Love, love, love Suzy and her team! The Book Cellar is everything that you want in a neighborhood bookstore and more: great selection, lots of interesting staff picks along with food, drink and special events when there isnt a raging pandemic screwing everything up for everybody. The world would be a much better place if every neighborhood had a Book Cellar of their own.

Always an excellent shopping experience, even in the midst of a pandemic. Theres a 4 person limit, but it seems like most people are in & out pretty quickly. (Plus, I think if you know exactly what youre there for they can expedite your visit so you can pay & exit quickly.)

If you buy staff recommended books, they let you choose a free mystery book! Very fun experience.

I love this place! I never know what Im looking for when I go there and always choose something from the staff picks. Ive yet to be disappointed and it expanded my reading interests so much already. Its my favorite place to go to and just look for what new things they have

My fiancé loves this local book store. I went to pick up a book for him and was having trouble finding it. The salesclerk was very helpful and helped me to find it quickly.

These guys love books as much as you do 😁 ... excellent cookbook section (best in Chicago!)

Such a cute little location with very friendly staff. There are some many good things to list about this place. The store is well organized, the drinks make browsing even more enjoyable, the author readings are interactive, and the employee suggestions on the shelves add a welcomed personal touch.This is a special little bookstore. 📚 🍷 ☕️

The Book Cellar is so much more than a bookstore. Every time I go there for a book, I end up buying additional items. I recently bought a reading light, book-themed magnets as a gift for my niece, a bottle of wine! They have other gift items, calendars and a unique selection of greeting cards. And then there are the events they host! These are virtual now, but I attended a couple local stand-up comedy shows there and they do a nice job, not to mention they are always a great help as advisors on books and very helpful with helping customers find exactly what theyre looking for, either in their store or by order. Check this place out and keep going back. Theyre a local gem!

I love visiting here!! Today I came specifically for an event and they had made a beautiful cake that they let everyone share. They’re super responsive to emails and questions, and are very friendly & willing to help you. Drinks are great, too!

Lovely, local, little book shop with solid organization and variety. They even have a little space for wine, small plate snacks, and coffee. Its amazing!(Cant wait until its able to open up to that capacity)

Wonderful little book store with a cafe! Carefully curated selections tucked into a cute spot. Support your local book sellers!

The Book Cellar is a lovely, cozy local book café. Whether you want to find a new read to get lost in, delight in their delicious pastries and warm beverages, or work quietly, you’ll find something to enjoy. The bathroom is wheelchair accessible, though wheelchair users will find aisles narrow and at times trying, they aren’t impossible for a small chair. The owners should look out for anything blocking aisles, as that was an issue.It’s sunny, people are friendly, and you’re free to browse without being bothered which I sincerely appreciate. It’s a hands-off-but-help-available atmosphere which is ideal for the person who likes being around people but still needs their space. I would absolutely return and recommend it to others.

This is our favorite book store. the best part about living in Lincoln square was going on dates here

Held onto my book even after I ordered it 5 months ago before the stay at home order. Staff are so nice and helpful. Great selection of books and if you dont see it, just ask and they can order your needs! Love to support my local bookshop.

Great little place with books to buy and good coffee. Nice location and fun to visit.

Had a pleasant experience doing a storytelling show there. The bookstore is intimate, quaint and has a good local feel . The cafe is nice and staff were friendly

I love this local, independent bookstore. They have an extensive inventory, and will happily special order anything they dont have. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It is a gem!

This book store has helped reignite my love of reading! This is such a fantastic little store with a great selection and relaxing atmosphere, and the cafe is a nice plus. Basically its the perfect small business I love to support. I often go and just browse until I find something that intrigues me enough to impulse buy. The staff are great and I love the hand written cards they leave near books they recommend personally. Ive selected a few books based off their written cards. Highly recommend. Support local businesses!

Wish I could visit weekly. Was not disappointed. Love their Instagram.

They are doing a great job with staying safe and have a great selection.

Great local gem of a small business! Great selection and service! Please show them love and buy local!

Wonderful place to browse even with COVID restrictions. Looking forward to unlimited visits soon!

A lovely bookstore with a great coffee/sandwich shop. Good staff picks and very large fiction selection. A nice place to hunker down and read with a coffee of have a meeting. I’ve had good experiences with ordering books through them, and staff have been very communicative through the process.

Amazing book store and fantastic staff. I would move in if I could, lol.

Super communicative about the order process, they do a really good job making sure you know exactly whats going on even when a book is difficult to obtain (as with pre-orders, backordered books, &c.).

Wonderful bookstore.

Amazing book store with a really good selection. And also, it has a cafe, so after you buy a book, you can sit down and have a nice cup of coffee or a pastry. Friendly clerks, as well as a good atmosphere. Finally, by going here you are supporting local businesses, which is always a good thing to do. You should definitely go to this book store.

A great place to drop in and get away from the hustle & bustle of daily life. Its cozy, inviting, and cafe quiet (as opposed to library quiet). Theres nothing quite like grabbing a cup of tea and snuggling up with a good book in a comfy chair and this is exactly the right place to do just that!

Very cozy book shop that made you feel like you could get lost in the stacks. Wide variety and delicious food/coffee

Cute small book store with a small café inside! The lighting is great and they have these cute little cards near the check out counter.

Good selection, helpful staff. Nice atmosphere. Love to browse here, glad I can again.

Cozy nook for book lovers. The books feel very curated in a good way and the cafe in the store makes this a great place to spend the afternoon. Really dig this book store. Keep supporting the independents!

Love to buy books for my granddaughters here. Good selection! The cafe has great sandwiches and coffees and a wonderful staff. I could hang out in there for hours! A neighborhood treasure!

Really easy to keep patronizing the Book Cellar in these coronapocalypse times!! You can order off their website, and theyll be in touch with you by email about your order. When it arrives, they email again (mine was early!), and then you go to their lobby to pick up your books. Easy to keep buying local, and they have a really extensive selection!

Love the people and vibes. Ive been a regular for years and theyve always been the most wonderful, accepting and helpful bunch. They know their books way beyond whats popular and will happily help you find exactly what youre looking for. Their community events are always fun whether its the Kates(free Fri comedy show I highly recommend) or a book debut. They are my second home and Ive yet to find a more welcoming place in Chi

One of the best bookstores in Chicago!

The Book Cellar is a great local business in Lincoln Square. I do wish the selection of books was larger but they put on tons of events like author meet and greets or book readings and they actively promote important information impacting the community. They sell coffee inside too so its a great place to relax with a book or annoy patrons as you and a buddy get into a Voltaire-esque coffee fueled debate.

Support independent bookstores!

Very indie but too small. they need a bigger space.

Great vibe, totally charming. The great welcoming staff that puts you in the mood to read. We had a vanilla latte and it was great for the price! Go here to curl up with a book and enjoy!

Do you love books? Then get yourself to The Book Cellar! Their recommendations are always on point (if Portia recommends it, I buy it) and they even have a little café so you can curl up with your new book right away.

Absolutely love this place! Cozy and cool... Staff is super friendly - will always help you find a book & also make recommendations. One staff member recently spent quite a bit of time with my 13 yr old daughter & her friends suggesting young adult book series they might like. They will always order a book for you if not in stock and they call immediately when it arrives. Frequent purchasers receive a discount. You can also enjoy food & drink on the cafe side of the store, or a glass of wine. They host several fun events every month. Were so lucky to have a book store like this in Lincoln Square!

I really like the environment here. It’s very much a “general interest” bookstore, which is fine as a neighborhood staple. I won’t advocate for the food, though. Really I’ve only gotten their soups and I don’t tend to like them much. But I like working there in the corner in all the books. Definitely worth a return visit!

A cute place with lots of great picks! Loved that they had an LGBTQ+ YA section

This is a great local bookstore and cafe. The staff are great and will find any book you want, even if they have to order it.

Very nice place. You can have a seat while reading a book that you are contemplating on buying, friendly & knowledgeable help. Only drawback is the lighting is a bit dim, maybe its supposed to have a cellar feel.

Very nice book store in Lincoln square with a cafe. It was a little difficult to find help while searching (I need the assistance due to vision issues) but once found they were helpful and kind.

One of my favorite local bookstores in the country. Staff recommendations on the shelves are a delight to read an have turned me on to a few books over the past few years. Ive also found some gem signed-copies from favorite authors here!The events in the cafe space can be really great, and who doesnt love a little wine with your book reading?Great little extras too: the cards, the bookmarks, magnets, bags, and all the gift-shop type stuff in the front fits perfectly with the bookstore.

You cant shop in the store no, but you can call ahead and order and theyll drop it off to you

This place is a hidden treasure of Lincoln Square. Its such a small and intimate bookstore. And what I mean by small is that its not overly crowded and generic like other chain bookstores. Theres a cafe inside where you can find a great selection of drinks (caffeine, water, and the likes). They offer free WIFI throughout the entire bookstore. The staff are also very friendly and helpful.

Wonderful Indy bookstore, with attached cafe. Read the wonderful staff recommendations posted by books they like. Many special events. Very supportive of local writers. One of the best shops in Lincoln Square

I understand we find ourselves living at very different times and because of this, I decided to purchase my books locally. I used google to find The Book Cellar. I pre-ordered a book that was apart of my book club.I didnt see any information about exactly when my book would ship as it went on sale officially the 7th of April and other larger places were guaranteeing I would have it by the 8th. The Book Cellar was not able to tell me this information however I did get an email about processing and my book that had come out on the 7th was at my house the morning of the 9th! So I got basically 2-day shipping for $2.00 because of all books and media ship from their wholesaler to you at a FLAT FEE!So I wouldnt say I was happy but thrilled at how this purchase turned out and I realized supporting local doesnt mean I have to sacrifice service or speed, nope it just means I get all of that that and I can walk into the book store when things are normal again!The moral to the story BUY LOCAL!(posted to Yelp as well)

A great local independent book store. I went for a book club which was very enjoyable. They have several book clubs regularly meeting there.This book store is a integral part of the Lincoln Square community

I always end up going to the back in the psychology section. I find books that I otherwise would not find. The staff is always so helpful and friendly. There are so many literary events they host. A gem of a bookstore in the square.

Fantastic bookstore. Go here for the latest titles, a great childrens section, great graphic novels and local authors. Grab a glass of wine and read your new purchase chilling out in their comfy chairs.

Great neighborhood bookstore with frequent author events. Just the right size to explore many subject areas and discover a book you havent seen before. Theres a cafe, too.

A great local book store. Its so easy to order a book to the store if they are out of stock (at no additional cost). And there are tons of staff recommendations. A solid option for the low key coffee and chill or to find something new to read

What can be better than a bookstore where they serve coffee, tea and wine so you can really enjoy your reading. And the bookstore is really awesome too!

I loved this little bookstore. A dad reading to his daughter, an author reading to a group, children reading while parents browsed. It was encouraging to see. The selection was large and varied. I plan to visit again.

This place is pretty inviting and cozy for a bookstore. I absolutely love this place. Its a bookstore, cafe, venue (saw the Kates there and they were wonderful. I also caught a reading there too) and reading room in one. The staff is friendly and helpful. The selection of books are huge. Its ideally located at the entrance of Lincoln Square (right across from my favorite pasties shop, Selmarie).

I love the Book Cellar! Ive been ordering my books using their website and they have a no-contact pick up in the front of the store. Its very convenient. The staff are super friendly and helpful!

Local bookstore with a good selection, friendly staff and a little cafe too. Great for stopping in to pick up something to read or a beverage to sip while your suitor reads your sonnets on a hill in an attempt to win your heart. The store is a little packed is the only real downside which can make it akward to move though on a a busy day.

Great place to meet up with friends and family. Our daughter loves the kids book section and snuggling up in one of the chairs to read. A great staple in Lincoln Square.

Great neighborhood bookstore! Came here for the first time for a friends book-signing, and so glad I did. If you like to read but not really sure *what* to read then this is the place to you - the aisles are full of mini book revews by the employees which I found very helpful. Oh, and this spot also serves food and alcohol. Check it out!

Comfy, the staff is helpful. Love their staff picks and suggestions.

Nice local bookstore with an attached Cafe, friendly staff who are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Tiny book sellers that serve food and bevs in scenic Lincoln Square. Remarkable range of books, with a really nice kids section. There is a small, really small space with seats and a table, can fit three people? And a larger cafe space with a few more tables and chairs - perfect for small study groups, quick lunches, or a sweet date ❤😙

Great little book store. You get to read staff recommendation s for books and it really adds value to your book selection. Very friendly

Went here for a book signing, cant wait to go back and wander around. Looked like a perfect local spot for books!

So kind and helpful when I talked over the phone

Made the trek up to this bookstore with my girlfriend. Walked over to the cafe part for a drink to enjoy while searching for a new book. A woman was behind the register area, I went up to her to ask a question and she gave me a death glare. I didn’t think she was going to even answer my question and ignore me but she did and was completely short and rude. Walked right out after that. Probably won’t be back because of it. Not sure if she was having a bad day or what but man, leave that attitude at home.

Not a good book selection, I think it might be more suited for child-parent binomio and coffee drinkers... Otherwise, it is a book store for posers 😂😉

Great independent bookstore. Comfortable place to sit down and relax. Serves food and beverages

Great staff with great book recommendations. Decent food available at the cafe there. Lots of cool events with local and national authors.

I was looking for a book on Basketball. The clerk was super helpful and I ended up talking basketball with him for a while. It was so fun. I love this place and the coffee is amazing. I love going back.

An incredible place to get some reading done, support local writers, grab a snack, join a book club, head to an event, and so much more. A Chicago staple, undoubtedly.

A excellent small independent bookstore and cafe that will surprise you how many books they carry and author and special events they have. The Book Cellar is a jewel of the Lincoln Square shops.

Could use new leather comfy chairs otherwise a quaint lil bookstore...

Fantastic bookstore! Support your independent bookstores. Plus, they have a rad art bookstore right next door. Fantastic!

Local bookstore and cafe. Lots of character. Staff recommendations. Fun to enjoy the fine art of browsing.

I love this place, one of my favorite book stores and great places to read. Nice selection, great friendly staff

A favorite independent book store of mine in Lincoln Square! This small storefront book store not only has great books, but also great gifts. I find myself making a endless list of wants every time I step foot in the door.They are very active in the events areas. From book readings to comedy shows, they know how to bring it! The cafe has coffee, sandwiches, desserts and best of all, booze. Grab a glass of wine and browse, read, and relax.P.S. Gluten free cookies and cupcakes at the cafe!

Cute independent book store! They have a great selection. I also like the recommendations near the front of the store written by their employees.

Love this place, they serve some good food also but one of my fav places to go!!

Books, coffee, and excellent recommendations all in the middle of Lincoln Square. The perfect readers nook. Great for locals or tourists.

Great place, very clean. Nice atmosphere.Coffee was good, good size and price.Definitely will come again.

Great Bookstore, Amazing cafe with the best munchies and quality coffee...love this place.

Great atmosphere, lots of helpful employee book reviews and friendly staff. Coffee bar is cute and cozy (its maybe not the *best* coffee, but it is decent).

This place alway has new and interesting books. They have recommendation cards scattered around so you may be able to find something new to read. The cafe is cute and a nice place to sit and read your new book.

Went for a lecture from a French author. Great evening in a warm and friendly ambiance. Reasonable prices on drinks too.

Nice quiet place to get some awesome books. I havent tried the food, but the I noticed that the wine prices are reasonable

Wish there were more places like this in the city. The bookstore/cafe serves up the best atmosphere for exploring/reading books, sipping coffee or just kicking off an evening with some local brews. They also host literary events and workshops throughout the year, so check out the event board.

What a charming little bookstore. The staff give their summaries of their favorites books which hang out from the books themselves. Mini coffee shop inside and a few sitting areas. Right in the middle of the square. Love it!

A little pricey but a nice independent bookstore

Cozy. Adorable. The staff suggestions that are throughout the store make me feel like I am finding little treasures as I browse.

Wonderful selection of books and great environment.

Love them.

Most helpful bookstore on the planet, with truly valuable staff recommendations. Plus, free gift-wrapping! (Dont forget to tip, though)

Always love shopping here... Good selection and atmosphere, and if youre looking for something that they dont have, they will gladly order it for you!

Great little neighborhood bookstore. I wish they would rotate their selection a lot more frequently. They usually have a few random foreign language books which is fun. Its a little more expensive then your standard bookstore though. The hours are also not the best.