Taylor Books is definitely the best bookstore and café in downtown Charleston, West Virginia. It occupies a large groundfloor space at 226 Capitol Street, and the popular place is divided into three distinct areas: books, café and the art gallery. You can also find and purchase any of numerous gift items, magazines, and a variety of greeting cards.
If you are looking for a particular book not on the shelves, either paperback or hardcover, it may be ordered for you and most likely you’ll have it within several days or a week.
This bookstore attracts a steady flow of customers: residents, tourists, professionals, students and workers from area businesses.
On Fridays and Saturdays in the evenings, Taylor Books’ theater shows films, downstairs, and live musical entertainment in the main front room.
You may order delicious freshly-made soups, chili, sandwiches, salads and various homemade cakes, muffins, quiches and pies. Beers and domestic wines are also sold, and, of course, teas and freshly-brewed coffees.
The several seating areas at Taylor Books include a comfortable leather sofa and chair, a curved booth for five, a long cushioned bench and fifteen small round tables with chairs.
There is also a conference table with several chairs where some people sit while enjoying their food and drinks and using their laptop computer, iPad or portable telephone.
The WiFi is always strong and reliable. Taylor Books is air-conditioned which is a great relief on a hot and humid summer day.
Many people stop by here daily to eat or snack, enjoy various coffees and teas, and work or relax.
If you order coffee in a mug, you can request two free refills. Why go to a Starbucks when a Taylor Books is so much better?
A brother frequents Taylor Books almost every day. He meets and greets his friends and various acquaintances as well as the always-polite, efficient and friendly staff. You will likely meet all sorts of interesting people, but since it’s quiet inside. There are a few benches outside where you may also sit.
Honestly, I do not know what I would have done while visiting Charleston for five weeks without Taylor Books.
I thank the pleasant owner, Dan, for making Taylor Books one of the best shops in downtown Charleston.
I do not often rate a business five stars for my reviews, but Taylor Books really deserves to be rated five+ stars. It is truly a special business in Charleston, West Virginia.