“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.