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Alias Books
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1650 Sawtelle BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90025
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
(310) 473-4442
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Alias Books
Review Highlights
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"Cinefile video and the Nuart theatre right up the block." In 3 reviews -
"Borders and Barnes are open late too." In 6 reviews -
"The art books and erotica were also awesome, as Andrea said." In 11 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Jena B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/2/2009
Every time I come in here, there are some random people sitting around talking about books. I'm usually too shy to join them for more than a minute or two when they look at my newest purchase - but man, I love this place.
Okay, you know, it's not the Strand. But for The City That Never Reads, it's still frigging awesome. -
Review from Aein H.
Los Angeles, CA
6/27/2011
My sister and I came in here to peruse books, but the selection was lacking and there was a lot of empty spaces on the shelves. Sometimes I like to come in here to just listen to the conversations going on, but there is not enough seating inside.
They are open late, but I didn't really find anything that tickled my fancy. Prices were a bit high considering that they are used books and you can find them cheaper online. -
Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2011
3.5 Stars:
Alias is one of the better used bookstores on the west side. A spacious place with a sort of random selection, a friendly staff, and fair prices. I often dig around here when I am in the area (either dining on Sawtelle or catching a movie over at the Nuart just around the corner). It's not so much cozy like a local bookstore, but they do have a few good gems worth seeking out when you've got the time.Listed in: Bookworms Unite!
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Review from Nathalie C.
Santa Monica, CA
3/6/2011
I like this book store. It's pretty clean and easy to find things. For such a small store I ended up leaving with two books - a David Sedaris and a Bret Easton Ellis. But I think I just got really lucky. This store is very small and doesn't have much selection compared to my favorite used book store Half Price Books but there isn't one in southern California. I think I'll visit every once in a while and see if I'm lucky again.
I do love that they're open so late, even on a Sunday. And the guy working there was really nice. -
Review from Karl H.
New York, NY
5/18/2011
Kind of a funny, small place that's open late -- which is a big plus. Not the biggest selection but there's usually a few things there that I want. Prices are not great, but fair.
Go prepared to listen in on a conversation about some esoteric subject, which can be entertaining or unbearable depending on the night. -
Review from Harrison G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2011
The store is a little too big for its selection. I tend to like my used book stores to be small and cramped with the shelves overflowing and books piled high. Maybe that's a sign of the selection here that there was empty space on the shelves - they don't sell just any book and their inventory moves. Yet they don't have the pretentious atmosphere of rare book collecting stores (although they do have some first editions here).
I actually found two books here that I've been casually searching for for months. Sure, I could've bought them online, but that would've ruined the thrill and the chase of finding it spontaneously (also, it was cheaper here). -
Review from Lydia C.
Burbank, CA
11/8/2008 1 photo
I've been coming to this used bookstore since it was a shady looking bomb shelter without the snazzy name and paint job. It was a place where a thin man with poor posture always sat at the front desk, reading quietly until I came up to him with my loot for purchase. I've always assumed that I'm this invisible person that no one remembers. A generic Asian girl. I once asked him if I could write a check. 'Sure, if I know you, you can write a check,' he responded. 'I know you, so it's okay.' He knew me? That was shockingly cool. It was also a place where a dirty motorcyclist asked me if I spoke any 'Oriental languages'. Apparently, this is a bookstore that has something for everyone, even unbathed perverts.
For a small shop, the only thing that hasn't changed is the great selection. I've gotten Love and Rockets comics by Los Bros Hernandez, an American Roots Music history coffee table book, a Toulouse-Lautrec book and other countless photo/art books, and have replaced paperbacks that I lent out and never got back. Located just around the corner from film geek central (Cinefile Video and Nuart Theatre), they have a good helping of filmmaking, entertainment, acting, and fine art books. The stash of graphic novels and children's books are also exciting to peruse. Perfect for poking around unhurriedly and incognito (maybe). -
Review from Matt L.
CA
8/3/2007
This place is everything I have dreamed of in a book store since I have moved to Los Angeles.
Though the selection may be limited, they have cut the fat out of what would be found at most other bookstores. James Patterson? I'm sorry, my friend, but that name will be completely unfamiliar at this store.
What is left from this culling process is the cream of the crop. If you are looking to browse, then this is the perfect place to do it. There are no distractions here, no bells and whistles demanding your attention, and there aren't so many books that looking through them becomes a chore.
Plus, they have an excellent selection of math textbooks (although again, somewhat limited).
Also, the place smells perfect. Just as a used book store should. It is the kind of smell that will make you feel smarter, just for breathing it into your lungs.
I'm not sure why it's called Alias books, but some things in life you simply don't question. Perhaps this is one of them. -
Review from Kit S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/12/2006
Alias must be new because every single shelf is in impeccable order. Alphabetic and everything!
Though many of the shelves are still empty, Alias has an impressive stock already. There are two small bookcases full of graphic novels and comics (do NOT even touch it until I can go back there with a wheelbarrow) as well as a shelf dedicated to, you guessed it!, hunting and fishing. Prices are decent, comparable to other used bookstores I've been to so far in LA, and better than Borders or Barnes & Noble.
What I didn't like about Alias was how oppressively quiet it was in there. I popped in before lunch and it was so quiet, I have no doubt that everyone (all three customers) could hear my stomach growling. So I left, but I will be back and I will be armed with a ladder and a wheelbarrow! or a car!
note: Owner Brian will buy books, but is looking for more "scholarly" books. translation: leave your danielle steele collection at home. -
Review from michael c.
Brooklyn, NY
5/16/2007
This is my favorite bookstore in LA. It's a used bookstore, but usually when I'm shopping for books I don't have a particular title in mind so I prefer the spicy bargain unpredictability of the used bookstore over the fresh convenience of the new. The first time I walked into Alias I was struck by how bare the shelves were; most decent bookstores' shelves are overflowing. "This place is a two-bit operation," I thought.
Don't judge a bookstore by its number of covers. More than any other bookstore I've ever been to, the owners of Alias have trimmed away the fat leaving only prime-cut reading deliciousness. Do I really need a bookstore to have five copies of Heart of Darkness and eight of Moby Dick? Their art section is excellent; all the sections have interesting titles I've never heard of, as well as authors I'm looking for. The employee picks shelf is the best - interesting and hilarious. And the two Dutch brothers who run the place are great - and well read.
Epilogue. It's in a fantastic spot - my favorite corner in Los Angeles (and I have converted out of town guests to this cult of location). Cinefile video and the Nuart theatre right up the block. In walking distance down Santa Monica Blvd is another great used bookstore - Gene de Chene, two art supply stores, a thrift store, etc. etc. And down Sawtelle a short drive is what I call Tiny Tokyo. Join the cult of Sawtelle & Santa Monica Intersection. One of us! One of us! -
Review from N.oah Q.
Santa Monica, CA
3/14/2007
OK, so we know that Los Angeles is not where you would typically go to find bookstores that are beacons of literative (is that a word?) light...
But, like other aspects of culture, art and general intellectual snobbery, they're hiding in the folds of the general L.A. obsessions with partying, looks, shiny wheels, and ham hocks. Just like there really are great people here, too. I swear, I swear!
Anyway, Alias is a rightly cool little used book store that simple has that sought-after vibe which makes you want to hang for a while and just peruse languidly. Really friendly people work there, the prices are right, and you can feel good about not supporting the overlords of book shops (Borders et al). I find their selection to be pretty great, though a touch small compared to some other used book stores I know and love in Portland and San Francisco...but honestly, it's the first place I go to when I'm looking for a reader.
They're open late every single day, and they don't spray you with cyanide when you walk in, which is always a great feature, in my book. -
Review from Tina L.
Updated - 6/16/2010
Where else can you talk to someone about minimalism and how it relates to everything in the universe?
PS, I picked up great books here. Neil Gaiman's The Sandman (2 volumes), High Fidelity, Persuasion, The Art of Erotic Speaking, Carravagio (which I pronounce "Carra-vah-gy-ne-oh" which cracks up my sister everytime) and almost bought "On Bullshit" -- but a girl only has so much money to spendy spendy on books!
I've pretty much made a deal with myself: three books max a week, that's how much I'm allowed to buy from Alias. Otherwise, I'm content to sit and read to my heart's desire.
Owner is cool, not pretentious or snotty, but incredibly well-read and amiable. Smiles!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/22/2008
Pretty damn decent bookstore, and I mean it. Finding this gem by the NuArt (after my fourth time of… Read more »
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Review from Danielle S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/20/2008
What are the chances?
I wanted to find a specific book and didn't feel like buying full price at Borders. Also, I wanted it NOW. It's an obscure sci fi novel. Most people wouldn't even know it.
I went to Aiias Books and lo and behold, they had it! They also had a pocket-sized Lao language travel dictionary from Lonely Planet. Never know when you might need that... so I picked that up too.
Freakin', f***ing amazing. I love this place! -
Review from Aubrey S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2010
I came in here to sell some books, and found the owner and another person (possibly the other owner?) chatting it up at a desk in the larger room of the store. They said hello and immediately continued their conversation.
But I wasn't there to wander off and browse. I wanted to sell my books. So I stood in front of them at the desk, where presumably, I could do that.
I assumed maybe the owner was helping the man, or they were just finishing up a really interesting chat (something about psychosomatics, I recall). So I stood there, trying to avert my eyes and not be a snippy, demanding Angeleno. I mean hey, it's a small bookstore; people like to shoot the shit. But it was clear that I wasn't moving, and I didn't want to browse; I was just AWKWARDLY STANDING THERE.
It literally took about 2 minutes for them to finally pause long enough to make eye contact with me and let me interject with, "I'm sorry to interrupt...is this where I can sell my books?"
So they bought a few of the books I had.
And then it was over and I finally got to leave.Listed in: One star wonders
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Review from Min T.
Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2008
Wow, I want to sell this place some books! They seem to be lacking in stock. But I did find a collection of Grimm Brothers' fairy tales I've been meaning to pick up.
I've seen this place for years but only just stopped in while killing time between dinner and the midnight showing of the movie we were going to see. Alias is open until 11 p.m. nightly.
There were quite a few art history books as well a largish collection of children books in the entryway of the store as you walk in. There was even a section entitled "shit" with books that I cannot imagine anyone would buy. I'm sure the store realizes this as well hence the shit section.
Not a bad place to while away 15 minutes.Listed in: Goods and Services
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Review from Robledo Q.
Los Angeles, CA
5/4/2011
My only problem with this place is that I can never stop myself from buying something here. It's a bit pricey for books here but they are well worth it. The quality and selection is great. Even the smell of used books here is tantalizing to anyone that is obsessed with books both the contents and the things themselves. They have the best fiction/philosophy section I've seen anywhere in LA. Oh yeah and they are open what seems like all the time!
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Review from John M.
CA
12/23/2007
My favorite LA bookstore, bar none.
Tons of used books. Their noir selection (often originals!) is the best I've seen. The big art books and stash of children's books are also excellent. It's also the only place where I've chatted with the staff and random patrons for an hour and had a wonderful time. -
Review from Cindy B.
7/6/2009
I was pretty disappointed.
After reading all the reviews on Yelp, I thought this place was going to be awesome but it really fell short of my expectations. Small place. Looking on the shevles, not a lot of books there and not a huge selection. Yes, prices were cheap, which is why we all love used book stores.
I have been going to the Bookman in Orange for a while but since I live in L.A., I was hoping to find something closer but I would rather drive out to Orange any day then to come to this place again. -
Review from Andrea Z.
Los Angeles, CA
3/31/2010
Came to Alias to try and sell some of my books. This task, like selling clothes, is easier said than done.
I didn't manage to sell anything, but I did walk away with something!
Purchased a hiking guide for Southern California.
I'll be coming back to buy something from their Art and Erotica section. They had an excellent selection in those departments!
The guy behind the desk is very friendly and I had a little chat with him. Learned they were expanding and opening a new store soon! Yay little independent bookstore! -
Review from andrea m.
Berkeley, CA
1/4/2010
We made a quick visit to Alias Books when on a family vacation in LA. We were looking for a book store where we could hang out and browse with our two teenagers. We were also looking for an LA guide book. We checked Yelp, saw 4 stars and checked it out.
Nope. This is nothing like the used books stores in our home town Berkeley, that have a mix of new and used and cater to a wider clientèle. But an independent bookstore is a valuable resource so, although it didn't work for us, it may be perfect for you. -
Review from Greg R.
Manhattan Beach, CA
7/3/2009
Uh...it sucked?
The books they did have were cool and all. If I had a lot of money, I'd probably buy some of them, especially the incredibly specific non-fiction stuff (Birds of Jamaica, Bulgarian Military Photos from WW1, etc).
BUT, and this is a big BUT, the books were waaaaay overpriced, especially considering they are all used. Just looked up a couple art books that I found interesting on Amazon. They were asking $45 for one - it was $30 NEW on Amazon. The other was $25 - and only $12 NEW on Amazon.
I would say this place is nice to go browse in, but I would probably never buy anything there. Not to mention that half the shelves are empty...it's like they're not even trying. -
Review from Xuan T.
Los Angeles, CA
10/29/2009
2.5 stars Let's hit the highlights shall we?
Likes:
1. Open late
2. Used books = theoretically cheaper
3. Close to the Nuart = pre/post movie browsing without having to commit to an actual purchase.
4. The employees there were having a long conversation about the fascination behind zombies and zombie mythology. That was neat to listen to.
Dislikes:
1. Well... Borders and Barnes are open late too... so... maybe that's not so special
2. Used books = in reality are not cheaper. You can find better deals for new books online. Only buy a book from here if you wish to purchase a first edition or an autographed book.
3. Not wowed by the selection. Granted, there are some good reads here, but it's more of a "oh yeah, I loved this book but not enough to buy it" sort of way. Again... it's one of those situations where you'd rather just buy it new anyway.
4. One of the employees kept saying "braaaaaaaaains" in reference to the conversation about zombies. Dude... that's a reference to the 80's Return of the Living Dead which is different from the "traditional" Romero's Night of the Living Dead in which the zombies eat everything. You might as well be talking about the "zombies" from 28 Days Later. Know your zombies if you claim to be an expert, you goof.
I don't plan on rushing back in here to make any literary purchases. -
Review from tekah m.
Westwood, CA
3/11/2008
my friend and i were killing time waiting for some friends before going to dahab's (next door restaurant and hookah bar, highly recommended) and as nerdy librarians, we headed straight to the bookstore. even though i intended to browse, not buy, before i knew it, i had bukowski and chomsky in my hands. they were both used so i couldn't resist. i regret not buying the brazilian film reader while i was at it.
unfortunately, bookstores on the west side such as these are a dying breed (i.e. sisterhood, duttons, change of hobbit, brentano's, waldenbooks, hunter's, campbell's, butler & gabriel, papa bach's, hennessey & ingalls). i know amazon is instant gratification, but take the time to browse...chances are you'll find a gem you didn't even know you were looking for but were happy when you found it.Listed in: My Neighborhood, reading is sexy
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Review from Diana G.
North Hollywood, CA
10/26/2006
I'm giving this place two stars just for being the only used book store on the west side (as far as I know), but really it deserves one. (Note to Jane S.: It's not new; it's been there for years, so there's no excuse for the bareness of the shelves.) The selection is beyond limited and the guy who works there (I'm assuming he's the owner too) is super-unfriendly.
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Review from Kelly K.
Los Angeles, CA
5/14/2010
My family and I have been customers of Alias Books for over 14 years now. It's one of those gems of a bookstores where you almost always find a treasure (or two, or three...) sitting on the shelves waiting for you. Open late. Plenty of parking (parking in the back, too). Always worth the drive! Great, fair, honest prices. Love the selection. Great choices in fiction, art, politics and film.
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Review from Foolio D.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2007
Great selection. If you dont know what you're looking for, and would just like to browse then definitely worth checking out. If you DO know what you're looking for, keep in mind that the books here, though used, are considerably more expensive than your nickel and dime used book stores. Expect to pay a price closer to something you would find on http://amazon.com than on craigslist. Nonetheless, very cozy, fun to browse, and my favorite bookstore on the Westside.
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Review from Lauren K.
Woodland Hills, CA
2/23/2008
After indulging in Cafe Dahab next door, a great hookah bar btw, my friends and I always find ourselves playing around in Alias books, especially since it is open until 11 p.m. They always have a great selection of fiction and non-fiction here and their art section has some gems too. I always say that LA lacks in good used book stores, which I kind of understand because most of the people who live here don't read, but Alias is a place that might make me bite my tongue. Then again, the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body, right?
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Review from Liz K.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2010
My boyfriend and I both love books and also the fun adventures of finding cool books in unique places. I love finding books in thrift stores, he loves used book stores. They had a lot of super cool stuff here that caught my eye, from art books to books on gender, sexuality, feminism, philosophy, and sociology. I felt that the prices here were kind of high, as I'm used to paying a few dollars at most for used books from thrift stores or garage sales. I was interested in one particular book related to gender and womens studies that was $35 and I just couldnt bring myself to pay that. The art books and erotica were also awesome, as Andrea said. This is great place to come and buy a quirky or interesting gift for an intellectual or creative friend. Also a great place to try and make some $$ by unloading the old contents of your bookshelves.
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Review from Pepper C.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009
Being an English major, I love this place. [But then again, I love any bookstore new or used.] The selection here is great, I always buy a ton. And the staff is great to talk to--they really know their stuff and are very knowledgeable [they can also sucker you into long, deep literary conversations.] They are open late and is really close to where I live so I try to get down there now and then. Alias truly is a hidden gem in Los Angeles.
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Review from Paul M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/7/2008
This place is the epitome of the old, small, dusty, classic used book store, with an edgy and subversive touch. It is bar none the best used book store in LA, although it doesn't have the best selection. The magic in this store can be found in the constant stream of intellectuals, artists, writers, actors, scholars, etc. that flow through on a daily basis. Ideally located next to the Nuart Theatre and CineFile Video, this bookstore has a friendly and very literate staff that has been consistently helpful over the years. As one of the last authentic literary "salons" remaining in LA, Alias Books is always a refreshing invitation for those that love books and constantly thirst for knowledge.
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Review from calder g.
Santa Monica, CA
12/1/2009
Fun to browse, lots of hidden gems. Prices tend to be half of the cover price. Lots of genres.
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Review from Nicole N.
Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2011
exactly what i want in a bookstore.
this place makes me incredibly happy. -
Review from Alyssa P.
Santa Monica, CA
2/17/2010
I stumbled upon this bookstore last night and found a treasure: a hardcover of three greek tragedies for 4 bucks. I give a "woohoo" cause independent bookstores are becoming extinct and need local support.
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Review from Kelsey B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/19/2010
Alias Books has a mind. If you value the quantity of books over quality of selection, you're better off going to the bank for your literary education. I feel not one ounce of hesitation writing that Alias is my favorite bookstore in Los Angeles.
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Review from Theo A.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2009
I Love this place! An always interesting and eclectic selection of books, knowledeable staff, cool, low-key vibe. A great place to find a unique gift. Open long hours. Fun, funky neighborhood, too with amazing Asian (and other) restaurants, 2 indie movie theatres . . . There's really nothing like it in L.A.
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Review from ana s.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2009
Just love this store! So few places like it left in L.A and it's so important that we support it. Prices are always reasonable and you never know what you'll find. They are selective about the books they buy and the inventory is always changing. You can sell them back your old books for cash or credit. Check it out and I'm sure that you'll be hooked!
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Review from John B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/28/2009
Took some of my books that I brought there so I was happy. Nice guy. Nice clean bookstore with some decent stuff. It is small and there is not that much stuff in there though. Next time if I have more time, I will browse more.
