Looking to try the best bookstores in town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable bookstores in Baltimore, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. The Book Thing
Topping the list is The Book Thing. Located at 3001 Vineyard Lane in Abell, it is the highest-rated affordable bookstore in Baltimore, boasting five stars out of 165 reviews on Yelp.
In addition to selling books, the store hosts events, including ghost tours. The shop's mission, according to its website, is to put books into the hands of those who want them.
2. Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse
Midtown's Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, located at 1225 Cathedral St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the spot four stars out of 170 reviews.
Books and merchandise are on sale, and the store features sections on 1960s social movements, Native Americans, Marxism, Socialism and Communism and more.
3. The Book Escape
The Book Escape in Federal Hill is another much-loved, affordable go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 44 Yelp reviews. Head over to 805 Light St. to see for yourself.
The shop sells new, used and rare books. Its website says it has tens of thousands of books to choose from.
4. Protean Books & Records
Over in Otterbein, check out Protean Books & Records, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 19 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the bookstore by heading over to 836 Leadenhall St.
The store sells vinyl records, CDs and cassettes, in addition to used books, graphic novels, textbooks, movies and vintage video games.
5. Normal's Book & Records
And then there's Normal's Book & Records, an Abell favorite with 4.5 stars out of 21 reviews. Stop by 425 E. 31st St. to see for yourself.
The shop sells books, records and CDs, as well as small press books. It also hosts events such as poetry nights and live music.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
