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A Seat at the Table Books
Your community hub for books, coffee, and connection in Elk Grove.
4(5 reviews)
retail-store
$$
Your community hub for books, coffee, and connection in Elk Grove.
A Seat at the Table Books is a welcoming, LGBTQ-owned independent bookstore and community center in Elk Grove, CA. We offer a curated selection of books from local and independent authors, alongside a cozy café serving coffee, mochas, and light bites like sandwiches. Our space features a play area for kids, rotating displays of local art, and free community resources like vegetables and plants. We host regular events such as author talks, D&D sessions, and classes, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. More than just a store, we're a vibrant hub that gives back to the neighborhood.
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Curated selection of books from local and independent presses, with special ordering available for titles not in stock.
Coffee, mochas, sandwiches, and other refreshments served in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Hosts author talks, D&D sessions, classes, pop-ups, and other events to engage and connect the local community.
Features rotating displays and sales of original artwork and unique gifts from local artists.
Includes a play area for children and an inclusive, welcoming environment for families and all visitors.
Offers free vegetables from local farms and free plants as part of our commitment to giving back.
I’m pretty disappointed to have to write this review. I’ve been a loyal customer since they opened. I love the inclusivity, general vibe, patient staff, etc. Once I had my baby we started coming here as a family and became big fans of the play area. Today we came and met some friends here. We of course bought a couple things to start and noticed the children’s area was packed. In fact the whole place was very loud, extremely hot and full of kids, adults, vendors, etc. Once most of the children left we stayed a bit longer so mine and my friend’s kids could play. We were here maybe 90 minutes. The kids played well and were not overly loud. My child started to giggle and a staff member came over and rudely asked us to use indoor voices. For frame of reference my kid is 15 months old. He is not yet aware what that means. The fact that my child can’t giggle in your already loud space that is meant for children to play is incredibly disappointing. The same employee kept walking by and throwing toys into the play area that other children before us misplaced. I do not appreciate being spoken to and treated this way and I will not tolerate this for my child. I will no longer be a customer here.
They have a small manga section. The books are obviously far better than anyone you can pick up randomly at a grocery store. Their variety is plentiful, but limited to what they can place on shelves. They will order books for you, which I WILL RECOMMEND. Majority of actual bookstores have deals and savings you cannot get elsewhere. They have a section for writers in the area who have been published. They had a group playing DND, which I loved. Not going to lie, I was eavesdropping and it was fun to listen to how players always want to argue with a GM when it's a homebrew game. They did have what looked like a sort of class going on too. Looked how how to use a media program for beginners? It was already running when I walked in. I didn't get to try their little cafe as it closed at I think 4 pm? So right before I had gotten there. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and I loved that they offered a safe place for human beings to be humans. I didn't buy anything there but their prices are common with what's asked for at other places. I did like some of their book ends, almost bought them but didn't have place in my car (traveling). The kid section as books and even some for toddlers. They have 2 doors to enter from, and both are wheelchair friendly for access. Tables not sure (not in a wheelchair chair to confirm the height) but they did look like they were. Parking was easy, but it does fill up, so you may have a 30 second walk. I did brag about the place to my friend in the area and he knew about it and now has a reason to actually check it out. I do recommend this place as it is quiet and has good vibes. For kids under 6 I'm not sure I would recommend only because there isn't a toddler/younger kid area to distract them. Yes to books, just not for parents to talk and read while kids be kids who are little and might cry or have a fuss like mine who is 2.
I just went to my second special event at A Seat At the Table! I’ve gone to two this year, one for a new book release and another for the book fair. I love this store. The staff has always had great customer service and the special events are really fun to meet new people at. I’ve had wonderful memories each time I’ve come in, and I’ve found some serious gems in their inventory. There’s a lot of great gift ideas at this bookstore, and if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, the staff can be helpful to brainstorm options! I’ve always appreciated the kindness and thoughtfulness from the team here.
A Seat at the Table Books is honestly one of the most heartwarming community spaces I have found. From the moment you walk in you can feel the care that goes into everything here. The mocha is great, the staff are warm and attentive, and the whole place invites you to slow down and stay a while. The shop doubles as a large, well curated bookstore with shelves full of local and independent titles alongside great picks from wider presses. Local artists get real support here. There are rotating displays and lots of original work for sale, so every visit feels a little different and you can always find something unique. Families are welcome. There is a cute play area for kids that makes it easy for parents to relax while little ones play nearby. The space feels intentionally inclusive, and it is proudly LGBT owned, which adds to the sense of community and belonging. People from all walks of life gather here and everyone seems welcome. What sets this place apart is how much community resource is offered for free. They regularly have free vegetables from a local farm and free plants available, which is such a generous touch. Those efforts show that this is more than a business, it is a community hub that actually gives back. There are frequent community events, author talks, and pop ups, so check their calendar. If you care about supporting local, meeting friendly people, finding original art and books, and enjoying a thoughtfully made mocha, this is a must visit. It feels like a living room for the neighborhood, and I always leave feeling better than when I came in.
I love this bookstore and its excellent coffee shop. I can come to sample the books before I bring them home with a cup of coffee and a sandwich. The store is not very big—it's just the perfect size to fit many good books in there. The coffee shop inside the bookstore is excellent. I like the breakfast sandwich the most. I have always enjoyed visiting A Seat at the Table Books. I think you will, too!
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