Turning Pages & Finding Places: My Favorite Bookstores in St. Louis
Let’s be honest—you probably guessed my first stop on the St. Louis tour would be bookstores, right? I mean… cozy corners, creaky wood floors, the smell of old pages? Count me in every time. I’ve always believed that bookstores say a lot about a city—and lucky for us, St. Louis says all the right things.
Whether you're a lifelong bookworm, a casual browser, or just looking for a peaceful moment away from the chaos, this city has a spot for you. And as a realtor here, I love getting to know the heartbeat of a neighborhood—and nothing says “neighborhood” quite like a good local bookstore.
Here are a few of my favorites from the tour:
📚 The Novel Neighbor – Webster Groves
This place just gets it. Thoughtfully curated, full of charm, and yes—they have the best greeting cards in town. Bonus points for their author events, kids’ activities, and local art. It feels like the front porch of the whole neighborhood. If I could live here, I probably would. Not to mention the new spot Open Door Romance with only Romance books!
📚 Dunaway Books – South City
A labyrinth of literature, with floor-to-ceiling shelves and that perfect musty-book smell. If you love a treasure hunt, this is your happy place. It’s the kind of store where you go in looking for one thing and leave with three books you didn’t know you needed (but absolutely did).
📚 Left Bank Books – Central West End
An STL icon. They’ve been championing indie voices and social justice long before it was cool. The staff knows their stuff, and the shelves are packed with heart and purpose. This is a bookstore with a mission—and it shows.
📚 Subterranean Books – The Loop
Small but mighty! This shop has the best new releases and smart recommendations (I may or may not stalk their staff picks). Plus, The Loop is just a fun place to spend an afternoon wandering.
📚 The Book House – Maplewood
They may have moved out of their iconic old house, but The Book House didn’t lose an ounce of charm. Now tucked into a cozy storefront in Maplewood, it’s still packed wall-to-wall with great finds—used, new, and rare. It’s the kind of place where time slows down a little, and you can wander the shelves like you’ve got nowhere else to be. Bonus: it’s in one of my favorite walkable parts of the city. If you LOVE chocolate like me, just steps from this book store is Kakao, my fav chocolate shop!
📚 Betty’s Books – Webster Groves
Graphic novels, manga, zines, and that quiet, cozy vibe you can’t fake. It’s funky, fresh, and a little off the beaten path—which makes it feel even more special.
📚 The Bookshop – Downtown STL
Part bookstore, part design dream. Think: white walls, clean lines, and artful displays that make you want to buy everything. A perfect stop for a gift or a quiet morning.
Here’s the thing—I love books, yes. But more than that, I love the spaces where people gather. Where stories live. And as a real estate agent, I think your neighborhood should feel like an extension of who you are. Want to live near your favorite bookstore? Let’s find that place together.
📍Tell me your favorite bookstore in the city—or better yet, what should I tour next? Bakeries? Parks? Coffee shops? You know I’m always up for a good tour (especially if there are snacks involved).
And hey, if you're thinking about buying or selling in St. Louis—I'm your girl. Let’s write your next chapter together.