Riffraff Bookstore

US - RI

Jan 4

Experience

Riffraff Bookstore and Bar had a unique, industrial exterior within a courtyard filled with other interesting shops and local businesses. Before entering, you may have an unsure feeling about how this space will accommodate two important elements, a bookstore and a bar, however, the shop does an amazing job with both! A long ramp leads you to a healthy selection of well-labeled book genres on similarly industrial bookshelves. The space was filled with browsers, leading me to believe that this hidden gem was really an already established gem within the local community. On the other side of the shelves is a chill bar and lounge area that looks to be the space for hosted events as well as a place to enjoy a beer, cocktail, or coffee beverage. The owner of the shop was incredibly kind and friendly, and we look forward to heading back!

Favorite Aspect

The feel of the place is unmatched in terms of combining a sophisticated and fun bar area with a modern bookstore. The chai was delicious, and the cocktail combinations sounded wonderful! The majority of patrons were on the bookstore side, and I imagine that this may shift as the time of day changes. I’d love to see it in the late afternoon or evening on event nights to know for sure! It was truly unlike any bookstore we’d ever been to inside and out!