- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Buono
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Food Coffee & Tea Bookstores, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
8310 Greenwood Ave(between 83rd St & 84th St)
Seattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Greenwood
(206) 436-2960
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 9 pm
Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Buono
Review Highlights
"I visited the new location for the first time today and..."
(in 3 reviews)
"All in all, I was very very pleased with my visit here."
(in 3 reviews)
"...of the old CB - great trade-in value and great selection."
(in 5 reviews)
Loading...
24 reviews in English
-
Review from Shariff C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/9/2011
Good food, good drinks, good times.
Been through a couple of times for a few drinks. On top of delicious coffee concoctions they stock plenty of wine and beer. Plenty if tasty things to eat too; try the weekly soups! Theo, the owner, has employed a fine set of baristas. In addition to all I've listed they hold events weekly, from open mic to live musical acts. All-in-all, a great spot to have a sit-down. -
Review from Rebecca E.
Bellingham, WA
6/5/2011
For books, this is a fun little shop. Used bookshops seem to have drastically raised their prices in the last few years (since when does a used book, even in good condition, just cost a dollar or two less than new???), but this one is pretty good. Some books are priced a little high, in my opinion, but there are lots of inexpensive ones to choose from - I got one for a mere dollar.
The food, however: no. Take a pass. I got a veggie panini, which it seems is just some pesto spread on the bread, some cheese, and nothing else. That doesn't really constitute a veggie panini to me. At LEAST put some tomato slices on it or something. The coffee is ok. The waitstaff is rather standoffish. Go here for used books, and head up the street to Green Bean for coffee and food. -
Review from Jonathan B.
Seattle, WA
12/4/2010
Pretty much the top of the heap of the used bookstores in Seattle, partly because of their good selection--nothing TOO out of date--and partly because of their credit program, which they carried over from the old store. My family earned a lot of credits with our unwanted books brought to their old location; we thought they evaporated when the store was forced to close. But, not only did the owners keep those records, they *remembered* me the first time I shopped in the new one and gave me the credit (half the discounted price) without even a word about it from me. Welcome back, Buzzard!
I also love the music, poetry and art--it's become a real neighborhood center. -
Review from Lisa N.
8/8/2010
YES. YES. YES. After months and months of wanting to come into this store simply for the name, I finally got to make my visit this afternoon and was very pleased that I did. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but I did enjoy a delicious toffee nut & hazelnut latte after much deliberation over their huuuge variety of flavoured syrups (I'm usually a straight-up or vanilla type of girl, but they had SO many that I was feeling adventurous!), but seriously may come back and try a chipotle pineapple apple cider or a blue curacao italian soda simply for the fact that they actually HAVE chipotle pineapple and blue curacao syrups. The barista (I think her name was Sara, at least that's what the tip jar said maybe?) was probably one of the sweetest and most bubbly girls I have ever encountered in cafe service and I would go back just to strike up more conversations with her.
As for the books, they had the strangest selection imaginable. I came across a mushroom book titled Discomycetes which I am now regretting not buying because it's SO old school (for those of you who don't know, I am a mycology wizard and discomycete is a now-obsolete classification which has been abandoned because the members do not form a monophyletic clade) and several well-loved issues of Tin Tin. My boyfriend picked up a Heinlein book he had apparently not heard of (or couldn't find anywhere else, I wasn't fully paying attention) and our friend found two Edgar Rice Burroughs' Martian books (#s 4 & 7 in the series) that he had apparently been
wanting to pick up. Used bookstores are amazing.
I unfortunately left empty-handed, but I did get a punch card from the cafe-- 10 punches gets you a free drink or $2 off your next purchase!
I. Love. This. Store.Listed in: Coffee and tea, PhinneyWood Love
-
Review from jeannette k.
Seattle, WA
8/13/2011
Such a wonderful neighborhood establishment. I was so sad when they closed a couple years ago in their former location, I was thrilled to see them back, and I really like the cozy coffee shop. They've always taken all my books, and have that great credit system. While a small location, it's a very good selection of books, at reasonable prices. Prices are up somewhat, but where aren't they up? The owner is so nice. When my mother visits from FL, she always has me take her there. She's been known to haul books in her suitcase with the intention of a visit to the CB.
-
Review from Emily T.
8/10/2008
I'd be hard pressed to find a used book store that I didn't like.
With that said, Couth Buzzard has an organization all its own and I can't say I understand it. The store's windy rows of bookshelves and box culdesacs could have been organized by author, subject, title or maybe even color and size, who knows. Although, browsing in a used bookstore is a lot like digging for buried treasure anyways, so I guess this lack of organization just heightens the excitement when you find a book you just have to have.
I like trying to find hardcover books that I want, but it seems most of the shelves were full of paperbacks. Also, I noticed that there wasn't much to offer in their "Classics" section or maybe there is and I just couldn't find it. I apparently didn't care enough to ask the staff for help, but from my interaction with them when purchasing my books they were very friendly.
Good place to stock up on some good, used reads. -
Review from Tony G.
9/21/2008 1 Check-in Here
I have been in here only three times, then it closed down because the market next door owns the building and wanted to expand.
I only bought three books here, each $1 because they were going out of business.
21st Century Capitalism - Robert Heilbroner
The Darkside of Camelot - Seymore Hersh
End Zone - Don DeLillo
I wish I moved to this neighborhood sooner so I could have shopped here more. That or I wish the Market didn't expand and get rid of this good bookstore.
Zipzap Zubidy Bop!Listed in: Greenhood
-
Review from Chloe H.
Seattle, WA
7/2/2006
Maria is spot on; this place rocks! I love any used bookstore where the shelves are crammed full from floor to ceiling. In fact, the last time I was here I didn't try to look for anything in particular. I just wandered around until I noticed an autobiography I had been looking for, staring up at me from a box of random merchandise.
I only have one question: What's with the name? Is it a reference to the helpful curmudgeon who sometimes sits behind the counter? An obscure literary quote? A little known poem by Lewis Carroll? Somebody enlighten me! -
Review from Abby H.
Seattle, WA
11/14/2007
It's time we talked of shoes! and ships! and sealing wax! and cabbages and ...Couth Buzzard Used Books??
The Couth Buzzard is run by a bunch of friendly ol' buzzards. So far, they are one of the only book stores I have found that actually lets you do a line of credit, so to speak. That is, you can come in with a bunch of money and they will write it down as you spend it. You can also trade it books for cash or store credit - kind of like clothing trading stores.
The store itself has a really weird system of organization. The fiction wraps all the way around the store and does a double-take upon itself toward the front. So, there are a lot of repeat authors and whatnot. Not to mention the boxes of unorganized books piled atop one another at every bend and corner. It's quite the maze for those with time.
For those without it, you may be frustrated. I know I was a bit annoyed by their lack of major titles as I was looking for essential GRE books. They have a great selection of the classic authors. I really enjoy their Foreign and Religion sections, although they could use work on the Criticism.
In any case, three books for $11 and a big, couth smile: I was satisfied. -
Review from Ari S.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2011
Very glad that the couth buzzard has relocated to a smaller, well organized cozy space. My 4 year old is fully engaged perusing the kids' section while I'm fully engaged perusing the new and used books, meeting friends, drinking a fine espresso, or chatting with the knowledgeable and amicable owner Theo. Sponsoring countless community events, they also were generous in donating Jason's fabulous brownies for my son's preschool auction. You should definitely come out and support this local, socially conscious, friendly business with a heart-they're not making 'em like this anymore!
-
Review from Lori M.
Seattle, WA
8/28/2006
Friendly owner. I love used bookstores. This one plays some great music and has a great mural on the wall. There's also this cool sculpture from a local artist hanging from the ceiling like a extraterrestrial growth.
I picked up some fun crafting books. I will be back here! They have a great program where you can bring in books and with the credit use it to buy more books. Plus, the books you buy will then be 50% off! -
Review from Sonya L.
10/5/2007
When I walked in the door of this bookstore, it put a smile on my face. The store looked as though it was packed from top to bottom with books, and that many treasures awaited me once I began pawing through them all.
The friendly man behind the counter was eager to help if I needed it (though I didn't) and appeared to greatly enjoy working in the peaceful bookstore.
Unfortunately, I never found a book that I wanted to purchase. While the Couth Buzzard is a lovely store filled with all sorts of books in every nook and cranny, a lot of the books are out of date. If you're on the lookout for classics, you'll probably do pretty well here. But if you want to find a used copy of a newer book, or are just searching for a work of fiction to work your way through, you might not come away with anything. My boyfriend bought three classics here, but I left with nothing.
I will give this bookstore another try though because it's really lovely and the staff is nice. If I end up buying a book or two my next visit, I may bump the score up to 4 stars.Listed in: Greenwood Area Businesses
-
Review from Quinn D.
2/7/2011
Now Serving Home-made soups! Visit Jason behind the espresso stand! Friendly and helpful. Lindsey is the soup goddess. I happen to be enjoying the corn chowder,soup de jour as the blue-grass jam session began. It was a relaxing morning.
-
Review from Linda J.
Atlanta, GA
Updated - 5/29/2010
I've got to say that after my last visit here I walked away feeling a bit dissatisfied (and wishing I hadn't left a tip). I was having a bad morning so I decided to treat myself to one of their "special" drinks. I ordered the lavender mocha, which was good but it wasn't hot enough when I finally got it. I realize she makes it from scratch and I appreciate it, but I think the soy milk should've reached a higher temp. (especially considering that they didn't have their whipped cream ready/made). I used to work at Starbucks and that's something we ALWAYS knew to keep tabs on.
It got a little busy, but I was there first and yet it took her forever to bring me my overpriced bagel. I realize that you need to take care of every customer, but it's also first come, first served. Correct? I had to consciously sip my tea in slo-mo so I wouldn't choke on my bagel 20+ minutes later when it arrived. I'm not even kidding. Granted, she was there by herself, but you should be prepared for that. Also, it takes less than 30 seconds to walk my bagel over. Hell, you could've just said my name out loud or just "bagel" and I would've gotten it myself.
I also needed to use the wifi and when I asked the guy that's usually at the front of the store, he was very short with me. Maybe THEY needed coffee that day. Who knows. I am not so sure I'll be going back.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/15/2010
I've seen this place before and finally decided to go in today to look around and get my coffee fix.… Read more »
-
-
Review from Lily H.
Seattle, WA
8/12/2008
I first started to go here in the early 90's when I lived in Greenwood. The booksellers were about the nicest, kindest people in the world, so when I heard they were going to go out of business--because of rising rents, I felt great sadness.
Unlike some booksellers, who run through your box of books and pick out no more than a half a dozen and offer you 25 to 50 cents a piece and reject the rest, the Cooth Buzzard took ALL of my books that I no longer could keep--and gave me store credit for it (about $100, as I recall) that they wrote down in a spiral notebook.
The store was totally low-key, unpretentious, and friendly, the prices low. Even if the book selection wasn't the best, it was just nice popping in and browsing, as it was open until at least 9:00 in the evenings.
On the sidewalk, bookstalls and a bench. Inside, tea, coffee, cookies. Old sofas, armchairs. An electric heater behind the counter. Handwritten signs. Books crammed everywhere, even stacked on the floor.
Perfect place to come in dry off, and read on a dark, rainy fall evening.
Though I never used more than about $15 of it all together, I am very glad I sold my books to them.
Maybe in Bellingham, Port Townsend, Anacortes, etc., there still is a bookstore like the Cooth Buzzard. Not anymore in Seattle.
Along the strip of Greenwood between 65th and 80th, it will be sorely missed by some of us. It helped "re-vitalize" the neighborhood back when Greenwood Avenue was definitely not hip and trendy.
Thank you, Cooth Buzzard of being part of the neighborhood for for the many years.
http://seattletimes.nw... -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2010
YAY They are back!
I like the philosophy and the ongoing activities - writers groups, talks, an art activity. I love to read and buy and sell used books. What more could I ask for? (only a faster diet.. and stay tuned!) -
Review from Leslie H.
Mountlake Terrace, WA
9/7/2010
I'd never had the opportunity to visit the Couth Buzzard in it's previous location so I was sad to miss out on an opportunity to find my next "favorite used book store". I was happy to hear that the Couth Buzzard bookstore had re-opened in a new location and decided to visit on a cold rainy Labor Day weekend.
I perused the shelves. They have a nice selection of used and even a few new books. I picked up a couple that were of nice quality used books. In checking the schedule of events I saw that they have some great evening performances scheduled. I just might have to come back for that. I've also heard great things about the coffee. I'll have to come back for that too. And now they serve beer too?!! Who needs to leave? While I was paying for my books, I was cheerfully informed about their trade in program and my wife was given some great pointers on ways to locate a specific poetry book she's been looking for. All in all, I was very very pleased with my visit here. -
Review from Sean M.
Edmonds, WA
9/5/2007
I found the staff unfriendly and the store cluttered (insert: Its a used book store). I'm still not sure how they price the books. The ones I bought I just payed what he told me too. The store has a old musty smell that most used book stores do. If I'm in the area and need a book I'd stop by, but I'm not going of my way to do so.
-
Review from Maria C.
Seattle, WA
6/24/2006
It's a maze in here, with tall bookshelves arranged in dead end cul-de-sacs and long rows, crammed so full of books, that many have spilled over into piles on the floor. It's a book lover's treasure hunting paradise and the books are cheap. They're also hard to find, even though there are small hand printed pieces of paper telling you what section you're in. Maybe that's why the nice lady behind the counter said if I needed any help just to let her know, the very second I walked in the door.
-
Review from Seamus O.
Boise, ID
6/11/2010
Love the new Couth Buzzard. If you liked the old one at all, you'll love the new one. It's clean, organized and has a new coffee area with plenty of room to sit. It also retains two key components of the old CB - great trade-in value and great selection. I always find several books I want and the owner always has great suggestions. So glad it's back!
-
Review from Meredith S.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2010
I visited the new location for the first time today and loved it! An inviting shop with plenty of books to browse. The space shows lots of creativity - I especially liked how they put comfy chairs in many of the aisles. I found two beautiful books by the time I reached the second aisle and will have to spend more time here to check out the rest. There's a coffee shop, too, although I didn't try out any of the goods - they all seemed friendly though. All in all a good use of a small space - happy to see it back in the neighborhood.
-
Review from Dan H.
Seattle, WA
4/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Meh. Normally like used bookstores, but was not too terribly impressed. Limited selection, books seemed to be half cover price. Won't be coming back, not bad, just not good.
-
Review from Susan P.
Seattle, WA
3/24/2010
So happy that this neighborhood classic has risen again in the new location! And now we can have a delicious coffee or a snack from the on-site cafe, Espresso Buono. Greenwood has another great community spot, with heart and soul.
Check out the online schedule for many free activities such as the Wednesday open mic. night. http://www.buonobuzzar...
Trade in your old books and get generous credit towards future book purchases. The book selection is interesting and diverse. -
Review from Ja M.
King, WA
5/15/2008
Cooth Buzzard Bookstore has been in its new location for a few years. Adding the coffee bar has made it smell less musty. Many of the books are very old and out of date. In case you are looking for something no one else would keep, check here...
