Solid State Books

My first time visiting did not disappoint. When I travel, I try to make it a point to visit local bookstores. This one was a vibe. The atmosphere was welcoming and chill. The staff were welcoming and helpful. I appreciate that they had many of the newer books on my goodreads list. I will definitely be returning the next time I'm in DC.

Absolute haven for kids and adults alike. Fantastic staff who are incredibly helpful. Coffee is good and reasonable, and the kids section is just nirvana for little ones. Our kid is sub 1 and there’s a fantastic soft area where they can roam around and check out books. Coming back for sure!

Such a beautiful bookstore with great atmosphere. It was quiet, well organized, and clean inside. Staff was kind and helpful, I love that they greet you at the door. They also seem to really enjoy each other which always boosts the energy. The children’s section is so inviting, if I wasn’t wearing a dress I would’ve sat in the nook and read a book myself— can’t wait to bring my son here. The cafe was a nice touch, I enjoyed my wine while reading in one of the lounge chairs. I left with “The Body Keeps The Score,” and will definitely be back for more.

This is one of the two Solid State Book locations (the other being on 14th Street), and personally, my favorite of the two. It's bigger than the other, with space to read, work, or have a cup of coffee (check out their cafe!). The book clubs at both locations are great - definitely worth checking out.

Solid State Books might be my favorite bookstore ever. I asked one of their amazing workers if they had a Native American section. They didn’t but this employee went above and beyond. They pulled all the books on Native history, botany, cookbooks and more for me to look through. It really just warmed my heart. Solid State Books carries a number of Native American history books, as well as fiction books by Indigenous authors. I buy all of my books from here. If they don’t have it, they will order it for me. I love this place!

I came in at 10:30am this morning and asked the clerks two simple questions about payment and availability of a book while shopping. I was surprised when they were extremely dismissive and quite rude to me in response, acting annoyed by my questions. Very confused by the lack of costumer service and the unwarranted attitude I received.

A friendly and hip bookstore with a lot of great titles for everyone’s interest. Not one of the mega stores, but just enough to pique anyone’s interest. The coffee is good, the food is good, and it’s a nice place to hang out and relax and read your new purchase over an iced latte.

Adorable book store with so many options! They also serve beer and coffee and have a couple seats at the window. The kids section was really cute! They also have some little trinkets and gifts like items to buy.

Love his little book store! I wandered in here on a random Friday while in the neighborhood. A friend of mine had recently released a memoir, so first walked in with the intention of picking up her book here. The space is warm, inviting and brimming with books. I didn't even know where to start so I first checked in with one of the folks working to get a lay of the land. They were able to grab me the book I was looking for immediately, leaving me with ample time to browse. Even just one corner of the store can suck you in, packed in the best possible way with books you may have never considered of even heard of. A 5 mins drop off turned into 45 mins of of exploration and discovery. Independent bookstores are amazing as seem to become a rarer find these days. I would definitely encourage anyone to support Solid State - they have a wonderful range of inventory in a welcoming space with great customer service.

This is an interesting bookstore in DC. There's a vast selection of bestsellers, recommendations by staff, books for kids and adults. There is also a section where you can drink coffee/alcohol in the store as well sit down to eat donuts. It's pretty dangerous if you like the idea of reading and munching down a sweet donut. The staff was extremely friendly and were able to introduce me to new books. I did walk out of there with a book about being fluid so that's always cool to see. Their manga selection isn't big but I hope they can add more to their section. I did find that recommendation hilarious!

My favorite bookstore in the city - helpful recommendations, great space for children and adults and I appreciate that I can stop in with my dog. If they don't have a book in stock, easy to order and pick up later. Thanks for all you do, Solid State Books!

Excellent bookstore! Great selection of national bestsellers, local books, cards and stationary. There are a lot of personal recommendations made by bookstore staff which I love to see! You can buy wine, beer (many local) and cider as well as coffee drinks to hold as you wander around the store or work from their long communal table. They also have a bar where people were working on their laptops.

The people here are very kind and knowledgable. I hope people will continue to support this bookstore as opposed to the chained stores. BTW they also have the BEST DONUTS!!!!

When the products on offer can be found from many sources, it is the shopping experience and the staff that influence our decisions on where and whether to spend what's left of our disposable income. And after a few years of digesting a spectrum of attitudes and levels of enthusiasm/literary wisdom in District book shops, I had the bad fortune to observe something in Solid State Books that was wholly unacceptable. A young man appeared to be trying to ask several of the staff about questions he had sent by email and hadn't had a response for a few weeks. I gathered he was an author and had been asking for feedback and had some questions about publishing. A large woman came out from the back of the shop and the other staffers suddenly disappeared. The woman threw a book across the counter at him and began angrily accusing him of harassing and threatening staffers. She then said that she did not want 'people like him' in her store. I exchanged glances with several other ladies since we were all in shock at her level of hostility. The young man had been very polite in the store and when confronted, looked as though someone had just slapped him. After thirty years in law enforcement, since something was off and I occasionally refuse to tolerate a mystery, I waited a bit and then exited the store. I tracked the young man down, tapped him on the shoulder and asked what had happened. From what I observed (that day and on others), this particular staffer does not harbor pleasant sentiments toward certain demographic categories. As an older female, I was luckily not subjected to either the fire or ice treatment. Unfortunately for the young author, he seemed to tick all the wrong boxes for her. In any case, her behaviour was inexcusable. Especially when he asked her to please tell him specifically what he had done wrong and she refused. Which brings me to my opening statements: I won't be returning to this location and hope that the two owners consider some effective IDE training for their union shop. BTW, has anyone else noticed the curious similarities in vocabulary and syntax in the majority of the effusive reviews?

I'm a big fan of East City Bookstore. But there was a book I wanted that they didn't have in stock, so I decided to try this place. They had the book! The store feels very open & spacious. And they seem to have lots of books in stock. I also loved a sign that was on display. I took a photo of it & am including it with this review.

I went in for a cup of joe, left with $100 worth of books and other items. I love this place! The coffee was surprisingly good, and the book selection was enthralling (clearly).

SUCH A COOL PLACE! The kid section is another level! Our little one didn't want to leave! We will definitely be back. Also bought one of the coolest books I've ever seen - a "photicular" book. Such a great spot!

I had a wonderful visit to Solid State Books because I was specifically looking for Malcolm Gladwell books! They have a very extensive collection in nonfiction, fiction, and children's books and toys, but I also called them in advance to make sure they had the book I was looking for. The staff were very pleasant and knowledgeable, so I very much appreciated it! Seems like a great place to bring kiddos since there's places to sit and browse books. They had a very diverse collection of children's books with BIPOC protagonists! Plenty of tables around as well to sit and work on a laptop etc. It's a very conveniently located nearby Whole Foods. I would definitely come back!

When one thinks of a Solid State, they think of matter like when water is solid it is ice. This is why I love Solid State Books. Solid State Books is a local owned bookstore and seller. It is a safe place for all people. They have a great selection. Often I would come here to read and teach my daughter how to read in the back of the bookstore in the children section. They also have stickers and pins for everyone. When you walk past Solid State Books, you will realize that they have a large table for all people to read and learn. My favorite book at Solid State Books is the Light We Carry by Michelle Obama! This is why I love this bookseller because they get all the new books.

Great selection of books and beautiful location. They have kids section that has a little hole in a bookshelf so the kids can walk through and the adults would have to crouch uncomfortably -- I imagine if I was a kid I'd think it was the coolest. Also we had some trouble finding a book and the staff went above and beyond looking for it for us (to no avail but still!), getting on ladders and searching the tops of all the bookshelves.

Best children's section in all of DC! I'm so thankful for Solid State Books. The staff is wonderful; they provide a wide selection of books; story time on Thursdays is spectacular for the kids (not to mention the kids reading and play area is so fun!).

One of the only true bookstore + coffee shop bookstores in DC! Also some of the best programming among DC bookstores! Staff is super friendly, the collection is diverse, and they have an awesome kids section. I love this bookstore because it fills in a need in a part of dc without many other bookstores and its an open floor plan with so much browsing space which isn't the case at a lot of bookstores. They also have a discounted happy hour deal which is a slay. If you're a bookstore lover, def stop by

For as long as it took Solid State Books to actually open, it was worth the wait. It's by far the best bookstore in the NE quadrant of Washington, D.C. Here's why: 1) It's accessible: It's right next to Whole Foods on the west end of H Street NE with lots of foot traffic and close to many large apartment buildings. The free street car goes right by it from Union Station. 2) It's large: The space itself is MUCH bigger than the new Politics and Prose in the nearby Union Market District and with it a wider selection of books. They have a local section, a travel section, mystery, politics, you name it! If they don't have a book, ask the front desk and they will order you a copy! 3) It's kid friendly: The entire back left corner is for kids selling a wide range of kid books in a fun space. They have a little amphitheater for children to read on as well as reading nooks and passage ways to explore. Kids love it! 4) It's adult-friendly: In the front, they have a coffee shop brewing Ceremony Coffee and free wifi. There's window seating and table seating for parents as their kids enjoy the kid area. 5) It's educational: They have a great events team bringing in top authors to do readings and signings as well as a stellar kid program. Solid State Books is already one of DC's better bookstores!

The community's 'picture-perfect' bookstore. The enormous selection of books covers the walls, windowsills & display tables throughout this hospitable & friendly shop of books. There is a special small area dedicated just for the little bookworms. Unless I missed it, there aren't any places to sit & read...so pick out your book, pay for it & find somewhere else to enjoy your good read. I like the small 'Staff Pick' cards listed under some of the books giving a quick overview of the author/book. There are greetings cards, buttons, & other reading essentials for retail. As far as prices, a few books I have saved on Amazon are cheaper by a good $15, yet you who doesn't want to peruse the old fashion way to pick out books while supporting this nugget of a local bookstore. & if you can't find a book that you are looking for, they will order it for you. You can join the mailing list to be in the know of upcoming book releases, such as First Lady Michelle Obama's book 'Becoming' on November 13, 2018, book signings & other events. If you are in the H Street Corridor you must pay Solid State a visit. Thank you Ariel for being so friendly & helpful.

Beautiful local bookstore with all the good book selections and plenty of copies. I was pleased to see so many hardcover books available. I went for a book signing event for Queenie which was pretty cool. Any bookstore who sells wine is just my kind! I will be returning to this bookstore whenever i'm on H st for more books, stationary and cool knick knacks.

While the bookstore seemed quaint and had ample paper supplies and notebooks (which is what I had come in for), I found it difficult to enjoy my first visit to the store because of an employee having a loud personal problem on the phone. While she apparently needed to find her mattress that had been lost or poorly delivered by Amazon, the customers in the store did not need to hear the conversation that was not very nice to the other customer service representative that she was talking to and LOUD. I understand that we all have things that push us over the edge, but on this particular Sunday morning I couldn't handle the increased anxiety of her conversation and left.

I love that Solid State opened first as a small "pop up" space! I can't wait to see the full shop, as this preview is very nicely done. Twinkle lights and a fun selection of books and gifts made me wish that I had done all of my Christmas shopping here. I'll be back--welcome to the neighborhood!!

Solid State Books is an indie bookstore, located on H Street. Owned by Jake and Scott, you can find a nice selection of biographies & m emoris, business & money, cooking/food/wine books, health & fitness, humor, history, graphic novels, etc. There are also great in-store events, such as readings, book-signings, and events for children. Interested in joining a book club? There are ones you can sign-up for to share your love of a specific genre, to encourage you to explore great reads, and/or to become more connected with your fellow community members. There are also a selection of gifts and greeting cards that you can purchase, too! A nice place to stop by while you're in the 'hood. +independent bookstore +in-store events +book clubs available +limited off-street parking

More than a bookstore, this is a cool neighborhood hangout. Great place to sit and read or catch up with friends. Enjoy a beer, coffee, some kombucha or a glass of wine with your reading material. There are also pastries and other light snacks for sale at the front. The community table in the front seats eight, and invites folks to hang out and stay awhile. The check out counter has a few seats that serve as a small bar top, for additional hanging-out space. The staff are warm, totally welcoming and absolutely wonderful. Oh... and there are books. Lots of wonderful, compelling, thrilling, titillating, enthralling, awesome, amazing wonderful books! But this is more than a bookstore...

4.5 stars. Sizeable indie bookstore with a good selection of beer, wine, and cider (as well as a few very tasty coffee options). I swung by on a Saturday when the store was packed for their morning story time. They had a nice selection of books. It's independent, so you won't find many cheap deals, but you will find a thoughtfully curated set of offerings and events. I got an iced coffee, which was delicious. And they offer a variety of alternative milks too! They don't do fancy coffee drinks, just hot and iced coffee, but it's good quality. They also had some nice-looking cookies and pastries. I was really impressed by the variety of beers they offer in the evening - seems like a fun spot for a date!

Solace on Hst!! a bookstore (incl cafe/bar) that is cozy, inviting, and open late hours! closes at 10pm. This is my first time frequenting a bookstore that also operates as a cafe/bar. Terrific business model! Though they give so much to neighborhoods, bookstores (and libraries) are an endangered lot and I am glad that Solid has diversified its revenue source. I've had their coffee (yikes, $5 for iced but its going to a good place) and wine ($8-$10). What really made me fall in love is the spacious lounge area. You can read/study without being shamed for not purchasing a book- just get a beverage lol note: outlets are limited. I haven't really tested the extent of their collection but at a glance I know they have all the current hot reads. They have monthly programs for kids and adults posted. Warms my heart to see them building a sense of community.

Wow, love this bookstore! Very cute and has tons of great books that I've been wanting to read. Tere's also a cafe with coffee, wine, and beer as well as a few pastries. Very cool to see that in a bookstore. Will definitely be back to read and chill with friends here!

I stopped by Solid State Books with a friend, and I was impressed by the store! It's not the largest bookstore, but they've packed the store with great books and other products. The outside of the store advertises that they have coffee, wine, and more. That made me think that they would have a cafe inside or at least seating to enjoy your coffee and wine. However, there's no seating inside. So any beverages you purchase - you'll be drinking them to go or drinking and shopping. I wish they had a few seats to enjoy the coffee they serve! But it's a really nice independent bookstore with a great inventory.

It's no secret that I try to spend as much of my time as possible in independent bookstores, so I'm thrilled that DC is full of them. Solid State Books on H St. is a new favorite of mine. I stopped in last Sunday during the rainstorm (where better to wait out a downpour than a bookstore?) and was content to browse and relax for a few hours. Obviously, the most important part of a bookstore is the books. And the selection at Solid State is vast, encompassing a wide range of genres and topics. I spent most of my time looking at new releases and cookbooks. The gift selection is also pretty excellent -- they carry art prints, totes, cards, etc.; don't miss the stationery (the Appointed notebooks!). The front of the store is a coffee shop, with a few seats and free wifi. Honestly, what more could you want in a bookstore??? They host several free events each week that invite authors and speakers to the bookstore. A few nights after my first visit, I went back to see former OKC mayor Mick Cornett in conversation about his new book, The Next American City. The event impressed me. Even on a rainy Monday night, the bookstore was full, and the moderator facilitated a productive, thoughtful conversation on a subject that I didn't know much about. Events like these that foster creativity and community in a city that isn't exactly known for being literary are so important, and I'm excited to keep attending them and supporting this bookstore!

If you got a woke child, they will definitely appreciate the selection of books they have. And even if they aren't (no judgement, my baby thinks her name is mama and still tries to eat bugs) they have classics like "Where the Wild Things Are" too. This is one of the best spots in the city to find a gift -- from tote bags, to funny socks, locally made posters, cards and more, the are fun things to be found in every nook and cranny. If this is just a pop up space, I'm really interested to see what their permanent building is going to look like! In a world where Amazon is king, it's great to see locally owned bookstores like this.

Lovely indie bookshop. I was glad I stopped by. It's a good size and everything looks very modern with light-shaded woods and high ceilings. There's a communal table and some high stools at a bench around the windows. Seems like a nice spot to hang out and do a little work. I came later in the evening so it was pretty quiet, there were a few people on their laptops who looked about ready to pack up. Everything was well organized and nicely curated. I liked the high shelving in the fiction section - it was high enough to pack in tons of books but not so high you were craning your neck to see what's up there. The tables were also well curated and I enjoyed browsing translated fiction. The non-fiction area is more split up into standing shelves by genre. There's also a sizable children's section at the back, and some bric-a-brac and stationery. The bookseller was engaged in a detailed conversation about British politics but did ask me how I was getting on and if I was finding what I was looking for. Definitely somewhere I'd hang out if I lived in town - DCers are lucky to have it.

This independent book store is, well, solid. They have a good selection of adult and children's books, a small cafe with caffeine and alcohol, and a nice slate of events. I enjoy stopping by and seeing what's new, either for purchase here or to check out of the library later. They also have a nice table and bar tops for hanging out and working, though they fill up fairly often. One of my favorite things about the store is their hours. Whenever I'm wandering H Street I never have to check if they're open or not. Hopefully they will remain a fixture on the street for a long time!

Mid-sized bookstore that I'm happy has found a home on H Street. This is a welcomed addition to the area. As a Gen X'er who grew up with parents that didn't have a tv in the house but allowed me to choose any book in a library or bookstore to read, it's not surprising that my undergrad was in English and I grew a collection of thousands of books. However, as the years have gone by, I no longer armfuls of books each month to read. With a career that provides a constant onslaught of professional reading, I tend to catch up on my "fun" reading on my iPhone Kindle app on the metro to work. But, I do think there is a place for real books and real bookstores! If I want to buy a book as a gift, or a special hardbound copy of a book, or a special edition as a favorite, I'd like to go to a bookstore so I can pick it up, flip through it, see if it's better than another version. I say all of this to recommend to Solid State Books, I wish you carried more hardcover books! I understand that a couple decades ago, it was more profitable to carry paperbacks, since they take up less space and most people are looking for the best price. But now, if someone is price oriented, they pick up the cheapest version they can find on Amazon. If you want the NICEST version of the book, you go to a bookstore to make your own assessment. This is the niche I think bookstores can fill and will always have a leg up on the online shopping experience. Needless to say, Solid State Books has a decent selection. Fun recommendations from the staff. A moderate selection of each genre - though it can't decide between carrying a bunch of copies of the most popular books and a small batch of off the beaten path. I've often walked to Solid State Books looking to pick up a book I'm reading on Kindle or listening to as an audiobook, and found that they don't carry it, but do have multiple copies of the best selling books of the genre (again, let Amazon satisfy these customers), go full-fledged independent. Be the best at it, rather than try to be okay at everything. Besides books, there are many fun gifts for all ages, from puzzles to paperdolls, to calendars and coffee mugs. It's definitely a great place to bring kids and grandparents alike, when you're in the area. With a coffee served inside and fairly frequent book signings, it's a place that makes you feel welcome to come in enjoy reading with a like-minded crowd.

I often swing pass Solid States Books to check out their newest collections of books. I like their staff team. They are always helpful. Good job team!

I needed a book to read since I was too tired to go to another museum so I bought two just in case! Easy shopping!

I love Solid State Books. The more independent bookstores, the better, IMO. It's super cute inside and the staff is really friendly and helpful. They were easily able to find what I was looking for, even though it was during the busy H Street Festival. Plus, I got to choose a surprise free book, which is awesome. I look forward to coming back and enjoying some wine and some reading.

I'll admit I am not much of a book buyer any more, but like many people, I appreciate having an indie bookstore nearby to stop in, browse, and enjoy a drink or a snack from time to time. That alone probably cannot keep Solid State Books in business, but the 3 times I have stopped in since they opened, I have come with someone else who has purchased a bunch of books. I also know I will appreciate having them close by when I am looking for gifts for others. My two complaints about Solid State are that I wish they had a bit more wayfinding and easy-to-read signage on their shelves, and that they had more comfy places to sit near the shelves rather than just having seating in the cafe area. The clean and open minimalist style does have a certain appeal, but it also feels a bit sterile and businesslike, rather than encouraging you to discover and explore. The very minimal handwritten signage on the shelves (while still partitioning books into distinct topical groupings) also makes it hard to locate some of the more esoteric sections.

This is a solid bookstore and the only one in the immediate area. I love that there's a coffee shop. I like the little knick knacks and some of the writing notebook options. Not so much some of the attitude of those working here when they happen to be busy. Nevertheless, the shop will survive. Some of the events here seem interesting and I'd love to be a part of it sometime :)

This is a very nice bookstore. Clean and open floor plan. A pet peeve of mine is books jammed tightly into bookcases, and they do this here. It maximizes their selection but also bends spines and otherwise roughs books up, especially when patrons try and shove them back in place. The odd bent corner isn't a deal-breaker, though. They have nice sections of A Very Short Introduction and 33 1/3, probably some other casual collections. It's nice to be able to browse these. They have a fun looking kids section, and if I lived in DC I'd look forward to bringing my niece and nephew here to look at and read some books. There's a filtered water refill station. Nice!

When I moved to the area in DC, I was thrilled to find thus cafe/bookstore/bar on H St. They have a great selection of books, seating if you wanna grab coffee, a drink, or do work, Wifi, and even a nice kids area with great books and reading nooks. They also host events and numerous book clubs that are free and open to the public - and the clubs are tailored to specific interests and genres. Pro tip: Happy Hour is from 4-7 monday thru friday, and all alcohol is $1 off. Their long hours (open early, close late) are also a big plus. Will definitely be coming here often.

It's not a book store, it's an experience. Beautifully designed and with a wonderful selection from day one Solid State has been solid. (I couldn't help myself, sorry!). They are doing their best at establishing themselves as one of the best bookstores in DC. The staff is friendly, they have a very good selection of books, they have children's readings a couple of times at week, a book club, etc. etc. etc. One of my favorite spaces on H Street.

This book store is great!! They have a nice little cozy children's area with toys, the staff is really nice and they have and they have some really cool books you don't see at the large corporates book stores.

I love this place so much. I recently moved to the neighborhood and have been coming here nonstop ever since I discovered it. It's airy and spacious, and is 80% indie bookstore, 20% coffee shop. I always get coffee (which is very good!) but I think they serve a small menu of different beverages. There are also some snacks and pastries for purchase (guys, get the Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie from Whisked! Game. Changer). I once came on a Saturday morning and there was a children's singalong in the back, where the children's section is. I suspect it's something they do every Saturday AM? It was SO cute, and really added to the feeling of being a community bookstore. I spent a couple of hours in there and there was a steady stream of people coming in the entire time. It's bustling and lively without feeling crammed. AND the employees are always SO pleasant and friendly to me. Support your local bookstores!!!!!

Great book store! They keep good hours, the staff are knowledgeable and can direct you to whatever you need, and 9 times out of 10 I'm leaving with more books than I intended :) I love their selection of little gifts and locally curated art pieces. They have enough seating and some good events also. Definitely stop in!

Every time I walk into Solid State Books I'm reminded of why I love reading. The space is comfortable and whimsical. The shelves are well stocked and the staff is friendly. Definitely a must-visit spot if you're a book lover in DC.

I like this book store. It has a great variety of books. The interior is really nice and there is good space for reading or working from there. They have a small cafe inside the bookstore. Although there's a good selection of books and products I would prefer to buy user books because the books here are very expensive. In addition, there are no power outlets!!! This part is very inconvenient.

Smaller selection but a good variety. The day I stopped in last they had a children's story hour type event going on that seemed to be a staple. Ready cute stationary as well.

Love the comforting atmosphere and they have a great selection of books. It's nice to shop and buy local. The decor is an added plus.

Stopped by with my parents. Initial impression was good; nice selection of books. After we left, one of the employees ran after my mom and stopped us at the end of the block. She asked my mom if she knew she walked out with a book. My mom said she paid for the book and the girl demanded to see the receipt. We were kind of flustered by the whole thing. When my mom got home and looked at the receipt, she saw that in addition to the book she was also charged for a beer by accident too. So yea, not a great experience overall.

I often need a quiet(ish) place to read or get some work done, and this is the perfect place. I like the open seating near the window - great for people watching. I've also sat at the bar area to grab tea/wine. It has a nice selection of books and is well-organized. Prices are comparable to other stores in D.C. I always get asked if I need help by multiple staff, all of whom are friendly. Great addition to H Street!

Great bookstore with a nice place to hang out and have a tea or drink some beer. If I lived nearby I would be there all the time

I love it here! I could wander around Solid State all night. Great selection of books, staff is friendly, and a cute little kids section if you're into that.