What a great bookstore - GO! This place is beautiful, and fairly large for a DC bookstore with both a lower level and a ground floor. Colorful, fun, and well curated new books, gifts, puzzles, etc for all ages and interests. On the bottom level, there were even (very friendly) staff members there for information like book recommendations and guidance. - I had never seen something like that before! I truly appreciated this bookstore and plan to go whenever Im by Eastern Market. The dog wall was so fun, and the shelf organization was booktok worthy! 5/5

I love East City Books. It’s my all time favorite bookstore. The staff are terrific and incredibly knowledgeable. I know I can always count on them for spot on book recommendations for me and my family. My daughters have always loved the young adult books that staff recommended for them.

This is a great independent local bookstore. They have a little of everything and will happily order what they dont have. The orders come in fast. A nice childrens and YA section. I always find something to read when I visit. You can also buy arts and crafts for the kids. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Well worth the visit and there are lots of things to do around the area. Visit the bookstore then go and have lunch.

This is my favorite bookstore in DC! I go out of my way to stop by this bookstore whenever I’m in town. They have a smart layout which utilizes their small space well. It makes the bookstore look much bigger and doesn’t feel crowded or cramped. They have a great selection of books and their staff are all so knowledgeable and friendly. Throughout the bookstore you’ll see little green cards on the bookshelves which include the staff’s thoughts on specific books. I think this is such a fun idea and I love to spend half my browsing time just reading what the cards say. There is a certain charm that this bookstore has that none of the other DC bookstores have.

This is my favorite bookshop in the city (yes, I have been to Kramers), and it is entirely because of the people who work there. They are incredibly helpful and very willing to take time and help you find what you need (even when you didnt know what you were looking for). Their section is also awesome!

The best small bookstore in DC! I’ve been all over the city looking for that perfect bookstore, and this is it! Extremely friendly staff and nice recommendations below books throughout the shop.I love the layout and varied selection. Also check out the retro posters downstairs, perfect for that bibliophile in your life. Looking forward to visiting again!

Looking to spend in an indie bookshop, and get good recommendations for your next reading/journaling adventure? Look no further! Just look quick, because they are only open 1pm - 6pm. I particularly liked their selection of greeting cards, sassy socks, and journaling/sketching books and supplies.

Terrific independent bookstore with owners and staff who really care that the store carries expected and great unexpected titles. The staff also make great recommendations. On ordered purchases, the communication is terrific. Totally worth any minor price difference over Amazon

I visited for the 5th Anniversary and Independent Bookstore day. The staff was fantastic and loved the layout of the store. They used the different genres of books to create these cozy sort of browsing nooks. They also had very creative displays and loved that they had staff picks identified with small cards with reviews on them. I will definitely be back.

Visiting from out of town and enjoyed this wonderful store. Incredibly helpful staff, dog friendly, well organized, and I was able to pick up a handful of really great reads!

A fantastic find filled with a diverse collection of local writers and national favorites. The staff is very attentive to customers needs willing to suggest finds if needed, or seek out authors.The downstairs space has more choices including graphic novels and other comic books. There is also room for small gatherings to hear readings of works.

I ordered a book for collection by phone last week. Unfortunately, the store had to temporarily close before the book could be collected, so the staff arranged for the book to be delivered instead. I could not ask for better customer service, the staff - Margo, in particular - were so kind, courteous and helpful at all stages and hence I was happy to be supporting their business. I would recommend this shop to anybody in the DC area. Also, if you are ordering from abroad, they are able to cater to people shopping from all over the world. I have never known better service from a bookshop!

Amazon who? This local Capitol Hill book store is fantastic and carries all the latest kids books that your kids are craving. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable about book genres. They even have a great rewards program that gives you store credit! Next time you are on the Hill stop by this gem of a book store.

Visited this bookstore on 1/24 and had a tremendous visit! The store did a phenomenal job on emphasizing safety in the time of COVID and all of the staff were warm and inviting. They were extremely helpful and the store was a breeze to navigate and find everything we were looking for! The only downside was a 20 minute recommendation for browsing -- not nearly enough time to enjoy a bookstore and look through all the books on offer. I completely understand where they are coming from though with COVID. We will be coming back!!

Their romance section is extensive - something a lot of book stores are missing. Great spot!

Wonderful local bookshop. Highly recommended.

Great space, helpful and knowledgeable staff, awesome selection for the size of the store. If they don’t have it, they will order it for you and generally just days later you will have it in your hands. Community minded and interested in meeting the needs of their customers. What more could you ask for?!?!

Was just visiting over the weekend to attend the reading and book signing by Vashti Harrison. The author and illustrator of Little Leaders.Great book store and excellent selection of books and gift items!

The folks at East City have always been helpful and attentive. Before COVID, it was nice to wander the store and find new books to try, but since the pandemic has forced us to live differently, ECB has adapted. Their system of providing online orders at the door has been a nice addition that allows us to get our books while supporting a local bookstore.

Cute little bookstore with lots of interesting items, and a big love for dogs. We especially love the little childrens area downstairs in the back, with sticker books, foreign languages, and more. A great place for finding unique gifts, and plenty of books in politics which isnt surprising :)

Cute place to go and hang out. There is seating downstairs, and they hold talks and events. Worth a visit.

Friendly and efficient service. Order a book, get a book AND support a local business. Lovely staff, great selection.

I cannot get over East City.One of my family members said it best, This bookshop does what a library should. East City Bookshop is an almost criminally cozy shop that lures you and doesnt let you out. East City offers a ton of different activities and groups that people can join, and it feels like a part of the neighborhood. The only two critiques I can really give it is the lack of scientifically oriented, or academically oriented books, however, they never display themselves as such, so it is more a wish than an unfulfilled expectation. Secondly, East City is rather tucked away, you have to descend a few steps down into a small alley of shops to access it, and for a first time visitor I wouldnt hold it against you if you missed it, but what a gem to pass up!

A great little book store in the post-book store era. Very friendly and helpful staff. Kid friendly with a great selection of kids books and other activities. Right next door to Labyrinth game store, so a great spot for birthday party shopping.

I went for the introverts happy hour. The event was very nice, with wine, beer, cheese, and snacks available. It was pleasant to peruse the books and have a snack. The selection of books available was great, and the staff very friendly! I will definitely be returning.

Its cozy, great selection, employees are very kind and very careful with social distancing and sanitizing - love the place before and during COVID

Truly embodies the feeling and spirit of your neighborhood independent bookstore. Sometimes I wish the selection was broader, but the store makes up for it with community events, book signings, free wine nights, and an exceptionally friendly staff. Go kill an hour there, then take the family to the board game store right next door and youll be set for a weekend of no screens.

Great small bookshop. They have the things you want in the space that they have. Selection was a little limited as it was opening weekend concurring with tabletop day next door so the shelves were already getting picked through. They have your best sellers and then the deeper hits of J G Ballard. Brian Sanderson pocket guides, current science writing. The staff is knowledgeable and capable of putting in orders. They have a great layout. Yes, they have adult coloring books. They also had a space for authors to talk really great shop for the community. Now there is a place to get something to read around all these bars and coffee shops.

They are always able to suggest a perfect gift or help you find your next page turner! Dont waste time wondering if you should visit. Just go!!

This is a lovely small bookstore. While I wish certain genres had more of a selection, the staff is more than happy to help me track down a copy. Visiting East City Bookshop is an all around pleasant experience.

The best local bookshop. They are super helpful and always have a great selection of recommendations on display. I love browsing the gifts and childrens books as well.

Love love love this little gem of a bookstore. Welcoming atmosphere, and I love the notes the staff leaves on the bookshelves with recommendations. Last time I was there they were setting up for a cute story time for kids, AND this place is dog friendly! My pup also loves it here, too. A+ place!

If you are looking for a COMMUNITY bookstore in DC, look no further. This might be my all-time favorite place in the city. Everyone at East City is so welcoming and constantly works to create a community around love for books and the authors that write them. From them helping me put on events for my students to hosting incredible book clubs, meet-ups, and author visits, to the wide knowledge and selection they have of books in their beautiful space. I cannot say enough awesomeness about East City Bookshop!

Really cute book store, but kinda tucked away. Everyone was extremely friendly & helpful.There are 2 floors, with the bulk of things being on the downstairs level. Theres a relatively large selection for such a compact space but, if you can not find what youre seeking, they will do special ordering for you. It takes about 2 days for special orders (it seems).Its great having such a cool book store in the neighborhood again!

Very crowded layout to an already small bookstore-- bad for browsing. Knowledgeable and warm staff. Selection is limited and a little mainstream. Depends on what youre looking for, though-- they will reliably have hard copies of recognizable titles.

Love this super-community friendly book store. Great selection, very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

This bookstore had a pretty sizeable selection of quality books. The staff was very friendly and the environment was very cozy. Would definitely enjoy going back there.

Wow, this book store is more than just great books. It is a community place for lectures, small couches for reading, funny greeting cards, gift items organized by cateogories: cat liver, book lover, feminist etc. If u havent been there in awhile it has grown with a full basement of goodies including a childrens section. Anytime I need a great gift, i will go there!

Unexpectedly nice book store. I wish there was a cafe. Overall, great service, diverse book options.

This new, fresh bookshop is a welcome addition to the community. They keep a wide selection of new books in every genre, with a keen eye on inclusion and new talent. The staff is sharp, and the design lovely. Were glad to have them in the neighborhood.

This place is really cute, with a lot of personality and a good variety of books. I get the idea that the staff and management are actually interested in books and not just trying to sell products (like the Amazon bookstore).

Massive selection

Fascinating collection, fantastic staff ... what more could a bibliophile want?

This place is really awesome. I love that they take their job really seriously. The staffers here are always ready to help you out. Best bookstore in town.

Neat spot tucked away on PA Ave SE. You pretty much need to be on foot to spot it, but in this age of vanishing bookstores, having a cozy hidden bookstore a block from a public library is a pleasant alternative for book browsing. Surprising large inside for as small as its frontage would indicate.

A really cute bookstore that stocks really awesome books. I really like how friendly the guys here are. They even assist you when it comes to picking out books. Best place ever.

Excellent independent bookstore staffed by friendly, passionate readers! East City offers a book club for everyone, author events, and more. Audiobook or ebook fan? They offer those too. Their staff recommendations never let me down. It’s my favorite place.

A paradise for the person that knows that time is just a category. A person who recognizes that the pleasure of finding a good book to read cant be measured in the minutes you invest feeding your spirit.

Lovely selection of books and reading space. Also got to listen to a kids storytime thing so that was pretty dope

A great selection of books and a knowledgeable staff

Great childrens books section. My daughter loved it.

Great local business with everything you need.

I am sure this place is popular and sells great books but I like bookshops to be dark, musty and filled with small rooms and alcoves for reading. The staff were great.

The cutest little bookshop and the staff are so friendly! They also have storytime for the little ones on Tuesday...love this place!

You can find all kinds of books here. From travel guides to fantasy novels, they have everything! Staff was friendly and theyre very helpful for book suggestions.

Looks small, and then you realize theres a downstairs. Great selection of books for a small, independent bookstore. Looks like they have author visits as well.

We went to an event here that was amazing. A wonderful, cozy place to browse, find new books and connect with the community.

Great bookstore with a wide selection of books, helpful staff, and occasional entertainment. Its definitely worth a trip if you are in the area.

Great service. Good prices. Not on shelf? Just ask. Near Eastern Market

The East City Bookshop had exactly what I wanted, right up front!Friendly, helpful and engaging staff!I will be back!🌞

I like this book store, even though its in a basement, its clean, quiet, and professional.

Amazing customer service, super helpful!

Very cute local book store! Friendly staff with a variety of genres to choose from. I like how the store hosts a varierty of events and you can also join some book clubs too! Support your local bookstore!!

Its a nice location with plenty of selection and theyll most likely have what youre looking for and if not they can order it in! Definitely will be back!

A pretty amazing selection of books. A beautiful space the two levels. Check out there a childrens book section and theyre impressive selection of graphic novels.

Nice place to visit. Lots of book collection. The space is bright and well organized. Love it!

Really lovely staff to go with the good selection of books and bookish items

Good people quick supply of any book the dont have

Got some good books for myself and the kids. A nice little gem.

Local bookseller very extensive stock and super knowledgeable staff great childrens books.

Probably the best curated book collection in DC. Not a bad choice in sight. The staff is friendly and the store is always pristine.

Solid independent bookshop with a good selection.

Love this place! Only took away a star because it’s small so the selection is limited but for its size it couldn’t be better.

I love this bookshop, it has a great poetry collection and a welcoming atmosphere.

Great bookshop and gifts. Big area downstairs, but easy to miss.

Fun local bookshop with cool author events. Lots of diversity in types and genres of books, too.

Found out about a YA aurhor coming to town and signing her new book, Naomi Novik. The new book shop is quiant, it is a little small. The shape and size of a great old shop; however, it was refurnished and remodeled to be a new store. I feel that they might have ruined the feel if the character from the overall building by bringing its decor into the 20th century. I did talk to briefly to the owner about the process of getting authors there for Events and she was super helpful and gracious that we came out to the store.

Fairly new but already a neighborhood institution, with its terrific selection, very helpful staff, and a warm and very welcoming design.

Great bookstore with an extensive childrens section and tons of poetry books!

Absolutely love this book store. So quaint!

Lovely store, helpful staff; can get books they dont have in hand super quickly.

Beautiful place! They also have a corner with toys and a blackboard for kids to use

My favorite book shop. Best staff anf selection!

Newish bookstore in basement off of Pennsylvania Ave SE. Good selection, cheerful atmosphere.

My favorite bookstore in DC. Great selection, very comfy chairs.

Its so nice to have a bookstore back on Capitol Hill

What a wonderful bookshop. Just a delight!

Clerks are very helpful and there is a wide variety of games, toys

I bought a book

Fun place, great selection

Lovely spot with great books, recommendations, and friendly staff. Support your neighborhood bookstore!

I found a great deal on a Patti Smith book downstairs

Cute bookshop, great selection and friendly staff. Not your typical bookstore.

Great space, expansive collection, and very helpful staff.

A local fave. never disappoints!

Great independent book store. Very helpful staff

Small, yet well curated. Caring and intelligent staff.

I go there all the time to get books of all variety of books. The staff there are all really nice and helpful.

Wonderful!

Best bookstore in the city!