Grant took me off guard when he told me to take my stuff off of his couch so I didn't mess up the leather. I had just walked in on a rainy afternoon as the store was about to close and wasn't really paying much attention. I was a little taken aback then he asked me what he could help me with. I told him I really am more of the non-fiction type and he politely showed me where I should look. Grant quickly warmed up as we engaged in a friendly conversation about living in CDMX, how smartphones was destroying the tradition human social structure, and politics in the US, although it was clear him and I voted differently. It was really refreshing to actually have a peaceful conversation with a fellow American who was polite and respectful about the before-mentioned subject (due to the fact I was looking at some books about the history of the US). He also gave me some good input about the American Legion downstairs after he found out I was a Veteran and invited me to an event his was having the following week. The store itself is quaint and small, but welcoming and in a great part of Condesa. It's hard to find a good used book store, let along one in English in Mexico City. I walked out with 3 books for 330 MXN, which 2 of them are classics: "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene and "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. Thanks for your help and I will be back!

I’m confused by the good reviews the books are in alphabetical order (kinda). Fiction & Non fiction is mixed. Which is confusing and time consuming to find just one book. Unless you know the exact author you want. Should be organized by Genre? Please? I’m writing this so people manage their expectations. Thousands of books to search through & I really tried for about twenty minutes. One couple came in and just left. The shop is cute and atmospheric. Selling books just doesn’t seem to be priority or there is little financial incentive to make the shop easier for customers to peruse. The shopping experience was tough. I wish I met to owner like others did. Really disappointing because I really love used book stores.

This cozy little place is the bookworm’s dream. They have a great selection; books are in good condition (which sadly is not always the case with used bookstores); the staff is super kind and willing to converse with you if you want, if not, they just let you browse around without pressuring you to buy something. It is not organized by genre but alphabetically, which I loved, because this way you can really enjoy the thrill of book-hunting, not knowing what you might find on the shelves. Definitely coming back. Don’t make the mistake I made on my first visit and bring cash, ‘cause they don’t take credit cards.

This bookshop is a great public service to readers of English in Mexico! This is literally THE SOURCE for English-language books in Mexico City. The owner is a warm-hearted and well-read guy who can talk about books and literature forever with much wit and humor. I never post reviews. I am posting this one because I love this shop. I love that they only accept cash and trades! I don't want the government and corporations knowing what I read! I see that some people complain about the prices. I say to them, "Go live in the Amazon wasteland that you helped to create."

I really love this place. Book selection is fantastic- I went in with a bit of list and the owner had quite of few of the things I was looking for. (Italo Calvino and Hermann Hesse) Decent poetry section as well, and some vintage gems with inscriptions in them that are just kind of rad to hold and think about how many hands have held said book in its lifetime. (Puke. I know. But this is a used bookstore review.) It is cash only and a little on the pricier side but…it’s Mexico and the books are in English so I feel that complaint doesn’t hold much weight.

Antes era una gran librería con precios muy accesibles y amabilidad. Ahora los precios son demasiado elevados (las ediciones cuestan lo mismo o más que nuevas, considerando que son usadas). Pero independientemente de los precios me molesta mucho que la chica que atiende es súper displicente, se la pasa en el teléfono y no ofrece ayuda a los clientes. Las últimas veces que he ido es así. E incluso una vez que en la librería estaba yo y otros clientes norteamericanos, con ellos sí fue súper amable.

The bookstore itself is good but the books are not as organized as the staff described. The staff is alright and I understand what the other comments mean about the staff issues. A lot of books but not cheap actually. With the price I can buy a new book. It is a very small place. I felt that it is a waste of my time and my expectations to go there. I would rather go to other bookstores, they are friendly, new or old books, better selections (for me) and better price.

La modalidad que maneja Grant, es nada más y nada menos que una especie de "Autoservicio". Llegas, te pierdes en la biblioteca y te llevas unos buenos libros que pasas a pagar con él (También da sugerencias). También puedes preguntar por existencia ya sea por correo o por facebook. Muy recomendable. OJO: Todos los libros son en íngles. Por el momento está a cargo Cody, quien no domina el español. Excelente lugar y excelente persona

Es una gran librería por la increíble selección de libros pero no esperaba que el servicio de la chica fuera tan indiferente. Tuve que preguntar todo y jamás nos dio información sobre el orden o formato de librería que manejan. La chica en el celular todo el rato sin decir más. Un poco triste. Amo las librerías independientes o raras pero no me quedaron ganas de volver después de un servicio tan malo. :/

I loved used book stores, and this place did not disappoint. I was a little confused about how to get inside... You have to walk in the bar and go up the stairs. It's a small room. All of the books are arranged by author, and are easy to browse. Prices are listed inside the book covers and they are a cash-only establishment. Def stop by and pick up a random read. Better than browsing Amazon by far. ;)

Under the Volcano is an absolute gem. It's an intimate store with an extensive selection of titles, from classics to niche genres. The store owner, Grant, is exceptionally well-read and offers helpful recommendations and creates a warm, friendly environment. Where else in Mexico can you find books in English? I cannot recommend it enough!

Charming little English language bookstore in a great location. Go upstairs to find a room of second hand books, lots of unusual finds, and a good selection of poetry, drama, fiction and non fiction. Not a place to go for the latest bestsellers, but browse and find something interesting. Super friendly owner who is happy to help.

Under the Volcano Books is the best english language, used-book store in Latin America. Floor to ceiling books cover this cozy corner of Condesa. Their collection of novels, history, non-fiction etc. is fantastic. The owner will chat you up about any author and give insider tips on the best of Mexico City.

If you are an English speaker in CDMX for an extended period, you will come to miss books and reading in general. This store comes through with a wide selection. Prices reflect the fact that the books are imported and this is an independent business. Service is great !!!

One of the best selections of English language books I've seen outside the US. The owner takes pains to stock classics and some modern lit. All the books are used, high quality, and maybe a little pricey, but there's not another place with this kind of selection.

Muy surtida esta librería de libros en inglés usados. La chica que nos atendió fue muy amable y servicial, encontró muy rápido el texto por el que íbamos y aplicó un descuento por ser locales. El edificio en donde está ubicada es muy lindo. Excelente lugar …

By far the best second hand bookstore for books in English in Mexico City. The selection is impeccably curated and the staff is extremely knowledgeable. It’s not cheap but you are paying for the privilege of an awesome collection of books.

After many visits to CDMX, I finally dropped in here. Cool little bookstore in a beautiful building with the best selection I’ve found of English books in the city. The owner is an excellent conversationalist. I’ll be a return customer.

Amazing English bookstore, some incredible rare and beautiful finds. The staff was not only helpful but kind and generous with their time; I've been traveling alone for a while so the nerdy conversation was welcome and satisfying.

One star because Yes, there are books.... But come on : a smile, and a look as a welcome is really better than a speech, without looking, and watching a movie on a smartphone. Worst service ever. What the world become. Sad.

Me encantó el lugar. De primera instancia la atención del personal muy buena, resuelven tus dudas de forma amable; me gusta que te puedes tomar el tiempo para buscar tus libros sin que sientas la presión de que compres ya.

Pequeña, acogedora, literal en un rincón cerca del cielo. Encuentras libros de varios géneros y muy muy baratos. Vi un pequeño libro sobre meditación autografiado por Belinda , uno puede toparse con alguna joya.…

We have been by this shop 3 times at various times of the day, and it has always been closed! Has it gone out of business? We have been visiting in Mexico City this October, and really need some more English books!

Lugar cómodo y curioso para comprar libros en inglés a buen precio. La persona que atiende es muy amable y te enseña todas las secciones que tiene. Tiene buenos libros en inglés sobre temas mexicanos.

Super cute and charming English bookstore in Mexico City. Fair prices, and the owner is super nice and knowledgeable! A must stop if you're a reader traveling in Mexico City! Support local bookstores!

Lamentablemente no aceptan tarjeta, sólo efectivo. Pero es una habitación de cuento, sólo son libros en inglés, en su gran mayoría son de segunda mano. Pero hay cosas interesantes.

Great place for English language used books. Owner is super chill guy that will try and help you find exactly what you are looking for. A bit hard to find (upstairs) but worth it.

Great selection of English literature and very helpful staff. A life-saver if you don’t have an e-reader! They have limited working hours though so check before dropping by.

Es un lugar pequeño pero tiene muy buenas piezas (todo en inglés) y precios muy muy buenos. El chico que nos atendió fue muy amable y resolvió nuestras dudas sin problemas.

A used bookstore with SO much charm, Under the Volcano Books is a true gem of a place! If you're looking to pick up or sell an English book this is the spot for you:)

Awesome tiny bookstore in the old American Legion building, which used to be a brothel. Really excellent curation of books at fair prices. Heads up: It’s cash only!

Librería de viejo, con puros libros en inglés, muy buena selección de libros y temas. La atención es casi personalizada. Muy recomendable. Solo aceptan efectivo.

Good selection of English books at affordable prices. They only take cash so come prepared. The book shop is on the second floor, there is a cool bar downstairs.

Great selection and super friendly staff. However after spending hours at the store, found out it's cash only. Come prepared with cash for all the finds here!!

súper buena selección de libros y todavía mejor el trato (particularmente de Ivy ☝️)!! tienen libros que difícilmente encuentras en otros lugares de la ciudad

The guy who runs it curates his books, he doesn't just let any book on the shelves so yeah they have good books at good enough prices.

Fantastic little second hand English bookshop up on the second floor. They have a wide range of titles and the prices are reasonable.

Good collection of English book organised along the walls for fiction and in the centre with non fiction..very friendly staff

Maybe the best selection of novels in English in Mexico City..a little pricey but still cheaper than El Pendulo or Gandhi

Excellent English language bookshop in a lovely building and neighborhood. Small but very well curated and worth a visit

Great selection, all books great prices; the perfect place to pick up some English language literature or otherwise.

A li'l pricey , but then again it can be cheaper than buying online and wait for your book to arrive (which I hate).

Even whilst traveling, I’m always at home in a good bookstore. UtVB was cozy, homey, charming, etc etc. Loved it!

We were so happy to find this bookstore after limited options in English in the bigger bookstores in town.

Great bookstore in a really interesting building. Beautiful stained glass windows and well priced books.

Incredible English bookshop in the city. Owner is a G, selection is incredible. Cool building as well

Excellent! Found a great read. Selections are in English and are well curated. Definitely stop by!

Posee diferentes títulos en inglés, principalmente novelas e históricos. La atención muy amable.

A lovely bookstore with a good selection of fiction and non-fiction books. Amazing bathrooms!

Eclectic book store in Condesa. Great selection at good prices. Dont engage owner- pompous

Buen lugar para ver gente, para un pequeño descanso y planear donde ir, pu yo de reunión.

Toda una joya, me encanta la atención siempre me atienden súper bonito ✨…

Best English bookshop in Mexico. Always has always will be. Drink pulque be happy

Broad selection of books in English. Cool space tucked up above a restaurant.

Walked out with four great books at a great price, can't recommend it enough.

Nice English language bookstore in the upstairs of a foreign legion building.

Un excelente lugar para encontrar libros en inglés nuevos y de segunda mano.

Cute as a button. Amazing selection either some unique finds. Well priced.

Great service and location. Good prices on out of print and rare books.

Under the Volcano for the win! Miss Grant and his bookshop of delights

Very charming little used book store and restaurant. Very old school.

Simply iconic. For those who love a user book store, can’t be beat.

The best library, so cozy and we'll stocked. You will fall in love.

Excelente selección, un lugar acogedor y el staff es súper amable.

Great, knowledgeable proprietor and nicely curated selection

Hay varios libros bastante interesantes y a buen precio.

All that needs to be said is that the atmosphere is…

Great selection of English books, vibrant atmosphere

I love this shop. I wish it was open more often!

Great place if you looking for books in english

Great little bookstore, highly recommended.

Fantastic bookstore. Can’t wait to go back

Best English-language bookstore in Mexico

Excelente surtido y titulos especiales.

Siiiiii puedes ayudar a alguien más...

Tiny. Poorly lit. Overpriced.

Such a lovely used bookstore!

Es un lugar interesante

Lovely place and staff.

a really nice selection

I love this bookstore.

Es bonita y chiquita

Libros libros libros

Excellent collection

Me encantó el lugar

Esta Muy secreta!

舒適的小書房感，有奇怪ㄉ中文書⋯

Love this place!

Small selection

Great bookstore

Gran variedad

Buen lugar

Excellent!

Bueno

great

Bien