The Book Cellar

Reviews

• Roseann M.

  star star star star star 8 June 2026

  Now that we're 20 years into the Age of the Internet, younger people have forgotten, or maybe don't even know, what a bookstore should be. It should have books, of course; lots of books. In different subjects, organized neatly so that shoppers can search their favorite genre for old favorites or discover new authors. It should have a shelf of books recommended by the staff, who love the printed word and want to share that love with shoppers. It should have soft music playing in the background, something that helps shoppers focus their attention. And, above all, that aura of books and books and more books, maybe even the soft musty smell of libraries. It's a civilized place. It's the Book Cellar.
  
  Book Cellar also has a small café and holds author events and hosts book clubs. It is a small bookstore, nothing like the megastores of the old Borders or Barnes & Nobles. Not every edition of every book out there is in stock. I have ordered books online through Book Cellar, and it's just as easy, and feels more satisfying, than going through Amazon.
  
  Book Cellar is the type of store where you browse. Maybe you like science fiction, but why not stroll the mystery aisle? Check out the cookbooks; you may see something new and different. Go ahead and make an impulse buy. You won't regret it.
  
  I don't know how Book Cellar has managed to hold on and thrive in the internet age, when the printed word seems to be out of favor. All I know is, nothing will ever replace the feel of a solid book in your hands. Nothing is more exciting than flipping rapidly through the pages, impelled by excitement and the desire to know what happens next. And printed books don't have batteries that run down. You can put a book in your bag or purse, pull it out anywhere, and quickly be absorbed in the war in Westeros, or Lincoln's boyhood, or the best places to eat in Athens. All you need is a little bit of light and curiosity. Visit Book Cellar today, and begin an adventure.

• Tom S.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 7 June 2026

  It's a nice bookstore and I do go there but the service is just awful. No one asks if you need help, no one engages the customer at checkout and there are always staff there but I never know what they are doing other than sitting behind the desk.
  
  I've bought a dozen book there over the summer and not one person told me about the reward program until last week. Lots of attitude from the staff. If you're not happy to be there you should leave.
  
  Not a fun experience to shop there.

• Hannah W.

  star star star star star_border 23 May 2026

  I love this bookstore right in the heart of Lincoln Square. It's in a great location, has a good selection, and just really food vibes inside. The staff is chill and friendly, they offer great drinks at the cafe and you sort of feel like you're visiting someone's home when you're there.
  
  I love buying books from local bookstores if I can help it and this place is a go to for me!

• Del Y.

  star star star star star 17 May 2026

  I always appreciate local bookstores and this one is worth checking out.  They have great wines and beverages in the cafe to enjoy while you are reading or checking out a stack of books. The prices are great and the whole store is just really comfortable to be in. If you're in the area make a point of coming here and support this place.

• Daniel E.

  star star star star star_border 17 May 2026

  So happy that my sister took me to The Book Cellar, as it was such a good visit, the way an independent bookstore ought to feel.
  
  Located on the west side of the thriving Lincoln Square business district, we walked to this wonderful shop, but parking was available along Lincoln Avenue and in a nearby public parking lot. There's a lot to do all around The Book Cellar also.
  
  Such a comfortable atmosphere - there's a few chairs around the perimeter, a coffee/tea shop on the premises with tables, and an old fashioned book store look. I enjoyed browsing, as they had all the books that I wanted to graze.
  
  The Book Cellar has an adult reading program, a children's section, plus a loyalty program. They host appearances by guest authors, an impressive list of upcoming visits on their calendar. The customer service at the register couldn't have been better, such a pleasant woman who loves her job and was such a great representative of the store.
  
  The Book Cellar is a quality book store, and I wish they would have been open when I lived in the neighborhood a generation ago.