As the unofficial academic capital of the US, Boston is a great spot to be a bookworm. There are so many great indie bookstores across the city! And for lovers of the written word you must pay a visit to the recently opened and newly decorated Beacon Hill Books on Charles Street!
The five-story bookstore and cafe just commenced its first chapter on September 30, 2022.
Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is a 3,000 square-foot, general-interest bookstore at 71 Charles Street, the building that was once home to the Hungry I restaurant. In addition to four floors of books, the building houses an intimate cafe and festively decked-out courtyard garden.
The owner, Melissa Fetter, has been working to renovate the building since 2019. In interviews, Fetter has explained that the atmosphere and aesthetic of the space is top priority: chairs and couches are scattered throughout the bookstore to encourage shoppers to take their time and enjoy the experience of shopping for books. And the decorating game at Beacon Hill Books is top of the line.
Every floor is straight out of a holiday movie. You’ll find festive glittering decor, red bouquets, and green garlands embellishing the already exquisite interiors of the space. As more of an experience rather than just a shop, Beacon Hill Books plans to host events in the cafe and courtyard. The third-floor salon will be a great venue for author meets and readings.
The ground floor is home to the cafe, along with cookbooks and new arrivals. On the second and third floor, you’ll find general interest books from fiction to non-fiction from around the world. The third has two rooms dedicated to travel and art & design. Lastly, the fourth floor is dedicated to young readers, from children’s picture books to young adult fiction. Oh, and if you make it to the fourth floor, make sure you press the giant red button to watch the ceiling-top train choo-choo along the bookshelves.
As for the ground floor cafe, it’s a space to enjoy everything from breakfast to dinner—including afternoon tea. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack and coffee or a full-fledged meal, Beacon Hill Books offers a cozy ambiance for your time and unique experience on every level.
Find Beacon Hill Books and Cafe at 71 Charles St., Boston MA
Tuesday- Saturday: 9 AM to 7 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
Closed Mondays