What can you say about a bookstore owned by a person, who has been in business for close to 30 years, while the Barnes and Noble of Georgetown and other Georgetown bookstores have closed? It is the selection of the owner - who just loooooooooooooves baseball like nobody else I know does - particularly on politics and policy, and the attention to each customer who walks through the door. As long as tall, thin Phil is behind his desk you are in good hands. Now, some of the other people who are at the desk when he is gone are not always as useful. For example, last week I asked about the book about the six person spy ring created by George Washington. The first person said he knew nothing about it. But after browsing on my own for ten minutes or so - you always find something interesting in the bookshelves - I noticed the person at the desk changed. I went again, asked the question and without wasting a second, he went to the first floor and got a copy of the book for me. It is a must-stop for anyone visiting the neighborhood.

I went to Bridge Street Books about a week ago to buy a specific, popular book. After seeing online that Amazon had the same book both online and in-store down the street for about half the price, I asked the store worker if they participate in price matching. Instead of just telling me “no” and let me walk out, the worker began to waste my time and act unprofessional. Coincidentally, a phone call came in and he started to mock me over the phone. Then, we went to get the book and then told me that they don’t price match. He should have just told me that from the beginning and let me leave. In the end, I simply walked about 2 minutes down the street and picked it up from the Amazon Bookstore, which I should have done from the beginning. TLDR: Go to the Amazon Bookstore down the street. It has the same books (and more!), an arguably better atmosphere, much cheaper prices, and more professional workers than Bridge Street.

It's a good, neighborhood bookstore. My girlfriend and I visited this past summer, and I loved the aesthetic of the place. It seemed like it had a good variety of books, and that it was more about substance over style. That being said, the guy at the counter was a little...dick-ish. When we explained we were from Grand Rapids, he scoffed and said, "Do you even have bookstores there?" I get that GR is pretty outdated, but I went from feeling welcomed and comfortable to feeling like I was some Podunk tourist that is barely literate. Still, a good bookstore, and if you're in the area it's well worth checking out. No coffee shop, no Starbucks, just books.

Visiting from out of town and my family and I walked in to browse books. My son and I walked near the door and the person behind the desk gave me a stare, and I thought he was meaning to ask if I needed anything, so I said, “Oh, I don’t need anything.” He kept staring and the customer he had been talking to said, “oh, I think he needs a mask,” referring to my son. Just completely rude, I was wearing a mask myself. The worker couldn’t use his words and politely just tell me himself? I love supporting small business, but this employee or owner, whoever he was, was so unkind, we would not recommend. Everyone else we’ve run into in DC have been great!

What an awesome bookshop. My niece introduces us to this place whilst we were over from the UK. The guy on the till was funny, knowledgeable and funny and made my daughter (5) feel welcome and let her sit on a chair near him and read her book whilst I had a browse. There were 4 of us and we all found books to buy, both new and used. I could have spent a lot more if I could have fitted more books in my suitcase. As it was I had to jot down a lot of titles to look for in the UK. If ever I'm in DC again I will definitely be back here

I love Bridge Street Books. The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful, and they manage to fit a ton of awesome books in such a small footprint. They keep a great stock of contemporary fiction from small presses, as well as a nice poetry and philosophy. This makes it a great place to browse and find something new--one of the great advantages of a brick and mortar bookstore over Amazon, whose algorithms keep recommending you more of the same.

It's a very small bookstore, but if you're looking for books on philosophy or poetry, you should definitely check this place out. It has a good variety of non-fiction and classics, but I was disappointed that the whole Sci-Fi section was just two shelves. The owner seems very knowledgeable about the books in his collection and is happy to have a conversation over them if you're not sure what to get.

Quite possibly one of the best selections of critical theory and philosophy in a store. Everything from Lefebvre to Arendt! And the fiction section is an absolute marvel of classics alongside contemporary literature. Plus some wonky books for DC, and the absolute friendliest and knowledgeable staff. Far, far better than the A-"bookstore" popped up down the road.

Do yourself a favor and give this shop a try instead of the Amazon shop a few blocks over. This little bookshop offers a nice collection of all sorts of literary works - from politics, cultural studies, and philosophy, to fiction, art, and music. The owner, Joe, is always ready to greet you at the front desk with a smile and good conversation.

I wasn't looking for anything in particular but I saw a book that caught my eye and bought it. I look forward to reading it soon! The bookstore itself doesn't have a wide variety of topics/genres, and the 90% of the upstairs is labeled "literature" which seems overly broad, which is why it's not 5 stars for me. However, it is a good store.

This is a very cozy little book store with a surprising amount on offer. My only issue was the organizational method used. There were many shelves just labeled "literature" carrying everything from classic literature to modern ya. It made it a bit difficult to find the book I was looking for. But over all it was a great experience.

The man working the desk was so knowledgeable and took time with every customer to help them find what they were looking for, walking around the store with them and making suggestions. Bridge Street Books is one of those bookstores that you want to frequent just so it will never go out of business - it's too wonder to lose!

Bridge Street Books has a great variety of books, including nonfiction, poetry, essays, novels, children's books, etc... the staff are very knowledgeable, and Joe in particular, is well read, so he is always has good recommendations. The book store has a cozy atmosphere, and is a solid option for gift purchases.

One of my favorite bookstores ever, after just one visit! Two levels of books in a fairly small square footage yet had the total works of so many authors! So important to showcase an authors complete works, not just the well-known ones. Also, a HUGE poetry selection (pictured). Will definitely return.

One of my favorite bookstores! The staff is extremely friendly, always suggesting me books that highlight the same topic I’m searching for deeper insight. They have a great selection of political books which is something thats not too hard to find in the DC area but really appreciated when you do.

A great bookstore! Loved the clerk's energy and knowledge of various genres and authors. Mask-optional if you're fully vaccinated, if you're in the Georgetown area, please stop in and look around! Everything from the classics to new releases awaits you inside. Will return again soon!

Had the best experience here today! The owner/worker was so helpful and friendly and shared his favorite paragraph he’d read this year with me and my friends! He was very helpful with finding books I needed for school, and I am so happy to support small business when possible

I love this Book store I always come and buy my books from here. What I love the best is that if the dont have the book I want, they place an order for it and give me a call when it's there. Love the interaction with the Sales guy he always has great recommendations.

Great Bookstore. Probably the best selection outside University Press Books in Berkeley or Harvard Bookstore in Cambridge. The staff could be more pleasant and welcoming but I understand their somber mood. These days bookstores don't do too well unfortunately!

This is a cute bookshop located in Georgetown. There may not be a large selection compared to the giant bookshops you could go to but it does still have some quality reads on offer. Check it out if you're in the area and support the local bookstores!

I've almost been hesitant to write a review because I feel like I'd be letting the world in on my own secret paradise, but the vast majority of comments here speak for themselves. This is far and away the best (non-used) bookstore in DC.

This is an awesome little book store! The employees are all very friendly without being overbearing, the feel of the place is just right, and the collection of books is fairly diverse. It's worth the trip if your at all interested!

This was one of the highlights of a recent DC trip we took. This cute little shop has an excellent selection of books with truly amazing staff. I greatly enjoyed my time browsing, and will be sure to visit the next time I'm in DC!

This is a gem! A little bookstore with a great selection of books, very diverse and nicely presented in the store. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. I also like the low-priced offers outside the store. Great opening hours.

This is a great bookstore, however, not all of their staff is super knowledgable/enthusiastic. They have a wonderful selection and it’s a must visit if in Georgetown for their unique genres of books and bi-level sunlit space.

An excellent bookstore with a unique variety of books (across a broad range of topics) and fantastic customer service. It was enjoyable to browse nearly every section because there was something fascinating to find in each.

A small book store but still has a great collection of books. The staff were very knowledgeable and helped find a particular book by a particular translator almost immediately. They have many classics and new releases.

Absolutely phenomenal selection of philosophy, cultural theory and literature. Easily the best philosophy section I’ve been through, including the plethora of stores in Portland and NYC. Highly recommend.

Lovely little bookshop presenting perusers with both modern and more niche collections. A sale out front, accompanied by a crepe shop next door with out side seating is a great way to spend a few hours.

Extremely knowledgeable and passionate staff with a good selection of readings. Quoting their own words: “We have the best poetry selection in the United States of F*****g America.” Perhaps not untrue.

This place is amazing the owner is a really cool guy who will suggest books and is very knowledgable and cool, really cute place with an impressive selection, skip the amazon book store and come here!

Hands down one of my favourite bookshops in the world and I'm from London. I always pay them a visit when i'm in town and am never disappointed by the selection of books on offer. Highly recommended.

I like that this store has ample parking space for all around the area. These guys are just amazing. Nothing but great services from these guys. You guys should really check this place out.

A two-story oasis boasting a strong blend of history, politics, philosophy and fiction. Well-curated, rewards browsing and repeat visits, and of course I'm a sucker for a skylight.

Very much enjoyed this little bookstore. Has a good selection especially of international fiction ( I’ve found it hard to find Borges at major bookstores for whatever reason)

I called to see if they had any books on George Washington's life, and they did. They even had two new ones I hadn't seen yet! Awesome bookstore. Employee was very helpful.

Great selection of books on poetry, philosophy, and Black intellectual theory. Nice guy helped me find titles and recommended great suggestions. Will definitely be back.

Best bookstore I’ve found in DC. Great for browsing. If you just want to wander around and find something unexpected that seizes your interest, this is the place.

Great selection, especially in fiction. Has lots of the popular books (eg Taylor Jenkins, Ariadne) along with ones I've never seen that look just as good.

Decent selection of books....I generally prefer used books because they're cheaper, but I was in the area and stopped in and found 2 interesting titles.

A wonderful, little bookstore with knowledgeable staff and a varied selection of contemporary literary fiction, to poetry, to politics and non-fiction.

Independent bookstore. Great selection, diverse genres. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. In Georgetown. What's not to love about this books store!

Found some harder to find outstanding Latin American History books. Also, the guy working the cash register was really cool and very helpful.

great independent bookstore! had a wonderful conversation with one of the workers! don’t forget to support local businesses like this one!!

After ten minutes in here you know the books were brought in by the spirit of a great curator. An hour vanishes fast among theses shelves.

This bookstore was a nice break from all the hustle and bustle of DC. It has a relatively large collection of different subject matters.

The books on sale are fine sometimes, but the overall content of the bookstore does not change for months (but the books are good)

Neighborhood bookstore in Georgetown. Wish there were more like it. Opinionated selection of books, knowledgeable, friendly staff.

Nice bookstore, does a lot with the space available, has the classics and new releases, mostly space dedicated to non-fiction

Great selection and service! I got quite a few books I really want to read, and I’m happy to support an indie bookstore ☺️

Small but packed with books. A few discount deals on tables out front but otherwise it's all new books at market price.

Small bookstore tucked away near Georgetown. Cute place to walk around for 10-15 minutes, decent selection of books.

Nice bookstore, but not many books written in foreign languages in their selection. Good philosophy section though.

Adorable store with a great selection of books! Everything from classics to philosophy to romance and fiction.

Attendant was very helpful, finding me a copy of 'Kafka on the Shore'. Quaint shop in the heart of Georgetown

I went here last year and had a very wonderful experience. Great location and great guy behind the register.

Superb collection. Cozy bookstore with both new and used books. Books displayed are chosen with great care!

Excellent independent bookstore. Great selection hard to find books especially philosophy and fun browsing.

Great little bookstore for the reader at heart. Nice selection. Clean shopping experience. Friendly staff.

Great selection of books and very kind staff. We make sure to visit every time we are in Georgetown.

Cute place, friendly staff, great selection, and I love their hours. Overall, definitely recommend!

An amazing bookstore, well chosen books. Definitely will visit and buy some more books next time

So great - found titles I'd been looking, and titles I had never heard Mom it instantly needed.

I stumbled on this charming little bookstore and very glad I did. Definitely worth the visit.

So nice to find an independent bookstore with a wide array of books on any and every subject.

Got a beautifully illustrated hard cover edition of Dune here for only $10.99, so 5 stars!

Easily the best poetry selection I've seen, better than stores twice the size of this gem.

Very pleasant owner and found some great books. Great to have independent bookstores!

Cute bookstore with many interesting titles, a little small. But perfect for a visit

Good local bookshop, nice to be able to browse in person and also support local.

An excellent independent bookstore with a wide selection and a cozy environment.

A small but well-rounded bookstore. They had good poli-sci and history sections

An icon of a bookstore! Well selected and beautifully laid out. A must visit!!

It was worth the wait in line. So good! More cake than icing, hence cakecups.

Lovely little place with a great selection of science-related non-fiction.

Nice collection of books with a good ambience. Adjacent to ice cream shop.

Cozy with good ambient music and lovely assortment of hard to find books.

Cozy and well curated book shop in the wonderful Georgetown neighborhood

Good collection and friendly folks. Love that they’re open on weekends.

Awesome bookstore with good prices I was happy I stopped in here …

Nice book store, doesn't have a large selection of science/nature books

Very cozy hole-in-the-wall book store that any bibliophile would enjoy

Awesome small local business with a good selection and friendly staff

Excellent selection, friendly staff, and a warm inviting environment

Small bookstore with an indie feel with curated selection of books .

Great book shop. Lots of variety. Multiple signed copies of books!

Small but very cool bookstore. Good markdowns on selected books.

What a unique place and the smell of old books is so comforting.

great bookstore with poetry readings and very reasonable prices

Cute, two story bookstore. Easy layout with a great selection.

Interesting selection of books, friendly staff, worth a visit.

Amazing little bookshop! I would live there if I could …

Owner was very helpful and a interesting collection of books

Good books at good prices. It is a small and beautiful shop

Great collection. Gorgeous interior and perfect location

Great place and the people who work there were very nice

Beautiful shop. Dont miss the 2nd level, as I did.

Great little book shop with lots to choose from.

The books by the front door are a nice touch.

friendly staff, cute vibes, great selection!