From cozy independent shops tucked into historic neighborhoods to the largest independent bookstore in the world, Portland’s best bookstores are no strangers to the limelight. Makes sense, we need something to get us through the gloomy winter months.
As someone that has lived in the city for 30+ years, I’ve been able to embrace the long gray winter months largely thanks to the charming Portland bookstore on offer. I’ll pick up a book, pop over to a local cafe and spend a few hours absorbed in the cozy moment.
I’m not one for secrets (local businesses deserve the love!) so I’d like to share my personal list of the best local bookstores in Portland. Let’s get to it!
Best Bookstores in Portland, Oregon
(Click here for the table of contents)
Table of Contents: Portland Bookstores
Belmont Books
Opened in 2018, Belmont Books is one of the newest bookstores in Portland but you wouldn’t be able to tell by the looks of it. A charming little shop (less than 400-square-feet) filled to the brim with new and used books, the store looks like it’s been around forever.
The passion and care put into this local Portland bookstore is obvious. Owner Joseph Witt works the front most days, fulfilling a lifelong dream he doesn’t take for granted.
To the untrained eye, this Portland bookstore looks unorganized, but that’s not the case. Books are grouped by genre, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find an exact title. The reason? You’re supposed to find something new to discover.
Witt makes sure his store is stocked with books folks want to read, even if they don’t know it yet. It’s all about surprise and delight. Topics range from Pacific Northwest history to unusual (and entertaining) titles waiting to be discovered.
Mother Foucault’s Bookshop
Mother Foucault’s Bookshop is named after French philosopher Michel Foucault. The “mother” part is a cheeky merger of the philosopher’s name with a nod to progressive American magazine, Mother Jones. It’s hard to explain what walking into the bookshop feels like, the first time I stumbled upon this gem I felt ill-prepared!
I almost wanted to redo the moment so I could enjoy it properly. Opened in 2011, this Portland bookstore specializes in used, rare and vintage books. You’ll find plenty of books on poetry, fiction, philosophy, foreign language and literacy criticism.
Local’s Tip: This independent Portland bookstore hosts a lot of weekly events, from reading panels to poetry readings and literary talks. Check the current event lineup here.
Daedalus Books
Daedalus is a famous online book seller, but overlooking the well-stocked brick-and-mortar location in the charming Northwest neighborhood would be a mistake. Specializing in art, philosophy, theology, history, poetry and literature tomes, visiting Daedalus Books is an experience.
Once inside, you’ll find both new and used titles, but if you need some guidance don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from the well-read staff.
My father-in-law is a retired history teacher and never passes on the opportunity to visit Daedalus. He considers this one of the best bookstores in Portland (fighting words, I know) because of the expansive selection of interesting books geared towards scholars.
Wallace Books
There’s a comforting predictability to Wallace Books that I’ve come to rely on over the years. Opened by Julie Wallace in 1997, this beloved Portland bookstore has been serving locals for more than 25 years! Wallace wanted to create a space where she could blend her love of books with her love for people.
Every nook and cranny is stuffed with new and used books. Imagine books spilling off the shelves, toddler-sized stacks of books and corners filled with boxes devoted to popular authors.
The best part is the service. Wallace’s warmth makes you feel like a regular, her knowledge will convince you to become one. She’s eager to share recommendations or point you in the right direction if you’re seeking a specific title.
Local’s Tip: The Pacific Northwest section at this Portland bookstore is quite impressive. I suggest giving it a proper perusal, you never know what you’re going to find.
Melville Books
Opened in 2019, Melville Books is the new kid on the block, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best used book stores in Portland.
Self-dubbed the smallest bookstore in Portland, it was founded by insatiable bookworm Mitch Melville, who dabbled as an online bookseller in a previous life before branching out with his own shop. After noticing a void in the used book market in Alberta he figured he’d start there.
The current inventory clocks in at 4,000 books, but Melville buys books from customers daily, so the selection is always growing. He strives to build trust in the community by being very selective about the books he sells, hoping anything you take home delights and inspires.
Broadway Books
Serving the community since 1992, Broadway Books is considered one of the best bookstores in Portland and it’s not hard to see why.
The shop hosts interesting reading panels, author discussions (Michelle Obama hosted a discussion), an impressive selection of carefully-curated titles and an unwavering commitment to the community and neighborhood. It’s a small business you can feel good about supporting!
If you plan to make this your local Portland bookstore make sure to ask about the Pink Card loyalty program. It’s a reward program for frequent buyers (but 12 books, get one free).
Unlike the other independent Portland bookstores mentioned on this list, Broadway Books mostly sells new books. The used section is small, but the new titles (many by local authors) make the shop a worthwhile stop, even for those that prefer to buy used.
Annie Bloom’s Books
Established in 1978, Annie Bloom’s Books is one of the oldest bookstores in Portland. Located in charming Multnomah Village, if you’re looking for an easy-going afternoon, make a beeline for the bookstore and prepare for the hours to slip by.
The selection is carefully curated, from classics and new titles to a never-ending list of recommendations from the helpful staff (some of which have been around for 10-25 years!).
The children’s section is worth calling out too. Bring the kiddos with you and let them enjoy the play area or pet the store cat (Molly), while you peruse.
The success of this independent bookstore in Portland speaks for itself. With 44 years behind them, Annie Bloom’s doesn’t show signs of slowing anytime soon. Grab a cup of complimentary coffee and wander the aisles aimlessly, this store seems to have something for everyone.
Green Bean Books
Started by a school teacher with an unabashed love for books, Green Bean Books is the best bookstore in Portland for children’s books. Jennifer Green opened this charming little children’s bookstore on Alberta Street back in 2009.
Housed in an old home (with creaky floors, to boot), the shop reminds me of Meg Ryan’s bookstore in You’ve Got Mail. Expect to find a wide selection of new and used children’s books in English and other languages.
In addition to books, the store sells educational toys as well. The biggest draw seems to be the custom vending machine that dispenses handmade trinkets like finger puppets (made by Jennifer), mustaches and beards.
Head to the outdoor deck and find respite under a weeping mulberry bush has been converted into a magical reading fort. There’s so much to love about this cute children’s book store in Portland, I can’t recommend it enough.
Local’s Tip: Green Bean Books hosts story time every Tuesdays at 11am on the covered outdoor deck. Here’s a quick list of upcoming events.
Backstory Books & Yarn
Backstory Books & Yarn is an interesting concept. Part-bookstore, part-yard shop, the store merges two unrelated passions and locals can’t help but love it! This independent Portland bookstore specialized in books on crafts, nautical and African American studies.
Powell’s Books (The Best Bookstore in Portland)
As you probably already know, Powell’s is the best bookstore in Portland. Some folks dismiss the store because they’ve grown so large (Powell’s is the largest independent bookstore in the world), but the success is well-earned.
Rated by CNN as one of the coolest bookstores in the world, Powell’s Books sells both new and used titles, it’s nearly impossible to leave empty-handed (believe me, I’ve tried).
Located within the Pearl District and spanning an entire city block, this popular Portland bookstore is home to more than one million books. If that sounds overwhelming, grab a map before embarking on the adventure. Arrive early or be prepared for crowds, visiting Powell’s is by far one of the best things to do in Portland.
Local’s Tip: Pop into the Gold Room during your visit to see the rarest books in the store. The most expensive book at Powell’s is an 1814 copy of the Lewis & Clark Journal which includes Captain Lewis’ map safely tucked between the pages. The price? $350,000.
Further Reading: Local’s Guide to Powell’s Books
Best Bookstores in Portland (Post Summary)
- Broadway Books
- Wallace Books
- Belmont Books
- Mother Foucault’s Bookshop
- Annie Bloom’s Books
- Melville Books
- Green Bean Books
- Backstory Books & Yarn
- Daedalus Books
- Powell’s Books
Map of the best Portland bookstores
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best bookstores in Portland, Oregon. Don’t hesitate to let me know if I missed anything!
Cheers!
Antonina
You need to check out Chaparral Books at 5210 S Corbett Avenue…
Thanks so much, Antonina, for the very helpful review of these ten bookstores. I can tell already that I’ll be visiting each of them as I seek new homes for my late dad’s library of 3,000 books. Not even Powell’s was willing to absorb that many so I’ve begun looking farther afield, and your article is a big help.
I also wanted to share that I recently discovered a small used bookstore, Arches Bookhouse, in the Portsmouth district near the St John’s Bridge. Check it out when you get a chance. It’s at:
8900 North Wall Ave, 97203