Read Street Books & Coffee

I’ve lived in Mt. Vernon on and off for years, but I actually had never been here before, or even seen the place — it was LoML that discovered it and suggested that we stop by. I’m so glad that we did.
The inside literally looks like someone’s house — a little rowhouse that has some wonderful literary treasures on the shelves. It’s cramped, there’s no doubt about it, and you’re not going to get more than 4 people in here comfortably — but I bet it’s a wonderful place to while away an afternoon or two with a steaming cup and the lovely classical music playing along.
The owner is very, very sweet and personable. We chatted for a bit and she said that she is absolutely living her dream — she loves doing what she does and you sure can tell!
The books are a bit on the pricey side, but it’s a small business and as far as I’m concerned, this is the kind of place I want to support and see more of in Baltimore, so I’m willing to give a little more to make sure that happens.
I also met the store kitteh — a big, beautiful black and gray tabby named «Mooch» (teehee). Apparently described as «the store manager». :)
We will definitely return for coffee and more chatting. Lovely place. Don’t miss it.

Cute! Cute cute!!! Run by the nicest lady ever. They have a store kitty that greets you and is a such a great little host.
The coffee is one if not the best around and cheaper that the ones around.

This is a really cute little place with good coffee, reasonable prices, and a nice atmosphere. The owner is fantastic and really friendly. They have a fair amount of used books here at slightly higher prices than most used bookstores, but it’s still fun to browse with your coffee. I’m definitely going back here on a cold day after work– I can’t wait to curl up with a coffee at one of the cozy tables in the back by the bookshelves.

When bookstores are going out of business left and right this is a perfect little gem of a place right on read street! Even though they aren’t as big as a major bookseller they have a good, varied, and reasonably priced selection for their little space. The coffee is good and the space is perfect if you need a quiet place to study or to read, but the best part of this place is Lisette. She’s sweet, polite and is always happy to help anyone that walks in the door!

Read Street Books is small. In fact, I have been in closets bigger than it. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character, starting with Lisette. I just stopped in there for a minute attracted by the unassuming exterior with the faded paint on the window that announced the shop’s name.
Because the place is as big as a thimble, of course, I run smack dab in to Lisette who is smiley and cute and has a little pixie haircut. You can tells she’s the type who is going to enjoy her day whether or not a single soul wonders in.
She stood behind the counter of baked goods (all of which looked ok, but not great enough to make me stop and buy it on the spot) and pointed to a little area behind me: another room.
In it, I fell in love. It really felt like being in Rabbit’s Tree House à la Winnie The Pooh. Books were in every corner of the place, including on the stairs of a winding small staircase that divided the room. In the back, a little step and a small table or two for someone to eat or work on their laptops. I asked if there was free wi-​fi and was told «yes, but only if you buy something otherwise wi-​fi is $ 5.» I chuckled. Fair enough price for ‘free.’ Little shops gotta make a living, right?
Read Street books is great if you want to get out of the house, but still be alone. I know you know what I am talking about. It’s the perfect rainy-​day getaway or «I have work to do and I don’t want to be bothered» place. It’s also a great place to get your hands on a book you’ve never thought to pick up before. I saw a lot about music and the arts which makes sense now that I think about it since jazz was playing the entire time I was there.
I love that Mt. Vernon has little treasures like this one. It really is a real find!

This is probably my favorite coffee shop in Baltimore. It’s small and cozy, the coffee is delicious, the staff is friendly (it’s always the same person… I think she probably owns it), and it’s really affordable. There is no separation between the the bookstore and coffee shop (i.e., people will be peering over your head at the books while you’re sitting at a table with your coffee), but I don’t mind that.
I spent a LOT of time here studying while I was in school, and it really was the perfect study atmosphere (for me, at least). It’s quiet here, but not too quiet… there is usually classical music playing, and there are a few other people around looking at the bookshelves or drinking coffee.
They have only about five tables, but I don’t think it ever fills up. I was always able to take a big table and spread all of my homework on it.