The owners were super helpful and friendly. They basically have a catalogue of their books available or sold out in their heads-- who needs a computer?! Its a small space, but jam packed with lots of titles including the childrens book section. I will definitely head back and highly recommend to all wanting to support small and/or Black-owned businesses.

One of the last independently owned gems in Los Angeles that continue to give more than they get. Theyve survived the fickle nature of LA and are determined to thrive.Restraint is a challenging issue in the store due to the broad catalog of choices. A lot always goes on my Buy Next Time list.Covid has eliminated the opportunity to attend book signings, which I miss dearly, but Eso Won will continue.Much respect and admiration to the owners, James & Tom, for staying determined, focused, and dedicated.

My absolute favorite. Ive always adored Eso Won, since the beginning. Always well stocked with a diverse interesting eclectic library well suited for an avid reader like myself. Leimert Park is rich with culture and music, its beautiful. Every visit I have at Eso Won books, I always feel at home with the love of family they exude. Looking forward to seeing Eso Won again soon.

I ordered some books to be shipped to a friend in NH, and she received them (in tremendous condition) in less than one week (3 days from shipping). I am so impressed with how seamless the online ordering process was, how quick the shipping was, and how reasonable the book prices are. I appreciate you all so very much, you made my experience so wonderful. LASTLY; dont buy from Amazon folks, support small local businesses who can get your items JUST AS FAST and youre not giving anymore money to J*** Be***. Thanks again!

I love this bookstore. I recommend it 100%. The people there were very nice and helpful from my experience.

Eso Won Books has incredibly well read staff who wont hesitate to show you books they enjoyed or that in which they are critical of. I enjoy the genuine nature I am able to talk to the people here about the great works of black literature. If youre in leimert park you should check them out!

Eso Won Books gave me a seamless ordering & delivery process, for a book I couldn’t find near me. The book came in perfect condition. Thank you to Eso Won Books- I hope to visit in person someday!

Great bookstore in Leimert Park in the heart of Los Angeles. A staple of African American literature and culture.

I stopped ordering books from Amazon during the pandemic and found this wonderful place online. I’ll never go back to the behemoth. Eso Won is *the* one. I look forward to visiting in person one day. Highly recommend!

Black owned bookstore with black authors!LOVE IT

Awesome book store with great owners!

I always find great books here. I was here not long ago. Great people, and the service is great!

Great bookstore. Extremely knowledgeable and nice owners.

Best bookstore in L.A. for sure. Gives you those homey bookish vibes youre probably looking for. Owners are VERY kind and very knowledgeable; selection of books is surprisingly huge considering the size of the store. Cool fact: they will order a book for you if you cant find a specific one!

First time visiting this wonderful Black-owned bookstore! So many important books by Black Authors, that are hard to find. Please support this business!

I could’ve spent all day in here talking authors and different styles of writing with the two gentlemen running the store. Eso Won is a gem.

Ordered my book in the beginning of July and, considering the coronavirus pandemic and the influx of people opting to support Black-owned businesses, I feel that I received my delivery in a timely manner. Any questions I had about the status of my order were helpfully answered in less than 24 hours via email. The book is in perfect condition and the online purchasing experience was easy. Will continue to buy from EsoWon Books in the future.

Ordered some books online from them and received in a timely manner. Great service. Its important to remember that we are in both a pandemic and a time when people are flocking to support black-owned businesses like this one. You have to be patient if you are ordering online. Will be ordering from them again in the future!

Amazing selection and cultural gem in Los Angeles. I ALWAYS find something I need when I visit!! Love love love this beautiful bookstore with an amazing history

I really wanted to give this place a good review. Unfortunately I ordered 4 books in June. 2 of them arrived separately and 2 still haven’t arrived (it’s October). I’m emailed and called the store and no response. :(

The most magical place on earth, love it!

Wonderful, a great place to buy books which celebrate African American life and culture. I purchased Cecily Tysons autobiography Just As I Am & Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi & Keisha N. Blain - cant wait to start reading these stories. Theres always so many new reads in Eso Won Books, I feel like Im visiting a wonderful library with historical references everywhere.

Excellent selection. And if they don’t have something in stock they can usually get it in a few days. Just ask.

I appreciate every hour I have spent in that store. I thank Eso Won books for launching my own writing career. Whether its my first book or first TV show, Eso Won books is a part of my life, and I am so grateful for it.

Absolutely amazing store! Has some many books on Blackness and history. The environment is beautiful as is the music. Ill be back soon.

Great selection of books.

Wow. What a great Bookstore. Excellent service and a great place to find new and rare books on African Americans and there stories. I Love Eso Won Bookstore.

Most reliable bookstore in the African American community. Best in current and cultural literature. Service is impeccable.

Love this Bookstore and so glad that they are still hanging in there through this Pandemic and limited hours of operation.

Great small bookstore with a large selection, considering the size of their store. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable. Support local Black-owned businesses!

Have purchased at Eso Won for years! Impossible for me to browse in this store and not purchase at least five books! Their unique collection of African American themed non-fiction, fiction and children’s book are great reads and presents for friends and family year round.

Truly appreciate this institution for the community anchor it is. Always a resource and I always look forward to each visit.

Black owned book store. They’ll order books for you if you want to keep your money in black businesses. Super friendly and great selection.

Peaceful ambiance for perusing their wonderful selection of books from diverse authors. Highly recommend checking out Eso Won in person or ordering from them online!

The 1 on 1service I received was EXCELLENT!! I needed to make several purchases and every selection was perfect and brought loads of smiles to the recipients. The JOY was so Beautiful!! They all loved the journals!! Thank you so much!!!

Love this staple in the community. Will always support this much needed source of knowledge and space that provides so much more than just books and music.

Hello, I placed an order back in February and have been trying to contact the store to get a status update or a refund. The order was never received, and I have been unable to reach the bookstore by phone or email. Order was placed in February order #18975 (on back order) and I reached out in July by email and have called several times but no one picks up.*will update review if store makes contact*

This bookstore is LEGIT! I wish I lived in LA so I could hit up this place all the time!! The staff and the store in general is so down to earth, I mean who wouldnt enjoy books for such a low price? I bought three books for four dollars each. Student discount is also applicable if you show ID so I paid about $11 in total. Great selection of genres, theres even a myriad collection of vintage books; many of which are on sale! Will definitely come back if Im ever in the area.

Great service and place, Good varieties of books.

Eso Won Books is a great local bookstore! They naturally have anything and everything, cards, a cafe, books, etc--Austin specific items. The staff was very helpful and I always enjoying supporting a local business. One of the perks: open surface parking lot in downtown. I did see a lot of advertisements for authors that will be visiting...very nice!

Great for people who love to read. Its a cool place even if youre not super into reading too. Love the decorations and the vibe. They have a lot of small artisan shops inside to explore as well. Recommended!

Excellent selection of Black authors! Beautiful store. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.

Even though it was a little bit small bookshop it doesnt matter to me. At first, I thought that this shop was nothing but when I try to look into their book display I was amazed they have a lot of books here. Everything about books it was great. My nephew loves the book I bought from here. Great staff and great service. Well done.

A neighborhood book that can assist you in all aspects of African American studies and much more. A good, thoughtful blend of new and classic books from all genres; political, historical, literary and entertainment and more. A true gem in the village.

Went to the city the other day and was just roaming around and found this great book store. They have everything there. I especially loved a lot of the local books. Great place and will definitely make a trip again.

GreatNeed to go back to get President Obamas book

Apparently, one of the last black owned bookstores in Los Angeles, located in Lemeirt Park. Its a very popular store in the area. People line up before the store opens and there were people getting in queue very close to closing time. One woman was desperate to get in to purchase a specific book that she knew the store carried and wanted to purchase as a gift. Unfortunately, due to Covid, the store hours have been shortened. The owner is very strict to adhere to Covid prevention rules: only four people in the store at a time and you must use sanitizer upon entering. Its not a large store, but does has a vast resource of African American literature, culture, and music, contemporary and historical. You can purchase in store or order online and pick up. Its very important to support these small minority owned shops that, unfortunately, are disappearing rapidly. Its just one of many recommended destinations in Los Angeles.

I shopped online- they have an astounding collection of books. I especially appreciated being able to find academic books there, but honestly they have everything.

I cant wait to peruse this bookstore again. The owner is delightful and I loved talking with him! So friendly, amazing books and culture - this is the spot!

Been going here for two decades. Tremendous selection of books and quality, friendly customer service. Never disappoints.

Great communication and delivery process for online orders. Black owned business, very satisfied customer!

Was able to find a couple of books I had been wanting to read, but it was totally an impulse buy. Normally I shop online and buy used books whenever I can. My daughter introduced me to this store, and since I love bookstores, would probably go back.

Bookstores are definitely a personal preference - that said I felt very much at home in this store. I love picking up and reading books about CA history/Bay area history and I was happy to see they had a rich diversity within their CA display.

Fully stocked Black Owned Bookstore. Welcoming environment. Currently opens during the pandemic.

The worst book store experience ever.

I cant imagine a better store for sci-fi fantasy books. Great layout, amazing selection of books, just a very classy place. Please stop by if you want to browse - we really need to keep places like this in business! Good selection of new and used books.

Great selection in a cozy store with really helpful, friendly owners who know what they sell. They have lots of author talks & signings, and occasional special events (sometimes with food!) that really make customers feel welcome. One of the anchor shops in the neighborhood. Great to support local small businesses like this one. They also take mail order requests by phone, but its always fun to stop in.

I recommend supporting Eso Won Books. The customer service is amazing and they are Black Own!

Eso Won Books! what a great store with overly helpful staff. if they dont have it they will order it for you in a heartbeat. their reviews are helpful, they have a great selection, and their travel section is extensive. cant say enough good things about this store, so go support your local bookstore before borders/B&N digest them all.

Great bookstore! Lots of sections and lots of titles. Hope they will be around for many many more years to come!

✊🏿✊🏾📚📖🐛books books Amazing books !

I placed an order online on July 2, 2020 with Eso Won Bookstore in Los Angeles, CA. I spent $204.87 which included 10 books plus shipping. As of August 1st I still have not received 9 of my books. I tried contacting the store several times but they do not answer their phone. On July 18th I sent a family member who lives in LA to the bookstore. When she arrived with my order number a gentleman went to the floor and gathered my books stating that they had all but one of the items. Note, this is 12 days after the charge posted to my account. He told my family member that they would ship that book from TN. I shortly received an email from Eso Won stating that same information that was given to my family member. On July 23, I received the one book that they said they were out of that would ship from TN. I gave the bookstore another week, hoping to get the remaining 9 books but they never arrived. I called the store, no answer. I reached out to an LA Times reporter who had written a recent story about the bookstore, no response. I even called the management company who owns the building that the bookstore is located in but the manager was out. Ive left messages on their IG account and still no response. So on August 1 I sent my family member back to the store. This time she called me while she was inquiring about my order. I could hear Mr. Fugate tell my family member that it was sent by FedX. So I told her to ask for a tracking number. She did and Mr. Fugate went to the back of the store to get on another computer. When he returned I overheard Mr. Fugate saying that he cant locate the tracking number and will have to call FedX on Monday. I told her to hand him the phone. I started my conversation by addressing him as Mr. then I proceeded to tell him that I have been trying, unsuccessfully to contact the store. I said to him how do you expect me to communicate with you to let you know that there is an issue with my order. He arrogantly responded that they are not communicating with people right now. Then he goes on to tell me that he will have to call FedX on MONDAY to see what has happened to my order. That was not good enough for me and he knew it. So with even more arrogance, he says Mam, I can refund your money if thats what you want once I find out what has happened to your order. My response was Im filing a complaint with my bank. And I have. Next stop the Better Business Bureau. Never again!...And the story continues. I went to Barnes & Noble on August 8 to purchase the books I had ordered from Eso Won but still had not received. I also purchased additional books from Amazon on August 10. On August 13 two boxes were on my porch. My Amazon purchases and to my surprise a United States Postal Service delivery from Eso Won Bookstore...the books that were supposedly shipped through FedEx. I called my bank on the same day to withdraw my claim. On August 14 I noticed that my account had more money than it should and discovered that I was issued a credit from Booksense, the E-Commerce business that manages Eso Won Bookstores online business...I guess. So I called my bank again to see if they could return the credit to Booksense and was informed that I would have to contact the merchant. I looked at my bank statement and was able to retrieve a phone number for Booksense. I called the number and of course due to Covid no answer but they do have an automated message that directs you to email the staff who can handle your issue. So on August 17 I emailed the person who seemed to be the one who would handle my situation. I received a response from this person which stated that she was forwarding my information to the help desk to handle this issue. Ive been checking my account daily to see if they have reversed the credit and as of August 22 they have not. As for the Barnes & Noble purchases, I was able to return the duplicates. If you are having an issue with an online purchase from Eso Won Bookstore, check your bank statement and contact whoever handled the online transaction.

I placed an online order 2 months ago. Still no sign of my books. I assumed there was a backlog with the recent influx of business. I figured all was well just a little delayed. I wasnt in a huge hurry, so no harm done. Until I checked online and the order was listed as completed. I have sent several emails to find out what is happening with my order. No response. I have tried calling several times, and no one ever answers the phone. I have reached out on IG. No response. I am still trying to get an answer. Ive ordered items on wish from China that have arrived in less time.

Nice jazz music and friendly service.. definitely recommend

Excellent collection of books! Super easy to order online and track

Very welcoming friendly black business owners. Expansive selection of African American studies books and movies. 10/10 will go again

Just saw Walter Mosley! He was wonderful there. The store is a treasure and just full of books everywhere. You look up theres books. Ive gone there for many years and will continue going. The owner is very nice and accomdating too.

The taller elder in the blue button up is extremely rude i will not go there again.

Excellent bookstore, wonderful staff. If they dont have what youre looking for they can order it for you with quick turnaround.

A gold mine for books written by Black people. Definitely will be back to stock up my library!

Such a fun bookstore to explore! Ive never seen such a well organized used bookstore in my life. The help is very knowledgeable and they have some great deals on hard-to-find books.

That is a really nice place to hang out on the weekend. Plenty of books and people are friendly there. Its a cool hipsters place and has two parts. I like small independent book stores.

Ive been to this bookstore a couple of times. They mostly have architecture and design books so I can never find what I need. However, its really organized and the staff is really helpful. Bookstores are making a comeback!

Who knew Indian Pizza existed, let alone be so delicious! This place was so good that I went twice! Pictured is the Slum Dog and Gateway of India. This is probably the best pizza I have ever eaten!!

My experience with Eso Won has been especially good. They have ordered books for me on many occasions and delivered on time without fail. I live 20 miles away so I have to make an effort to shop @Eso Won. I highly recommend them as a destination for books, as opposed to an afterthought.

Great layout, amazing selection of books, just a very classy place. Please stop by if you want to browse - we really need to keep places like this in business! Good selection of new and used books.

This bookshop get better and better. More famous authors visit and do readings and more new talent is discovered and allowed to access and audience. Staff is the most knowledgeable I have known in ny 15 year association. There is a book here for every lover of mystery and intrigue.

Top notch services n the releases on your favorite African American books and related products!

I love Eso Won Books it has so much to offer for a bibliophile such as myself to enjoy! The owners are knowledgeable and personable the connections are authentic!

You can find everything you need in this bookstore. Best place for book lovers.

Such a great place for budding science fiction geeks like myself.I wandered in, nodded at the hideous hairless cat perched on the counter, then told the guy I really enjoyed Pattern Recognition and was looking for something similar.I walked out with 5 new and used books tucked under my arm. Awesome.I am converted.They were all great recommendations too.

Im in love .... with Dog Eared books...could spend several hours here. The best prices on new books...better than Amazon!

I ordered a book from their website and I never received it. I have emailed and called several times about a refund and no one has gotten back to me. Theyre website claims to have tracking info for the order but nothing as such is provided. My only option is to go to their store person to person to finally get some information.

Always a great place to visit thank you James and Tom for building such a sturdy institution in our community

I loved the selection of books; however the customer service was lackluster. I was asked to leave the store with my infant when I took a brief call as I looked at children’s books.As I was leaving, I looked for signs about limiting noise or calls but saw none, which was interesting because when I initially entered the store two people were conversing. I made a purchase a few days before I left LA but was disappointed since I came specifically to that area to support black owned businesses

Its always a pleasure visiting Eso Won books. They have a great selection of books at a reasonable prices. I really enjoy their childrens section for little readers.They are a true treasure within the Leimert Park district of Los Angeles.

Ent in to see if I could trade some books I no longer needed, and Yay! They took almost all of them. The way they calculate and allow you to use store credit is a little odd and really hard to follow, but a few dollars is better than no dollars when I would have just donated them otherwise. I was also really psyched to find some 1st Editions at a good price and the ladies were really sweet. I shall be back!

I love this shop because all the books is new and affordable.

A gem in our neighborhood. This event was actually the Umoja Center, not too far away. Eso Won brings the best authors to the area.

This is my favorite book store. I will love this place to death

I love this establishment because it carries books I enjoy reading. There are also book talks and educational events that serve the community in such a way that most academic colleges and universities fail.

A hidden gem in Leimert Park. A place that holds a wealth of knowledge on the history of Black people.

Great place and very attractive store. Books are incredibly powerful. The team is fantastic with a great knowledge. Review by Bambou from We Can Foundation

Great neighborhood bookstore! Offering the best eclectic selections in African American fiction and non fiction books in Los Angeles. Theres something for everyone at Eso Won Books!

I love it! Very diverse selection of fun reads.

Wonderful place that you cant miss when visiting CA. Learn about his history too!

Absolutely LOVE this bookstore, tons of really really great books for all ages! I definitely recommend this store to anyone that loves books.

Black and African American literati! Great place to browse.

Great bookstore! Lots of books for adults and kids. Lots of African American novels to choose to buy and read!

This store is more than a neighborhood book store but a cultural legacy. Bring your family to pick two for three books to add to the family library. Reading creates potential. Potential leads to opportunities.