Chop Suey Books

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	2913 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, USA
Phone:	+1 804-422-8066
Site:	chopsueybooks.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 12–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Fred Raimi

This store is eye catching and interesting however, I was disgusted with the level caring that the clerks provided for me. Wanting to support a home grown local shop I went in searching for an HP Lovecraft book. Upon entering I was given no greeting at all and after floundering around the store for a few minutes I had to make the first interaction, which was weird. I asked where the book would be kept. I was told it was upstairs. Instead of showing me where the book was both of them continued about their business and ignored me. Instantly put off, I figured I would at least look for it myself. The upstairs is a poorly labeled mess and I had no clue where anything was. After 10 minutes of wandering upstairs aimlessly, one of the clerks came up. He didnt say anything at all, let alone ask me if I needed any help. At this point I was so frustrated I walked downstairs and head toward the exit. Right as I was about to leave I turned and looked at the clerk. He simply said, "bye." I chuckled and walked out. It was as if they didnt want my business at all. The funny thing is, that while I was wondering upstairs, I easily saw three other books I would have bought along with my initial purchase, but because they didnt even try they lost out on a much larger sale. Business like this does not deserve to be in business. Dont be rude, help your customers, because now Im going to Barnes and Noble and I dont care about paying extra. At least their employees are helpful.

Alane Miles

This is a fantastic independent bookstore offering new and gently used books and events like author readings. They have a wonderful, eclectic collection and Ive never left without something in my hand. The staff is extremely well-read and are great with suggestions. If the reader is only interested in popular, easy reading this may not be the place for them. This is a store catering to the eternally curious, the reading adventurous, the lovers of a well-written word, and lots of writers. It is not uncommon to see Richmonds writer class somewhere in the shelves looking for the next great book. Also I particularly like their graphic novels section. They have a wide variety and it is always changing. They mostly offer used graphic novels which is also a plus. If you do not know how to parallel park, there is a small parking garage only a block away. It is free but is often crowded. It is worth learning to park if it means you get to go to this bookstore.

Tom Jaburek

My family and I took a 3 day trip from NY to DC a month or so ago. After all of the sight seeing in DC, we decided to visit Richmond VA before we finally packed it up to head back to NY. The drive from DC to Richmond was absolutely beautiful. Without any planning or intention we ended up dinning for lunch on Cary Street in Richmond. My wife and my two daughters were intrigued by the boutique style stores (not my thing as there are so many in NY) . We all agreed to take two hours apart to explore what we felt was a fascinating strip of stores. Myself being one who likes to venture into independent book stores had the pleasure of spending most if not all of my time at Chop Suey. I have to say that their unique collection and inventory was great if not amazing. The same goes for their helpful and knowledgeable staff. Thanks - and two thumbs up.

H.L. D

I always find something here that piques my interest, whether its something in their enormous selection of used books or a new major title, or something by a local poet or author. Chop Suey has the vintage-yet-hip feel that the best small local bookstores all seem to gave (bookstore cat included). Staff is always more than happy to help you find what you need or they can order it for you usually if they dont have it. My only (very minor) complaint might be that I wish their used sci-fi section were a bit more consistently robust, but I can always find something else in the entire rest of the store to keep me busy reading.

A Private User

Though the store seems nice if you are looking to browse a local used bookstore, its not the place to come sell if you are looking to unload your gently used/ new condition collection of books if they are of the young adult genre. Have gone there twice in the past few months and both times were turned down due to they had too much in their inventory in that section. Just a forewarning for college kids, high schoolers looking to clean out their bookshelves. Save on the gas and try Craigslist or have a yard sale.

A Private User

Worth a Visit - Its a pretty nice book store if your focusing on art or local history, they also carry some current popular fiction (which you can find practically anywhere), but they seem to lack in other fields of reading interest. Its a place I like to go in to but have difficulty finding something I really want. Fun atmosphere, great location, but I always seem to leave me slightly disappointed (perhaps its just me). Try it out though, if for no reason but the dollar cart out front.

A Private User

Excellent! I ordered a book from this store through a web site called Abe Books. It was out of stock everywhere else, and many places were charging ridiculously inflated prices. Not only was their price very reasonable, their description of the one copy they had (near-new) was perfect! Something I have found lacking in many other online bookstores. Media mail took a while to get here from the opposite coast, but thats to be expected. Very pleased with my experience!

Jack Boland

Big fan of CSB. The people the owner hires will spend genuine time with you to help you discover something new or locate something specific, even when they dont have it in store. Im not usually looking for a particular book, but theyve always let me stumble through an explanation of what I like and guided me towards solid suggestions. Also the store cat let me pet its belly.

Jared Trueheart

This book store reminds me a lot of the feminist book store from the show Portlandia. Its hilarious. But this store has two stories full of cool used books. My mom got me ten Robert E. Howard paperbacks from here (Im a big fan) for about three bucks each. Its next to a great burger place so get hit both up.

Caitlin Bowman

I spent $200 on books here. They have punk and genderqueer zines that are affordable and important to counterculture in the area. Up the stairs you can find a great comparative religion section with plenty of Eastern religion books as well as books on cultural mythology. Plus they have a window cat.

William Carroll

This is a very nice bookshop. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I greatly appreciate the fact that they do not disturb me while Im browsing for books. The only "complaint" is that Wonton, the silent owner of the shop is aloof, but he cracks the whip on the staff.

Mac MacDaniel

Definitely have a great selection but I agree with the previous poster who said the employees are extremely rude and absolutely unhelpful. Also any book store where you get berated if you sit down for a moment to read a few pages of a book is total bs.

Loay Al-khalaf

Once I donated my old book to the small free libraries that are located through out Richmond in the streets. After a week I coincidentally saw my book at this store on the outside table. Not sure how it got to them. Note: my name was on the book.