Local Guides World
Megan Zalenas
2 reviews on 1 places
I recently relocated to Boston and was on the lookout for a privately-owned bookstore. I'm not a big fan of shopping at the "big-chain" book stores.
I also am not huge on reading books from an electronic device. I'm on my computer and phone all day. My eyes prefer a physical paper book.
I scoured Yelp and found a spot called Brookline Booksmith. The reviews were solid and I knew I had to check it out! I am glad I did!
The size and selection is unmatched. This isn't your ordinary bookstore. While they do have a plethora of books to choose from, they also have a massive selection of other products.
They have a massive selection of craft-made sweets, snacks, sauces, craft-sodas and drinks, CBD infused drinks and candy, craft-beverage mixes, cocktail kits, sugar cubes/sticks, cocktail rim salt/sugars, craft chocolate bars + truffles, craft teas, rice crispy treats, craft popcorn, cookies, nuts, and so much more!
If you're looking for home-goods, they have you covered! They have a solid selection of glassware, plates, mugs, teapots+cups, bowls, chopsticks, utensils, platters, bar ware, kitchen tools, and more! The quality is top-notch and the items are incredibly unique. I've never seen such an incredible selection!
They also have a solid "self-care" section with incense, candles, body care, cosmic crystals, crystal sets, stones and stone sets, crystal candles, chakra stones, meditation stones, healing stones, serenity stones, grounding stones, and other assorted minerals and stones!
If you're looking for gorgeous jewelry, they have you covered on that too! They have a huge selection of anklets, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and so much more!
Now, onto the books! After all, it is a bookstore! They have a massive selection of books in every genre you can imagine. They also have a solid selection of cookbooks and adult coloring books! They do have a solid selection of book lights for those who like to read at night without disturbing others.
I love the adult coloring books and they have the largest selection I've seen anywhere. You can even find the profanity-laced coloring books here! They have a solid selection of quality, high-end colored pencils and such so you don't have to go anywhere else!
If you're looking for a new journal, THIS is the place for it. They easily have HUNDREDS of choices in nearly every size, color, and pattern imaginable. They also have a solid selection of accessories for your new journal, like a loop to hold your pen.
Honestly, it was overwhelming there were so many choices. You'll see what I mean when you first walk in. It is the biggest selection anywhere! They also have a great selection of calendars in different themes, sizes, and designs.
I strongly suggest spending an afternoon taking in everything they have to offer. The amount of stuff is incredible! The book selection is massive. I wish I had more time on my first visit here, I did not realize how large the place was.
I will certainly be back on a rainy afternoon to really spend some time shopping and picking out a few good books. I did end up grabbing some craft snacks and sweets and a CBD infused beverage! I look forward to coming back!
The only thing that could make this place even better would be a small cafe! However, I understand why they don't have one. There likely wouldn't be the space to accommodate a cafe.
Service is friendly and efficient. The line at checkout moves quickly and they do have employees on the floor to help guide you to that perfect book! Prices are very reasonable for the quality products offered. I can't wait to come back!
I also am not huge on reading books from an electronic device. I'm on my computer and phone all day. My eyes prefer a physical paper book.
I scoured Yelp and found a spot called Brookline Booksmith. The reviews were solid and I knew I had to check it out! I am glad I did!
The size and selection is unmatched. This isn't your ordinary bookstore. While they do have a plethora of books to choose from, they also have a massive selection of other products.
They have a massive selection of craft-made sweets, snacks, sauces, craft-sodas and drinks, CBD infused drinks and candy, craft-beverage mixes, cocktail kits, sugar cubes/sticks, cocktail rim salt/sugars, craft chocolate bars + truffles, craft teas, rice crispy treats, craft popcorn, cookies, nuts, and so much more!
If you're looking for home-goods, they have you covered! They have a solid selection of glassware, plates, mugs, teapots+cups, bowls, chopsticks, utensils, platters, bar ware, kitchen tools, and more! The quality is top-notch and the items are incredibly unique. I've never seen such an incredible selection!
They also have a solid "self-care" section with incense, candles, body care, cosmic crystals, crystal sets, stones and stone sets, crystal candles, chakra stones, meditation stones, healing stones, serenity stones, grounding stones, and other assorted minerals and stones!
If you're looking for gorgeous jewelry, they have you covered on that too! They have a huge selection of anklets, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and so much more!
Now, onto the books! After all, it is a bookstore! They have a massive selection of books in every genre you can imagine. They also have a solid selection of cookbooks and adult coloring books! They do have a solid selection of book lights for those who like to read at night without disturbing others.
I love the adult coloring books and they have the largest selection I've seen anywhere. You can even find the profanity-laced coloring books here! They have a solid selection of quality, high-end colored pencils and such so you don't have to go anywhere else!
If you're looking for a new journal, THIS is the place for it. They easily have HUNDREDS of choices in nearly every size, color, and pattern imaginable. They also have a solid selection of accessories for your new journal, like a loop to hold your pen.
Honestly, it was overwhelming there were so many choices. You'll see what I mean when you first walk in. It is the biggest selection anywhere! They also have a great selection of calendars in different themes, sizes, and designs.
I strongly suggest spending an afternoon taking in everything they have to offer. The amount of stuff is incredible! The book selection is massive. I wish I had more time on my first visit here, I did not realize how large the place was.
I will certainly be back on a rainy afternoon to really spend some time shopping and picking out a few good books. I did end up grabbing some craft snacks and sweets and a CBD infused beverage! I look forward to coming back!
The only thing that could make this place even better would be a small cafe! However, I understand why they don't have one. There likely wouldn't be the space to accommodate a cafe.
Service is friendly and efficient. The line at checkout moves quickly and they do have employees on the floor to help guide you to that perfect book! Prices are very reasonable for the quality products offered. I can't wait to come back!
If you’re looking for a solid spot to enjoy a meal on Newbury Street, you have to check out Sonsie!
Sonsie has an incredible menu full of international cuisine. They utilize a brick-oven to bake their pizzas and focaccia. The menu is incredibly unique and there is something for everyone!
The menu offers a wide variety from a variety of cuisines. They offer a great selection of small plates on the dinner menu. Fresh oysters and tuna tartare is on the menu for the seafood aficionados!
They also boast about their house-made Gyoza/Dumplings. They have three varieties: pork & ginger, lemongrass chicken, & shiitake mushroom with kale. The gyoza is made fresh in-house! The sesame soy sauce is highly recommended for dipping!
In addition to that, they also offer hand-stretched, brick-oven pizzas and focaccia. If you’re in the mood for a larger meal, they have a solid selection of pastas, seafood, roasted chicken, burgers, and more!
If you’re a dessert person, the menu is a bit limited in that regard. They also have a small selection of soup, salads, and sides.
We decided to stop in to enjoy dinner on their outdoor patio. Unfortunately, they had moved service to inside with the French-doors open. It was like sitting outside, the breeze was phenomenal.
The music was bumping and the bar/restaurant got more busy the later it got! They do offer a late-night menu that consists of their brick-oven pizzas & their House-Made Gyoza Dumplings. They’re one of the few spots in the area that serves this late.
We started with the Crispy Calamari to share. The portion was generous. The Crispy Calamari was cooked perfectly, not overdone or chewy like many places. It was served with giardinaire and a cucumber-yogurt sauce.
The cucumber-yogurt sauce truly elevated the dish. I actually requested our server complement the chef, as it was a new twist on the menu item. We LOVED it.
We also ordered a “Margherita” pizza to share. The pizzas here are hand-stretched and baked in a brick oven. I have never seen a crust so thin, it is phenomenal!
They utilize house-made, fresh mozzarella on the pizza. The sauce is fresh san marzano tomato. They finish it off with fresh basil. A typical pizza here is six-slices.
Their beverage/mixology program is also spectacular. We both ordered “The Dana”. Citron vodka, lemoncello crema in a glass with a sugar rim. The drink hit all the right notes, incredibly smooth and delicious. Mixed perfectly!
The service was top-notch. The waitress was excellent, always ensuring we were well taken care of and that our water glasses stayed full. She was quick and efficient. She even checked to ensure nobody had any food allergies. Due to the amazing service AND food, we will certainly make this one of our regular spots! The service is spectacular!
The service and quality of the food TRULY earned 5-Stars. If you’re looking for a late night bite & a solid beverage, they’re open until 1AM on Saturdays!
Sonsie has an incredible menu full of international cuisine. They utilize a brick-oven to bake their pizzas and focaccia. The menu is incredibly unique and there is something for everyone!
The menu offers a wide variety from a variety of cuisines. They offer a great selection of small plates on the dinner menu. Fresh oysters and tuna tartare is on the menu for the seafood aficionados!
They also boast about their house-made Gyoza/Dumplings. They have three varieties: pork & ginger, lemongrass chicken, & shiitake mushroom with kale. The gyoza is made fresh in-house! The sesame soy sauce is highly recommended for dipping!
In addition to that, they also offer hand-stretched, brick-oven pizzas and focaccia. If you’re in the mood for a larger meal, they have a solid selection of pastas, seafood, roasted chicken, burgers, and more!
If you’re a dessert person, the menu is a bit limited in that regard. They also have a small selection of soup, salads, and sides.
We decided to stop in to enjoy dinner on their outdoor patio. Unfortunately, they had moved service to inside with the French-doors open. It was like sitting outside, the breeze was phenomenal.
The music was bumping and the bar/restaurant got more busy the later it got! They do offer a late-night menu that consists of their brick-oven pizzas & their House-Made Gyoza Dumplings. They’re one of the few spots in the area that serves this late.
We started with the Crispy Calamari to share. The portion was generous. The Crispy Calamari was cooked perfectly, not overdone or chewy like many places. It was served with giardinaire and a cucumber-yogurt sauce.
The cucumber-yogurt sauce truly elevated the dish. I actually requested our server complement the chef, as it was a new twist on the menu item. We LOVED it.
We also ordered a “Margherita” pizza to share. The pizzas here are hand-stretched and baked in a brick oven. I have never seen a crust so thin, it is phenomenal!
They utilize house-made, fresh mozzarella on the pizza. The sauce is fresh san marzano tomato. They finish it off with fresh basil. A typical pizza here is six-slices.
Their beverage/mixology program is also spectacular. We both ordered “The Dana”. Citron vodka, lemoncello crema in a glass with a sugar rim. The drink hit all the right notes, incredibly smooth and delicious. Mixed perfectly!
The service was top-notch. The waitress was excellent, always ensuring we were well taken care of and that our water glasses stayed full. She was quick and efficient. She even checked to ensure nobody had any food allergies. Due to the amazing service AND food, we will certainly make this one of our regular spots! The service is spectacular!
The service and quality of the food TRULY earned 5-Stars. If you’re looking for a late night bite & a solid beverage, they’re open until 1AM on Saturdays!