Whenever I'm visiting Seattle I go to this bookstore, and it's usually good. Though last time I went though I was studying for a big exam, so I went to their coffee shop and got something and started studying. A few feet from where I was sitting someone brought in their dog, which I was fine with and barely noticed, until the dog went to the bathroom all over the floor. The small was horrible and it was so disgusting and it took the owner a very long time to finally pick it up, while staff didn't ask him to clean it up or do anything to help the situation. The lady at the front also had a bit of an attitude and when I went to ask for the bathroom pass after ordering snapped at me before I could ask that my order wasn't ready yet and that I had to be more patient. I hadn't asked about my order at all previously even though it was taking a while. After this, I packed up my things and went to buy a book I had been wanting. Only after leaving did I realize that I had been overcharged for twenty dollars, so I went back in but I was told there was nothing they could do. It was this one day that wasn't the best, but I will continue going because the good outweighed the bad.

The Elliott Bay Book Company is one of my favorite local book stores. It is large and homey, and the books are pretty well organized. They’ll likely have what you’re looking for, and you may walk out with much more! My favorite part of the bookstore is how many recommendations are tagged by the staff throughout the store. There is even a wall of staff recommendations. It’s nice to hear some insight on books that catch my eye, or even ones that I’ve never heard of. You can spend hours in the store looking through all of the options and reading the recommendations. The one critique I would have is that for such a large bookstore that you could spend hours in, there is not a restroom available in the store. There is a little Oddfellows cafe connected that has two coded bathrooms, though the cafe seemed to close a couple of hours before the store. Otherwise, I love stopping in The Elliot Bay Book Company!

I’ve never been here personally, but one of my favorite YouTubers published a book and told me that I could get a signed copy by purchasing it through this store, so I did. It was such a pleasant experience. They emailed me after my order to let me know that my copy had been set aside to be signed and would be sent out in the next two days. When it arrived, I loved that they had wrapped the book in brown paper before placing it in the envelope- it looked elegant, came undamaged, and showed that they took great pride in their work. I see in the photos here on Google that what I experienced is nothing short of the lovely vibe they have in person. One day I will visit Seattle as it is on my bucket list of destinations, and when I do I will stop by to pick up another book or several, and have a cup of coffee in their cafe.

Very cute and well put together book store! Slight upstairs and downstairs eith fun sections and great descriptions composed by thr staff. Went for an author signing opportunity which was well managed by the staff. HOWEVER-ususlly would drop a star but I loved this place- they don't have AC as far as I could tell. A few fans spread out but that's it. I get we don't need AC much through the year but I couldn't stay in for very long because of the heat. It got stuffy quickly and I just don't manage well in heat like that. Outside was cooler. Book prices are mostly same as the jacket. Counter at front for purchases. A few places to sit but not many. Didn't check on a bathroom. Cute but definitely will not be there in the summer time again.

I will admit, my knee-jerk first impression on walking in was that the horror section was small (though I may only have seen the trade-size section - I like the larger form factor for reading). Then I started browsing. Many stores have lots of copies of King, Koontz, and Rice, and then little else to speak of. This place has an amazing selection of authors and publishers, and had a number of "hang tags" under books with micro-reviews from staff, comparing the works to other books. We also got coffee while we were there, and the cafe is very nice. Friendly, fast service and good quality. I wish Dallas had an independent bookstore this good! We will definitely be back whenever we visit Seattle.

Wonderful local bookstore that has a variety of genres. I really enjoy these types of places, and far too many no longer exist due to online bookstores or large retailers. Wasn't that the plot of the Tom Hanks movie, "You've Got Mail"? There's a small cafe to enjoy a snack and begin reading the book you just bought. There are also tabs of paper along the bookshelves with short reviews of a book that it's under. I recommend making a visit. Though digital books and audiobooks have their place, there's nothing like reading from a tangible book that requires you to physically turn the pages to discover the story within.

You walk in and the smell is incredible (if you love the smell of books that is). So many options with everything sorted by genre. There is even a cute cafe nestled in the back of the store perfect for grabbing a quick bite or drink while working or reading their new book. I love the bargain sections as well. Everyone I spoke with was kind and friendly. They also have this machine that dispenses a short story on a receipt-like paper which was really interesting. I've never seen anything like that before and thought it was really cool. 10/10 would recommend to any and all book lovers :)

There are two kinds of book stores: ones that feel cluttered, overwhelming and ones that feel infinite and hook you to stay and browse for a while. Elliott Bay is the latter. They have an expansive selection across a wide array of genres that are neatly presented in a pleasant environment that inspires you to browse. It's the type of book store where if you're not cautious you buy 9 books because it's just that good. However, there is a general lack of seating in the store, aside from the cafe which I did find disappointing. I'll be back though because this store is a gem!

I miss book stores. When I was a kid I remember getting lost in the shelves that would rise overhead to volumes of books you couldn't reach, wondering what worlds were hidden in there. Now older, shelves still loom overhead, with steps for employees only, the ones who hold the keys to the worlds out of reach. This experience returned to me when I visited here. Simply bound spines with so many, many worlds inside that there is now not enough time to see all of. Grab a book, coffee, and a pastry and go exploring.

such a gem — i absolutely loved it here! hands down one of my favorite stops in seattle and it’s truly hard to find a bookstore with such a comprehensive and diverse collection. the staff go out of their way to provide meaningful recommendations & descriptions for their picks; and there’s a huge selection of bargain books that are super affordable! there’s also a cafe inside which makes it the perfect place to buy a book and enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee.

The building is beautiful with plenty of room to walk around. New publications are proudly displayed at the front of the store and there's just a friendly atmosphere about the whole place. The downstairs event space is spacious and comfortable. I don't even have a complaint about the chairs, having sat in them for an hour and a half with no noticeable discomfort. All in all, I had a very positive experience at Elliott Bay and would definitely visit again.

Holy moly, what a bookstore! Came here on a friend's recommendation and I wasn't disappointed. They have a great selection of books and I loved their Pacific NW section (that's where I got most of my books). The science section wasn't fantastic but how could I ever hold anything against such a great bookstore. And to top it off, it's a beautiful place. Probably that best looking bookstore I've ever been in.

This is the very epitome of independent bookstore. Everything is perfect — the smell of books, commentaries by staff, large table in the middle for people to sit and read… I could easily spend hours browsing through books and find a new gem that I otherwise wouldn’t have come across via its unique curations of books. I wish I could live nearby this bookstore; I will be a happy soul if I could :)

I was visiting Seattle last spring and I fell in love instantly with this independent bookstore! It is warm, cozy, and ‘personal’ bookstore. I can spend hours wandering around to discover books here. I personally liked the review tags by the staffs, smart idea and helpful. They also highlights local/northwest authors which is very cool. All in all, it got everything I dream on a bookstore!

My favorite book store! I love the vibe of the place. If you are looking for a cool cafe and a bookstore combo then Elliott bay book company it is. It has a big collection of popular books. The best thing about this bookstore is the small notes about the book and staff recommendations. You can find great collections of fiction books here for sure. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Beautiful. Love the aesthetic and brilliant selection. Books, cards, maps, journals, calendars…is it paper? They have it here :p also cute gifts, toys, trinkets. The kids area is cute with a little play area and there’s even a coffee shop about 20ft away. Super busy Cap Hill area and limited paid street parking outside but you could easily spend an hour here. Check it out :)

Wonderful bookstore in the neighborhood with fun read selections from the staff and a little cafe inside. The cafe inside is very cute and a great space to read or studs. There are many seats in the space, but keep in mind it can quickly get crowed on weekends. It’s a great spot to come by on a weekend morning for a cup of coffee, then walk around the store for new reads.

I was at the store last Tuesday and got stellar service from Zak. He was busy at the register, but immediately came over to help me when he was done. I was looking for a subject and he researched it, checked downstairs and informed me of a title and author. I had worked in retail for many years and was impressed by Zak's sense of urgency, and follow up. Burr Anderson

I love book stores so it doesn't take alot for me to want to visit one. Add in reconnection with an old friend and delicious Arnold Palmer from the cafe inside and you've got a great store! I loved the layout, curation and selection. Especially enjoyed getting a free bookmark with every book! If you want to visit authentic Seattle this is the book store for you!

This is maybe the best bookstore I’ve ever gone to, the display tables have thoughtful recommendations and genres. The shelves are well stocked in a way that makes browsing easy and enjoyable. I could have spent easily a couple hours in here. Staff was lovely, dog friendly (gave my pup a treat!), they also have a loyalty punch card so make sure you ask about it!

What a fantastic bookstore! We were there during their 50th anniversary. Balloons, art, and donuts! A huge selection of books with curated collections. Lots to choose from, with a huge section on LGBTQIA+ authors and POC authors. There's a cafe in the back with drinks and food. You can relax in the back and read your newly purchased book. Dog friendly too!

This place was such a fun experience! Floor to ceiling book cases just filled with books. So many hidden treasures and nook’s to get lost in. Could have spent hours just looking at everything and afterwords enjoying time at the cafe. Whoever the barista was at the cafe was also the sweetest girl and so welcoming. All around good vibes.

The perfect bookstore. Elliott Bay has two levels full of books for everyone, a coffee shop downstairs, and amazing customer service to add to that. They have a huge discount section if you’re looking for something affordable, but also have all the new books, all the old books, and even some genres that you would never even think of.

Great place to visit and be inspired by! Make sure to spend some time smelling the books and exploring the shelves. Check out the author recommendations and book recs from staff and the PNW specific books for kids and adults alike. Coffee shop inside, too. Grab a book and don't forget to ask for the Elliott Bay Book card! …

This bookstore is One of the valuable gems in the Capital Hill neighborhood. I love wandering around and checking on different books. The space is clean, attractive, and comfortable. I wish I could spend more time reading books and the bookstore also provides a seat for readers. I highly recommend this awesome place to anyone

Elliott Bay Book Company is an exceptional bookstore that caters to book lovers and has knowledgeable and accommodating staff. The carefully curated selection of tagged books serve as helpful recommendations. The atmosphere of the store creates a welcoming space where book lovers can feel completely at home.

If a large bookstore could get any more classic, I’d be surprised. I could’ve spent hours in here browsing the different aisles, reading the personalized notes from the staff, and wandering around the two floors. Love how cozy it is here too. Coffee shop in the back (I didn’t try) so grab a cup and support!

This is it, the real deal. People travel quite a ways to hang out here and it's easy to understand why. Just walking in the door. You'll feel the majesty of expertly curated book collections, neatly arranged by topic and theme. Check out the children's area with the castle and the coffee shop at the back.

This is a great bookstore, place to see, and work of interior design. As a tourist, it’s a highlight of trips to Seattle. The surroundings have become terribly unsafe over the past two years, and the doorstep reeked of urine on my most recent visit, but the shop itself still survives despite the odds.

Attended a book signing event in their reading room. It was really fun and interesting. I wish I had time to check out the rest of the bookstore but it looks really nice. They only have one working bathroom right now and the line was 5-6 people long when I checked. Overall a good experience though!

This is not only an amazingly well stocked bookstore, it has a delightful rustic ambiance that makes it cozy despite it great size. There is a cafe at the back for coffees teas and light snacks. The store is generally busy but unpleasantly so. It is a must see destination for the bibliophile.

This bookstore is amazing! My son and I went twice in the same day, because we had an appointment nearby, and we don't even live in Seattle! We spent a few hours here, and bought multiple books. We are already planning our next trip to Seattle specifically to visit this bookstore again.

The most amazing book store. I was in Heaven. Could spend an entire day (or longer!) there! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The cafe coffee and baked goods are delicious. Can’t say enough good things about this iconic bookstore. Must visit if you are in the area.

Incredible bookstore!! I could be in here for hours and hours. They have an amazing LGBTQ+ book section, Seattle and Washington state books, tons of staff recommendations, stationary items, and more. I always recommend this to all my friends and family when they're in town :)

Really cute little book store. I got a poetry anthology and a journal for my dad, both of which were hard decisions because there were so many to choose from. It looks like they have fun events, and I loved the quiet energy of the place. Wish I could have stayed longer.

New favorite bookstore!!! I think we visited three times in two days? Lol… They had a great selection of signed books from their author events. Having Little Oddfellows in the back was great and the coffee was so good. This is probably the best bookstore in Seattle

A wonderful bookstore that clearly has survived the huge changes in the retail book industry. Helpful staff. Well organized. A huge selection and little but informative notes on the bookshelves from, I believe, their staff regarding many of the books on the shelf.

This is a huge bookstore! Two levels with a small coffee shop in the back. There was a lot of variety and I liked the atmosphere. One drawback that I think comes with a bookstore this size is that it can feel a little crowded at times. Other than that, it's great!

Very cool bookstore. Clean space, well organized and fun. I really enjoy looking at all the beautiful book covers all around and going through their pages. There is a café inside (which I've been before) and that just makes it for a whole bookstore experience.

What a beautiful bookstore, full of amazing designed books in the fields of comic, photography, design, lifestyle, and common knowledge. Great for books to gift. Personally most books I already knew or just covered the basics, not going to deep

A world class bookstore. Staff are always amazingly helpful. Don’t have a book in stock? They’ll order it for you! Their punch card is great too! I barely ever come here without being tempted to bring a new book home for my personal library.

Nice atmosphere and all the books you could want. The oddfellows cafe inside a great addition if you want to sit down and read while drink coffee. But I do wish more books would be marked down in price since some original price are very high

I visited Seattle recently and picked up a new copy of Nimona here and now I'm devastated to see that your barcode sticker on the back used N. D. Stevenson's dead name, despite this being a recent printing with the author's correct name.

Having just moved to a new country, I’ve been looking for some semblance of belonging and familiarity. Nothing better than a book store. It’s huge and it’s so human. The little notes added by the staff adds a very different charm to the

This is without a doubt my daughter's happy place. We love coming here to grab a treat from the cafe while getting more books. They have great planners/journals that make lovely gifts. I always get compliments on birthday and thank you

Great, big bookstore with a ton of material and variety. Situated in a neighborhood with lots of shops nearby. Two levels, a variety of sections, from diverse voices to deluxe cookbooks, local authors to area-interest topics.

The poetry section was extensive and has so many indie press featured from Kaya, Catapult, and Milkweed. Was super impressed by what they stocked! Also loved stumbling on the shelves featuring Chennai based press Tara Books.

Great bookstore with a huge staff picks section that is not to be missed. Numerous shelf talkers throughout to help you find your next perfect read. If you are a bookworm you must stop here during your time in Seattle.

Huge bookstore, well stocked with every subject and genre a reader could want. A very helpful and attentive staff. I would've given five stars, but while I have no complaints, this is far from my favorite bookstore.

One of my favorite bookstores! Great selection of unique books and the staff was so knowledgeable. They took the time to make recommendations and find specific authors for me. Hope to return next time I’m in town!

Love this bookstore. Has a great selection and very suited for exploring/ browsing. There’s a small cafe and toilet within the premises. Not that into book-buying these days, but I couldn’t help myself while here

Super beautiful book store! You can definitely find anything here!!! I didn’t buy anything but the aesthetics is super pleasing and if I ever come back I would definitely buy something. Super cute super touristy.

This book store is extremely large and has an outstanding collection of books for sale. The staff are amazing and the books are the same price as other retailers. Definitely worth a visit if you love literature!

Great selection and good staff recommendations. Make sure to also check out the bargain section on the top floor. Unfortunately I did not have time to check out the cafe, but it sure made the shop smell lovely.

What a gem of a store. Beautiful inside, fun to explore, great little lists of recommendations all around with the books, and the staff was super super cool / knowledgeable / friendly. Support this place!

Loved this bookshop! It's huge, I'd have liked to explore for hours. Unfortunately, I was too jet lagged to stay long, but I still managed to buy a couple of books and some gifts. I'd go back any time!

Wow, what an amazing bookstore! We spent an hour here, perusing the books and picking out a few to buy. An incredible selection and a very comfortable environment to spend an afternoon. Love it!

One of my favorite bookstores in Seattle! Great little cafe in back with high ceilings and books shelves of books, books, books! Parking is scarce and $ but worth a visit at least once!

I've been here many times and every employee is always kind and helpful. The store is beautiful, you could spend all day just browsing. Great spot for unique gifts if you're looking.

Cute little book shop! My daughter insisted that we go there because she saw something on the news about it. There are big tables and a coffee shop inside. Nice old book store vibes!

Love this bookstore! Great selection & they have a nice cafe at the back too. Staff are always friendly and I love their “staff picks”wall whenever I’m looking for something new.

Loved being able to come to a real book store. It was awesome. We even purchased books. I was able to sit and go thru my book before purchase. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Old world charm as soon as you enter the bookstore. So warm and inviting with wooden floor, stairs. The cafe at the back serves excellent tea, baked goods and sandwiches.

An absolutely fabulous bookstore… great to just wander and browse. Make use of the helpful staff and their fantastic recommendations sprinkled throughout.

Cool place. It is great that a few bookstores are still surviving. You do have to purchase books to read them in the coffee shop. I understand that.

My favorite bookshop. I love reading through the staff recommendations. The coffeeshop in the back is lovely with plenty of space and good coffee.

True classic bookstore with diverse selections and nice set of religion and spirituality books and most everything else you are looking for also

Great book store that's a must visit. Heart felt personal staff recommendations. Great selection and many many genres. Highly recommended!

Even though this bookstore is quite large, the space still feels intimate and cozy. Staff were very helpful and had great recommendations.

Just as good as their original location. Honey, comfortable. All the books. Coffee, treats and just around the corner from the Comet!

One of the best bookstore I know! Beautiful atmosphere and great coffee at the back for peaceful reading or conversations!

My absolute favorite book store. Bee line to the staff recommendations section. Being there brings me joy! I love readers.

Really cozy bookstore. I could spend a whole day here. There is a coffee shop where you can get some food and even wine.

It's my first time here. The BEST bookstore! an beautiful and friendly heaven in Seattle! You' ll love here, believe me.

Great local business. And they didn't yell at me when I brought my bike in for a pre-order pickup. Five stars!!

Awesome bookstore! Great variety and lovely atmosphere to browse around. Definitely recommend checking it out!

This bookstore is by far the best I have ever seen...now if only I could take it back to San Diego with me...

This gotta be the best bookstore in Seattle, yeah? Yeah! HUGE selection and the best staff ever.

Fun little Bookshop to check out- Has a nice little cafe inside that serves coffee and pastries.

Wide selection of books. The cafe inside the bookstore is a great place to chill out.

Great books to buy. You can find a good coffee inside. You can read your books there

Friendly staff, safe place for all, in one of the best neighborhoods of Seattle.

Appreciate the additional details from the staff sprinkled throughout the store

huge bookstore with a great collection. a little expensive, but to be expected

Amazing selection, had just what I needed (and way too much more haha)

Really charming bookstore!! You could easily spend hours in here.

Wonderful bookstore, best in Seattle and in my top 3 in US.

Book heaven. A must-stop if you are in the Seattle area.

Amazing independent bookstore in Seattle.

Unique Bold Warm Cozy bookstore legend