Unabridged Bookstore
Shops · Chicago, IL
About
Only a dozen gay and lesbian bookstores remain in the US. Unabridged Bookstore in Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood is one of them. Since 1980, this LGBTQ+ owned shop has been a safe haven for queer literature, poetry, magazines, gifts, and an impressive collection of travel guides. The vibe is organized, modern, and quiet, welcoming all ages and families. It's a place where locals and visitors browse at a leisurely pace, supported by staff who know their stock.
The basement houses a travel section that can inspire your next trip, with options you might not find online. Prices run from budget to moderate, and discounts make buying a book easy. Yelp confirms daily hours from 10am to 7pm. If you're exploring the neighborhood, Women and Children First , another independent bookstore, is worth a stop too. Unabridged remains a vital queer institution in a city known for its LGBTQ+ scene.
Located in Northalsted (Boystown), Chicago's historic LGBTQ+ district, this bookstore has been a neighborhood fixture since 1980.
Features
- ✓Browse LGBTQ+ titles old and new
- ✓Explore travel guides downstairs
- ✓Pick up unique gifts and magazines
- ✓Support a rare queer-owned bookstore
- ✓Enjoy a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 274 reviews. 38 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“only a few gay bookstores left”
Stop by and purchase a book. It is said that fewer than a dozen gay and lesbian bookstores remain across the country, so visiting this one and buying a book matters. They offer good discounts and unusual queer titles that are hard to find online or through major retailers.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“great travel guides and eye candy”
Don't finalize your upcoming travel plans until you've looked through the travel section downstairs. You might find yourself exploring an entirely different place than you expected.
A guest · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Unabridged Bookstore sell? +
They sell LGBTQ+ books, poetry collections, magazines, gifts, and a large selection of travel guides.
Is this store LGBTQ+ owned? +
Yes, it is LGBTQ+ owned and has been serving Boystown since 1980.
What are the hours? +
Hours are Monday through Sunday, 10am to 7pm (confirmed on Yelp).
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