Molasses Books

Molasses is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a neighborhood secret. I stopped in on a Sunday around five (Thanksgiving weekend) and it was buzzing. It’s small enough that ten people make it feel lively but its cozy atmosphere part of what makes it so inviting. There were folks lined up at the bar with their laptops (I think seven-ish seats total), plus a handful of tiny tables tucked in wherever they fit. People were reading/writing. I saw someone working on a screenplay. People settle in for the long haul. I was there over an hr and most of the same faces were still there by the time i left. Molasses has both used and new books. The bar offers wine, beer, coffee, tea, matcha, and pastries. Even with most people working quietly on their own thing, it still felt comfortable to sit and chat for a bit before dinner. I didn’t feel like I was being rude by having a conversation. I hadn’t been to Molasses since my MFA (2018 ish) and had been meaning to come back. I’m currently searching for bookstore/bar spaces for my book tour and discussion group. I saw an event photo on IG and because of the angle couldn’t tell exactly how big the space actually was, so I wanted to check in person. As much as I love it, it’s just too tiny for a group of fifty or more, which is a little sad because the atmosphere is perfect. Even so, I’ll absolutely be back to browse and buy books.

Peaceful used bookstore cafe with an excellent collection of great titles, especially for a relatively compact space. Selection compares to Unnameable Books in Prospect Heights. Studious crowd of hipster types. Dedicated if somewhat laconic service. Fun, pleasing atmosphere for the book-lover.

This review is about sustainability! By 2050, there will be more plastic in ocean than fish. Which is why I was thrilled to see this lovely bookshop and café serving beverages in real, reusable mugs. As a customer, it means a lot to me to be able to support businesses that align with my value of caring for my local and global environment. So thank you for giving me the choice to live more sustainability while supporting this awesome shop. Keep up the great work!

A used book store with an actual bathroom. Their seats are preciously designed for feng shui and always occupied

Okay yes I fell in love with this place the moment i walked in. A bookstore a cafe AND a bar?? Every queer’s dream. I loved the collection of radical books they have 🫦 the music is excellent and the space is so dreamy. IN LOVE. PERIOD

This combination bookstore, café, and bar leans a little more towards the latter. A great deal of space is taken up by the bar, so there aren't many seats or much standing space. They offer a mix of new and used books spanning literature and fiction, gender studies, art, children's books, zines, and more. The selection is a bit limited to make for a truly satisfying browsing experience, and the café menu is a bit limited to make for an exceptional coffee break, so the experience languishes somewhere in the middle for me. The atmosphere is cozy though, and I appreciate the amount of space dedicated to poetry alone. Note that laptops are not allowed after 8pm.

Stopped in to get a coffee. Watched the guy making the coffee empty the coffee out of the portafilter, and without rinsing the portafilter of the old grounds, simply pour in fresh grounds to make the espresso for my order. Will never return for their coffee. Books were genuinely interesting though, and if you are a performative reader this is definitely the spot for you.

Nice atmosphere and good range of books! Go with coffee over tea. Free bookmarks, self-service. Cozy but limiting seating. Stay long enough to peruse and a seat will open up. Trust me! Decently priced books and coffee. Vibey music. Interesting art. Good people watching. A place to see and be seen. Cute location. Came here on a first date. It was great!

Few things in this life get me off like a cozy independent book store. I romanticize tf out of places like Molasses Books. I felt like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, or William S. Burroughs when I was in here. It made me want to be in a white button down with the sleeves rolled up, tucked into some pinstripe suit pants, with some trendy glasses on while I rip away at a typewriter between puffs of a cigarette. Instead I was in short shorts and a plain white T smh. Shelves of thoroughly used books engulf the walls, smooth jazz plays subtly in the background, as the young patrons of Bushwick have intimate conversations. A lot of passion in here. A lot of freedom. I got an americano because I'm beast, and the espresso was quality. I knew I was in good hands when one of the Bushwick creatives was making it. Not much else I need in this life than a cozy book store and good espresso... well a couple hundred million would be nice too. Ig @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

Checked out Molasses Books over the weekend and really liked the concept and shop. It's mostly a used bookstore, with a couple of new book offerings, some seating around the shop and a bar area with a few chairs that sells coffee, beer, and wine. I ordered a cappuccino that was good. Nice espresso and froth. I walked around the store and ended up buying a book. Prices are good for the books and pretty decent for the coffee. It can get a little hard to find seating if it's busy as it's a small shop but lots of great books to choose from. Service is okay, not the friendliest. Would come back and buy more books/coffee

I came here with a friend recently to hang out. We both had the mint iced tea, which was the most refreshing thing I could have imagined. Such a cozy place to hang out. If I lived closer, I have no doubt that I would spend all my time and money here.

I feel really lucky to have stumbled spin this place during my stay in Bushwisk in November. Their selection of books is an eclectic mix of both curated new and old. sort of scattered, stacked and displaced around a very familiar feeling coffee house vibe. Had I more time to spend here, I think Molasses Books could be on my top 10 list of cozy book shops I'd love to get to know intimately. I could imagine myself sitting in the winder reading and drinking coffee for hours. It is a place for independent nomads, writers and readers and thinkers or for two people to get lost in each other's intimate conversation but not really the spot if you are someone who enjoys much attention from staff or likes to chat with workers as they are often reading, drawing or drinking coffee themselves and not exactly interested in taking orders. That being said, I quite like the autonomy I feel when I'm inside and don't mind waiting a minute or two for the the person behind the bar to look up from their latest read before taking my order. For some folks, this would not be the vibe and definitely not the place for a super fast coffee to go. There is a limited amount of outdoor seating, great coffee options and a few light bites to choose from. My one critique is the prices can seem a bit high but not unusual for the ares.

I tried to make myself like this place many times. Their coffee is ok, I love books and sometimes I just want to sit in quiet space and draw/read, and it's right by my house so in theory it would be the perfect place. The problem is: one of their baristas always makes me so uncomfortable. They have been rude to me in many occasions, they stare uncomfortably and any questions or request I may have they respond to me in the most condescending and annoyed tone there could ever be. On top of that every single time me and my partner have asked for a hot chocolate (which btw is overpriced) we get steamed milk with no cocoa powder. I really want to like this place so bad, but it's impossibile with the rudeness of their employee. Idk

I ordered a matcha latte that only had a hint of matcha. Basically $5 for steamed milk. The bar area had so many little flies that a customer killed one (by clapping his hands) and the barista replied, "thanks for doing your part". At this point I had already paid so I'm just watching the espresso machine and making sure no foul/fly play takes place. How do you report a place for cleanliness or lack there of? Seriously, because they shouldn't be selling edible items. Can't speak on the bookstore aspect. I also didn't feel welcomed: no smiles, but many glares. This place does not seem friendly towards black ppl/patrons. Please do not visit if you like fly-free potables or friendly services towards black ppl.

This book store feels a bit on the cold side . When I walked in no one to greet you. The books were even sorta dark honestly and when someone came in they still didn't greet you . Maybe the coffee is better? But I won't be returning . It's a pretty place just not warm like a bookstore should be

Stumbled upon this bookstore while exploring Bushwick. What a lovely place. Unbeknownst to us, my boyfriend and I walked in when they were basically about to close. However, the nice guy in the store didn't even mention it. It was only when we left that I realized it was past their closing time. Very intimate place with dim lighting and soft jazz playing. They sell coffee/drinks but we didn't purchase any. I did find a Patti Smith book in like new condition for only $8.50. What a steal! The selection in this store was much better than other used book stores in my opinion. Used book stores can sometimes feel like a junkyard of crap, but Molasses Books seemed thoughtfully curated, even if it isn't. I could have purchased at least 3-4 books here easily. Everything I picked up sounded interesting and I could have spent another hour just browsing. Please shop at stores like Molasses instead of purchasing books on Amazon. The book I purchased was Like New and only $8! Let's keep these neighborhood gems open.

The environment was really cute and i loved the selection but the worker on Oct 11th 2023 at 2pm was incredibly rude and ruined my entire experience.

Really un-inviting vibe. Also big lack of diversity. Wouldn't recommend to a friend .

I've been here quite a few times because the vibe is warm and cozy, plus the whole deal is coffee and books. I love love love when places serve coffee after 6pm. The clientele usually includes young creatives willing to make connections while under this same roof. Grab an espresso in a custom branded ceramic cup and saucer

Funny that there is already a review here saying that you will not feel welcomed if you are not white or white passing. This is now my second experience here where I felt really uncomfortable by the staff who uphold the reputation of the "new" Brooklyn pretension it's almost like when they hire they tell the workers to make you feel like you shouldn't be there. Won't b coming back here and hope businesses like this don't take hold in all of bk

This place is so charming! I wandered in after just passing it on the street, and wasn't expecting to stay as long as I did! It's really quaint, and has a nice little menu at the coffee bar, including wine, beer and seltzer (which unfortunately I didn't have time to try). A great place to spend your afternoon with a book and some coffee. The music that was playing was great too! And the server at the bar was very sweet and helpful.

This place was a great find. They sold mostly used books and there were dollar carts that were super exciting. I walked away with three books in hand. It doesn't look like much from the outside (the windows are dusty and hard to see through) but the inside is quaint and homey. There are fairy lights sprinkled in between and throughout the book cases. It is not a huge space, but I appreciate that there are places to sit and read/work. There is also a bar where you can order a variety of drinks. The music playing was the perfect combination to inspire relaxation and also focus. The owners are a married couple and they were both there when I first visited. They were very thoughtful and engaging. AN ENTIRE BOTTLE OF WINE IS $28. I didn't take advantage of that deal, but it seems awesome. Some other pricing to consider: Glass of Wine $8, Teas $2, CBD Cold Brew $7 - most others beers $5, Yerba Mate Soda $4.50, and all the variations of coffee you can think of ranging from $2.50 to $4.50. There was an interesting "under-upper" I wanted to try. One shot of under-berg in a while label Yerba Mate $8. Unfortunately, they were out of under-berg. Next time. Great place to browse for books. An even better place to sit and get some work done. I will definitely be returning.

it was a good atmosphere with a sorry amount of books. I offered a glass of wine that was good but had to abandon due to the amount of FLYING INSECTS SWARMING MY TABLE. It was constant and never ending and the women did absolutely nothing besides say "I don't know what to tell you" In a condescending voice. AWFUL experience and I do not recommend

My fav bookstore! The books that are put on display always change and are curated so well I usually enjoy whatever I pick up. Love to read in their outdoor seating area in the summer.

A bookstore that has a bar that serves beer, wine, coffee + tea! Fascinating. Used books for sale, great selection! I could stay here for hours browsing through the book selection. They have great finds. This is a unique, cozy + welcoming little place that I would definitely recommend and come back to. Music was great, loved that they had a record player!

I've come here several times, and it's one of my favourite places to do work! I love the vibe of it, with the string lights, good music, and of course, inspiring and unique books everywhere! I always look forward to coming here. Improvements can definitely be made on cleanliness, however, because the bathroom is always in pretty bad shape. The "no laptops after 8" policy is both a blessing and a curse; it's annoying when I'm in the groove of working at night, but I also understand that it is to create a more relaxing, bar-like ambience for evenings, which I appreciate on days when I am not doing work there. Definitely a place worth checking out!!

Seating: 20 people (4 tables + bar) Lighting: medium. Price: cheap. Service: good. Vibe: chill. Food: good coffee. Books: the philosophy section is pretty good tho I kant find any copies of critique of pure reason :/

BOOKS + Beer!!! Came here for a friends book reading. It's a very cool space, but just make sure your group is small. Also this place is super chill and you will probably have to order your beverage over someone reading some obscure literature, but that just adds to the flavor in my book :)

I'm so happy someone told me about this magical bookstore/cafe/bar. As a book lover, it's a dream with a solid, if limited, book selection and a range of drinks, hot and cold. Tucked into a corner of Bushwick, this treasure seems just far enough removed that it doesn't get too busy. With a couple of tables scattered around and bar seating, it can accommodate small meetings or individual productivity. A dim, enchanting nighttime mood and friendly staff round out the good impression. Grab a cuppa tea and get around to doing whatever you have to do! Well, after you browse a few titles, of course.

SUMMARY: Unique experience. I had the pleasure of being one of two people there when I went so I didn't experience the awkwardness of having to navigate around people to look at books. They don't have any fancy coffee here, but what they did have smelled amazing. $2 gets you a cup of tea but the cup is really small and I felt kind of awkward about asking for more water... VERDICT: I think it is worth checking out for a first time, but I'm not sure if I would come back another time because (1) there is not a lot of seating (3 tables, max, although a little bit more if you count the bar area) and (2) I didn't really like that there was no sign that they would be back in 10 minutes or whatever and it was super confusing for me to find the place when I first sought it out. I actually had a hard time finding this place, because the first time I walked down the block, the bookstore wasn't even open despite the fact that it was like 10:45 AM and Google told me it was open. I actually had to walk down the next block and then back down again before it was open. I suspect that one of the employees probably stepped out to do something quick and had to close up the shop temporarily, but it would have been nice to have a sign, given that this place is located in a neighbourhood with a bit of construction going on and metal doors everywhere. The selection of books is nice though! I didn't buy anything but had a lot of fun browsing the books. I also thought it was a very nice and cozy space with good lighting if you sit by the windows, but I definitely didn't feel hip enough to really stay there for long. The girl who was working there was pretty nice and was just on her phone the whole time I was there, which I liked because I didn't want to pretend to make any conversation with her (I'm avoidant!) I did like that it was okay for me to eat my food in the shop. I don't actually know if they sold anything to eat, but no one yelled at me when I brought in my donut to photograph and eat.

Nice, unexpected used bookstore a few blocks away from the Knickerbocker-M stop. While not the most convenient location (it's a bit of a hike if you're not already in the area), it's definitely an unexpected diamond amidst the roughage of Bushwick. Lots of $1 books. A really nice collection. Laid back atmosphere. All of the books were in really nice condition and nothing seemed to be more than $10. Good place to visit if you're not sure what you want to read next. I picked up a graphic novel and some chick book. The place is pretty small. However, I can only imagine how romantic this place will be in wintertime as snow falls around New York and I'm bundled up with my book and steaming hot coffee inside. Can't wait to come back.

Great neighborhood bookshop! 1. Small but amazing selection from hard to find poetry and books by Brooklyn authors and locals like Lee Ranaldo. 2. Open till Midnight. 3. Free WiFi. 4. Serves Beer & Wine at a reasonable price. 5. Holds weekly events from Poetry Karaoke to book releases. 6. Bargain books on racks outside when you just need a quick lit fix. 7. Friendly and knowledgable staff.

I adore coming here. The used book selection is deeply discounted and carefully curated to reflect a wide variety of perspectives - great that they carry both Alice Walker and David Horowitz. I picked up The Anti-Chomsky Reader here and am loving it. The pastries are yummy, the coffee's not too stale or bitter, and they've got loose-leaf tea, which I appreciate. The space is cozy, well-worn and unpretentious. There always seems to be enough seating despite the fact that it gets kind of crowded sometimes, and the outlet access is pretty good. The regulars are sweet, humble, and mostly charming. In fact, I met a very sexy writer here and we say hi each time I come. In general, I'd judge this a welcoming place to work or play.

This little and simple place in the heart of Bushwick is a library/cafe, where you can find old and new different kind of books, just to read while you have a coffee, or to buy, they have some books for just 1 dollar. Really original place.

Love this place. Cozy, great vibes, amazing book selection. Place is all around amazing.

First thing let me say that the book selection is pretty good. There are some hidden gems if you're willing to look at the shelves. I also really liked their dollar book selection, for those that want something entertaining for an affordable price. HOWEVER, The cause for these two stars are for the atmosphere of the bookstore. As the only African American male I was constantly stared at, while looking at the shelves by the man behind the counter, who I assume to be the owner. This came as a shock to me being a Brooklyn Native, I shouldn't feel unwelcome in my own back yard ever, but (Gentrification) I digress. If you are white or white passing you'll love this place, but all others be weary. You won't be able to pick out a good read with someone staring down your back the whole time.

If New York ever gets to be too much, come here. Warm and inviting, wonderful place for a quiet drink or to start your novel during the day. Book selection absolutely excellent. There is no better spot.

Such a sweet nook, to the point that writing them a 5 star review feels like I'm sharing a local secret that's meant to be kept. Great tunes, yummy coffee, loads of books, and lots of busy workers getting their daily grind handled with a casual comfort. Only been in here a few times, but I'll definitely be a regular once the weather turns cold again.

Absolute gem of the neighbourhood. Good range, fair prices, lovely vibe. First visit recently didn't disappoint and I'll be back.

I was feeling introspective one Friday night so I went for a walk and ended up here. I grabbed a beer and a book and sat in the corner and rediscovered the human condition. They're open late, but it wasn't too crowded around 11PM. Molasses also serves coffee, so I'll have to come back when I feel introspective in the daytime.

Magical hideaway on a residential block in Bushwick. Cheap wine and sometimes live music. A special little neighborhood secret.

Great casual place to hang out and sip a beer or glass of wine while perusing their great selection of books (carefully and skillfully chosen for the small space). The owner is very nice and accommodating. He's laid back but also knowledgeable. Inviting and comforting combination. A real gem of a bookstore and a great place to relax and enjoy life.

Truly disappointing experience. After seeing on the Google business description that it is a "used bookstore & cafe where patrons can barter volumes for coffee, beer or more books" and then cross referencing that with Brokelyn's article which cited: "CAN I BRING MY LAPTOP? "Laptops are cool for now, just not at the bar," Winn says [UPDATE 4/14: Laptops are cool at the bar now!]." I was so eager, I went last night, a stack of three books and laptop in hand. When I arrived the bartender told me "that's not something we do, someone else came in asking the same thing". After paying $7 for a glass of wine, I asked where I could plug in my laptop only to be told there is a no laptops policy after 8 PM. She was apologetic and offered me my money back for the drink and also to hold my books ("we can text you to try and see if we can buy them off of you") which was very sweet, but surprisingly did not offer me the wine on the house. I wasn't going to be a dick and make her pour the glass out after I gave her cash so I stayed, and luckily met a very nice couple there. I chilled for about an hour and eventually left. The idea of this place is wonderful, but I walked in ready to do some creative writing surrounded by great works of literature and left having turned out nothing. Please be aware of your online presence, it is unfair to your customers otherwise.

Best spot in Bushwick for coffee and wi-fi! Open till midnight every night with beer and wine :) Plenty of spots to bring your laptop and do work. Wi-fi is actually pretty fast.

I've been here a few times, and it's a tight space, but a good selection for its size, and, hey--beer *inside the bookstore.* Am mainly writing now, though, to respond to the review accusing the place of being racist--worth noting that the last event I attended there featured multi-ethnic readers from all kinds of backgrounds, the person working behind the counter was a PoC, and the store has an established tradition of inclusivity, especially across race and gender/sexuality lines. So, though I wasn't in attendance for the event mentioned in that person's review, I've got a sneaking suspicion there was some willful misinterpretation going on... Anyway, good, cozy indie store. Definitely worth stopping in should you find yourself in Bushwick.

Excellent bookstore, bar, hangout place. Great literary vibe, very relaxed atmosphere and the owner is super nice. 'Nice' includes 'not racist' and I doubt that he would stare down an African-American customer--the store isn't that big, so looking outward from the bar, the owner can easily see every customer at once, and paying attention to customers can alternately be considered as polite and respectable. I do sympathize with the paranoia, however--we long-haired hippies get it all the time!

the person behind the counter just now made me feel guilty for ordering coffee. i don't know if they have mono of if the physical burden of being cool is overwhelming them but basic hospitality and human fellowship were somehow beyond the bounds of this person's bodily economy. they were the absolute embodiment of every cliche about Brooklyn hipsters. I felt like I was in a Netflix show. I immediately regretted trying to impress a friend by bringing them there. I will never return. ‍

What a cute little nook. I kept hearing about this place (yes, I admit, I have hipster friends. Tried staging interventions many times prior.) and finally came in to sell some of my books. The owner is really laid back and nice. We spoke for a few minutes and he gave me value for my books. Made my trip from Manhattan worth it. )His equation is he usually pays 30% of what the book sells for.) Great 1 dollar rack with interesting selection. Weird fascist literature next to Malcolm Gladwell. Oh wait, that's the same thing...

Really fun bookstore! I've been here twice now, staff is super friendly and there's a decent assortment of books considering how small the bookstore is. It's got very interesting and funky reads, lots of cheap books! Never tried the drinks or snacks. Towards closing they dim the lights, not easy to read but honestly great date atmosphere. Definitely coming back someday!

This place is one of my favorite Brooklyn finds since I moved here a few years ago. You can get beer, coffee, wine, and snacks. They play great music and the book selection is unique

Eclectic, bohemian, nerdy, coolest place ever! We enjoyed our visitS and enjoyed the wood chucks. I found several books and thoroughly had a pleasant evening!

Great little neighborhood coffee shop / bookstore. Obscure music and books. Few little tables if you want to chill out and read.

Love this place for quickly browsing books and grabbing a coffee. Their iced coffee is great, atmosphere is calm, and the counter person is usually playing a good low-energy record. Books are well curated; I always walk out with a book on some obscure art subject, or contemporary novel, after browsing less than 10 minutes.

This is a quaint little bookstore in Bushwick I discovered earlier today. It has a very small, but interesting, selection. It has a very inviting atmosphere from what I gather, plus some (presumably) tasty bakery items which I didn't have the opportunity to sample. Even so, it's worth a look-see if you happen to be in the neighborhood.

What a fantastic little gem that only Bushwick could create. Tucked away on a mostly residential street, Molasses is a bookstore/cafe that makes me feel like I am in a little sleepy town upstate. There is an impressive selection of used books (and I am pretty sure the owner is always open to more). You can sit at the bar or at a private table and enjoy a coffee, tea, glass of wine or beer, all the while listening to some tunes on vinyl. Great place to study, work or meet a friend.

This is my favorite bookstore, hands down. The used selection (almost the entire store) is super well curated across many areas. And although the store is small, it has one of the best poetry sections I've found. Plus coffee and lots of lit events... home run.

This is one of my favorite places in all of Brooklyn. I can't walk out without buying something. My first purchase was a Rauschenburg interview book and then my next was Zen Flesh Zen Bones. So you get the full range in there! Art, philosophy, novels, small books of poetry, etc. But the real kicker is the place actually offers an exchange program where you can trade books with them. When the weekend comes and it's been a long work week, i always think to myself that i can at least find peace in the sanctuary of Molasess. i imagine myself sipping on a beer and reading in the peaceful little spot while sifting through a pile of art books, listening to the amazing crackling country record the shopkeeper's just thrown on. I'm still waiting to get out for one of their events one of these days!