Phoenix Books

Absent mindedly brought my new, full cup of gas station coffee in with me. Didn’t want to toss it, so I bought a second cup of coffee at their coffee counter. Was chewed out very rudely for bringing in coffee, even though I had bought one from them. The woman was really very angry and rude. True, you shouldn’t bring your own, but I have medical issues (but no handicap sticker) and didn’t want to bring the foreign coffee back out to the middle of the parking lot. Guess they don’t want my business.

Atmosphere is very relaxing, laid back enough to work on my studies! Didn’t do much looking around, but I enjoyed a yummy green tea and quiet time.

I love this store unfortunately I never have enough money to spend here!! also the fact they have lattes and yummy treats is a plus as well!

This is on service. I like that this is a local store and I like the selection. I would often go out of my way to shop here as I did this time. I went to purchase my gifts and placed my items at the register. I asked for a gift receipt. She had already rung up the items and refused to give me a gift receipt claiming that she couldn’t just print it out. Yet have seen them do this. She refuse to help me from that point on because the line was too long! Might I add that there were two people working the register and only two people behind me. UGh! Really!?! Not worth the hassle and headache!

I love Phoenix books – independent/​locally owned. It is a great alternative to Barne’s and Noble.
I am continually please by the selection which is quite impressive for a smaller (smaller than the massive box bookstores). I think they do a great job with buying. On the few occasions I’ve had a specific (and obscure) book on my list that I haven’t found, they’ve offered to order it for me.
They’ve got a great little café as well. And the staff is really helpful and sweet.
It is my go to place for gift certificates for teachers or folks that I need to get a gift for that I don’t know well.
This place is a gem! Definitely check it out.

A great local book shop, and not such a bad place to hang out for an hour or so. We about 5 minutes away and pop in about once a week, and on just about any rainy day.
The staff is always very helpful and ready to take the time to help you find what you’re looking for, or else an in-​stock alternative, or else track it down for a special order.
Sometimes the in-​stock selection seems a little light, but what title they do have in stock are always well worthwhile, and I’ve stumbled upon a couple of happy accidents now based on what’s displayed as a «Staff Pick». And whatever they don’t have in stock already, they’re almost always able to get it.
The other thing I love about Phoenix is that you can get a coffee or a beer.

Sometimes you find a place you love and you don’t want to tell anyone for fear it won’t be your little treasure anymore. This place is so great, I want everyone to know, becuase it’s so hard for independent bookstores to survive these days. They have a great children’s section. And an interesting collection of environmental/​nature type books that are relevant to the Vermont mindset. The staff is great. The barista Rachel is the BEST. Get yourself a latte, find a new book and settle in at the café and enjoy yourself! You’ll totally forget you are in a suburban strip mall!

I must preface my review with the following statement. I love bookstores. I love hanging out, reading books, having a cup of coffee… it’s a comfort thing.
Unfortunately, the Burlington area didn’t offer many alternatives to the big two (Border’s and Barnes and Noble). Last fall Phoenix Books opened in a strip mall full of shopping outlets. Despite the potentially homogeneous atmosphere, Phoenix has a great feel. The bookstore/​café combo feels like an urban oasis, regardless of the suburban address.
The staff is helpful and friendly. Their selection of books is focused, if not complete. There are plenty of books in the fiction, local and cooking sections, but good luck finding a book on technology.
While I didn’t stop at the café, I plan on going back and curling up with the latest piece of political satire and having a latte. Hope to see you there. After all, good local bookstores are a dying breed.