Octavia Books: A welcoming independent bookstore with a spacious layout and a cozy cafe.
Octavia Books is a beloved independent bookstore in New Orleans, located at 513 Octavia St. It features a spacious, multi-room layout and a connected cafe, with a large, varied collection. Customers praise friendly, helpful staff, engaging author signings, and a well-stocked local-interest section showcasing the city’s culture.
513 Octavia St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
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Extensive collection of new and curated books, including a prominent local interest section for fiction, non-fiction, and gifts.
Hosting community events with authors for readings, signings, and literary discussions in a welcoming space.
Connected coffee shop offering beverages and snacks, perfect for relaxing and reading in a cozy atmosphere.
Friendly staff providing tailored book suggestions and assistance to help customers find their next great read.
Curated gifts, board books, and special items like coffee table books, ideal for birthdays and family presents.
Overall rating
Andrew
As a first-time visitor (and customer too!), I was fascinated how big the bookstore was inside. Lovely place - and with a connected cafe too! I was able to pick up a cool board book for a child's birthday, plus a couple gifts for family. Can't wait to come back again!
Shirley Young
I went to the bookstore for an author book signing. The owner gave everyone a warm welcome and pointed out available seats. I bought the book and had it signed. I'll go back to browse to see all the books available in this expanded store. It's so lovely!
David Fielding
I first learned of Octavia Books looking online for a Bunny Matthews book. I didn't realize at the time Octavia Books was in New Orleans (although the author was a NOLA cartoonist). On my next visit to NOLA, I made a point to visit Octavia Books. You'd expect the store to be on Magazine Street, in da French Quarter or other prominent location, but it's actually tucked deep into the neighborhood. Given its tony locale, the scale of the bookstore is quite ambitious. Very inviting with large rooms, one after another, places to sit quietly and read, a truly massive collection of books, a real labor of love in what is rare these days, a brick & mortar (i.e. framed & clapboard) bookstore. Most importantly, the local interest section in the front room is well stocked with every title imaginable for readers wanting to learn all about the city as fiction and non, in pictures, impressions and expressions. I'll be excited to visit Octavia often, but I better start putting eyes to pulp.
Julie Hicks
This precious independent bookstore made it to our Top 10 on our list of independent bookstores. It is laid out very well with a large and varied selection of books. There is a coffee shop cafe that was packed. You can tell the locals love it there. I found The Big Book of King Cake coffee table book and another Banksy book to bring home with me. I did leave three other books I really wanted so that means I'll have to go back. I highly recommend this little gem to anyone looking for a sweet local bookstore to support.
Theresa Stone
This is an amazing bookstore!! The staff are helpful and very friendly. The book selection is top notch as well.
