Don’t go here. Walked in for a couple seconds and my sister tried to get hand sanitizer using the hand pump (as you would expect with a hand pump, rather than a foot petal) and the lady behind the counter rudely snapped at her. She said she needed to use her foot and sat behind the desk shaking her head, rolling her eyes, like my sister was dumb. Looking at the other reviews it seems like this is a common occurrence. They don’t deserve to have a shop if they don’t even know how to respect paying customers. We left immediately as we didn’t want to give this rude woman our money. Hopefully they take a hint from all the negative reviews. Edit in response to the owner: This is labeled as an art and bookstore. Most people don’t walk into stores expecting to immediately have to look around for instructions. Additionally I would encourage any people with learning disabilities or mental illnesses to avoid this place at all costs. Look how rude and condescending they are to people who may not have been able to efficiently read their directions. What if my sister was blind and your initial reaction was to snap at her and roll your eyes and shake your head? I’m gathering they aren’t inclusive of those with disabilities. It’s not strong in tone, it’s rude and condescending. It’s shocking these people even try to defend their actions when they’re a bookstore that was able to rack up so many bad reviews. Maybe try looking inward for a change!

The girl at the register was very kind and professional. But the man who is presumably the owner is exactly as rude as the other reviews here describe. I was looking at postcards made by a local artist who I really liked so I looked up her instagram while deciding which ones to get, and I told him that when he checked in with me. I’d think that a place selling art would be happy a customer was looking up one of the artists they stock to follow them, but he snapped at me very aggressively when I took a photo of one with a quote I liked, I told him I just wanted to remember it for later and he something along the lines of this isn’t show and tell and if I want to remember it I should buy it. I did buy the one I wanted the most but if he hadn’t been so shockingly rude I would have bought more because I really do love the artist’s work, but also now I wish I had just left and gotten it directly from the artist’s website instead of trying to prove to him I wasn’t lying when I said I was planning on buying. Even if I wasn’t going to get any if he actually cared about the artist he should be glad he helped promote them to a new visitor, he clearly only supports artists if it can make him money.

I had a pleasant experience here, and the woman and gentleman on staff were quite nice. I didn't realize it was near closing time, but they shut the door and dimmed the lights while I was browsing. I asked if they were closing soon and they said, "no, please take your time!" My husband popped in (he'd been finishing a drink outside) and hurried to tell me that according to the shop hours posted, they were in fact closing. It was clear the staff wanted to allow me to finish browsing. I asked for a recommendation of a New Orleans true-crime book, and at their suggestion picked up Empire of Sin, by Gary Krist. It's excellent! We also bought a small piece of art. We didn't feel uncomfortable at all. It's also probably sensible to note that this shop is located on an incredibly busy, loud, rowdy, tourist-filled street. I don't think I'd blame anyone who works here for being easily annoyed by the general public!!

Used to love this place and have spent (probably hundreds) here for years. I have read tarot in the quarter and on Frenchman every October for the past six years. I've never been asked to move before but, after other staff were kind to me for the majority of the night, the old woman who often works behind the counter came out and told me the owner "said I could not be set up there." This is the first time this has happened and I left without saying anything despite the fact that I was on the side walk ten feet from the store. I simply cannot in good conscious now support a business which does not allow well established community traditions of the city to continue. But it's to be expected from an establishment run by West Coast transplants. Really a shame to not be able to spend locally here in my own neighborhood anymore.

I walked in with my wife and 15 year old son. They had both been wanting to shop here. My son (who attends an art school) gently played the displayed keyboard that was turned on. We were the only customers in the tiny shop. The female employee walked over to my son and said “excuse me, I need get under there” referring to the keyboard where he was standing. He moved out of the way and she unplugged the keyboard!!!! I was so stunned that I asked her if they sold them. She said “yes, and if you’d like to play it, you can ask”. But it was on. I told her it shouldn’t be displayed if it can’t be played. My son is the sweetest, mild mannered person. He will never go back in that store and will remember that lady forever. Thanks rude lady. If it weren’t for tourism, NOLA wouldn’t be NOLA. BE NICE OR LEAVE as Dr Bob would say!!!

Amazon has no chance competing with a store like this. Bookstores or not what you expect on Frenchmen Street and this store is definitely unexpected. I felt like I was back in the 1960s bookstore. We’re reading mattered. And customer service was a real thing. I met the owner who was sitting outside interviewing a new employee dressed in a southern beige suit and hat to match. We chatted for a while and then I went inside, and found a diverse mix of books ranging from, about New Orleans to Cajun cooking. I even found an Isaac Asimov novel. The place was immaculate with attention to detail and Covid regulations that made sense including hand sanitizing etc. All in all it was a great bookstore, and the next time I’m in New Orleans we will go back.

Visited the place to return a book previously. Thinking we were going to get a complete return to the book, we were met with a store policy that wasn't was communicated to the public. Instead of getting a refund for the book that was 18 dollars, we were first offered a gift card with the funding but gift cards start at 20 dollars. Then, we were FORCED by manager to create an account with the store and have our currency held as store credit. We were disappointed with the service not from the individual at the register because she's only doing what she is paid to do, but the manager for not working with us to ensure quality service. Won't be returning

Great experience here. Everything seems carefully curated and special. The woman at the front desk was super sweet. I grew up in New Orleans and now I live in NC and she had lived and taught in NC for a while as well so it was nice to connect over that. Best thing was they’ll ship your books to you for free if you spend over $35 and I just received my items. As pictured, they were packed carefully with shrink wrap and cardboard backing, much appreciated. Highly recommend this spot if you need a funky cool gift for someone, and it’s close to everywhere you want to be. An obvious choice for a browse.

Less than one minute into the store, we left. Consistent with several other reviews, the woman at the counter was rude. She rolled her eyes the minute my daughter used the hand pump and not the very rare foot pump at their sanitation station inside the door. They want to give you vaccination stats, but I just walked in to buy a book, which I didn't. If you are afraid of covid and want to be a fear monger, don't do retail. If you condescendingly shake your head or roll your eyes, most people don't want a book enough to buy from you and can order from Amazon without the eye roll.

I’ve shopped here for years. I regret spending every dime I’ve spent here. This place claims to be lgbtqia friendly while selling trump and viveck merchandise. Truly repulsive to be buying a protect drag queens sticker to turn around and see people actively trying to strip our rights away merchandise on full Display.. People endorsed by naz*s. Truly one of the most heart breaking loss . I love shopping here, I loved grabbing cute gifts for friends on special occasions. But I cannot support a business that profits off/ supports such vile scum. Truly ashamed at Frenchmen books.

Truly unprofessional and poor service. Confusing experience. They told my friends and I to leave after 10 minutes of browsing, only to suddenly switch gears and make us wait 10 more minutes in the store so they could advertise an autographed copy. Yes, we did make a purchase in the end, as we had originally intended, but we ultimately left the store feeling disrespected, but more so disheartened. 7 years of bookstore blogging and I haven't come across inconsiderate service quite like this. The physical space is well-lit, but please prepare to encounter rudeness.

Just moved to New Orleans and am so glad I stumbled on this place! They have a large selection of NOLA related books and local authors. The business appears to be LGBTQ+ run and supported with a large selection on the topic in which I graciously purchased. All and all a great place. Side note all of the haters posting about being thrown out or being told off . This is a locally owned small business. Please don’t go in just trying to fill your Amazon cart. Shop Local and support the NOLA communities. Will continue to spend my money and expand my knowledge here !

I love this little nook in NOLA! My partner brought me here after they had first visited the bookstore back in 2011, which was before F.A.B’s renovations. My partner had such an amazing experience and found such a life enhancing book from here, which is the reason they had to bring me here today! Truly a gem. Great independent book store! The owners and the book seller here are so kind, and I loved hearing their storing. I really appreciated how involved and caring these individuals were. ✔️LGBQT positive ✔️Supports local artist and writers

It's disappointing that a wonderful bookstore, filled with thought provoking books, is tainted by the unpleasant demeanor of its owner. Despite our intentions to purchase multiple books, he was discourteous and even went so far as to kick us out from the store without explanation. This unacceptable behavior is especially frustrating considering the bookstore's location in a busy, tourist-filled area. If the owner is unable to handle the influx of customers, it would be more appropriate for him to close the shop altogether.

Don’t go. My friends and I were looking at books in this store and the owner came to ask us if we need any help. And he told us:”you guys have been here for a long time, either buy or leave.” This is really rude and two of us already made the purchase. We as customers feel really unwelcome, bad for NOLA city image as well. Edited: ‘Expected to be offended after the midnight’ wow! you could just say ‘we are closed’ instead of being offensive right?

The shop owner was very rude! After just about 15 min of browsing, the shop owner came and asked us if we needed help. We said we were just browsing. He then said "you've been here a long time. Either buy something or leave." My friends had already bought some things and I was thinking of buying. Glad I didn't! What kind of shop owner tells his customers to leave??? Don't waste your money here. Truly so unprofessional.

The worst book store in new orleans. This shop don't have a good books. The owner have a history of asking customers to leave the shop if they are not buying anything. lf you are on the frenchnmen street don't waste your money there. The shop owner is ver unprofessional. I would recommend you to order the book on Amazon, abbebooks instead or go to another local book store.

Had a lovely time in this bookstore on Easter Sunday afternoon - the employee at the time was a lovely woman who was clearly passionate about books! We asked her for some recommendations and she helped us find some great books that we’re seriously enjoying. Some folks have reported feeling rushed here, but we didn’t have that experience at all, quite the opposite in fact.

Great little neighborhood store tucked into a lively little NOLA neighborhood. Plenty of essentials for quick eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner...and a massive selection of local craft beer, wine, liquor and mixing stuff. No need to pack all your booze for your trip...just buy it here. Friendly staff. This place was a lifesaver on our trip to the Big Easy.

The shop owner was rude! This shop don't have a good books. The owner have a history of asking customers to leave the shop if they are not buying anything. lf you are on the frenchnmen street don't waste your money there. The shop owner is ver unprofessional. I would recommend you to order the book on Amazon instead or go to another local book store.

Stopped by and was helped by Madeline. I love that they deliver books to your hotel; made it much easier to continue my day without lugging around the heavy book I purchased. I appreciated the text letting me know it was at the hotel lobby as well. Madeline gave me lots of recommendations for food for my next trip and was super friendly.

Extremely rude and unprofessional!!! I was excited to see a book store open late. That excitement quickly dissipated once we encountered the confrontational cashier. I assume she was the shop owner. We were only greeted with a bad attitude for absolutely no reason. We will not be returning and taking our business elsewhere.

Have enjoyed being able to peruse the shelves in here since I was a teenager. I haven't been able to stop in as often as I'd have liked though. The eclectic/random find shelves in here are less numerous than they used to be, but are still a joy to pick through and an old favorite way to spend some free time.

Quality selection of local specific books, many with political, social justice, or environmental focus. I wanted to get so many titles. The woman working was very friendly and helpful, and certainly didn't mind me browsing and taking my time. Nice little gem on Frenchman.

Cute, comfortable and charming little book store with a fair variety. I will definitely be back. They carry quite a few books from local authors which is fantastic. Also, they carry a variety of multi-lingual and foreign language children’s books- story and word books.

Very unprofessional owner. I went in to take a picture of my own book only to be told no pictures. I wrote the book! It wouldn't be on your shelf if I didn't write it. Buy somewhere else. Sure, it's called, Adventures of Draggon... deeznuts cross your forehead. …

Our group was kicked out by the owner and we felt completely mistreated and humiliated. Apparently, we were being "too loud" when refering to a book, but just requesting us to speak more quietly would have been more than enough. Mistreating us was not necessary.

They will ship anywhere with a minimum purchase. We bought gifts and cards and shipped them home. Amazing selection of works of literature and poetry as well as fun progressive books and novelty books and coloring books, stickers and more. Great gifts!

Great shop. They will deliver to your hotel for free, or even ship orders of $35 or more to your house. If you elect to ha e the books shipped to your home tax is omitted. Double bonus, don't carry your heavy books all over and save that sales tax.

Great selection of books, especially about New Orleans. Ranged from classics and popular books to fun local information and stories. The owner was great to talk to and the art was beautiful. There was also a very cool Oscar Wilde poster.

I enjoyed my visit very much. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. The store features a great selection of books by local authors and about New Orleans. There is also a queer section at the store.

We are so glad we stopped in! The employee was so friendly and helped us find some interesting reads. And shipped them to us for free. Arrived quickly at home in Oregon.

Wonderful, unique, I wandered as a tired soul basking on the variety of genres. If you translate traditional New Orleans Jazz into a bookstore, this is it.

Beautiful book store on Frenchman. The set up was beautifully decorated and they had all sorts of art and books, specially on New Orleans.

So cute! They have a Frenchmen Art & Bookstore stamp for your books during purchase- what a great signature touch.

great bookshop with a curious, affable owner! thanks for saving the book for us to pick up the next day. much love

Love this bookstore, we go every time we come to New Orleans. Best place for the best books

Great little bookstore that is carefully curated. Staff was friendly, prices were fair.

It's a small shop but cozy and very well curated. Definitely worth a visit! :)

Awesome selection from a local shop! Support small book sellers!