Not at all overrated- genuinely terrific, enormous and navigable selection. Check out their sale section- we’ll curated with current gems that are still full-price most places. Tiny cafe in the basement - would recommend for coffee & pastries, likely not for your whole meal.

I tried to use the value left on a P and P gift card I had been given before covid. Clerk refused to accept credit owed to me because 1) she said I had to be an active P and P member to use the remaining value and 2) gift cards are only good for six months. A different clerk said gift cards are god for five years, but no matter, first clerk had already recycled my card.So now, after being a P and P customer for well over 20 years, I’m out the value and P and P is out a customer. So much for supporting small local businesses. I’ll but books at Amazon from now on. Sad.

A neighborhood and DC wide treasure. The latest and best books in all genres. I always walk in not knowing what will catch my eye and walk out with two or three new reads. The store hosts frequent lectures by current authors. Their website is a great source for those who cant drop in .

Very helpful staff. The atmosphere is chill. Don’t skip on the sale room because you can find some nice gems there. Also the kids section is very fun

Best bookstore in the area, great selection of books and a lot of political and fun souvenirs. I have never been to a better bookstore. Their food is pretty good too. The staff is excellent and they are very helpful. They always have great suggestions and will always be helpful. I can always count on a great book when i go to Politics and Prose.ProseVery helpful staffGood foodLarge selectionConsNone!

Only been here once before several years ago... And that was just to get a hot cup of tea on a cold day.Staff was super friendly and super informed. Knew all the books we were looking for and had info about future books. Recommended several series we didnt even know about.

No one ~really~ needs to be told this, but Politics and Prose is one of the best bookstores in DC. Of course, it is not as hole-in-the-wall or small sized as some other really great books shops in the city, but it is still one of my favorites. The different locations are also a benefit to different residents and visitors! I do love their shop at the Wharf too. Feels open and new. If youre visiting the Connecticut Ave. one definitely check out some of the local eateries around there too!

Great bookstore! The staff is helpful and friendly and they have an excellent selection. In addition, they host events and author appearances on a regular basis. Highly recommended!

Politics and Prose is a solid classic.Its super clean, organized and has an excellent selection of books that you cant always find everywhere else. They carry both new and used. Two stories of glorious books!They also have great events, book clubs and member deals. They support a lot of local events, organizations and authors which is a plus.Ive never actually had their coffee or food, just tea. But their menu does look delightful. They seemed to have a generous amount of vegetarian options.DC classic.

Fantastic selection of books, including those for children. And look for their all-star lineup of author-speakers. Finally, start reading the book you just bought downstairs in the Den coffee shop.

A unique bookstore and cafe in this day and age of everything being online. Nothing like spending some time perusing through books and enjoying a fantastic latte!

What a gift to be able to walk to an independent bookstore and feed my spirit - such helpful staff and all sorts of options have kept us feeling safe through the long year. The curbside pickup has been super but it feels even better to be able to wander the aisles for a few minutes now. Thank you Politics and Prose for the fantastic recommendations and excellent service.:)

In one word; Wonderful. My god; where have all the real bookstores gone📚? This one truly is a place for all ages with its variety of books & energy brought on by those that come for the purchase of the book or for a book reading by the author....or both🤗; which is why we were there today. Politics and Prose Bookstore allows the reader to feel comfortable and confident when looking for a book suited to ones liking. The staff are fabulous and the vibe is intoxicating. A must see place to go to to experience for yourself.

When I lived four blocks away, it was my home away from home. So nice for a return visit.

I came from Philadelphia to attend their recent author of it with Francesca Ramsey in conversation with Damon Young. The event was excellent. I’m so glad to see how they regularly bring authors to connect with the community. I do wish they would require an RSVP so that they know how many people to expect and could plan to have adequate seating. There were about 40 people standing in the back after seating ran out. I do like how the staff worked to make sure the event concluded on time and helped everyone meet the author in a timely manner. I also noticed there coffee shop and wine boutique downstairs which was a nice touch for a bookstore. They seem to have a pretty wide selection of books on all various topics. I would love to attend another event here.

This review is for their online service, although Ive been to the physical location a few times and would highly recommend visiting! I ordered a limited edition printing of Pride and Prejudice through their online store, after finding it unavailable everywhere else that I looked. I was amazed that within a week, Politics and Prose had ordered me a copy and had it on the way to my door! You truly cant beat indie bookstores :) No other place I checked offered to track it down! Thank you so much for the incredible service!!

Bookstores are dying. Support the good ones to keep them going. DCs best book store now offers a cozy coffee and pastry space in the basement.

The staff and atmosphere are absolutely amazing, they go above and beyond in trying to help you find the books youre looking for.

Ive been coming here for decades and this is the best bookstore in DC. The staff are so helpful in recommending books not only for myself but for gifts even when I give them a vague idea of what Im looking for. They seem to always have such excellent recommendations.The only major pro/con of this location is the non-stop events. While cool, if you are just trying to get a book, probably not a good idea to come in the evenings during the week. When an event or author signing is occurring, ALL parking is gone and its a bit awkward trying to find a book with a huge group of people attending an event. Again, a pro because they have these events and bring authors in for readings and stuff but a con if you are trying to shop during these times. Still 5-stars because I just avoid these times and everything is posted online well in advance.

It was a nice place nice and quiet and you didnt have you waiting on and food was okay

Good bookstore, though the collection could be a bit more extensive. Great coffee shop downstairs, extremely nice staff. The salad bowls are especially generous and delish.

Favourite bookstore in DC

This is a great store but very pricey. The atmosphere and layout was nice!

Wonderful costumer service. Very good books, I wouldve spent all of my money there if I could.

Whats to say? Arguably the best bookstore in DC, its an institution. Wonderful selection, helpful staff, great atmosphere. A+ in just about every way.

Great selection of books. Nice merchandise, hats, stickers, notepads etc. and good coffee in the basement!

Went last week just to browse. Lots of choices. Theres a 30-minute browsing limit so id suggest considering your priority book topics beforehand. If they have to be at capacity when you arrive, be prepared to wait in line outside. Friendly staff.

Love this place. Picked up my 1st grader at regular dismissal for 1:1 time with me (rare) during a rainy Monday. She had the fruit custard and hot chocolate while I asked her about school (no interruptions from her younger sibling). We then browsed for books in the kids section. She loved the upstairs grown up section too and browsed a book on Presidential portraits (I had no idea where she found it).

Such a good selection of books and puzzles.

Love the place, have been going there for 26 years since I arrived in DC.Since Covid, no in-person authors readings. I miss those.My only issue is the store does not carry enough books that interest me. Too much politics, not enough prose, and not enough Middle Eastern or Eastern Europe/Russian prose.

Overrated. Staff isn’t very welcoming. Had mask above my nose the entire time while in the store and was asked to raise it. When I pointed out it was clearly above my nose she about had an aneurysm and stomped away. Also the selection seems like it’s been vetted by the Ministry of propaganda. Comes with the territory I guess. Guy in the coffee shop was nice to me so there’s that :)

I loved this sophisticated and trendy bookstore located in the Chevy Chase section of Washington, DC. Plenty of books. Very knowledgeable and friendly associates to help you with book recommendations, questions, and anything else about the merchandise. I loved shopping here.

Love everything about this DC icon. 😃❤️👍

Great 2-level bookstore with a coffee shop downstairs and lots of sections full of brain food. They even have a sale section, though Im not sure if there are any used books here, I didnt notice any. This is the larger of the DC P&P locations. They host author talks many days out of the month so remember to grab a newsprint magazine to see whats upcoming that month. Oh and they have a pretty good selection of stationary supplies as well as literary and social justice themed gift type things (eg bookmarks, playing cards, socks, plushies) - great place to find something(a) for a friend instead of buying online.

Great little bookstore and cafe. Lots of author signings and the like. Parking is a bear at gifts DC location, show up early for events.

A local favorite and for good reason. A vast selection of unique books with a knowledgeable and helpful staff.Once you find your new book head downstairs to the den coffee house and wine bar to grab a drink(I suggest the London fog) and dive into your new read.

Great meet-the-author and book signing events, like David Michaels

Amazing! Great independent bookstore.

Never wanted to leave. A piece of heaven on earth.

Great cafe selection and relaxing place to hang out. Some unique books and displays. If you are in DC you must stop by this place!

Politics and Prose is one of the best bookstores ever. The staff are knowledgeable. Recommendations abound and there is no judgement regarding different interests!

Great selections

Great local bookstore.

Great place to browse. Everyone wears a mask, uses handwipes when they enter. Excellent customer service too! Buy a book so bookstores dont go out of business.

Glad to have this institution in our neighborhood!

Great place to read and enjoy a great coffee! It’s usually crowded. No wait lines and great staff.

I cant say enough good stuff. One of the coolest bookstores Ive been to and I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur.

Favorite local bookstore. Great selection. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. Even a wonderful coffee shop in basement. Looking forward to the in-store readings once again, after covid.

Visited for the first time today and will definitely be returning. They had a great variety of both children and adult books. I appreciate the diversity in the literature and was impressed by their covid prevention efforts.

Best in class: The best bookstore in the US. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and their events are first class. I’ve always found the books I needed, even if at times obscure titles. I now order from them regularly to support independent bookstores. I also order puzzles from there! And new baby gift: book of the month.

Its much larger inside than it appears from the outside. Got assistance quickly and prices are comparable to the large chains. Didnt go to the coffee shop part but was really pleased and surprised at the variety.

DCs best bookstore in the city. Michelle Obama even came out to sign her books here and the line was all the way down the street. On a regular they have a great selection of good books for adults and children.

Great local bookstore with a good selection and helpful staff.

Cozy, helpful staff, good social distancing without being paranoid, lovely book choice

There needs to be more bookstores likes this! Really impressive amount of signed books by authors available on the shelf. The store also hosts an impressive number of author events and signings.

Its a small community owned business. Been shopping there since attending American University 40 yrs ago! Always enjoy my visits.

Using their website, I ordered my desired book online, received a email that my order was ready, and picked up my book inside the store. I was in and out in in less than a minute!

It is small but nice. The bookstore is quite clean. It has an elevator, public restroom, and usually without corona rules it has a bustling cafe on the bottom floor. I always find great things there

Great collection and the staff is super helpful

Love this place .

Good local bookstore, conveniently located for the upper NW DC professional classes. Very good on politics and history. Lectures and signings by visiting authors. Good selection of greeting cards. Espresso bar where the sons and daughters of those same professional classes can get summer jobs. The store will be happy to ship your books for you.

It’s a small store. No real magazine selection to speak of. Nothing international. Seems like a neighborhood place despite the reputation.

A lovely and wonderful bookstore. Truly excellent selection.

This bookstore is amazing! They have author talks nearly every day! The coffeeshop was really nice, too....and they even serve beer and wine, which is unusual for a bookstore. I want to go back during the day sometime....we wanted to buy things, but the line to check out was really long and they were about to close. Very nice place. They have gifts and novelty items as well as books. I wanted to buy a tea ball, shaped like a cat, and they have some really really nice notebooks.

Only cool people hang out there 😎

The best local bookstore. We love it. The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful and the selection is excellent.

A great indy book store in Upper NW DC.

Busy. They ask you to be in and out in 30 minutes. Excellent book choices in kiosks.

If only we get paid doing this reviews to prosper businesses

Lovely local bookstore that packs a punch with helpful staff and perfect gifts for the whole family

So many amazing books!

Went in here to get coffee because Little Red Fox was too crowded, we had our dog with us so we asked first if we can bring her in and an employee on the bookstore level told us yes. Went downstairs to get coffee and as soon as we got our coffee and sat down, coffee bar employee asked us if our dog was a service dog. We told him no and he informed us in a rude way that we couldnt sit inside the coffee shop. We explained to him that we were told upstairs that we could. We politely moved to the area in front of the bathrooms which is right outside the coffee bar area. After a few minutes, we decided to take our coffee to go, there was a line to order so I politely asked one of the guys serving behind the counter for a to-go cup. When I asked him for one, he pointed to them instead of giving me one but then he realized he needed to actually give me one but before he gave it to me, he asked me what it was for! I honestly couldnt believe how rude he was. Not sure why he asked what it was for but obviously it was so I can take my coffee to go! Before I left, I went to the bathroom while my boyfriend waited with my dog. When I got out, I saw that my boyfriend along with others were carrying an elderly man down the steps. The man had fainted and was going to fall head first so my boyfriend dropped his coffee cup and our dog to run up the steps so he can catch the man. Our dog ran upstairs scared. I asked my boyfriend where our dog was and he said he thought he saw one of the employees pick her up. When I went upstairs to ask an employee, she had no idea and couldnt tell me where she was. I started walking around the store calling for my dogs name until the employee behind the register informed me that my dog was hiding behind the register.I was upset with how the employees treated us and how they reacted to the situation. I would think that someone would have picked up our dog knowing that my boyfriend had rushed up to save a man from falling down the steps. So disappointing.

Whats not to love about this neighborhood book store and other curiosities. Excellent coffee shop and bakery in the basement.

Friendly, knowledgable and helpful staff. Excellent inventory and warm, collegial atmosphere.

Great bookstore - tons of space with everything you would ever need.

The most friendly people work there and are always open to giving book suggestions, and they have a wide selection of different genres, as well as extras.

Great selection kind workers

Live nearby this bookstore and it came highly recommended. I love many bookstores and this one is one of the best. Its locally beloved and for a good reason. Theres something for everyone! They have a huge selection, two stories worth. They have a large sale section as well as a music area. The workers are knowledgeable and can help you find and recommend things. I was impressed that they even placed out the seasons picks by one of the workers in the music section. They also have many events by famous authors, politicians, and other writers. It has a warm and welcoming feel to it and theres even a hidden coffee shop on the bottom floor. Theres even gifts and souvenirs for the tourist or the locally proud. Cant recommend this place enough and Im glad that theyre expanding to other parts of the city!

I love love LOVE this bookstore. It is my go-to for gifts for everyone. They have a fabulous children’s section. The staff knows their stuff and can offer recommendations if you are stumped. They have a great non-book gift selection as well, and lots of unique and fun “DC” gifts. In addition, they have interesting author-talks and a great coffee/cafe.

Look at the calendar of speakers (or the crowd control on Christmas!) and you’ll understand the respect that this neighborhood bookstore has earned. The P&P/Comet one-two punch makes for a satisfying night out.

Love this place, its everything you imagined and more from an indie bookstore. Great cafe with character, wonderful kids section, great selections for everyone. Plus, theres always an interesting author talk with Q&A!

One of my fave bookstores

Best book store.

I was on #uncensoredDC scavenger hunt. They were very helpful and friendly.

An absolute institution in DC. They have every type of book you could want to read or skim or buy or gift. They do incredible author events, and all around the city. They also have a cafe/bar downstairs for group hangs. You cant visit DC without coming here!

Politics and Prose is one of my favorite bookstores! It is so cozy and has a great variety of books. The cafe downstairs is wonderful as well! Overall, Politics and Prose is an amazing place!

Super wonderful place for readers (learners & thinkers). Superbly curated selection of intellectual, entertaining, and amusingly colorful dead trees. All that, plus a coffee/tea/wine bar downstairs.Aside from the non-accessible Connecticut Ave entrance (go to the downstairs/back), what more could a thinking person want?

Christmas Eve shopping 2020: nice bookshop, but this morning when we shopped there we overheard the seemingly untrained staff being abrupt, at times even rude, to loyal customers quietly asking polite and normal questions.

Fun place to go to. Walking through the aisles and checking out books, getting a pastry or drinking a tea or coffee. They have featured authors talking about their books and autographing them. Nice place for 1 to 2 hours.

A DC institution! Great selection. Helpful staff. And a little cafe downstairs.

Fascinating just to browse excellent selections and recommendations. Check out the coffee bar.

Great books. Ill give them a 3 out of 4 on staff friendliness. The first guy who helped us find a book was greatThe guy at the check out was total sourpuss.

This is a charming bookstore with a nice selection of books and a quality cafe in the basement. The food at the cafe was delicious and well priced. Overall, a great place to explore and visit.

Best local book store in DC with a knowledgeable staff.

Glad to have a vigorous independent bookstore in my area, especially in the age of amazon. What they cant fit in the store, they can probably order for you. The young adult and childrens sections downstairs feel like a magic catacomb hideaway. Its a place that invites you to linger.

Wonderful independent bookstore with an excellent selection of books & gifts.

This is my favorite bookstore in the world! I am very grateful for their terrific staff recommendations

Politics and Prose is by far the best book store in the DMV area. What I enjoy most are the author talks; many are free and some are not. Although I feel some of the author talk prices are a bit high the experience of meeting the authors and receiving feed back from the questions you ask is well worth it. I am so grateful for what the new owners have done with Politics and Prose, they have helped me grow and develop my understanding of the world and on how to become a better person.

Enjoyable evening with Jose Andres at P&P

They have a wonderful selection of books for all ages and of all genres and the staff is very nice and helpful. The little items such as candles and socks can be overpriced, but other than that I have no complaints.