Stories

Have I really never reviewed Stories?! If Echo Park is going to have one great thing, it’s indie bookstores. I recently reviewed A Good Used Book, which I love, and I have to say Stories is not far behind. There’s just something special about having a neighborhood bookstore. Stories is mostly has new books, which I don’t mind at all. I’ve never been a fan of big-box bookstores, so the curated, slightly older feel of Stories is refreshing and full of magic. One of my favorite sections is their selection of occult books, and they also carry titles from independent artists and storytellers. I feel like I find books here that I wouldn't at Barnes & Noble. Another thing I love: if they don’t have the book you’re looking for, they’ll happily order it for you or let you know when it’s back in stock. They did this for me once, and it was such a lovely, personal experience. There’s also a small café in the back with coffee and pastries. I haven’t tried it yet, so I can’t speak to the quality, but it’s a cozy touch. If I had to give one note, it’s that one of the main employees (an older woman with brown hair) often comes across as if she’s in a mood. She’s never been outright rude but she is really short with you, and sometimes it feels like I’m bothering her. That said, every other staff member I’ve encountered has been incredibly kind and welcoming. The selection here is huge, and it’s always hard to leave without picking up at least one book. If you’re in the area, Stories is absolutely worth a visit.

I really enjoy bookstores and one of my favorites is Stories. They have a great collection of books like Kafka, Dostoevsky, and more. The place feels cozy and relaxing, and I love the playlist they play inside. They have a patio outside and it's very nice as well.

I live this bookstore! Very cozy place to spend during the day, grabbing coffee! Very nice photo-book collection, I really enjoyed checking it out with nice music at the background! Patio at the back is during the day very sunny with tents, great for catching the sun as well! Glad that this type of places still existing! Amazing job!!

A charming little gem, this magical bookshop offers something for everyone—with all genres thoughtfully stocked and a cozy, welcoming vibe. Tucked away at the back is a quaint café (best 🥯 bagels on the area!) , perfect for getting lost in a new read, and the patio seating behind the store adds a serene touch. Bonus: a lovely selection of little gifts and cards.

Eclectic bookstore / cafe. If you don’t like squeezing in between people, tight spaces or things jam packed, This is not the place for you. It’s also dark inside. The aroma is delicious coffee. The books are plentiful. Some nights they have comedy night in the back.

Came here for the first time this last weekend and I was pleasantly surprised. The store has a punk rock vibe and carries a swath of new and pre-owned books as well as gifts. Their selection of books is also different as they carry rare and not often found types of literature. There’s also a little cafe in the back that serves some excellent coffee and kombucha. Parking is street parking - wherever you can find a space. There’s also a paid lot nearby. Definitely recommend. A+

Unnecessary attitude while having your order taken and mediocre coffee deflate what would otherwise be a wonderful setting to spend a spell in to a hollow experience that feels like more of a costume than a safe space. May you have better days, Stories.

I was surprised by how small the selection of books was. They had some interesting looking ones but it was definitely the kind of bookstore where you can peruse it in like 10-15 minutes if you're going to browse and not with a specific purchase in mind. They also have a bar in the back which is a cool concept but I didn't buy any drinks. I didn't care for the vibe. That's not really anything they can fix, I just didn't care for the space. It just felt like the kind of place performative rich or white people would go but that could just be because it was on Sunset and the people around Sunset have a performative vibe. I also think they'd benefit just by having the cashier just greet people as they walk in. Just to make it feel more welcoming. Don't think I'll be stopping by again.

I came here for a book club meeting with my gals as a part of an outing and to do our discussion. What better place than a bookstore that had a cafe in the back? :) This is a small book shop but it's cozy enough to allow you to browse the shelves and find something interesting. The drinks and offerings are a tad on the pricey side for what you're getting but I felt like I was paying for the environment and to take up some space to do discussion as opposed to being their for the drinks. Parking wasn't too terrible if you're looking for metered street parking, paid lot parking, or neighborhood parking near the park. I went on a Saturday afternoon and found plenty of parking opportunities.

Easily the worst bookstore experience I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing. Came in with a book, eager to add another to my collection, left feeling ashamed to be a book reader. Everyone that worked at the store from the coffee makers to the book clerks were the most pretentious source of annoying irritation I've had to deal with. Walked in to a coffee maker growling at someone making an appropriately volumed average work phone call and left getting told the paperback book I wanted would be a whopping $52 from an unfeeling lizard woman. Over priced books matched the godawful experience suffered from stepping foot into this place. If this is an accurate representation of what echo park is about, I'm happy to avoid the whole enchilada

Stories is a mix of a few things I like in life: books, coffee, food. I don't know what order, it doesn't matter. The place is cute, cozy, fun to browse the shelves full of books, great spot to meet friends or have a quiet breakfast, lunch or a snack. Their iced-coffee was good, pastries, just OK, they could have more variety, better selection and be fresher. Customer service could be better also, nicer to customers, but the decor is cute, though they could also use a few more table. They have book events here and not only in the weekend when it gets busy and crowded. So check their calendar. Street parking. Great place to have in town, could use more indie bookstore with coffee shops inside. You can also enjoy a glass of wine and ponder over a book.

Came here for the first time this last weekend and I was pleasantly surprised. The store has a punk rock vibe and carries a swath of new and pre-owned books as well as gifts. Their selection of books is also different as they carry rare and not often found types of literature. There's also a little cafe in the back that serves some excellent coffee and kombucha. Parking is street parking - wherever you can find a space. There's also a paid lot nearby. Definitely recommend. A+

Very cozy place to get some coffee and a snack (or beer!) and browse books, read, do work, etc. The cardamom bun here is delicious. I also enjoy the somewhat dark/ gothy art themes that give the store interior a lot of character. I'll be back!

I love buying books from here and it's a great place to come and do some writing. Which is why it breaks my heart to write this review. I can no longer in good conscience be a customer here after an exchange I witnessed with the barista Laura (Laurie?). I had ordered my coffee no problem, sat down, and two young Black customers came in to sit and work. One of them went up to ask for the Wifi and she berated them with a tone so disproportionate to what was being asked and that they needed to buy something first. It was so extreme, disrespectful, and angry that it was plainly racist. She was cheery and friendly immediately after to every other person (white) who came in. After they bought something, she said, "Go and do that sh*t at Starbucks, we're a small business." First of all, this happened just a few days after the devastating wildfires started and so many people in LA have been affected; this energy is already so unkind and ungenerous. Everyone is going through the most. And then to profile and act like this towards two people of color who were just asking for the Wifi is so utterly disgusting. What's more, she didn't have that same energy towards a white dude who later asked for the Wifi. You can say that you're an anarchist bookstore and support the liberation of marginalized peoples, but that Free Gaza and BLM sticker mean nothing when your interpersonal interactions are suffused with racist contempt.

Love this place. Good coffee (my favorite here is the mocha or cappuccino), good pastries (cardamom bun). A great place to get work done -- only a few outlets but plenty of seating if you want to meet a friend.

The cashier at the front was very dismissive and rude, clearly lacking in customer service skills. When I asked her if she had a certain book in stock, she immediately told me it was sold out in a dismissive tone. At first, I didn't think much of it, so I decided to look around the bookstore. Later on, a book caught my interest, but I couldn't find the price. I asked the cashier if she knew the price or was hoping she could check it for me. Instead, she looked at the book and said, "I don't know, like $17 or something," then put the book back and walked away without checking and confirming the actual price, all while displaying a privileged and snobby attitude. Having grown up in Echo Park, it's disheartening to witness the changes brought by gentrification, especially when encountering snobby staff members like her.

Cute little bookstore in Silverlake with a café with really good drinks and a lot of new and old books. They have photography books. They have psychology books they have fiction books. Love that it closes at 9 PM. They have a large backyard patio as well.

Ordered iced coffee , it has a good taste,I can tell that they have good beans. Personnel was not too friendly even I was smiling at her.. maybe I forget to add tip. :) There are few tables but they have a back area that looks pretty neat. This is inside a bookstore- that's a cool part . Rest room at the time of my visit needs to get attention:)

Stories Books and Cafe is Echo Park's stalwart source of quality books, coffee, wine and food. They sell general interest new and used books with a focus on literary fiction, music, poetry and the arts. It was my first time that I delve into this bookstore. It has a quaint interior and vibe; I like the smell of their books. As you enter you'll meet this old curly gray haired lady staff overseeing the store. She's like the great custodian of Gondor seeing and knowing all things. You'll easily notice they have limited tables and chairs to seat on and read and drink coffee or tea. On Weekends, the store tends to get really busy, crowded and cramped like you're in a flea market. I like that this bookstore has a coffee bar inside just like Barnes & Noble. Overall, it's a nice little quaint bookstore.

I dunno what it is about this place. Love the vibes so much. Love coming here to do work. Staff is great, they've been working here for I dunno how long but long time. The customers that frequent this place gives off the same vibes. Love the energy. Prices are fair for coffee, tea and food is healthy and delicious.

I can't believe I haven't written a review for this awesome place in my neighborhood. Like it's name states they do sell books and coffee, but they also have postcards, incense, sandwhiches, pastries and so much more. Now the stories come from book releases events, live music and community gatherings they do on the back patio, so you can follow them on instagram @storiesbooksandcafe to get more info in future events. Although, the place is compact it's very well organized. It can get crowded at times so just becareful not to block people while browsing the books shelf. They have delicious pastries but my all time faves are the lemon cake and the cardamon bun; and my go to drink is their amazing latte, but all their drinks are really good. Restroom is interesting but clean. Street parking or paid lot on the back.

As previous reviewers mentioned, this is a pretentious bookstore. You are greeted with a cold shoulder from the staff and a limited selection of books, catered towards the gentrified crowd of Echo Park. It can get quite packed on Saturdays with shoppers, and hipsters sipping on lattes, reading the latest paperback novels. While they have a staff picks selection and books on LA, and zines, poetry and art books, they don't stock books on languages and they didnt have a lot of the books I was looking for. I wanted to give up on this bookstore as it always felt unwelcoming. But when the sun goes down on a Sunday night, the bookstore drops its pretentious act, and it becomes a cozy place where two people are engaged in a game of chess, people are chatting over drinks outside, some were quietly browsing the book selection. The barista who made me a warm latte was friendlier. And even the cashier had a genuine personality and we had a nice chat about the weather. I walked out with a little zine about constellations. For a slightly friendlier visit, wait till the sun goes down.

I love this place. If you go during the slower times, it's a nice quiet place to drink some nice coffee and read a book. No loud music or freezing cold AC to make you feel uncomfortable. And as someone who starts their day late at 6pm, I love that it's open late too! :D

The staff service was not very nice. There are respectful ways to speak to people. Why be mean? :(

one of my favorite bookstores ever! this cute shop is located right by echo park! it looks small from the outside but the inside is such a gem. there's decent parking and a few parking meters right outside. as soon as you walk in you're greeted with a variety of books ranging from so many categories. in the back there's a little cafe and seats to study and work at. i've been here twice and got a book a few years ago about hip hop and it has been a great read! they also sell postcards, candles, stickers, and other accessories. the lady working cashier was so sweet and kind. you could easily spend a good 30 minutes looking through the books and enjoying a cup of coffee. come here at least once and check it out

I came here with some friends to browse on a Wednesday afternoon. Such a cute spot with books, stationary/trinkets, and a cafe in the back.

Cozy place for coffee + books. HOWEVER, while I was browsing their books, a friend of mine called me on my phone when suddenly, one of the employees (she looked more like the owner; 45-50 y/o with long curly hair) came up to me and hissed and glared at me "no phones allowed!" I understand and respect that some cafes/restaurants have phone policies but: 1.) This place did not have any signs indicating that. 2.) Other customers were on their phones and laptop, talking and working. 3.) There was so reason to be rude when the employee could've said it nicely like any normal person. You would think I committed a crime against the cafe by picking up my phone. Reading through other reviews now, it seems like this isn't a unique experience. It looks like other customers also had terrible interactions with the employees.

Yesterday we came here around 4pm and it was such a delight. I got an iced peppermint tea, (I wanted no caffeine). We also got a few bags of chips and unfortunately the food was sold out. Or the kitchen was closed, not sure but either way the drink and chips was great. The ambiance was so cool, a plethora of books, yummy drinks & the back area had plenty of seating in a covered patio. Very relaxing with wall mural painting and even the back back area had seating. We found parking in the back lot, and the front also had a few tables with chairs. I found that the staff was very friendly and very helpful and I did observe some people studying or doing work on their computer. I observed people sitting alone having a coffee. I also observed groups of people socializing. It's definitely a wonderful spot to go, and I highly recommend this place. I can't wait to come back and get more items on the menu. I did not opt for a coffee since it was early afternoon and I already had a lot of caffeine that morning. The gal working had the cute polka dot dress on, she was very helpful and shared with us that echo park was walking distance, so we enjoyed the park as well. I think it's a great place to come, If you love coffee, tea, books and relaxing - this is the place for you :)

Cozy, perfect, a favorite. I love to browse books and write in here. Always a pleasure.

Lately I've been ordering the toast and jam because it's so delicious but today I asked if it was too late to make an order for it since I arrived two or three minutes before the kitchen closes and the older curly gray haired lady said "I had two minutes"? So I asked okay so it is too late then? Then she responded with a weird stare and said she guesses she'll just make it then and let out a loud audible sigh as she walked away. Disgusting service. However the girl that made my iced coffee was friendly and had a nice attitude. Unfortunately not sure if I'll be back if making a simple toast is this much of an inconvenience.

This place is sooo promising in so many aspects: fun location, cool aesthetic, solid curated reading material, and decent coffee that is affordable relative to other la coffee shops. But the vibe is chronically weird. I feel like the service is always awkward: the employees always seem to make me (and others who I know who live in the area) feel like an inconvenience. And then turn around and be soooo nice to the next customer who always manages to be a regular (based on greetings on a first name basis). I really want this place to be good. It has the potential, and is actually a great work and study space as well!! But I think the staff need a serious reminder that humanity and humility will keep customers coming back. Pretentious attitudes as displayed by the employees only serve to remind me how malignant gentrified LA neighborhoods can be.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars. We came for the cardamom buns at the cafe, which were 5 stars. Cardamom is a spice that needs to be as ubiquitous as cinnamon in America. I believe pastries are from Clark Street Bakery. The bookstore itself is a long and narrow space. They fit books wherever they can. So lots to browse through, but not for claustrophobics. They also have a large section for books on LA. Staff members were polite, but perhaps few. I had to wait a few minutes for a cashier, and there was no line. But you don't come to a bookstore to rush.

We happened to be in the area and spotted this place and drop by. This is a really cute hipster spot to have a coffee and read some books or a beer and a little hang out. The atmosphere was nice. We had a beer and it was pretty good. We had a salad and it had a fried egg on it and it was not a good combo. The fried egg made the lettuce soggy. I had a croissant and it was okay but did not taste fresh. Maybe It just needed to be heated.

Must try ICED dirty chai latte!!! I prefer their iced vs hot! The best i had by far!!! Just try trust me.

Love this place, it reminds me of the time I went to college out in the north east but cleaner and less ick smelling . The books are just perfectly chosen for the vibe. The coffee and snacks is great touch to a place I never want to leave and always want to support.

I love a bookstore cafe, especially a good one with curated books that center around fiction, art, the environment, design, and the metaphysical alongside good food and expresso options. The bookstore is clean and well organized inside and it has a nice feeling outside. Low key backyard patio with murals and cafe chairs, and many Silverlake and Echo Park denizens enjoying reading, socializing and getting caffeinated.

There's an art to making a sandwich greater than the some of its parts, and that's what their deli sandwich on toasted sourdough is -- I recently and finally tried a sandwich at a nationally celebrated restaurant in a nearby neighborhood and I enjoyed this sandwich as much as the one at the justly celebrated place.

Terrible coffee. Terrible book selection. Terrible people who work there. Terrible location. Terrible "book" store. Wouldn't go back. Also the employees should bathe regularly

This little bookstore/cafe in Echo Park is the kind of overstuffed place I love! Lots of books, good lattes and tables outside to chill. Eclectic crowd and not too many hipsters. I will visit again when I am back on the east side of LA!

I am a huge fan of this establishment! While it may be on the smaller side, the variety of books available is truly outstanding. The cafe area, which even boasts a spacious outdoor section, is simply delightful. I can't seem to stop thinking about the sandwich I enjoyed there last Sunday; it was so delicious that it's still on my mind come Wednesday! The hippie sandwich, which I opted to have vegan, was a real standout.

Service is meh. I don't recall anyone greeting me and asking if I needed help looking for anything. Maybe the person working in front stepped away but it seemed like more than a while because later I saw another customer take her books to the back and they told her to take it to front checkout. A mentally ill lady walked in and pestered me with questions. She was not there to shop. She may have harassed someone else before she ran out of the store. This is what happens when no one's in the front greeting or checking people who walk in. I ordered a tea and it was ok. There weren't any plugs to charge your phone; the outlet was taped up. That tells me they don't want you to linger here. Just pay and get out. I wondered why the lady behind the counter didn't wear her mask. And I just saw the Instagram post where most staff got Covid. Later she did tie something over her face but that was when she left the area. The back area is a nice space for shows: comedy, music, readings.

Really love this bookstore-cafe. I've recently started stopping in after my sound baths next door. Each time that I've visited it's a late Sunday morning. Yes it's packed, but I've always managed to find a spot to sit. For the food/coffee: I get the chai lattes and they're delicious. And Omg the pretty cardamom pastry is everything! I take home the vegan gluten free coffee cake for my hubby and he loves it, the vegan sandwich not so much. I like the pricing. Haven't bought a book yet, just a pretty post card for my kid. Also, I agree with a lot of the other reviews regarding pretentious hipster gentrification b.s..and it's all true. I'm just used to it and couldn't care less. Today I even chuckled on the inside while singing along to "Suspended in Gaffa" next to some 20 year old looking girl who seemed to be putting on a cool girl act with a somewhat rude demeanor..oh how badly I wanted to turn to her, smile and say "it's ok, just relax and be yourself. Btw this is Kate Bush and she's legendary". But ya know, other than all that fake crap I love it here.

I came here with a group of friends for Bookclub, and we all purchased something from the cafe. They were closing at 4 pm that day and we were well aware of that. We had already left and were standing on the public sidewalk outside the store with plenty of room for people to walk by at 3:55 pm when the owner of the store started rudely shouting at us to get off her sidewalk because we were in her way from closing the inside of the store. Overall, this is a cute small bookstore in a great location but the customer service was so terrible that I'll never want to go back.

Great book selection, decent lattes, but about half the time, the baristas are really rude. Sometimes they're great! But that other time leaves much to be desired. It also feels like a "take it leave it" mentality. I'd say about 30% of time I come here, I get the rudeness. Obviously, I've come back more than once, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

If you read the low reviews about customer service- It's honestly a hit or miss. I've heard of a person who seems to be a saint and others who make you feel like you're an inconvenience. I have gone through both scenarios on my own and I frequent that place to pass time as I wait to pick up my partner. Amazing book selection nonetheless with an interesting grungy hipster vibe to the place. Coffee wasn't significant to me. I did like that they have kombucha by the can. If you like it -great. If you don't- I also get it.

Today was my first time visiting this cafe/book store. Me and my friend decided it looked like a nice time, but once we were there the barista gave us the nastiest attitude. She was kind to the white guy after us though.

the male barista who made my drink today was super attentive and a nice guy. also the store putting out harm reduction information is such a great idea and something id love to see more in LA. props to them!! the store is also super cute as for the other male barista who was working with the face tattoos-- he made my group super uncomfortable. hes one of the most angry workers ive seen in my life. i genuinely feel bad hes working there if he hates it that much. being a barista in a heavily populated area isn't easy but why be rude to random people who havent done anything. also if you are getting upset about where the line for customers should be, put some tape on the ground or a line divider. or explain calmly like a normal person.

The cashier was really rude with constant eye rolling. So unpleasant and unprofessional! The coffee or tea is not the best. I like coming in there for books and enjoying my drink while browsing the book sections, but I won't be doing that anymore.

Usually love this place but had the rudest interaction when I told the saleswoman I was looking for a book for my brother for Christmas. She rolled her eyes and said "I can't do this right now. We don't have a sports section." I will not be buying any books from them. Lol

Old dude with white curly hair was rude as hell and he didn't seem like he wanted to be there... Definitely not a good look, because I thought it was a cool place till I got to the front to pay and he was was so out of it he didn't even see me when I was trying to pay and I had to say something to get his attention and he looks at me like I interrupted whatever he was staring at then I realized I forgot my wallet but I had a bill on me he says isn't there a DAMN sign in front of you that says we don't take bills, I didn't see it because it was not in a spot where a customer can see it... it was at a spot so low, only a kid would be able to see it. Then he said how do I know if it's real... I said do whatever it takes to check if it's real... He looks at me pissed and says HOW!? I remembered I had apple pay and asked if they take apple pay and told him I can pay with that. Dude was the definition of grumpy.

Came here and ordered an iced matcha latte with oat milk. The matcha was just ok. The barista was very friendly and efficient. The back patio looks really cute and I'd definitely come back to try something else then sit there. Also they have gluten free bagels on their menu so I'm interested to see if they're tasty.

Echo Park appears to have changed from tolerable hipsterhood to utter hipster pretentiondom, and this is their kingdom, a quaint understated bookstore right on Sunset Blvd. All that aside, it's unfortunate what's been done to this place. I used to come often and enjoy solitude, a quiet meal, peace while studying/meeting people.. But that's apparently not a possibility any longer. As a POC, I had on occasion felt that "vibe" that people are referring to but it's gotten MUCH worse. It was one sunny post-pandemic revival afternoon. I stopped in to grab a cup of water to cool my jets and quickly be on my way. After making my way through the back as i had so often before, there was a strange undertone i hadn't felt before. Like a hush overcame the tables and an array of little red eyes blazing intently but silently were on me as i found my way out of a dark cave. As i turned the corner into the parking lot, ready to shrug it off and go about my day, i made (eye) contact with a white girl happily prancing in like she was on her way to her favorite safe place. Surprise! She was so startled upon my presence it looked like her entire system malfunctioned for a split second. Her adaptive response kicked in and she quickly rearranged her face, trying to pretend her way out of her inner demons. Had it not been for all the other little dagger eyes, i may not have registered it. Shameless. Sad. And gross. There are still other parts of Echo Park that keep it og so don't let this place deter you.

Fantastic selection of books. Service is spotty, the people working behind the counter take themselves too seriously for being gentrifiers. Also this place is over-runned by white people, if you are a POC you will either feel uncomfortable by the overwhelming yuppy millenial whiteness, or by the snooty cashiers who are too old to be working there. Depends on the day. Interior design is great, best outdoor seating in LA, the white people will leave if you sit within 3 feet so you'll have some space to yourself. Great espresso if you take it straight. Philosophy and witchcraft book selection is top notch.

I adore it here. I've been here several times with friends but today I came alone. It's a lovely place to grab a coffee and find a cool book. The atmosphere is calm. Definitely worth a visit.

I handed four singles to pay for my tea, which cost $3.50. The counterman refused to give me any change. Stay away from the place.

Funky coffee shop if you are looking for a place to get some work done. The coffee is just ok... service is nothing special. The bathrooms desperately need an update and a cleaning. I feel like they do not pass health code... I was pretty disgusted going in there...

My boyfriend and I have been to this place numerous times and really liked it, until the last time we went yesterday. The owner, a white lady with curly long gray/white hair, is truly a detriment to this business. Her name is Claudia, and she genuinely needs help. My boyfriend and I got food from the cafe and we grabbed two books from the shelves and went outside to read. Note that there are no signs saying not to bring those books to the back area. But I digress; if that's the rule, okay, but this lady walked outside and was so rude to me. However, I said okay, put it back, and went outside. When I went inside to try to find a book, I asked her where the astrology books were, and she literally didn't even look up from whatever she was doing and said, 'what we have is there' (she legit didn't point or anything), so I legit didn't know where they were, but okay, whatever. THIS IS WHERE IT GETS BAD: we go to leave after being treated poorly, and we genuinely just didn't want to be there anymore, and she starts following my boyfriend and me around the store like we were stealing... This bookstore is not a safe space for people of color based on the actions of the owner.