Unabridged Bookstore Chicago
A wonderland of books
Unabridged Books in Chicago is a place that allows me to feel calm and inspired at the same time. It is a beautiful store where I cannot help but get lost in its endless bookshelves.
This bookstore encourages questioning the status quo and challenging your beliefs, and it does so in a way that is approachable and welcoming. This is a place that does not judge. I am a lover of non-fiction so I am pleased that when I walk through the door the first sections is "new non-fiction".
When I wonder a bit into the store and make a left, I find the sale section. This section is heaven to me every visit, I can count on picking up an Erik Larson title I have yet to read or a Studs Terkel find I want for under $10.
I then make my way to the Chicago, cooking, and memoir sections. Everywhere I look there are handwritten staff recommendations guiding me to what I am searching for and what I had no idea I needed. At this point, I will have typically already been in the store for an hour, and I make my way downstairs to the travel section.
The section encompasses the entire basement floor. It allows me to compare different styles of travel books and discover different approaches to travel. Unabridged is located in a neighborhood that has many restaurants, bars and shops so please make this a destination, I do not think you will be disappointed.
About this spot
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago
aliveOne
Cozy music bar
aliveOne in Lincoln Park offers rock vibes, local music, a cozy atmosphere, pool, comfy couches, and the perfect spot to unwind or dance the night away.
by
Sophie
Amado
Side Street Saloon
Dive bar with pizza
Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.
by
Sophie
Amado
KOVAL Distillery
Craft distillery
KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.
by
Sophie
Amado
Wormhole
Time-traveling coffee shop
Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...
by
Sophie
Amado
Dearborn Denim
Made in CHI, custom-tailored jeans
"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!
by
Erin
Stevens
Chicago Magic Lounge
Serious magic... & cocktails
"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!
by
Erin
Stevens
Bar Roma
Authentic Roman cuisine
"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Lickity Split
Perfect treats!
"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...
by
Claire
Conway
Hopleaf
Beer enthusiast's delight
"Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus...
by
Erin
Stevens
Int'l Museum Surgical Science
Medicine then & now
"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Cornelia Arts Building
Local artist studios
"Cornelia Arts Building" in Chicago is a converted industrial studio right by the train tracks -- it's been decades ahead of this art trend...
by
Erin
Stevens
Sacred Art
Local art lover's paradise
"Sacred Art" is a 100% local art shop with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, dioramas, photography and more. I love how the owners are almost always there...
by
Erin
Stevens
Heading to Chicago?
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Chicago
Our team loves Chicago
Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago
As featured on:
