Phinney Books

Another fabulous locally owned small book store, Phinney Books is petite with a mighty collection of well chosen selections. I've recently found some great independent items, including an annual fashion magazine that I haven't seen anywhere else. Kind and helpful staff. Parking is difficult on the street, but worth the trouble because excellent food, coffee and other shops abound in this area.

I love this bookstore. The staff are always ready to help, they are great at matching books to certain aspects you're looking for. The space is welcoming and the kids section makes the bookstore one of the rare bookstores I can go to with my little siblings and not feel like I am causing a great disturbance.

My favorite indie bookstore in town! The layout is informative and makes you feel welcomed. Every time I can discover some books I can’t leave without - it’s magical! Love their puzzle selection too.

Phinney Books is a pleasant neighborhood bookstore. I like how the bookstore is laid out and I appreciate the color scheme they chose for the store. They have a lot of new books to choose from and their selection is pretty extensive given the size of the space. They have a nice kids book section as well as a young adult section. In addition, they have gifts and other knick-knacks like puzzles, stuffed animals, and greeting cards. I do also really appreciate the events that they hold – I saw some flyers in the store for book clubs. I also saw a flyer for a subscription service. I do wish the person at the counter would have greeted me which would have been nice, but she seemed preoccupied with her thoughts. Overall, I’m glad I happened upon the store and will keep in mind when looking for some nice books.

Wonderful local bookstore. Very well organized, and I love the kids/ya section. Helpful staff and great selection!

I love their stock. Wonderful books, and it's not too gift oriented, and the gifts they have are unique. Beautiful things. I only complaint is how it is organized. The children's books are in the bottom shelf. Is a large children's section but the most popular children's books of the year, are on a bottom shelf that I cannot reach. The other is I felt like the children's section had a giant percentage of the store and literary fiction was in a much more restricted area.

Cute shop, great selection of books.

One of the absolute best bookshops I've ever stepped foot in. I particularly love that Phinney features books from small, independent publishers — many of which focus on authors in translation. If you just want to see the latest bestsellers, you may as well shop at Barnes & Noble, but the selection of books featured here is so well curated that you doubly love spending your dollars at this place. The fellow manning the counter the day I came by was really friendly! Just could not be a better place to while away 20 minutes to an hour!

My favorite book store! The staff does an amazing job curating the collection and sharing their reviews. Super helpful in finding books and recommendations as well! Highly recommend!

This is such a cute store in Phinney Ridge. It has just the right amount of books and variety to sift through. I often get overwhelmed by large selections at big bookstores, so I appreciated coming to this one! The greeting cards here are also very cute. We ended up getting one just for ourselves to display at home. My friend was able to find the book that she wanted me to read so I got that one as well. There's a frequent buyer club too! I'm not quite sure what it entails; I didn't ask since I'm from out of town!

What a lovely, cozy, neighborhood bookstore. Selection of adult and children's books available in the well-packed, smallish space. The children's area is exceptionally sweet, with a hidden "room" accessible by a ramp or two steps, set behind a wooden train car stocked with books. Behind the train one will find a little bench for seating, as well as a tiny rocking chair, a handful of toys and games for the little ones in your presence. A couple of chairs are also available in which to sit and read a book, peruse the shelves or watch and wait as your littles explore.

Where shall I start? Cozy, a plethora of new releases. Customer service friendly and accommodating not pushy at all. Greeting cards and an adorable children area welcoming them to sit and choose a book to take home. Playlist was also a favorite of mine... let it be known if Pammy likes the music I'M STAYING!! I liked that the collection of books were current and all genres were covered with a very good YA section too. Parking was street in a residential area so not much trouble. Respectfully Reviewed

Great selection, weird vibes. I love their window displays and well curated collection, but when I've visited or called with questions they're always unfriendly.

A hidden treasure trove of a very beautiful curated collection of books for the littles to the mystical wonders of quality over quantity. Our family enjoyed browsing and everyone walked away with a book. Take the trip! Check it out and enjoy the browsing.

Very lovely booksellers. The selection is fantastic. If they don't have a book in stock, they will order the book for you. If the publisher date is near but not yet released, they will put you on a waitlist the book when it arrives. Just great all around!

I love a small local bookstore! if they don't have the book in store they can order it and get it in quickly. please support small local businesses ya'll!

10/10 Kind staff serving wide array of different customers! Excellent selection Pricing better than Barnes and noble Amazing neighborhood business! Thank you Phinney Books

Phinney books is a treasure in the Greenwood community, also worth a trip from other parts of the region. They have a really interesting collection of books. I've discovered great reads in perusing their collection. They also have all the books that you might want to see and consider if you've read a recent review. You can of course call them or come in and order any book-in my experience all the books I've ordered have come quickly and I've been notified as soon as they arrive. They can always give informed suggestions and are interested in hearing your opinion. They host readings, a book club and other community events. All in all a wonderful independent bookstore.

Lovely collection of books, fun to browse, warm and welcoming and perfect for our little neighborhood.

Pound for pound, this is the best bookstore in Seattle. Why? Because they get the most out of a tiny space. Because they have beautiful shelves. Because they are a quintessential neighborhood business. Because they have a well-read staff and ownership. Because they have the best taste in books.

Phinney Books has been open since June 2014. Hurray for another independent neighborhood bookstore! Drives me nuts that there is not one independent bookstore in Shoreline. One has to drive to Seattle, Edmonds or Lake Forest Park instead! It's pathetic (mea culpa) that I'm always driving to/from the Greenwood and Phinney Ridge neighborhoods, and for the first time stopped in! Despite the pouring rain, I managed to have parking karma a block away. The really nice bookseller behind the counter, presumably the local owner, kindly helped me out. Normally I'd be lolly gagging staring at book titles, but on a tight schedule I was in strategic shopper mode. Lucked out that the particular book set intended for a holiday gift was in stock and was in/out in under five minutes. That's the ultimate in customer service - knowing your book title inventory! Excellent find! This bibliophile will have to make sure to slow down, pull over, and stay awhile!

What an amazing bookstore! Their shelves are brilliantly stocked, recommendations given with expertise, and the staff are always willing to help. A bibliophile's dream! If you aren't happy at Phinney Books, you need to make some dramatic life changes.

Phinney Books is a nearly perfect expression of what a small local bookstore can be: they have a well curated selection of books, knowledgeable and welcoming staff, and a comfortable (if cozy) space for browsing. I find something new to pick up almost every time I come in. Their fiction section and recommendations are particularly strong (they also put out a great newsletter with recommendations). Bonus points for an excellent children's book section. My only quibble is that their cookbook section is pretty perfunctory and doesn't seem to be put together with the same love and attention as the rest of the shop. But it's a minor complaint, and overall I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the neighborhood!

Phinney Books is just the best! They keep a nice variety on hand where you can find something to appeal for just about anyone. Tom and the rest of the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We have loved the Phinney by Post options and that we can order anything and have it on hand quickly. Bonus is when you can ask Tom or another staff member for recommendations and bask in the glow of another book lover's joy and shared love of words. Would happily give my money to PB over the evil empire any day of the week.

Wasn't too pleased with my experience at Phinney Books. I went out of my way to support this local business, but it doesn't seem like they have they same priority toward their customers. I needed a book and first drive to a big-box retailer to look at several ones. When I decided which one I wanted, I called Phinney to see if they had it. They didn't, but said they could order it. Despite wanting it immediately, I decided to order it so I could support them. When I went to pick it up, there were several people in line. There were two people behind the counter, only one was checking people out and the other was having a very involved non-work related conversation with the one that was working such that it was slowing her down. Since we were waiting so long, the line was not formed anymore as people started milling around. When she finished with the person, she looked up and asked who was next. We didn't know and as we looked at each other to decide, the other person said, in a deadpan way with zero smile or even acknowledgment that it was a human in front of him, "I can help one of you". He then proceeded to ring up their book. I was just flabbergasted that we stood there for a long time without him even acknowledging us, let alone offering to check anybody out and continued chatting with the person who was checking us out as if they were on a stroll in the park together. On top of that, I got the feeling it was the owner. I'm sorry, but even if you weren't supposed to work that evening, don't stand behind a counter chatting away. At the big-box retailer, somebody saw me looking strong and asked if they could help me find something. Nobody did that here. This is why people just order online. I'll go to another locally owned bookstore a few neighborhoods over. A couple a stars for the worker who was doing her best.

Amazing local bookstore with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Good selection and can order anything they don't have.

Stopped into Phinney Books while walking down Greenwood Ave; I wasn't acknowledged by either staff member working; no "hi", no "can I help you find something", no nothing. Pretentious vibe but great book selections. There were a handful of books I wanted to purchase but decided not to because of the lack of attentiveness I received.

I've never met a kinder, more helpful or more interesting set of folks in a bookstore. They don't overwhelm you with volume but yet they offer as much variety as one can hope to absorb in a visit. If they don't happen to have on hand what one is looking for, they've always been able to find it and acquire it. Luckily for me, they are an easy walk away and provide a wonderful incentive for a destination.

The staff here is exceptional. Other indie bookstores in the area have a real attitude--as if they forget that they are serving the customer. Here, they are always trying to be helpful. Moreover, the store is absolutely fantastic in terms of the selection of books; if you are debating between this bookstore and some in Capitol Hill, then you better come here because often those other stores are sold out or don't 'carry that book.' Even over the phone, Phinney Books is eager to help you find all that you need. In addition, I am very impressed by their stream of events (they have everything from author-signings to readings and book-launch dates and children's events). Right now, the gem of their website is their current 'resist' booklist. They update the booklist each week and a percentage of the profits go to the ACLU. Many of the larger bookstores in the area are not as socially-conscious as this store; I think it is exceptional that they are using their profits to help the ACLU even though they are independent. I do not live in that neighborhood--however, it is clear that they do a lot to create a real sense of community at their store in the Phinney Ridge/Greenwood area. Therefore, in terms of the staff, merchandise/selection, and ambiance--Phinney Books earns 5 stars.

Phinney Books is a great little independent bookstore located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. The presentation of the books is concise, clear and clean. The selection is impressive and the staff are helpful and kind. They do special orders which is awesome too!

This is a little gem of a bookstore, amazing selection of books in a cozy store and they also carry other fun items including a great selection of puzzles. You wont be disappointed and the staff is super helpful and a pleasure.

This is the cutest neighborhood bookstore in North Seattle! The employees have excellent customer service and are happy to order books that they don't have in stock. Really sweet spot for gifts...for yourself and others ;)

Phinney Books has become my favorite bookstore in all of Seattle. It manages to turn what, to another bookstore, would be a big problem into a big plus. This is what I mean: it is a small bookstore. I could fit this bookstore inside the coffee shop of a Barnes and Noble. But that limit in space lets you see how amazingly curated their limited selection is. When I browse a shelf in a section, invariably I find an author or a title that suits me. Another shelf, another title or maybe 3. There is a density of quality titles that I've never seen in another bookshop. If you know what book you want, this store might not be the best place for that shopping trip. Certainly they have the big releases when they come out as all bookstores do. But if you are open to the experience of browsing, this is a superb place to discover gems that you wouldn't find elsewhere. The place has a nice charm and the staff are very friendly. And the area has charming shops and restaurants to visit after you're done with your book purchase. I can't recommend this bookstore highly enough!

I will never, ever sell my house because it is in walking distance of Phinney Books! Yay! Why is PB my jam? First, how can you not love a bookstore purchased by a devoted reader with his Jeopardy winnings? Second, the selection is so well curated and approachable, featuring not only new titles but also spotlights books you might have missed the first time round. Third, they have great evening reading events in their cozy space featuring local writers, kind of like a farmers market with books instead of bok choy. Finally, all the staff are so approachable and helpful, and are just the right amount of friendly and shy to ring all my book-nerd-love bells! Add in a super comfy couch, a great children's book collection, an awesome story hour, and shelf space for graphic novels and I am forever yours!

Very cute bookstore with super friendly folks working their and a large selection to choose from - they didn't have the specific book I was looking for but they ordered it for me and gave me a call when it arrived. I need to cancel my HBO subscription and start reading again...

I was out for a stroll when I nearly missed this wonderful store. I had the headphones blasting some Tom Waits and I was in the zone... When I walked in I noticed a small section with stationary and thank you cards, a must for any bookstore in my opinion. Whoever does the buying there does an excellent job from the inventory on display; well done. As for books, the sections are packed with plenty to read, and you will be surprised how much they do have on hand in such a tiny shop. The layout is inviting and warm. I grabbed a couple children's books and then saw a copy of a new cookbook from one of my most favorite places to eat in the world, PRUNE! It was on display and highly recommended by the Staff Pick card located in plain view. I had to have it, this book contains a recipe I have wanted for years and it's now mine!!! Really the place had a Meg Ryan-Shop Around the Corner vibe to it and having seen "You've Got Mail" a large number of times, well that is a big compliment. Wonderful store, I will be back.

Wonderful selection, knowledgable staff, homey atmosphere. A particularly wonderful outpost on a gray and rainy day.

What a rare treasure and retreat this lovely, independent, small, neighborhood book store is. The owner and clerks are always helpful and knowledgeable and happy to order a book for you or make recommendations. A nice children's section too. Next to The 74th St. Ale House.

Shopping local? Adore independent bookstores? Yes and Yes! So glad to have found this small gem of a bookstore while visiting friends who live in the Phinney Ridge area. This is the kind of bookstore where you will stop in, and spend lovely minutes browsing the shelves, admiring the selection of interesting books on subjects you might not even have realized you were interested in. And of course, you WILL buy something before you leave. A crazy card? A paperback? A must-have forever hardback? Yes, because you want to support independent bookstores, of which this is one! Enjoy.

I love Phinney Books! Sweet little bookstore located right in the middle of lots of coffeeshops, stores, and restaurants, with friendly, helpful staff and a fantastic selection of books (their kids section is especially great!). I just moved into the area and have already gone every weekend. They also have a customer loyalty program, so be sure to sign up for that!

A gem of a bookstore, very neat and organized well. The selection was excellent and the staff are friendly. It's great to find these neighborhood bookstores in our digital age. Very close to Herkimer, please check this store out!

I get it. This place is located in Seattle. I expect a liberal slant to some of the content sold here. I also acknowledge that they are a private business and have no obligation to sell literature that they do not agree with. To start, I was not acknowledged at all upon entering the bookstore, nor was I acknowledged on the way out. With that said, I went into the establishment hoping to pick up a few books, specifically those from Peterson and D'Souza and there were none. Not only did they not have the literature I was looking for, there was actually no books representing the other side of the political spectrum. I did find books on Bernie Sanders, Hillary, Obama, feminism, Russian collusion, Trump turning everything he touches to crap, and the "untold stories of slavery". The irony here is that they have a sign talking about how everyone is safe there, but apparently when they mean everyone, they mean just those opinions they agree with. I will not give my money to any establishment that touts inclusivity, but promotes hegemony of thought. If you are so sure you are right about your belief systems, why do you go out of the way to not represent other viewpoints? I will not return to this business and will let others who value true tolerance and diversity of thought know that they won't find it here and should spend their money elsewhere.

This is a friendly local bookstore with a great selection and knowledgeable staff - especially the owner! Nice, cozy vibe, too. Great neighborhood with lots of other cool independent businesses.

Bookstore pleasures largely come from a well-curated, decently priced selection of used books. Phinney Books merely has a small selection of new volumes. It may be local and strive to have its own personality, but it only offers the same books you could find at a large Barnes and Noble for the same prices.

Love Phinney Books! Not only do they have a wide selection of different genres and authors, but also a great children's area. Couple that with the nifty gifts, cards, and other fun goodies (Glittersweet bags!) and this is a win for the neighborhood. Of course, its close proximity is dangerous for a bibliophile like myself, but such is life for my sagging bookshelves.

I contacted Phinney Books about getting an author signed copy of a rare book. They did not have the book in stock, but were willing to try and obtain a copy. In practically no time they contacted me that they had the book, the author would sign it, and it would be mailed to me. I have the 'With Her Body' by Nicola Griffith and am very impressed with the service I received that made this possible.

Ya... Just came here... Started looking around ..... Really small.....The woman there didn't greet me or my husband .... He was looking for a specific book and she had the nastiest face and didnt help us....Really unfriendly.... We came here cuz it was recommended to us ..... So you will find us at Elliots ..... Disappointing... I'm revising .... Possibly she was having a bad day but the bookstore itself was cute

A simple, straightforward bookstore with a small, but lovely selection. Best of all, a terrifically friendly, helpful staff. What a gem.