Less is best at these 6 Chicago bookstores that specialize in just one genre

When romance bookstore Last Chapter opened in Roscoe Village in mid-2023, a line of excited readers stretched down the quaint block on Roscoe Street. This turnout wasn’t a surprise, though: Chicago’s been home to popular specialty bookstores for decades, and more have continued to pop up in recent years.

From horror-themed shops to manga meccas, there are a handful of top-notch niche bookstores that have become vibrant community hubs for their respective fanbases. Some carry rare titles and limited-edition collectibles, while others also sling themed merch, memorabilia and other physical media. 

Want to discuss the ending of your last great read or swap recommendations with other readers? Check out these bookstores’ events, which range from author talks and book clubs to art workshops and album release listening parties.

Whether you’re looking for a like-minded literary community or are curious about where to start with a new genre, here are our favorite specialty bookstores in Chicago.

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Goblin Market

When it opened in 2023, Goblin Market was one of Chicago’s first manga shops. The Lakeview storefront is packed with manga and graphic novels of all varieties, plus comics, games, puzzles and merch. Check out Goblin Market’s calendar for events like queer nerd meetups, silent book clubs, boozy brunch author signings, comedy shows and much more.

Bucket O Blood Books and Records

This Avondale spot is a one-stop shop for all things horror. Dotted with eyeballs, planets and tentacles, the ornate facade on Elston Avenue is hard to miss. Inside, you’ll find a vast selection of new and used books, and a catalogue of rare and collectible titles, some of which are signed by the authors. The shop also stocks vinyl, movies and memorabilia, and hosts author talks, media swaps and other community events throughout the year. Heads up: the Bucket O Blood team recently announced that they will not be renewing their lease when it ends in November, but that they are actively looking for a new location. Follow their Instagram account for the latest updates. 

Manga Spot

Located on the second floor of The Shops at North Bridge, the intimate and pristinely organized Chicago outpost of this manga shop is packed with books from wall to wall. You'll find new releases and staff recommendations, plus dedicated webtoons, manhwa, LGBTQ+ and kids sections, in addition to merch, collectibles and special-edition tomes. Even though the space is small, you'll want to carve out enough time to browse the thousands of books lining the walls.

The Last Chapter Book Shop

This quaint and adorably decorated bookshop is Chicago’s first and only romance bookstore. Take your time browsing romance books ranging from fantasy and thriller to sapphic and small-town, and shop the merchandise, which includes apparel, candles, prints, glassware and more. Last Chapter also hosts romance-themed events; check out their full calendar here.

Partners in Crime 

At this recently opened North Center shop, romance and mystery go together like peanut butter and jelly. Partners and Crime is a haven for bestsellers, indie titles and books by local authors. Readers can also join themed book clubs, like the Thrills & Chills and Read Gay, Do Crime clubs, and attend community events like craft nights and fireside author chats. 

Quimby’s

Curious about the local zine scene? Head to Quimby’s in Wicker Park. The shop houses hundreds of indie and small-press zines, comics, books and ephemera. Quimby’s also offers print and design services and hosts multiple events each month, from author talks and readings to exhibitions and collage workshops. Check out the full calendar of events here.