Watermark Books & Cafe image

Watermark Books & Cafe

Cafe Book store

👍👍 Some bookstores are much more than a shop, they are a community hub, and this is one. When I walked in, I knew they were special, run by book lovers who believe in the power of reading to expand minds and brighten worlds. A professional and friendly staff runs a well organized and curated shop that... People often mention books, book, store, staff, coffee, Wichita, local, selection, cafe, bookstore,


Address

4701 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218

Website

www.watermarkbooks.com

Contact

(316) 682-1181

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (447 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 3 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 9 AM to 3 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: books (24) book (22) store (15) staff (15) coffee (12) Wichita (9) local (9) selection (8) cafe (8) bookstore (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jayla B. 5 years ago on Google
    Watermark is my favorite bookstore. I could spend all day in here. So much more than just books. Delicious food, coffee, and tea. I am a big fan of their bruschetta. They have so many really cool Knick knacks and all sorts of stuff around the store as well. I always come out with a few books. New ones in all the time! I really recommend stopping by and checking them out if you haven’t. Cutest little shopping center.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Guard B. 2 years ago on Google
    Very rah rah on the feminist bit but they are a solid book store that serves suitable coffee that is still leagues above Starbucks. Only thing I can really say is that I wish they had better baked goods, but they are a bookstore, not a bakery.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas P. 1 year ago on Google
    Some bookstores are much more than a shop, they are a community hub, and this is one. When I walked in, I knew they were special, run by book lovers who believe in the power of reading to expand minds and brighten worlds. A professional and friendly staff runs a well organized and curated shop that you'll find difficult to leave without buying just one more book! And the cookies and coffee drinks are top notch as well. A landmark worth driving hours off your route to visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric E. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place with friendly staff! I came in for one thing and they had that one thing (book ends). I'll definitely visit again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bee V. 6 months ago on Google
    This was a neat little shop! I was buzzing about, looking for sweet, sweet nectar, when I saw the bright colors of what I thought was the intense glow of flowers. Instead, I found myself buzzing around this book store, after discovering that what caught my attention was the cover of a book. I had to leave a review though, as I know humans love this sort of thing to help determine whether or not to visit. Well, from a bee to a human, I highly recommend this place. It is filled with all sorts of books, has friendly staff, and there are a selection of books signed by the authors (if you are in to that sort of thing). Buzzing around this place made me wish I was a human! The freedom to get away from the daily grind and just get lost in a nice book. You are all so lucky! ... ... Well, back to slaving for the hive. Hope this review helps you all! -Bee approved!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy N. 1 year ago on Google
    This was such a treasure to find while visiting Wichita! Shane gave some great book recommendations and was able to find a few christmas gifts. All the staff was so nice and helpful- you can tell they are all very passionate about books and love to help you find what you’re looking for. Very excited about my new reads! The attached coffee shop was lovely as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff N. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful gem of a store and cafe. The staff could not be friendlier. If you love books, you owe it to yourself and fellow bibliophiles to support the few places like this left in the world.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 1 year ago on Google
    They always seem to know which book I’m looking for, even when I’m a bit vague on the details. I love how I can build my wishlist online for my husband to shop in store. I’ve gone ahead and ordered a few books in that weren’t already on the shelf, and they seem to arrive in just a couple of days. It’s just a great, local bookstore. We’re lucky to have them in Wichita.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kevin A. 1 year ago on Google
    This book store is such a wonderful thing to have in my neighborhood. It's small, but not too small. Well stocked with a wide range of books; not just books that are now popular but classic titles and secondary titles. The staff is both knowledgeable and helpful. There is a small restaurant and espresso bar within it's four walls. Good coffee, great cinnamon rolls. Update: I went to a Wichita Book store to find a compilation called Wichita Murders by a local author. The clerk was at first confused, looked up the title and then said ‘We don’t carry that.’ Hmmmm? Four stars now
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan W. 1 year ago on Google
    My favorite Wichita book store! The atmosphere, the staff and the books are all top notch. They've special ordered a book I wanted for me, and have always been so welcoming and helpful!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John I. 7 months ago on Google
    A must-visit storefront for bookworms seeking new books in a variety of formats - random book purchases, local authors and of course all the genres you can think of. There’s also a section for local Kansas/Wichita gifts. The in-store cafe with indoor and outdoor seating that has food and drink options, and it’s a perfect spot for a quiet morning, coffee date or family pit stop. Check it out!

  • 5/5 Punk n. 1 year ago on Google
    The coziest little bookstore around. Go get a gift for your favorite bookworm or try something from the cafe and sit and read. Love the vibes. Will definitely be returning soon.

  • 5/5 Regina M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful staff and efficient facility! The staff goes above and beyond in customer service. Highly recommend.

  • 4/5 Aspen M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cute little bookshop. I like their set up, although the aisles are a bit tight and it's often busy. The cafe is just okay for me.

  • 1/5 Christina N. 10 months ago on Google
    Definitely not a good first impression of this store when upon entering I was told "We close in 10min, so you need be have your purchase done by then. " I wasn't greated with a HI, Hello, How can I help you or ect. The chubby little blonde lady could of easly said "welcome to the store & btw we are closing in 10 min." No need to be aggressive, make a comment & just walk off. I find this to be unprofessional, Unpleasant & rude ! I've never been to this store, saw that it was opened & having an outside sale; my husband & I stopped in on a whim. Definitely won't be back ! (Fyi date of visit was 6/15 around 7:20 pm )

  • 5/5 Jason S. 7 months ago on Google
    One of Wichita’s finest bookstores that doubles as a great food and coffee spot for College Hill, right at Douglas and Oliver. The book side looks wonderfully presented and inviting as ever, and has a very engaging and courteous staff. Tons of new releases and classics found here in a huge selection for all readers. The cafe side is a dependable place for sandwiches, salads, and definitely coffee. I’m thrilled that Watermark continues to be a success and I recommend it highly.

  • 5/5 J “VideoPreacherman” G. 6 months ago on Google
    Independent bookstore with lots of unique gift items and books. While not near as big as the big bookstores, it has plenty to keep you browsing for a laidback morning or afternoon. If you like journaling, book themed decors and knickknacks, Wichita and Kansas items, pens, etc this is for you. The little coffee/tea/snack area is a nice addition. If you go be sure to sign up for their free rewards program.

  • 5/5 Jackson S. 9 months ago on Google
    A bookstore and a Cafe all in one. If you like either, you'll enjoy this spot. Plenty of seating in the Cafe to grab a coffee or bite to eat, but there is also plenty of seating outside, too.

  • 5/5 Alex B. 6 months ago on Google
    Charming store with welcoming and knowledgeable staff, I love the author events and browsing the shelves but they are also great at online book orders and call as soon as your order is ready. I've loved this store since I was in high school, and over a decade later they still hold up.

  • 5/5 Kristena S. 2 years ago on Google
    We love coming to Watermark books to support our local businesses. They have an excellent selection of books and delicious food and drinks in the Cafe. The only downside is that I airways buy more books than I planned. 🤷‍♀️

  • 5/5 Christopher C. 1 year ago on Google
    I love quaint cafes. If you read and enjoy books it’s a plus. I came for the food. BLT is so fresh along with tomato bisque soup. Enjoy the view out the window. Bright.

  • 4/5 Celestra S. 1 year ago on Google
    I went between Christmas and New Years. The place was fairly crowded, but the customers were friendly. The staff were trying to help as many people as possible and seemed friendly. I found a few books that I had never seen at other book stores. As usual, my finds were more than I could afford. Many of the books were on sale, just not the ones that I was interested in at the time.

  • 5/5 William P. 1 year ago on Google
    Slightly more expensive as it is an independent bookshop, thought it is absolutely worth it. Great selection of popular books, and timeless classics. Lots of fun little nick-nacks. Cafe is a plus too.

  • 5/5 Debrah B. 1 year ago on Google
    Always nice to go here! I have found alot of gift items that I like to give with a book. Always friendly and helpful, know what they have, have had and will have. Plus, a very nice coffee shop on site!!

  • 5/5 Leslie P. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband has been coming here for years and I’ve come here a time or two for books or puzzles. We also really enjoy their cafe. Their selection and they often offer sessional selections. It’s such a lovely atmosphere and always so clean.

  • 5/5 Katie C. 1 year ago on Google
    Watermark Books & Cafe has always been a 'go to' local spot for my family. The cafe is phenomenal, the bookstore has an incredible assortment, and the staff is a joy and pleasure to work with. I called this morning inquiring of 'The Kissing Hand' book for a friend that's struggling with sleep training her little one. Amanda was quick to find me what I needed, made the extra effort to put the book and matching stuffed animal on hold, AND offered to gift wrap these treasures for an extra special touch. We are just blown away with our experience so far this morning, and that was just a phone call! Books mean something special to us. Those people that understand the value of a good read and what it means for an impressionable child, are truly the wonders of the world. Thank you, Amanda! We are so grateful.

  • 5/5 Diana C. 2 years ago on Google
    So happy to have a local book seller to support. They are friendly and very helpful. Great selection of books and wonderful selection of useful and novelty items. Lots of local interest items. You can order things online or pre-order books and pick them up in-store or curbside. Not to mention their author events. Look forward to being able to sit in the coffee shop again.

  • 5/5 Paulette Z. 2 years ago on Google
    If you're shopping for something special. Watermark Books & Cafe is the place to go. Good selection of books, great location and helpful staff!

  • 5/5 Sherri 2 years ago on Google
    My first time here and I wish I could have spent more time browsing!! What a nice book store!! I found what I needed right away and no wait time for check out.

  • 1/5 Brinn A. 2 years ago on Google
    I was showing my foreign exchange student friend from Germany local stores around Wichita and we stopped by Watermark Books & Cafe because we were curious. Me and my two friends started to walk around with our masks on and I noticed the staff was watching us very closely. Then all three of us bought drinks from the cafe and walked around again. There was a chair in the corner of the store and so me and my friends decided to make a pit stop and sit down. We talked for a good 20 minutes while looking at books and making sure we were not interrupting the customers. A worker came up to us and told us to get up and leave, we said sorry and she looked at us and rolled her eyes. After talking to us she went and whispered to her coworker and watched us walkout and didn't say a word. We were quiet, respected the mask mandate, and even gave them business by buying drinks. You will not be seeing me there anymore. Karma is real:D this is my first and last internet review, this is just me coping lol


Call (316) 682-1181 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ In-store pickup
    • ✓️ In-store shopping
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Small business

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