Kibbitznest Chicago

Bookstore and bar

Sophie from Chicago

About me A proud Chicago native and past Fulbright scholar, I hold a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. It was during graduate school I really started exploring many of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. I occasionally teach English classes but am primarily a copywriter. I also host an open-mic...
"kibbitznest is a self-proclaimed 'book bar', a wifi-free space promoting face-to-face chats. A cozy collective and a hybrid space all in one!"

"Kibbitz" in Yiddish loosely means "to stand around talking." Likewise, kibbitznest books, brews & blarney (a self-proclaimed "book bar") is a wifi-free space, promoting face-to-face chats. This is a beautiful space filled with books to buy (both new and used), a great spot to study, or the perfect meetup to grab a beer and play a board game. They also have a "little noshes" menu featuring cheese plates, hot dogs, and ice cream from Chicago's local shop, Johnson's.

This hybrid place is special because not only are they a nonprofit preserving tangible books, but they also create a cozy collective with their inviting space that begets conversation. Occasionally, they'll host live music or readings in the back room. Whenever I've been to kibbitznest, it feels like I've entered a few decades back before cell phones and laptops; plus, it's extremely relaxing and I could sit there pleasantly for hours.

Everyone at kibbitznest seems to engage with one another and this is a spot book lovers shouldn't miss. While there are plenty of bookstores in Chicago at large, here, the staff can provide suggestions for you or you can come without a book agenda to rest, chat, eat, sip tea or beer, and enjoy the ambiance.

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Art & culture
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Chicago Spotter Sophie

About me A proud Chicago native and past Fulbright scholar, I hold a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. It was during graduate school I really started exploring many of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. I occasionally teach English classes but am primarily a copywriter. I also host an open-mic reading series in Lincoln Park (and on Zoom), write essays, and travel in my free time. I'm on the pursuit for the best cup of brew and have been to over 150 different coffee shops in Chicago. ...

About this spot

2212 N. Clybourn Ave

Books:

USD

15

7733607591

Sep 21, 2025

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