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Amber Unicorn Books
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
2101 S Decatur BlvdSte 14
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Neighborhood: Westside
(702) 648-9303
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
8 reviews for Amber Unicorn Books
8 reviews in English
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Review from Chris W.
Las Vegas, NV
Updated - 1/8/2012
Things are looking good. They've added storage room from the space next door. Enabling them to take books from storage and give people a chance to peruse them instead of them being locked away from sight. This alone will help the turnover.
Another nice thing is they are the uno numero store for cook books in Vegas. Bar none. This is THE place for used material revolving around cooking and recipes. And I keep swapping and re-swapping books on chocolates and desserts.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/11/2009
In the history of Las Vegas, people tend to see the elaborate Casinos and Hotels as being the be-all… Read more »
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Review from Anna F.
Santa Clara, CA
8/27/2011
As far as Vegas used bookstores go, this is the one to visit.
It's very spacious compared to most used bookstores I've been to, well stocked and organized, and the owners are incredibly nice.
I walked in and was immediately taken by the wonderful scent of books -- Mmm, I'll take that over coffee-tainted chain stores any day. They organize by genre, and paperback/hardback; each section is alphabetical both by author's last name, and the title within each author. I was mostly there to find whatever caught my eye, but the authors I wanted to locate I found easily. They also had quite the collection of first editions and autographed books.
The owner was there during my visit and he was the highlight of the trip (apart from the fantastic selection! I had a hard time sticking to my small budget.) -- he was friendly, kind, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing. I felt welcome and free to browse for as long as I liked -- they even have a table with chairs.
Upon checking out, he asked if I knew about "the discount" and I said I didn't because it was my first visit, and he said excitedly "Well! I'll give you the discount just for that." (I have no idea still what qualifications he was referring to! lol) -- he checked me out and invited me to trade in old books I'm done with next time I stop by.
The only downside was the limited YA/children's book section, but I assume there's a reason for that whether it be popularity or availability. I can't comment on pricing because it varies based on what you're looking for -- fiction paperbacks are 50% off the cover price if the book is in good condition, which was reasonable to me. They also have a clearance shelf near the front.
If you're a book lover or collector, definitely make the trip. It's heaven. -
Review from J Michael W.
Los Angeles, CA
6/30/2011
This perfect bookstore, with an able assist from its neighboring Trader Joe's, may just represent the cultural saving grace of Las Vegas; a justifiable reason to venture out into the mad midday sun that tortures the visitor's soul nearly as much as the purgatorial beeps and blips of this burg''s omnipresent slot machines.
The owners ply an easy conversational tone as they give the lay of the land of their many hidden treasures; and, like all good book people, they retain an enviable memory for titles, authors, topics and themes.
You're welcome to wander in and lose yourself here, pulling out this and that Bro-Darted art book, novel, history or cookbook; and then giving yourself over to the luxury that is the printed word and image.
I've paid both more and less for some of the books here on offer, but honestly: I was thankful to find a gorgeous book (in pristine condition) that I could take to the cash register, if only to ensure that the electric bill got paid for the week.
This is one "Vegas Experience" that will not leave you with the feeling of being either had or fleeced: On the contrary, you will be able to board that red-eye out of town with a serenity unmatched by your fellow exhausted, crestfallen plane-mates.
The Amber Unicorn may be Vegas' last Gold Nugget.... -
Review from Nelson Q.
10/21/2010 2 photos
I love going to these types of book stores then just your usual Barnes and Nobles and Borders.
You never know what you can find here....my favorite section is always the cookbooks. I'm always looking to add to my growing collection.
you have your selections for the housewife, to first edition autographed, books from culinary icons like Julia Child and Paul Bocuse......here comes that "kid in the candy store urge again!!!
This time I was good and got a book on one of my absolute favorite dishes,PAELLA!
Also used my TJ reciept from next door and got a sweet deal....ALOHA!!! -
Review from Jacob M.
Las Vegas, NV
2/13/2011
You know you hit bookstore gold when you walk in and the smell of books hits you. Not, coffee, not some sort of air freshener, but books. I wasn't planning on going to Amber Unicorn, but since it was in the same shopping center as Trader Joe's (which was my destination) I hit this place up. Its been on my bookmarks for a while, so I was excited to visit another used book shop, and to check something off my list.
I was greeted immediately when I walked in. The staff (I assume the man and woman where the owners) were very friendly during my entire experience.
The store is not big, but it is full of books. They carry all kinds, but specialize in hard cover, first edition and antique books. However, they had a very good selection of fiction, sci-fi, mystery and horror paper backs. They also have a lot of non-fiction, a great cook book selection, and a pretty substantial military and religion section. The organization was a little strange, but I was able to navigate. I was not looking for anything specific as I wasn't intended on going to the bookstore. After spending about 30 minutes looking, I went ahead and purchased one of the few Ray Bradbury novels I do not own.
The Amber Unicorn also buys books, but they are pretty selective. For paperbacks they pay 10% of cover price.
Now that I've been here, I will definitely come back with some time and some specific titles in mind. -
Review from Dan B.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2009
Who still buys books anymore?
And who in their right mind wants to read one in Las Vegas when you can be doing so much more?
*lowly raising hand*
I like books and have delusions of finding rare literature at some random bookstore.
Anywho, we were at Trader Joe's when I noticed this place, and since I wanted something to read, I thought I'd give this place a chance.
We were greeted by a nice couple who directed us to the fiction section.
The place reminded more of my library in grade school than it did a bookstore.
No luck on finding any interesting fiction to read and no rare books, but I did find plenty of Danielle Steele novels.
Aren't I lucky?
Overall, I think I'll just visit the library out here. -
Review from Lisa K.
Las Vegas, NV
7/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
Amber Unicorn is a gem in Las Vegas, used bookstore-wise. The couple who owns the place are whip-smart on their stock and very pleasant.
If cookbooks are your weakness (they are mine!) you will be in heaven! But, a small word of warning: Myrna knows her stuff, and prices accordingly. If you've been looking for a 1950's Swedish cookbook IN SWEDISH, she'll have it, and it will -not- be $5 bucks. I've been a bit taken aback by some of her pricing on cookbooks, but many are fair and i'm willing to pay.
A good selection of sci-fi and vampire books are a nice addition that I don't think can be beat in Vegas.
If you are looking for a specific book, call them and see if it's in stock. If it's not at the shop, it may be at their home, and they will bring it in for you.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Rob P.
5/11/2008
I was driving down Decatur on my way to the Palms when I saw a sign for a used bookstore. Thanks to my expert traffic maneuvering skills, I was able to cut over two lanes and through a parking lot to check out this place. I was greeted by two different people upon entering the store, telling me that they would be happy to help if I needed anything. From looking at the business card, I took them to be Myrna & Lou Donato, the owners. Apparently they opened this place a month ago, and if you're into used books, you'll enjoy this shop. I'm not big on books, but I found a random 70's era book of failed inventions that looked interesting, and it was only a buck. I promised them I'd let the yelp community know about their little shop -- make sure you check it out!
