Under the Volcano Books

Tucked away on the second floor of the American Legion building, Under the Volcano Books is a hidden gem for anyone hunting for used English books in Mexico City. A handwritten sign instructed me to call out “LIBROS” (really) and someone quickly appeared to unlock the gate and guide us inside. The shop itself feels cozy, a little cramped, and overflowing with charm. Shelves are stacked high and organized by topic, with piles of well-loved volumes waiting to be discovered.

If you're looking for used books in English, go to Under The Volcano Books. It's on the second floor of the American Legion building. When we walked up on a Monday, a sign told us to yell "books." Within a minute, someone unlocked the gate and led us to a cramped room that feels like your grandma's attic. Books are organized by topic and piled high on shelves. Writing for travel sections at newspapers, I enjoyed their more local guides to Mexico City.

Between 4:30-5 pm today I yelled out. Half of the time by myself and the other half with a young man also wanting to buy a book. I yelled into the gate and up at the balcony from the street. No one ever came. It really sucked. I wish I knew when it wouldn't be locked. I want a book, but I don't want to have to go through that again.

This is a wonderful bookshop in a beautiful area of CDMX and housed in a sublimely unique location. It is one of those shops that seems to be from another time or place. It's unique in that one must enter an American Legion (and restaurant!), go up a flight of stairs in the back, and here you'll find the small well-curated shop. It punches well above its weight. It has a broad and surprisingly deep selection of used books with lots of unique titles. I think ALL but a very few are in English too! I've been in used bookstores 10x as large that lacked the overall quality of titles I found on the shelves here. The owner is a friendly and knowledgeable book lover too. It's a relaxing and chill shop It's very close to Parque Mexico which is also a unique and wonderful place. Nothing better than a walk in the park and a used bookstore to fill a morning or afternoon. And if you're hungry don't forget there's a restaurant and bar on the premises!

I really love this place. Book selection is fantastic- I went in with a bit of list and the owner had quite of few of the things I was looking for. (Italo Calvino and Hermann Hesse) Decent poetry section as well, and some vintage gems with inscriptions in them that are just kind of rad to hold and think about how many hands have held said book in its lifetime. (Puke. I know. But this is a used bookstore review.) It is cash only and a little on the pricier side but…it’s Mexico and the books are in English so I feel that complaint doesn’t hold much weight.

Very authentic place with a large choice of books all in English and all second hand. It felt like a European book shop to me. The owner is also super nice, and has nice stories to tell.

Nice and cozy. The guy that was working the day I went was super friendly and nice. The books are organized from A-Z but with so many books it’s a bit hard to find what you want. I would recommend organizing by genre or something else to make it easier. I thought prices were a bit high considering they’re used but really nice place nonetheless.

Such a great place, it’s super cozy and they have all types of books not to forget that the prices are really good.

Great little bookstore with an incredible collection of books on the second floor of the American legion building.

Currently under construction but it is not stopping them from supplying books and being kind. There is a nice eclectic selection and the guys are super helpful in trying to find you something you will enjoy.

If you're looking for used books in English, go to Under The Volcano Books. It's on the second floor of the American Legion building. When we walked up on a Monday, a sign told us to yell "books." Within a minute, someone unlocked the gate and led us to a cramped room that feels like your grandma's attic. Books are organized by topic and piled high on shelves. Writing for travel sections at newspapers, I enjoyed their more local guides to Mexico City.

Charming English language bookshop tucked away up on the second floor of an interesting building with a restaurant (or two?) on the ground floor. Honestly, it feels a bit more like getting invited to someone's attic to peruse their used book collection than visiting an actual bookstore--the selection is random and skews popular literature/high selling modern and classic titles, with some hidden gems. The spot itself is quirky--smells wafting up from the restaurants in the building courtyard. A bit small and dark inside, but loved some of the decor elements, including bookmarks from other bookstores around the world. I love visiting notable bookstores in different cities where possible, and this was a fun experience in a cozy little book nook.

I loved it and will be back! Wonderful resource for the English-speaking community in Mexico City, especially for us literary types. Friendly owner knowledgable about books and Mexico City. Great prices.

Dream collection of outstanding English language literature personally compiled by the owner and founder, writer Grant Cogswell. The shop is located on the second floor of an unusual old building in Condesa. A very cool experience indeed.

I guess it's good that this place exists. But I brought two books I purchased new last week (Allende house of spirits and Ishiguro remains of the day) and got only 40 pesos for both books in perfect condition. That is pretty wild...especially considering they charge a lot for old beat up copies. Next time I'll rather just leave any finished books at my air bnb for the next traveler to read.

The only place I've found to get good used English books near the Centro. Good prices and selection. Close the some good restaurants.