The 5 best bookstores in Sacramento, ranked

The 5 best bookstores in Sacramento, rankedTime Tested Books. | Photo: Dani N./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on August 07, 2018

There's no bad time to relax with a book, but it's an especially appealing pastime during summer vacation season. If you're looking for your next great beach read, where's the best place to browse the shelves for it?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top bookstores in Sacramento, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're in the market for bookstores.

1. Time Tested Books

Photo: Dani N./Yelp

Topping the list is Time Tested Books. Located at 1114 21st St. in Midtown, the new and used bookstore, which also offers vinyl records, is the highest rated book shop in Sacramento, boasting 4.5 stars out of 94 reviews on Yelp.

Reviewers single out the comfortable and well-lit space, wide selection and generous store credit policy: If you leave the tag on a book purchased from Time Tested Books, when you're done with it you can bring it back in for half its price in store credit.

2. Beers Books

Photo: Philip T./Yelp

Next up is Downtown's Beers Books, situated at 915 S St. With four stars out of 157 reviews on Yelp, the new and used bookstore has proven to be a local favorite. As with many used bookstores in the area, Beers will buy some used books from customers in exchange for store credit.

Yelpers especially love the good organization, helpful service and 50-cent sidewalk shelves section at the family-owned store. Be aware: parking near the bookshop can be tricky.

3. Barnes & Noble

Photo: Scott D./Yelp

The Barnes & Noble at 3561 N. Freeway Blvd. is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Natomas outpost of the national chain bookstore four stars out of 94 reviews for its wide selection, good service, Starbucks cafe and free wi-fi. In addition to books, the store offers toys, games and music.

4. J Crawford's Books

Photo: J Crawford's Books/Yelp

J Crawford's Books, a used bookstore in Hollywood Park, is another well-liked go-to, with four stars out of 31 Yelp reviews.

Yelpers praise its wide selection, friendly and knowledgeable service, and the ability to resell books for store credit. Head over to 5301 Freeport Blvd., Suite 200 to see the dog-friendly spot for yourself.

5. Underground Books

Photo: Dev R./Yelp

Over in North Oak Park, check out Underground Books, which has earned four stars out of 25 reviews on Yelp. Reviewers love its cozy atmosphere, focus on African-American literature and nonfiction, and welcoming proprietor Georgia "Mother Rose" West. You can find the family-owned bookstore at 2814 35th St.