Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
A charming SoHo bookstore and cafe where every purchase supports ending homelessness and HIV/AIDS. Discover affordable books and enjoy a cozy atmosphe...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter for work or reading
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
Best Time
Quieter for work or reading
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming SoHo bookstore and cafe where every purchase supports ending homelessness and HIV/AIDS. Discover affordable books and enjoy a cozy atmosphere.
"Discover affordable treasures and a cozy atmosphere while supporting a vital cause at this SoHo gem."
📚 Affordable Book Finds
Score great deals on used books across all genres. Perfect for stocking up your personal library!
☕️ Work & Study Friendly
Free Wi-Fi and ample seating make it a great spot to get work done or study.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Used Book Collection
Throughout the store
Discover affordable treasures among shelves packed with a diverse selection of pre-loved books. A book lover's paradise!
Cozy Cafe Ambiance
Cafe area
Enjoy a coffee, tea, or a bite to eat in a relaxed setting, perfect for reading or working.
'All Too Well' Filming Location
Specific sections of the store
Visit the iconic spot where Taylor Swift filmed scenes for her 'All Too Well' short film. A must-see for Swifties!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support a Cause While You Browse
SoHo Charm & Swiftie Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Affordable Book Finds
Score great deals on used books across all genres. Perfect for stocking up your personal library!
☕️ Work & Study Friendly
Free Wi-Fi and ample seating make it a great spot to get work done or study.
💖 Support a Good Cause
Every purchase helps fund vital programs for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
📸 Swiftie Photo Op
Recreate scenes from Taylor Swift's 'All Too Well' short film. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Affordable Book Finds
Score great deals on used books across all genres. Perfect for stocking up your personal library!
☕️ Work & Study Friendly
Free Wi-Fi and ample seating make it a great spot to get work done or study.
💖 Support a Good Cause
Every purchase helps fund vital programs for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
📸 Swiftie Photo Op
Recreate scenes from Taylor Swift's 'All Too Well' short film. +1
🚶♀️ Explore SoHo Afterwards
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of SoHo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is praised for its relaxed atmosphere, affordable used books, and its mission to support vital social causes. Visitors enjoy the cozy ambiance and the convenience of the cafe for working or socializing. However, some reviews mention slow service and inconsistent experiences, particularly on busy weekends.
"Nice, chilled cafe with a relaxed atmosphere. I was able to enjoy a nice coffee and a slice of cake and spend some time working on my laptop.
The server was also very friendly. In the weekends, it can get a bit more rowdy with more people and children."
Ai
"Great spot for brunch and catching up with friends. The cafe is well-lit & spacious. The service is a little slow, and they forgot an item from our order altogether so we had to go up to ask.
If you fancy a walk afterwards, it’s right by the river bank. Perfect views of the city."
Onyeka Online
"I really wanted to like this place. Heard so much about it. Unfortunately it was a let down. I didn't eat so cannot comment about the food.
I arrived 30 minutes before close and just like at every Costa/Nero you go to, the staff look at you with distain as it is so near to closing time. Tbh I felt like walking out there and then. I was cold and wet and wanted a coffee to warm me up. The service was ok, a smile would have gone a long way but alas it never came. Seemed like it was a family friendly place but I quickly had my coffee and left. It will be a while before I decide to go back."
Neil
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is located at 126 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012. It's easily accessible by subway. The closest stations are Prince Street (N, R trains) and Spring Street (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W trains). Many bus routes also serve the SoHo area. +1
Street parking in SoHo can be very challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. There are also parking garages in the vicinity, but they can be costly.
SoHo is known for its beautiful architecture, boutique shopping, and art galleries. After your visit, take a leisurely walk down Crosby Street and explore the surrounding blocks. You can also head towards the nearby Hudson River Park for waterfront views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. You can browse the books and enjoy the cafe atmosphere freely.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit, especially around holidays.
There is no entrance fee to browse the Housing Works Bookstore. The revenue from book sales and cafe purchases goes directly to supporting their charitable mission.
🎫 ☕️ Onsite Experience
The cafe offers a selection of coffee, tea, pastries, and light fare. Reviewers mention enjoying coffee and cake, and it's a good spot for brunch.
Yes, many visitors find Housing Works Bookstore Cafe to be a great place to work or study. They offer free Wi-Fi and have a relaxed atmosphere with tables suitable for laptops. +1
While it's a great spot for book lovers and those seeking a quiet atmosphere, some reviews suggest it can get 'rowdy' with more people and children on weekends. It's generally family-friendly, but consider visiting during quieter weekday hours if you prefer a more serene environment.
The atmosphere is described as nice, chilled, and relaxed, with a cozy ambiance thanks to its spiral staircases and well-lit spaces. It can be lively on weekends. +1
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe sometimes hosts events. It's advisable to check their website or social media for listings of events like board game nights or author readings.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can take photos inside Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. It's a popular spot for capturing the unique ambiance and for fans of Taylor Swift to visit the 'All Too Well' filming location. +1
The spiral staircases offer a unique architectural backdrop. Many visitors also seek out the specific areas that were featured in the 'All Too Well' short film for memorable photos. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💸 Budget Travelers
📚 Book Lovers
💻 Remote Workers & Students
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission Behind the Books
By choosing to shop at Housing Works, you're not just acquiring a new read or a delicious beverage; you're actively participating in a movement. The organization provides a range of services, including housing assistance, healthcare, and legal services, to those most in need in New York City. The bookstore serves as a welcoming hub, raising awareness and generating essential revenue to sustain these critical initiatives.
This commitment to social impact is a significant draw for many visitors. It transforms a simple bookstore visit into a meaningful act of solidarity and support. The knowledge that your purchase makes a tangible difference adds an extra layer of value to the experience, making Housing Works Bookstore Cafe a truly special destination.
A Haven for Book Lovers and Remote Workers
Beyond its literary offerings, the cafe has become a popular spot for remote workers and students. With free Wi-Fi and a generally relaxed ambiance, it provides a comfortable environment to focus on tasks. While it can get busier on weekends, weekday mornings often offer a quieter experience, perfect for productivity. The availability of coffee and snacks further enhances its appeal as a functional workspace.
Reviewers often highlight the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to spend extended periods working or reading. However, some note that the service can occasionally be slow, and the atmosphere can shift on busier days. Despite these minor points, the combination of affordable books, a pleasant cafe, and a supportive mission makes it a beloved spot in SoHo.
The 'All Too Well' Connection
This connection has brought a unique energy to the bookstore, attracting fans eager to immerse themselves in the world of the song and film. It's a testament to how art and community spaces can intersect, creating memorable experiences for diverse audiences. The bookstore embraces this connection, offering a unique photo opportunity for fans.
While the 'All Too Well' connection is a significant draw, it's important to remember the bookstore's primary mission. The cultural significance adds to its appeal, but the core purpose remains supporting Housing Works' efforts to combat homelessness and HIV/AIDS.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit