Louisville's 4 top bookstores (that won't break the bank)

Louisville's 4 top bookstores (that won't break the bank)Nanny Goat Books | Photo: Whitley D./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on December 13, 2019

Wondering where to find the best bookstores near you?

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

1. McQuixote Books & Coffee

Photo: Kim t./Yelp

Topping the list is McQuixote Books & Coffee. Located at 1512 Portland Ave., Suite 1, the bookstore, which offers coffee, tea, sandwiches and more, is the highest-rated low-priced bookstore in Louisville, boasting 4.5 stars out of 33 reviews on Yelp. 

We found these details about McQuixote Books & Coffee on Yelp.

"What started as an online bookstore based out of California has progressed into a brick & mortar book & coffee shop in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville," according to the history section of the business' Yelp profile.

Furthermore, we found this information about the business' signature items: "We are a used bookstore and specialty coffee and tea retail business in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville. We offer an eclectic collection of affordably-priced used books paired with a variety of food options, house-made chais, ice creams, flavored syrups and local fare," it writes on Yelp in the section highlighting specialties. 

2. Fat Rabbit Thrift & Vintage

Photo: tee m./Yelp

Next up is Germantown's Fat Rabbit Thrift & Vintage, situated at 1000 E. Oak St. With 4.5 stars out of 26 reviews on Yelp, the thrift store, bookstore and vintage and consignment spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an affordable option. 

Yelper Saphace A., who reviewed Fat Rabbit Thrift & Vintage on Sept. 11, wrote, "I've heard of this place as somewhere worth checking out! It's probably my most favorite out of all the vintage stores in town. Prices are cheaper than I've ever seen!"

Tee M. noted, "While the shop appears small upon entering, you soon learn that it will take some time to look through the many treasures that await new homes. Looking through the large collection of books, record albums, CDs, VHS tapes, buttons and patches, vintage clothing and knick-knacks takes a bit of time!"

3. Book & Music Exchange

Photo: john r./Yelp

Deer Park's Book & Music Exchange, located at 1616 Bardstown Road, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cheap bookstore and video game store, which offers books, music, DVDs and more, four stars out of 49 reviews. 

Yelper Lorie L., who reviewed Book & Music Exchange on May 12, wrote, "A long-standing shop in the Highlands, Book & Music Exchange is huge inside and offers a variety of games, music, books, movies and pop culture items."

Yelper Sara R. wrote, "Pretty cool, they have magic cards and used board games. Movies are a little overpriced in my opinion. They also buy games and magic cards, so if you are looking to get rid of old decks definitely worth checking out."

4. Nanny Goat Books

Photo: nanny goat books/Yelp

Nanny Goat Books, a bookstore in Phoenix Hill, is another much-loved, low-priced go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 17 Yelp reviews. Head over to 218 S. Clay St. to see for yourself. 

Yelp offers more information on Nanny Goat Books.

"Opened in early 2018, Nanny Goat Books was founded by book lovers and publishing industry professionals looking to expand the selection of books available in downtown Louisville and build a true neighborhood bookstore," according to the history section of the business' Yelp profile.

In terms of signature items, "We are an independent bookstore specializing in local authors and interests," it writes on Yelp in the section about specialties. "We also carry a range of new releases and unique, vintage books."


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.