Reviews of Quimby's Bookstore. (Book Store) in Chicago (Illinois).

Quimby's Bookstore

357 Reviews

165 Comments

Book store

Book store

1854 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Description

Information of Quimby's Bookstore, Book store in Chicago (Illinois)

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

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Open hours of Quimby's Bookstore

Popular times

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Reviews of Quimby's Bookstore

Lauren Audetat

Quimbys is very special to my weird little heart. Whenever I'm in town, I specifically make a trip up to Wicker Park to go there. They have a lot of zines and graphic novels. There's a wide and varied selection of poetry. The staff is always welcoming and willing to make recommendations.

Tehya Deardorff

Quimby's is great. They have the best zine selection in Chicago, and some very good picks for political and cultural literature. The staff were very friendly and helpful!

Rob FayMcKinstry

One of my favorite bookstores in town. Great selection from local zines and comics to offbeat books you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re from out of town, make this store a priority.

frankie yoshi

one of the best selections of zines at any comic/bookshop i've been to. i go out of my way to visit quimby's any time i'm in chicago and i don't regret it. super friendly people and had some nice recommendations.

Jerry Williams

Coolest book store in chicago..the staff are awesome

Roxanne Harvey

What a beautiful bookstore! Weird a little bit, and interesting. So, beautiful!!

Robert Agenjo Santamarina

My fiancé and I just fell in love with this amazing bookshop in our Chicago trip, unforgettable place.🫶 …

Lauren Worth

Zine heaven!!! I envy the people of Chicago who can shop at Quimby's whenever they want. Oh, to live that life! I stop here whenever I'm in town and spend a small fortune stocking up on the latest zines and imported comics and whatever else catches my eye (see pic). I can (and have) spent hours browsing the stacks here. They've got everything: zines, radical leaflets, art books, magazines, comics, small press publications, esoteric books, photo zines, minicomics, tiny zines you can buy for a buck, Finnish comics, "uncategorizable" zines (lol), mini kuš comics (love those), and the old classic, books. Something for everyone! A great place to shop for gifts, I'm sure. Quimby's is an absolute gem of a brick-and-mortar shop and I'm glad they exist <3 Spend your money here! Buy zines!!

Han Donovan

One of a kind place for zines, comics, and books relevant to niche interests. Could spend hours here just exploring what they have. Also a great place for finding gifts for friends, especially if they love comics or art.

Shelby Rhodes

So amazing! Come here if you want to have a one of a kind bookstore experience that will leave you inspired to create and also read more :)

Jessica Winum

Amazing collection of zines, books, and graphic novels from all over the country. Staff was friendly, store was organized and items were priced well. If you've never dipped your toe into the world of zines, you owe it to yourself to see what creativity and points of view are out there. Definitely pay a visit to quimbys!

Alex Bowman

a classic institution with a wonderful selection and friendly and helpful staff. my favorite thing to buy there is this Daily Bart zine! (just kidding I made that it's mine buy what you want!)

Douglas Black

What a charming little shop full of character. And happy people!

Christina Kang

I moved to a town close to Chicago for school, and my undergrad professor recommended this shop for graphic novels and comics. It is truly a great store, well organized by topic, author, or genre. The reason I'm posting this review is because I found a book I liked, but didn't buy it...and then had major remorse over not buying it. I emailed Quimby's through their website (which is very detailed and helpful), and Quimby's emailed me back within a day and told me they put aside the book (which was the last copy) and I could order it through email or by phone. A great introduction to Chicago. I hope to visit again!

Mohammed Kheezar Hayat

Good for a browse and very scene-y. We didn’t end up buying anything.

DresdenQ ZeroZero

Independent, sex positive, counter culture alternative wordtopia with zines

Brian Dibala

So far I think this is the biggest most diverse zine collection I've found in the states. This is primarily and indie shop with mostly independent and small press books. Everything is categorized really well and the store has an awesome feel. I def recommend visiting.

Wes Shepherd

My favorite alternative bookstore in the city. The selection of comics and zines is unsurpassed. They also have a treasure trove of local writers and artists featured all over the store. The staff is immensely knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. If you were ever curious about comic books, come here. They'll teach you a thing or two.

Julie Rometty

Incredible selection of books, magazines, zines, and other literature. I always stop in when I walk by and it’s my favorite bookstore in the city. They’re constantly getting new material and the staff is helpful and friendly. When you go, prepare to spend at least an hour perusing the stacks- there is so much to look at and explore!

Diana C

What's not to love about this store? My friend noticed the window display and thought we needed to stop in there after lunch, and was. she. right. Funny enough, we had also stopped into 2 other bookstores and I kept saying I didn't need to buy any more books because I already had a sizeable To Be Read pile. But when we walked in here, I knew I had lied 20 mins earlier. They have all kinds of 'zines on every subject possible. They showcase topics, books, and authors less mainstream than what you'll find at major chains. I had been looking for a book that I couldn't find anywhere else, and while meandering Quimby's, I saw it on display! It was too serendipitous NOT to get in addition to a few other great finds. I really had to force myself to checkout before I blew every last cent I had in this store. I will 100% be back any and every time I'm nearby.

Lucy Bommareddy

One of my favorite bookstores of all time (and I LOVE bookstores). Some really obscure and unique pamphlets too--a wonderful place to get lost.

Phil Circle

Well, it helps that they sell my book, but way before that I was a fan. I first lived in the neighborhood right around when they opened and frequented the place. I've come to know the manager, Liz, and just love strolling around and finding odd books and mags I'd never thought of looking for. Go here and explore. You won't regret it.

Selwin Wainaina

Twas a good and interesting experience. Very odd and captivating books, zines and reads. And there's a photobooth? Most of the big books are about $25 and the smaller stuff goes really cheap. Go check it out!

eli uwu

I've only been here twice with my friend, but both times were very nice! The staff are kind and friendly, and the selection of zines they have here is very good! They don't really have any seating, but you can sit in the back and read some of the books and zines they have. It's a very nice and cozy place, and I would go there more often if it weren't so far from where I live!

m f g

One of the best book stores in Chicago. While there's a heavy emphasis on comics, it's more along the line of graphic novels, zines, and local print art. There's a good selection of books and an excellent assortment of specialized periodicals (art, literary, etc).

Johnna Gale

We went to Chicago for the Chicago Zine Fest. They were having a reading st Quimby’s Bookstore. It was really fun and really rad. I hadn’t seen so many zines except at Zine Fests. Pretty overwhelming. I’d like to go back when I have more time and read more zines and soak in the coolness of this place. If you like zines and odd quirky things, this is the place to visit when in Chicago.

Jessica Hitchcock

While not exactly my kind of store it was a pretty interesting and small book store that had loads of independent books and Zines. The friends I was with loved it and probably would be regular customers if we lived in or around Chicago.

Milo Lemonhead

Quimbys got every book you've never heard of. There's some real gems in there that I found and will now be the only place I shop for art books when I need that boost of creativity.

Serena Schultz

Long before the world was fully on fire, I’d stop here whenever I was in Chicago. It’s a must. I never went in with an idea of what I was looking for, but I always left with something I couldn’t leave without. I’m glad they have an option for online ordering because I can get the magic of the store sent right to my door. Quimby’s will not disappoint!

Oliver Peckham

Quimby's is an awesome indie bookstore right along Wicker Park. Great, excellently-curated selection of books, zines, etc., plus cool gifts. Lots of local stuff here, which is always good to see. In my opinion, one of the best shops in the Wicker Park area.

Cory Stewart

This place is a wonderland of interesting alternative to “radical” books that’d you’d never find in Barnes & Noble. I loved it! They definitely know their audience. And if you’re into zines then this is the place for you.

Andrés Irigoyen

This place is so cool! The only downside is I couldn't afford to buy more! Staff were super warm and friendly, too. It's quite a commute for me but I'll be going back.

Olen Amelia

Easily one of the best bookstores in town. It's quirky, charming and very rich in their books / magazine / zine selection. if you want to know more about Chicago's independent literary scene, this is the place to go. Don't forget to step in the camera obscura Photo Booth in the back.

Dmb Paints

Haven't been back to Quimbys since the pandemic started but I'm so excited to come back and check out the new stuff. My favorite bookstore in chicago.

Lisa Ham

Best zine selection I've ever seen. Visited from Detroit and was well worth it.

A F

Interesting bookshop nestled between other random storefronts. Tons of books to keep a reader in the store for a while. I liked the local artist and writer support and content hosted by the bookstore.

Juliana Liscio

I got a 1930s Chicago theatre playbill for 50 cents?! Great place if you're looking for cool reading material or cool ways to decorate your space.

Ann Feeney

Quimby's is a truly indie book and comic store, selling a variety of photocopied zines, fringe magazines, books on esoteric and activist topics, and graphic novels. There are a few semi-mainstream publications, such as Alan Moore graphic novels and Skeptical Inquirer, but those make up perhaps five percent of the stock. The atmosphere goes with the eclecticism in the stock, with a mix of ages from students to Baby Boomers wandering the aisles or using the photo booth.

Chris Krolczyk

It deserves that 4.7 rating. Your best bet to find any number of bizarro publications running the gamut of music, art, indie comics, political activism and literature. Located in a storefront a good deal more spacious than the old location on Damen in between Division and North.

Pranas Naujokaitis

One of the best comic shops in Chicago and probably one of the best comic book shops around period! You won't find superheroes here. Instead you'll find the best in underground, indie, and alt comics. Be sure to check out their huge wall of zines and minicomics!

Candice Hope Littleton

Really neat shop. I don't know a lot about zines but I enjoyed the comics section. There's a photo booth, which is cool, but my favorite thing was the way it smelled: Aahhh paper and ink.

Elizabeth Barone

This place is truly a hidden gem! It is my favorite independent bookstore in Chicago. I can always count on going in and walking out with something new and amazing. Support these guys! They're awesome.

Flesh and Bone Design

I don't think I've ever been somewhere with a larger zine collection - amazing people doing amazing things, happy to support this place!

Deanna Dement Myers

Explore local authors and artists! Things you won't find in chain stores or even other independent bookstores. You will be happy browsing here.

Cara Boardman

Quimby's is absolutely fantastic...a quiet, wacky book store where you could spend hours just browsing. I come for all my art-mag needs and always walk away fulffilled. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about what's in stock. Come here for your weird, fantasy book needs. Come here for a good novel-go blind, and ask the staff what's good. Go Quimby's!

Jules Simplicio

This is my favorite comic book store ever. it has everything youll ever ant . it has indie comics and local comics. its really good because it has zines too. and you can turn in your own zines. its actualy the best comic book store ive ever been to. and you can get free stuff on the way out its like really awaesome. like stickers !!!!

Meredith K

Less of a bookstore and more of a 'zine outpost, I have always managed to find something interesting in this place. Many graphic novels and comics, as well as little trinkets. I don't think you'll find a better place to people watch in the area either.

Jim Withington

A Chicago institution. I don't know how they stay in business, especially since what used to feel way out of the way is now in one of the hipper/hipster neighborhoods, but thank god that they DO stay in business. Get your zine on, blush at the erotica mags, get excited about how well they curate what they stock. Why would you not spend time here?

Sydney Borden

I have a couple of zines here! I love this place, staff is always helpful and nice. Lots of really cool gems. There's something for everyone here.

K K

Quimby's is a very exlectic little bookstore. They sell a bunch of zines, comics, books and other weird little odds and ends. What I like most about Quimby's, however, is that they feature a lot of Chicago artists and authors. They make sure to point out if an author is from Chicago and it's great if you're looking to get a little indight into the city from a different point of view.

Kevin S.

Best comic book store in the midwest. Huge local support, lots of lowbrow art, highly recommended on any trip to Chicago

Mark Mattimore

A fantastic bookstore experience! The best selection of zines I've ever seen.

William McCord

Awesome place to go to if you're looking for rare books and Zines. So many interesting things, I could have spend the whole day there.

Eric Kurbat

This is a crazy, old school independent book store. The selection is entirely unique. I found things I didn't know existed and needed to have. I will be back!

Dylan Welch

First visit. Impressive collections and display of zines. Bought a used book and some zines. Gotta poop and pee at Walgreens. Friendly cashiers!

Jacob Bozeman

Super unique and full of art and literature from a huge range of perspectives! This store was quirky and cool and so interesting!

Warren Conatser Echevarria

One of my favorite places in Chicago. Huge selection of underground comics, zines, punk rags, graphic novels and other odd printed material.

Bob Booth

Friendly helpful people. Many books and mags you will not find anywhere else. Love the art hanging around too!

John Hubbs

Cool book store carries a great selection of magazines and books on alternative lifestyles. Great selection of graphic novels.

Shane O'Shaughnessy

Truly lives up to the legend of being a mecca of indie zines and comics! What an incredible selection of the most diverse art and creators!

Aaron Rigby

staff extremely helpful. punk friendly. ask a stoopid question, get a rhetorical answer! HA. looking for that one book or zine that is off of the beaten path. check Quimby's first!

Parker Thompson

Super cute! They have a classic analog photo booth in the back and an awesome selection of zines.

Teppei Ando

Filled to the brim with amazing and unique comix and art books. Lives up to it's reputation

Ian Niemi

Cool place with lots of interesting books, magazines and random publications. Staff isn't super engaging but were very chatty amongst themselves!

Matt G.

An invaluable cultural resource. The most eclectic selection of books, comics, and aberrant periodicals in the city, if not the entire midwest.

Alex Inkster

Have amazing local authors and artists. Not really a mainstream comic place.... but thats not a bad thing. People are friendly and selection is amazing

J A-D

No doubt you can find a zine that you can relate to here. What a cool quirky collection of material!

Angenette Holland

Awesome little store! Has plenty of kitschy books that you don't know you want until you read the description!

Benjamin Walker

Great atmosphere, cool collection of graphic novels, zines, and local printings.

Jason Bennett

Great finds I've never seen anywhere else... Check out one of the zine events they host!

Larry Wolf

Amazing collection of zines and books that are grown-up zines. A great resource for thinking on the edge

Eduardo Martinez

Loved the selection here!!! I found really interesting and independent efforts from radical folks from all over! Will be coming again!

M.

Bless these folks for stocking so many (& so many varieties) of zines. Go buy something & keep them in business! Friendly, helpful staff.

Katelyn Gutierrez

Support local! This shop always has some of the rarest zines from both local artists and those from around the world.

Stacy DeMeester

Fun bookstore with a large variety of art magazines and books. Enjoyed browsing here for a good while!

Roxee T

I always find a treasure here, the employees are always so friendly and I never feel rushed. I could spend hours in here, there’s old and new zines alike!

Arasu S

Very cool store. They stock tons of indie magazines and books. Friendly people.

Jose Moran

Indi books great book selection very different..from any book store you been in before...enjoy just the vibe inside

Henry Smith

bonkers selection of zines and independently-published lit. sometimes I stop and take a ~selfie~ in the photo booth just for the heck of it

Steele DePew

I mean, if you want quirky, fun, provacotive, local and interesting books/mags/comics, this is the place.

Liz H.

Chock-full of fantastic stuff, staff is lovely.

Stephanie Gwee

Unique place! Many good books and other unusual readings!

Rick Ciesla

Very cool bookstore, kinda weird but I don't mind.

Dr. Michael Klug, Ph.D.

A gem for readers in the literary hub of Chicago with fun selfie opportunities including a vintage photo booth that works!

Christopher Murphy

THE place in Chicago for indie comics zines and books. An institution. Chris Ware designed their logo.

Casey V

Really well curated book store with tons of local comics and zines.

Norah Gharala

Got a good zine. Wide selection. The vintage photo booth is so fun!!

ariana contreras

Pretty relaxed spot where you can find an array of different categories of books and magazines.

Avi Ehrlich

Best selection of indie comics and zines with good people and community heckyeah

Caro Ruiz

The most authentic, unique bookstore in town!

Andrew Crow

Lots of alternative reading options. Worth a stop if that’s your thing.

Daniel Carothers

Zines, weird comics and magizines headquarters. One of the best shops in Chicago for anything.

Andrew Woodrow-Butcher

This place is amazing. A truly inspired and inspiring zine and book shop.

Conor Cawley

Very cool vibe, extremely friendly staff, highly recommend

Will Pross

The best bookstore in town. Great periodicals section too.

Anthony Pennza

Probably has the largest amount of independent comic books I've ever seen amassed in one place.

Sherman Breneman

Awesome local bookstore. If you love zines check it out.

Alexandr Khristoforov

Small choice of books. Store for teenagers who pretend to read books

ITTIPAT PRAPAPRASERT

The epicenter of Chicago's comic and zine worlds, Quimby's is one of the linchpins of underground culture in the city.

Kyle Lardie

A magical place with a great selection of marvelous reads. You never know what your going to find!

L. B. Roussos

Great selection of zines and art books with a real photobooth

Stadiume Hott

Place was pretty darn cute. Bit pricey but at least a cool place.

Omar González

Beautiful bookstore with great variety and local artists.

tori holder

Probably the best bookstore for zines in the country. A must visit.

Johnny P

Only had handful of graphic novels. Store seems nice tho.

lilyuvthevalleyoh

A cute little bookstore with a plethora of unique reads. Fun to peruse for sure.

Clare Stopher

Unique, quirky bookshop. A must see in Wicker Park!

liz sundermann

Eclectic comics and independently published books. Staff is knowledgable.

Ash VVitch

Dope lil bookstore in ATL. Lots of local artists and their comics.

Denise Wilkerson

Great spot for indie zines and awesome things.

Ivy Summers

Very interesting! The vintage photo booth was awesome!

M M

Nice Indie bookstore

John Robbins

Fills the satisfaction of many appreciative of original arts, writing, & experiences

Tara Gray

Great books and friendly staff.

Monica Newton

Well-curated alternative titles and magazines. Fun to browse!

Victoria Nelson

Essential part of the community and local art and writing scene.

Peter Bock

Unreal collection of graphic novels and local zines. A real treasure

Paul Erdman

Great bookstore, wanted to buy everything...

Speedy Mark

Not many comic books

Cristian Ortiz

They a neat section for local Chicago artist 😃 …

noami guerrero

One of the few places that preserves punk culture.

Iryna Bondar

Great selection of independent publications and zines!

Melanie johnson

Great selection of small press and media.

Robert Kissinger

Always find a good book here

Jonathan Greenberg

Ahhhh, finally a place to get my indie and mini comic fix...

chadwick crawford

One of the world's great shops.

Dave Rocha

Learned about you guys from INFOCHAMMEL! Hope to visit soon!

Jennifer Collins

Lots of neat things on the shelves.

Greg Eagel

This place is the best shop in town for zines

Michael Joe Harper

Always friendly, and a good selection

Abigail Harris-Culver

They have excellent taste!

dizou

Unique selection, fun to browse

chris arriaga

Lots of odd and ends for books here.

Alyssa Beers

This place is tight it has so many zines

Dane Garfield Wilson

Favorite bookstore in chicago

Danny Daniel

Can spend all day here !

Ally Enright

This is where i’ll work when i die.

Mike Hyzy

Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Cara Goodwin

This is such a cute store. Always finding something cool and unusual in there.

Darcy Nickel

Beautiful little bookshop.

Sammie Lane

It's okay

Wayne Allen Sallee

Best place in the city.

Korey Martin

Important! Essential! Historical!

Laura Johnd

Really good books

jay mac

Blown away by the selection of zines

Bart Van Looy

Impressive collection.

Not ASkaLover

Not my cup of tea

Berta Pena

Okay

Karina Mancha

So unique!

Paul Roberts

community focused

Garrett Krueger

It's a bookstore

Jiyeon Park

(Translation) There are many books that are like small brushes. Things you won't find in other bookstores... great to see (Original) 작은 브러셔 같은 책?들이 많아요. 다른 서점에서 볼 수없는 것들... 구경하기 좋아요

Diego Stellino

(Translation) Sounds cool. There is everything. Politics, sex, comics, magazines... All "out siders". (Original) Figo. C'è di tutto. Politica, sesso, comics, riviste... Tutto "out sider".

Patrick Sundlof

Quimby!

Tyler Ditz

(Translation) Not marvel (Original) No marvel

Hector Hernandez

(Translation) Excellent (Original) Excelente

Stacy Suzanne

Recommended by Infochammel!

Jared Davis

Jamie Ormond

c lai

Mishka Kornai

Javier Streb

alex Szabo

Nic Mann

Douglas Dalrymple

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