Reviews of Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore. (Book Store) in Minneapolis (Minnesota).
Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore
2716 E 31st St, Minneapolis, MN 55406, United States
Description
Information of Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore, Book store in Minneapolis (Minnesota)
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 Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore
Sunday
12–5 pm
Monday
10 am–6 pm
Tuesday
10 am–6 pm
Wednesday
10 am–6 pm
Thursday
10 am–6 pm
Friday
10 am–6 pm
Saturday
10 am–6 pm
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Reviews of Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore
I'm so excited that this great bookstore has re-opened! The new location is bright and well-organized with plenty of street parking right out front. If you are reading this in late 2022, they may still have the black awning from the glass store - ignore that and walk right in to check out the new and used books!
If you like sci-fi, fantasy, or mystery this is your store ...stores? One store. Two names. New and used books. Wonderful place. New location south of Lake St and East of Minihaha. On street parking for now. Soft open until 4 pm on the weekdays and Saturday but don't remember Saturday hours.
I was very happy to hear Uncle Hugo's/Edgars had reopened. I don't get down to the Cities often (300 miles one way) but when I do "the Uncles" was a must visit place.
The new store is light and open. The stacks are tall and easy to navigate. There were even a few boxes on the floor waiting to be shelved so it felt a little like to old overcrowded space.
I will be back.
I cannot believe that this wonderful place exists and I did not find it earlier in my life. Everything you can think of. Many signed first editions. I had to limit myself or I'd go broke. I scored a bag full of first edition science fiction books by award winning authors... at the price you would normally pay for books with a lesser pedigree. The staff is incredible. They're not just clerks. They really know the science fiction genre. For their anniversary sale they offered 20% off with the purchase of a $4 saver card. And I got a free Uncle Edgar book bag. They have an online store as well. All I can say is that I'll have to put myself on a buget.
If you consume sci-fi novels you must check this place out. I picked up 6 books, 2 of which we hardcovers for 31$. The place is surprisingly big, full of books, and had an adorable dog.
So happy to visit the new location! Easy street available parking nearby. I was excited by the really good selection of new and used books.
If you are into Sci-Fi or Fantasy, this is the store for you. They have books upon books of titles and authors not found in mainstream bookstores as well as sections for collectors, Horror and a huge Mystery genre section in the back. I will be back.
So happy that my favorite bookstore has reopened! I popped in for a quick peek and ended up with an armful of amazing books. I already can't wait to come back!
This is an amazing hidden gem on Lake street in the heart of Minneapolis. Wall to wall books of some of the best sci-fi one can find. Every genre is covered. In the back, there is a mystery book store that is also really cool. If you love books this is the place to go to.
A business rebuilding after the riots of 2020. Glad to see this book store rising from the ashes like a phoenix.
You have never seen soo many books. This store is actually two stores in one. Uncle Hugos which has a wide variety of sci fi as well as other fiction and Uncle Edgars which is exclusively mystery books. You may be greeted by the sweetest dog. Family owned and run, this store has been here for decades.
They are still getting things set up in the new location, but its a fun store. And the dog is very friendly!
The Uncles are opened again. Life can be good once in a while. Visiting them for books always helps make it so
great indy sf/f and mystery bookstore. New location is great. wonderful used section, as well as new.
Back with all your favorite books and authors! Come out and support them in their new location.
FYI, pictures are of the old location which was burned down a few years ago. New location has black awnings and less conspicuous signage.
I am from the UK and ordered a book from Uncle Hugo on-line and when it hadn't arrived after a few weeks contacted them. The store made a fantastic effort contacting the postal service and tracking its progress, and found out (through no fault of their own) it had somehow made its way to Canada. It eventually arrived safely in the UK, beautifully packaged. Great book store!
I love this place! They have so many books it's hard not to spend hours going through the stacks and finding treasures. I appreciate the mix of new and used books. They try to keep things has organized as possible and it's fairly easy to look for specific titles if you know the author. The prices are good and the staff have always been helpful.
Seriously my favorite bookstore. Great atmosphere, and it has the perfect amount of old book smell--enough to make you nostalgic, but not enough to smell musty or dusty. You walk in and you're immediately surrounded by piles and piles of books. This is my happy place.
You never know what you'll find, so don't necessarily come here expecting to pick up a specific book (though I can usually find at least one or two titles from my ongoing "to read" list), but you're sure to find something great. I haven't personally asked for a recommendation (I already always leave with twice as many books as I was planning to buy) but last time I was here I overheard someone asking and the proprietor seemed extremely knowledgeable.
This is an eclectic used bookstore filled to the brim with scifi goodness. The shelves are chaotic and there are stacks of books everywhere. It's an amazing, if not overwhelming collection. It was difficult to find things, which was fine as I enjoy just perusing, but that's still a negative. Also.. wow..the bathroom was simply disgusting. Just don't go in there. Overall its worth checking out.
This was my first visit and I have to say, this is one of the best science fiction bookstores in the country. The shelves are overflowing and some of the book trays are hard to dig through, but one is rewarded for perseverance. I found four great old paperbacks I been hunting for.
If you are a dyed in the wool reader, you'll love this place, even if you don't love science fiction. Books are everywhere with a generally organized system and low-ish prices. Make sure to pet Echo the dog, too. She's very friendly. If you're buying a lot of items, do the quick math on purchasing their discount card.
Wow. This place is an Scifi & Mystery book destination akin to the Midway bookstore in St Paul. It is connected to Uncle Edgar's Mystery bookstore and has stacks and stacks of books. It appears disorganized but is actually fairly well kept. There are new and used titles here. There is also a store dog that is interested in new people but very obedient to the employees. The employees are knowledgeable about current books and know their way around the stacks well.
Not the greatest customer service ive experienced. Noticed the cashier was extremely kind to regulars and standoffish and rude to new customers with questions. Huge selection, but you have to be willing to dig for the gems. Books are literally everywhere. There must be thousands of titles crammed in that tiny space.
Fantastic sci-fi and fantasy new and used book store.
Very cool sci fi bookstore. Friendly and helpful people.
Uncle Hugo's features sci fi and fantasy novels (and is connected to Uncle Edgar's Mystery Books). I've found all of my favorite authors there even some in other languages. The books are typically in very good condition and the pricing is lowered for books in worse conditions. I love this place and could spend hours searching the shelves, stacks, and boxes for more treasures. Despite the packed space, I am amazed at how organized the books always seem to be. My only negative warning is that you don't stay so long you need to use the bathroom.
So happy the Twin Cities best bookstore is back!
It is the best place to browse and purchase science fiction books that you can find in the Minneapolis area. Knowledgeable staff will help you with anything you need. A huge selection of both new and used books. Attached to it is Uncle Edgar's mystery bookstore. So you get 2 for 1 if you like mysteries
Difficult to rate. I appreciate their selection of books. If you're interested in science fiction, fantasy, or mystery, then it's worth a visit. On the other hand the employees were all extremely unfriendly when I visited today. Three employees, no welcome, no "can I help you find anything," no "have a nice day." Just made it clear that we were a bother. They much preferred to keep their heads glued to their computers. It was a weird and disappointing vibe, and I won't be returning.
One of the best bookstores for sci-fi!
This place is what your heart imagines bookstores should be. The shelves are a maze and crammed with books, with more books piled on the floor (in organized stacks that are labeled by author). I've gone here with a friend multiple times, and every time we lose each other while we wander and have to call the other's name until we come back together. If you like science fiction or fantasy, then Uncle Hugo's is heaven.
If you want to shop for mystery or science fiction (that'd be Uncle Hugo's side) books, and you want to talk to people who really, really know books, this is the place to go. If, for example, you have fond (but vague) memories of a story you once read and would like to read again, the staff at Uncle Edgar;s/Uncle Hugo's will know just what you're talking about and help you find it.
They have both new and used books, and not nearly enough shelf space for them all, so don't be surprised to find yourself looking through piles, as well as shelves, of books. And, you just might encounter some well-known authors from time to time, as they are sometimes brought in to meet their fans and sign books.
This is a great place for true book-lovers!
Great selection. Could spend hours there, but the customer service left a lot to be desired. The staff was very unhelpful and unfriendly. Did not go out of their way to please their customers. The only friendly staff member was the pooch (aka dog). Recommendations: if you want to find something new, take a gander. But if you are looking for a certain book, go elsewhere since the staff members are not pleasant enough to assist.
Poorly organized, but staff is willing to help find whatever you're looking for. has a great selection of science fiction and fantasy novels, magazines, and short story collections.
The greatest advantage any bookstore has over Amazon or another online site is the ability to browse books you've never seen before, cracking open the ones that look interesting to take a peek inside. Uncle Hugo's inventory is so huge that browsing becomes a true pleasure. The smell of binding glue, ink, yellowed well-read pages, and crisp new releases all hits you right when you walk in the door.
If you've heard of a book in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, then they'll have it in stock. They'll probably have THREE copies in stock. It's amazing. The single exception I've ever had was an author's self-published book from Australia.
If you like a hole in the wall bookstore that is a browse for hours place, then I definitely recommend. Science fiction/fantasy and mystery go-to. They have some old, hard to find books.
Uncle Hugo's has the most impressive collection of science fiction I have ever seen. This is such a great place to browse the piles and piles of books. They also have a huge collection of anthology magazines past and present. I always try to stop in when I am in MPLS.
We are on our third generation Uncle Hugo customers, since the olden days when it was back on Franklin Avenue. Love it!! I'm sorry some of these reviewers think the staff is rude: they really aren't, only reserved. If you ask them a question they are super knowledgeable and helpful... all three of our family's generations of customers are introverts, it never occurred to me to expect effusiveness from the folks there. My all-time favorite place to shop.
A little overbearing if it's your first time, and the staff aren't exactly overexuberant to welcome you to the shop, but they know where everything is and will go out of their way to help locate books and suggest new ones. I cannot suggest this place enough to anyone looking for science fiction and fantasy related materials.
They almost always have the "Out of Print" or not sold as an eBook. I specifically went in to find books by F. M. Busby. They had all of the books that were "not sold as ebook" I found some other books I had been looking for. Only downside is that it is crowded with books in the aisles in boxes. I found it difficult to get around the store with my cane. Call first if you are looking for a specific book.
This place has the best selection of new and old science fiction and fantasy in the Twin Cities and probably the state. Unfortunately this is offset by staff that be quite rude on occasion. I was shopping close to closing time, and the lady working told me they'd be closing soon. I said no problem. Later she mentioned they were closing in four minutes, and I said no problem, I would be done looking soon. Less than two minutes later she loudly snaps at me, "Hey! We're closing!" If a business wants everyone out at 4:58, or even 4:50, or 2 pm, I have no problem with that at all...Just put that closing time on your sign. But if you choose to close at five, don't emotionally yell at people for being in your store while you're open. Close to closing time is not closed. I've worked in retail. You give a polite warning at 5 or 10 minutes, then when you're actually closed, you politely say "sir, we're closed now." They leave, and you don't have to snap at them. It's not hard.
I could go in and tell the clerk what kind of books I like and he would tell me about books I might like and I could buy them used or sometimes new. I would read them and bring them back. Sell them back and buy more. I loved this because I did not have to worry about due dates or a cluttered house and I liked every book I read.
Overjoyed. That's the only way to describe myself. So many books to peruse, so many authors I'd never heard of. I was like a kid in a candy shop. Everybody there was very nice to me, too. Even the grumpy owner. And he WAS grumpy, but never rude or impolite. I think he was grumpy because of all the work to do and yet he still helped me out. If I lived closer I'd go there all the time.
This is possibly the best used bookstore I've ever been to, not a single time I've been here have they not had something I wanted to pick up, and the staff had great suggestions based on my recent reading. Great atmosphere too!
Hugos and Edgars together are a store where I know I can find great books, recommendations 'so, I am looking for new modern Fantasy books, but I'm allergic to romance' didn't raise an eyebrow... The used section is a treasure trove, and the New Recommended shelf helps me find new authors I might never otherwise try.
Fantastic selection. Bought some old sci-fi pulp that was originally printed in the 30s and 40s that was being brought back into print. These included Doc Savage, The Shadow, The Whisperer, and The Black Bat to name few. Found the clerk to be quite knowledgeable on the history of pulp sci-fi and why it's back in print.
Nice selection. Charming and knowledgeable staff
the best sci-fi fantasy bookstore ive ever been too. a mountain of used books and also a good selection of new. also figurines, posters, memorabilia, etc
This is a really awesome place; a true Twin Cities treasure. A fantastic resource for fans of all genre books. It has a real authentic atmosphere that can't be duplicated by newer places.
I am so sorry your business burned at the hands of teenagers and 20 somethings that were selfishly living out their Grand Theft Auto dreams. Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction was enjoyed by thousands of people and is now gone. Huge loss. My sincerest condolences. I hope and pray for your business to come back stronger than ever.
What a great place. They have every book you could want in hardback, paperback, and used paperback. They also come up with interesting recommendations. I come to Minneapolis about once a year for work and make a point to swing by.
I could not stop looking through each shelf. There was more science fiction than I thought existed, and I went home with more books than I will be able to read this year. I am a big fan of space operas, and they had it all: John Scalzi, Vernor Vinge, CJ Cherryh, Arthur C Clarke, Isaac Asimov, the list goes on.
Most fun you can have for free on a slow, rainy day - just go and browse the endless stacks. Find treasures at every turn - books, puzzles and games you've been looking for, forever and thought lost to time!! So cool, so casual, so cozy.
One of oldest and largest indie bookstore in state and nation. Amazing sci-fi and mystery selection. Must visit
One of the best kept secrets for sci-fi and mystery fans! Don't know it? Discover it!
Plus the excentric people who run this place know ALL the books and are great for recommendations!
Best local seller of new and used Sci-Fi and Mystery books in the Twin Cities. This place is always a joy to visit.
Books here cover the walls, the floors, it's great. Might take some time to find what you're looking for (if you're looking for something specific, otherwise the search is the real joy), or you could ask the helpful staff.
Such a cool place! The book selection was fantastic, and the atmosphere was fun and quirky. My kind of place! I wish we lived in the area so we could be regulars. :)
If you are interested in Science Fiction and Fantasy books this is the place for you. Bring lots of money because you will find a large number of books you will want to buy... At a bargain price.
Best Sci-fi bookstore I've ever been to and I go to them wherever I go. Deep stacks in used books. Experts behind the counter. Seriously knowledgeable.
I buy my SF books from Uncle Hugo's, and my mystery books from Uncle Edgars. All under one roof. The neighborhood has undergone an amazing transformation. This bookstore is on the Midtown Greenway at Chicago Ave. Ride your bike over, but don't forget your backpack. You can't get out of here with just one book. Across the street is the Midtown Global Market and the Hennepin County Government Center Midtown. After you buy your books, go across the street and have a nice lunch in the old Sears Department Store.
Hadn't been there before. Interested in mysteries located in the back of Uncle Hugo, room called Uncle Edgar's mysteries.. Customer service was great, bought several books
Stock. New as soon as available, and deep, deep stock of out-of-print and used. People (store and customers) are friendly and helpful. Author signings. Uncle Edgar's (same address) is the same for mystery.
Old School book store, just books everywhere. Lots of reasonably priced used books. Staff is helpful and knows where everything is. Will visit again.
The best genre book store I've ever been to. Great selection of new and used books, with very knowledgeable staff.
An independent bookstore that caters to the sci-fi and fantasy crowd. That is the Uncle Hugo side Uncle Edgar is the mystery side.
Dog friendly just ask if Echo is in.
Amazing selection of books! You'll keep yourself busy for sometime in this store. People are super friendly 😊 …
Great variety and a wonderful place to spend the day. From old harder to find paperbacks to brand new hardcovers they've got what you want.
Give them a go
It is a old school used book store. And it has an amazing selection. They have a lot of over stock however which makes the location a little crowded.
Been going here since I was a kid. Best Sci-fi and Fantasy store in town. . .especially for old or hard to find titles. These guys know everything!
Lots of book options, very reasonable prices for some old and rare collectibles, and the place is much bigger than it looks. Great place to browse and read for an afternoon.
This shop is just packed to the brim with so many great books, I would recommend this shop if your into sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, or all of the above.
This is always a fun visit. If you like sci-fi, detective, or fantasy fiction, you should visit. Don't expect a Barnes and Noble experience though.
I came to the counter with a stack of Jack Vance paperbacks. Nobody ever knows who that author is, but the guy at the register knew. We talked long enough for me to sense that this guy could turn me on to a lot of classic Sci fi I'd never heard of. I will be visiting this shop whenever I go to the cities.
I have always had a good time sifting through the piles or rather mountsins of books. Staff has been helpful especially when looking for something rare.
So much fun! Had a blast rifling through the piles, boxes, and shelves of books. Their dog added to the experience too.
Books, books and more books!! Every book you could ever want. Employees were very helpful and brought me to the exact book I wanted. Used and new. I could spend days there.
Seriously impressive selection. Packed shelves and plenty of weird boxes, piles, nooks, and crannies. Barnes and Noble it ain't, but that's why you go there, right?
Incredible selection, including rare hard to find books, anda super friendly staff! I love this place!
A great tradition and the oldest SciFi bookstore in the nation. They had the book I was looking for so I made the purchase.
Found all the books and a puzzle I was looking for. Big win. Also the man today at the check out was friendly, bonus!
An unparalleled selection of used books. Knowledgeable staff, carefully curated selection of new science fiction and art books.
Personable service and cool books. And assesories (i.e. Dr. Who gadgets:)). I don't know if they ship but hope/suspect do.
The best selection of Sci-fi/Fantasy I've ever seen in a bookstore. A lot of used books as well as new
I got several books is been looking for. I wish id gone here years ago. Shelves of books some hard to find and obscure authors. Signed editions for some of my favorites.
Awesome little bookstore with all the sci fi/fantasy books you wish you could find at other bookstores.
The dive bar of book stores. Good selection, staff is knowledgeable and good about getting things in that you want that they don't currently have.
Best selection in twin. Staff has deep knowledge of genre fiction and would even look for a used copy for you.
Best selection of science fiction in the state. I have been buying books there for the last 30 years.
Wonderful selection and friendly staff. Full of the great old book smell.
It's a nice used and new book store. Excellent variety of age material.
Have enjoyed browsing the bookshelves for several decades. The discount card is well worth it.
This is one of my favorite places to shop for used books. Honestly, it is a little overwhelming with the selection.
Really interesting place. Tons of books new and used. I got a used book for $4
Uncle Hugo's is a national treasure. There's nothing else like it. The selection of books is unparallelled, and the expertise of the staff is second-to-none.
Great job antïfa and błm protestors! You really showed that book store who’s the boss and achieved what you wanted.
Never been in a bookstore as great as this one!
Good fantasy and science fiction, nervous parking. Saturday and Sunday are good in the adjacent parking lot, NOT M-F.
A long time treasure of the Twin Cites. Great staff. Tons of new and used titles. You never know what you might find.
Sure, it's a bit messy and disorganized, sure you'll have to hunt, but that's what makes it fun. There's treasure inside, if you can find it!
This place is amazing. So many old books. So many great writers.
Uncle Hugo's is open!!!!
New, used, exchanges, large selection- arguably the best place in town for genre fiction
Old fashion book huckster. Looking for that odd out of print paperback sci fi novel, good chance you'll find it here
Quaint, friendly little used book store. Lots of unusual miscellany.
Could be a little bit frendlyer to new customers otherwise great selection of books and props / games
GREAT experience, so happy to found this place on my vacations. Exactly what I want... Si complete, and very kind people, awesome service.
This place so cool. We had to much fun visiting from Chicago. I hope to be able do come back
Great book store! One of a kind for sure
stacks and stacks of sci fi and mystery books, if this is one of your favorite genres, this is a must!
Love me some Uncle Hero's. Incomparable selection, and friendlier since the dog came on the scene.
Many books, organized and experienced team members. Looking is half the fun.
An incomparable resource - Minneapolis is extremely lucky to have both Uncle Hugo's and Dreamhaven.
Helpful staff and a truly extensive collection of new and used books.
So cool. Great staff.
A person could spend a whole day just walking around and reminiscing about old forgotten favorites.
No better selection of SF books around. A long time institution that I visit whenever I can!
A fascinating collection of new and classic science fiction, fantasy, and mystery books.
Great store, filled floor to ceiling with books, love it.
Amazing selection. Its a real pleasure to know a store like this exists.
No place like "home," not in this universe anyway. Must see and do if you're a genre junkie of this persuasion. #shoplocal
Fantastic selection, nice staff, adorable shop dog. Check it out!
🤬 Will always be remembered with most respect and more than awesome go fondness😘 …
Huge selection of books! Very knowledgeable employees
Drowning in books, great selection of old and new at decent prices.
Great service and help finding the classics. The folks that work here know their stuff.
One of the finest specialty SF bookstores in the country. Mysteries in the back.
I visit it once a year and I always find something unique to buy.
Huge selection of books and a wide variety of scifi and mysteries.
About several books while here. So many to choose from and with notable classics.
Always awesome. Take your time. Lots to explore.
Best bookstore for F&SF/mystery in the twin cities.
Always great. You can't get service like that on Amazon.
Great selection except for graphic novels.
Irreplacable. Appreciated the help today finding an author I only discovered yrsyerday.
I spend hours in here as there is so much to go through. I usually spend 100 bucks a quarter here.
Best science fiction bookstore on the planet!
Friendly staff, all the books you could ever want!
Books, More Books, Signed Books, Recommendations. Best Bookstore!
This place is awesome and overwhelming and all around amazing.
Neighborhood bookstore with new and a massive used book selection.
Good selection low prices,very knowledgeable
Great bookstore. All the authors.
So helpful and so many good books!
Good selection, staff was less than friendly
Great prices on used books.
Friendly knowledgeable staff, terrific selection.
Great people, and they do gift cards!
A wonderful shop filled with many wonderful finds.
Best bookstore in the twin cities!
Full of wonderful people and wonderous books.
Lots of books and fairly well organized.
An amazing selection of books!
Smells like books and good stories
Always a pleasure, both Hugo's and Edgar's.
Stacks of books floor to ceiling. My kind of place.
If you're into mystery or sci finlook no further
Friendly staff and awesome selection!
They have everything though perhaps a touch disorganized.
I loved this place and I am heartbroken that it is now rubble.
All the geeky books you Can conceive!
WOW!! So many books, so little time!!!
Good deals and great selection!
Great selection, terrible service.
Awesome selection of science fiction
Everything a used bookstore should be.
Great book selection
You just may find that book here
Very cool
Friendly
Cute dog inside
.
Can't beat the selection here!
Burned
Fantastic selection
Hubby loved it!
RIP
Rip
A wonderful place!
Classic, full of classics.
Digging for treasures
New building, great same service! Make sure to pet Echo when you visit! Always love Uncle Hugo's, my go to, first place, to find rare and out of print books in sci-fi fantasy and associated art books. So good to have them back and open!!!
I went here today for the first time, and I can't believe I've never been before! Very friendly and helpful staff. They gave me a few recommendations and I'm happy to be reading a new book series. Can't wait to go back for my next read.
(Translation) A must-visit shrine for any sci-fi fan passing through Minneapolis.
(Original)
Un santuario da visitare per tutti gli appassionati di fantascienza che passino per Minneapolis.