Big Jar Books

Whether it’s the sound of the creaking wooden slats beneath your feet or the permeating smell of espresso and baked goods from the front, the vibe inside this cozy Old City café and used bookstore is worn-in and homey. With a substantive collection of literary fiction, mysteries, children’s books, and art and photography tomes, there is something for everyone to buy—or to just peruse while you hang in the store.

The owners have recently opened another equally lovely little book shop, Brickbat Books (Map 5, 709 S. 4th St., 215/592-1207, www.balancingman.org [1], daily 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), on Fabric Row in South Philly.