This is easily one of the best bookstores I have ever been to and it is tucked away in a really lovely area.
If you are hunting for the Western philosophy section, consider this your insider tip. They don’t actually have a clear sign posted for it. When you first walk into the main entrance room, head all the way to the right, and you will find it right there on the end wall. You’re welcome!
The effort to locate it is completely worth it, as the selection is massive. Their theology section is equally impressive and well-curated. For anyone who loves getting lost in deep, substantial sections of philosophy and faith, this spot is an absolute gem.
This is a pretty amazing jam located on the edge of the University of Chicago. I've been to its bigger location in Portland Oregon, (which takes up an entire city block,) this one has less space but just as much personality.
Powells is a must-sre destination if you're a book- lover & in this part of town, I always pick up a few books because I can't help myself, the selection is just so good
The stock is unparalleled. One of the best bookstores in the city.
Also, the staff is either ignorant of (bad), or chooses to ignore (worse!), the Restroom Access Act (410 ILCS 39) that *requires* Illinois retail establishments with employee-only restrooms to allow customers with eligible medical conditions to use the restroom during normal business hours if a public restroom is unavailable.
Went to Father's Day breakfast with the family, stopped in here to browse and pick up a few things like I do. After a few minutes, my wife needed the facilities, so she went to the front to ask. She was told that "we don't have a public restroom, but you can try the restaurant down the street a little." My wife reminded them that they were violating the law (see above). She left in panic, and tears. Those of you with such conditions understand what she was going through.
I stayed with the kids another minute or two, then lost my patience. Rounded them up, and as we left, I said something at the register. The man at the front apologized, while the woman told me that "I regret the situation. Like I told your wife, we have one stall and one of my colleagues is using it. I can't let her in there while someone else is already in there."
Obviously, her comment to me was a lie. I give her credit for thinking on her feet to cover up the legal issues she risked, but her callousness has ruined a great store for me.
NNoah Davr. 2026 · Google
★★★★★Most precious book store I have visited in ages! There is something for everyone here, and the prices are very, VERY fair! Antiquarian, bird, graphic, Chicago, historical fiction, you name it, it’s here!
A very well organized bookstore! It was admirable to explore every aisle in search of a story to purchase and take home.
Every time I visit Chicago from St. Louis, I always stop by Powell’s. The staff is amazing and the prices are great. The best thing is the wide selection of used books available. This place needs to be on everyone’s radar.
They do have lots of ladders 🪜
Superb selection and decent prices, especially on some intriguing new books in hardcover. Great children’s section. Helpful staff. No place to sit but that’s not their vibe so I get it.