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Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Food Coffee & Tea Bookstores, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
126 Crosby St(between Prince St & Jersey St)
New York, NY 10012
Neighborhood: SoHo
(212) 334-3324
- Nearest Transit:
-
Broadway - Lafayette St (B, D, F, M)
Prince St (N, R)
Bleecker St (4, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
249 reviews for Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
Review Highlights
"And yes, it's for a good cause too."
(in 31 reviews)
"Plus, the free Wi-Fi and cafe inside the store is awesome."
(in 12 reviews)
"What an oasis in the middle of Soho."
(in 30 reviews)
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249 reviews in English
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Review from Patty G.
Philadelphia, PA
2/7/2012
Absolutely amazing! To begin, Housing Works uses its profits to help address homelessness and HIV/AIDS prevention. All of the books are donated and the store is run by a volunteer staff.
The books are used and are reasonably priced. This also means that you're not going to necessarily be able to find a specific book that you're looking for. But fret not, you will certainly be able to find a few gems that you didn't even know existed- like a pop-up book of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. I walked away with 9 books for just over $60, many of which were in like-new condition.
The cafe is adorable as well and serves up Intelligentsia coffees. I didn't try the pastries but they looked amazing and are all made fresh on the premises each day.
Did I mention it benefits a great cause? Shop at Housing Works! -
Review from Nina L.
2/2/2012
First things first - it's about the cause, and the cause is GREAT. So how could it not be 5 stars? Especially since all of the Housing Works organization runs a tight ship even though it is mostly a volunteer staff.
The selection of used books is good, the seating is ample, the atmosphere is warm, there's a public bathroom and WIFI. Housing Works hosts tons of events here, anything from screenings to concerts, if the event isn't free all the profits go toward the organization cause.
You can check out their events listing here:
http://www.housingwork...
The cafe is adorable, as is the staff. They make a lot of tasty dishes daily. I recommend the savory bread pudding if it's on the menu.
Anyway, you get the point, it's better than reading in a corporate bookstore, it's better than sitting in a crowded Starbucks. Purchase something if you can spare, it never hurts to help! -
Review from Shing Yiing O.
New York, NY
1/27/2012
I need to start reading books in order to love this place... but 5 stars??? YES!!! I hate reading but I love this place... Reasons??? Here you go..
1) They have a small cafe that you can sit for a meal, snack or coffee when you are enjoying a book
2) This place seems really warm.. it looks like a old library which has ladders that you can climb and search for a book..
3) it's a better spot for you to do your work compare to starbucks... it's quiet
4) books in a much lower price
5) Friendly server at the cafe
*****6) most importantly.. AWESOME COFFEE!! Ordered a latte to enjoy... They have great coffee!!!
Stop by for a cup of coffee after shopping in Soho!!!! :)Listed in: My Coffee Tour in NYC!!!, NYC - Hole in a WALL!!!
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Review from Grace C.
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Guy 1: Do you know if there's working outlets here?
Guy 2: No man.. sorry I don't think so
Guy 2 to me: I guess they want you to read here or something like that.
While sandwiched in this conversation, i thought to myself, what a crazy concept. Reading books at a bookstore. I have to say that without plugs, things can get annoying really quickly. I was actually in the middle of the two guys' conversation because Guy 2 was kind of enough to allow me to charge my phone with his laptop. Nonetheless, a place without those kind of distractions are quite necessary, especially in the city.
Anyway! Coffee was decent. Seating and ambiance more than just decent. It's a really quiet place to go and think. The books do the talking. The prices for the books are similar to Strand I would assume. There are a lot of sale books that shouldn't be so cheap! So there are definitely deals if you have the time to peruse through them. Enough seating and I will have to go with a friend so I can go back and forth between sitting at the table and exploring the shelves both on the main level and the 2nd floor. -
Review from Brian Jin M.
Manhattan, NY
I've heard about this place many times but never had the time and finally today I made it after 4 years in the city. Anyways, just FYI this is no Barnes & Nobles or Borders, this is a used book store that shows a bit of history in its decor and atmosphere. Book shelves on the walls and stairways to a "2nd floor" reading area with tables and chairs overlooking the entire store which I liked a lot as it gave me some privacy and a "get away" from the tourist and people that are on the ground floor.
They got a Bar/Cafe downstairs where you can buy coffee, iced beverages, beer, and even wine. There are plenty of tables and seats for you to enjoy them as you read, chat, or what not. They serve Intelligentsia coffee which was great. They also serve light foods like sandwiches, muffins, croissants, etc
They have two restrooms, one is Unisex I believe just in case you're a tourist looking for "free" public restrooms. The book selections were pretty decent and divided into categories and well organized.
I wouldn't come here with a laptop since I couldn't find any outlets and the tables on the 2nd floor are too small to do any decent paperwork or "laptoping"...unless you got a Netbook or something
Anyways, decent in my book, will return for some coffee and to read the old books -
Review from Marygold H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/19/2012
The gem in Manhattan. Given the nature of the organization the store is based upon--the social service NPO for HIV and homeless population--you can't overly complain when the place occasionally loses control over a bit unruly crowd or they frequently close early now for the events and shows for ticket holders.
But over all, this is definitely a store you want to support endlessly. -
Review from Chloe' S.
KEW GARDEN HL, NY
1/4/2012
This review comes from a place of loving not just the HW Bookstore but the thrift store chain and the organization in general. That aside, I love coming here to spend a few hours browsing, reading, working on my laptop. It's a really awesome atmosphere in a fun neighborhood, and a thrift store is right across the street. The people working behind the counter are friendly and accommodating. The coffee- on which I got refills- and the couscous special of the day (with herbs and fruit) were amazing and totally worth the money. This is a wallflower's paradise, though I've also seen people coming to hang out with friends and have conversations.
Oh yeah- sign up for the e-newsletter, which always sends out a monthly schedule of events. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to work up the willpower to commute out to any of them yet, though there have been many that caught my attention (esp one with Regina Spektor that I still kick myself for not attending). I'm hoping to make it out there for a Moth Story Slam someday soon. -
Review from Evamarie B.
San Jose, CA
1/5/2012
Friendly. Cozy. Really cool set-up.
I came in around 10:15 A.M. I wished they opened earlier...
I browsed around a bit. Most books are discounted about 50% off the MSRP. The book selection is small but they have quality finds... It's like a "hit or miss" kind of book store...To me, it's like treasure hunting...I like that kind of stuff...
Good Coffee too! I ordered a Mocha. Not too sweet, not to bitter...just right.
This morning there was a little dilemma with the internet. It took them about an hour to fix...It took a while but at least they were active in getting the problem solved.
Loved my experience here! -
Review from Noa B.
Brooklyn, NY
11/15/2011
Who would give this bookstore a one star? How dare I!
Yes, I did but only for a cause.
I love this place. Rather I love books. I love reading.
I believe most people who visit here would have the same hearts.
That is why this foundation was built, of course along with helping the AIDS-stricken. However now I see the place turn to event place.
9 pm closing is only nominal and they mostly close at 4 or 5 pm. Why? Because they have Events, everyday!
Don't forget the cause where you're based on and more importantly do Not let cause serve you, not you serving the cause. Be non-profit and stay non-profit. You're getting free books from all over, not to mention grants/support from many sources.
It's like taking Union Square away by putting commercial structures so we can even stand there. Shame on you!Comment from Amanda B. of Housing Works Bookstore Cafe 1/13/2012
I think it's important to clarify some of the points in… More » -
Review from Finlay L.
Brooklyn, NY
11/29/2011
I love everything about this place. The books, the surprise finds, the people, the space, the snacks, the crazy dance parties, the treasure trove of $1 vinyl, and of course the good cause it supports. It's just a lovely place to be.
I worked here as a volunteer for almost a year and I have to say, I really looked forward to being there every week (and keep meaning to beg them to take me back). I read constantly, and bought more books than I could ever possibly read.
It's a great spot for a date, either just to come meet someone for coffee, or to bring them out for a show or lecture. And the dance parties aren't a joke: they hosted a DJ duel between Andrew WK and $mall ¢hange a few years back. Incredible. -
Review from Alexandra B.
New York, NY
11/19/2011
Alright, so I saw this review on yelp and figured it was good stuff...I like books and internet as much as the next Soho vagabond.
True to form, it was very whimsically intellectual in there. My friend and I saw some famous art guy, and it was nice to be surrounded by books.
BUT: I came for the free wifi, which was weak, and there were a lot of middle-aged judgmental people eying me as I had the audacity to engage in conversation. It was nearly impossible to get a table, and the bathroom lock was broken.
Not stellar, but interesting. I think I'll give it another shot sometime and hope for the best.Comment from Amanda B. of Housing Works Bookstore Cafe 11/22/2011
That lock is fixed; in fact, the bathroom (and the whole… More » -
Review from Ryan Q.
Brooklyn, NY
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is definitely unique.
I met a friend here to keep her company while she wrote an article.
I went up to buy a chocolate chip cookie, and realized that they also serve BEER. Awesome. I ALWAYS crave beer and cookies around 2 pm.
The book selection looks great, but I didn't buy anything.
Check it out if you're not an idiot. -
Review from D N.
Brooklyn, NY
9/12/2011
One of my old favorites - I have nothing bad to say about the place. Great prices and everything goes to charity. A beautiful vibe, a nice place to meet a date or a friend. I wouldn't mind a larger Psychology section - the selection is just not as extensive as it could/should be.
Other than that, no complaints. -
Review from Jade B.
Brooklyn, NY
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle on Broadway, this charming and idyllic location on Crosby St. is perfect for bibliophiles and study hounds.
I love the ambiance in this place, I feel like I'm walking into a library because the minute you step foot in this place, you're surrounded by books at every turn. I like their spiral staircases, leading to even more books and cozy seating.
I had a hot mocha, which was yummy and I liked the chocolate that they used. It didn't taste like some generic "hot chocolate" syrup, it tasted flavorful like it could be a powder or real chocolate. I love this place because I'm never at the mercy of a ton of students hogging all of the outlets and seating. You know the stereotype, the inconsiderate student that throws all of their three bags (backpack, purse, iPad carrier, whatnot) on the only empty chair in the store... and they purposefully try to avoid making eye contact because they are way too lazy to move their entire life off that empty seat for you...
Anyway! Back on track. There's a huge selection of tables on the main floor, and if you don't mind getting up close and personal, there's cozy seating upstairs which is a bit more quieter.
I'll have to come back because I always see their unique calendar of events which makes me want to visit again asap! -
Review from Lisa Jane C.
Brooklyn, NY
9/20/2011 29 Check-ins Here
More than just books and a cafe. Much, much more.
Has a fairly good selection of recent books discounted, as well as some rare items and auction items (shelved in front display cases). Some of them have fairly low starting bids.
A selection of dog-eared used paperbacks can provide cheap reading material for those of us who like old-school paperbacks.
A decent selection of reasonably priced albums and compact discs can fill the gaps in your music collection. The albums all seem to be in good condition.
My only complaint - membership is $60 a year and provides only a 10% discount. On par with many museums.
A truly fun place. -
Review from Neil H.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2011
Housing Works was my "go to" place after work when I lived in NYC from 91-97. Aside from being a great designed book store, with an awesome and varied selection, their cafe was great. The coffee was always fresh and their iced drinks were perfect.
The quality of books was always great and because of their mission, they always seemed to be getting fresh books on the shelves.
Plenty of room to sit and drink, read, or study.
Probably in my mind, one of the best places in NYC. -
Review from yeraldin l.
Bronx, NY
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the bookstore but there's also the thrift store so dont get them confused. Its easy to miss this place because its the one little street you would never think of looking into because it looks like the dark corner places little innocent people get lost in.
I've been there twice, on rainy days. First time was turned away at the door for a private function, pretty upset, the least they could do is post something online. But when I looked inside and saw that it was a wedding reception I was all like "awww!". I can be one of those idiotic suckers for romance.
Moving on, second time, came in no prob. Looked around. Pretty big, could make the perfect haunted house. A little bakery all the way inside, varied selection with room to sit, eat a little something and browse at the reasonable and obscure prices on book/album items.
It doesn't resonate deep inside me though. Yet with many others it does. I hope to future visitors continue to like but for me this is just a llittle bit past 'meh'.Comment from Amanda B. of Housing Works Bookstore Cafe 11/8/2011
Yeraldin, closings are always listed at... More » -
Review from Sasha P.
Manhattan, NY
7/11/2011
On the basis of going there to use their wifi - the one star rating. If you are planning to go there for free WiFi - bear in mind they recently changed their policies and there are no outlets available.
I bought $5 worth of stuff to meet the credit card minimum, and then saw the no outlets sign. Not like I was planning to camp out forever, but I'm more efficient in a coffee shop than at home, and took two trains to get here because I had read it was great and wanted a change of scenery. My computer died within five minutes, and no refunds or outlet exceptions were granted.
I understand they probably have a lot to offer otherwise, but I wanted to flag this for people who saw the "WiFi" note on the review. -
Review from Amy C.
New York, NY
6/27/2011
I ADORE this little bookstore. All of their proceeds go to case management and advocacy work with their HIV/AIDS clients. It's social enterprise at its best! I love spending time here during my grad school days writing my papers and perusing their vast cookbook selection. Their hot soups, knishes, and chai lattes hit the spot on a winter day.
You can stay here for hours and no one will bother you. Free Wifi...ask one of the associates for a code. It changes daily. The only annoying thing is that there aren't any plugs available to plug in your laptop. -
Review from Euripides X.
ASTORIA, NY
12/4/2011
Happily busy little bookstore serving customers both looking for books, and those who wish to lounge and drink coffee. The mezzanine level is an attractive feature that adds to the overall charming character of this nifty destination.
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Review from Jia J.
4/25/2011
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is what you get if you take the cozy built-in wood shelving and fantastic selection of the Harvard University bookshop, subtract campus commercialism, add open space and seating, subtract homogenously educated prepsters, and add the scruffy leagues of scruffy New York city literati...and multiply it all by a quiet kitchen serving pastry, killer knishes, tea, coffee, BEER ($3 for a can of PBR, $5 for a bottle of Brooklyn), and WINE.
Love:
*The cause (ending AIDS and homelessness in the city)
*The often free events (such as a panel of Rolling Stone journalists and editors this month)
*Plentiful space (you can get a little round table to yourself if you arrive around 6 p.m., and no one will make you move just because you don't buy a cappucino that you didn't even want)
*Level of quiet - halfway between a cafe and a library
*The $5 knishes that are actually worth it because they are huge and manage to pack a lot of flavor for something merely spud-based
*The carts of 50-cent paperbacks - really brings me back to better times when people still used books as the primary platform for the act of reading
Could do without:
*Stupid male bohemes who don't lock the unisex bathroom door, subject your vision to the sight of their pissing stance, then don't apologize on their way out.
*The dirty bathrooms (reflective not necessarily of the establishment, but of the loiterers who flock here)
*Hard chairs (though upholstery tends to get soiled in this city)
Any which way, you can get a lot of work done here while supporting a worthy mission. -
Review from Ryan B.
6/22/2011
The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is hands-down my favorite place to read in new york city. This place is so comfortable and chill, and the cafe serves up some tasty stuff! I love their old wood floor and overall classic feel. They have a very nice selection of used donated books that they resell, and then put the proceeds towards a myriad of great causes (+1). I especially love their cookbook selection. What I'm really about though is the cafe! Soups, sandwiches, baked good, knishes.....all fresh, delicious and at a great price. They also have pabst blue ribbon and brooklyn beer......which I will usually grab one or two of while I'm reading ;)
Often tough to find a table, but overall this place is lovely! -
Review from Sukanya S.
Somerville, MA
6/17/2011
Others go to Jerusalem, Mecca and Saks, I go to Housing Works. In the past 4 years, HW has incidentally become something of a pilgrimage place for me, so now I go there everytime I'm in NY to pay my respects.
Ever since I found this gem while strolling along Prince Street one winter afternoon, I've been in love with this wooden-floored somewhat-dark-but-ironically-cheerful interiors two-level bookshop/cafe which remind me of the inside of a Victorian castle for some reason (lighting-wise, or the lack thereof).
If you go past all the big label shops on Prince Street without being able to spend a penny and then find yourself on the threshold of HW, you will find its SoHo location truly therapeutic. Finally one place one wouldn't feel guilty about overindulgent spending in.
Their literary fiction shelf near the nice little cafe at the far end of the shop is well-stocked with all kinds of authors and titles. You name a book and they almost always have it. Unlike other low-price bookstores, they have a children's section too for those interested in bringing a little one in.
Also love the discount carts where there are books for 3 or 5 quid. They also sell music CDs etc. You will almost always find a treasure or two if you are searching for some; you will find, even if you're not searching!
If I wasn't such a tourist on a schedule, I would spend hours sitting there with furrowed eyebrows deeply engrossed practically inhaling the words from the pages of any of the plethora of tomes around me.
Everytime I visit HW, I oddly get the feeling that I've come home. Can't wait for my next visit! -
Review from Emanuel H.
Manhattan, NY
6/30/2011
If you're into really old (but refurbished) bookstores, where many artists and intellectuals (or poseurs) hang out, this place is cool. I honestly liked this place when I walked in, but I didn't fall in love with it. The food was alright, but then you wouldn't go to a bookstore necessarily for gourmet food. The chai tea with soy milk was probably a 3.5/5 stars, which is decent.
It's nice to read here though, they have little tables and chairs. And you're surrounded by really cool books that you wouldn't find in a conventional store like barnes and nobles or borders (are they still open??)
Just check it out if you're in the SOHO area! -
Review from Kelly R.
10/13/2011
adorable used bookstore with a coffee shop in the very back. All the rare books are hard to see and behind the counter. Not alot of selection for a used bookstore and they were rather slim on the science section. The coffee shop part looked really wonderful.
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Review from Charles F.
Manhattan, NY
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best place to read/study and also find some awesome cheap books. It's an oasis in the city for sure.
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Review from Hila P.
Manhattan, NY
4/24/2011
This is a great place to hang out and study.
But some things you should know if you need a computer to study -
1. Their wifi is really shotty, It doesn't really work most of the time
2. They have stopped letting people use outlets (so if your computer dies the moment its disconnected from power - like me - this will suck)
Otherwise, great place! -
Review from Chris M.
9/15/2011
This place is awesome. I stumbled upon it and was really impressed with their values and mission. The coffee was pretty good, although I don't think they had soy... which sorta sucks because I almost feel like that's standard now, but that's okay. They don't let you sit and use the outlets because they want a nice mix of people coming in and out, so it's not good for someone looking to do work... but it is good for someone who wants to sit and rest a bit and catch up with a friend. I had a zucchini loaf and it was pretty damn good! I love the atmosphere and set up. Wish I could have been around in NY long enough to support one of their events...
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Review from Jillian H.
Brooklyn, NY
9/13/2011
Don't care how charming the space is - when outlets are locked away from public use, the free wifi and decent desk room become unworkable.
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Review from Crys S.
JACKSON HTS, NY
9/3/2011
I admit, my fiancee works here, but this place is still awesome. Good people, cheap/quality books, free wifi, and a well run cafe with good, healthy food & drink.
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Review from Andrea A.
PRINCE, NY
12/11/2011
Leave your kindle at home and browse the eclectic selection of used books. And great cultural events and catering, all for a great cause!
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Review from Althea A.
8/16/2011
This place just has the most pleasant vibe. I haven't actually eaten here, but it's just nice to browse the shelves with the quiet clink of coffee cups and the murmur of conversation in the background. It just feels welcoming and homey.
I like the tables that have themes and staff recommendations, and I like how their fiction section is well-curated. The sci-fi section needs an enthusiast to take it over, however. That section seems to consistently have two things: classics that I've read, and crap that I don't want to read. (Oh, sometimes it also has crap that I've read.) I know a used bookstore is somewhat dependent on what comes in the door, but the quality of the selection in other genres makes me expect better. I've also noticed that a bunch of the sci-fi gets shelved along with regular fiction - yesterday I found a Kage Baker book I'd been looking for in regular fiction, and also saw Gene Wolfe and several others mis-shelved. They also often tend to have books I want to read stuck in the YA section... but maybe that's just me.
In addition to the Kage Baker, I got a new Robin Hobb hardcover, a near-new trade paperback from Jose Saramago, and an anthology which just happened to be signed by both editors (yay Nicola Griffith! *love*) and several of the contributing authors.
Books in new condition run around $8-$10; they've also got some more collectible items, and some bargain items ($.50-$3.) Open till 9pm. -
Review from Connie C.
N Haven, CT
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the dark wood furniture and sky high bookshelves and with two-story high ceilings and white corinthian columns in the middle, there's no reason to feel claustrophobic. If you're trying to have a productive afternoon, bring work that doesn't require your laptop because there are no outlets to charge your computer.
I had a delicious, hearty $5 bowl of moroccan lentil soup but my friend said the coffee wasn't up to par.
Will definitely be back. -
Review from Rose M.
Manhattan, NY
12/24/2010
Café - meh. Very inexpensive, which I can get behind, but the baked goods I have purchased were all tasteless. Oh well, it's still a nice place to get coffee/tea/whatever. Sometimes hard to get a table, though it's wonderfully cozy and conducive to studying! There are no electrical outlets available for use, so make sure your laptop is fully charged if you plan on spending much time here.
On to bigger and better things, the books! Selection is excellent and almost everything is in good condition. New York has tons of used bookstores, but this one might be my favorite; it is sizable yet not overwhelming, everything is organized, and the staff seems friendly. For such a worthwhile cause, the price (which is usually low anyway) is always right. -
Review from Kath B.
Brooklyn, NY
5/11/2011
Great books you can find in here. Got a Eguene O Neil book in here for $1. :)'
I like the decor olden and simple. -
Review from Mandy Y.
2/17/2011
They've stopped allowing access to their outlets because of increased traffic, says the sign on the windows. :(
Other than that, this place is nice for a bookstore/cafe. -
Review from Renee m.
11/12/2010
If you can say yes the the following, then you need to get your A$$ here ASAP:
Do you love to read?
Does the smell of books give you a teeny hardon?
DO you like to save money???
How about a cozy spot to read, drink coffee, and free Wifi?
Do you like comfy chairs that allow your ample butt sink into it's soft plush leather???
Come here, you will not regret... -
Review from Alphonse T.
Philadelphia, PA
8/22/2011
Great selection! Love the $1-$3 trolleys with great old books (all with that broken in feel). I've gotten both classic and new titles there. Haven't tried the cafe but from the packed tables, it's probably pretty coveted. Great for some Sunday browsing, especially when you just want to be by yourself.
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Review from Morgan M.
Brooklyn, NY
7/24/2011
I love a used books/coffee/beer/wine cafe. This is my must-stop place for a rest between stores in SoHo, and I always end up with a good book in my hand.
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Review from Smrithy T.
New York, NY
8/2/2011
In LOVE with this place! In the city filled with Kindles, Nooks and iPads, it's so refreshing to come across a cute little bookstore like this. Books are all donated and all the workers are volunteers - love that. The volunteers seem to care about what they do and you get genuine smiles unlike the ones paid for by Barnes and Nobles and Borders (rest in peace). The used books give this place that old school bookstore feel that is very rare to find nowadays.
You also get to meet some great customers and have very interesting conversations.
