Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

Politics & Prose is a Washington tradition and a fun place to meet locals. It's a quiet place to find a good book and get a cup of coffee. (and a cell phone free store at that!) I live close and enjoy picking up new books and supporting an independently run bookstore - there are so few to choose from! It's an amazing place and a readers paradise.

This bookstore has a pretty average selection. They do not feature a lot of political books, unlike the name suggests. The store is relatively small, but it is very well organized and you can easily find what you're looking for. The children's section can be found in the basement. The best thing about it by far is that there are readings by local and national authors on an almost weekly basis in the back of the store almost on a weekly basis. Definitely check them out, and get there early.

Politics & Prose is where the hipsters go to buy their books. It has a great selection of books and even some literary magazines and journals that you can't find at most of the chain shops. They have a cute little cafe and an adorable children's section. Many famous authors have stopped by for free chats about their work, which is always a plus for avid readers.

Politics and Prose offer all the books and selection youwould find at regular book stores like Borders or Barnes and Noble but its off the beaten path. Since its smaller than the mega bookstores you don't feel overwhelmed and the people are really nice who work there.

Small and cozy bookstore that has great speakers and events. The downstairs has a cute coffee shop with yummy drinks and cake. This place is adorable!

PROS: Cute place, great books and speakers, coffee and cake
CONS: Parking is hard to find in the area, bookstore is small

This bookstore is probably not the best place for conservatives to go unless they are looking for an argument. With that said, it is a fun exciting bookstore with a particularly good selection of political and historical books, the the political tone is clearly to the far left. They frequently invite authors to speak at events which draw quite a crowd and can be fun to go to with a few friends.

If you are looking for somethign a little different from the chains, this may be the place for you. Although it does not have as many titles as Borders, it has a very interesting selection. The staff is very knowledgable, and they actually seem glad to help you. Fun place to shop.

Not only is Politics & Prose a good bookstore, it's also a place to get a date. Many Washington insiders go to Politics & Prose to be hit on and to meet potential love interests. This store also has many locations and frequently hosts well-known authors. They have also hosted events that have been featured on CNN book tv.

PROS:
CONS: none

If you can get to Politics and Prose, which is inconveniently located on Conneticut Ave far past where the metro runs, this is the best place to spend an afternoon looking at books. With a large, well-stocked selection of books on every topic under the sun, P+P has a wonderful staff, affordable prices, and inviting atmosphere.

Worth the hike from the Tenleytown or Van Ness metro stop.

PROS:
CONS: Inaccessible by public transport without a hike.

I could spend my whole life and all my money here. There's a wonderful children's section and *huge* remainder section in the basement behind the coffee shop. They are also adding a CD department with very interesting selections, and I always learn something reading the staff reviews posted all around. Wonderful and knowledgeable staff. The only downside is the coffee shop is frequently too crowded to sit down!

Great atmosphere and selection of books. They have speaker programs that cannot be beat. Amazing quality of authors that they get -- whereelse would Clinton (both Hillary and Bill) go to sign there books?

This is a great bookstore- truely independant. Wonderful service, comfortable chairs that you can sit in all day without getting "the look" and a pretty good selection of books (although no periodicals, so don't go there looking for a newspaper). A hike from the nearest Metro, but right on the L busline. Cafe downstairs has great coffee and snacks and there are several interesting book clubs.