When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Myopic Books
Why Myopic Books is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Myopic Books is a cherished independent bookstore located in the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. Established in the early 1990s, this iconic bookstore has become a staple for readers seeking a carefully curated selection of used and new books across a wide array of genres including fiction, art, architecture, music, philosophy, science, and more. Its large hanging sign and inviting interior create a welcoming atmosphere that invites book lovers to explore and rediscover the joys of reading. Myopic Books thrives as one of the few long-standing businesses in Wicker Park that have remained despite years of neighborhood gentrification and rising rents, symbolizing the area’s history as a lively center for arts and culture. The store is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community where everyone feels comfortable and valued, making it an excellent place to meet friends, browse unique finds, or simply soak up the literary ambiance. Open daily from noon to 8 p.m., Myopic Books also offers the opportunity to buy and sell books, further engaging with the reading community in Chicago.
Here's what people think of Myopic Books
As of recent, Myopic Books holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1499 reviews.
Reviews of Myopic Books highlight the store’s warm, welcoming environment coupled with an impressive and diverse selection of books. Customers often mention the knowledgeable and friendly staff who provide personalized recommendations, creating a community-like feel. Positive reviews celebrate the store’s well-curated inventory spanning numerous topics, making it a go-to spot for both casual readers and collectors. Many appreciate the store's dedication to maintaining its independent charm and resisting the pressures of the surrounding gentrification. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the occasionally cramped spaces and the challenges of navigating the dense stacks, especially during busy times. A few reviewers mention limited availability of very recent bestsellers, which is common for an indie bookstore focused on used and specialized books. Overall, the reviews reflect strong loyalty and affection from customers who value Myopic Books as a cornerstone of the Chicago literary scene, appreciating its unique atmosphere and community orientation despite minor inconveniences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amanda
Great selection of used books (a few new ones too) covering a variety of genres and topics. I went here while visiting from out of town and left with two used books that were in excellent shape! I loved roaming the multiple floors of shelves. This is a shop by book lovers for book lovers.
Postcard Narrative Family Travel
A used book store filled with the nooks and crannies that make book shopping more magical! I found several books that were on my TBR list and some gems for my kids too. Give yourself a good hour here at least...time is elusive in there.
Amy Underwood
This is a great book store to peruse the shelves and find books you can’t find other places the selection is massive and it is really fun to look around. There were plenty of modern books- but tons of lesser known books too. You could spend hours looking through the books. This is not thrift store pricing though- so don’t go in with that expectation. Almost every paperback I looked at was over 9 dollars- which is hard to rationalize for a used book. Very cool place and I would go back- but only for books I couldn’t find at other bookstores.
Elisa Mosso
one of the best bookstores I ever visited. They have everything you look for. Special thanks to the girl in glasses that help me to find something special to read, she even took the time to recommend only women written books! FYI: they open at 12, not a minute later, not a second before.
Berto Bennett
When a bookstore stands the test of time and big box chain stores it is because they can give you better cultivated experience. That and they really know how to help keep everything in the right spot. Myopic is a bookstore where you will find what you are looking for and also what you didn’t know you were looking for. I found two very different books that will stay in my collection for a long time! Enjoy!
How to reach Myopic Books
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Website: None
Why Myopic Books may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Myopic Books with your friends?
Gathering at Myopic Books is an exceptional way to blend the joy of discovery with the warmth of friendship. Situated in Chicago’s vibrant Wicker Park, this bookstore offers a unique atmosphere that cultivates shared experiences over a love of books. With its massive collection of over 60,000 volumes spread across three floors, it invites you and your friends on an endless journey of browsing, talking, and trading ideas around literature and art. The cozy, labyrinthine layout encourages exploration, making it easy to lose yourselves in diverse sections, from travel and true crime to contemporary poetry and graphic design. Unlike more commercial bookstores, Myopic fosters a feeling of a hidden gem, perfect for small group meetups to connect through shared interests or to spark new conversations. Plus, the staff is famously friendly and knowledgeable, ready to assist in uncovering treasures or answering inquiries, adding a personal touch that enriches the gathering. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a cool evening, Myopic Books provides a haven that transforms a simple meetup with friends into a meaningful cultural adventure that leaves everyone smiling and inspired.
What unique activities can you enjoy at Myopic Books with a group?
Myopic Books is far beyond just a bookstore; it is an interactive cultural hub ideally suited for group activities. First and foremost, the adventure of book browsing together itself holds tremendous appeal. Navigating the three stacked floors filled with books in niches such as photography, tattoo art, philosophy, and contemporary race and gender studies creates a shared journey of discovery. You and your friends can challenge each other’s tastes by picking books for one another or uncover hidden gems to discuss later. Besides browsing, Myopic also hosts special events and holiday parties that make for memorable communal occasions. These events amplify the social atmosphere where book lovers gather to celebrate shared passions. The space encourages book swapping meetups, where everyone can bring a title to exchange, fostering a communal spirit. For more leisurely engagement, the store's layout is perfect for casual conversations over favorite titles or debating newly found facts and viewpoints. Additionally, you have the option of placing curbside pickups if you want to plan ahead, making your visit efficient but still full of shared anticipation and excitement.
Why is Myopic Books the perfect venue for a group meetup?
Myopic Books is ideal for group meetups because of its blend of space, atmosphere, and community feel. Unlike larger, more impersonal chain bookstores, Myopic’s three floors are packed wall-to-wall with unique secondhand books that spark curiosity and dialogue among visitors. This creates a cozy, almost treasure-hunt-like experience that naturally draws a group together. The store’s location in the bustling Wicker Park neighborhood means you’re stepping into a cultural hotspot, surrounded by cafes and eateries, making it easy to continue your meetup beyond the bookstore itself. The bookstore’s hours, open daily from noon to 8 PM, offer flexibility for scheduling daytime or early evening events. The friendly and sometimes even enthusiastic staff enhance the experience by sharing insights or helping find elusive titles to fuel your group’s interests. Though the store’s basement and upper floors are accessible by stairs only, the staff are happy to assist with inventory requests if anyone has mobility concerns, ensuring inclusiveness. Payment options are modern and convenient, supporting group purchases with credit, debit, and mobile pay systems. This welcoming and immersive environment makes Myopic Books a natural magnet for family and friend gatherings centered on shared learning and cultural enjoyment.
What can you expect when exploring the book collection together?
When you and your friends explore Myopic Books’ collection, you enter a vast world of literary and artistic fields guaranteed to capture diverse interests. The store’s 60,000+ volumes span rare and popular titles in photography, fashion, graphic design, street and gallery art, tattoo culture, philosophy, cooking, architecture, and more. This eclectic range means every member of your group can find sections aligned with their passions. Some might dive into the true crime or mob history sections, while others might pore over contemporary race and gender studies or poetry. The thrill of discovery is amplified by the secondhand nature of many books, some of which become unique finds not available elsewhere. Navigating the dense shelves together encourages collaboration and offers the chance to share recommendations, debate ideas, or learn new perspectives side by side. The bookstore’s layout invites lingering, and the staff are well-versed in their collection, ready to guide your group toward fresh reads or help locate hard-to-find gems, amplifying the shared reading experience in a way that’s both engaging and communal.
How does the atmosphere at Myopic Books support meaningful social interaction?
Myopic Books fosters an atmosphere that is both intimate and stimulating, specifically conducive to meaningful interactions among groups. The store’s layout, with winding aisles and packed shelves spread across three floors, encourages a slower, more thoughtful pace rather than hurried browsing. This invites visitors to pause and discuss books or ideas with friends amidst a backdrop of literary discovery. The neighborhood’s eclectic vibe seeps into the bookstore’s ambiance, adding a sense of creative energy and inclusivity. Many visitors describe the space as cozy and inviting, a perfect retreat from the hustle of Chicago life, which naturally brings people together in a relaxed social setting. The knowledgeable staff also contribute positively by engaging with customers in a friendly manner, helping to create a welcoming environment where questions and conversations flow easily. The sense of being in a “local institution” and the personal connections nurtured here make meetups feel warm and memorable rather than transactional or rushed. This environment supports deeper conversations around culture, art, and personal interests that typical meetup spots often lack.
What else can you do before or after visiting Myopic Books with your group?
Myopic Books’ location in the heart of Wicker Park means your meetup can easily extend beyond the bookstore’s walls for a full day or evening of enjoyment. The neighborhood is renowned for its diverse food scene and trendy cafes, perfect for grabbing coffee or a meal with friends after exploring the bookshelves. You can plan a progressive outing starting with a browsing session inside Myopic, followed by dinner or drinks at one of the many local restaurants nearby, inculcating a seamless flow from intellectual curiosity to social relaxation. Wicker Park itself is vibrant and walkable, with street art, boutiques, and galleries that complement the bookstore’s artistic focus, offering additional avenues for cultural exploration. For groups keen on combining shopping and leisure, this area provides ample other options to discover together. This makes Myopic Books not just a standalone destination, but a gateway to an enriching social and cultural experience ideal for connecting with friends or family around shared interests.
How accessible and convenient is Myopic Books for a group outing?
Myopic Books is quite convenient for group visits thanks to its central location and accommodating policies. The store opens every day from 12 PM to 8 PM, making it flexible for scheduling meetups whether in the afternoon or early evening. Located on Milwaukee Avenue, it is accessible by public transportation or car, with parking options in the neighborhood. Inside, the three floors do pose some accessibility challenges as the basement and upper stories are only accessible via stairs, but the staff make accommodations by helping bring books or assisting with purchase requests by phone or curbside pickup. The store’s acceptance of multiple payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments, facilitates smooth group transactions. For those planning ahead, curbside pickup or phone orders allow you to reserve books for your group’s visit, saving browsing time and adding convenience. This flexibility ensures that Myopic Books can handle groups of diverse needs efficiently while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Why do visitors rate Myopic Books so highly?
Visitors consistently give Myopic Books high ratings because of its vast, well-curated collection, unique ambiance, and dedicated staff. With a 4.6-star rating on over 1400 reviews, many highlight the bookstore as a book lover’s paradise with a seemingly endless array of genres and topics. The tactile experience of flipping through well-maintained used books and discovering rare finds is often praised as unmatched by larger commercial bookstores. Reviewers also note the charismatic charm of the store’s layout and the neighborhood’s artistic vibe enhancing the entire experience. While some mention occasional staff unfriendliness toward rare book inquiries, most reviews commend the overall helpfulness and friendliness of the team. The social and cultural resonance of the store makes it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, particularly groups who appreciate its ability to nurture community around books. Its reputation as the oldest and largest used bookstore in Wicker Park further cements its status as a top venue for meetups rooted in literary and artistic enrichment.
What makes Myopic Books a local cultural landmark?
Myopic Books has established itself over more than three decades as a key cultural hub in Chicago’s Wicker Park. Its reputation as the oldest and largest used bookstore in the neighborhood lends it authenticity and gravitas. The store’s exceptional focus on artistic and culturally relevant topics like tattoo art, contemporary gender studies, street art, and alternative literature makes it uniquely reflective of the local creative scene. It serves not only as a place to purchase books but as a meeting point for artists, scholars, and readers who seek community and inspiration. Over time, Myopic has become a beloved institution where the past and present of Chicago literature and art converge, providing a welcoming space that celebrates diversity of thought. Its calendar of events and engaging atmosphere help maintain this role as a lively and relevant cultural center, making it a perfect venue to rally friends for an intellectually and emotionally rewarding meetup.
How can planning your visit enhance your group’s experience at Myopic Books?
Planning your visit to Myopic Books ensures that your group enjoys the most fulfilling experience possible. Considering the store’s vast size, setting goals or themes for your meetup—such as searching for books in photography or poetry—can give the visit direction and purpose. Making use of the store’s option for curbside pickup by calling ahead with a shopping list allows you to reserve interesting titles and avoid overcrowding, especially on busy days. It’s also smart to time your visit during less crowded hours, as the shop can be bustling, which might affect the comfort of your group. Communicating with the staff beforehand about any accessibility needs or special requests enriches the visit and shows the staff your group’s interests. Finally, coordinating with friends to follow up your bookstore adventure with food or coffee in nearby Wicker Park keeps the social momentum alive and makes the day truly memorable.
In sum, Myopic Books offers a rich, multi-layered environment for group meetups. Its enormous, diverse inventory, welcoming cultural vibe, and strategic location in a creative neighborhood create a compelling destination where friends and family can connect and treasure shared experiences. From exploring thousands of books to engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations, finishing with a meal in vibrant Wicker Park, this bookstore is more than a venue—it’s a catalyst for lasting memories and meaningful social gatherings.