Read & Eat

Only in Mount Airy could this place get so many good reviews. Why do we want to support so many mediocre businesses and not hold them to normal standards? This store is disorganized and dirty and the majority of the books are in really rough shape. I wanted to support them, I love used bookstores and have a house full of books and regularly buy more by the bunch but I cannot give my money to such a poorly run place when all independent book stores are struggling to exist. I’d rather give my money to the stores that sort and clean and make an effort.
Every time I go into read and eat the condition is worse not better. I gave it several tries and the last time I was going to try the food but upon seeing the unrefrigerated quiche unwrapped in the same plastic dome as the unwrapped cookies I gave up. The ice cream case badly in need of being defrosted was gross as well. Someone needs to teach them some food safety rules which is even more scary since they own a restaurant too.

The food selection is terrific and the prices outstanding. I love that I can hang out with my kid and peruse books. But the place is so dirty, I don’t have an appetite there. The ice cream containers are all piled up in a heap in the freezer, the floor is filthy on the edges. The counters are sticky and covered with sugar and crumbs. Behind the counter, dirty spoons and dishes sit. Used containers (like milk) are not put away. It’s a great idea but staff should really work harder to keep it clean.

This place is one of the reasons I want to make Mt. Airy my permanent home (east or west – I don’t care. I know there is a distinction between the 2.)
I first became acquainted with this awesome place because I’m taking a weekly acting class that meets in the classroom in the back of the store. Now I just want to move somewhere within walking distance of it and spent tons of time there. I haven’t perused a ton of used book shops in Philly yet, but I bet this is one of the best. When I was looking for plays to pick a monologue for my class (and btw, they have tons of books of the best playwrights’ work), I found way too many other books I wanted to buy. Everything from really obscure zines and books by my favorite alternative writers like NY performance artist Karen Findley, to all of the great works of literature you could ever want.
It also looks like they have music events from time to time – I noticed when I was there for my class that they were doing a jazz concert that Friday night, but I didn’t get a chance to go.
It really just has this feel of being a cozy neighborhood place where you can get to know the people who work there, and they make you feel welcome everytime you go in. Honestly, there should be more places where you can get a delicious banana smoothie and read up on medieval art.

Wish I could like this place for the books and coffee but I just can’t. The owner was rude. Can’t go back to a place that treats customers and musicians playing there poorly.

I stopped in here today for an iced coffee on a record-​breakingly hot day, and I was not disappointed. The beverage I received was the cold, flavorful nectar of heaven itself, milked from the teat of angels. Plus they have like a million books to read.

This is a very nice coffee shop, ice cream parlor and used bookstore located in a lively commercial district. There is live music a couple nights per week (usually small acoustic ensembles). The owners are nice to talk to and they hire local youth to serve the food. This place is relaxing and fun and different. The books are very inexpensive to buy, and there are thousands to choose from. «Mt. Airy Read & Eat» is the new local hangout for people of all ages. Highly recommended.

Come in for a quiet moment with your coffee and a book. Read & East is a cross between someone’s attic and a library – towering shelves are crammed with every kind of book you could want. Seats are spread throughout the shelves (secluded), with larger comfy chairs are located near the front.
After you browse the shelves for something to read, you can stop by the counter to order some coffee or a snack to enjoy while you read. There are a bunch of local flavors that are available at this place. Bassett’s ice cream and Capogiro gelato are in attendance, as well as Federal Donuts. What more could you want?

Love this place. The staff/​owners are super friendly and helpful. You can always find a good book to read and there’s always something new. Pretty well organized too. Plus, the coffee is super affordable and so is the food. Added bonus: they sell ice cream. Definitely stop in for a bit – you won’t be disappointed.

Totally chill and awesome bookstore café. Every neighborhood in the world should have a place like this. Some evenings there are free concerts or movies. They are open most of the day and night. Staff is friendly. And they have both Bassett’s and Weckerly’s Ice cream … as well as rugelach. How can you go wrong spending time at Read & Eat?

I went about a week ago my coffee and dessert were delicious. The young lady was very helpful and knowledgable about all the amenities that the establishment had to offer. They have a theater that also doubles as a stage or can be use for small gatherings. However the comfort level is not good the chairs are not made for lounging or relaxing
(maybe to deter patrons from staying too long)
There was a large table in the back but weak metal chairs It felt like I was a at teacher conference plenty of space for independence and mild solitude looking forward to seeing more changes
Internet was average at best

Coffee and books. Mt. Airy has a downtown and a downtown needs a good place like this to be legitimate. You can have a million bars and restaurants, but you need a bookstore to go along with it. Owner is extremely easy going and the pastry/​coffee prices are appropriate for the rational minded person. Please support this place. Decompress and explore. This is good for the community.

Very friendly and welcoming atmosphere, plus reasonable prices for delicious coffee and espresso drinks. Definitely recommended

Not a fancey bookstore still nice neighborhood bookstore café all the books depending on condition of book $ 1 to $ 3 the café have coffee and pastries more importantly nice and quiet feels like a library atmosphere

I love this place! It is so peaceful and everyone is so nice. Food and coffee are delicious too!