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Quimby's Bookstore
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Comic Books Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Comic Books, Bookstores [Edit]
1854 W North Ave(between Elk Grove Ave & Honore St)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
(773) 342-0910
- Nearest Transit:
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Damen-o'hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12 pm - 9 pm
Fri 12 pm - 10 pm
Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
151 reviews for Quimby's Bookstore
Review Highlights
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"This place gets a fiver because they sell zines." In 67 reviews -
"There's local stuff to graphic novels & just the bizarre..." In 16 reviews -
"Quimby's selection of music magazines is great, too." In 39 reviews
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151 reviews in English
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Review from Rebecca P.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have to admit I always feel slightly uncomfortable in graphic novel stores because I'm not heavy into the culture. I have a few series I read, and I pick things up here and there. But by and large, I don't know much about the comic book world, and I feel like people in these stores can tell I don't know what's up and judge me for it. A little ironic I feel like an outcast in a world predominantly made up of misfits and pariahs, but there you have it.
That said, I've never felt more comfortable perusing graphic novels than I have at Quimby's. I picked up a couple things I'd never heard of based on the staff recommendations and absolutely loved them. They are incredibly helpful in a really nonchalant way. Even better, they carry a lot of obscure stuff published by not very well-known authors and artists. In fact, my boyfriend found a book written by his childhood best friend, who he hadn't talked to in over ten years. And in the acknowledgment's, my boyfriend spotted his name! If that doesn't tug at your heart strings, I don't know what will.Listed in: HAAAAAY, CHICAGO
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Review from Amy K.
12/1/2011
A friend was showing me around Chicago and was trying to think of places I'd like; he described this as a curated bookstore. I had no idea what he meant until I got there, at which point I knew exactly what he meant.
Quimby's has the feel that every book they sell was picked with purpose and personal approval, keeping a certain audience in mind. The store is organized into very specific sections, and the books are ones you wouldn't find in a Barnes and Noble: stuff about how to be a cool parent, books of collected band names, roller derby coffee table books, 33 1/3 books, lefty political books, vegan cookbooks, and the zines and graphic novels...I don't know where to start. It was overwhelming. There are racks of zines throughout the store (from bound paperbacks of "Cometbus" to little hand-colored comics), I'm sure Quimby's carries several hundred different titles (there were also racks of sale zines in the back). I do wish the zines had been organized by subject - when possible - because I had no clue where to start, and I did so want to buy some zines. And/or graphic novels, but again, with the enormous selection, I ended up being unable to pick anything.
This was dumb of me; I have a feeling the employees are well-versed in the store's wares, and could have found me a pile of stuff to buy if I'd listed my interests. I definitely felt like I'd missed something fantastic when I left without reading materials. I did invest in the black-and-white photobooth in back, because how could anyone not? But really, how could I also not buy something to read? Bah. -
Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
9/16/2011 2 photos
Ever wonder why there are some people in Chicago who talk to themselves? They are probably possessed!
I found a strange book here at Quimby's Bookstore (see picture). Totally weird! This place is rad though. They have unique and interesting DIY books, and bizarre graphic novels. The shop is small, but it is literally jammed to the roof with odd reading materials.Listed in: Adventures in the Windy City, Novel Ideas
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Review from The P.
Champaign, IL
3/5/2012
Ahhhh, finally a place to get my indie and mini comic fix...
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Review from Allison P.
Bucktown, Chicago, IL
3/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Best bookstore in Chicago. Easily in the top five best book stores I have been to. They have author readings here pretty frequently and are part of Chicago Zine fest, which is awesome. I saw Craig Thompson speak a few months ago, and was pleased to see that the place wasn't ridiculously crowded.
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Review from Matt S.
Saint Louis, MO
11/17/2011
Probably my favorite store in the neighborhood. The selection is always really interesting (wasn't into zines until I started going to this place) and the staff has always been unbelievably friendly and helpful every time I've been here, even though I am probably the antithesis of your Wicker Park hipster.
They also have a photobooth in the back, which basically makes this place an automatic winner in my book! -
Review from Jason H.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
This is quite the bookstore. The collection is eccentric & awesome. I could spend hours in here and I don't even read much. This place is especially awesome because you couldn't find these publications online even if you knew the name. There's local stuff to graphic novels & just the bizarre & awesome.
read books = good times -
Review from Matthew S.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2011 ROTD 2/25/2011
After a late night BBQ session next door, one of my dining companions insisted we visit Quimby's.
I knew I loved it as soon as I walked in the door. A very friendly bookseller was stationed at the front desk, and invited us to browse.
Holy Zines! This place had everything from kitten sketch pads to calendars with some of the most aroused men I've ever seen.
Its one of the best independent booksellers I've ever been to. And the novelty/gag gifts were amazing. Who doesn't need sushi erasers? Or a rubber chicken key chain?
The store has lots of browsing space, and while the librarian in me wanted to start putting the books in a different order - the book shop layout made looking for your title easy.
2 of the 3 of us left with a small bag of purchases. They do accept credit cards, which I wasn't expecting. It seems so old school, but they have conceded to modernity.
And I'd be remiss if I didn't note their selection of greeting cards. It was awesome, and I felt like I was browsing at a craft show. So many hand made cards, and limited edition cards. Perfect for any occasion.
If you've got that hard to shop for geek / comic lover /indie-style lit friend...this is the place to turn to. I am excited to go back.Listed in: My RoTD's. hot.
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Review from Joel T.
Plymouth, IN
12/30/2011
Zines, comics, and plenty of new books you haven't heard of but want to read. Beautiful.
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Review from Anthony P.
Chicago, IL
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has quite the interesting selection. I am by no means a comic book aficionado. After seeing the same old selection and new releases from every other bookstore, seeing a totally different bunch of books is refreshing, though.
The place is just the right size. I wouldn't be able to spend hours here, but I appreciate it for what it is: great to pop in to a small business for a while and leave with some interesting graphic novel. -
Review from Michael M.
Chicago, IL
2/11/2011
Quimby's is the center of Chicago indie comics. It is just that simple. Anyone who reads comics should go and experience Quimby's at least once....
Wait...you know what? That sells Quimby's short. Anyone who READS should go and experience Quimby's at least once. The comic medium is looked upon as a nerdy pastime, but honestly, I would challenge any true bibliophile to go to Quimby's and not leave with something interesting and worthwhile.Listed in: Comics are cool.
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Review from Mary F.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2011
Oh Quimby's! I love you so much and now I will never shop at you or recommend you again.
My boyfriend thoughtfully bought me the Recipe Moleskine at Quimby's 2 weeks before my birthday. I opened it and was so excited, but he had grabbed the blank sketch book by mistake. The Quimby's sticker was still on it so we thought we'd go and exchange it and pay the difference as the recipe Moleskine was more expensive.
We arrived at Quimby's on the day of my birthday excited to get the right notebook and browse and possibly buy more stuff! The nice guy behind the counter whom I'm sure was just following policy, told us not only were we too late because they accept no returns after a week, but that they wouldn't exchange it without a receipt even though their sticker was on it.
Dude, it was a blank Moleskine in shrink wrap...it's not like we bought a book, read it and tried to return it. Now we're stuck with this fancy notebook we don't want.
Damn. I really liked that place. -
Review from Dos T.
New York, NY
12/25/2010
Love, love, love this place. Unusual publications art books, comics, odd magazines, and a TON of zines make this not your typical bookstore. In fact, if you're looking for a best seller or something for mom, go somewhere else. But if you're seeking something specific, unique, and personal, something for a best friend or yourself, this is the spot.
Every time we come to town, we have to stop here. Be prepared - if you go in with a set amount you're willing to spend on new zines, you're bound to leave happy. And if you're not set on spending, at least go in and browse.
Awesome place. And online: http://www.quimbys.com -
Review from Camilla G.
Cleveland, OH
3/9/2011
Just a really great bookstore, loaded to the gills with interesting small-press titles, just about every zine you can imagine, graphic novels, and more. Not your run-of-the-mill plain-vanilla bookstore.
The friend I visited with turned me on to their special "mystery mix" bundles of random periodicals. You get a newspaper-wrapped package of 10 or so random magazines, zines and other periodicals to enjoy, with no idea what you're getting, for $10. Fun! -
Review from Papa B.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
I walk by everyday but never been inside. Never really had the time.
I don't even do 'the yelp' but joined to give it 5 stars. A package of mine was accidentally delivered there and they dropped it off hastily within minutes of my returning home after a long workday.
Good stuff. -
Review from Vaughn C.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2008 ROTD 1/20/2008
Fine. I might as well get around to writing about my #1, A+, top notch, most favorite, hyperbole-laced-superlative-bound retail locale in the Chicago area. I've been saving this one up for when I'm amply caffeinated and aptly sleep-deprived.
Q: So, uh, I think I'm being followed by aliens and I woke up with a hurt ass. Do you know a place in the city that might have a decent selection on extraterrestrial probes and UFO's?
A: Quimby's. They have an entire shelf dedicated to just that!
Q: I feel bad taking Jack Chick comics from those cross-eyed nutjobs on Michigan Ave. Where can I actually pay for them with a conscience?
A: I know Quimby's sells them for pretty cheap.
Q: I'm looking for this old back issue of Tape-Op magazine where they interview Steve Albini and to the simple question of "What do you think of microphones?" he rattles off a 20,000 word analysis of the nuance of mic recording, with model numbers and source distance and his hatred of the word "warm."
A: Check Quimby's. They might have that issue still in stock.
Q: I've got this fetish.
A: I'm not Dan Savage.
Q: Do you know if a magazine exists for guys who like horny hermaphrodite housewives with dental appliances that pleasure themselves with ambulatory devices stolen from disabled children? I'm looking for a pictoral that involves a walker and a treadmill. You know, the clever irony that transcends it from smut to literary.
A: Try... Quimby's?
This zine/comic/book store specializes in underground print matter ranging from intellectual pop commentary to quirky transgressive vomit on newsprint. No matter what voice, it's well represented here. Brimming with curious odds and ends, it fills a niche where the high meets the low brow, and still feels like an outsider.
The idiosyncratic inventory can't be matched anywhere in the city, which makes for perfectly dysfunctional gift shopping. Get an issue of 'High Times' for Dad and wrap it with three winks and a nudge. Perhaps Mom would love old anthologies of Cerebus? Maybe not. But we know your little sister wants that Hello Kitty vibrator!
For you comic nerds, it's an old Chris Ware (ACME Novelty Library) haunt, back when he used to live in the neighborhood--before success and general wisdom drove him to the pastures of Frank Lloyd Wright Wonderland. Much of the decor is designed and manufactured by him, and the store even displays his miniature models, all cut-out and assembled. Do feel sorry for the clerks, who sometimes double as fanboy jizz-moppers.
Also note that cellphones are not tolerated within the premises, and the clerks relish in great glee to kick patrons out for yakking away on them. Don't take it personally, and realize that the staff is compromised of some of the most knowledgeable miscreants around.
Really, I dare you to walk into this store and not have your curiosity piqued. There's just too much to even fathom.Listed in: RotD = Ride on the Dick!
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Review from Kate P.
5/8/2009
I've been boring lately. This is a statement of fact because I've been lacking inspiration.
I have become a slave to my boring, boring weekday routine for way too long and when I felt the need to bust loose and get some creative inspiration I turned to the one place that always cheers me up. That's right it's Quimby's Books!
It's the best bookstore in the city because of their wide variety of 'zines and fantastic author readings. Last night, my mission of inspiration was Joe Meno. He read from his newest book, "The Great Beyond." He was engaging, funny and real - all the things I like in an author. Plus, he had Charles Kim play music to emphasize the main points of what he read, which gave the piece a whole new dimension, and gave me some creative ideas on how to make my readings more engaging as well.
Thank you Quimby's Bookstore for always giving me that boost of creative inspiration, especially when I want to lie down and claim defeat. You're always there to remind me of my creative roots and you show me why I should never give up on the passion that keeps burning inside of me to follow my writing dreams.Listed in: Literary Fixes
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Review from Jerry M.
Chicago, IL
7/15/2008
I had an hour to kill in between appointments and dinner when I was in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood (or should we say West Lincoln Park?),and I have been meaning to stop in for quite some time.
Quimby's is the sister store of Chicago Comics in Lakeview on Clark - a fact that I know from my splurges at CC - if I buy more than just a comic the bigger bags have the Quimby's logo on it. The differences in the 2 stores may be a reflection of the different neighborhoods. I was expecting a Chicago Comics clone, but is a store all in it's own style. There are tons of books with a smattering of comics (the opposite of CC).
I learned that is my go-to store for the following:
*the evolution of Punk music in hardback books.
*UFO and extra terrestrial books and magazines. You know, for when your bum is feeling sore for no reason in the middle of the night.
*Goth coloring books. Old school Elvira style, not modern day emo hipster.
*Indie publications.
*Robot Porn in comic book form. HOT!
*"Reading is Sexy" bumper sticker. Which I would have totally bought if I had a bumper to put it on. Other than my own bum that is.
*Matches. By the front door. You know, since smoking indoors is now outlawed in Chicago so you need to get your match fix from a bookstore of all places. Wait, I just realized the irony of this - to have a good old fashioned book banning and burning?
*Small selection of comics, but they do have an extensive selection of Neil Gaiman, who I have been meaning to check out for quite some time.
*Oh, and there are Buffy comics in the bound collections. They even had "Tales of the Slayers." YAY!Listed in: How I earned my Nerd Card, Buffyverse in Chicago
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Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2007
Recently I was shopping for a book on Goth Beauties who knit, have crazy tattoos, worship Ra and produce their own horror movies with 100s of cute kitties and bunnies and puppies. And sure enough, there the title was...although broken up into 6 titles in 6 different sections of the store.
I came here for a friend's book reading. I had purposely avoided the store as I know what places like Quimby's do to me...I start shaking, perusing every book in the shop (especially the huge and wonderful selection of Indie and mostly 'genre-free' -- read, superhero-free -- comics) and am soon separated from my filthy lucre. Alas, I couldn't say no to my friend and showed up, wallet in tow, for his reading. I should have known better. When the reading was over and it was time to go home, my bag was much heavier and my wallet appreciably lighter.
I have a mortgage to pay, I just can't do that.
If you are interested in US and international subcultures, as captured in the written word or in photographs, Quimby's is a great place to get your feet wet or take a deeper dive into your area of interest. If you aren't interested, and you just want to understand what people who aren't like you are fascinated by, Quimby's is a place to get your 'freak' on...and even a bit of the freak on if you like comics about dirty dirty bored housewives. There's a COMIXXX section for you, too. For fans of the illustrated and not-so-illustrated word, there's lots of hard-to-find zines, mini-comics, boutique press editions and limited editions here too.
Quimby's is paradise for geeks and the people who love them. Yes it is. -
Review from Merrill H.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/24/2007
OH MY GOD.
DO NOT BRING YOUR REPUBLICAN, STRAIGHT LACED, PRUDISH FRIENDS HERE.
Now that I've told you that, I love this place. Quimby's has a varied and extensive collection of alternative, independent magazines and books. You can get a photo book on Japanese sex hotels, check out the latest Butt magazine, http://www.buttmagazin... manga, drug mags, transgender/gay/bi wedding mags, hentai, political mags, macabre mags, and lots of magazines that look like they were printed and stapled together at your local copy store. That is what makes this place special and I could spend hours here just perusing the shelves.
As for what I bought? I bought one of the least conspicious magazines I could take on the plane ride home, Bitch. http://www.bitchmagazi... -
Review from Laurel H.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2007
If Quimby's doesn't have it, you don't need it.
No, I take that back, you might need it, but it's probably boring.
This little store is definitely a piece of my Chicago heart. It's always a good time, and it's the only bookstore I know of with a photobooth AND a jackalope. Or, either, really. -
Review from Brett W.
Nashville, TN
9/22/2007
Brett's prerequisites for a non-food related five star review on Yelp are as follows:
1. Have the Rockin' Bones box set, the greatest discovery of Brett's music appreciating life, playing over the store PA when he walks in.
2. Have an entire section of your shop devoted specifically to DC's Vertigo comic line, Alan Moore titles, and books by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola.
3. Sell good comic books, including but not limited to; anything published by Vertigo, underground and independent comics that are difficult to find, works by prolific artist/writers such as E. Gorey and R. Crumb, and sex comix on the sales floor, not hidden away under lock and key behind the register.
4. Have an entire section of your store devoted specifically to the sale and display of books on carnival freaks, traveling magicians, musicians, artists, photographers, or tattooed beauties.
5. Have a fucking photobooth.
People, I can't express to you how seriously awesome this is, but Quimby's Bookstore, it has ALL of these things. So by that rationale, it actually gets, like, 25 STARS!
I didn't actually leave you know. Somewhere in my head, it's Quimby's all the time.Listed in: The Parting Glass, Erudite Excavations
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Review from Ross B.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2008
Quimby's Bookstore is like that girl in your freshman creative writing class who has old glasses and wears weird bedazzled sweaters and is a little cross-eyed and takes notes on her forearm: every time you see her you want to wrap her in your arms and propose marriage.
Not to be a commodity fetishist, but if you can't find something you want to buy at Quimby's, you're probably a d-bag. -
Review from Raul b.
1/20/2010
Quimbys, what more is there to say?
I want weird exploitation books? Check.
I want books with murder scene photos? Check
I want strange Asian character comic books? Check
I want to pick up some local indie comics? Check
I want a book about some obscure pop culture phenomenon? Check.
I want to find amazing pulp fiction? Check
And if they don't have it in stock they can get it for me with the help of their knowledgeable staff.
The chain book stores have nothing on Quimbys. -
Review from Tara S.
9/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you like words or art or zines or DIY or good stuff to tease your mind, this is the place to go. If you can find parking.
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Review from Rachel H.
1/15/2010
I've been a fan of Quimby's since the day (in a past life) I was there for a reading by an exploitation movie buff/former pornstar weirdo, who later offered my friend and I some drugs from his fanny pack and tried to talk dirty to us on the internet.
That's how I roll, and that's how Quimby's rolls.
They have tons of zines and arty magazines, and art books and comics that you won't find elsewhere, and who doesn't enjoy looking at erotica in a public place without the risk of being hauled off to the slammer? People have complained about the aloof staff, but I don't want to look at boobies with an overly peppy shopkeep all up in my grill, thank you.
That fifth star is for the photobooth and more importantly, the photobooth props.
They also sell Proximity which I write and edit for, and which you should buy. Shameless plug, ended. -
Review from Denis F.
Knoxville, TN
10/29/2007
Among my favored bookstores in the city. The selection is terrific, and I find I can never leave without picking up something or other.
I spent the past year catching up on all the leisure reading I didn't have time for while in college. This primarily included comics and various sci-fi staples. Once I started moving beyond the Big Two comic publishers, I found Quimby's had an expansive selection for me to peruse and find many a treasure. The DC Vertigo line has also helped me finish some essential reading in the literature of Moore and Morrison.
The table with their newest offerings also makes a fun trip. I've found many delightful purchases I'm not sure I would have found quite so readily by myself just by perusing the store (a book of Kara Walker's art and critical essays concerning her career, African Psycho, Notable American Women, and other such lovelies). It is also quite frequently updated.
The novelty books are also a fantastic find. In fact, I've found Quimby's to be a wonderful place to look for a gift that you probably wouldn't find anywhere else just browsing in person.
The zine and magazine selection is also quite extensive, though I frequent these less often. Whenever I have gone to look I have found something to suit my interests, however.
The staff can be somewhat aloof, but as I've become more a regular I have found that I can often have conversations on whatever items I may have just purchased, or just generally have a conversation concerning some topic or other. I've also seen them put up with some rather rude customers (unprovoked), so I can probably somewhat see why some level of aloofness is required. -
Review from Karen A.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2007
My favorite bookstore in all of Chicago. Fantastic selections of self published artists and writers. Subversive as hell. Great posters. Bizarre subjects. Hours of fun for any dysfunctional family, except the maybe the Republican kind.
If you are looking for an alternative viewpoint, an obscure book on the notes 5th graders pass to each other, lots of sex comix, or just things to occupy your eyes and mind at the same time, this is the book store for you.Listed in: Slackertime. Yeah., More Better Life, Wreckcreation
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Review from Erika G.
7/21/2008
As long as there are still independent bookstores like Quimby's existing, the world's not as bad as it often appears. Where else can you clandestinely peruse a morbid but fascinating book on serial killers? Embalming? Pornographic cartoons? King Velveeda (AWESOME talent!!) comics!
I don't get here nearly enough, but have been here quite a few times over the years. -
Review from Samantha L.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2011
I loved this bookstore. I agree that it has a lot more zines and comics, which I am not into, but there are so many art books and other books that grabbed my attention. It is just a cozy place that I could spend hours perusing. They have a great selection of art and design magazines also!
I am so glad that I stumbled across this place, it is definitely a gem in Wicker Park! -
Review from Frank W.
New York, NY
10/29/2006
I love zines. There's such a great tactile pleasure to holding a handmade, creatively laid out or constructed zine in your hand. To me it's an uplifting humanized form of personal expression that is just so much better than the blogosphere. Quimby's has an awesome zine selection, prominently featured (not hidden off in a corner, or with a few by the counter), and cool comics, graphic novels, etc. Even though it's a bookstore, there aren't that many books per se, so don't count on going to grab a zine or comic and a bestseller a friend suggested. You'll have to make a special trip.
Speaking of special trips, if you are an artsy geek and are either curious about zines, or you already know that you like them, Quimby's is worth a special trip. -
Review from Mark B.
Chicago, IL
9/6/2007
Quimby's has a great history for hosting small indies and obscure press, but sometimes too wiseass for their own good. Owned by the Chicago Comics guys, I guess I should be cooler about this, but nah.
I'm sure that it is fashionable to act hipper or cold to the old white bread guy (me) who walks in to spend $75. That being said, I love the perverse titles in the place and at least one thing i'm involved in is on a shelf there, so thanks. -
Review from Nessie V.
3/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Ok, #1, this is not a comic book store. If this is a comic book store, than every other bookstore is a comic book store. They had a handful (I'm remembering 4) graphic novels, and a few zines with comics, but that's it. There is no comics section, there are no single issues, there isn't even a shelf where comics dominate.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not into superhero books at all. I like indie comics. But this is not the place for someone who is looking to buy comics. This is a place for someone who wants to buy books, and wouldn't be too upset if there is a small percentage that have pictures in them.
If i were to describe the main publications on sale here, the word 'zine' comes to mind. So if you're into the self-published world, this is your place. It's just not mine.Listed in: On Notice
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Review from Yumm y.
Chicago, IL
3/30/2008
Even though this place is quite small, I could spend hours upon hours looking at the selection of books, local zines, magazines etc. I was especially impressed by their selection of political books, vegan cookbooks, finger puppets and other kitschy wonders.
I almost bought a book on anti-consumerism but was struck with the thought that buying the book would actually be a form of consumption and ended up spending 55 cents on a rubber finger puppet with it's brain exposed. Later on, I bought a pair of shoes--the notion of not consuming sounds so civilized but I don't know that I'm the best candidate for the anti-consumerism movement. -
Review from Ana T.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2009
As an aspiring cartoonist, this is definitely on the top of my list.
They host really great book signings.
They have an amazing selection of mini comics, zines, and interesting/original books.
I love Quimby's for carrying my favorite mini comic: Phase 7 by Alec Longstreth.
I love Quimby's for being the best store ever. -
Review from Chris O.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2006
This ain't your father's Barnes and Noble. They have a huge variety of alternative books, magazines and comics. Some of the magazines look like they were made at Kinko's on the photocopiers -- that is how alternative we are talking.
Make sure you have your hand ready to cover the little one's eyes for one section of the store. -
Review from Andrew L.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2011
Quimby's is a very cool little bookstore with an interesting selection. I particularly like their graphic novel and crime sections.
The staff is always friendly, the store is clean, and everything is well marked.
I took one star away because things can be a little pricey. The truth is I sometimes go to Quimby's, find an interesting book, then buy it from Amazon for half the price. -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2007
Pretentious it may well be (photobooth, aloof staff, ridiculous amount of poncey zines) but this place makes for the best book browsing in the Chicagoland area. It may not be as cozy/nooky as say Myopic (there's no bookshop loaf-cat) but unlike Myopic you'll actually be able to find what you're looking for.
And not that I'm in the market... but if manga porn is your thing, this seems to be the place to get it and not be frowned upon because there's a massive rack of the stuff right out in the open.
And I can't not like a place that has a shelf marked "(F)ART". Haha!Listed in: You say "hipster" like it's a…, Born to Shop
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Review from D A.
Denver, CO
8/13/2007
Oddities, independant and rare books and magazines. One of my top destinations when visiting Chicago.
I always spend a grip of money when I go here because they have items you won't find anywhere else. -
Review from Lily H.
Boston, MA
5/28/2007
I will give Quimby's five stars because there is no place like it anywhere else in the world and that is sometimes -often- worth a a five star rating.
I love, love, love the food 'zines. And the local 'zines. And all of the amazingly subversive literature and ephemera Quimby's has collected on its well kept shelves.
Quimby's is a gem on North Ave. Go there and take your out of town friends because even if they are totally cool and maybe even cooler than you-- even if they are from NYC, they will still be impressed.
