At Time Out, we constantly refresh our rankings to ensure we’re championing the very best that Chicago has to offer—not just clinging to outdated favorites. This month, we revisited our guide to the city’s top 30 bookstores and felt compelled to shake things up.
Along with adding some new bookstores that are keeping the literary scene alive and well, we also reshuffled the rankings to reflect some recent developments and the simple fact that cities, like reading habits, are constantly changing. As a result of our latest reporting, Pilsen Community Books has officially claimed the number one spot as the best bookstore in Chicago.
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As Chicago’s first employee-owned bookstore, Pilsen Community Books welcomes visitors with floor-to-ceiling shelves spanning every genre imaginable. True to its name, the shop prioritizes community through its dual subscription programs, regular events and “Pilsen Reads”—a local youth literacy initiative. And while the store is an ideal sanctuary for in-person browsing, its expertly curated website brings that same sense of discovery into your home.
In determining our rankings, we weighed selection and ambiance against a more elusive metric: “community impact.” To put it simply, this is a place that stays with you long after you leave. Pilsen Community Books embodies the true Chicago spirit—earnest without being precious, opinionated without being smug and deeply committed to the work of community advocacy. Pilsen Community Books doesn’t just sell titles; it reminds you why you learned to read in the first place.
The next time you’re hunting for a new favorite read, shop local at Pilsen Community Books or explore the other essential spots on our list of Chicago’s 30 best bookstores. If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that the shop is moving just four blocks down the street early next year. The upgraded space will feature a dedicated event area and an ADA-compliant bathroom. Learn more about the upcoming move here.