I’m a Denver local and proud bookworm with insights into the best independent Denver bookstores!
This guide will help you track down the latest best-seller, a great deal on a gently-used book, first editions, local authors, and more. I also cover bookstores in several neighborhoods, so you never have to travel too far to browse and enjoy one of the best free things to do in Denver.
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13 Best Denver Bookstores
Capitol Hill Books
A wide variety of genres inside a bookstore that’s over 40 years old.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 837-0700
This well-known independent bookstore is located in Capitol Hill, one of the best Denver neighborhoods. It holds sci-fi, mystery, world history, children’s books, and many more genres. Not sure what you want? Choose a price point and the staff will make you up a mystery bundle!
Tattered Cover
A local chain loved for its selection, discounted book prices, and various events.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 322-7727
The Tattered Cover Book Store has seven locations in the Denver Metro region, plus outposts at Denver International Airport. It has the best combination of buzz-worthy new books, classic kids’ books, and books from local authors.
You’ll also find themed book clubs and author events. The McGregor Square location sells Fiction beer and Gnarly cookies, and the Colfax store has a cafe. Look for the purple “used”, or yellow “bargain” stickers on spines if you’re buying books on a budget!
Printed Page Bookshop
A South Broadway co-op with used and antiquarian books.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 777-7653
The Printed Page Bookshop is on Antique Row along South Broadway. It has everything from inexpensive used books to rare first editions. The owners and employees are happy to have bookish conversations with browsers. They’ll also try to track down that hard-to-find edition you’ve been seeking.
Mile High Comics
This North Denver store is the largest comic book store in the United States.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 477-0042
The Mile High Comics Mega Store has more than 10 million comic books and 300,000 trade paperbacks. It also has toys, posters, and other pop culture memorabilia. You can easily spend an afternoon at this 45,000-square-foot warehouse!
Mutiny Information Cafe
A Broadway bookshop with a cafe, comic book selection, pinball machines, and more.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website
Mutiny Information Cafe has sci-fi, art, classics, fiction, and lots of other genres of books! You can also find records and comics, play a game of pinball, grab a cup of coffee, or play the piano in the back. Mutiny has an assortment of snacks at its coffee bar, along with delicious drinks.
The Bookies Bookstore
A kid-centric Glendale store that’s perfect for parents and teachers.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 759-1117
The Bookies has a curated selection of children’s books, toys, games, and other educational materials. It’s well-loved by parents and teachers… and kids, of course! The gift registry for teachers is a thoughtful touch. You can also show up for storytime, local author visits, and other events.
West Side Books
Buy and sell books or find an unexpected treat at West Side Books in the Highlands.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 480-0220
Set in the Highlands, West Side Books is tucked among other shops, cafes, and some of my favorite Denver dessert places. It has new and used books, along with rare books, and you can browse its selection online or in-store. A sunny patio in front of the store is a cheerful place to relax and flip through your newest purchase.
Kilgore Books & Comics
A Capitol Hill store that publishes its own comics.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 815-1979
Kilgore Books & Comics publishes original comics and artwork from local creators, which are sold at its Capitol Hill store. It also sells used books, including science fiction, poetry, and fiction novels.
Second Star to the Right
A charming South Pearl children’s book store.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 733-3773
This little store and community space is packed with children’s books, games, and other toys. Frequent events like storytimes, singalongs, and author visits make Second Star one of the best things to do in Denver with kids. It also has a special section featuring Colorado authors and locally-made gifts.
The Shop at MATTER
A Ballpark-area bookstore and maker space that encourages creativity.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 893-0330
The Shop at MATTER is an indie bookstore, workshop, and design consultancy. It’s a Black and woman-owned store that says it uses “joy (and love) as an act of resistance.” The store just begs visitors to create with bright materials and open, airy spaces.
The Book Rack
Trade and purchase used books in University Hills.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 756-9891
The Book Rack has a wide variety of used books covering almost every topic you can imagine. It has an extensive collection of children’s books and science fiction books. You can also bring in your good-condition paperbacks to trade for store credit.
Broadway Book Mall
Several booksellers under one roof, granting a wide variety of books and music.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 744-2665
The Broadway Book Mall is home to several booksellers of different specialties. You’ll find classics, fine literature, local art, sheet music, graphic novels, and comics. Don’t go in knowing what you want to buy. Go in and let the Book Mall tell you what you want.
Fahrenheit’s Books
A Broadway bookstore across from the Book Mall, home to thousands of titles.
📍 Google Maps | 📚 Website | 📞 (303) 744-1043
Fahrenheit’s Books is across from the Broadway Book Mall, making this area a fantastic destination for book lovers! Fahrenheit’s has more than 14,000 books with a variety of paperbacks and non-fiction. You can also look through its books online, but that takes away the fun of wandering the store to see what strikes you!
FAQs About Bookstores in Denver
What are the best bookstores in Denver?
Capitol Hill Books is among the best bookstores in Denver. Its wide selection features used books and the store offers a 10% discount to teachers. West Side Books and Mutiny Information Cafe are other popular Denver bookstores.
What is the largest bookstore in Denver?
The Tattered Cover is the largest independent bookstore chain in Denver. It has seven locations throughout Colorado, plus stands at the Denver International Airport. The bookstore stocks new fiction, non-fiction books, and used books as well. There is a coffee shop at several locations and a wine bar at the McGregor Square store.
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Hopefully, this guide has given you plenty of Denver bookstores to visit. Make sure to check out Nate’s guide to tons of other things to do in Denver as well!
