Uncharted Books

235 reviews

5140 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

www.unchartedbooks.com

About

Uncharted Books is a Book store located at 5140 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640. It has received 235 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-7PM
Tuesday11AM-7PM
Wednesday11AM-7PM
Thursday11AM-7PM
Friday11AM-7PM
Saturday11AM-7PM
Sunday11AM-7PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Uncharted Books: 5140 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

  • Uncharted Books has 4.7 stars from 235 reviews

  • Book store

  • "Three floors of books"

    "Amazon, I think I spend way too much money on your services"

    "I was expecting this place to be charming, somewhere I could lost in for awhile"

    "We were searching for books for non-readers and happened to come here"

    "This bookstore could have a lot of charm"

Reviews

  • Michael Bolls (マイケル・ボールス)

Three floors of books. You'll find what you want here and then some. Uncharted Books is a bookstore by the Jack Kerouac Alley in San Francisco's Chinatown. Its long history with the Beat Generation makes it an interesting place to research as well. The bookstore itself is a relaxed place with THREE FLOORS OF BOOKS (if I didn't make it clear earlier). The top floor has an exclusive rocking chair and a room dedicated to the Beat movement. If I had more time to spare in SF, I can see myself spending days reading books in the rocking chair on the third floor. It's an astonishing, satisfying place with a lot of history behind it. Staff is helpful and kind. Book selection is phenomenal. Highly recommend for those looking to buy books in the city. FYI -- No used books though, everything here seems to be all new. 5/5.

  • Robert Rosenthal

Amazon, I think I spend way too much money on your services. And, you're putting small, independent bookstores out of business much faster than Borders (rest its soul) and Barnes and Noble ever could. Uncharted Books is one of those places I can get lost inside of very quickly. They have a large selection of used books of all sorts. From signed, first editions (not a huge selection) to graphic novels; from literature to history, there is a little for everyone. As an avid reader, this was an experience I've not had in a long time. Go there - buy something. Don't let small independent bookshops like Uncharted Books go the way of other business displaced and disrupted by the internet and large businesses.

  • Charlotte Buchanan

I was expecting this place to be charming, somewhere I could lost in for awhile. But Uncharted was a huge disappointment. The smell of cat urine is overwelming. Two employees were having a conversation by yelling at each other from across the store which made deciphering their categorizing method even more difficult. They don't inventory anything, so finding something specific is by chance alone. When I asked about this, the clerk sent me in a general direction where I might find what I was looking for. The next person who came in had the same question, but this time the clerk offered to help her look for the book she wanted. That was the last staw, I left. I'll never go back.

  • m f g

We were searching for books for non-readers and happened to come here. The clerk helped us as we rattled off factoids about each person, and created a few mosaics of each recipient then came up with suggestions. The prices are really good and most editions are in fair+ condition. The selection of books specializes toward a more educated crowd and has some books that seem very niche, but are great titles. The decor of the place is definitely the old used book store / Dumbledore's anteroom, and I loved getting to browse the selection

  • Connor

This bookstore could have a lot of charm. Unfortunately, the dog odor was overwhelming and we left after a couple of minutes. There is a beautiful dog that naps in the chair by the window, but there are mounds of dog hair all around it and sprinkled throughout the store. I love dog and I've had dogs of all shapes and sizes, but there is no reason someone couldn't put in more effort to clean. The smell in the store is immediate and will knock you over. I heard 2 other people walk in and say the same thing.

  • Cynthia Juarez

I love this place! I live in Logan Square and I have never been there until last night when I dragged my friend to join me. I treated myself by buying a new pin, designed from a local, and some books that I’m just eager to read! The decor is amazing and Ramona, the husky, is the most sweetest pupper ever! Low quality pictures but great memories! The staff are amazing and offered great options! Highly recommend this place! Can’t wait to work there (if they hire) and be there more frequently!

  • Jon Roller

I go to this place all the time. It has a great selection of used books, including a few very cool signed books and rare printings. Fiction, children's, YA, poetry, non-fiction, and graphic novels are available, as well as a table of zines and journals showcasing local talent. Beyond the great selection, there is a warm and welcoming atmosphere here nurtured by the friendly staff and their dog, Ramona. Dropping in here lifts my spirits. Highly recommended.

  • hutch

Amazing local spot for primarily used and some new books. Always different books cycling through, so a great selection to dig through whenever I stop in. Owner is very kind, and his dog Ramona loves visitors. They also host events in the space, most recently I stopped in for a comedy night and it was a lot of fun! Definitely a place to stop in to if you're around the area.

  • Ruby DJ

My favorite bookstore in the city! Love it in Logan Square & when they moved it was worth it for me to still go there to browse. They can order any book they don’t have but I also like to go in with no agenda. The kindest, most knowledgeable staff. I always come in on 6pm on Third Thursdays for Other People’s Poems - the best poetry event in the city!

  • Patrick Boardman

This is a really cool secondhand bookstore in Logan Square. If you have an hour to get lost and peruse a really large, charmingly unorganized selection of books -- this is the spot for you. If they open the basement, there are some really comical dated tech books and textbooks. Worth a visit for sure!

  • Stephen Yoshida

Great selection of new and second hand books. For such a small shop it punches above its weight. Great vibe. Progressive ownership and staff. Person working the till and I had a nice chat - got a solid coffee shop recommendation. And best of all they have a super friendly dog in there sometimes.

  • Desmond Martin

Small, independent, and funky. This place is a space to come and discover writing that might be a little off the beaten path. The space is really cool because of the other events that happen here, like story telling sessions. Definitely a place to stop into if you're doing some exploring.

  • Gabby c

Beautiful petite shop. However it has a great selection, easy to browse and I was able to find an English author who is rare to find. Readers, please check out this place, you will love it. The owner is very pleasant, helpful very knowledgeable and takes pride in his work.

  • Max Rindfleisch

Ramona is the sweetest! She's the beautiful pupper in the window who greets you and is the best and most perfect doggo. Also the bookstore is great. Some amazing finds in those shelves and the owner is helpful and willing to order anything you need so you can shop local!

  • Miki Brewington

I love the place! It has a great vibe with great workers. They were so helpful finding me a good book. They have a good selection of new and used, and if they don’t have what you want they will order it for you at a low price. Highly recommend.

  • Bradley Buri

As far as used bookstores go, there are quite a few in the city. And I like all of them. But right now let's talk about Uncharted Books. This location is cozy, but not cramped. It's atmospheric without being cramped. And every time I've

  • Kathleen Weiss

This book shop has an excellent selection of zines, graphic novels, and poetry by local authors. There's usually a husky named Romona chilling out in the storefront window. The owner is nice and lets customers browse without being pushy.

  • Alex Brown

I sometimes enjoy going to major chains to buy, but when I go to a second hand book store, this is exactly what I like it to be. It has personality and allows one to get lost among the books. Book lovers are sure to find a treasure here.

  • Livi Laree

Quaint little used bookstore in Andersonville with a wide selection. The owner is very nice and helpful and may even show you the first editions and rare books he has if you are lucky (or maybe ask nicely). At the counter you will be

  • Mari Tomizawa

Such a charming bookstore with a ton of local, self published poetry, art, and comics! The staff are friendly and the dog, Ramona, is adorable. We found a nice, eclectic collection of unique, hard to find finds. Pricing was great too!

  • Deborah Long

Store sign says , “open every day 11-7.” Not true. Drove 44 minutes to see this bookstore. It was closed. We waited for 30 minutes and store never opened. We are very disappointed and will not return. No phone number either.

  • Paulina Fadrowska

2 of the best greeters in the world awaiting your presence. This place has so much charm and soul from the decor to the selection of books. You will not be disappointed and find something you'll need to take home with you.

  • Alexander Steinley

These guys have a good selection of books and are able to order them online if they aren't in store. They're all very friendly, and are my first stop anytime I want a book. Plus, they have Ramona!

  • Artemis “Artie” Alphaling

Absolutely adore going here. They have the best selection. And it’s always a joy to see Ramona’s smiling face greet me. I got the pin of her for my bag and my friends comment on it all the time!!

  • kel tait

sadly closed today even though i visited within opening hours (before the closure at the end of the month). Slightly irritating to walk a mile to find something advertised as open is closed.

  • Patrick Mucerino

Wonderful used bookstore - you get the feeling of stacks of books all over, random old time photos across the walls, and a bunch of local zines, art, and products. Will go again and again

  • A Kay

I love this shop! It’s small but welcoming, and Ramona is the best director of marketing for a bookstore there could be it’s always exciting to find out what you’ll discover here. …

  • Bart Laube

great selection of hard to find unique books. I found some enchanting mini comic books made by local artists. The lovely cashier was very helpful. Take an adventure in the uncharted.

  • yoncalla44

Bought an old San Francisco area street atlas - one double sided map page missing. Returned and got a prompt refund from the owner, Tanner. Great response time. - Peter Arioli

  • Jennifer Batista

First time going to this bookstore today and it was so cozy and nice! Met Ramona, the fluff ball and got myself a vintage book. I'd like to live there! Can't wait to go back.

  • Nathyn Gibson

They have a really cool comedy show there called "Congrats on Your Success" on the first Thursday of the month. Pretty good used book selection and some local authors.

  • Aaron Eischeid

Locally owned bookstore for all of your indie publishers, zine fixes and wide ranging selection of used books. Staff and store pooch, Ramona, are an utter delight.

  • Haleema

Great collection of books! The owner was very friendly. His dog Ramona was the most beautiful girl! Very pleasant experience and I hope to visit it soon again.

  • Larry Wolf

I stopped by to look at the locally produced books and zines. Nice mix. Don't overlook the ones on the spinner rack by the door. A wonderful small bookstore.

  • Joseph Kreindler

This place is so helpful and friendly. They were happy to help me find gifts for my family members and were very COVID safe! Love checking out books here!

  • Emily Dresden

Cute used bookstore with a variety of books. They also have zines and small goods from local artists. Staff is incredibly friendly. Love this bookstore!

  • Scott Wagner

Such an awesome bookstore! Staff was friendly and the prices were great! Small, but the selection was good. Will be coming back for more visits!

  • joseph dombrowski

Cozy bookstore with interesting selection to browse and buy. Bought a large le add there bound anthology of Lewis Carroll for a very low price.

  • Andi Donnelly

I love this bookstore! They support local artists and the employees have always gone above and beyond to help me. 100/100 would recommend

  • Jen Sprague

I love this little shop. Everyone is so friendly when I come to visit, and it’s so great that I can bring my dog to help me peruse books!

  • B Lemke

Wish they updated their site or social media when closed. Just drove half an hour to see a sign on the door they're closed temporarily.

  • C B

Excellent selection of classic books, especially in sci-fi. Just discovered this quaint little spot and already can't wait to go back!

  • Lisa Rankin

I just want to see if y’all have a book before I go to big box. Why isn’t anyone answering the phone ever? After Barnes & Noble I go.

  • judy thornber

The owner is extremely knowledgeable and suggested a book about my favorite author. Im a happy camper. The store dog us also gorgeous

  • Noah Feingold

Dusty bookstore with a great neighborhood feel, good selection, and friendly staff. Plus they have interesting events like Open Mics.

  • Madison Chist

Still closed. The sign about business license issues got taken down, but they are still CLOSED. The website is wrong as of 2-25-23

  • Jennifer Doty

Super cool, tiny bookstore. Has a great dog to greet you at the door, and a crazy selection of wild and wonderful books.

  • Scott Knitter

Pleasant place to browse and find some great reads. Friendly, knowledgeable owner. Great location just south of Hopleaf.

  • Jerry Meo

Cute bookstore with eccentric decor. I never bought any book from it but always love walking around and enjoy the vibe.

  • Brandy R (thruthelookinglass101)

I love this place. Books are cheap and the owner is very helpful, plus petting his beautiful white fluffy dog is free.

  • Catrina Gilbert

Very cute and cozy bookstore with a wide selection! Sidebar: art on the walls is beautiful and neighborhood is great!

  • Mia Ceberos

Just bought a copy of "Ham on Rey" by Charles Bukowski from this lovely book store, so quaint, one of my favorites.

  • Chris Krolczyk

A good selection of everything from mass-market to off-the-wall indie books. It just needs better lighting inside.

  • Mallory Noelle

Super cozy used bookstore with a great selection and great prices! Ramona the dog is super sweet and friendly :)

  • June Yorke

Wonderful place, very attentive book seller, and his dog Mona was the sweetest!!! Will be back again and soon!

  • Michael Chase

I just wanted to spend my whole day in here looking at and reading the books. Will come back again and again

  • Young Choi

Cool little used book store. Staff is always so friendly and you can always find something to take home

  • Irewole Akande

Nice and friendly store. They had my favorite books, and sometimes I walk in to discover something new.

  • Ben Yavitz

Local used book store. Books generally in good condition. Hosts a monthly free stand up comedy event.

  • DresdenQ ZeroZero

Decent selection, fairly small space, aisles are pretty good though, excellent staff recommendations

  • Michael “Bo” Driscoll

A small but cozy used bookstore. They have a small adventure/travel theme going which is quite cute.

  • Adrienne Tabb Lawson

This is quaint bookstore with a decent selection for the size of the place and a friendly dog too.

  • Buddha 309

Great bookstore. Cool owner, dog friendly. The place is good for poets , writers, and book loverz

  • Noah Riggenbach

Personally, couldn't find what I was looking for. But it is a cute bookstore and worth the trip.

  • S.R. Fike

Lots of books good selection take some time to browse. They also host poetry and author readings

  • Lynn Dilts

Love being in a bookstore and this one was great. So many books so little time. I will be back.

  • Karen Kerr

Love this book store! Great selection, and expert help from staff, including Ramona the husky!

  • Joyita Mostafa

I found this bookstore while travelling chicago. It has pretty good collection of used books.

  • GARTH AMUNDSON

A cozy establishment with a nice selection of used books from all genres, all fairly priced.

  • Molly Steiner

What a wonderful experience! Greeted by an adorable pup and the selection of books is great.

  • Michael Kramer

I could spend hours here. The setting is comforting and very well stocked. Easy to navigate.

  • Minh Nguyen

Nice shop with a diverse selection of books. The employee I met was very nice and helpful.

  • Laura Hatch

If you ever dreamed of your own room of books, Uncharted books is your kind of heaven!!!

  • Jessica Repati

Quiet, cute and a good selection of used books. Very friendly atmosphere and employees.

  • Shwetha Ramachandra

Excellent bookstore. Ramona (the resident Husky) made it a million times better!

  • Maxwell Strickland

Great medium-spicy takes and wonderful staff. It's my favorite used book store.

  • Tamara Perry-Powers

Great place to visit huge selection of books great customer service and events

  • Liz Zard

Stop in for the great selection of used books, stay for the very friendly dog

  • Vivien Rivera

Cozy, friendly, always a good find on the shelves no matter what you're into.

  • Dale Keeney

Great bookstore with used books. The employees are very nice and helpful

  • Michael Beyer

Awesome bookstore but they have got to fix that smell in that building!

  • Emmanuel Picazo

A charming little bookstore with a cool secret room to sit and read in!

  • Jay Clarida

What a fun book store! Very knowledgeable staff. Emily is amazing.

  • Anthony Fennell

Nice selection of used books. Some new, along with local writers.

  • e fg

Very nice seleccion of books and great service to the customer

  • G C

Amazing book store!!!! I am very happy!!!! Meow meow meow

  • Lee Klawans

Nice people, great books with an easy to navigate layout.

  • elizabeth finlay

Love the monthly stand up show. Great selection of books

  • Will Hunt

Great books and atmosphere. Don't forget to pet the dog.

  • Yunfa Chen

A charming little bookstore that is worth a short visit

  • Lois Contreras Gutierrez

Beautiful little bookstore and lovely customer service

  • Hex Hernandez

Nice spot in Logan. Then have a monthly poetry night.

  • Benjamin Wallin

Love this place. Great SF and Fantasy collection.

  • Path Of The Gamer

Nice shop. Friendly space. Local used bookstore.

  • Robyn Michaels

This is a small bookstore, but well organized.

  • Nhi Poss

Beautiful bookstore! A hidden gem for sure!

  • Jose Chaparro

Great prices and great selections of books.

  • Christopher Davis

Helpful staff in a cozy, little book store.

  • kelli frost

Cute shop with good finds & friendly staff!

  • Natalie Spragg

One of my favorite bookstores in the city!

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