Prairie Lights Books & Cafe

Category:	Book Store
Address:	15 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone:	+1 319-337-2681
Site:	prairielights.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 28

Amy Gorham

Prairie Lights is just simply amazing!! Im a student at the University of Iowa and I am totally in love with this bookstore. They have a wide variety and generally well priced books when it comes to materials for classes. When there is a poetry reading held there, expect to be impressed. A really nice intimate reading space. The small window-seat on the second floor is amazing, great place to study during the week in the evenings. It doesnt stop there; the cafe upstairs is great! Im not a coffee drinker (shocker),but I love me some hot chocolate. And they manage to make the best hot chocolate Ive ever had!!! (no joke). Anyways definitely a place to check out if in Iowa City.

Madison Burnett

I went in this morning to get some coffee, ordered an iced vanilla latte. I had to repeat every part of my order because she didnt remember it. I received a hot latte, and when I told her it was supposed to be iced she said great then turned around to make another one. I was no more than ten steps away from the counter and I heard her complaining because I didnt tell her I wanted it iced, although I definitely did. Ive never had a problem with service here before, but today I was definitely disappointed by the staff of the cafe, as the employee that served me was disrespectful, and unprofessional.

A Private User

Ive been a customer of this marvelous bookstore since it opened. Ive been in many larger bookstores, bookstores that have a more focus on a genre or two, but Ive never found a bookstore anywhere in the USA that does more things well. No matter what youre interested in, youll find a good selection on the shelves. But the real secret to Prairie Lights is the staff. People who work in bookstores love books---thats a given. The people who work at this bookstore are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Visit this bookstore and talk to the staff. Youll leave with books youll love.

Celestino Jorge López Catalán

Es una librería muy bien surtida, y también es el café al que tienes que ir si eres amante de la literatura, y eso es algo muy importante en Iowa City. Buen café, tanto al estilo americano como al europeo, y pastas variadas que te ayudarán a concentrarte en tus creaciones.

Brett Sobaski

I love, love, love the bookstore and the coffee shop. The book store is smaller than Barnes and Noble but the people who work here are book nerds (I mean that as a compliment). They have readings regularly including local authors and it is a pillar of the City being a UNESCO City of Lit. The coffee shop is hands down the best coffee shop in Iowa City area currently. The manager is passionate about coffee and all baristas seem personable. Great espresso and great teas.

Lois Barliant

Just going to the website reminds me of this amazing bookstore. Its a great place to spend a morning with a coffee and your latest purchase or catching up on your journal, an afternoon scanning the titles and the staffs favorite reads, or best of all, an evening listening to an interview with a new-to-you writer whose thoughts on the craft of writing short stories, poetry, non-fiction, or novels are probed to deeper levels than most interviewers approach.

Deirdre McCloskey

Prairie Lights is one of the worlds great bookstores. I discovered Jim and Paul and the gang in 1980, and for two decades haunted the place. If youre traveling Route 80 you need to take a couple hours off. The bookbags emblazoned with the stores name, by the way, are also the best in the world---buy three, as I will do the next time i"m in town.

Gwendolyn Clay

Beautiful bookstore, small, lovingly curated. At the home of the Iowa writers workshop, it hosts readings by some of the greatest writers and poets living. And for coziness it has an espresso bar upstairs (with a La marzocco machine and baristas who make the best espresso in town) to read your new book in.

Katherine Jones

Prairie Lights Books & Cafe is wonderful! The book store is an amazing, locally owned store with a great selection of books and very knowledgeable staff. The cafe upstairs is a perfect place to grab a drink (they have delicious coffee and teas, and also serve beer and wine), study or read for a bit.

Joshua Rose

Took a trip down from Minneapolis because I was told as a book lover I needed to go to this store but it was very plain, not that big, and didnt have anything special. I think Magers and Quinn in Uptown Minneapolis has more to offer.

Kelli Jackson

I absolutely adore this place. They offer a kids club discount which gives you 10% off kids and parenting books for an entire year. The environment is so cozy and inviting. Its one of my favorite places in our little city

Sarah Hong

The actual bookstore is nice & cute, but the books are just way too expensive. And I dont like their return policy so whenever I have to buy books there for a class, I either check the library or order from Amazon.

Seth Missiaen

Among other great coffee, Prairie Lights Cafe sells Stumptown coffee. They have a selection of signature drinks unique to this cafe. Beer and wine also available. Try the Houndstooth if youre of age.

Frank Ruiz

The store has got a good collection of books and its very wells organized. Friendly and very helpful staff. Did not get to see the cafe but it seems its a great place to read and have a good coffee

Alex Slusser

Very quaint coffeehouse above a bookstore. A great place to study or stop for a cup of coffee or tea. I got the bergamot tea and it was very good. A great place to relax and pick up a new book.

Matt & Miriam Janechek

Wonderful staff and excellent book selection - the childrens section is robust, so bring your little one! Also, the cafe upstairs has great light and an excellent vibe.

Charles Paul

Amazing local independent bookstore, with the best coffee shop in town upstairs. They have free readings by some amazing authors many evenings. Its an Iowa City asset.

Philip Huang

Solid bookstore - has an upstairs coffee shop which is awesome. Great selection of books, good service. I like their decor too - great spot to hang out.

Amelia Akers

I really love this place! So cozy and their cafe is great! Great book selection! Gave up amazon book selection to support this badass place with my biz!

Justin Merritt

A little unexpected treasure. Dont forget to explore further into the bowels. There is way more space upstairs and downstairs than it appears.

Katie Roche

The best book store on the world! Ive always found the perfect gift here, no matter who Im shopping for. Expeet advice. Quiet. Great cafe!

Mark Moubarek

Great bookstore with a diverse selection! One can also grab a drink and relax at the in-house counter that has a solid tap selection as well.

Christopher Rohe

A national treasure. Has a well deserved reputation as one of the best bookstores in America. I know, Ive been to all of them.

Maggie Wilhelm

This is one of my all time favorite places in Iowa City. It is a secret jewel that I will forever cherish finding :)

J Kane

Great selection of books and other items. Staff is very knowledgeable and provide excellent customer service!