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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bookstores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lower East Side2nd Ave-Houston St (F, V)
Delancey-Essex Sts (F, J, M, Z)
Grand St (B, D)
Mon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
"I just tried this place, and it's a real nice cafe with good food. I tried the Vietnamese sandwich, which tasted traditionally Vietnamese.…" read more »
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Bluestockings brought me right back to my days as an undergraduate at a women's college; from the feminist book club advertised on the chalk board outside to the alternative menstrual products offered inside.
If there's a better selection of books and tools in New York to help you challenge the Eurocentric, masculinist knowledge validation process and oppose all of the false assumptions undergirding the hegemonic paradigm, I'm not aware of it.
That said, if you're on the hunt for the latest picks from Oprah's Book Club or a guide book for Buenos Aires this may not be your best bet.
People thought this was:
I love Bluestockings! It is the epitome of an independent bookstore and coffee shop. I go here whenever I have no plans, or just want to relax. The food and beverages are cheap. I usually order a few cups of coffee and sit there reading or writing. There is a great selection of political and feminist books, many of which hard to find in other bookstores.
In addition to buying books, you can also buy art/posters, magazines, t-shirts, and buttons.
It depends on what you are looking for to say if this bookstore is good or not, they didn't have what I was looking for, travel books, there coffee wasn't bad though, 1.50 for a large coffee.
I love Bluestockings.
I would rather buy all of my books at this independent feminist bookstore than at some corporate bookstore chain. The prices are reasonable, the staff are smart and helpful, and the events are always amazing and well organized. I have hosted, performed, and attended events here and have been completely satisfied.
Books, zines, t-shirts, menstrual calendars, menstrual cups, vegan baked goods that don't taste like shit, and events with everyone from Inga Muscio to Femme Family NYC. What more could I ask for?
People thought this was:
I came here the first few times to buy books for my feminist classes, since the professor liked patronizing this store and giving it business. It is a very cute book store with a lot if interesting-looking books, and the staff are helpful and knowledgeable. And I don't know if they're a staple there or not, but there were these two enormously cute little dogs that followed the customers around, but very nicely, no barking or anything, and they would even stay in the store and not try to run out when customers would open the door. Too CUTE! There's also a sitting area that the staff seems pretty laid back about having people sit in.
The memorable experience I had with this place was, I had a friend visiting from Colorado. I was going to take him to see my cousin perform at a burlesque show at the Slipper Room (where he was able to experience something he couldn't in Colorado as well), but we got there before doors opened so I suggested we take a walk around the block and hang out at this book store until it was time.
Little did I know that they were having spoken-word performances by young Palestinian poets. Their performances were very powerful and moving. That was one of the coolest things I had ever just walked in to. They had book signings after wards, and people just hung out with the writers and talked.
So go in there when you're bored! Who knows what you'll walk in to!
People thought this was:
I heart Bluestockings. They host great events and offer an amazing selection of books. Whenever I enter the store it gives me this peace and comfort knowing change is possible, and there are people out there who believe in transformation and revolution. Viva la Bluestockings! Support feminist business and check them out. I love my slingshot planner and Assata t-shirt from Bluestockings as well. I also noticed that they also carry Diva Cups. I just wish they had even more books by women of color, but their selection is great!
Spent half a rainy day in the city checking out their amazing selection of decently priced (sometimes hard to find) feminist books! I wish there were more places just like this one.
There aren't a million independent book shops left in Manhattan these days. St Marks books is one other noteworthy one. I guess that's the downside of cheap books on Amazon.
This is one such exception. I would call this place old-school. Old-school in being activist, full of interesting authors, a table full of books that will surprise, inspire, and/or make you think. And a staff that can surely recommend a few more on a particular subject. You see that is the real strength of small bookstores is that you have a staff of people who are such mavens on all things written, that they can lead you, guide you, and advise you. Sure sometimes you get that in a Barnes and Noble, but not so often.
You don't have to be an activist to enjoy this bookstore. There are just tons of interesting titles, so I highly recommend you at the very least, stop by and do some browsing.
Oh, they're kinda cafe-ish too, so there are tables there to sit at and browse books. I don't recall if they served drinks, but I think so.
I like you in theory but I don't like you in person.
I've heard about this place for awhile; it's the last great queer bookstore in new york, it has tons of readings and important events for the community, yada yada yada barf.
I thought the selection was mediocre at best. A lot of the books they carried were low end queer theory/feminist/whatever texts. Important yes, but they could be better. This place has a lot of potential but needs a make over.
People thought this was:
This is a pretty cool book shop with a good selection of vegan cookbooks and some obscure academic stuff and good fiction. They also have some pre-packaged vegan cake slices and muffins.
I had a big cup of tea and listened to people around me chat about veganism, movies, and other college-era discussion topics. It's a nice environment on a busy street and a good place to just sit and read.
So here is the BEST way to have a bluestockings experience:
Go in the late afternoon. Don't go with a plan. Just go. Browse. Take time to check out all the books that are on tables and highlighted. Dig around in the shelves to see the books that might be hiding. Take a pencil and a piece of paper--you'll undoubtedly stumble across things you want to remember later.
Find something you MUST READ. RIGHT NOW. Get yourself a refreshment and your new find. Settle into the window seat. Alternate between reading and soaking in all the great people around you.
Stay a long time. Stay for the reading or event that will be happening that evening.
Go home.
Go to sleep.
Wash.
Rinse.
Repeat.
People thought this was:
Where else in the city could I pick up the latest issues of World War 3 Illustrated and $pread; all while nibbling on a brownie?
On any given night you can catch a lecture, sit-in on a reading group or even learn a new skill! Over the last few years I've been lucky enough to catch Daphne Gottlieb, Diane Dimassa, Fly, Seth Tobocman and Peter Kuper in the back of this LES cornerstone.
(Go early to grab a seat. The place gets packed!)
Yes, Bluestockings rocks my socks.
People thought this was:
One of the first spots I sent folks heading to NYC, Bluestockings is one of Manhattan's premier leftist bookstores, with ample focuses on anarchism and feminism, and plenty of great events. For me, this is a New York cornerstone, what of those types of places any big city is supposed to have, and here it's done as right as rain. You in Manhattan? I'm not saying to skip the Strand, but come down south for this too.
People thought this was:
This is one of the few stores in NYC in which I truly believe.
Bluestockings is less of a bookstore and more like a series of great counterculture, feminist, and leftist booklists + cafe. You will never purchase a book not up to par, here. Aside from books, Bluestockings also carries the most fierce selection of zines, shirts, and posters that I have never seen anywhere else. The staff is friendly and all volunteer. And lastly, though I have never been, they host interesting lectures and readings.
People thought this was:
Their book/magazine/zine selection is bound to draw me in any time I enter. It's also easy to order books I want with just a phone call. (And sometimes doing so is safer for my checking account.) During any given week, I know that I can find something exciting and interesting happening here, usually in the form of a book reading by an author i may or may not be crushing after.
Indie bookstores are a dying lot. I've long forgiven Bluestockings for changing from a "feminist" bookstore to becoming a "radical" one. They may not be able to always offer the cool discounts certain other chain stores can, but the employees are also a lot more invested in empowering communities and celebrating their store than most employees at the vast majority of the competition. (And how many other stores call themselves "activist centers"?)
Bonus points for their coffee shop offering fair-trade goods for reasons other than trendiness.
People thought this was:
My favorite bookstore in NYC, no contest. In addition to an incredible selection of radical, small-press, sex-positive, intersectional, and progressive book options - Bluestockings sells a comprehensive sampling of women's "alternative" menstruation products like Diva Cup! (Beat that, Barnes & Slow-ble!) Or if you need a new Slingshot organizer, you'll prolly find it next to the reusable women-rise-up-to-urinate (literally) products.
Comprehensive fiction section, nice array of zines and locally printed products (a BEAUTIFUL children's coloring book about the blackout in NYC a few years back) plus one of the BEST assortments of non-fiction (radical + progressive history, women's studies, gender studies, feminist press, cultural studies, media studies and on and on and on!) selections I've seen in any bookstore - let alone an independent one of this size. Plus hellurv events (readings and regularly-meeting local discussion groups - ie 'radical public school teachers' as an example) hosted here for the public to participate in. The staff is always great - last time a 12 or 13 year old girl rang me up while positively commenting on my latest book choice, "Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organize for Reproductive Justice". Rad!
When I am fortunate enough to have time to myself in New York, you will find me in the corner window seat with an earl grey (hello adorable cafe inside with VEGAN pastries!) reading something I've gladly bought from Bluestockings.
People thought this was:
This is a great bookstore that has a lot of resources for both 2nd and 3rd wave feminism. 2nd wave feminism - think of Betty Friedan. 3rd wave - think of books like Fresh Lipstick. Also, they have a lot of queer events here that are welcoming to anyone in the LGBTQ community.
However, it's not just a bookstore on women and feminism. A lot of liberal, anarchist, counter-culture stuff too. They don't mind if you just sit and read for a couple of hours, but you should definitely buy something if you go in. I mean, it's a little independent bookstore. We don't want Barnes and Noble taking over the Lower East Side too, right?
People thought this was:
This bookstore is amazing.
I'm pretty sure it's the only place in the world where I can go to buy anthologies of literature and poetry by women, women of color, asian americans, pick up a fair-trade latte, and buy a keeper or Diva Cup.
If you don't know what the last two are, then clearly you are due for a visit to Bluestockings.
Another thing I absolutely love about Bluestockings is that it is run by volunteers-- women who realize that a space like this is rare and must be cared for. I love that they only have a few copies of each of their books, which leaves much more space for more selection rather than trying to up sales by stowing 50 copies of Harry Potter.
The greatest perk, though, is those couches. If I ever move to NYC, I will most likely try to set up a good ol'fashioned fort there so I never have to leave.
People thought this was:
One of the few 'radical' bookstores in the city with an open, inviting atmosphere. They have great talks and readings and $1 coffee (in ceramic cups - no cardboard bullshit.)
People thought this was:
This is less a women's bookstore and more a lefty bookstore. When I lived in Chicago and Boston, I used to frequent the lefty bookstores quite often, but since moving to New York, I've only been here once.
They have a good selection of political and countercultural books, as well as zines and related publications. The staff is idealistic and informative, and they have impressive schedule of events. If you dig their vibe, you should sign up for their email newsletter. They recently held a local zines reading, which I missed -- but which should be encouraged.
I bought a book there. You should buy 10.
People thought this was:
I liked this place and might end up going back however I thought the books were wayyyy to expensive. I guess I am used to going to new and used bookstores. I did find two cheaper books and left satisfied with that but a bunch of their merchandise didn't have prices on it which annoyed me.
They sell books on anarchy.
Why don't they just give them away?
They do have an intriguing selection of other books as well, and sometimes hold interesting events. Other's are just plain lame--like Nonviolent Communication. I went to the event and it was more like an AA but for people with anger management issues, which would be fine if the audience didn't consist of houswives and Tisch undergrads.
People thought this was:
Definitely one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. It's open until 11:00 p.m. and the service is always friendly. It's probably the only place I know where you can peruse zines, pick up vegan cookies, and relax for hours drinking Moroccan mint tea. If you're going to grab some coffee in the LES, this would be the best place.
If you are a girl you should definitely stop by this bookstore. Guys come here too and that's all I have to say, that's worth one more star. Its great to browse their material and even better if you end up buying something. They also sell buttons and tote bags. Plus they have a cafe so if you are ever in need for refreshment you have that too.
People thought this was:
It's definitely not a Borders or a Barnes & Noble! Bluestockings is schizophrenic; there are so many angles to it. I've been here a bunch of times: for readings, while waiting for someone, button-buying, journal browsing, oh, and to read. Come here if you want to witness real character in the store itself, the food, the books, Foxy the dog, the planners, etc. Most of the time the staff there are super helpful and know their shit; only one or two didn't know their asses from their elbows, but that's cool, it's the Lower East Side.
People thought this was:
I could go on forever about how great this place is.Besides having a great selection of books,they also sell Zines which is really cool as those are hard to find in stores,and have alot of neat postcards,underground dvds,and more.I like that they have a large selection of free underground newspapers/letters also.
They host something there almost every night,check out thier open mic ladies poetry night!
The only flaw I've had,they charge alot for thier Zines (not magazines,the underground ones..)alot more then if you mailorder them from the author.I know thier rent must be expensive,but that takes away from the ethic of homemade zines...
Bluestockings is my favorite bookstore in New York City! Their book selection is incredible. No better place to get hard to find literature on global capitalism or Black liberation than Bluestockings! Great events, interesting crowd, and (yes I'm a nerd) I would love to go over my credit limit purchasing books from here if I didn't have to worry about the consequences.
People thought this was:
Yes.
Bluestockings makes me wish I lived in New York again. I agree with the review that says it is more of a leftist bookstore than strictly a feminist one, but whatevs -- the selection is still greater than most places, and I never have trouble finding what I need. We're all tired of staring at the "Sociology," "Cultural Studies," and "Women's Studies" sections of Barnes & Noble only to find a single copy of Beauvoir's "The Second Sex."
And the dog is precious!
People thought this was:
I wish this bookstore was closer to my neighborhood! A real philanthropic entity in this city, and host great events. I saw Eve Ensler here at a poetry reading night, and the staff is super friendly. Plus, there are places to sit and a cafe to drink coffee. And, they sell really cool shirts that go towards various causes. Minus one star because it is a feminist bookstore, and I wish they had more variety in their books- but if you are looking for female literature or her-story books, this is the place to go.
People thought this was:
Recalls the long-gone Womanbooks on the UWS: a nice haven and place to get books unavailable elsewhere.
People thought this was:
Great selection of books. Hilarious, loving staff. Adorable dog. To anyone who says otherwise, y'alls are just haters.
People thought this was:
I'm glad that NYC has a bookstore dedicated to women and feminism (in the true sense of that word). I like the shop as much as the idea behind it. A good combination of bookstore and cafe without sacrificing too much on one end or the other. And it's great that readings and events are a regular part of the schedule here. A real service to the communities it serves. The selection is good, but I don't feel as comfortable here reading the books without buying. I guess B&N spolied me on that front. Then again, I would rather spend my money here on a book i could just as easily find at B&N.
People thought this was:
I appreciate any bookstore that carries mostly small-press and independently published books, and Bluestockings has one of the most unique selections I've ever seen, so they get major kudos for that. However, in my experience the atmosphere is unfortunately a bit precious. Not my favorite place to linger carelessly for hours, but a neat place to find books that you had no idea existed.
People thought this was:
Very cool indie bookstore. I wish the cafe area was a little bigger, though - I wanted to stay and have some coffee, but all the seats were filled.
People thought this was:
Bookstore for self proclaimed radicals. They often have readings and heated discussions. It can get a little intense if you're not into the topic of the moment.
People thought this was:
A great resource for the left scene in NYC. You're likely to find out information you've always wanted to know. They even have a lefty children's book section next to the zines! I've never felt so stimulated in such a small space.
A feminist/socialist asset....without the pretension. The staff and crowd makes the vibe a peaceful( and not condescending) one. I bought a great book on DIY screenprinting, inspired by their patches in the front.
duh, this place is terrific. feminist bookstore with lots of stuff for the queer gals as well. a great selection of books & a nice space to see authors read as well; i saw daphne gottlieb read there & it was great. super nice staff, too.
People thought this was:
im dyslexic and cant read but i still love this bookstore. the staff are good people and the book and movie selection is a great collection. a must visit for all thinking people.
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