Wondering where to find the best bookstores near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top bookstores in San Antonio, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're in the mood for a good read.
1. Imagine Books & Records
Topping the list is Imagine Books & Records. Located at 8373 Culebra Road, Suite 201B, on the Northwest Side, it's the highest rated bookstore in San Antonio, boasting five stars out of 15 reviews on Yelp.
Owned by Don Hurd, the used bookstore offers a place to sit down with a coffee and a book, per its website. Besides selling books, you can find an extensive vinyl record collection and enjoy regular live music performances from local bands.
Yelper Juliet G. wrote, "The sweetest family ever owns this gem — super chill little spot on weekdays to read and have a free cup of coffee and a super fun spot on weekends when they have live music and a ton of people packed in."
2. The Twig Book Shop
Next up is Tobin Hill's The Twig Book Shop, situated at 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106. With 4.5 stars out of 33 reviews on Yelp, the bookstore has proven to be a local favorite.
The bookstore offers newly released books for both children and adults, plus classics and more. It also plays host to local and national poets and authors for readings and book signings.
Yelper Jarvis R. said, "Cool little bookshop in the Pearl complex selling a wide variety of books and little trinkets. There are books for every type of reader and some essential, quirky trinkets such as pins and magnets. The bookshop itself is clean and very organized, and the person working at the counter was welcoming."
3. Nine Lives Books
Nine Lives Books, located at 4907 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 102, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bookstore four stars out of 53 reviews.
The used book shop buys from the public and offers in-store credit and even cash for certain items. Besides books, you can find records, DVDs, videotapes, CDs, audiotapes, magazines, comics, knickknacks and more.
Mika S. wrote, "It looks small on the outside, but it's actually bigger than it looks. The book collection here is pretty impressive, and my fiance and I found some pretty difficult-to-find books here for a pretty decent price. They have an amazing history section that I'll have to revisit."
