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Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

Café, Used Bookstore, and Event Space$$$$

SoHo, New York

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Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

9.2^/10

1,206

ratings

Ranked #2 for cozy places in SoHo
The experts at Time Out New York and The Corcoran Group recommend this place
"Free wifi, good coffee, great cause, wonderful volunteers."(14 Tips)
"used books and relax in the back café"(8 Tips)
"your best true story for the Moth StorySlam"(3 Tips)
"Best bookstore in the city and has free wifi."(12 Tips)

215 Tips and reviews

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books
coffee
volunteer
café
free Wifi
moth storyslam
quiet
casual
cute
tea
balcony
comfortable
sandwiches
chai
novels
music
people watching
pastries
events
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Tamara HMay 21, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Iced chai w/ soy gives Mud a run for its money, and the walls-of-books aesthetic can't be beat.
Matt DonatelliJanuary 12, 2016
Lovely atmosphere and free wifi, but the food is standard cafe faire.
kas cMarch 1, 2017
The volunteers are awesome. Especially the guy in the red hat!
Pelin Güvenç KefelMarch 22, 2016
Bookstore and coffee shop what more can you ask for 😊
Julia San JuanApril 23, 2014
Really great iced coffee.. Even better than La Colombe!
Nate SAugust 4, 2014
This book store is completely staffed by volunteers. Buy a book. Do good.
Amy CummingsMay 7, 2017
Great place to stop in when you're in the area.
eFlirt ExpertOctober 15, 2012
Writing Nook Tip: A *must* for NYC writers. The cafe doesn't have outlets, but you're surrounded by inspiration everywhere.
Scott GellmanMarch 25, 2015
The space is great to get work done. But they don't seem to want you to: no outlets and you can only have a laptop/tablet at certain tables. Annoying.
Carlos SalazarJune 15, 2016
Cozy as can be. A great concept. Coffee is alright.
John PaterakisJune 4, 2015
Nice space for having a coffee, but the selection of books is limited, particularly if your interests don't tend towards the left.
OMGICUMarch 21, 2011
Bookstores are among the best places to see women who look like Janeane Garofalo. But at Housing Works you might actually see Janeane herself.
BrooklynJanuary 17, 2014
No public power plugs. Check to see if they have readings - they move tables and you won't be able to read/study/work.
Marc GrossbergAugust 24, 2015
The books. The venue for performances. The feel of the place
GonzoJune 3, 2016
Lots of great talks here. beware there will be a line!
Adriana KaegiJanuary 30, 2011
i gave them tons of my books when i moved, it is a great place to chill and read if you have the time
Brian MasefieldAugust 9, 2014
Awesome book store. Amazing org. Happy, helpful staff.
Cynthia ReyesOctober 31, 2011
Been here 5+ times
The vibe here is amazing! I love just coming in here and just relaxing while drinking my tea.
Ronaldo HidalgoJuly 9, 2013
A bookstore that bumps Phoenix, sells beer, and has free wifi is all right by me.
ShawnieSeptember 9, 2013
If you're not going to purchase a book or overpriced coffee, at least stop in to use the free wi-fi :)
SueMarch 6, 2014
Been here 25+ times
By far my most favorite bookstore in the city :)
Ruben Garcia MohedanoSeptember 8, 2015
If you're shopping in Soho, take a break and read a book here
KarinJuly 23, 2012
Looking for a quiet afternoon oasis in the middle of SoHo? Look no further, and leave knowing you've supported a worthy cause
Lea CeasrineFebruary 2, 2017
You can feel thrifty and smart and frugal here.
Freddy WexlerFebruary 28, 2014
Best bookstore in the city and has free wifi.
Atelier MinyonSeptember 27, 2012
Great for used books! I love the upper balcony's structure.
Joe DMarch 31, 2016
Nice place to work for a while
TalismanOctober 18, 2013
Don't miss out on The Moth story slams!
Becca SiegelFebruary 11, 2020
Nicest baristas EVER and the coffee is great! Free WiFi at 11 Mbps.
Afi Yellow-DukeJune 23, 2015
Good coffee and great books! All you need.
Julia CohenFebruary 18, 2012
Strong coffee & eclectic mix ranging from The xx to Louis Armstrong... Great overall vibe
Amir AbdiJune 26, 2016
Wonderful lattes
Dasha IvashchyshynaNovember 6, 2019
Cool vibes and great cappuccinos
Jade LemonadeAugust 5, 2011
Great selection of used books for cheap, tons of seating with a laid back ambiance.
Skye K.July 21, 2012
They provide free condoms at check out, just in case you need some at the bookstore.
Soyun JeeJanuary 28, 2013
Grilled cheese and tomato soup for $8! So yummy. Hits the spot on a rainy day :)
Casa SassoFebruary 24, 2017
simply good bagels
DustinJuly 30, 2016
Been here 10+ times
They have a few greeting cards and postcards near the cashier.
Ms HeleneJuly 27, 2012
Awesome store for second hand finds and a cosy cafe within!
Karl With A "K"November 5, 2015
The chai lattes are solid here.
Penguin TeenOctober 2, 2012
YA author Nova Ren Suma revised much of her upcoming novel 17 & Gone here. Learn more about Nova's books at http://www.NovaRenSuma.com
Hannah AbbottJuly 11, 2011
Been here 10+ times
The zucchini sandwich is delicious. The cafe staff are also really friendly
Katie NittiJanuary 31, 2015
Cute coffe shop and snack bar
Saj SalickramSeptember 26, 2012
Adhoc chair nooks to enjoy the books, subtle music and interesting company
Jon MuzzarelliAugust 3, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Volunteer's are great! Cool hats are a bonus
Jo MAugust 15, 2010
Been here 10+ times
On a rainy day, its a nice (dry) place to get lost in a book, find a nice cozy spot on the upper level
Pia WilsonMay 7, 2012
Remember your monetary tip at the counter is a donation! Be generous!
Talat SarıMay 3, 2015
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
suelane diasJune 9, 2013
http://redirect.foursquare.com/l/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.housingworksbookstore.org&sig=g7GPdQidFrkUW%2FSmIV3yQ0F2pM8%3D&s=venue-detail
KarinJuly 23, 2012
Looking for a quiet afternoon oasis in the middle of SoHo? Look no further.

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