Capitol Hill Books

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	657 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Phone:	+1 202-544-1621
Site:	capitolhillbooks-dc.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	11:30AM–6PM 11:30AM–6PM 11:30AM–6PM 11:30AM–6PM 11:30AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Alice Wang

This is an awesome little bookshop in Eastern Market, well worth a visit or two. I first dropped by in 2011 and even then, the place was always packed with patrons. Its great to see this independent bookstore be so popular in todays tech-driven world. Its like stepping back in time when all you had were books. The space is tight and there are books practically everywhere you walk, so be careful and dont knock over everything. There is an organizational system to the madness! Fiction is upstairs, nonfiction downstairs, and its (usually) sorted alphabetically by author. There used to be books lined up on the staircase, although reading past reviews, those seem to have been moved. Also, there are books in the tiny bathroom downstairs! The best part of Capitol Hill books is that you can go in without having the intention to buy anything but wind up finding a few gems. Outside, theres a table of free books people drop off. Price is inexpensive and some days, its a wine and cheese day at the store and you can peruse the shop with wine and cheese on hand. Fantastic place and definitely a must if youre in the Eastern Market area.

Elizabeth Goldberg

The first time I went to Capitol Hill books I asked where the cookbooks were and the owner answered “two rooms back, on the left, in the sink.” That’s exactly where they were. At first I was overwhelmed, but then I came to appreciate the copious amount and immense variety of books. The books are everywhere -- double stacked so you can’t even see everything that is there. Bottom line, go if you are a book lover; don’t if you are at all claustrophobic. Jim, the owner, is both helpful/passionate and completely acerbic (at best). Best deal is on Eastern Market’s Second Saturdays -- free wine and cheese and 10% off your entire purchase. For a sense of Jim, check out his interview in People’s District.

Kiz Gorham

Giving this place one star is a stretch. Upon entering, I was immediately insulted and belittled by who I can only assume is the owner. I went to this shop with a hope to buy a few books and support a small business. I left this shop feeling even more bitter about people. And in tears. The owner judged me and immediately decided I was not intelligent enough for his store. I left after two minutes and the initial shock wore off and common sense kicked in. DO NOT SHOP HERE. There are better used book stores around with much kinder people. This experience lasted a few short minutes but ruined my entire vacation. Again, please do not visit this store. You can do better.

A Private User

The store does not specifiy what they buy. So I made my way out there with a bunch of books. Some were new fiction such as John Tweleve Hawks The Traveller. The buyer didnt even recognize Twelve Hawks name. I ended up not selling any books there. I wish the store would have put it on their website what kind of books they buy/sell. "Books" is general. Be more specific. I also felt I got a cold shoulder from the seller on duty. Was it my deafness? Shouldnt matter. Waste of my time to go there.

Joshua Nadas

This is an archetype of an old bookstore. The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable, and can help you find what you are looking for. The book browsing experience is top notch, and you can totally get lost in the stacks. Lots of fun. This isnt a Barnes and Noble, so dont expect 100 copies of a bestseller. I mention this to set your expectations appropriately. They do have some new books, and I imagine they can order things, but I have not ordered a book from here yet.

William Moore

Visited Capitol Hill Books recently and was not disappointed. I live about an hour away in Virginia, so I was somewhat hesitant to make the trip just for a bookstore; yet, I did not regret going. Its not your typical bookstore by far, more like an old, cramped three-story cluster of book shelves. I would describe it as organized chaos. But the staff is great and very helpful. If youre in Easter Market and fancy yourself a book enthusiast, this is a spot you must stop by.

Constance Nicks

Jim, the owner, is the most well informed man I have ever had the pleasure I talking with. His store is full of hidden gems. Key word being hidden. You have to really get into the stacks but I am sucker for that sort of display. The prices are really really appropriate as well. I found an autographed copy of a memoir from the former KGB general Oleg Kalugin for only $12! This place wont disappoint.

Ellen Wiencek

Any time I come here without buying a book, the owner scolds me and says "Couldnt find anything?? Is it because you cant read?" or something along those lines.This is part of the stores charm, along with the haphazardly placed shelves and precarious towers of books from floor to ceiling. Prices are fair, and you can easily get lost in the stacks. The shop is not to be missed if youre in the area!

Mandi Hart

Used book store with lots of character - occupies three stories of a Capitol Hill rowhouse, a decades-old institution that is a vital part of the neighborhood. Not for those prone to claustrophobia, there are right quarters and books everywhere!! Owner is always in premise and has intimate knowledge of his stock. He is as much of a character as his store! Visit if you are in the area!!

Li Grabenstetter

The most claustrophobic little rooms and the very most precarious stacks of books. I absolutely adore it! Youll find a confounding selection of both truly ancient and obscure mixed with surprisingly new, all for used-bookstore prices. Grab a novel and head to the coffee shop nextdoor, youll be in for a great afternoon! Ive also had bookstore movers help me move, theyre fantastic.

matt jackson

Literally STUFFED with books. If you love books be careful as you could get lost in here for hours looking for hidden gems. For added atmosphere there are notes with hilariously smartassed comments regarding authors (one refuses to have his books near another author, etc) and books, these make visiting the store fun and interesting as you explore the multilevel store.

Kraig Winston

Has a large selection of books. Definitely has some more rare and special editions than Ive seen in most used book stores. Its organized as well as a floor to ceiling, every wall covered store can be, but I was disappointed in the lack of Science Fiction books which normally take up shelves and shelves of space in other stores. I found a lot of good stuff though!

Kevin Bogle

This place is a trip. Two story row house converted into a used bookstore with an attitude. Books seeping out of every pore, handwritten signs assisting real humor and character, and a basement that has to be seen to be believed, this is why we keep pushing the mantra of shipping local.

Ben Clausen

Quirky old places with non-touristy local character are hard to find in DC and should be treasured. This place is an absolute gem. Kill a few hours here perusing old books, finding the owners handwritten notes and commentary, and trying to figure out the logic of the shelving system.

Austin Graff

A DC classic. I could see the fact that the owner can be a grouch and that the books are crammed everyone be a turn off to some, but I love it. They serve cheese and wine some Saturdays and you can find almost every book here (ask the owner, he knows every title in the house).