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Quimby's Bookstore NYC

4.8
·195 reviews·, United States

A whimsical haven for independent zines, art, and unique finds, featuring a beloved shop cat and a vibrant community spirit.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
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Beautiful interior.

Quimby's Bookstore NYC

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A whimsical haven for independent zines, art, and unique finds, featuring a beloved shop cat and a vibrant community spirit.

4.8
(195 reviews)

"My Zine DREAM bookshop! A radical and revolutionary storytelling shop complete with zines, cassettes, books, magazines, tarot, buttons, and Knick knacks!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore the Zines!

Dive deep into the extensive zine collection; it's the heart of Quimby's unique offerings.

🐾 Say Hi to Gracie

Don't miss the chance to meet Gracie, the charming shop cat! She's a local celebrity.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 195 reviews

Type

Book Store

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Zine Collection

Expansive Zine Collection

Discover a radical and revolutionary collection of independently published zines, art, and literature. A true haven for underground art lovers.

Gracie the Shop Cat

Gracie the Shop Cat

Say hello to Gracie, the friendly and beloved shop cat who adds a unique charm and cozy atmosphere to your visit.

Unique Knick-Knacks & Art

Unique Knick-Knacks & Art

Wander through shelves filled with eclectic trinkets, buttons, cassettes, and art created by the community.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Indie Spirit

Quimby's is a haven for independent publishing, zines, and unique finds. Don't expect mainstream bestsellers; dive into the curated collection of DIY art and underground literature. It's a place to discover something truly original.

Meet Gracie, the Shop Cat

Gracie, the resident shop cat, is a beloved fixture at Quimby's. While she adds to the cozy charm, be mindful if you have severe animal allergies, as her presence is a constant. She's a highlight for many visitors!

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (for tarot)
Why
Experience tarot readings
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you’re looking for a whimsical bookstore to check out in NYC, head to Quimby’s Bookstore in Williamsburg 📚 This bookstore is packed with zines, books, and all kinds of unique finds Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to Gracie, the friendly shop cat 🐈 📍Quimby’s Bookstore NYC #nycbookstores #nycthingstodo #booktokfyp #bookstores #bookshop #bookaesthetic #bookloversoftiktok #ghiblivibes
@littlebigworld.em
12.9K likes • 71.8K views

🎯 Explore the Zines!

Dive deep into the extensive zine collection; it's the heart of Quimby's unique offerings. TikTokReddit

🐾 Say Hi to Gracie

Don't miss the chance to meet Gracie, the charming shop cat! She's a local celebrity. TikTok+1

This NYC cat is a beloved librarian, despite the fact that she doesn’t know how to read 😂❤️ We highly recommend checking out Quimby’s Bookstore NYC, an independent bookstore in Williamsburg, to grab a zine, get a tarot reading, and meet Gracie the cat! 📍 Quimby’s Bookstore NYC - 536 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn . #nyc #nycbooktok #booktok #bookstore #books
@secretnyc_
9.9K likes • 48.5K views
📍536 Metropolitan Ave. #nycbookshops #bookstoresofnyc #nycbooktok #bookshoptour #quimbysbookstore
@nycbookhoe
1.2K likes • 8.4K views

📸 Capture the Charm

The bookstore's eclectic decor and unique items make for fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok

📅 Book Tarot Readings

Consider booking a tarot reading in advance for an evening experience. Reddit

A Brooklyn bookstore for the book girlies 🧚‍♂️ 📍Quimby’s Bookstore NYC #brooklyn #bookstore #fairycore #BookTok #fypシ
@moonlightjulissa
123 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the Zines!

Dive deep into the extensive zine collection; it's the heart of Quimby's unique offerings. TikTokReddit

🐾 Say Hi to Gracie

Don't miss the chance to meet Gracie, the charming shop cat! She's a local celebrity. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Charm

The bookstore's eclectic decor and unique items make for fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok

📅 Book Tarot Readings

Consider booking a tarot reading in advance for an evening experience. Reddit

👃 Be Mindful of Scents

Some visitors note a strong cat smell; if sensitive, be prepared. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(195 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Quimby's Bookstore NYC is celebrated as a unique and magical haven for independent art and literature, particularly its extensive zine collection. Visitors adore the eclectic atmosphere, the charming shop cat Gracie, and the sense of community. Some note a strong animal scent, which can be a minor drawback for sensitive individuals.

"My Zine DREAM bookshop! A radical and revolutionary storytelling shop complete with zines, cassettes, books, magazines, tarot, buttons, and Knick knacks! The zine collection is nothing short of expansive and impressive. A haven for those that love indie/local/underground art. There’s even a shop cat that brings joy and cozy to this little corner of the world. LGBTQ folks- this is our spot!! What a Joy to have interacted with one of the tarot readers/shop staff. Such a highlight of my trip to New York!! 📚🪩🏁🏳️‍🌈"

Tori Westenberg

"Super eclectic, inviting, and fun! I stumbled upon this bookstore on a hot summer day and enjoyed wandering, taking pictures, reading, and saying hello to Gracie the shop cat. Very serene, relaxing environment and kind business owner."

Anonymous Reviews

"Like If a treehouse turned into a dreamy store pulling stars from the sky, weaving art from clouds, pressed flowers, and glittery aquarium soil, selling trinkets, ephemera, & zines made by the community"

Jessie Deardorff

What People Like

Expansive zine collection
Eclectic atmosphere
Gracie the shop cat

What People Dislike

Strong animal scent

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Quimby's Bookstore NYC is located at 536 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn. The easiest way to get there is via the subway. The L train to the Bedford Avenue station is a short walk away. TikTok+1

Yes, Quimby's is very accessible by public transport. The L train at Bedford Avenue is nearby, and several bus routes also serve the Williamsburg area. TikTok

Street parking in Williamsburg can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach Quimby's. TikTok

Quimby's Bookstore NYC is located in the vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. TikTok+1

Yes, Quimby's is located on Metropolitan Avenue, a well-known street in Williamsburg, and is often mentioned as being next door to Desert Island Comics. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to enter Quimby's Bookstore NYC. You can browse freely during their operating hours. TikTok+1

Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. They are typically open daily. TikTok

Yes, Quimby's offers tarot readings, often in the evenings. It's advisable to book your reading in advance, especially on weekends. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit Quimby's Bookstore NYC. It's a welcoming space for browsing and discovering unique books and zines. TikTok

Quimby's often hosts events and has a vibrant community. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements about readings, workshops, or special appearances. TikTok

🎫 📚 Onsite Experience

Quimby's specializes in independently published zines, DIY comics, experimental literature, and unique art books. They focus on titles you won't find everywhere. TikTok+1

Absolutely! With its eclectic collection of zines, art, buttons, and knick-knacks, Quimby's is a fantastic place to find unique and thoughtful gifts. TikTokReddit

The atmosphere is described as cozy, whimsical, eclectic, inviting, and serene. It's a place with a lot of character and charm, perfect for browsing. TikTokReddit

Yes, Quimby's has a beloved resident cat named Gracie who is a highlight for many visitors and adds to the cozy ambiance. TikTok+1

Many visitors take photos inside Quimby's to capture its unique charm and eclectic displays. Be respectful of other shoppers and the space. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Quimby's is highly photogenic due to its incredibly eclectic and visually rich displays of zines, art, and unique items. TikTokReddit

The shelves packed with colorful zines, the unique knick-knacks, and any corner with Gracie the cat are prime photo opportunities. TikTok+1

While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be mindful of other customers and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

It's generally best to avoid flash photography in bookstores to not disturb the atmosphere or other patrons. TikTok

Photography here captures a whimsical, fairycore, indie, and deeply personal aesthetic, reflecting the unique nature of the store. TikTok+1

Quimby's Bookstore NYC (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide