The Annapolis Bookstore

The most adorable, picture perfect bookstore I have ever seen! It’s like something out of a movie. The owner (I believe??) was super sweet and helpful. A must see for any book lover in Annapolis.

This is a quaint, slightly quirky place, but simply isn’t a five star locale. One book that drew my interest that was on the floor in the basement had a musty aspect to it — back it went. I love real books — and old ones — but it simply isn’t the legendary experience the reviews imply. It is fine, just simply not extraordinary.

VERY disappointed. I went there at the beginning of October to special order a book to give as a Xmas gift. Two weeks was the promise. Month later… nothing. Went back, they had never ordered it. Said they would order it and made a special note. It’s Dec. 22. STILL NOTHING. THERE WENT THAT CHRISTMAS GIFT. I know, I could’ve ordered it on Amazon (which is probably what they would have done anyway). I’d love to support small local bookstores… but not if the service is like this. I’ve lived in Annapolis for 26 years.

A lovely, old fashioned style bookstore located in the historic district of Annapolis. They have a large collection of new and used books covering a plethora of subjects. On many evenings they hold small discussion groups moderated by various individuals on a variety of subjects to include physicians discussing medical matters, retired CIA officers on intelligence activities, etc.
This place is a real treasure.

Best bookstore, and loveliest coffee shop. They make a perfect soy latte and other coffees. A lovely backyard seating area and warm and cozy atmosphere make it perfect in all seasons. Don’t go to Amazon or B&N– support your local bookstore!

LOVE this place. Seriously, wholeheartedly, LOVE it. Books strewn around as well as on shelves, quiet little reading nooks with comfy chairs (and no distracting music as another reviewer pointed out), a tiny café with excellent coffee in the back, free wifi, a shady garden with seating out back, how could I not be obsessed?
I’m only rarely in Annapolis, but I stop here every time I come. I want to move in.
Only negative? Not very strong AC. But the café has a little window unit and there are fans here and there and everything else is so great I don’t even care.

The Annapolis Bookstore is a bookworm’s heaven! There are books LITERALLY everywhere you turn… under you, above you, beside you… just AWESOME. My favorite things about the store are the spiral staircase that leads to a basement full of books and the serene atmosphere. Books are reasonably priced and while the store is small, there are plenty of chairs and nooks to sit in and enjoy your favorite authors! It’s a new, used and rare bookstore so if you see the only copy of one of your favorite titles, grab it!

I always seem to find the perfect thing at the annapolis bookstore, whether it be a new journal or an old book or just time to sit and read. I used to spend whole days in this place and it’s absolutely wonderful.

They have the best coffee because they have the best coffee beans, best coffee machine and best baristas. Number one choice for coffee in downtown Annapolis.

I could spend hours at this bookstore! Stacks of books anywhere you look. 19^th century books with beautiful leather binding and hand-​cut paper. Old Russian and English novels aren’t your thing? No problem, just check out the equal volume of modern novels.
There is such a serenity in the store — I don’t think there was even music playing when we visited — that really fosters an environment for a lazy Saturday, to be engrossed in a new book and adventure.

A darling used book store, lots of great books and you can buy coffee and a bite to eat — even sit out back in the lovely nature setting — its everything a unique bookstore should be. I was staying in Annapolis while my daughter attended the US Naval Academy Summer Seminar and did lots of walking and photography. You will see some of my pics at their Business page.

What an exciting & fun place 2 have a birthday party. Surrounded by books as a backdrop is unconventional, scholarly and charming.
My goddaughter had her Sweet 16 b-​day party here and it was absolutely adorable. The bookstore has a homey feel. It actually feels like you are entering someone’s personal home library. They have new, rare and used books. Hard cover as well as paperback. Although small it has several areas to sit and even a small café that has hot and cold drinks as well as soups and a small selection of breads/​pastries that are made at local bakeries.
Even though I was not able to capture a full view of the outdoor garden seating due to it being fall and cold but can’t wait to see it in the spring and summer. It looks inviting just to sit outside, read and drink tea or coffee.
Oh yes, how dare I forget this place is good for younger kids as well since they have a section of books and small toys for them. The area although small is a great for story time.

I find it pleasant to see a bookstore like this still around. This place has a nice book collection and seating. The café has coffees, lattes and a few pastries to choose from. If your looking to unplug this is your place so grab a cup-​o-​joe and grab a seat.

A bibliophile’s Nirvana… that pretty much sums up this gem of a bookstore in historic downtown Annapolis. Before I proceed, I just want to issue a word of warning: DO NOT go into this shop if you don’t have a LOT of time to spend there! You’re going to want to take your time, browse, explore, and thoroughly experience this delightful little book shop.
At first glance, it looks a shambles… books are literally piled EVERYWHERE. But that’s part of the charm. It’s like visiting a favorite aunt who has an eclectic collection of books, and you never know what you’ll find. From best sellers to antique collectibles and everything in between, they’ve got it here. The children’s section is adorable, complete with an «Olivander’s Wand Shop» sign, a broom, and Hedwig the owl posted above the door to the patio. And it’s not just the books, it’s the entire shop… with its antique light fixtures, fireplace mantles, and wood floors, it really does just make you want to curl up and spend hours lost in a good book.
I didn’t sample anything from the café, but will definitely be back when I have more time to spend exploring.

This review is for the café in the back…
In the past, this was my family’s favorite coffee and pastry place in Annapolis. The atmosphere can’t be beat. In the last couple of months, though, we have been disappointed repeatedly: the pastries are of limited selection and usually old and stale. Also, the service has gotten slow. With only one person working there if 4 people are in front of you you’ll have a 10 minute wait just to place your order. In the past they’ve had more efficient workers that could handle a crowd. We no longer come here on our weekly coffee excursion downtown.
It only get 3 starts due to the great ambiance. The café all by itself deserves less. I hope they turn themselves around.

It’s been so long since I’ve been in an awesome used book store, with books piled everywhere, narrow stairs, great prices. The Annapolis Bookstore also has some new books (got a signed copy of a new mystery!). The place is whimsical, friendly, cozy, and pretty. The café has very nice coffee, a few pastries, and so forth. It has several small, cozy tables, and I stayed reading a book for several hours without ever feeling unwelcome or hurried. Although it was pouring rain when I went, it looked like there was a small deck out back with a few extra chairs and tables. Absolutely loved it, and plan to go back often!

I really, really enjoyed going here. I was starving, it was the first place I saw I walked in… Wow! The atmosphere reminded me of a friends house. It was a very peaceful and quiet environment. I had a annie dillards sandwich. It was a beautiful presentation for a wrap, and the champagne mustard was to die for! The staff was very friendly and accepting of toddlers creating a blue berry crumble over their floor. I would also like to add they support local farmers, are avid recyclers, and buy a lot of their food and coffee organic. I really wish something like this was in VA.

Don’t be surprised when you walk in to the store and feel like you’re entering someone’s private residence. The person lying in bed is supposed to be there… right in the middle of the store for their read-​in-​bed-​a-​thon. The Annapolis Bookstore is one of the most interesting, unique places in town, and their café is one of the best.
Speaking of which, let’s talk about the café. First of all, the staff hits that perfect balance between conversation when you want to be chatty and polite service when you don’t. They can tell. The coffee is imported from Seattle, excellent quality and 100% carbon offset, if that type of thing matters to you. The chief barista is a pro– she was an instructor at one of the Starbucks schools for 15 years back when Starbucks was still cool, and knows her shiz better than almost any you’ll find. I have to admit I was a bit surprised the first time when I ordered a cap and it came out near perfect in this little hole in the wall bookstore. As Colbert would ask… great espresso, or great-​est espresso? Definitely the greatest in the Historic section of Annapolis. This place is a required stop for any out of town visitor. It is Annapolis.
So not only is the coffee excellent, but the snacks are ridiculous too. The manager has taken it upon herself to go around the area and locate all the best local bakeries and dairy farms to get stuff from. Everything is organic and completely local, not to mention delicious. The yogurts are from a dairy on the Eastern Shore and they’ve been sold out every time I’ve been there. The baked goods are pretty amazing… even the tiny little brown tea cookies… people apparently buy these from them in the dozens and I believe it. Pretty awesome stuff. If you go, you need to try one.
As far as the bookstore goes, it’s pretty great too. It’s in a beautiful old house, complete with dog, back porch and many, many books. Believe it or not, used books are actually much cheaper than digital books… and you can give them to your friends after you’re done.

Dan R., my partner in Unilocal and in life, has already said pretty much everything about this place that I wanted to :). It is fantastic! Such a great place to come for a cup of coffee on the weekends, and browse the wonderful cozy stacks of books.
The café is truly about the best you’re going to find in Annapolis. Apologies in advance to the City Dock lovers, but this place blows its neighbor out of the water in terms of coffee and sweet things. The pastries are local, from Magnolia Bread, and other companies that the brilliant café manager finds. Milk for your coffee, yogurt for your breakfast and even (soon) the half & half comes from a family dairy on the Eastern Shore. Personal faves are the oatmeal scone and the Mexican cocoa cookies.
The bookstore part is so well done — straight out of a children’s book, right down to the dark wood library cases and the spiral staircase. Lincoln the dog, when he makes an appearance, totally adds to the ambiance. The children’s section is especially awesome. The owners have created a very fun Harry Potter theme, complete with a Nimbus 2000, the Leaky Cauldron (downstairs), and a cupboard under the stairs labeled «Harry’s Room.»
As other reviewers have noted, there are a LOT of books here. Is this a bad thing? :) Don’t be intimidated by the heavily burdened shelves. There is a database! The ladies know exactly what they have, and where to find it. There is a nice mix of used and new, and the prices are good. The perfect neighborhood bookstore.

The store and the ladies running the place are just perfect…
Books all over the place, all kind of titles, and staff so friendly…
Little coffe shop in the back… Perfect.

Welcome to heaven, my fellow readers! The smell of old books awaits you!
It scared me to death when I found their old space emptied out with a commercial real estate sign sitting in the window, and delighted when I found they’d just moved. I love that they now have two stories to play with, even if the basement is a little claustrophobia-​inducing. But OH! The smell of old books! I could LIVE here if they let me!
As a previous Unilocaler said, the upstairs is mostly organized, but the downstairs is really unorganized, and some sections are very, very hard to get to (I’m looking at you, sewing/​knitting/​needlework section!). I went looking for some Sci-​Fi books for a friend, and never did find the Sci-​fi section. I’m hoping they can get the downstairs organized at some point.
I know I’m biased as a bibliophile, but this is a great store if you don’t know what you’re looking for, or if you’re just looking for something new to read.
There is also a café here which I have yet to try, but will report on my findings of the sweets and treats later. :)
Come for the books, grab a coffee while you’re here, stay and read a spell. :-)

In their new space, they really have a great amount of room and unique layout to grow into. At the moment, they’re still sort of disheveled from the move. Books downstairs aren’t usually organized quite right, and there may be too much random knicknacks crowding the floors and tables. But upstairs is spot-​on awesome already.
The owners are two very awesome folks who know how to share their love of books with a town that has only chain stores otherwise, and thankfully this place is here.
The new coffee bar in back is likewise a great element of growth since the move, with delicious coffee (though they’re still trying out roasters, so check back often!) and some of the BEST hot chocolate in the area.
Let me reiterate how great the chocolate is. It’s Guittard, out of San Francisco. Everywhere else (except Whole Foods’ drinking chocolate) uses either Hershey’s or some like-​minded mass product cocoa. Unfortunate, and downright sad in a town with so many independent cafes and ice cream shops. I’m really happy the bookstore decided to stock decent cocoa.