Queen Anne Hill is a bit like the fictional Gilmore Girls town of Stars’ Hallow — Queen Anne Books in particular. It feels like it belongs in a cute neighborhood on the East Coast. The staff are extremely approachable and make visitors feel extremely comfortable.

The store is painstakingly well-kept and orderly. Though small, the store feels large and spacious because of its cleanliness, arrangement and excellent use of space. The thoughtful collection of books (mostly contemporary and children’s) and useful staff recommendations are a relief from average bookstores, which usually house a smattering of the “really popular” or “completely random” stuff, accompanied by tired, repeated reviews. Staff member Hilary Vonckx gladly recommended several good budget-friendly eating places in the area — Chinoise Café, Hilltop Ale house and Macrina Bakery topping her list.

Aside from being tastefully decorated and well-stocked, a hero could be found in the greeting card area. How rare it is to find a bookstore that is mindful in its selection of greeting cards. Wait for a sunny day when it isn’t so busy so you can grab yourself a nice outdoor seat under their wisteria-entwined terrace. This bookshop is darling.

Queen Anne Books is also directly conjoined to El Diablo Coffee Co., which sells tasty pastries and coffee. The café features a vibrant Latin style, making it different from other coffee houses in Seattle. On an especially grey day, you’ll feel like you’ve walked right under the sun upon entering this brilliant spot on Queen Anne Hill.

— Amanda Ahn