Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax

Book store · Congress Park

Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax

Book store · Congress Park
2526 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206

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Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null
Tattered Cover Book Store & Café Colfax by null

Highlights

New & used books, magazines, gifts, and a cafe.  

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2526 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206 Get directions

tatteredcover.com
@tatteredcoverbookstore

$$ · Menu

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2526 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206 Get directions

+1 303 322 7727
tatteredcover.com
@tatteredcoverbookstore
𝕏
@TatteredCover

$$ · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 20, 2025

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Christopher Howard

Google
Had a great visit. Found what I was looking for. Not many older books, good coffee shop. Definitely a cozy and multi level browse with a visit for the charm. Alas, one book I wanted was only art work and not for sale.

Becca Henry

Google
Large store with great variety and tons of selections. Excellent recommendations and helpful staff! Truly something for everyone here 📚

Kari Kirfman

Google
Enjoyed visiting this book store and browsing the large selection. While I mostly stayed in the fiction and fantasy areas, I also noticed they had a cool assortment of books in a mythology section. One of the booksellers helped recommend books, and I’m excited to start reading those recommendations. My daughter and husband also enjoyed the children’s area in the middle of the store. It’s worth noting that this store was recently acquired by Barnes and Noble, per signs in the store.

Victoria McKee

Google
My husband and I had a wonderful time perusing the many shelves and tables brimming with classics, used, and new books. The staff were incredibly friendly and there were many comfortable chairs and tables to sit and relax. The cafe was also a nice surprise, and we enjoyed an iced chai latte and a regular latte. Highly recommend for any bibliophile to visit and enjoy.

Jamie Brettingen

Google
Amazing service! Great selection, but didn't have the niche stuff we were looking for this trip. Great atmosphere, the gentleman at the counter was SO helpful and friendly! We came from Wisconsin for a visit and were more than happy to browse, sit, and purchase too.

Kara Lee Coggins

Google
Incredible book store with huge variety of new & used books, puzzles, word games, etc. Spans 2 floors with plenty of cozy seating areas & a cafe. Prices are reasonable. The kind of place you could happily spend the whole day!

Greg Root

Google
This bookstore is a gem! It has a great selection of titles and will order you anything you need. The environment is cozy—perfect for browsing or settling in for a quiet read. The staff is friendly, helpful, and clearly passionate about books. My only small critique is the carpet—it’s starting to show its age and could use a refresh. That said, it doesn’t take away from the overall charm of the place. Highly recommended!

Jonathan Murray

Google
Great book store! Good selection of books, and the hot chocolate was fantastic!
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Bennett P.

Yelp
First visit after Barnes & Noble bought Tattered Cover out of bankruptcy. This is Tattered Cover's largest bookstore which was formely the Bonfils Henry Lowenstein Theatre. The book racks are fuller but the magazine section is thin. The checkout person said they had changed vendors and they expect more variety soon. The in-house Best Cellars Cafe is still welcoming with separate seating with hot & cold drinks with food. Plenty of staff and patron recommendations for book purchases. Scattered chairs throughout, but they do not prohibit seating on the carpeted floor. There is a lower floor, primarily children's books. The have carpeted stairs and an elevator. Restrooms on both floors require an access code. I saw a sign at the west door that they validate parking at the next door parking garage attached to the Sie Film venue. Short term parking on the south side and free street parking nearby. The east door entrance shares a lobby with Sap Sua, a Vietnamese restaurant. The checkout person said they are integrating the Tattered Cover and Barnes & Noble rewards programs.
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Heather S.

Yelp
If you know, you know. If you don't, you should. What a delectable place to find a book, sit and read, or even a place to get lost in the endless maze of books. Wall-to-wall, ceiling to ground...books. More than likely, they have what you are looking for and if not they can get it. If you love the smell of books and the creak of an old floor, your heart (and time) will be stolen here.

Alexis M.

Yelp
I'm so dissatisfied with my visit here today. i come in here often but todays experience was terrible. i go to the café to get a chai and i get my whole cup FILLED WITH ICE!!! i paid $6.06 for a LARGE and i got 3 SIPS out of my beverage. This is mind boggling and ATROCIOUS!!! Their customer service is horrid and their attitude is beyond me. They're very disrespectful and overpriced. Dont bring your families here EVER. Look out for the one with the man bun. Pure disrespect. If i could give them 0 stars... I WOULD. They also use lots of vulgar language and racial slurs.
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Monika B.

Yelp
I love bookstores. I love how cozy this one is specifically. You could spend hours here with the selection they've got. They also have a great used section!
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Micah R.

Yelp
The Tattered Cover Bookstore and Cafe (Colfax loxation). Great place to grab a coffee, light snack and books. A local Barnes & Nobel with a more hometown feel. Stay and relax. When you're done go to the old school record shop 5 steps away that shares a pedestrian sidewalk.
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Paige D.

Yelp
It took us forever to find the correct large Tattered Cover (first went to Union Station and then a closed store by the Stadium because Google hasn't been updated) but when we found it I fell in love. This store is much larger than I anticipated and I loved that they had both new and used books. I ended up purchasing two used books that were on my TBR. Even used they were in great condition. The staff was incredibly friendly, the atmosphere warm and inviting. I could have stayed here for an easy two hours had I not been on a time crunch. If you're a book lover I highly recommend you stop in. They even have coffee so you can sip while you shop!
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David B.

Yelp
I love bookstores. And Tattered Cover should have been no different. What's not to love? New and used books in a spacious former theater in central Denver. Plenty to see. Lots to do. Books to buy. Right? Wrong. Tattered Cover has fallen victim to the scourge of political correctness and the result is a disappointing overabundance of unreadable tripe compounded by empty shelves and a horrible 'selection' of books. Shameful.
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Myrna S.

Yelp
Love this book store. The staff is incredible knowledgable, friendly and helpful. The children's books area is incredible as well. I had such a good Time browsing during my Latest visit that I joined Friends of Tattered Cover, Which seems like a great way to Get To know people and be in the know where special events are Concerned. I think there may even be a discount involved.

Robert A.

Yelp
Very cute little bookstore, very knowledgeable staff! Had a very nice selection of books as well.
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Veronica B.

Yelp
I visited the location at the Stanley Marketplace and wanted to write a review but unfortunately they don't exist on Yelp yet so here we go! This was not my first visit nor will it be my last, every time I've been greeted very warmly. Last week I went in and bought a few books for my nephew and had to place an order to get a specific book for my niece. My sister and her family lost their home in the Marshall fire and I wanted to start replacing the books the kids lost. When I went to pick up my niece's book I told them the reason for the purchase the staff shared their condolences and even provided a discount which was incredible kind. Thank you to your staff.

Julie G.

Yelp
It is so cool and fun so much cool books including travel books Great store Will come back Nice staff

Ann L.

Yelp
Terrible service...as in none. Can't manage their answering message(s), can't answer a phone...over several days. Don't waste your time. They must be trying to go out of business. Too bad, I much prefer locally owned.
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Danielle K.

Yelp
If you're looking to attend any signing or event here I highly suggest you don't waste your time. I attended a book signing in early June to get there and find out they oversold the event, there was no open seating, and the book I preordered with my ticket months prior wasnt there because they ran out and over sold the event. Once the event got started they announced they would send out a book and and signed book plate with extra goodies for those who didn't receive what then paid for. So I didn't even get a signed book, just a signed sticker. They also advertised this as a signing and I was In Communication with the author beforehand and she said she would sign anything I brought. They had announced that there would be time for pictures but no signing because the bookstore would be closing at 8. This is after they started the event 30 minutes late. So because they oversold the event and had too many people there and were too concerned with closing and getting home on a Friday night they basically stole our money and experience from us. I had to email the bookstore a month later and beg them to send my book out that I hadn't yet received. No one was helpful, the communication was awful and they refused to take ownership of a poorly marketed event. I asked them multiple times for my items and compensation and did not receive what I asked for so if you're going to this bookstore with high hopes, best of luck to you.
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Joanna J.

Yelp
Best bookstore in Colorado. Don't miss going downstairs also, to see a huge selection of books by independent, Local Colorado Authors!

James S.

Yelp
Parked in parking garage next door as this Bookstore recommended. Tattered Cover advertises it will validate your parking so you don't have to pay. After visiting the Colfax location I had to threaten to call the police before the Sunday manager Ryan would give me a validation sticker.

Deb W.

Yelp
My favorite bookstore ever. There are so many books on the shelves! I love the used sections in the basement! Staff are helpful.
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Tina W.

Yelp
Fantastic finds at this independent bookstore. As an author, I seek out unique booksellers with friendly staff and happy customers. I hope to book an Author Event at this one-of-a-kind establishment.
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
My favorite bookstore in Colorado for 11 years. No more. 1. I websearched for a geography, history, or travel guide for the Loire Valley. I filtered on a) Colfax Store, b) Loire, and c) in-stock. The return was 165 hits. Awesome. So I trot down to the store, and the actual in- stock was THREE- 2 on Paris and 1 on Bordeaux. On Loire? Nothing. Nada. Zip. 2. Before I left the store I visited the washroom. Unisex, ok. BUT it's messy men AND women in there AT THE SAME TIME. I don't even share bathroom time with my beloved husband much less a bunch of alcoholics. There is no stock and no dignity available in this store anymore. Farewell, old friend.
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Erin B.

Yelp
I made a trip out to Colorado to explore if it was somewhere I could see myself living, so naturally, I had to find a quality bookstore. Mission ACCOMPLISHED Tattered Cover is the kind of bookstore that makes you feel at home while also offering nearly endless options of new reads. The store is cozy and welcoming, but there is also something new, unique, and exciting around every corner. The staff is kind and excited about reading, which makes it so easy to get fun recommendations. 10/10 recommend!
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Lisa R.

Yelp
This place took me far too long to discover. The staff, the space, and the classic bookstore vibes are all Coloradian treasures. I can't wait to return and bring out of town guests.
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Reid P.

Yelp
I love the atmosphere of Tattered Cover but everything in the store is so expensive. I always walk out empty-handed because I just can't justify spending so much money on books I know I can get cheaper at a used bookstore or online. If you've got it like that though, definitely support these guys! They do carry a lot of unique books compared to other stores so it's still fun to stop in and browse their selection.
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Stacy F.

Yelp
Holy amazing bookstore Batman! This place rocks. If we lived in Denver we'd definitely visit this place all the time and totally see why this is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Several people recommended this place to us prior to our visit. We made it a point to stop by and we were not disappointed. It's severance stories and has literally thousands of books. When you head in you will see the coffee cafe and fun merchandise like greeting cards, magnets, t shirts, puzzles, and random other items that are worth a look. On the main floor the sections are clearly labeled and easy to shop. Downstairs houses more kid's books and a space for guest authors and speakers. They had a book talk happening when we were there and it looked very fun. Overall: A++ A must visit for anyone!! Books on books on books
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Deb S.

Yelp
This is my all time favorite independent book store when I am traveling. Denver - you are so lucky to have this huge fabulous loaded bookstore within your city limits. We bought so many books I needed another suitcase to go home!!
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Preethi V.

Yelp
The coffee was decent but the cafe was very noisy . Thanks to those students from the school near the store. I wanted to spend some more time there as I wanted to take some time and relax before I hop on to the flight back home .
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Gwen M.

Yelp
It's a good bookstore, with a nice vibe. They have a comprehensive collection and will do special orders.
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Marina W.

Yelp
It's ironic - I live in a city that has the highest institutions of higher learning per capita but we barely have any _good_ bookstores. Tattered Cover is awesome - there is so much to browse, so much to buy, and the space is made to be really inviting. I was looking for a specific book and couldn't find it UNTIL I checked the website (while standing in store) saw that it was in stock, and saw that I was just looking in the wrong section like a do-do brain. A good bookstore is hard to find these days, so go and soak it in!
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Andrea S.

Yelp
I've been to multiple Tattered Cover stores in the area and they never disappoint. They have this fun older bookstore vibe with great personal staff touches with their recommendations. The staff are always pleasant and helpful! I can't say I'm a bookstore frequenter but I definitely love the Tattered Cover stores over any big box bookstore.
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Kimberly S.

Yelp
It's a bit difficult to find parking at this location, but Tattered Cover us a nice cozy spot to get your read on!
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Bridget M.

Yelp
I am a big fan of Tattered Cover, though I have never used their online services, I prefer to explore the shelves in-person with a coffee in hand from their cafe. A cool old theatre turned book store. Black-owned business too! They recently restructured and made it easier to find different genres, a collection of staff favorites, and this year's popular reads. Parking is easy to find in their limited lot, the parking garage next door, or on the street.
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Sara D.

Yelp
This is a book lovers dream. The staff is beyond knowledgeable helpful when searching for things.

Rachel J.

Yelp
Great book store, but employees aren't very friendly. Was singled out and told to leave for having outside food when other people were sitting and eating chipotle with no consequence. If I could give 0 stars I would. Very disappointing.
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Nicole H.

Yelp
This bookstore is amazing! I've never seen a local bookstore this large...told friends about it and learned it's a very well known local bookstore due to its size. There are nooks of books all over. Lower level has author signings, children, young adult, and travel. Right by the stairs to the lower level on the first floor are magazines, cards, and tables with a few outlets. There's also, by those stairs, a few steps up to some reading nooks with tables. Lots of people with laptops were there. The rest of the first has everything and honestly it is overwhelming - but that's a good thing. A coffee shop is by the main entrance with some seating (stools and a counter).
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Steven G.

Yelp
A huge bookstore with inviting decor. As with many bookstores, the quality of the selection depends on what you're looking for. I found the fitness books selection OK, but they have a ton of titles in other genres. You'll need to see for yourself. There's not a ton of seating relative to the crowds, so be prepared to stand the entire time you're in there. There's a huge selection of books and I imagine many people will want to stay a while and review titles. As with many bookstores, if you're into fiction you'll probably love it. Street parking only, it's metered, and in busier times (like the weekend) it's not easy to find. Maybe park elsewhere in the neighborhood or get a ride down there. The urban layout is built around people making a morning or afternoon out of visiting the neighborhood on foot. The cafe can make a wide variety of decent drinks but there's little seating in there as well. Don't plan on using your laptop there: There isn't much space, and I'm not sure of the outlet/wifi situation. But if you can find space to sit down it's a relaxing little cafe. There's enough to like about this bookstore that it's worth a visit. How much you like it depends on whether or not its strengths suit your fancy.
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Visitor A.

Yelp
Great store with a wide selection of books. It's a sizable store that also carries some magazines, cards and more. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

Carre S.

Yelp
I was so excited to go to this store - it was the one thing I wanted to do in Denver. Got kicked out because our service dog only had tags - not a vest. That would have been an easy fix but the employee was an absolute condescending snob and it robbed us of any desire to be there. What a disappointment.
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Christie F.

Yelp
I love this bookstore! It's an old theater and has new and used books. Love the way it organized and just the feel of the whole place.
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Maeve G.

Yelp
This is such a lovely and whimsical bookstore! I was looking for a notebook and was so surprised to walk into this huge, airy shop. I haven't been in a bookstore this big since Borders! It's spacious and makes for a fun time roaming amongst the books, especially in the round room. I've also never seen so many employees in a bookstore - there is definitely someone around who can help! I didn't try their coffee but that's next on my list.
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Kara H.

Yelp
I have had the opportunity to meet not just one but TWO of my favorite authors here for book signings. Additionally, they offer free ARC copies for educators to round out your students reading. If you're not taking advantage of their free events and services, you are missing out. I have loved this bookstore since I stepped foot in denver, but it has so much to offer!
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Máia W.

Yelp
As a longtime customer, I enjoyed a number of book signings and spent countless hours browsing the shelves over the last 30 years. However, it will be a long time if I ever step foot into any Tattered Cover location again. Their rambling statement released on June 6 disgusted me and revealed multiple areas of concern about their operational philosophy, treatment of employees over the last 5 years and a demonstrated a distinct lack of will to support basic human rights. Only after experiencing the enormity of backlash from customers, staff & others did Len Vlahos & Kristen Gilligan recant their original statement and issue a rather flimsy apology. "We are horrified at having violated your trust," they said. "We deserve your outrage and disappointment." Many Denver customers of all stripes rallied around this store during the pandemic shut down of businesses, purchasing from them to support a local institution. Their motives for an apology may be something else, but it seems to have come only when they realized how much business they stood to lose as word continued to spread and began to reach media exposure. Ultimately the rationalization of their failure to make a stand was a huge slap in the face to those that have supported Tattered Cover. To quote Len & Kristen, "An apology is only a first step." Yes, you will indeed be judged going forward. Yes, you are in dire need of educating yourselves. Only time will tell if your once loyal employees and patrons return to give you another chance. Meanwhile, a considerable number of your former customers are taking our dollars elsewhere until you actually catch a clue and demonstrate significant awakening.
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Chris C.

Yelp
We love pursuing book stores and this one was pretty amazing. It was large and had an amazing selection of genres and book selection for each genre. The only thing I found frustrating was how they organized their books. While alphabetical by author there were some sections where the organization jumped from one book shelf to another making it hard to find an author I wanted.
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Jessica J.

Yelp
This Tatter Cover is definitely the big one! It is just levels and levels of every type of book, audio book, card, magazine and solar Pope that you can imagine! The staff is plentiful and helpful if you approach them (can't say anyone actually offered help). There is even parking in the complex (that they share with Twist & Shout and others). My big complaint is with events. We came here for a book signing and it really seemed like they WAY oversold the event. Plus, they had a sign that there was a signing, but not actual directions as to where it was in the store (I guess I was just supposed to know). Then they didn't limit the amount of books the author would sign, so people brought backpacks, crates and armfuls of items to get signed. This made for a long, disorganized night. It kinda surprised me that they didn't have this better planned, it kind of seemed like their deal. I have been at other similar events at other places that were much better organized. I would never go to another signing here, but I absolutely would go back to shop.
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Madison B.

Yelp
Love love love this bookstore. They have a huge selection of new and used books with lots of different genres as well as some gifts.
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Kristen C.

Yelp
Great selection and quintessential Denver book store. Coffee shop inside with people playing chess and seating in the balcony and throughout the store. It was originally a theater so it is a large space. The Grateful Dead once played here too. Definitely worth a stop. Especially since there is a record store near by and there's free parking. Nice little easy to shop and kill some tim
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Sheila C.

Yelp
Traditionally, I am in the Denver/Cheyenne area each summer. When I am in Denver, I always make an effort to stop into the TC. Neat Place! In July 2017 I attended a book signing in the Denver suburbs that TC was hosting and made 2 separate purchases, however the charges did not show up until mid-November. Where had my card information been for 4-months? I called TC and left 3 separate voice mails with various "representatives" that went unreturned. As a last ditch effort, my charge card called and set up a three way phone conversation with someone in management, Margi. She offered to reimburse the card, however for security reasons I had already cancelled the card. Margi and myself chatted several times over this issues and a few days later a gift card to TC showed up at my house. That was SO thoughtful! I am completely at ease with the outcome of this odd transaction situation. I will update my TC review, after I travel to Denver and use the GC. ;-}
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Haylee A.

Yelp
I will always give this place 5 stars, for 1) having a huge supply of amazing magazines, 2) smelling like coffee, and 3) having an inviting atmosphere where sitting down with a good book is encouraged. Or at least it seems like it is with all the chairs and couches around. (Take note Barnes & Noble- seriously what is a bookstore without places to sit down and read?)
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Abby S.

Yelp
Between working on a computer, watching a few hours of TV regularly, and catching up on social media or current events on my phone, there's no way my eyes need more screen time. That's where "real life books" come into play. Call me old fashioned, but I absolutely prefer to read an honest-to-goodness book. Which is great for Tattered Cover, since I'm in there somewhat regularly browsing the fiction section for a pleasure piece of literature. East Colfax location is pretty big and has plenty of options to choose from. I particularly like the staff picks/recommendations with handwritten notations on the shelves. Most recently I selected one of the highlighted options and *loved* the book. Good on you TC peeps! A special note that Tattered Cover also purchases used books, depending on the popularity and condition of the material. You're probably not going to get rich quick by bringing them a garbage bag of books, but if you like to "recycle" in a way and save a tree, it's not a bad idea.

Alyssa C.

Yelp
This store was very nice and clean, I love the displays and how easy it is to find what you're looking for, but I left without buying anything. I will say I was disappointed, I thought they sell used books, but everything seemed new. I walked around several times but didn't find a used section. If the books they have are used and just happened to be in good condition I would consider them over priced. I did walk downstairs in my search for used books, and they have a very nice children's section. Nice store, but I ended up at a smaller shop that had used and older books.
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Lauren M.

Yelp
One of the best bookstores I've ever stepped foot in! I wish they had separated the used from the new but they have the most expansive selection of books, magazines and more I've ever seen. I love the vibes and layout of the multi-story bookstore and the workers were very friendly.
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Rachel W.

Yelp
This bookstore is huge and wonderful, and I loved every minute I spent in it. It reminded me of a library. I think just because it was huge and had a downstairs. There are authors visiting all the time, too, to read and sign their books. Out of their fantastic selection, I bought "Fledgling" by Octavia Butler. They also buy used books! Unfortunately, I was disappointed they didn't have a stamp with their logo to stamp by book with. All of the big, famous bookstores do it, and I really want it to become a thing! If you are in Denver, you need to come here. Ps. It's also right across from a giant record store. Hit up both!