LC
Lost City Books
Lost City Books: A multi-level indie bookstore offering curated reads in Adams Morgan
4.2
Retail Store
$$
Lost City Books: A multi-level indie bookstore offering curated reads in Adams Morgan
Lost City Books is a cozy, multi-level indie bookstore at 2467 18th St NW in Washington, DC. In Adams Morgan, it offers warm wood floors, packed shelves, and a thoughtfully curated mix—from contemporary fiction and memoirs to art books, travel, poetry, cookbooks, and science fiction. Staff are praised for knowledge and friendliness, making it a welcoming destination for readers seeking their next escape. One review requests balanced context on sensitive youth topics.
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Curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art books, and niche titles across multiple floors.
Personalized book suggestions from knowledgeable and passionate staff to match your interests.
Diverse collection of books for young readers, with a focus on promoting critical thinking and empathy.
A welcoming space for literary exploration, events, and local support in Adams Morgan.
Dedicated areas for science fiction, photography, art, and crossword puzzle books.
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Overall rating
Shelby Kennedy
A cozy respite amidst the nightlife of AdMo. The display window invited me in around 8p on a Wednesday evening after leaving a comedy show. It felt restful being there. The wood floors and packed shelves were warm. The shop person was nice even when I asked her to see a book in the window and she had to crawl through display jungles to get it. Then I confused East City Books with this shop. All in all, a cool visit. Go read a book.
Limor Wilks
I wanted to share a concern following a recent visit to your store. I value independent bookstores and usually seek them out because they tend to promote curiosity, learning, and thoughtful engagement with complex ideas. That’s why I was disappointed to see that the children’s and youth section related to Israel and Palestine appeared to present only a single narrative, without historical context or acknowledgement of multiple perspectives. In particular, the absence of material addressing Jewish history, the Holocaust, Israel’s formation, or the ongoing struggles and security concerns of Israelis stood out to me. When such a complex and emotionally charged subject is introduced to young readers without balance, it risks shaping understanding through omission rather than education. My concern is not that one perspective is included—but that others are excluded. Especially for children, responsible curation should encourage critical thinking, empathy, and historical awareness, not a simplified or one-sided framing of a deeply complex conflict. I raised this briefly in the store, but felt the concern was dismissed. I hope you’ll consider this feedback in the spirit it’s offered: a request for greater balance, context, and intellectual integrity—particularly when it comes to material aimed at young minds. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Todd
Not only is this a fantastic bookstore with a nice selection of crossword puzzle books, among many other of my fave subjects, but it also has incredibly kind staff. I got a flat tire while biking around Adams Morgan while visiting from out of town, lucky to have it happen across the street from Lost City, and figured if anyone knows the town it would be a bookstore clerk, and sure enough one took time to look up 2 places nearby where I might get my tire repaired right away. I loved this store before that, and made a point to stop in for a fun browse whenever I was in AdMo, but now it's on my "fan for life" list. Thanks, Lost City, for being an oasis of kindness and intelligence in an often unkind world. p.s. the women-run Upshift Workshop and Ace Hardware are the bike repair spots nearby if you're lucky enough to get a flat across the street from Lost City :)
Ritu Tak
Such a cool bookstore. Lots of staff recommendations. Art books. Photography books. Science fiction section is amazing as well. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
Wendy M.
A Hidden Literary Gem in the Heart of Adams Morgan: Lost City Books If you’re ever strolling through the vibrant, eclectic streets of Adams Morgan in D.C., carve out some time to wander into Lost City Books—a multi-level indie bookstore that’s as magical as its name suggests. I recently popped in on a whim during an evening walk, and what I thought would be a quick browse turned into a full-on literary escape. This place is a book lover’s dreamscape—layered across multiple floors and thoughtfully curated with everything from contemporary fiction and memoirs to niche non-fiction, cookbooks, travel guides, poetry, and unexpected gems you didn’t even know you needed. The energy here is warm and inspiring. The staff? Super knowledgeable, genuinely passionate, and happy to help you discover your next read—or 10. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next mystery obsession, an offbeat biography, a guide to your next destination, or a coffee table book that doubles as art, Lost City Books delivers. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore, and lose yourself—literally and figuratively—in the stories lining its walls. Pro tip: Ask the staff for recommendations. You’ll walk away with a read that speaks directly to your soul. Do, See, Taste Tip: Pair your visit with a bite from one of Adams Morgan’s global eateries right outside the door for the perfect local adventure.
