideal for visiting your local independent bookstore. On August 9th every year, bibliophiles can gather to enjoy National Book Lovers Day. And the last Saturday of every April, we celebrate Independent Bookstore Day. Readers from around the city get together and compete in a contest of who can visit and buy the most books from indie retailers in the least amount of time.
And of course, you don’t need an excuse to visit one of these bookstores any day of the year! We highly recommend making a rainy day activity out of it (not hard to do in Seattle!).
Here are our favorite independent bookstores in Seattle:
1. Charlie’s Queer Books, Fremont
Why we love it: Seattle’s home for queer books is in an adorable house in Fremont with the most fabulous bathroom you’ve ever seen. There’s also a cozy meeting room, regular events and book clubs, gifts, and, of course, an excellent selection of LGBTQ+ books.
Address: 465 N 36th St
Hours: 11am-7pm Mon-Sat and 11am-5pm Sun (closed Tuesdays)
2. Couth Buzzard Books, Greenwood
Why we love it: This independent bookstore in Greenwood has been around since 1988 but nearly closed in April 2023. Luckily, a passionate community response saved it and you can (and should!) still go there to shop for used and new books, get coffee and light bites at the cafe, and enjoy events and live entertainment.
Address: 8310 Greenwood Ave N
Hours: 10am-9pm daily (opens at 9am Saturdays)
3. Elliott Bay Book Company, Capitol Hill
Why we love it: Seattle’s largest independent bookstore has been a must-visit for readers since 1973. It has been in its Capitol Hill location since 2010, where you can visit to enjoy author readings and other events, coffee and bites at the attached Oddfellows Cafe, a cozy kids’ section, and over 150,000 titles.
Address: 1521 10th Ave
Hours: 10am-9pm daily
4. Left Bank Books Collective, Pike Place Market
Why we love it: While walking around Pike Place Market you can find Left Bank Book Collective: a small bookstore that has a selection of over 10,000 books divided into 70 sections. They specialize in independent, radical and small-press titles.
Address: 92 Pike St.
Hours: 10am-7pm daily (6pm closing time on Sundays)
5. Open Books, Pioneer Square
Why we love it: Open Books is the sole poetry-only bookstore in Seattle. You’ll find new, used and out-of-print poetry books that you can enjoy reading while getting cozy on one of their couches. Note: They recently moved to a beautiful new location in Pioneer Square!
Address: 108 Cherry Street
Hours: 12-5pm Wednesday through Saturday
6. Queen Anne Book Company, Upper Queen Anne
Why we love it: This charming bookstore in Queen Anne has an outdoor patio that is ideal for sitting with a book and a drink from neighboring Queen Anne Coffee Company on sunny days. Luckily, it’s equally cozy inside for those rainy Seattle days.
Address:1811 Queen Anne Ave N
Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri; 10am-5-pm Sat & Sun
7. Secret Garden Books, Ballard
Why we love it: It’s pet friendly! I repeat, you can browse through books in the company of your pup. With more than 40 years of experience in the indie bookstore industry, The Secret Garden is a safe bet when looking for new, used and antique children’s books.
Address: 2214 NW Market St
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm; Sat & Sun 11am-5pm
8. Third Place Books, Seward Park & more
Why we love it: This general-interest bookstore sells new, used, and bargain books at its three different locations in Seattle. With an emphasis on fostering community, Third Place Books offers more than just reading material. You’ll find events, three restaurants, a community room, and more at their Lake Forest Location; and you can enjoy food and drink at attached cafes, bars, and restaurants at their Seward Park and Ravenna locations.
Locations: Lake Forest Park (17171 Bothell Way NE); Ravenna (northeast corner of 20th Ave NE and 65th Street); and Seward Park (northwest corner of Wilson Ave S and S Farrar Street)
Hours: varies by location
9. Paper Boat Booksellers, West Seattle
Why we love it: This family-owned independent bookstore serves West Seattle (we didn’t forget about you, West Seattleites!). They have a wide variety of books, ongoing events, and a friendly staff that is always eager to help.
Address: 6040 California Ave SW Ste. A
Hours: 10am-6pm daily (closed Mondays)
10. Ada’s Technical Books & Cafe
Why we love it: Ada’s is a bookstore, cafe, and community gathering place all in one. You’ll find some great non-fiction and sci-fi books here in particular, or if you’re not sure what to get you can sign up for one of their book subscriptions or request a blind date with a book. Be sure to follow their ongoing events and book clubs.
Address: 425 15th Ave E
Hours: 8am-8pm daily