A Real Bookstore

Dropped by here in search of a magazine; it's a nice space, not too small, not too big, with comfortable lighting and ample seating to sit down and enjoy a book or just take a break from shopping. While not as big as some of the major chains, the magazine rack had plenty of titles available and was well kept and neat. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

A small cafe is featured, with drinks and snacks in a quite similar setting as that big coffee chain that we all know.

Parking might be an issue during peak times, as there are no big lots nearby, but it's worth a try to visit here.

Love the fact there's a bookstore in Fairview, but don't see much future for this place. Help me with this, but do folks actually buy books from stores anymore versus getting them online at a discount?

Just not feelin' this this place. I mean, its nice, but small with a limited selection compared to Borders or other chains. I like the areas for book signings as well as the cafe and kids section, but I just can't see making many frequent visits here unless I'm looking for a book I positively absolutely have to have. Yeah, the magazine rack is nice and well kept with plenty of titles, but again, so do Walmart and Target.

Talk about a drop off. This place replaced Legacy Books in Plano which I actually liked for the lunch cafe alone. It was larger, had a better selection and a definite upgrade from the Real Bookstore, but unfortunately was in a bad location off the Tollway.

Anyway, all I can say is good luck to you guys, honestly, I hope you survive.

First things first: This is an independent bookstore. Can it survive in an online/e-book market? Who knows, but I don't know any book lover who would be opposed to supporting an independent book nook. Yes, technically you can buy books cheaper online but why not spend a few extra dollars to support something that really adds to the community like A Real Bookstore does? Makes sense to me.

A Real Bookstore was much bigger than I anticipated. They have plenty of space not just for all the books but they even have a demonstration kitchen complete with flat screen TV in the middle of store where they are planning future events involving cook book signings and tastings. Yum!!

If you have kids you will like the kids section as they have things for your kiddos to play with and climb on.

They have special book sections like Featured On NPR and Seen On The Jon Stewart Show. Of course they have best sellers and discount books too. The magazine selection is really great and they have wonderful cards and journals.

There is a cafe that serves coffee and cafe food plus beer and wine. The staff was very friendly and I asked if I needed any help when I was there. You should get on their mailing list as they will be having book signings and speakers in the future.

Support local!!

I was really disappointed with the closing of the Borders in Allen which was one of my favorite places to hang out on a Saturday afternoon. Fortunately A Real Bookstore opened to fill the gap with a vengeance.

The cafe is the biggest draw of the store for me. The seating area is large with a variety of seating options including tables, barstools, and cozy armchairs. The coffee I had on my first visit was good and they seemed to have an ample selection of appetizing sandwiches, pastries, and other light deli fare. I like to sit and draw and, unlike some other local coffee shops and restaurants in the area, the books and location draw a large number of patrons to serve as unsuspecting subjects.

The biggest mark against the store in my book is the fact that it still feels like a chain despite being locally owned. The decor is a bit too upscale, trendy, and clinical; I prefer a locally-owned bookstore to be more quirky and rough around the edges. Fortunately it's probably a bigger draw to most of the shopping demographic of the north Metroplex and I expect the store to do well for some time; if ever there was a place for a bricks-and-mortar bookstore to succeed then Allen must be high on the list.

Still, a great place to hang out, browse, and hopefully support the local economy. Although I buy most books online, I used to occasionally purchase books at local branches of chain stores to show my appreciation for offering a comfortable place to browse. In reality my dollars couldn't have done much for a national corporation but hopefully will be make a difference to a local bookstore. Support your local shops, check out the 3/50 Project!

I've visited this store twice since it opened. I want to like it because I love bookstores and I know they are having a tough time surviving.

My first visit I browsed around and then picked up some books in the children's section. It is a nice area with a good selection of kids books.

On the second visit I was looking for a travel book for Colorado. My wife got in line to buy a coffee while I browsed the rack. She didn't get her coffee. First, the travel section here is very lightweight and there wasn't a single book on Colorado. Second, the two people working the counter in the cafe were really struggling even though there were only a couple of people ordering. She finally gave up without getting a chance to order.

I don't care whether the cafe is good or not but was disappointed in the travel section. Certainly they have the best sellers and many common books so you won't have trouble finding those. But the customer service, limited selection and cafe prevent a higher rating.

I think this place gets my award for "best bookstore visit."

I stopped in with a friend while we were walking around the village, and thought it might be nice to check out the store. It seemed to have a good selection of fiction and cookbooks (my personal favorites) and in the short time we were browsing, the staff was very attentive.

I stopped over at the cafe to have a coffee and found that they were giving away wine and beer. Needless to say, we didn't see much more of the store - but I think it will be one of the more memorable visits to a bookstore that I'll ever have.

I went to this bookstore for a book signing with the author of the book. The store was super nice and all the employees were very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is happy and peaceful, very comforting. They have a cafe that serves beverages (regular and adult) and snacks. The restroom was clean and the aisles are wide for ease of browsing.

I wish it was closer to my house!!

It's better than I expected here. Not as big as Barnes & Nobles but good enough since its close to home. It has a cafe here, sitting areas, eye glasses, hello kitty items :), magazines, books of course and much more. If you live in Allen it's convenient.

This is a nice bookstore. I like the open feel and play area for kids. This store even has a kitchen. What it is missing and what keeps it from getting a 4-5 star rating for me is that it has an issue with wireless network connectivity. This is important for customers like myself who like to stop and grab a cup of coffee while browsing the internet or even checking work e-mail.

Hopefully they will take this seriously and get it resolved soon. I just stopped by after weeks of complaining to management and could connect to the access point, but still no go for internet access. I can go across to any other business or coffee shop in the area and connect fine.


Review update 29 December 2010:

Just wanted to say I dropped by today and had a very pleasant experience. I had the soup of the day, which happened to be "carrot ginger" I know does not sound good, but was delicious. The best part though was the free beer( cant sell until their liquor license goes through) and the fact that now I can browse the internet from my mac with no issues!!!

Loving it so far and definitely would suggest this place for the avid book reader/drinker/web browser. cheers!!

Ok, so one of my fave places in the world is a good bookstore. And this one just took that to a whole 'notha level!

I discovered this place when a friend of mine said he just had "the best sandwich EVER" and I needed to go. So, one day I pick him up and we head over to good ol Fairview so I can experience this fantastic sandwich.

We walk in and are greeted by enthusiastic employees who offer their help right of the bat. Instead of heading straight to the cafe, I just had to browse and was totally impressed by how the employees right their personal suggestions under the books on the shelves! I ended up picking up a good read even though I had no intention of getting a book when we go there!

Next, the cafe:
Oh my goodness, anywhere I can read a book and get alcohol simultaneously is A-Okay with me! They have an interesting selection of foods (bacon chocolate bar?!) and the sandwich that I spoke of? PB&J, but not what you think. It's Peanut Butter, Bacon & Jalepeño jelly! And omg omg omg wa it delis!!! Seriously the best goddamn sammich I've ever eaten! (and I eat a lot)

Plus they have comfy seats, free wifi, and story night to take my daughter to.

I will SO be frequenting this place!

Only downside was the cafe is a tad pricey (sammich= 7.99 :(. )