Reviews of Porter Square Books. (Book Store) in Boston (Massachusetts).

Porter Square Books

844 Reviews

371 Comments

Book store

Book store

25 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States

Description

Information of Porter Square Books, Book store in Boston (Massachusetts)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Porter Square Books

Popular times

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Reviews of Porter Square Books

Ale A

Lovely bookstore, good selection, the staff is very helpful and friendly. They also have a little coffee shop inside, Love the smell of coffee. They have a cute kids corner.

Barry Lewis

This place is an all time classic. Great staff and selection. Always crowded so the people know that this is one of the best book stores in the area. Highly recommended!

Jesse Sullivan

I adore this bookstore!! It’s so clearly by and for people who love books. They have a fantastic curated selection of interesting and new books as well as lovely gifts. Highly recommend.

Leslie Proudfoot

Such a nice little neighborhood bookstore. Lots of fun odds and ends to buy in addition to books. I also like the cafe.

Robert Emery

Great local book store. They've got a nice section, friendly staff, and take orders ahead if you want to ensure you get that book and want to avoid the A word.

Fungai Tichawangana

I love coffee shops in bookshops. Independently run coffee shops in independently run bookshops are the stuff of fantasy in a world where chain stores rule. So obviously Porter Square Books and Zing Cafe get points for merely existing, the latter inside the former. My obvious fanaticism aside, this is a great place to browse new books; from poetry to politics, sip on a latte or type away furiously at your latest writing project.

Julie X.

This place is one of my favorite bookstores (and I've been to a plethora). They have very knowledgeable and friendly staff, and they highlight local authors. The events hosted are wonderful as well, not too overwhelming or crowded. The staff picks, which are frequently amazing, are 20% off and change monthly. They have a pretty good cafe, too, that sell locally baked goods. Plus, there's a YA book club (for young adults and those young at heart) every month.

Danielle Iacovelli

I love this bookstore! Their selection of books is great, and I love their rotating staff picks table at the front of the store. Even their cafe is great - their cold brew is MILES above coffee chains and I love their specialty drinks like their iced lavender latte. Staff is always friendly to me too and takes the time to remember me since I come in nearly daily for coffee. This has become one of my favorite small businesses in Somerville and one of my favorite cafes/bookstores.

Stephanie Checchi

A welcoming cozy book nook in the heart of Porter Square! Personable, knowledgeable staff, lots of new and old books, and amazing fresh coffee served in ceramic mugs.

Lynsey Savage

Great bookshop with an excellent selection of titles. The fiction section is excellent. I wanted two slightly obscure titles and they had both! There is a good selection of gifts for book lovers too as well as tote bags and letter writing tools. The store is way to navigate. You can also get coffee here. The staff are friendly and helpful. Easy to access by car, on foot or via the Porter Square T stop.

Sarah Smith

Employee owned Cambridge staple. One of the few brick and mortar book store left, and it's independent! The community wouldn't be the same without it!

Bryan Rust

Wonderful local book store. Has a coffee shop attached.

Ryan Houlette

Great booksellers, great selection. I love my local bookstore!

Bill Barnert

Great independent employee-owned bookstore with a café and many free author events. VERY knowledgeable staff.

Jonathan Carey

Very nice bookshop with an attached coffee shop. The selection includes items that would be good for someone visiting Cambridge from out of town.

Snow Ultra

Great selection of books, the cashier who helped us was super friendly.

Owen Bradley

Really good selection of books, they had what I was looking for and more. It was super packed, I've never seen so many people in a bookstore before, but it was still fun to browse. There was also a nice bargain section in the back with some cheaper books of all genres if you're on a budget

Yvonne K

Adorable little independent book store with a cute little cafe (Cafe Zing). The staff is very friendly and helpful and if by chance you can't find what you're looking for they can order it for you. Love this place.

Beth Reagan

PSB Cambridge Edition is one of my favorite local bookstores. They have an excellent book selection, they'll order any books they don't have in stock (for pick up or shipping), their website has a wish list feature, they have artisan cards, fun tchotchkes, literary games, literary accessories, AND the book sellers are helpful and lovely! They host great events (in person & virtual) too. There is even an in store café that sells hot/cold/[un]caffeinated/chocolate beverages! They continue to take Covid seriously and take reasonable precautions. Support this bookstore! ❤️📚❤️🥳

Sibylle DeCarlo

Great knowledgeable & helpful staff & great book selection. A nice variety of gift items at varied prices. Spend a lot or a little. They order books too. Buy your books here.❤ The nice indoor cafe is open with outdoor seating. Located near Porter Square T station. They just Opened a new location @ 50 Liberty Drive, Boston- short walk from ICA Art Museum.

Pixie Rose

This is the best bookstore for people who really love books!

Nicole S Cho

Love having this place as my local indy bookstore. They have such a great selection of goods and what they don’t have they can order by request. My go-to for books, puzzles and stationery. Also, their staff is super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. And, Cafe Zing has great drinks and snacks!

Daniel Zheng

Lovely environment, easy parking in Porter Square, large collection. Can handle special orders, and I've never had issues finding a book in person when marked as in stock in the online catalog. Support your local bookstores!

Charlotte W

Porter Square Books is my go-to local bookstore. Their staff picks are always great, they've got a good selection for the size of the store. The staff is always up for helping you find the book you're looking for, and will order it for you of they don't have it. The fact that they've got a nice little cafe where I can get coffee is just an added bonus :)

Sean Horgan

Really convenient online ordering and curb-side pickup. Great selection in the store and they seem to have a warehouse that has every book ever written.

Mahala Burn

An extremely knowledgeable, engaged, community-oriented bookstore. It's beyond queer friendly (get thee to their website and you will see), and once when I left with a particular stack of books they earnestly wished me luck smashing the patriarchy. The store is really a beacon of hope and goodness in our community!

Londyn Korol

Support local bookstores! This bookstore is fantastic. They have a well curated selection of many genres plus a kids' section and a small magazine offering. The middle gift/notebook/planner area is also an absolute treasure trove. The staff is knowledgeable (especially Josh). You should also follow them on Twitter--it's hilarious.

Kristen Cox

Who doesn't love a great local bookstore? They have a great selection and what they dinner have they'll get from their warehouse in less than a week. The staff is kind and extremely knowledgeable. The cafe has tasty bites. And they have a bathroom. I know, whether a place has a bathroom or not is something I reference frequently in reviews but really it's a key selling point and theirs is always nice and clean.

Gregory Moyer

I absolutely love this book store. Being an independent rather than part of a chain allows them to adapt to their clientele. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly.

Isaac

Great local bookstore with a well-curated selection. Good place for people to pick up gifts for others or a page-turner for themselves. Never tried the cafe there yet but may return to do so someday. Would definitely recommend any book lover to check out this location while nearby.

Natalie Kim

Only place around that I buy books and look for gifts, especially for hard to buy for friends! Coffee shop is excellent as well.

Livia Cahill

Nice shop! Very cramped. Pretty good selection.

Hannah Shaffer

It's really an incredible bookstore. I love that it is owned and operated by the employees! Suck it Bezos and Amazon! They have very friendly and knowledgeable staff. There's a fabulous selection of literature. It has a really great cafe with tasty, local goodies. They offer lots of discounted children's books. You can get a free membership that gives discounts on books and invitations to author events-which are held almost nightly and span the spectrum of interests. There's a reading program for kids that encourages them to write a review of books and rewards them for doing so with cheaper prices for more books. (Yeah, I know. It's good for their business. But it also encourages and rewards kids for reading and writing, so I consider it a win.) You can find comfy places to sit and read. What more do you need in a bookstore?

Rholais Lii

Cozy bookstore with a small café

Adria Karlsson

Is there anything better than a local bookstore? Maybe a well-run and staffed local bookstore? Anyway, we LOVE PSB. Awesome selection of picture books, MG, YA, and fiction. Other things, too... but that's what we tend to buy! I also have been known to dip into their fairly fabulous sock collection and have gotten more than one calendar, set of note cards, and other miscellanea there. Plus the pastries and coffee at the front are A+. Since the pandemic we've been taking advantage of their curbside pick-up and it's been a fantastic option for keeping our book dollars local during the pandemic. Thanks for keeping your doors open, your shelves stocked, and our local community vibrant!!

Helen D

This bookstore is fantastic. They have an excellent and varied selection of books. The books range from classics to modern novels to kids books. They have art books and science books and graphic novels. They have a variety of prices available too so you can choose between the cheapest six dollar paperback to the fancy sixteen dollar version of the paperback to hardcover books. They have a nice sale section with cheap prices. The atmosphere is lively with lots of people and a bustling coffee shop. I've also heard they run a book club that meets here and that it's good (although I haven't been yet).

Rosi Amador

This is the best independent bookstore! I feel lucky to live nearby. The staff is great. They're so friendly and helpful. They have great author's events and are very supportive of local artists. They order books for me regularly and get them in quickly. Plus they have a cozy cafe with really yummy refreshments and eats. It's a great atmosphere and a wonderful business. I highly recommend Porter Square Books!

Flora Su

Very quick pick-up process for pre-orders. I also browsed a bit before picking up my order, and they had my order ready to go and by the exit by the time I had checked out. Always very happy with their inventory of books (and plushies, and socks). Would highly recommend and happily visit again :)

Jenna Brown

Great shop and customer service. They have in-store shopping right now (which feels safe because they're careful about capacity), as well as an efficient setup for ordering online and picking up outside of the store. I had a book on backorder from the publisher for a while and the bookstore was great about keeping me updated on its status.

Ryan Strauchon

Great local bookstore, combined with the cafe makes the perfect spot to chill and read, while knowing your money will stay in the local economy. Would rate higher if I could

Kebechet Moxen

Fantastic bookstore with tons of really good books. Has great cookbook and graphic novel sections especially. (though their young adult section is also quite good) the books they offer and promote are often featuring LGBT characters which is extremely pleasant and makes it feel like a place you can really be yourself. Highly recommend this store.

Maiyim Baron

Surely one of the most interesting last independent bookstores around. What a great place to come for worthwhile gifts for kids, in particular. Not only books,but all kinds of related materials and lots of surprising little gifty items. I love the comfortable little nooks, especially in the kids area at the back of the store . Their little coffee shop features great equal exchange coffee and lots of tees and a number of good lunch items are on hand including excellent vegetarian Vietnamese spring rolls with peanut sauce. Three of those for six bucks made an excellent light lunch and for an extra dollar you can add a cup of tea. Plenty of outdoor seating which was exceedingly pleasant on a mild summer day and no one minded that my girlfriend and I lingered there for a good long talk. So many other shops conveniently at hand all around also.

Vexton Intache

Amazing little book store dead center of all the action.

Jenna Sunshine

Love this place! A wonderful bookstore with a great selection and a helpful staff. Bookstores are a dying breed so I encourage people to go to this store so we don't lose the last one in the Boston area! As I always mention in my reviews when relevant, going here sports a small, local, independently owned business.

Anna Muizniece

Amazing customer service (special thanks to Leila and Dina)! I ordered a gift to be delivered to a friend - they were so kind to include a special note and took extra care to plan the delivery with my friend. Thanks so much Porter Square Books!

James Laurenti

A really lovely book store with it's own cafe. The store isn't the largest, but it more than makes up for it in its thoughtful curation of featured books and ability to bring in authors for signings and other events. The children's book selection is great too. The love and passion that the staff brings to this year shows, and it's the reason why my wife and I continue to patronize the store whenever we can.

Ben Jackson

Porter Square books is a treasure. In an age of rapidly dwindling brick-and-mortar book stores it is so refreshing to go to one like this. They have a café inside the bookstore that is also really good. They are dog friendly. They can special order any book for you that they don't have. They often have authors come to the bookstore to do talks on their books. The list could go on, but you don't have to take my word for it, go there now and rekindle your love of actual books made of paper.

Sarah Welch

This is a small local bookstore that is nice but has an obviously limited selection and the books are definitely overpriced. I think I would be more okay with this if the customer service and engagement was more present. I never feel like they ever seen very interested or involved in their customers. There is a small cafe within the book store but it seems to follow suit when it comes to the selection, customer service and pricing. I often feel like I get this attitude that I should be so grateful for their service with no appreciation of me being a customer. The cafe does have some seating to sit on a laptop and work but it is TIGHT do be prepared to basically have people sitting on you and constantly being bumped by people trying to get by. If you are looking for a healthier menu this cafe is definitely a good choice.

Spence Konde

Very nice local bookstore. A dying breed. Cafe is surprisingly good, and the best place in porter for a quick coffee of passable quality (bourbon coffee is better, but service is often slow, Dunkin is faster, but the swill they serve is unfit to drink)

Richard Guinn

PSB is a very nice book retailer.

Tina Lieu

Awesome independent bookstore Good diverse selection of kids books in a cozy corner with table, chairs and rocking chair. Also has a nice selection of nonfiction such as cooking books, biographies etc. Friendly staff. The also sell some small gift/novelty items (whimsical socks, literary pins etc.) and cards and small moleskin notebooks.

Kira Riley

My favorite bookstore in the area! The staff is warm, friendly and always willing to help. They have an extensive selection of books. If, however, the book you want is not immediately available, they will order it for you in a timely fashion. The coffee is tasty too! Cannot recommend this place enough!!

Kit Cali

Sunny, welcoming, and well-stocked independent bookstore with delightful gifts and delightful (and very knowledgeable--ask them for a recommendation!) staff. The cafe has excellent coffee, tea, and snacks, especially their specialty Vietnamese soft rolls. A neighborhood gem! Check out their "hurt books" in the back for eclectic deals.

Ashley McQuaid

I adore PSB (and Cafe Zing!). I used to go every morning when I lived near Davis to have a coffee, do a little work, and browse before commuting downtown. The vibe is so sweet and comfortable and they can order in just about anything you could want, so I still go out of my way to get my books here. They have an impressive collection for the space, it’s like Hermione’s bag except bookshelves.

Ali D.

Fun little local book store with a great coffee shop. Very nice staff. Selection can be limited, but there's also a lot of cool stuff you never knew you wanted. They do some cool events and have space to sit and read.

Kimberly Clinch

Above-and-beyond, quick service! For my Boston friend’s birthday books, I wanted to buy from a small business. But having only recently given up the “2-day shipping” habit, I started online shopping just a few days in advance. Since I’m out of state, it was going to cost a fortune to get books to my friend on time. Enter Porter Square Books and their local delivery option to the rescue! The books got to him on time, PSB sent me email confirmations at every step in the process and a text when they dropped off the books, and they even added a Happy Birthday note on my behalf!!

Ceci de Alba

I love this place! It’s just a magical, quaint bookshop with a great book selection for all ages. Coffee and pastries are also good. I’ve been going for ten years and the charm hasn’t worn off.

Christian Ternus

A lovely independent bookstore in an era where that's an endangered species. Also has a small cafe inside with baked goods, lemonade/chai/coffee/tea/etc. (depending on the season) and a small amount of seating to go and work. Are you the kind of person who brings their laptop to a coffee shop to work? Imagine doing that in a little independent bookstore. Dream come true!

Kenechukwu Abajue Umeh

A super neat bookstore! They're constantly having talks by authors which is always great. They have lots of chairs and seating areas so that you can read in the store, or you can bring your new book (or notebook or card or stationary or board game... ) to one of the several coffee shops nearby.

Muniba Khan

Very cute book store right in Porter Square! The shop is a little small so the book selection seems kind of limited. However there is a coffee shop with some seating inside, and the customer service I received at the front desk was great. All in all a very inviting book shop!

Evan Moulson

Dispel any myths of the local bookstore disappearing (at least in Porter Square) - this bookstore is packed with books AND people (both patrons and extremely friendly and helpful staff). They have some great recommendations sections; host open mic nights once a month; and frequently have authors, poets, or speakers giving intimate talks.

Forrest Dowling

A stalwart holdout of a dying breed: the local bookstore. There's a great little cafe in the store, and lots of personal touches that remind you why a local bookstore is vital. Staff favorites, local author highlights, and frequent readings and signings. It's worth visiting and paying a bit more than you would on Amazon.

Jaimie M

My favorite bookstore! Great selection, helpful staff, and the cafe is awesome. Best chai tea I've found (and they even have an herbal version!), and the rolls and baked goods are also great.

Allison O

Lovely small book store. Rent or buy new and used audio books. Nice children's book section. Better than expected graphic novel section. Good for gifts. Helpful friendly staff. Coffee Cafe with seating and a few food options.

Jennifer J. Marler, M.D.

I am a serious book lover (yes, big time nerd alert) and I include Porter Square Books among my three favorite Boston bookstores. Though I frequently stumble on new and interesting books online, it is only after time-consuming searches. By contrast, this bookstore has such an artfully culled selection, that I will come across a handful of "must-haves" in the space of half an hour. Though it is a fairly small shop, they successfully offer a great combination of classics and eclectic new reads. It is a staple one-stop source, for me, of impromptu gifts for friends, given the funky choices of not only books, but catching letterpress cards, chatchkis and gift wrap. The small café is an inviting venue for a cup of cappuccino and a breather, while deciding which items to purchase (if you end up with a stack like mine). When buying items, take advantage of their frequent buyer program. The staff are both knowledgeable and helpful. The evening talks by authors (monthly schedule available online) are great, particularly since the audience size is limited, by virtue of the store's size. You can tell from my review that I am a fan (& would give 6 stars, if I could). This place is food for my soul.

d mayo-wells

Local owners, friendly & knowledgable booksellers, author events, thoughtfully curated stock, good on-line ordering system for items not in stock. Great loyalty program - discount coupons never expire. Parking in the shopping center lot can be a bit tight, but right at the Red Line Porter Square T- stop.

Jess Thrasher

I special ordered a book online and picked it up in store. Everything went super smoothly. pickup was fast and easy. Love this local bookseller!

Mal Cole

I love Porter Square Books! You can order anything on their web page and pick it up! It's a great place to stop for a coffee they. All the books are very well selected. They don't have every book ever, but they do such a good job curated that you're much more likely to leave with three books you want to read instead of the one book you needed. It is often packed, but it doesn't deter me from stopping by every time I go to TAGS for something boring.

Leah Klein

A very fabulous local bookstore. Wonderful selection of books for children and adults. Also a great spot to find a gift for someone.

Stella T

Great place for fresh spring rolls and coffee. The spring rolls sell out quickly so go early!! Also, one of the few places where you can sit in a cafe indoors and have your dog with you at the same time.

Sarah Diri

It's a cute little bookstore but it doesn't have a very large selection. Went in looking for a calender and walked out empty handed. It's a bit more for the local writer or the person looking for a more gourmet coffee fix. I like that they have seating but it's usually crammed by the time you get there.

Lindsay Pike

Cozy bookstore located right off of the T in Porter Square. They have a great children's book section, cute odds and ends for gifts, and wide selection of cook books. The cafe is also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free friendly. Excellent spot for people watching.

Logan Hughes

One of the best places to hang out in Cambridge! Wonderfully curated new book collection with an emphasis on indie and local authors, great staff picks, fun gifts and stationery, and a really good cafe.

Shariann Lewitt

Carefully curated collection, these are book people catering to book people. When I want to try something new in an area I didn't know, the person at the register found me someone who was quite expert in that segment. An entirely delightful place. My only complaints are that they get a lot of my money, and my bag is so very heavy on the walk home.

Samantha Lynn

God I love a bookstore. Wish they had one of those computer things to look up books on your own. Maybe they do? And I didn't notice? The non-fiction section is a little strange. I went from A-F and couldn't find the G authors and then the two lil cases in the middle were split by genre? Does the whole store go that way? I've only been there twice. Loved the lil stamp bookmarks and do-dads all over the front counter. Loveee a do-dad.

Adele Nadine Traub

Stopped by Saturday evening and the employees were doing everything they could to keep the line moving and get as many people in the store to shop as possible while still being kind and keeping us all safe. Thank you. Plus, the store is beautiful as always!

Tabitha Alford

Great local book store with a coffee shop and large selection of books. All the employees are very friendly and helpful! I was in the area and went there for a book signing, but would definitely frequent there if I was a local!

My 2 pence

Usually a line, and parking isnt great, but I love this bookstore. Nice place to spend an afternoon reading, and browsing. Great selection,but not cheap! Thay have lots of little gifts and knick-knacks for bookworms, nice place to get a gift!

Christopher Chang

Nice bookstore with a cafe. Its small and cute. There is limited space here so it is hard to get a seat to sit down at sometimes. Other than that the staff is helpful and it is usually very quiet.

Miriam Sadofsky

Staff was especially helpful in trying to find the correct name of the children's book I was hoping to buy. Unfortunately, it was o/s. They promised to contact me when its back in stock.

Sarah W

Porter Square Books is a wonderful old school bookstore: great, curated selection, really knowledgeable staff, good cards and small book related gifts. And a yummy cafe. The world needs more bookstores like this!

eric rosenthal

With independent bookstores disappearing all over the country, we are blessed in Cambridge that Porter Square Books opened its doors several years ago. Proving that a quaint old bookstore smell is not necessary, Porter Square Books is comfortable, well stocked, easy to navigate and very well serviced. Excellent coffeeshop attached.

Ravindran Sundaram

Extremely friendly staff, Good stock of children's books & allied stuff like crayons, pencils, colouring aids etc.., together with some toys & past time goodies for children. Almost something of everything you need for the children, you will find. Very kind & guiding staff.

Maddie Conway O'Reilly

I love to browse in this book store and I love the ginger lemonade from the cafe. This is also a good place to buy a gift for someone. It's always busy in here when I come but still quiet.

Jason Garrabrant

Great small bookstore. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. The selection if books is a but small. There is a counter for tea and coffee and snacks, the selection of drinks is pretty good.

Shannon McFarland

Porter Square Books is my favorite local bookstore! Great place with drinks and pastries from Zing Cafe, wonderful selection of new books, and great displays of special or trending topics. 💗 …

Justin Sofia

Porter Square Books is the kind of place I think about when I think of the fact that a community is defined by and organized around its institutions. By that definition, Porter Square Books is truly a Cambridge/Somerville institution. It is a pillar of the community, a place beloved by all, and is truly a deep part of the community. This bookstore is the main reason I like Porter Square. It's the quintessential local community bookstore. PSB is an excellent place, with excellent customer service and a fantastic selection of books. They also have a small cafe which serves great coffee and sandwiches. And it is also a gathering place for the local community as much as it is a bookstore.

louise ross

Just saw Peter and Paul from Peter, Paul and Mary at the bookstore. Fantastic experience. My first bookstore event visit and will definitely attend more, hopefully as wonderful as this one. Helpful staff and excellent book selections on the shelves, plus snacks and beverages. Cambridge vibe.

russ sweetser

I like this place a lot. It feels the way a bookstore should feel, everyone is always super helpful, the books are good, the coffee is good, the magazine selection is good, it's all just good. When I go here and I see a book I like, I usually impulse buy it, because you gotta keep the bookstores running at least a little longer, right guys?

Marty Piper

A warm lil place with an amazing selection of books for all ages, kind employees, and a great herbal chai latte. Overall a calm experience, even when they're on the busy side!

Daniel Fireside

One of the last independent bookstores around. And it's easy to see why they've outlasted everyone else. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, well stocked shelves, frequent readings by authors, and a great children's section. Love the cafe and free wifi in the front.

Benjamin Porter

Fun, quirky bookstore. The café inside is great. Delicious coffee. Plenty of parking around the bookstore too, if going here by car. Otherwise, it is right outside the Porter T stop. Wide array of books and moleskins.

amit shah

A neighborhood brick and mortar bookstore that stocks an electic collection of books AND provides a coffee bar, baked goods and seating for idlers and people in-between appointments is more than a welcome addition. The staff also special orders books in an efficient and timely manner. A low-pressure haven for browsing and you'll find something that you like -always

Andrew Thomson

Great little Indy bookstore. Nice selection of books, very good little coffee shop inside, knowledgeable and passionate staff, and a great collection of bookstore knickknacks. A nice little.shop to spend a couple of hours in.

Kali den Heijer

A great little book store and coffee shop. They hold books if I call ahead and will also order them if I know what I want but they don't have it in stock. They also have a fun selection of off-beat cards.

Daniel Crookston

This is a cheery, friendly neighborhood book store with a café inside. I have been surprised more than once with the breadth of their selection despite a small footprint, and the seating area up front is a great place to take some "me" time while checking out a book or just watching the foot traffic.

Megan Ringrose

Great independent bookstore. Cafe is nice too. And you can find the most interesting doodads, too, from puzzles to pins to resuable bags.

Scott Kirkpatrick

I found an interesting selection of photobooks, not at all obvious ones, enjoyed the cafe and reading area. Have usually visited it with book-loving teenagers, and we found a secret asset (hope it is still going). They keep a stock of pre-release young adult fiction which they pass out to young adult reviewers to read and review. Rewards are offered if the reviews are interesting enough that the publishers use them.

Erin Kelly

Yum yum yum! Fresh rolls served up from morning to around 12:00 or whenever they run out. Remarkably good, everything else is fair. A good selection of books as well; I like cookbooks! ;)

Bill Prindle

Great bookstore! Readings, knowledgeable staff, good coffee and snacks, great selection! I wouldn’t buy a book anywhere else.

Krish Eswaran

I stopped by here while waiting for the light rail to buy some books for my niece and nephew. There was an area for children's books, and I was able to find what I wanted quickly. It was also close enough to the station that I'd consider visiting it again if I were to visit the area.

Tim Pierce

A great little bookstore coffeeshop in Porter Square. We often make this place a destination when running errands with our kids (as in, "If you come along with Dad to pick up those papers, we'll stop at Porter Square Books on the way home!") Their selection isn't huge but it's all interesting.

Amelia Kirby

These guys are awesome! Very accommodating and kind when I ordered a book from them online. Great service!

Matt Gower

I love this place so much we named our first 3 children “Porter Square.” Caleb the tall handsome man with a friendly attitude and excellent Thai food recommendations changed my life.

Nancy J Roach

Very helpful staff. Good selection of books. Will special order.

Miriam R

Great community bookshop and watering hole with friendly, helpful staff. I do all my book buying here nowadays. The physical store is moderately sized, but they can order pretty much anything.

Robert Budlong

I like this book store. It has a good selection of books. I also like the coffee shop as. They have a good selection of good quality coffee, tea, and hot chocolate selections as well. I like that they spicy hot chocolate.

Don Pearson

Great cafe, helpful staff, good selections for a modest space and a continuous stream of authors reading. Parking is convenient most times if you have modest wheels.

Justin Trullinger

Everything a bookstore should be- varied, cultured, busy, independent, and well-stocked. Wish it were cheaper, of course, but prices are pretty much normal for books in the US.

Scott Rule

Local book store at it's finest. Often crowded especially at the front where there is an independently owned cafe. My dropping one star is due to my aversion to crowds and the lack of crowd control in the floorplan.

Sabrina Knap

Lovely Book Store with quality coffee & food. Very kids friendly as they have their very own playing area. Also, bring your own mug and safe ;)

Brenna Morrissey

Always a good selection of the latest titles. They'll order books for you if they don't have something you want. Really nice to get a coffee , hangout, and read.

Jonathan Davidson

Nice indie feel, cafe inside, free gift wrapping. Also many signed copies of different books for normal prices, including medium big names like David Mitchell.

Anee

Such a cute little book store. They have all the main selections available. There's even sandwiches and drinks at the little cafe for something to snack on while browsing or reading.

David Waxman

My grandmother taught me that if you're ever going to make an illicit exchange in a company's parking lot, the least you can do is patronize their establishment and add to their coffers. The denizens and curators of this particular bookmongering hut made this stab at propriety a chummy affair; I left both deeply satisfied with my literary nourishment I'd seized and glowing under the convivial tone the store propagates. Buy dem books, mfs!

Bob Amey

I love this place, one of my favorite indie bookshops. Great service, really helpful finding anything not in stock, and they are quick getting orders in. Wonderful place to browse too!

Carlos Smith

Wonderful little bookstore with a surprisingly good selection. I've had great luck finding what I'm looking for here, and it also very pleasant for just browsing.

Teena Eggleston

BEST. EVER!! Just get yourself here for authors, gifts and the Amazing 2$ spring rolls at the - wait for it ~ Indie cafe : ) a great read, sip and study Somerville spot.

Luis Alvernaz

This is a wonderful place to go. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and a good selection of books. It's a good place to meet your neighbors and have a cup of coffee.

Monique Murray

Thank you Porter Square Books for your generous donation of Children Books to the Power of Literacy Project. Your contribution will significantly impact the lives of children in the Greater Boston Area. Porter Square Books supports literacy and community development. This is the ideal store to purchase books from as it gives back to its community.

ThatNerdTori

The Boston area has lots of great indie bookstores, but Porter Square is one of my favorite! It has a great sense of community and hosts many events for local writers.

Mieke C

Wonderful independent book store. Very friendly staff. Has a nice coffee and snacks corner with seating.

Janice Heyward Higgins

Cafe ZING! @ THE PORTER SQ. bookstore serves very delicious items from their menu. My favorites are the Morning Glory muffin and Roobios Bergamot Tea.😍 …

Katharina Quecke

Very good book selection, nice staff and the combination with a coffee shop is just perfect. Their events are also worth checking

roselyn hernandez

A cool place, except my favorite section is always blocked by people working on their laptops. Real tight space, but great to run in and out with bunch a books.

Brandon Kraemer

I didn't love my first two trips into Porter Square Books, mostly because of the clueless clientele crowding the store, but went back recently and had a good time finding new reads and enjoyed the knowledgable interaction with the clerk on the author I was reading.

Tima Dehghani

Cute book store with random paper goods, etc for sale on addition to books, and their own coffee bar. It was a great place to work for a few hours.

Mercedes Acosta

Friendly staff. Wonderful kids book selections. Inclusive welcoming location, lots of fun stationary as well.

Jennifer Kelly

Best book store in the world. Great kids section and the people there know their stuff. If they don't have what you want they will get it within days.

Molly Ruggles

I just love having a real bookstore a subway ride away. It's a dying breed, we must savor it while we have it. When ever possible I buy my books through PSB, even if Amazon might be a little cheaper.

Priscilla Zhang

This is a great local book store. They have a huge variety of books and good recommendations and a coffee shop.

Guamer from Guahan

Support your local bookstore! They probably could do with a bit more space, but they manage to have a good selection despite that. Coffee is good also!

Mark Nahabedian

Great selection of books. They had what I was looking for and the staff was very helpful even though I was there on their busiest weekend of the year.

Jonathan Millman

Successful independent bookstore with wide selection of books. It also has regular authors readings, and there is a well stocked coffee cafe in it.

Michael Muller

Brilliant, warm, & welcoming community INDEPENDENT bookstore with extensive selection, many author & community events, and very responsive service for unusual needs. And easily accessed via bus or T.

Christopher Theile

Nice local bookstore. They had complimentary gift wrap and were the only store in the area that had a book I wanted for my niece!

Elizabeth Melton-Grace

This is a great book store and cafe! The employees are lovely and it is a comfortable place that lacks any pretense.

Ben Gleason

One of the very few brick-and-mortar bookstores left - and a really nice one at that. Has a small cafe and a big children's book section with a play area.

Marilynn Sager

Great staff, great selection. This store has built a community in what used to be just a strip mall. Support your local indie bookstore!

Hilary Linihan

Lovely bookstore with great selection. Love that they have 20% for the staff's favorite books.

Rob Parker

Beautiful local bookstore with a wide selection of books for all age groups. It's located in the Porter Square shopping plaza and has plenty of parking.

Amy Lee

Love this store. It has a little of everything and tge staff is so nice.

Dan Winter

A very good local book shop. Small, has seating to browse book choices. Like it to discover new authors.

Nicholas Wong

Support local bookstores! Great, cozy place with good selection and fun local products. FYI: Seats and study/reading spots fill up quickly.

Sarah C

Amazing book selection and bonus - a great cafe too (they make an excellent London Fog).

Benjamin M

Wonderful that this bookstore supports local authors, but the in-store coffee shop leaves the place somewhat messy, and the constant lectures and book signings make it surprisingly difficult to access half of the store many evenings.

Adrienne Bruno

I really like this place. The staff is friendly and they have great recommendations, they're great about ordering or holding books for you, and the vibe is really great..

S Daglian

Good bookstore with something for everyone at every level. So nice to have a local bookstore. Great for finding gifts.

Zia Amador

best place to go when its cold outside, there is fantastic noms and very cute baristas, and books obviously. It's got a very community ish vibe though. good stuff.

Steffen Roegner

An excellent selection of books, plus coffee and snacks topped with the wonderful smell of it all. A happy place.

Suzanne Robichaud

Love this local bookstore. Always has great staff picks and little gifts for everyone in my life!

Lydia Jane Graeff

Love supporting this awesome local shop for books l can't get at the library. Great selection...and the spring rolls....the best!

Beth Baniszewski

Great local bookstore, with a tasty café. They have frequent author visits, which is cool.

Julian C. Cole

One of the few remaining great independent bookstores! Well-organized, lots of seating inside and out for browsing and consuming coffee....

Dawn Ouimet

Has a little bit of everything including coffee, AC, cozy & clean. No rush.

Arthur Strang

Wide ranging interesting books, attentive, and great atmosphere.

bones

They have a great selection of books and the staff are so friendly.

Donna Stone

I love going in checking out their book selection. Getting a coffee or something to eat. Plus they host guest authors

Kayla Leber

They have a lot of variety, I like that they have books by local authors, the little coffee shop attached is really good!

Erik Olson

Best bookstore + cafe. The recommendations are spot on and I always find a great read. Staff is great as well.

Caitlin Carr

I stop by PSB at least once per week, order a hot chocolate and take a seat to read by the window. They have a wonderful selection of socially conscious books, books by local authors, etc.

Mirna Rossi

I was searching for a rare book for my daughter's thesis. They helped to book it (it had to be printed on purpose) and after one month I got my book! Thank you very much.

Grant Barber

Fantastic indie store, smallish but carefully selected. Excellent, caring staff, knowledgeable. Coffee and pastries available too.

Indira Pranabudi

Great selection of books with friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Liza Paden

Staff always have the best suggestions. The selection is amazing.

Minerva Wasserman

Absolutely lovely bookstore, it's small but we'll curated. I'm excited to go back.

Bree Gaddy

Great local bookstore offering a wide selection. There is also a coffee shop that I have yet to try

Shmuel Bialy

Very cozy, a reading area, with toys, excellent care with delicious drinks and very nice atmosphere! Our favorite place!

Vicky Roy

Love, love, love this book store! Wonderful selection, unique gift items, friendly and helpful staff!

Tom Gould

Fantastic local bookstore. Great author events. Cafe in front is wonderful .

Anne Oursler

They have a good selection, especially considering their size. The staff was friendly and helpful, and there was a coffee shop inside the shop itself.

Laurel Travis

Adorable little bookstore with a fantastic selection. This store is obviously very carefully curated.

colby shepherd

Great vibes here and friendly staff at the coffee shop. Grab a coffee, buy or bring a book in the bookstore, and grab a seat (outdoor or indoor)!

Matthew Stein

Great for browsing new books I wouldn't have found otherwise. Check their website if there's something specific you want .

Mina Kim

Very cozy, well-staffed bookstore with a tasty cafe on the premises. The bookstore also hosts a regular authors series.

Kelly Libby

Locally owned, independent book store with a super cute Zing Cafe. Also, outdoor patio seating.

Katy Gero

Porter Square books has, on occasion, had the poetry book I was looking for. This is more than I can say for most bookstores. Five stars.

Jessica Johnson

I love Porter Square Books! They have a great selection and a wonderful small book store vibe.

Jess Jensen Mitchell

Sunny. Fair trade coffee

Gavi

Great atmosphere and excellent coffee and pastries. Perfect for a date.

Tanapat Treyanurak

Nice local book store. Good selection. Interesting staff picks.

John McHugh

Great place for books magazines gifts and cider and snacks. I go every Sunday without fail

Aric Peterson

The only drawback to such a good store is that it is always crowded.

Susan Welsh

Fantastic bookstore. If they don't have it they'll get it for you. Super nice and knowledgeable staff.

Elizabeth Stapleton Hill

Love! Love! Love! They ALWAYS have what i want or will find it for me! Favorite local spot for books!

Fred Small

Great selection and friendly, helpful service. Support your local independent bookstore!

Winston Luo

Wonderful independent bookstore that hosts many author events for the community. I stop by whenever I'm in the area!

Mickey Callahan

Can't figure out why, but this just didn't have a real bookstore vibe. Maybe cuz it's in a strip mall? Maybe cuz it has too much "gifty" stuff? Still not sure.

Terrilyn Milling

My fav local bookstore! Polite staff and great coffee, as well!

Patrick Sullivan

Knowledgable and friendly staff as well as a broad and interesting selection of books make this a go to place in the neighborhood

Anna Justis

Medium sized local book store. Lots of variety and a nice selection of non-book items ( calendars, notebooks, art, etc)

Michael Wyszomierski

I've stopped in here a couple of times for gifts, and always found what I was looking for. The staff is very friendly. It's a short walk from the Porter T and there's a lot of parking too.

Travis McGrath

A highlight of passing through Porter is stopping in for a Thai tea and fresh rolls or a baked good.

Dani Nedal

Great indie bookstore, great selection, friendly staff, good café.

Elizabeth Hill

Excellent place for coffee and a snack (get the Vietnamese fresh rolls) while indulging in a slow browse and a great read.

Quintin Gell

Great store. Comfortable with good music and lots of queer literature!

Davis Sweet

Good selection of classic novels!!

Joseph Zanca

Great place to drink some coffee and read a book. Everyone who works there is very nice.

Matej M

Excellent combination of local bookstore with a fantastic small coffee shop.

Kate Q

A REAL bookstore! So much better than shopping online.

Mira Whiting

I love Porter Sq Books! They are always so helpful, even when I'm looking for some pretty obscure books.

Peter Squires

Excellent staff and book selection. Very easy to place special orders.

jigar patel

Good small book store with Cafe. However, no restrooms even for customers.

Christopher Bunker

Love PSB and Cafe Zing. Was a go-to when I lived here. Great place to visit when I'm visiting.

Aran Nathanson

Great local bookstore. They'll order what they don't have on the shelves. Buy local.

Steven Martinez

Nice staff, clean store, good selection. Great local place to pick up a T companion.

Benjamin Wittenberg

Cozy coffee shop in the front is a great place to do work. Fantastic scones!

Benjamin Kelchlin

Indy bookstore, good coffee shop (get some spring rolls), lots of support for local authors

Dee Super

Lovely cozy busy bookshop with a small cafe. Very friendly people!

Patrick Tai

Friendly, well stocked. Always filled with appreciative patrons. Have coffee shop.

Stefan LeFebvre

Ordered a book and a puzzle while self isolating and had it delivered on my doorstep within 24 hours. Thank you!!

Brian Watson

Nice indie/café vibe, with great book selections, recommendations, and author events.

Rob McCarthy

Great coffee and snack counter, helpful staff, excellent little store.

Luis Quiroga

Good books selection. Nice coffee shop

J W

Love the books, fabulous coffee & delicious vegan Vietnamese Rolls.

Stephen DeCamp

Great local independent bookstore with a nice selection and staff suggestions.

Santos D E Castro

Great 👍 …

Paul

A great community bookstore with a nice cafe to keep your there, reading what you just bought.

Laura Kay Gross

Fabulous local bookstore that includes cafe and gifts. Support it!

Mengyang Liu

Nice place for having a rest in Porter Square. Reasonable prices and good pastries.

Tristan Cunha

They do a good job of featuring a lot of interesting books that you might not discover anywhere else.

Paul Pabón

Cozy little book store, good staff, well run event

Sujit K. Sinha

A very friendly book store with good coffee.

Megan Madison

Home away from Home...such a great spot and the team at Porter is amazing.

Ralph Hirsch

Great bookshop. Makes it worth it to ignore Amazon for a change.

Jim Connolly (Barefootin'Wanderer)

Stopped in for a great coffee

Rona Gofstein

Very good independent bookstore. Although not if you read romance.

Matt Muresan

A great example of how book stores can survive and thrive in the age of ebooks and Amazon.

J.P. Dinosaur

Sweet bookstore with awesome kids and YA sections. I'll be back for more books.

Cheryl Zurbrick

Good sized children's section, this is my preferred place when book shopping for my niece and nephew.

Kimberly Pitts

Great little bookstore with a great heart. The heartbeat of Porter Sq plaza!

Ethan MacKuin

Selection isn't the best due to the size of the place but still better than expected and the atmosphere is nice

Christina Be

Love the books and puzzles they offer

Cei Lambert

One of my favorite places. We live up the street and come in every couple weeks.

Cheryl Singleton

Love

Katie Roberts

Cute bookstore with good drinks, friendly and not pretentious

Ramon

Great book store.. lots of activities besides book

Chris Sol Gully

Love this bookstore and cafe. Great Cambridge vibe!

Rory Hill

I love this place! Had everything I needed/wanted, and a very cozy environment.

Melinda Sudbury

Great coffee shop inside. Little play area for children.

Kathleen Wall

A little pricey but otherwise a pretty nice place with a small coffe shop

John Guarnaccia

An inviting bookstore with many interesting titles, and obviously a community hub. The way bookstores used to be.

Eric Fauman

Helpful staff and they had the novels my kids were looking for

Louise DeIasi

An independent bookstore with staff who make great recommendations and a cafe - who could ask for more.

Eric Pedro

Everybody's so friendly down there my order is always correct

Helenn

Great place and atmosphere, good inspiration and advices if needed.

Chris Jake

such a rarity to have such a cool book store to hang out and shop in

Rebecca Horne

Very easy to order online with curbside pick-up

Maryam Rachidi Alaoui

Still has the best book vibes

Philip Pietrangelo

Fun bookstore with lots of great gift options and book signings.

Sam Auyeung

I learned about differences between special and general relativity at this bookstore.

Joel Couch

Books here are on the intellectual side. They are not just a bunch of gift books.

monique k

Great staff, book selections and food

oo-

Small but exciting collections

Faith Girdler

The last REAL bookstore standing!! Go before it becomes another bank or Starbucks!

Maria Ronchi

Cozy and well-stocked book store in a great area!

Paul Masters

This is the best Independent bookstore in the Cambridge/Somerville area!

Myfanwy Callahan

Amazing independent bookstore with great kids section

Yeja Dunn

Best selection of book and events

Exa Méndez

Love this store but staff are hit or miss. Some are rude some are quite nice.

Robert Caiazzo

Great local book store and cafe.

Noah Schulz

This is a great independent bookstore!

Lee Pedro

Great customer service

Ward Vandewege

Large book selection, and coffee, pastries etc are available as well.

John Holland

Good, somewhat cerebral and quirky selection.

nick peloquin

If I could make a living reading books and drinking coffee. This would be my office.

Dell Fisher

Great local bookstore ! Nice selection !!

Daphna Edgar

Wonderful indie books and great gifts.

FancyBro

Great books but better food

Kit Johnson

I always find something good every time I go in.

D B

Great independent book shop with a cafe.

Thomas Farrell

It's a nice small bookstore.

Najat Kessler

Cozy and beautiful bookstore with a nice coffeeshop

Ari Herbstman

Very smart staff and well-curated selection

Joan Papendo

Vibrant helpful and intelligent. Great book signings

Sarah Kramer

Love the Thai summer rolls at the cafe.

Stephen Bene

Great books, great coffee, great food

Randy Winchester

Best local bookstore in Cambridge/ Somerville.

Dan

Cool little bookstore few of these places left

Kate Estrop

Friendly and knowledgeable staff, great selection!

Robert Ringrose

Local bookstore and coffee shop which treats its employees well.

Kathleen Medaglia

Small. Pleasant. Good snacks and coffee

Martin Gerber

Excellent selection of current affairs books!

Amber Whizin

Such a cool shop, great selection, great people!

andrea bonney gould

Great community bookstore. We need more of these.

Tim Cobb

Friendly staff and great selection

Aneil Tripathy

I love this place, sandwiches could be cheaper.

Travis Franks

Great indie bookshop

Jessy McQuaw

Always very helpful and friendly

Diego Correa

Great bookstore. Lovely.

Noah Slovin

Great place to do work. Nice people.

Hiba Khouti

Great book selection for teens

April Kuehnhoff

Great independent bookstore.

Nathaniel Green

The staff is always friendly and super helpful!

Noam Peled

Great place to meet over a coffee!

Curtis Schroeder

Great independent book store.

bret

Great store, and coffee shop

Jann Canero

Nice homey, needs more sci fi

Karen Gover

Great employees and very clean & tidy!

Joseph Leydon

Really liked there ice coffee

David Meshoulam

Really wonderful spot for books or coffee

Ian Cline

Such a cool little bookshop!

Tom Manshreck

In store cafe, well-curated collection.

Katherine Kibler

Amazing books, gifts, and coffee!

Joel Gonzales

Literature and coffee hangout. What's not to like.

Amy Lewis

Amazing independent bookstore!

Kimberly Vermilya

Great drinks, helpful baristas

Noah Pestana

Bit crowded and overpriced but generally friendly

Dave Ekrem

Sup-ah nice bookstore!

Daniel Patrick Griffin

Great coffee and pastries...

Joel Gonzales

Books, capuccino, Sunday mornings hang out.

Amanda Judson

Always so helpful!

zina saadi

Multivarried space for little taste of reading to everyone

Paul Weiss

A book store with a sense of community.

Laura Urciuoli

My favorite bookstore!

angelo demarte

Nice place and good tea

tom killeen

Always a great stop to read

Patricia Cornelison

books and food, what could be better?

Hume Vance

VERY knowledgeable and helpful staff

Vamsi Ramineedi

Peaceful place to read your books

Tami Lieberman

Good fresh rolls.

Aidan K

Good cafe

Jook. Lim

Local, good selection

Susan McCarl

Large selection of book

Cheryl Ferrari (Face Facts)

Healthy and so many options

Holly

Fun local bookstore

Babak Mostaghimi

Friendly, fast service.

Mr Jeremy

No place to poop.

John O'Neill

Nothing special about this seller

sean guerin

please dont ever close

Tate Richards

They got the books

Corey Adams

Great little bookstore

Honey Langley

Great bookstore.

Sergio Bastos

Coffe

JG Christie

Very nice staff

muhammad d

Wonderful selection

Angel Hazelwood

Great selection

Ralf's view of Frankfurt

Best of Boston Books

John Murphy

Good selection

Seth Schorr

Good

زينة zina

Cozy

Julio Guevara

Beautiful place!!

NikiGreen 47

Love it there

Ser Ter

Excellent place.

Rachael

Love the store

David Wood

One of the best.

David Pratt

Great people.

Firstglenn Lastbutler

Nice staff

Stephanie Shields

Nice place

Roberta Breen

Got what I wanted

Valerie Alleyne (May)

Very helpful

Alexander Herlihy

Very friendly

Ryan Lothian

Helpful staff

Honey Langley

A wonderful bookstore

Abby Swaine

Moved bookcases to accommodate wheelchairs for a reading of a book whose subject uses one. Kudos!

Angelina Schultz

I use to really love this bookstore and I got all my older son’s books from here. Back then they had a kids table and chairs with even some shareable toys as well as a giant teddy bear. Since Covid started however, they got rid of all the chairs, toys etc. It has become increasingly uncomfortable to browse books there (also contributing to this is the people trying to walk through to get to the restroom). I don’t understand why the table and chairs can’t return. Certainly I get the giant teddy could be a germ magnet! But to not have a place to sit and read a book to a child is a really shame. I spent yesterday trying to sit on their new (cold) floor and having my legs go numb as I tried to appease my 2 year old. PLEASE return the table and chairs! (And maybe while you are at it, can restroom users go through the other door near the science section???!!!) Why is it ok to have people push kids aside or step over them? (Perhaps because kids can’t advocate for themselves? I don’t know)

Alicia Rolsma

Great selection of books. The location near the T also makes it very accessible to walkers.

Nelly Gonçalves

(Translation) Very special bookstore with cafeteria. All very careful with a cozy and different air (Original) Librería muy especial con cafetería. Todo muy cuidado con un aire acogedor y diferente

Szu-Yu Chen

Kjkjkj jm

francesco turchi

(Translation) Small shopping center with quality stuff (Original) Piccolo centro commerciale con cose di qualità

Dani Chuishbek

Jonathan Becker

Teuer, aber gut! (Translation) Expensive but good!

steven fortey

celia marsh

Regine Rss

Lucia Santos

Matt Dill

MILo de Jong

Samantha Causey

Jay Henson

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