Five of Our Favorite Bookstore–Coffee Shop Combos

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On those mercifully unscheduled summer days when it’s too hot to go outside or too rainy to go to the pool, bookstores offer a refuge where we can get lost, whether it’s by wandering through precariously stacked aisles or settling into a secluded arm chair. And, as fate would have it, these picks also all have coffee shops on-site or very nearby.


Cincinnati Area
Roebling Point Books & Coffee
Roebling Point is a tiny shop tucked away in Covingtons leafy Greenup Street, so while we can’t blame you if you’ve never seen it, we’re happy to put it in front of you. Walk in the door and you’re greeted by a coffee counter and shelves lined with regional interest titles and literary knick-knacks. While winding, this store is just one story, and much harder to get (physically) lost in. The inventory is curated, so you never know quite what you’ll find. The back of the store houses the used books, many of which are beautiful leather-bound editions, and you might realize you do need those classics on your shelf after all. The cozy kids’ room can either take you back to your young-reader days or provide your little one with their new favorite story. Enjoy your coffee while surrounded by friends–literary or human–or use this as an office-away-from-the-office, as there are desks scattered throughout the store. Just don’t forget to grab your coffee, and peruse staff picks while you’re waiting.
Roebling Point Books & Coffee, 306 Greenup St, Covington, (859) 815-7204, facebook.com/roeblingpointbooksandcoffee

Put your money where your heart is. #ShopLocal

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Duttenhofer’s Books and Rohs Street Cafe
Duttenhofer’s is a well-kept secret in Cincinnati, despite being located next door to the University of Cincinnati’s campus. Walk into this little storefront and you’re immediately slammed with that addictive scent of old pages. With everything from encyclopedias and maps to prints and used novels, Duttenhofer’s is a treasure trove. You just have to be willing to go diving. Plus, the scale replica of the bookstore housed inside is strangely satisfying.
Duttenhofer’s, 214 W McMillan St., Cincinnati, (513) 381-1340, duttenhofers.com

dont mind if I do..

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A favorite among many UC students, Rohs Street Cafe is a multi-purpose community center if ever there was one. Part church, part coffeeshop, part art store, you can feel at home no matter what you’re working on (or not working on) here. This cafe is just across the street from Duttenhofer’s, so while it’s typically teeming with college kids, most are working on their long-procrastinated papers, meaning you won’t be facing a rowdy crowd.
Rohs Street Cafe, 245 W McMillan St., Cincinnati, rohsstreetcafe.com


Columbus area
The Book Loft of German Village and Stauf’s
A Columbus staple since 1977, the Book Loft is composed of 32 rooms of bargain books, housed in pre-Civil War era buildings. This cobbling together results in a maze-like store that is easy (and fun) to get lost in. Generally organized by genre, the four wings are packed with everything you can think of: books old and new, signed copies, book-centric gifts, and more. With inventory spilling out onto the patio and entryway, your experience begins before you even walk in the door. As a bonus, every staff member is knowledgeable about their inventory–and more than willing to help you find that elusive staircase out.
The Book Loft of German Village, 631 S 3rd St, Columbus, (614) 464-1774, bookloft.com

Stauf’s is conveniently located about 3 steps from the Book Loft at the very next storefront. With a selection of sandwiches, unique roasts, and–most importantly–delicious baked goods (we’re talking muffins, scones, cheesecake, et al), you can refuel and head back out into the world, or leisurely sip your beverage while diving into your latest purchase(s).
Stauf’s, 627 S 3rd St, Columbus, (614) 221-1563, staufs.com


Wheatberry Books and Paper City Coffee
Located in Chillicothe–an hour south of Columbus, and an hour and a half east of Cincinnati–Wheatberry is a self-described “independent bookstore for independent thinkers.” Newly opened in 2017, Wheatberry is a purveyor of new and used books, they also host events such as book signings. Living up to their motto, Wheatberry stocks books from every genre, cleverly using their limited space and encouraging readers to bridge any divide inside. Once you fall in love, you can buy some of their branded merch to pour your morning joe into or haul your book purchase to the beach. A novel idea.
Wheatberry Books, 41 S Paint St., Chillicothe, (740) 771-3369, wheatberrybooks.com

That late afternoon sun gives this little bookshop all of the love.

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A mere 50 feet away, your caffeine fix awaits. The roasts at Paper City Coffee come from One Line Coffee in Columbus, and they offer classic or signature drinks as well as wraps, salads, pastries, and more in case you forgot to eat lunch on your mad dash to the bookstore. Plus, every purchase helps Paper City Coffee fund the mentoring of local teens–the best excuse to buy an extra pastry we’ve ever heard.
Paper City Coffee, 47 S Paint St., Chillicothe, (740) 851-5920, papercitycoffee.com


Worth the Drive: Cleveland

Loganberry Books and Dewey’s Coffee

If you’re willing to go to the distance for books (or just happen to be in CLE), be sure to check out Loganberry Books. With an inventory of more than 100,000 books, even the pickiest readers will find something to take home. The store is separated into distinct sections, making it easy to retrace your steps when you decide to go back for the book you were trying to resist. At the front of the store, formal arches from an Ohio mansion house leatherbound and decorative editions; the arts section features rolling book ladders to help you live out your Beauty and the Beast library fantasy; and the Sancutary holds the “really cool stuff”, like first editions (including children’s books), prints, cigarette lighters, and more. Loganberry’s expansive selection but niche strengths make this bookstore well worth the drive.
Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights, (216) 795-9800loganberrybooks.com

If you’re strong enough to carry your haul for five minutes, you’ll be rewarded with Dewey’s Coffee in Shaker’s Square. Not only do they offer coffee, espresso, and tea, they have an entire menu section devoted to “chocolate beverages” and pastries are baked on-site. As if life could get sweeter.
Dewey’s Coffee, 13201 Shaker Square, Cleveland, (216) 991-1101, deweyscoffee.com                                               

Featured Image Credit: Vtmila/Shutterstock

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