57th Street Books

A cool, semi-underground bookstore beloved by the Obamas! I loved exploring here and finding unique titles. The children’s section was so nice and varied and the staff members were extremely helpful and friendly!

This is such a cool place! Exploring all the different rooms is so fun and makes book shopping feel like a treasure hunt. The staff are nice and very helpful, never had a bad experience there! The only downside is it's a little small so that limits selection some, but I usually don't go there to get something specific and they have enough that I've never had an issue finding something I want to read. And it's connected to another bookshop a couple blocks away that has a different selection too. A Hyde Park must visit!

I was born just two years after this bookstore first opened its doors, and I became one of its earliest little wanderers. Some of my first and most treasured childhood memories live within those walls. My mother would bring me here, and I'd run off and settle myself into a tiny rocking chair in the children’s section while I lost myself in stories. When I was small, the place felt like running through a labyrinth, with tunnels of books twisting and turning, each shelf a passage into another universe. Even after my family moved away, the memory of this place never loosened its hold on me. Three decades later, I returned and found it still standing, still as magical as it had been when I was a child. From the street, the entrance looks enchanted, like a red British phone booth with a wooden sign swinging gently above it. It could easily belong in the world of Harry Potter. Stepping into that crimson booth and descending the staircase feels less like entering a shop and more like passing through a portal. Inside, you discover that this is a gateway to countless worlds, each waiting patiently on its shelf for the right reader to open the door. It is a cornerstone of the Hyde Park community and a cornerstone of my own memory, one of the places that helped shape my imagination. I wish this bookstore many more years, many more readers, and many more worlds to come.

I visited this bookstore hoping to browse and purchase books, and the experience was deeply uncomfortable and unsettling. From the moment I walked in, I felt unwelcome as a Black woman. I was not greeted or acknowledged at all when entering, despite standing in clear view of the staff. While I understand that employees may be assisting other customers, a simple “hello” or acknowledgment is basic courtesy. What made this experience more concerning is that shortly after I entered, other customers (who were white) were greeted warmly upon arrival and actively offered assistance. An employee even asked a white woman if she needed help or was just browsing while walking directly past me without acknowledgment or eye contact. I spent several minutes in the store browsing and was never asked if I needed help, nor acknowledged in any way. The contrast in treatment was noticeable and uncomfortable. I left without making a purchase and will not return. I strongly encourage people of color to consider shopping elsewhere.

Every-single-time I come here I buy something and enjoy interacting with the staff. Their rec's are on point, the selection is amazing, and it's definitely one of thee most unique book stores I have ever been to. If you're visiting Chicago or live here and haven't been, it is a MUST.

Omg. From outside it looks like a small book shop. But it’s actually like diagon valley. Once you enter you realise you have entered a whole new world of books. They have not one or two but 5 rooms where they display books according to the genre marked. Lori at the counter was very sweet. She actually left her seat and showed me around even helped me to look for my choice of books. She was treating every book lover with love n smile I was amazed n very happy to know of this world of books.

Lovely little store. Well, not that little, the time and sections keep going. Well curated selection of books and helpful, enthusiastic staff. Great to keep supporting such indie book stores. The basement location in itself makes it a very interesting place to visit.

One of the great neighborhood book stores. Always such a great selection in a warm & inviting environment.

You don't even have like books, you just have to like life and nice places because this bookstore in this town(university of Chicago) is quaint in all its definitions. It has the real patina of time with its exposed brick and worn basement floors - I love it. Go wonder In its hallways and different rooms preferably with a child. If you don't have one borrow one. The kids section is nice. When you're done walk down 57th st going west and check out the university of Chicago area it's beautiful.

Very nice location and space. I wish it was a boutique. Or a stationary store. Or maybe a toy store. Or, perhaps, an actual bookstore, how about that? There was not a single book in the whole campus bookstore above middle school comprehension level. Everything (with a possible exception of Persepolis, a graphic novel) is steeped in Marxism, and even that diluted and bastardized, not that it needed it, with a dash of death cult propaganda

Lovely bookstore around the college. Plenty of book selections and places to sit and read. All kinds of cute accessories to choose from. Great place for books lovers!

Place was in a great location and loved the Ambiance and collection of books. Workers greeted us and were attentive if we need help

I love local bookstores and 57th Street Books is one of those bookstores a book lover will be giddy in. It's an experience. Walking down the stone steps I had no idea what I would find. Walking into the store, I was shocked to see so many employees and customers. It was truly a community. After some time walking through the various rooms I selected a book, checked out and the cashier was super happy to share more about the history behind 57th Street books, offered me free stickers/bookmarks, and let me know about the member discount. The discount is supposedly 10% off and it's free to become a member. 57th Street (and Powell's bookstore) made my quick trip to the south side worth the drive from Evanston.

What a great place! I just adore local bookstores and this didn't disappoint. There is a lot to see, so make sure you carve out some time to fully enjoy all the shelves, hallways and offers. Because, this place is a labyrinth of books - it just keeps going and going. A great place for cards, gifts and novelties as well.

This place is perfect. I actually heard of it from an interview with Michelle Obama in recent post White House interview. She was talking about books and gave her endorsement. And this endorsement is well deserved. They have a great selection with tons of stacks. The building just keeps going and going. They also seem to have a large calendar for author events. Make this a must on your next trip to Hyde Park!

57th Street Books is a wonderful bookstore, deceptively large with an underground book nook atmosphere and a huge selection of titles. I visited both 57th Street and its sister store, the Seminary Co-Op on a visit to Chicago and I loved both stores. This one was cozier and less academic, maybe slightly higher in my estimation. I am definitely biased by the fact that 57th Street carries my books and Seminary does not. I write noir, and genre fiction is much better represented at this lower brow branch of the Hyde Park bookstore family. I spent a lot of time browsing the fiction, which coiled back deep into the store. Almost every title I thought to look for was in stock. There was even a Two Dollar Radio book on the main display table. I bought three paperbacks, including a copy of The Shining Girls for the friend we were crashing with, since every Chicagoan and Chicagophile should read The Shining Girls. The staff was friendly, and I had a great time looking around. I'll come back to 57th Street Books whenever I'm near Hyde Park. I'd recommend it to every reader in the neighborhood.

Not that I'm biased or anything (because the bookstores in Hyde Park are great in general), but 57th Street Books is particularly one of my favorites in Chicago! Such a great place to spend literally hours just browsing through books for people of all ages. I highly recommend going in even if you have no book in mind, especially to check out the sale section. It has great deals and books I never thought I'd find on sale for so cheap! They also have a great selection of books for you to discover that you didn't know existed :) I'd say normal priced books might be just a tad bit pricier than let's say something you would order on Amazon, but also hey, it's a local bookstore and there's no better feeling than picking out a physical book on your own and getting to flip through it before purchasing! ALSO, sign up to be a member - it's free and you get a discount next time.

This is my favorite bookstore in the world. It just feels so cozy! I used to come here after school with my dad. I loved that they let me charge books to my parents account! The best part though is the cart near the door that has the best sellers. These are not the self help crap books that make it onto the NY Times best sellers list, but rather good interesting books! I love browsing that section to see what I should read next!

One of the best bookstores in the world, it's the dialectic (other) half of a cooperative along with the scholarly Chicago Seminary bookstore. The co-op is one year younger than I am. This was the first place I was allowed to shop on my own, I saved up my allowance, walked here after school, and bought a copy of Phillip K. Dick's The Game-players of Titan. I hadn't thought about that day for I don't know how long, until I wandered in here the other day and while I was shopping a little Asian-American 5th or 6th grader came in by herself and bought a book (not a children's book), presumably with her allowance savings. Only in Hyde Park. The workers are very literate, they can be quite helpful if you're looking for something, and they are completely unobtrusive when you're not. All sorts of University of Chicago types (homeless or humanities grad student?) frequent the place, it is a store for readers and thinkers. If you're visiting the University of Chicago for any reason, make time to stop in here and in the Chicago Seminary Co-op Bookstore. Have you heard of the "dumbing-down of America?" That's not happening in here.

This bookstore was great and is great for someone who loves a neat and stress-free bookstore and for someone who enjoys a store filled with books on countless shelves. The front has a very small, diverse, and well set up area that is easy to navigate and never feels overwhelming. The back is long, twisty, narrow, and has shelves on shelves lined with books where you can easily get lost. The staff were really friendly and someone was reading a book to some young kids in the back, which could not have been more adorable.

(in the voice of Lil John) "WHAAATTT?" How have I not told you about this place??!! If you want to chill like a seasoned Chicagoan or just happen to like books this is the place for you! Ever get harassed by your friends at the museum because you spent too much time reading the exhibit displays? Ever wanted to feel like you were at a Hogwarts library? Ever feel the need to step into a store so you can ditch the person you're with? THIS IS IT! 57th Street Books is an old looking shop in a "garden apartment" basement. It's like a dungeon. A dungeon filled with books that if they were dragon's teeth would then become great mythical warriors! The staff knows this so they don't get in your face with "can I help you find something?". They let you explore. They let you get lost the way books were meant to be found. I like wine shops because I don't know enough about wine so I read the little notes with the wine score (right after I check the price - amiright?). 57th Street Books and wine shops have this in common. The little notes are better than reading the back cover. The staff knows a lot about books as well. Ever ask a question at one of the larger book store chains? They usually have to find someone else or will casually Google it and read it to you. Wow, thanks. The staff at 57th Street Books is like that trivia jerk that seems to know everything. But they're not jerks - they're on your team. Unless of course you catch them at the local bar trivia night and they really are on the other team. Then you should forfeit. Go here. Buy a book for yourself. Don't know jack about books? Get one for a 'friend.' It'll make you seem intelligent. Then you can date that friend and say you met because of books. Your followers will think it's cute, your real friends will gag but you'll have found romance and it won't matter.

This book store is an institution. Their commitment to great books and even greater people is evidenced from the moment you walk into the store. They run the best story time in the city and have some of the most helpful store associates you'll ever find. This is where you should be getting books from. This is where you need to be a member. This is where we'll probably bump into each other as I'm lost in the stacks.

This place keeps me inspired! Well-selected books for people who love to read, super knowledgeable and friendly staffs. A lot of books are labeled with recommendation and reviews by them! I hope local book stores like this can inspire and attract more people!

The bookstore in the basement one of the coolest bookstores in the city .I think you owe to yourself to visit at least once . The selection here is very extensive anything else can be found at the other affiliated store Seminary CO-OP store. Their is an Information desk to help with the books your looking for you very helpful . Towards the middle nice children section if you have kiddos.Overall great place to be.

Sigh of contentment, we got to visit another book store. And yes, I loved this one also. It's the ying to the yang of the Seminary Co-op Bookstore, the other sister who is a bit more light hearted. I adore them both. Today I bought a book here for no reason, just because I have been eying it and thinking about it. I also got a Jane Austen mug that said hello to me. These were slightly frivolous purchases in a glorious playground for book lovers. Now I have two problems, do I read this book first or the ones I got from the Co-op Bookstore and what hot beverage do I put in my mug? Thanks to Hyde Park bookstores, even my problems are enjoyable.

Great selection, friendly and welcoming and funny staff (they're super knowledgeable about the locations of specific books and will fetch you books if there are events going on.) They also let dogs in.

And all this time I thought it was the big-box bookstores that had child-friendly areas conducive to staying awhile! What a cozy little corner to play with toys, discover new books and spend time together. This section is very well-set up in that many of the books are at a child's eye level, even when he is sitting, which encourages him to reach for them and explore on his own. The guys that work here remind me a LOT of the guys that worked in my dad's record store when I was growing up: friendly but affected, with a slightly holier-than-thou attitude. I'm sure this may be somewhat justified for their general knowledge of books but not so much for the kid's stuff. The ones that one of the guys suggested to us were really st00pid... I felt the need to hip him to some Skippyjon Jones and a little Llama llama;-P (where's Meg Ryan when you need her???). Luckily SOMEONE here knows their stuff 'cause the selection was fantastic. It's almost as though all the crap has been weeded out leaving only the good stuff. I had such a hard time deciding on which of the 10 books I picked for him to get that I ended up getting them all (but, honey...it's BOOKS!). I didn't get to explore all the grown-up sections too much but from what I did see I know I'm looking forward to going back on my own soon.

Local bookstores are a vital part of any community, and 57th Street Books is no exception. It was one of the first bookstores I visited when I moved to Chicago in '08, and I've been coming back ever since! They've got a fantastic selection, helpful staff, and perhaps most importantly, a quiet and peaceful environment. I've spent literal hours wandering through the back sections. On that note, it must be said that the "feel" of the place can't be beat; the whole store smells of paper and ink, and everything feels sort of underground and magical. Oh, and be sure to look out for their window displays, too-- there's always something interesting and/or thought-provoking to be seen.

A very comfortable and cozy basement bookstore that lets you wander through several low-ceiling rooms. Browsing-friendly, with a smaller, but still comprehensive and well-selected count of books. Apparently I rate every restaurant by its vegetarian offerings and every bookstore by its philosophy section, so here we go: The philosophy section is tiny, but I still wanted to buy almost every book. Lots of critical theory and contemporary continental philosophy. Also, this store has the single best magazine selection I have ever seen. I hate chain bookstore magazine shelves because they sell hundreds of magazines that I don't care about. This store offers all the magazines that other stores ignore - magazines you had no idea existed! A lot of good and specialized magazines on arts, society, politics etc. I spent over 20 dollars on magazines I'd never heard of and now would like to get a subscription to. After the year in which so many magazines said goodbye to the declining market, it is great to discover these. What a neat store.

Love this hidden gem in Hyde Park! One of my favorite bookstores of all time! It's also a co-op!

Great place! If winding subterranean nooks and crannies packed with books sounds like music to your ears, 57th Street Books is the jam. Extensive selection of popular stuff, food/cooking, childrens (kid friendly), poetry, science, philosophy, etc. Art book section was sort of slim, but a few quality selections. Found things at Powells much cheaper than cover price, everything here was cover price and seemingly new. Flipped through an amazing taco encyclopedia, and several other unique books. Service was friendly and helpful. The entrance and sign are extremely cool, with a mossy thatched roof above the door and a classy small handpainted hanging sign above it.

I love bookstores, and well, the boyfriend usually begrudgingly gets dragged to them as a result. However, he actually enjoyed this experience as well. This place is just completely awesome. It's big, but it doesn't feel overwhelming or crowded. I really love their "staff suggestions" and ended up buying a book suggested for my plane ride back to Seattle. I'd been contemplating getting this particular book, and the staff suggestion just sealed it for me. The best part though, aside from it actually being a really great book? They were giving out "gift books" to those who purchased a staff suggested book. I ended up getting an additional book for free! It was an advanced copy of a book that hasn't come out yet...score! I can't wait to read it and feel like I'm in the know now. Add this place to the list of another reason why I'd consider moving to Chicago.

4.5 stars If you go to the Seminary Co-Op Bookstore, you might as well also go to 57th Street Books -- they are sister stores -- and combined they are 5 stars. 57th has a better selection of food and cookbooks.

Remember when Alice got a little too curious and fell down the rabbit hole? And she stumbled onto a wondrous and mystical land full of adventure, danger, and excitement! Well, 57th Street Books is not dangerous. But it is my own personal Wonderland. I happened upon this amazing underground (literally, underground) bookstore while walking back to UChicago campus from the 55th-56th-57th Street Metra station. I could literally spend days wandering the shelves, finding hidden literary treasures nestled among the classics, the new and noteworthy, and the downright strange. I felt like Macaulay Culkin in The Pagemaster (except now he's creepy and I'm not), entranced by the wonder and magic of books! Places like this continue to give me faith that the beauty of the written word will continue to exist even though the Kindles and Nooks of the world attempt to erase it from history. There is magic in reading the printed word, and 57th Street Books helps keep that magic alive.

Love!!! A non-corporate, local brick-and-mortar flesh and blood bookstore! It is a damned shame that, thanks to online shopping (guilty!), e-readers and general dumbing-down of society, awesome places like this bookstore are an endangered species. Because I could spend a day just browsing here. You walk down a few steps into wall-to-wall books, and just when you think you've browsed everything, you notice the corridor leading to...an even LARGER space with even more genres and more gems! Every few feet along the shelves, the very hepful and obviously knowledgeable staff has posted handwritten recommendations of certain books. Nice to know they are book lovers too. I will continue to mourn the loss of Borders, but this great little place takes the edge off my grief.

This place has a lot of books, similar to major book stores. The fact that the bookstore is located below ground level adds character. They sell post cards and gift cards that are unique to special occasions. There are about five rooms (separated by categories) of books to sort through. Definitely a lot of history in this bookstore! Parking in the area can be difficult because it is located right next to popular restaurants Medici and Edwardo's.

I'm always hit by a rush of nostalgia whenever I visit 57th Street Books. =) Having gone to high school right around the corner, I spent countless hours here....and the bookstore's feel and charm hasn't changed after all these years. Once you walk down the entry way's short steps, you'll be welcomed by 57th Street's cozy bookstore lobby: -New books in front -Stationary, cards, and a rack of Moleskins to your left -The cashier, magazines, and friendly, knowledgeable staff to your right From there, the bookstore divides into a number of different brick arched passageways, nooks, and crannies leading you to fiction, history, travel, food, the kiddie's corner, etc. There's also a round table and chairs where you can sit and read. I've never been ashamed to plop down where I am and go through a pile of books though. If you're in the Hyde Park area and buy books frequently, it might be worth getting a membership/stock - you'll get a 10% discount on your purchases. Man, I've got warm fuzzies just writing about this lil' place.

This is no Barnes & Noble. This is a twisting, turning basement of floor to ceiling books. You will not believe how far back the place stretches; it goes and goes and goes. They have a wonderful children's book section which they upgraded to be more comfortable fairly recently. My only complaint is that I find it difficult to find anything specific. You're better off coming in if you don't know what you want--which can be fun too.

They certainly do have an amazing selection here. I don't like to spend to much time in a store like this because I'll buy too many. I usually have my title in mind, buy it, then split. I spent a little more time in this store than I planned on because it is unique. They are in what must have been a basement apt. at one time. They are divided into 5 small sections(rooms), each room focuses on a different subject matters.

Super cute store....like something from a movie. Like the book version of the music store from High Fidelity. Or like the non-children's book version of the bookstore The Shop Around the Corner. They have a cute section of local books, local authors, postcards, and basically anything you'd want and expect from a bookstore. At non-bargain prices, as would be expected.

To be completely honest, I adored this store for the simple fact of having Children's books about people of color. And the selection was not one or two but the entire bookstore was filled with so many diverse stories and characters, not even Barnes and Noble could compare in my eyes. The place was quiet like you could hide forever I loved it. The man was so nice and they overall had such a great selection of book categories. I will visit every time I come to Chicago! Thank you 57th Street books, you guys are a light in this world.

I have a special place in my heart for the small, neighborhood bookstore, so I support them. They are always willing to special order books. They have a very diverse collection of books, including a wonderful children's section.

I'm very glad bookstores like this still exist, as I'm probably one of those people who probably won't get an e-reader or Kindle/Nook like device(lol) for a good while, if ever. Great selection of books, and agree that I like the balance between casual and more intellectual stuff. Was nice to return here, after years of not having a chance to stop in a few weeks ago. And to the credit of whatever employee was working(though I doubt they do this too often for most customers, and moreso ones who don't live in the neighborhood), she didn't require me to check the very small bag I had the 2nd time I went in the store that day. The bag check rule is slightly annoying, but it won't stop me from visiting here.

Wonderfully charming bookstore that's large and well-collated. Bibliophiles will love to wander the stacks. It's an independent shop, so don't expect to pay Amazon prices. It's the local institution and brick and mortar that you're paying for--support your local businesses! I will say that the staff is a little odd. We were stared at the whole time we were in the front area, then when I arrived at the register with my selections, I had to play an awkward game of 20 questions with the cashier. Maybe he was trying to be funny, but I found it off-putting.

Books. Books. And More Books. 57th Street Books is a great place to find that old classic or the new bestseller. This basement find is as much of a part of the University of Chicago as the world renowned Regenstein Library. The staff is great and will help you with anything you need, whether it's a copy of Shakespeare's timeless Romeo and Juliet or a French language guide. The Harry Potter window is a colorful addition to the sidewalk. Parking is hard to find, however, and the CTA or Metra would be your best bet.

57th Street Books is my favorite bookstore in Chicago!! I can get lost for days wandering around this place, and I've definitely spent way more time in this store than I originally meant to. They have more books than I can even imagine, and it's a great place to browse or run in to get the specific book you were looking for. The Staff Recommendations are pretty helpful too. I know I've found a few great books based off these suggestions--the staff is almost always super helpful too. They will look-up any book for you, and if they happen to not have it in stock, they will order it for you right away. It's a friendly environment and a fantastically local shop that I can't stay away from. I love shopping local, so I can't stay away from 57th Street Books any time I'm in Hyde Park. I love it! It is also the much more charming than it's mostly-daunting sister-store (the Seminary Co-op). Don't forget to get a membership! I have the membership, so I get 10% off everything I buy for life! It originally cost something like $30 (I think?), but it's definitely been worth it especially since I was a student at UofC and I've saved way more than that over the time I've been buying books here (and at the Seminary, where the membership works too). I love this store! :-)

By far the best bookstore I've ever been to. The staff know books and are able to offer recommendations based on what you've read. Speaking as a teacher and a mom, the children's section is unparalleled and the Saturday story hour is a great opportunity for children to get together and enjoy books and songs.

Trent J. who wrote the review down below is obviously a moron. There is nothing remotely hipsterish about 57th Street Books. It is one of the best book stores in the country and I have been too many of them, amazing selection and if they do not have it, they get it for me 99% of the time.

Going to Jin has changed my life! After 2 sessions of acupuncture, my anxiety and depression were gone! She also helped me get my period back after 8 years of not having one!! I also highly recommend the access bars! My life and energy have totally shifted as a result of these treatments!! Don't wait! Go see Jin now!

I''m torn between this and the Seminary Co-op bookstores - both cavernlike, underground treasure troves of books. But ultimately, this place gets my vote for its more approachable and comfortable layout, and for appealing to both my commercial and intellectual sides. I have spent many hours here, getting lost in the stacks, and it never gets boring. On the contrary, each visit seems to pass quicker than the one before. I work really near here, so this is the perfect pitstop on the way to anywhere.

This place is the non-academic alter ego of the nearby Seminary Co-op. A bit more oriented to the average consumer/mass market audience, but with taste and a nice indie flair. When the reading material on my coffee table gets old I go here to restock on magazines and other more casual reading type stuff. Prices are a little high, but get a discount by joining the Co-op.

Not sure why everyone loves this place so much. I called to find out if they had a book in stock, and I had one of the worst experiences ever. The person on the other line made it seem like I was asking the world of them. They did complete my request but not without enough attitude to last me a lifetime. I asked them to put the book on hold. When I arrived later to get the book, it could not be found. Apparently the hipsters that love "brick-and-mortar" bookstores also don't like customer service or reliable help. I will not be returning.

Amazing selection, unbelievably organized and stocked, welcoming and beautiful bookstore that is a great addition to the South Side. Most excellent comics and kids selections to boot. Not as academic as Seminary Co-Op, but sometimes that's what you're looking for.

I love this place so much. Even though I now live in New York, it is the first place I head to when I visit Chicago. The selection is exquisite, and the mini-reviews by the staff posted in strategic spots around the shelves are always spot on--and frequently lead me to choices I might not have otherwise found. The staff are friendly and helpful, but leave you alone to do your browsing in peace. No one seemed to mind me sprawled on the floor reading through the first chapters of the books on the bottom shelves in the literature section for the better part of an afternoon. And by the way, I am a librarian, so I know a good collection when I see one.

This place is dope. Though it's easily overlooked (I was parked right in front and still looking around), it's stacked FULL of all kinds of books. It's huge inside. It like a huge basement, and consequently has this kind of basement smell. Nonetheless, I will definitely be back.

There is something to be said about a cramped, harry potteresque, basement book store. It not a Barnes and Noble. Its little book cave for people who truely love the written word. Also check out 57th street book's older and more educated sibling, the Seminary Co-op. 57th is more family friendly and certainly preferable when you just need a good read and aren't in the mood for the braininess of the co-op.

If you are looking to step back in time to a old-style bookstore and find a book that tantalizes your mind, come here and pick out a book. They have monday and wednesday 10:00 am storytime for kids as well. Great little shop!