A fun independent bookstore right on H St, this bookstore has a great selection and curation of books for all readers. They have your best-sellers as well as books I wouldnt normally come across, so its great to explore. They also have amazing gifts, cards, puzzles, pins, etc!I was really impressed by their events and the authors they have speak there, including Jane Mount, Glennon Doyle, and Brene Brown !!, especially considering its one of the youngest bookstores in DC! I loved the layout of the store, including the nook/tunnel for the kids section. I loved the open, airy feeling of the store as well, and staff were friendly.
A great bookstore on H Street - they have a wide, carefully chosen selection - i.e., not just the 25 most popular books on a topic, but a wide range to cover different subject matters.Staff was friendly and looking to be helpful.They also had a good mix of other items such as t-shirts and mugs.Flat out a great bookstore.
Solid state is a pretty solid (😁) local bookstore experience. The staff are super friendly and helpful, welcoming you when you walk in the door. The sections are displays are laid out nicely to find what you need for the most part. My one complaint (and its minor) is that sometimes they dont have new release books or the widest selection available in the store. They are very willing to order a title for you and will call you when the book arrives, but this adds 2-3 days of waiting for the book and a return visit. Others may be frustrated by this and seek another book seller for the purchase. Ill still keep supporting the store, just wish their stock was better!
Amazing help with authentic love of books. Wide selection of fun gifts- I could hardly narrow down what I wanted to take home. Friendly neighborhood, fun decor.
Very much liked my first physical visit to Solid State Books. I liked and atmosphere and vibe inside and was impressed with the selection particularly of larger books emphasizing photography, art, and the like.
Very friendly staff. Helpful in locating books in the area
The employees were so nice and welcoming. Ill definitely be back here again
Great place to browse for books in a wonderful atmosphere
Beautiful book store with so many options and fun stationery items!
Just popped in and purchased two books. Highly recommend.
A great Indy book store!
Really nice, seamless experience! I called and placed my order over the phone and picked it up a few minutes later. The curbside experience was super easy. The staff is really nice and it seems like they have a pretty great selection of books and other items!
Fantastic store and a fixture in the neighborhood. Selection is great, I think somewhat less prone to DC bookstores innate skew towards contemporary politics/public affairs, in a good way. Checking inventory online is easy, and theyre very helpful over the phone. Ordering for pickup under reopening restrictions is a breeze. Looking forward to a full reopening when they resume events and readings.
Great book store lots of options
Great neighborhood bookstore and incredibly easy to pick up the phone and call to order a book, even if its not in stock. Staff are genuinely helpful and interested in getting you the book you need.
Ordered online and decided to go with this local store instead of Amazon. Came away impressed. Easy ordering, fast shipping, and money stays local. Will definitely order again.
Great independent bookstore with excellent customer service. Scott helped me find a perfect Christmas gift. I’ll continue buying from this great bookstore.
A well-curated selection of books, gifts, and good things to drink and eat! A spacious gathering place for the community and the city. Ordering by phone and online is also very easy. Well done, Solid State Books team!
Great book shop. Nice people. Love the curbside pickup option. They called me when both books I wanted came in - one I didnt even realize they had officially ordered for me. Top service.
I love this book store :)
The staff here are always friendly and helpful, particularly during COVID. Just shoot them an email with your order and they’ll contact you to confirm payment and pickup details.
Loved this bookstore.
Cool place! I didnt even know it was there until I was invited by a friend to a book signing. Nothing like a good old-fashioned book you can feel in your hands and turn the pages and get the author to sign.
Chill place to grab a book, coffee, beer, or wine.
This is a surprisingly welcoming bookstore. I was a bit hesitant at first going in because of the industrial vibe which doesnt quite inspire the reader in me. But there is space to browse at leisure and there is a broad, well-curated selection of books. Plus, the lighting is soft and low, and its nice and warm and cozy inside. I especially appreciated the local touches -- the DC-specific posters and a selection of planners designed in DC were my favorites. I definitely plan on going back here.
Honestly, for the prime real estate this place has, it’s sort of a dud in my opinion. Limited selection of books while they leave a lot of the floor space open. I figure its more of a quiet phantom bar that lets you think you’re not at the bar because there are some books. If you’re not coming in for a drink, this won’t be a staple for book lovers. I’ll be surprised if it lasts. It would be great to have on that street a bookstore just packed with books that you can get lost browsing through. Too much quaint merchandising and not enough of that smell of bound paper. They do seem to have a lot of events, I may just not be their target audience.
I found exactly what I was looking for and more. After reading an article by James Hatch, I was inspired to reread the Iliad. They were quick to respond online that they had several different translations. I found the shop well laid out and welcoming with an incredible selection of books and other useful items for long train rides like pencils, notebooks, and small water bottles. They also had a childrens section and a cafe.
Lacking in service. I ordered a book over the phone and was told it would arrive in 4 days. After waiting a week called back to check on the order, only to be told its on back order. Seems like it would have been a good idea to let me know that, dont ya think?
I know this is my kind of bookstore because almost all the books lining the walls are political and current, and they are concerned with issues that impact my future. Its actually ridiculous how up to date the shelves are. I want this to be my personal library. My former professor gave a book talk here and lots of other distinguished authors are featured here regularly. I love the staff who are friendly and informative. And theres good coffee.
Support your local book store, especially ones with beer, coffee, and social events. It also has great stationary, an amazing childrens section, and friendly knowledgeable staff. No espresso, limited power outlets, but it does have wifi. Check out their book clubs! Whoever did their fancy plywood interior design deserves some credit as well.
This locally owned bookstore and cafe has been a welcome addition to the bustling H street corridor. In addition to a fantastic selection of books, it also boasts coffee and beer/wine. Solid state is also a regular host for book talks and other events. My wife and son enjoy their children’s events too, and we visit this store frequently for new selections. My favorite bookstore in DC and I have purchased and read many books from this place.
Solid State Books is a great place to get books. They do online ordering and curbside pickup.
I called this small local book store to see if they had crossword puzzle books. Sure enough, they did. I walked over and a super friendly lady took me to them right as I walked in. I didnt spend very much time in the shop, but it looked like there were a lot of interesting local books. I was able to grab a cup of hot coffee.
I really wanted to like this place, but even after their nine-months-delayed opening, they still cant get their act together. I tried to order two award-winning books from widely known authors today, and was told their supplier couldnt source either. They do fine with coffee table fluff like How to be Danish, but for a real bookstore better look elsewhere.
Knowledgeable staff, great selection of books, cards, notebooks and bookish swag. Not a huge selection, but theyre up on whats sophisticated as well as whats popular. Seating and cafe area. Lots of laptop working. Great kids play and reading adventure area. Something for everyone who loves books. Curated selection of cards and gifts.
A lovely, lively “third place” located on H street. There are open mic nights, as well as drinks such as wine and beer available up front. A great place to work or unwind with a good book
Feels good to support local business! This place is clean and nicely laid out. Offers space for people to work, had a cafe/bar (which I didnt try) and a great selection of books, cards and gifts (which I did enjoy and purchase some of).
GREAT selection of books. Helpful staff and a lovely environment for working and/or reading. I live a couple of blocks away, but will be using this space more often.
Considering this is a temporary space it feels really cozy and has a great selection. Staff arent pushy at all and allow you to browse in peace, but are ready to help if you do have any questions. Really like the selection here and bought a book on my first visit. Pricing seems reasonable and fair. Running a book store in 2018 probably isnt easy, but Ill do my utmost to support them, you should too! Looking forward to the finished space.
Amazing book store with great staff. I was treated nicely from the beginning and shopping was easy. The shop is nice and clean and has relaxing music. There are plenty of places to sit and read as well as two very clean bathrooms.
They always have that one art book I think Ill have to wait for on preorder. I love spending time in there. Great childrens section and play area too!
In 2019, this was still a new addition to the H St NE corridor. Open space with a lot of books, cafe, helpful staff. There is a YA section, but otherwise its not clear how the books are organized. Id imagine they can order things you cant find in shelves. I expect to see a lot more community activities. Encouraging sign: several patrons curled on the floor reading.
A nice local neighborhood bookstore located in the middle of H street northeast. Serves coffees, beer and drinks. Seating comes in a table by the counter, or standing/high chairs along the front window. Theres also a kids section in the back. Its got a good selection of Literature, classic, contemporary and what not.
This is a wonderful book store. Scott was very helpful and courteous. A family friendly place.
I love this local bookstore. I find what I want and get to support a great small business. The staff is great and have great conversations about books.
Had a great, quarantine safe time picking up some books from Solid State
Great environment to do work, large selection of books, nice bar and super helpful and friendly staff. I also love their hours of operation! Ill definitely come back again.
I could have spent hours here. I love the detailed way everything is organized thematically. Nicely decorated as well. The staff were all quite affable.
Gorgeous bookstore with a friendly staff and cute coffee shop. One of DC’a finest!
I was eager to visit this new store along the H Street NE corridor, but it sadly did not meet my expectations. I believe there are simple things one can do to make a bookstore inviting, the main thing being a friendly staff and books facing outward on the shelves. Sadly, the staff was not present or memorable, so there was not much left to give me positive impressions of the place. Almost no books faced outward on the shelves, making it nearly impossible to see what section we were in, doubly challenging because the signs marking the sections were small or absent. The positives are that the place was spacious and the books on the tables/islands were current and interesting. However, Im not likely to venture back there unless its a special event.
The only thing missing from Solid State Books.for me is nice comfy sofas and chairs where you can sit and get familiar with the book you want to take home. Besides that, its a great atmosphere with coffee, drinks, pastries, gr3at collection of books, and silence.
Seriously the best place out there. I have had nights of wine and reading there, met new people, worked there for the day. All experiences have been homey and fun. The employees there are really great, kind and have the best recommendations! I couldnt express more happiness they they are in my community!
Super cute! Got a card there! Cant wait to come back on my lunch breaks!
This place has so much potential, the staff is very friendly and willing to help with anything I may need. Also excellent choice for hosting small and intimate business or group meeting. Guess what....... they also server wine and beer. A really cool establishment!
Went there for a specific book. The salesperson was very helpful and knowledgeable. However unfortunate for me, the book that I was seeking ( McCalls Big Book of Crochet ) hasnt been updated. Its copyright is in the 80s.
I loved it I was looking for a special book they had it was one of a sequel they didnt have it but they ordered it for me. The inside of the the was very inviting the employees were so very helpful its one of the best book stores Ive ever been in. This is really an amazing book 📙 store if your on Hst in NE you must stop in I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
I’m wary of new-book stores, but I like Solid State’s vibe. I’ve been there twice. The first time, I grabbed a beer w/ a friend and walked around, didn’t buy anything.Tonight, I came looking for something specific, which they had. I didn’t leave w/ what I came looking for.Instead, Andrew and I struck up a conversation about stuff we’ve read in the way of mutual interests. He pointed out a few interesting titles as I meandered. I went home w/ a couple of books he vouched for and I’m content. There was no hard sell.Overall, it was a great experience. I’ll buy from them again and recommend them to anyone w/ discerning taste.
An amazing vibe. Every thing you want in a book store. Small coffee shop, shop workers book recommendations and space to work and read.
I loved this place
Went for an NanoWriMo author reading. Space is very inviting and has partnered with community libraries. Good to know that brick and mortar bookstores survive. Shout out to the staffer who went above and beyond to help me special order a title.
Open environment great place to study or read. Nice selection of books and.some drinks and snacks even wine available.
Such a quaint and cute bookstore and wonderful if you like to read with a book in your hands.
As good as a community bookstore can be. Kids section is far above average.
Great bookstore with a friendly reading area for kids. I hope this bookstore stays. I will try to buy books more often from here :)))
Interesting bookstore. The service is friendly and the store is clean and welcoming. Bonus points for it being open late on weekends and serving coffee and alcohol!
Great space. I think you need to check the temp in your coffee machine though. Its too hot. Couldnt drink my coffee for an awful long time without burning my tongue. Also the prolonged heat makes the taste worse the longer it sits in a too hot pot. Burnt coffee is yucky.
Well stocked book store with eclectic flare... Cafe area with coffee and a few pastries... A pleasant place to browse and even buy a book or two...
Really nice bookstore in h Street. Great to sit and read or do work
A homey book store with employees that give personal attention. Great for kids too!
A fantastic place to browse books. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Great space to inspire kids. Fun events!
Great store, a bit pricey but support local and this unique shop!
Clean spacious design. Lots of books and recommendations. A small cafe and some reading spaces. An easy experience.
Best book store in DC. Has a wide variety of books, including a ton on DC. They have a neat selection of beer and treats, although it is a bit pricey. I love going here for a beer and the occasional reading session.
Fabulous bookshop, excellent range and a wonderful, inviting vibe. Snacks and drinks, bathrooms. Drinking water. Lots to love!
Great local book store. Its small but carries a wide variety of books from children books, cooking books, fiction, non fiction. One interesting thing I noticed that they only had the original cover of books that have movies based on them.
Awesome hometown feel, great selection and helpful staff. Havent tried the coffee or snacks but theres always folks there eating and drinking, so thats a good sign, right?
The coffee stout here tastes incredible, still yet to find it anywhere else. This place is great for studying or reading a book!
All of the best books here. I really enjoyed staying here and sitting by the cafe area as I read books. Must visit
Finally had a chance to stop by this bookstore. The staff is friendly, the book selection is nice, mostly contemporary literature, fiction and non-fiction, seems like a great spot to hang for a while or study/get work done.I noticed they have book clubs and events on a regular basis so I might have to come back soon.
A welcoming, spacious, industrial-chic bookstore and noteworthy addition to the H Street corridor. They dont have as big of a selection as their sister shop at Kramerbooks, but the classics (and new best sellers) are here. They also host numerous events throughout the week, including workshops and author talks. They have a small seating and study area, along with a bar/cafe that offers great coffee, kombucha, beer, etc. Check out the happy hour! Limited outlets so charge your devices beforehand. Glad that another quality bookstore has put down their roots in this city.
It was a nice store but very pretentious and one thing I did notice was never greeted as me and my wife came into the book store but others were which made me feel not wanted there. But they do have a great selection of social political book that I was looking for and its in a very nice neighborhood
Fantastic atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff. Funny books, good beer, and nice vibes!
I love their vibe and many books you can find.
Fantastic little local bookshop. Their hours is what makes them amazing!
Nice place to study. Customer service is great.
I really like the space but I think it could be better if they put labels in every section to help people find books easier.
Amazing help me pick out multiple books for my 5 year old niece and she just adored each one! Will return when I’m back in DC!!
Beautiful store with beautiful staff. Also great selection of books and book events.
Great indie bookstore, huge selection. Organization (re: labeling of sections) could be a bit more efficient, but the staff is friendly and helpful.
Great place to work or study! Also has a great kids section!
Happened to stop there on a night with stand up comedy... Nice place to grab a beer and search for your next good read.
An amazing addition to the h street vibe. Expansive collection of books, as well as coffee beer and food items.
A lovely book store. Theres a nice area for kids to read and play.
Let me start out by saying that Solid State is a great bookstore with a fantastic staff. They are friendly and helpful, they have helped me locate books on multiple occasions and suggesting new ones.But when it comes to the overall layout and accessibility of the store, it comes up short. The section labels for genres are tiny or nonexistent. It is difficult to find what Im looking for without the assistance of a staff member. This is particularly damning considering the amount of people in this area who have hearing disabilities and would find it nearly impossible to navigate this store in search of a particular book.Solid State would do well to accomodate some of their patrons who are differently abled--Im not even such patron but even I have difficulty finding the right section. I ask about this whenever I come in, but it seems like this issue will not be addressed. Its not an aesthetic issue, its an accessibility issue and I hope it will improve.