Find Your Next Read at These Independent DC Bookstores

Get lost in the stacks.

There is , perhaps , no better feeling than cozying up at home with a good leger to read — and we do n’t mean on your phone or Kindle . Despite a social shift to all things digital , we ’re happy to describe that there ’s still a healthy demand for books made of skillful one-time - fashioned report , and the quixotic experience that come with picking one out .

DC has a broad range of sovereign merchants , from dearie that have served their respective neighborhoods for generations to new shopsdevoted to cookbooksand other recess content or support marginalise communities and voices , such as fagot bookseller Little District Books and MahoganyBooks , which specialise in books write for , by , or about people of the African Diaspora . So , if you ’re on the William Holman Hunt for your next page - Henry Hubert Turner , start your recitation journey right here with this roundup of the best autonomous bookstores in DC .

Bold Fork Books

Mount PleasantA recent opening from local cordial reception manufacture veterans , Bold Fork Books is a food - centric workshop that differentiate in cookbooks , gourmet memoirs and life history , and more . Besides perusing the shelves for inspiring recipes , you could also give ear one of Bold Fork ’s regular author talks — which , red-hot top , often involve snacks and bites to delight .

Bridge Street Books

GeorgetownThis quintessential local bookstall opened its doors back in 1980 , and it ’s been a favourite ever since . Lit out front by a magic neon sign of the zodiac , the narrow , multi - even place at Bridge Street Books is tiny but mighty , with a wide-eyed choice of political and historical books as well as verse , fiction , art , and more

Busboys and Poets

Multiple LocationsYou simply can not let the cat out of the bag about bookshops in DC without mention Busboys and Poets , which now has nine different locations across the DMV area . Its flagship locating was open on fourteenth and V Street NW in 2005 as a community hub for creative person and progressive thinkers , and that ’s still the ethos of the shops today . Besides selling books for all ages , Busboys and Poets is also a full - service restaurant and bar that regularly host subject mic nights , meter reading , and other cultural events .

Capitol Hill Books

Capitol HillThis charming little shop has been a repair of its eponymic neighborhood for decennium at this pointedness . Browsing the titles within this bi - tier bookstore is like a gem hunt , and good done with patience and prison term to dispense with . Capitol Hill Books is be intimate for its kinky signs ( you ’ll see what we mean ) and vast excerpt of secondhand books , that stretch from sleazy softback to first editions and other very rare and expensive copies .

Kramers

Dupont CircleThis indie bookstore has been a DC staple since it was first open by Bill Kramer nearly 50 years ago . Located just north of Dupont Circle , it boasts a sorcerous infinite occupy with a extensive range of well - curated account book , from bestselling novel and cookery book to works by local authors . The adjoining coffee shop , All Day by Kramers , offers up American fare and is beloved for its hearty slices of pie and cake . To tot up onto the all - in - one locale , the bookstore of late enlarge its bar , found a pop out - up sandwich shop in coaction with barbecue favorite Federalist Pig , and opened a barber shop class upstairs .

Little District Books

Barracks RowA nance - owned bookshop that keep the stories of the LGBTQ community , Little District is a mark new addition to the Barracks Row neighorhood , which the shop ’s internet site figure as “ a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community over the last 50 + years . ” The workshop ’s owner has made a item to say that Little District has Word for absolutely all ages , from child ’s books to novel , political nonfiction , and more .

Lost City Books

Adams MorganA longtime fixture of Adams Morgan ’s bustling 18th street corridor , Lost City ( formerly bonk as Idle Time ) specialize in carrying used and rarified book , along with popular new release . It ’s easy to get lost in there , no punning intended , cuckold around the three floors of shelves , which are packed tight with every kind of rule book one could suppose .

MahoganyBooks

AnacostiaA family - run business that start out as an on-line workshop , MahoganyBooks now has two strong-arm storefronts to call place , one in Anacostia and another in National Harbor . The Black - owned shops are dedicated to Book written for , by , and about people of the African diaspora . In each shop class ( and online ) , you ’ll find a curated pick of nonfiction books , ethnical lit , and leger for kids .

Politics and Prose

Chevy ChaseWhen it comes to literary programing , Politics and Prose might just take the bar . The longstanding bookstore , which can now be found in three locations around the metropolis , plans at least one event each Clarence Day — some of which have attracted the likes of Barack Obama and other public figures . Each location has a immense natural selection of books to browse , political and otherwise , and the Chevy Chase location gas a snug basement coffeehouse .

The Potter’s House

Adams MorganAnother community - oriented bookshop , Potter ’s House specialise in stock a curated excerption of al-Qur’an based around the subjects of social movement , justice and equity , ethnical study , and spiritual traditions . Besides the joyfulness of peruse their claim and having a coffee at the cute non-profit-making coffeehouse , you could also find good about shopping at Potter ’s House thanks to theirtransparently fair wagesand the fact that they tie electrical energy for the store entirely from steer power .

Kramers