Want to support Black-owned businesses in your community? Check out these bookstores and cafés perfect for curling up with a good read or sipping your favorite brew.
Bookstores
1. Harriett’s Bookshop
Philadelphia
Located in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, Harriett’s Bookshop is one of the City of Brotherly Love’s many great Black-owned businesses. Named after the renowned abolitionist, women’s suffragist, and social activist Harriet Tubman, owner Jeannine Cook opened the store with a mission of celebrating female authors, artists, and activists. Grab a classic and curl up in a cozy corner or browse the store’s vast selection.
2. A Concrete Rose
Lancaster
A Concrete Rose is one of downtown Lancaster’s hippest hangouts featuring a bookstore, micro-winery, tapas bar and live entertainment venue all under one roof. Their bookstore features books and art created by authors and artists of African descent throughout the world with the goal of providing the local community with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and freely express themselves. Pick up a book and a glass of wine or cocktail and get ready to expand your literary horizons while dining on a soulful fusion menu of tapas inspired by the flavors of the African diaspora and crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
3. The Black Reserve Bookstore
Lansdale
The Black Reserve Bookstore‘s mission is to uplift and give significant access to Black culture and history through a curated collection books in all genres and for all ages—from toddlers to tweens and teens to adults. Here you’ll find fantasies, moral stories, reference books, general learning books, action books, and innovative idea books. There are picture books, board books, story and sticker books, 3D books, and spring up books providing readers an uplifting experience. While browsing, be sure to check out their stationery stand and designer clothing.
4. Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books
Philadelphia
Nestled in Philadelphia’s Germantown section, Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books is a coffee shop, bookstore, community space, and a lot more. The store is a haven for “Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee.” Their full coffee and espresso bar and sweet treats will have you energized to explore their specially curated selection of books, along with apparel and children’s games. With a focus on providing underserved communities access to books, they feature a weekly story time for little ones and host a variety of free community events including author talks and workshops.
5. The Tiny Bookstore
Pittsburgh
With a footprint of just 300 square feet, The Tiny Bookstore is Pittsburgh's smallest independent bookstore. Featuring new and bargain books along with gifts, toys, and collectables, although tiny, this space in the Pines Shops at Pines Plaza contains a broad selection of reading materials and merchandise. Be sure to check out the Homebrewer’s Corner that’s dedicated to beer and craft beer lovers.
6. Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop
Philadelphia
Since the late 1950s Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop has operated in West Philadelphia and is known for carrying rare books and periodicals not available in mainstream libraries and bookstores. Today, the store sells 17 categories of literature from children’s books to philosophy and psychology, specializing in African American history and education. In recognition of the store’s great historical significance to the commonwealth, including as a gathering place for civil rights activists in the 1960s, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission erected a historical marker in front of the store in 2023. Founded by African American scholar, author, lecturer, and publisher, Dawud Hakim, his family continues to honor and promote his vision and legacy.
7. Heart & Soul Books
Harrisburg
Located north of downtown Harrisburg, Heart & Soul Books provides lots of cozy places where you can sit and relax as you peruse their diverse and eclectic selection of new and used books. They host a wide variety of monthly events including youth and adult book clubs, a children’s story time, and special events throughout the year. Want to impress the bibliophile in your life or one you hope will be? Book a Bookstore Date night where, illuminated by candlelight, you can enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne (adults only) or non-alcoholic beverage, scavenger hunt, discount on book purchases, and a fun and unique night out! Be sure to snap a selfie by their Book Wall before you leave!
8. Atomic City Comics
Philadelphia
Pop culture enthusiasts, Atomic City Comics is definitely the shop for you! Along with a wide variety of comics, they carry manga and graphic novels. And that’s just for starters. Here you’ll find a large selection of comic, movie, and television t-shirts; anime and anime merchandise, such as chains, figures, toys, and wallscrolls; posters and statues. They have gacha and arcade machines. Need a costume? No worries there; they have costuming supplies such as masks and assorted character accessories. With this much fantastic merch, you may never want to leave!
Coffee Shops and Cafés
9. The Tricycle Cafe & Bike Shop
Conshohocken
The Tricycle Cafe is the ultimate destination for those who value good brews on the go. Located right next to the Schuylkill River Trail, visitors can stop in to grab a coffee and shop for all their cycling needs before continuing their journey through Montgomery County.
10. Timeless Café
Lebanon
As a farm-to-table hot spot, Timeless Café serves up the freshest ingredients from Lebanon County for breakfast and lunch. From growing their own veggies to keeping their own bees, this small business offers the perfect place for a healthy meal in a relaxing atmosphere. Stop in to enjoy their specialty coffees and teas and be sure to admire the locally sourced artwork.
11. Pecan Tree Café
York
Located in the heart of downtown York, Pecan Tree Café serves up amazing southern cuisine and halal all filled with soul. If you’re longing for an authentic and delicious southern feast, you’ll find it here with a full menu ranging from oxtails and fried catfish to yams and collard greens, to potato salad, sweet plantains, and sweet potato pie, with Philly cheesesteak and baked macaroni and cheese also on the menu.
12. Lucky Goat Coffee House
Philadelphia
Newly renovated, the family-owned Lucky Goat Coffee House in the Brewerytown section of Philadelphia has a dual purpose: serving great tasting coffee and pastries, and presenting the arts and culture of Africa to community members by promoting designs and décor curated by African artists. Since opening in 2013, the family has worked with local roasters and bakeries to serve fresh food including pastries and bagels along with deliciously brewed tea and coffee.
13. Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop
Bethlehem
Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop is a hip coffee shop and hangout in Bethlehem's South Side, just next to the Lehigh University campus. Offering baked goods and freshly brewed coffee, this spot provides a nice, quiet place to get your caffeine fill, hang with friends, and maybe even complete some work.
14. Café 7-10
Erie
Café 7-10 is a small coffee shop and bakery in downtown Erie. Owner Mable Howard, a poet and nonprofit leader, opened Café 7-10’s doors to create a safe space where people can come together to express themselves through poetry readings, which she hosts for local poets and writers to share their work. A staple of the community, don’t forget to try their classic sweet potato pie when you stop by! Along with the sweet treats, there are even some healthier options including salads, wraps, fruit bowls, and smoothies.
15. Café On The Corner
Pittsburgh
Café On The Corner is a family-owned and operated business located on Pittsburgh’s North Side that’s bursting with soul and community spirit. They invite you to “feed your soul” with a menu featuring New Orleans gumbo, panini's, wraps, hot soups, and sweet desserts, along with a soul-food menu featuring BBQ Ribs, BBQ chicken, greens, yams, mac n cheese, and other favorites. Deeply committed to their community and in the spirit of giving back, they also operate the non-profit "Kitchen of Grace," providing training in the catering and restaurant industry.
16. Coffee Cream and Dreams
Philadelphia
Located in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia, Coffee Cream and Dreams prides itself on working with local organic dairy suppliers and bakeries to source the freshest, highest quality ingredients. The café is a comfortable spot to spend a long coffee catch-up with friends on a chilly winter afternoon or warm summer day. In addition to their selection of hot and iced drinks, make sure to order their savory and sweet pastries.
Looking for more inspiring stories of the African-American experience, historic sites, and small businesses to explore in PA? Be sure to check out our experience page for more travel inspiration at visitpa.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around the commonwealth. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update!