The Couth Buzzard - Books & Community

Very welcoming and chill vibes. All the staff I interacted with were super helpful and pleasant. They also had a deal going on where if you bought 2 books, you got a sale book (marked with circular colored stickers) for free. I adore that they serve coffee as well as wine and beer. My only small complaint was that although there was abundant seating and tables throughout the store, most of it was not comfortable for sitting and reading. Adding more throw pillows for the all wooden furniture would solve this problem easily. I will definitely be back! 😊

I love this place. Their seasonal drink eggnog dirty chai was really good. You get discount for future book purchase when you donate books. Hillary and Tallis are living my dream, taking over and running a treasured neighborhood charm! Falling in love with Greenwood once again.

Such a cool neighborhood bookstore! They had so so many used books that were affordable and in excellent condition. They also have new books if you’re looking for the latest releases. Seems like a community hub thanks to their cafe and seating area. Definitely a lively, welcoming spot!

This is a small business bookstore, complemented by live music and a cafe, creating a charming and multifaceted haven for book enthusiasts. Book Collection: The selection is thoughtfully chosen, appealing to various tastes and offering a diverse range of genres. Ambiance: The addition of music enhances the ambiance and also provides space for local artists to showcase their talents. Cafe Integration: The inclusion of a cafe is a brilliant idea, allowing visitors to get caffeine fix or a quick snack. Community Feel: The small size fosters an intimate setting, making it feel like a community hub rather than just a store. This sense of coziness encourages patrons to linger, read, and connect. Staff Engagement: Friendly staff; they were filling up for someone else so had limited knowledge but were helpful. Overall Experience: I felt that this small bookstore, with its fusion of books, music, and a cafe, offers more than just a transactional visit.

I like it in here. They have a great selection of books, particularly for a shop of its (relatively small) size. The employees have already been exceptionally friendly to me, even though I have never ordered anything to eat or drink, let alone purchased very many books there. On the weekends they frequently have cool events like large groups of (usually older) people jamming on their various instruments. Radical place all in all. Radical like cool, not politically. Their politics are probably radical as well, actually. 🙃

This is an excellent bookstore. The owner really cares about the people who come in, keeping it comfortable and civil. She goes over and above for the community, to include people and keep it welcoming. I had a concern and she went over and above reaching out and showing her standards for an inclusive, fun and warm environment. I have bought a lot of philosophy and science books here. Though I'm not a huge fan of the remodel, they have great local books, and they have a books for prisoners program and hire people who know what they like. Thank you for all you are doing and I really appreciate the inclusive and warm environment that they work hard to upkeep and keep on top of feedback to provide. Absolutely fantastic and I appreciate everything. I can see the hard work and the result is a successful business.

Great little gathering spot for the community. The new owners gave it a new look. More counter space and more space for events, but a little fewer bookshelves. We go for the jazz jam sessions on first and third Sundays, but there are events almost every day. Check out their events calendar.

First time at this place tonight. Enjoyed thumbing through books while listening to several jazz performances. Atmosphere, space and seating were great. Drinks tasted great but the bartender/barista was more brusque than I was expecting. Not sure what the hours are here and we may have been past their normal closing time (?) but as far as first impressions go, I'm not sure I'd recommend it as a place for social bookworms. Will be returning for a second impression though.

It's an old time bookstore and coffee house - with a rich calendar of events: discussion groups, music (everything from klezmer to cajun) literary events, etc. Also, it's a wonderful place for midlife and older folks who aren't as interested in clubs or noisy venues. The new owners are delightful and seem committed to maintaining the low key friendly vibe. The new menu is impressive - try the harissa flatbreads and the orange caramel bread pudding. Love the open mic nights - although I'd love to see more women participants!

What an absolute gem of a place! It's a bookstore, a cafe and a community space. Very warm (both literally and figuratively--very welcome on a cold winter's day!), welcoming vibes. A true "third place" in a city that is running out of them. The night I stopped in, there was wonderful live music. There is a great selection of books for a relatively small store. And it's open until 9, which is practically late night for Seattle these days! I'll definitely be back!

Cozy and full of books and interesting neighbors. I was last there a year or so ago with my watercolor group. There is a new owner who has made some great improvements, nice counters and looks cleaner. He is friendly and makes great coffee. I especially liked the Art to help Gaza wall project. Does anyone know if there is a website about this?

This bookstore cafe community space is a gem. Great selection of new and used books, friendly staff, and delicious food. Their harissa lentil flatbread is reason enough to come here. SO GOOD. But best of all is the community space they have created...language conversation groups, current event discussions, jazz night, open mic, book clubs and more.

I dunno how but this place landed on a list of r3cord stores to visit. This place does not have any rec0rds but they do have lots of used books and coffee / espresso drinks. So, not what we came for but we were glad of the things they did have, spousie and I are both non-practicing librarians. I had an iced americano which was just fine. Spousie found a book to purchase while I enjoyed browsing the collection. They have a decent selection worth checking out if you're in the neighbourhood. Some guy who worked there took a liking to spousie's shirt and made awkward small talk with us. She was wearing a Kamala Harris for president shirt. The rando worker guy said he liked the shirt and was glad Kamala was running but mispronounced her name repeatedly. He didn't call her ,la (KAHmuhluh)- instead pronuncing it k'MALuh (kuh MAL uh) so we were unsure if he was being serious or not as the intentional mispronunciation of Kamala's name has become the dog whistle de rigueur for those that oppose her for reasons they can't say with their full chests. He was generally awkward and the interaction was weird but we're giving him the benefit of the doubt- it was giving prolly hit the weekend weed when he thought he was smoking the bidness weed kind of thing. We'd definitely return and give the place a visit when looking for books in the future.

Friendly, welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. All sorts of gatherings happen throughout the month, all sorts of people and super food, coffee and books!

Lovely quaint place that combines two multiple loves - coffee, books and board games !!

I love this store. I managed to find a complete set of Zoe and Sassafras books for my daughter for last Christmas at a great price. And now that we've read through them all, I see that the books are almost like new. My daughter loves going to this store and almost always finds a great book. 10/10 would recommend

I ordered a cup of tea here, while I was browsing through books. I actually got a real (huge) mug of well made tea. I was so surprised. The owner was friendly, knowledgeable and told me if I didn't find what I was looking for he could order it for me. He actually showed me a bunch of books that based on what I was looking for, he thought I might like. I was delighted. Will definitely be going back!

I love this place, they have a wide range of books, if they don't have the book you're looking for they will order it for you. They also have a coffee shop in the store with a variety of options. The staff is very friendly and willing to help. They also have various events that happen in the location.

What a great book store and coffee house! We came by the Couth Buzzard by way of a live music event they were hosting and fell in love with the place immediately. So many cafes try to come across as a book store and venue; and so many book stores try to come across as a cafe. You all know what I mean. The Couth Buzzard makes it work both ways. They have an enormous selection of books on their shelves...both new and used. Prepare to spend a good long while there, combing the shelves and looking for not only your favorite titles and authors, but also some hidden gems there in the stacks. All genres are accounted for and there is something for everyone. The cafe is a legit too. Serving not just coffee and espresso, we were pleased to see they have a full menu of selections. Sandwiches, pizzas, breads, sweets, hot and cold drinks....yummo! We stayed for the live music of Pint & Dale (check them out for sure, they play there each month) and loved every minute of it. We'll definitely be back for more! This is a wonderful local bookstore/cafe that shouldn't be missed.

Music & Books. This place is a treasure--not just a used bookstore & coffee house, but an important cultural/community hub in the Phinney-Greenwood neighborhood. Tonight, a friend & I came in to hear Del Rey-- an exquisite guitar and ukulele player with a retro repertoire that will amaze you. Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Folklore Society. Places like this are disappearing in Seattle. I left vowing to come back sooner and to spread the word to support The Buzzard.

Terrific independent bookstore partnered with Espresso Buono in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood. Great combination of books, coffee, art, culture, and community. Seems it is a magnet for a variety of events pretty much every day. Tonight I'm revisiting Couth Buzzard Books to see The Jocelyn Pettit Band from Squamish, British Columbia, Canada hosted by both businesses and the Pacific Northwest Folklore Society. Lots of energy and enthusiasm generated through the power of music.

This is the best sort of used bookstore - it has soul. They have coffee, sandwiches and snacks available but my favorite thing to do is browse the stacks with a cold beer from Fremont Brewery. The staff is as friendly and helpful as you could ask for. The location is used for concerts, open mics, game nights, language clubs.... anything the neighborhood needs. The book selection is eclectic and extensive with both used and new options. Don't walk in looking for something specific - go here to find a serendipitous delight. This is really a perfect spot.

Thank goodness for businesses like Couth Buzzard! Couth Buzzard is a used bookstore that functions like a community center. Its located in Greenwood, and is full of well loved, and new books, all selected and well curated. Couth Buzzard hosts 826 Open Mike Nights, blues music, and while it may look small and unassuming at first, this place has an enormous, enormous heart.

Great coffee and pastries, homey atmosphere. Incredibly grateful that this used bookstore, the only real used books place left in my area that also allows customers to sit and read and socialize, is priceless. I vote with my dollar here whenever I need a coffee shop for meetings or socializing, since them getting enough business is the only way they will survive. Oh and the bookstore/barista staff are friendly, mellow, knowledgeable, and funny. Thankfully, they are also a great place to get my favorite locally made Morning Glory Chai.

Christina O should stick to shopping at Nordstrom, the subtlety of noncorporate chains seems to offend her . INDÉPENDANT BOOK STORES RULE and help define the sensibilities of our culture- "non-standard" employees , I.e. those that don't fawn, kiss ass, or place you on a pedestal, are part of the indépendant charm as is the store cat and its cat pee, cluttered isles, weird music, and individual passion. Perhaps taking your used books to Goodwill and shopping Amazon are more suitable for you? CHANGE NOTHING BUZZARD!!

As a coffeeshop, this place is accidentally a magical combination of tawdriness and hipness that makes it far and away one of the most comfortable and exciting caffeine stations, with good cafe items to boot. The book stock is quite a mixed bag. Lots and lots of dross. Some "serious" book hunters won't even look here because of so many exlibs and forgotten fiction and leftovers that better bookshops passed on. But the reality is this is a place to find books you really intend to read, and not pay a lot for them, and when (not if, WHEN) you also discover something collectible and cool, that won't be expensive either. I have never failed to find something I'd regard as collectible when I've really taken the time to search. Couth Buzzard is a potential gold mine for the knowledgeable book scout, and a major service to the average reader. And whatever you find to read, you can buy not just the book, but an expresso and sandwich and kill a wonderful hour reading it. So no surprise the Couth Buzzard has also become a cultural focal point for the Greenwood community -- consciously serving as an event location that's free, including for eccentric musicians, local poets' readings, and regular meeting place for sundry writers groups. The business easily puts as much back into the community as it earns back, and probably more. But when a place is simultaneously tawdry and hip, there will always be some people who won't like it because they prefer to get their coffee from a sterilized chain store, and their books sparkling new from an airport paperback rack. One naysayer claimed he found a lot of books he wanted to buy but the staff never even said hi to him so screw 'em, he's going home. Obviously he never bought a book in his life! And had not a clue what an interesting business he'd stumbled on.

Local bookstores, Used bookstores... they are the cream of the top of goodness which make a neighborhood. For me, a good neighborhood is useless without a couple key shops, and a Bookstore is at the top. They were in Greenwood before, after a short hiatus, they are back, smaller shop, but lots of amazing book offerings. I love the fact that, no matter what day it is, there is always a book there, waiting of me to open with my gittly hands, and get to reading. I like this place, because the staff here are cool, the books are well sorted, and if you sell them books for credit, you will be rewarded with a reason to come bake again and again... and that's a good thing.

When one inquires about selling books at Couth Buzzard one must understand three things: 1. When asked how many boxes of books, the helpful answer of the dimensions of the total books, to better inform the buyer than the number of books, will not be accepted as helpful. 2. When told that policy is 'call ahead of time', the buyer's brain will short out if you stand at the counter and say 'is this a good time to ask'? The buyer cannot undertake any conversation/negotiation about bringing books unless it is by telephone. With normal booksellers who understand North American English, I have no problem communicating in person: "How many boxes do you have?" "I have 16 books in a 18"x24"x12" box." "Call ahead." "I'm asking right now, will a box the dimensions I gave be okay?" "i don't know. Some may come before you. Call ahead." It's like the "Who's on First?" Then the poor bookseller will say "we're not communicating here. Goodbye." I apologize if the bookseller had left the premises and some vagrant had come in to misrepresent. Because I'm aware space is a constraint I give dimensions of boxes. 3 boxes means nothing without size. And inquiring ahead in person is just as good if not better than calling. Most normal people agree with me on those two points.

I think my experience at this bookshop is a little bit different than everyone else's. The shop is in a great location and seems to have a lot of fun community style events. When I visited there seemed to be an impromptu jam session occurring in the back which was pretty cool. The gentleman working was a bit off putting and didn't make me feel very welcoming, but overall this was a pretty neat little place to shop at. Not sure if I would make the journey here again, but it was a nice little spot to drop in at after my visit to the post office.

this is the best secret coffee shop in Phinney Ridge. Their prices are normal. It is quiet. The staff is friendly, and happy to help you (ZERO coffee shop attitude). And you can get oh so much work done, plus buy books if you get bored. Seriously, I work out of coffee shops around Green Lake. This is the the best spot. I write this review against my better instincts, should I lose my favorite table, but the Couth Buzzard deserves a good word :)

Excellent center of free community activity! Like the Cheers bar, everyone knows your name if you take interest in socializing. Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.. Mostly used books and new books feature local authors and more unique books. See their extensive monthly calendar of groups for song writing, folk music, blues music, writers groups, language practice, open mic, stand open comedy times, etc. The back room is a wonderful intimate venue for small concerts and frequent music jams. A weekly writers group, class tutoring, WiFi, and a coffee bar with light food add to the sense of welcoming. People can hang out to socialize at the cafe bar which serves sweets, coffee, wine, cider, bagels, and lite fare. Sell your books for credit on your own future purchases. This place has a long history as a cornerstone of community that attracts people from throughout the area because of its extensive social calendar and opportunities to just hang out with other patrons, chat, and work on your laptop.

Maria is spot on; this place rocks! I love any used bookstore where the shelves are crammed full from floor to ceiling. In fact, the last time I was here I didn't try to look for anything in particular. I just wandered around until I noticed an autobiography I had been looking for, staring up at me from a box of random merchandise. I only have one question: What's with the name? Is it a reference to the helpful curmudgeon who sometimes sits behind the counter? An obscure literary quote? A little known poem by Lewis Carroll? Somebody enlighten me!

I have been in here only three times, then it closed down because the market next door owns the building and wanted to expand. I only bought three books here, each $1 because they were going out of business. 21st Century Capitalism - Robert Heilbroner The Darkside of Camelot - Seymore Hersh End Zone - Don DeLillo I wish I moved to this neighborhood sooner so I could have shopped here more. That or I wish the Market didn't expand and get rid of this good bookstore. Zipzap Zubidy Bop!

YES. YES. YES. After months and months of wanting to come into this store simply for the name, I finally got to make my visit this afternoon and was very pleased that I did. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but I did enjoy a delicious toffee nut & hazelnut latte after much deliberation over their huuuge variety of flavoured syrups (I'm usually a straight-up or vanilla type of girl, but they had SO many that I was feeling adventurous!), but seriously may come back and try a chipotle pineapple apple cider or a blue curacao italian soda simply for the fact that they actually HAVE chipotle pineapple and blue curacao syrups. The barista (I think her name was Sara, at least that's what the tip jar said maybe?) was probably one of the sweetest and most bubbly girls I have ever encountered in cafe service and I would go back just to strike up more conversations with her. As for the books, they had the strangest selection imaginable. I came across a mushroom book titled Discomycetes which I am now regretting not buying because it's SO old school (for those of you who don't know, I am a mycology wizard and discomycete is a now-obsolete classification which has been abandoned because the members do not form a monophyletic clade) and several well-loved issues of Tin Tin. My boyfriend picked up a Heinlein book he had apparently not heard of (or couldn't find anywhere else, I wasn't fully paying attention) and our friend found two Edgar Rice Burroughs' Martian books (#s 4 & 7 in the series) that he had apparently been wanting to pick up. Used bookstores are amazing. I unfortunately left empty-handed, but I did get a punch card from the cafe-- 10 punches gets you a free drink or $2 off your next purchase! I. Love. This. Store.

Friendly owner. I love used bookstores. This one plays some great music and has a great mural on the wall. There's also this cool sculpture from a local artist hanging from the ceiling like a extraterrestrial growth. I picked up some fun crafting books. I will be back here! They have a great program where you can bring in books and with the credit use it to buy more books. Plus, the books you buy will then be 50% off!

YAY They are back! I like the philosophy and the ongoing activities - writers groups, talks, an art activity. I love to read and buy and sell used books. What more could I ask for? (only a faster diet.. and stay tuned!)

I have a small business in Greenwood, and let me tell you Couth Buzzard is an absolute treasure. Wonderful selection of books, super friendly staff, and a community hub to boot. Definitely check it out!

It's time we talked of shoes! and ships! and sealing wax! and cabbages and ...Couth Buzzard Used Books?? The Couth Buzzard is run by a bunch of friendly ol' buzzards. So far, they are one of the only book stores I have found that actually lets you do a line of credit, so to speak. That is, you can come in with a bunch of money and they will write it down as you spend it. You can also trade it books for cash or store credit - kind of like clothing trading stores. The store itself has a really weird system of organization. The fiction wraps all the way around the store and does a double-take upon itself toward the front. So, there are a lot of repeat authors and whatnot. Not to mention the boxes of unorganized books piled atop one another at every bend and corner. It's quite the maze for those with time. For those without it, you may be frustrated. I know I was a bit annoyed by their lack of major titles as I was looking for essential GRE books. They have a great selection of the classic authors. I really enjoy their Foreign and Religion sections, although they could use work on the Criticism. In any case, three books for $11 and a big, couth smile: I was satisfied.

For books, this is a fun little shop. Used bookshops seem to have drastically raised their prices in the last few years (since when does a used book, even in good condition, just cost a dollar or two less than new???), but this one is pretty good. Some books are priced a little high, in my opinion, but there are lots of inexpensive ones to choose from - I got one for a mere dollar. The food, however: no. Take a pass. I got a veggie panini, which it seems is just some pesto spread on the bread, some cheese, and nothing else. That doesn't really constitute a veggie panini to me. At LEAST put some tomato slices on it or something. The coffee is ok. The waitstaff is rather standoffish. Go here for used books, and head up the street to Green Bean for coffee and food.

When I walked in the door of this bookstore, it put a smile on my face. The store looked as though it was packed from top to bottom with books, and that many treasures awaited me once I began pawing through them all. The friendly man behind the counter was eager to help if I needed it (though I didn't) and appeared to greatly enjoy working in the peaceful bookstore. Unfortunately, I never found a book that I wanted to purchase. While the Couth Buzzard is a lovely store filled with all sorts of books in every nook and cranny, a lot of the books are out of date. If you're on the lookout for classics, you'll probably do pretty well here. But if you want to find a used copy of a newer book, or are just searching for a work of fiction to work your way through, you might not come away with anything. My boyfriend bought three classics here, but I left with nothing. I will give this bookstore another try though because it's really lovely and the staff is nice. If I end up buying a book or two my next visit, I may bump the score up to 4 stars.

Good food, good drinks, good times. Been through a couple of times for a few drinks. On top of delicious coffee concoctions they stock plenty of wine and beer. Plenty if tasty things to eat too; try the weekly soups! Theo, the owner, has employed a fine set of baristas. In addition to all I've listed they hold events weekly, from open mic to live musical acts. All-in-all, a great spot to have a sit-down.

Awesome place and great staff and service!!! A nice comfortable atmostphere as well. The staff were extremely friendly and the service was great. After stopping by ealier and talking to staff member (I think his name was Jason), I found out they have weekly performace events and decided to go. I had a great time and it was the perfect place for a small performance venue. Live music among racks of books, and they appear to have regulars who come and who were very friendly. This is a nice little oasis in Greenwood. It's also nice that they serve wine and beer, along with some light food.

I first started to go here in the early 90's when I lived in Greenwood. The booksellers were about the nicest, kindest people in the world, so when I heard they were going to go out of business--because of rising rents, I felt great sadness. Unlike some booksellers, who run through your box of books and pick out no more than a half a dozen and offer you 25 to 50 cents a piece and reject the rest, the Cooth Buzzard took ALL of my books that I no longer could keep--and gave me store credit for it (about $100, as I recall) that they wrote down in a spiral notebook. The store was totally low-key, unpretentious, and friendly, the prices low. Even if the book selection wasn't the best, it was just nice popping in and browsing, as it was open until at least 9:00 in the evenings. On the sidewalk, bookstalls and a bench. Inside, tea, coffee, cookies. Old sofas, armchairs. An electric heater behind the counter. Handwritten signs. Books crammed everywhere, even stacked on the floor. Perfect place to come in dry off, and read on a dark, rainy fall evening. Though I never used more than about $15 of it all together, I am very glad I sold my books to them. Maybe in Bellingham, Port Townsend, Anacortes, etc., there still is a bookstore like the Cooth Buzzard. Not anymore in Seattle. Along the strip of Greenwood between 65th and 80th, it will be sorely missed by some of us. It helped "re-vitalize" the neighborhood back when Greenwood Avenue was definitely not hip and trendy. Thank you, Cooth Buzzard of being part of the neighborhood for for the many years. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008132189_bookstores240.html

Pretty much the top of the heap of the used bookstores in Seattle, partly because of their good selection--nothing TOO out of date--and partly because of their credit program, which they carried over from the old store. My family earned a lot of credits with our unwanted books brought to their old location; we thought they evaporated when the store was forced to close. But, not only did the owners keep those records, they *remembered* me the first time I shopped in the new one and gave me the credit (half the discounted price) without even a word about it from me. Welcome back, Buzzard! I also love the music, poetry and art--it's become a real neighborhood center.

This place is practically my living room. I volunteer and help out for events here and this is my go to place when I'm stressed, because I know that there will be music or something fun happening, and it will help get my mind off of whatever is going on. Little Sara is the best, go to her shows! :D Everyone here is amazing! :)

I've got to say that after my last visit here I walked away feeling a bit dissatisfied (and wishing I hadn't left a tip). I was having a bad morning so I decided to treat myself to one of their "special" drinks. I ordered the lavender mocha, which was good but it wasn't hot enough when I finally got it. I realize she makes it from scratch and I appreciate it, but I think the soy milk should've reached a higher temp. (especially considering that they didn't have their whipped cream ready/made). I used to work at Starbucks and that's something we ALWAYS knew to keep tabs on. It got a little busy, but I was there first and yet it took her forever to bring me my overpriced bagel. I realize that you need to take care of every customer, but it's also first come, first served. Correct? I had to consciously sip my tea in slo-mo so I wouldn't choke on my bagel 20+ minutes later when it arrived. I'm not even kidding. Granted, she was there by herself, but you should be prepared for that. Also, it takes less than 30 seconds to walk my bagel over. Hell, you could've just said my name out loud or just "bagel" and I would've gotten it myself. I also needed to use the wifi and when I asked the guy that's usually at the front of the store, he was very short with me. Maybe THEY needed coffee that day. Who knows. I am not so sure I'll be going back.

Not a good bookstore nor a good cafe. Go across the street to the chocolate place. We did and we don't regret it.

I had to walk past "the Couth Buzzard" on the way home from school when I was 15. I'm now 34 and finding this place again (in the new Greenwood location) was great fun. On a lovely sunday evening they served me a chipotle-pineapple soy latte (delicious), fresh baked-in-the-store-brownies (delicious) and a Fremont "Abominable Winter Ale" (delicious), all while I shopped the stacks. Really perfect, no one bothered me while I slouched in a corner and read for hours but they were happy to help me find something specific.

I like the diversity of books but the credit policy leaves something to be desired. I brought in 12 quality books and still paid $24 for two used books and one new. The math doesn't equate. From now on, I will go to a used bookstore where you get real credit not a discount.

I'd be hard pressed to find a used book store that I didn't like. With that said, Couth Buzzard has an organization all its own and I can't say I understand it. The store's windy rows of bookshelves and box culdesacs could have been organized by author, subject, title or maybe even color and size, who knows. Although, browsing in a used bookstore is a lot like digging for buried treasure anyways, so I guess this lack of organization just heightens the excitement when you find a book you just have to have. I like trying to find hardcover books that I want, but it seems most of the shelves were full of paperbacks. Also, I noticed that there wasn't much to offer in their "Classics" section or maybe there is and I just couldn't find it. I apparently didn't care enough to ask the staff for help, but from my interaction with them when purchasing my books they were very friendly. Good place to stock up on some good, used reads.

I found the staff unfriendly and the store cluttered (insert: Its a used book store). I'm still not sure how they price the books. The ones I bought I just payed what he told me too. The store has a old musty smell that most used book stores do. If I'm in the area and need a book I'd stop by, but I'm not going of my way to do so.

The Couth Buzzard is a place where I can sip a cup of coffee while browsing the used books and inhaling that "used bookstore smell" that brings back so many fond memories of every used bookstore I have ever visited. The staff is cool. They even offer a box of free books for kids when one kids' book is purchased. They host special events like live music and display art during the Greenwood Art Walk. My daughter enjoyed the soups that they prepare and the staff behind the food counter has always been friendly. Go check out Couth Buzzard and help keep Seattle's local book culture vibrant!

I love the Couth Buzzard! The proprietor has created a hip community arts scene there with music, poetry readings, open mics, food, concerts, coffee/tea/beer, live jazz/bluegrass/ragtime/protest/folk music, and oh yes, books! It's a real community meeting place and reminds me of the coffee houses in Greenwich Village where I grew up.

It's a maze in here, with tall bookshelves arranged in dead end cul-de-sacs and long rows, crammed so full of books, that many have spilled over into piles on the floor. It's a book lover's treasure hunting paradise and the books are cheap. They're also hard to find, even though there are small hand printed pieces of paper telling you what section you're in. Maybe that's why the nice lady behind the counter said if I needed any help just to let her know, the very second I walked in the door.

I traded some books for store credit. After looking at my books it was deemed that I would receive $24 in store credit. I looked around for a while, and found 4 used & one new book totalling $37. When the gentlemen rang me out I was charged $29. Shouldn't I have been charged $12. He explained that I paid 1/2 of the prices and got 10% off the new book. And I left with $11 in store credit. This left me thoroughly confused.

Very glad that the couth buzzard has relocated to a smaller, well organized cozy space. My 4 year old is fully engaged perusing the kids' section while I'm fully engaged perusing the new and used books, meeting friends, drinking a fine espresso, or chatting with the knowledgeable and amicable owner Theo. Sponsoring countless community events, they also were generous in donating Jason's fabulous brownies for my son's preschool auction. You should definitely come out and support this local, socially conscious, friendly business with a heart-they're not making 'em like this anymore!

Luv, luv, luv these guys. Good brew, decent pastries and nice music. Price is right and parking okay.