(206) 624-6600
101 S Main St
Seattle,
WA
98104
47.5999
-122.3339
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Pioneer Square
Elliot Bay Book Co
Last updated 8.24.09
What People Are Saying About Elliott Bay Book Co
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – The creak of wood floors, worn by more than 25 years of traffic, greets shoppers at Elliott Bay. This is a quintessential Northwest bookstore and hangout, celebrated for its extensive fiction selection. The shop carries every book imaginable, antique editions, calendars, greeting cards, high-brow magazines--sometimes you'll find autographed books by your favorite author. Elliott Bay marks down fewer books than chain stores, so if you're looking for a steal, you might walk away empty-handed. – – Photo by Chris Daniel
Fine Bookstore
by starcat1971 at Citysearch
I love this bookstore. They have a great selection of artbooks and, well, every other kind of book too. The atmosphere is big and open and airy with creaky wood floors and staircases. As mentioned before, this is not a real comfortable place, but the quality of the book selection and featured titles is worth having to stand or kneel and read a little. My only significant complaint about this place is the staff. I found them to be a little pretentious and unfriendly. And when I made the mistake of asking if they offered discounts to Husky card (UW staff/student) holders, the cashier was incredibly snotty. Sorry I asked!
Nonetheless, it's my favorite bookstore. I just don't count on the employees for any enthusiasm or warmth.
- Pros: book selection, atmosphere, speakers
- Cons: staff, a little cramped
Browser's delight
by slceravolo at Citysearch
This is a great place to find a book when you're not sure what you want. And the used book section is almost like a second store.
- Pros: Huge, Extensive selection, coffee shop
- Cons: Not enough chairs
Browse for Hours
by mstampley_citysearch at Citysearch
The wonderful atmosphere combined with the fine selection and book bargains make this a must-stop shop. Creaky wood floors and stacks of great books beg you to spend hours browsing around. Well-stocked bargain tables are an added bonus. Once you shop here, you may never visit a mega-bookstore chain again.
- Pros: atmosphere, selection
- Cons: not in my city
Always have what I need
by JasonEsplin_Citysearch at Citysearch
Elliott Bay Book Company is one of those bookstores you can only be lucky enough to find in a few cities. Aside from the overwhelming inventory, Elliot Bay's employees are knowledgeable and helpful. Many of the displays are perfect for picking a book out when you just don't know what to buy--from recommended to the "If you like this, try this" display. Also--I love the cards all over the shelves with mini-book reviews by employees.
- Pros: great selection, helpful staff, good recommendations
- Cons: parking
The Details on Elliott Bay Book Co
Know Before You Go:
Author events at Elliott Bay are always free and often feature literary giants. Snap up tickets for popular events a couple of weeks in advance.
Parking:
Parking is a challenge. Try the meters under the viaduct.
The Extras:
Wander downstairs for a latte and cookie and browse through cheap secondhand books in the cafe.
Category:
Bookstores, Used Bookstores, Magazine Publishers, Magazine Dealers, Gifts & Novelties, Free Attractions, Newspaper Publishers
Payment Methods:
Check, American Express, Cash, Discover, Visa, MasterCard










