Chamblin's Uptown in Jacksonville - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Food is ok.Convienent for a quick breakfast or coffee. Customer service isn’t the greatest but it wasn’t that bad

If I could give less than one star, I would. Been coming here for breakfast and coffee for some time with no issues. However service today was beyond horrible. Asked for a Philly bagel and iced latte. First, iced latte was way too bitter. The cashier (with the blue or green hair) was extremely rude when I raised the issue. She first added some syrup after I said I do not consume added sugar. Then she made another latter which was arguably even more horrible. She also felt the need to complain about me out loud. As far as the bagel is concerned - the other woman who made it was more interested in chatting than preparing the bagel or keeping it sanitary. Half ingredients were missing too. Both women had horrible attitudes. Highly unimpressed.

Me and Girls love this place. It's old fashion. They have old and new books and things you can check it. And the food was awesome. I had a BLT wrap and I had more bacon than the wrap. I definitely will return soon to have I think a jerk wrap. ❤️

Pros: I love the variety, the sections are top notch and cover so many niches, prices are very very reasonable, large media selection (shows, movies, DVDs/bluray, anime, etc.), large CD collection, and the staff is very kind. Con: The fact that they have a dedicated communist and anarchist section but then have the audacity to have their bathroom locked to paying customers only (shopping also doesn't count you have to have a receipt) - is absolutely wild and heartbreaking to me. Even as a regular paying customer no matter how much I need to go I've never been able to go there because you have to first get you're receipt from the book side, go to the cafe side, wait in line (or interrupt) and ask for the code. I've never been able to get the attention of staff in the cafe to get the code and just no longer try. To the owners: Look I get it and I also know the risks opening up your restroom to local unhoused population can cause. But this is still icky behavior and I hope you're at least advocating for the unhoused in your shops area.

Great book store to donate your used books to receive store credit. Cafe has great lattes and food! Prompt and courteous service. Cool art displayed throughout the store! Definitely worth a visit!

I stopped by at 4:50 PM to get a to go cup of coffee and visit the café for the first time. Upon entering, it appeared that the café was closed as no one was at the front. When someone came up front, I inquired if the café was still open, and they informed me that it closes in 10 minutes and that it ‘sounds like the espresso machine is closed’ if I was looking for espresso. Throughout this interaction I felt as though the employee was shooing me out of the door and was not welcoming. This is disappointing, as the café looked so cozy, and I have admired it in passing.

This place has a cool vibe and the offer a plethora of old school music cds and books you won't find anywhere else. Great place to explore for many reasons.

I’ve been meaning to come to this location for a while, and I’m glad I did. Grabbed a latte (I recommend adding extra shots, as it’s a bit weak tasting when I was there) and then spent hours getting lost in the stacks upon stacks of books. I love their blind book selection as well- they offer some for each age range and not just adults like most stores do. People in the reviews getting upset about time limits at tables: you are in a bookstore with limited seating within a city. That’s typical and not odd at all. Stop being entitled.

A book lover’s dream. This place seriously has every kind of book imaginable including rare books and first editions. I could happily get lost here and lose half my day. Cafe has really good food options and seriously the best value coffee in all of Jacksonville. Can’t say it’s the best coffee if you are a big coffee person but still really good and amazing bang for your buck.

Chamblin's Uptown was great! The crew were kind and attentive, the bookstore was well-organised, and the cafe was clean. I got the Philly Bagel, which was delicious. I look forward to coming in again!

Cool little coffee shop with an insane amount of books.

Awesome store!! Really want to try the cafe

Nice coffee shop across from the library. This place has outside seating and inside seating. You order when you first walk in. You seat yourself. They deliver the good to your seat. I tried the iced chair tea over ice with jerk tempeh wrap. The wrap was nice. The flavor was ruch. The iced chai tea over ice was perfect choice for my wrap. The flavors all balanced out perfectly. They do NOT have a military discount.

I periodically go downtown to visit MOCA and the live lunch music shows at James Weldon Johnson park, and the book store is always handy to those things in the same block. The parking meters I've found in the area are limited to 2 hours, so you have to plan your stops accordingly, if you spend all day. And I can spend half a day in a book store. Pretty sure there was a discount off the marked prices in the used books this time. You can trade books in for credit on new books. Every obscure subject can be found here, including local authors and fanzines. CDs, $2 DVDs and a small vinyl records selection. There's a banned children's books section if your local school has removed titles. I found some vintage kids books from my childhood that were a nice surprise. All the shelves and aisles are marked well, it's less of a maze than the west side location, in all honestly. There's a whole second level upstairs, mostly of fiction and children's books. Haven't tried the cafe yet.

Good customer service good food, but the upcharge math for substitution is kind of alot.

We enjoyed our visit from out of town and had some coffee and just enjoyed the atmosphere on the way out we picked up a book

Local gem. Appreciating books and old records and CDs. Coffee is top notch (latte) and sandwich was good. It is little dark from the outside.

This place is a bibliophile's dream! Drop in to this location when you don't have 3 hours to spend on the main branch.

Love Chamblin’s. It's a local institution. I visit every week, seeking a new treasure!

The best bookstore in at least the Southeast.

This is one of those places you've been by countless times and say you'll go in sometime. We'll today friends, I went in. It's got that lovely books, coffee, and old building smell. It's a no-frills secondhand bookstore with a cafe inside and in/outdoor seating. No clear signs for prices or how you tell new from old books was confusing on the pricing. Basically, if it's new, there's a line on the bottom of the book, and it's 10% off of the msrp. If it's used, it'll say 1/2 in pencil I side or a written price. A really amiable cashier kindky explained the system to me.

We came in from out of town on a whim. Began looking for a quick coffee and we ended up in the best book selection we’ve seen in years! The staff is friendly, the collections are extensive, and the prices are superb.

I exchange books here and at the Bookmine location all the time. Wonderful selection of titles and variant covers--amazing browsing experience. They always have what I need and, more importantly, what I don't know I need. Staff is always so kind and helpful. My poor exchange box was falling apart, and when I returned to collect the leftovers, the box was fixed! Hands down, one of my favorite businesses in town.

I'm not white and i got approached by management and asked to leave after sitting down on a couch there for around 30 seconds. They told me I needed to buy something to be there (already had but the manager was unaware of this). Made me so mad I wanted to wreck dudes face on the spot. I showed him my food wrapper and he burnt off after that, but still.

The only Bible or anything Bible related I could find was the satanic Bible by Anton Levay along with satanic ritual books. Sorry I can’t get behind that.

So today went to uptown chamblins book store was an amazing site. Also had a jerk wrap in cafe that maybe one of the best wraps I have had in yrs. Then the store was mind blowing I found movies I have been looking for yrs now and the prices were amazing. Also there was this girl behind the counter her name was I believe Carly and she helped me find everything I need and did it with a great attitude. So if you want to feel like you are family and you need movies or books please go to uptown.

You can very easily spend the entire day here browsing books.

Beautiful coffee shop and bookstore that just goes on and on and on! A great way to spend the day!

Chamblin's Uptown is more than your average bookstore. Not only do they offer a vast array of literary works, but they also have a cozy atmosphere, perfect for reading, studying or enjoying a delicious cup of coffee from the cafe, thanks to Wren. The staff is friendly and helpful, particularly one guy behind the desk who just helped me locate an obscure poetry book this morning. Thank you.

This place is a gem in downtown Jacksonville. It is like something from a fairytale. Excellent selection of well-organized used and new books. Two floors of books. Cute little kid’s section. They also have a coffee shop with well-trained baristas. Johnny & Cari are two literary wizards that work in the book section and are sources of endless knowledge. Whether it’s a special topic, book, author, genre, or “what should I read next” — they won’t disappoint. They also do book buy backs for store credit. Highly recommended.

Going into Chamblins is a quick escape for the day. If I need anything, Johnny and Carrie are always quick to help. They’ll even search a title if I need help with something specific. There is so much inventory!

Love this place I come every time in town don’t miss a stop here

They had a good bit of books. I asked the guy for some certain books and he told me an area to look. I never found them. Kinda felt like I was bothering him.

Coolest bookstore I've yet to see across any of the states, I always go out of my way to go here when I'm in Jacksonville! Tons of old-school manga if you're into that thing, and the prices are low. Very rummagey, very wizardy vibe with how high the stacks go. You can lose yourself in this place, be careful!

Did not try the Cafe but love roaming through the book shelves!

This is primarily a book store but there is a small cafe that we didn't eat at. Chamblins has 2 locations. This one is easier to find titles in than the older location but either make up the best used bookstore in town by far. If you like to read a real book, your kids need to get their reading list or you just want to research history, science or science fiction, the Go to Chamblins!

Awesome service!! Nice place to have coffee and read your favorite book by yourself or to even have a nice lunch date with a friend. Customer friendly

Friendly staff and great coffee!

Coffee is great but it's the books I come for!

Very intimate, nicely curated book store with a wonderfully cozy vibe. Employees are incredibly kind and helpful. Could not recommend this place enough.

Love this place!!! Such great vibes and staff!

Found a very rare DVD. Friendly employees. Tona of books, and movies.

great book selection upstairs/downstairs and a coffee shop. I could hours in this place. thank you Team Chamblins

This was my first time to this location, normally I go to the bookmine. But, this one is close to home and I just wanted to get out of the house. There are two floors, though I only needed the first. Staff is super friendly and after I bought the book I was looking for, I went to the cafe side. Their prices are super cheap, I like it was less than 3 bucks for my iced coffee. I say for a few hours and read/annotated my book before going home. This place is a treasure and I plan to make a weekly trip of my visit now. I've always loved this store, and the Uptown location was a very satisfying visit.

You can ALWAYS find a nice treasure here. The coffee is good, the atmosphere is great. Every corner has books, and it's a small made inside. You cannot be in a rush when you look for a book. Just relax and ask for help. Lol.

This bookstore is exceptionally phenomenal. The atmosphere was exquisite. With a two-story location that's small, it uses the space to capture a cozy vibe. As a disabled individual who has to use an accessibility tool, I didn't find it challenging to move from one point to another using a cane. The books they deemed "used" were of excellent quality compared to other vendors such as Thriftbooks and Amazon. The customer service was superb in that the level of care they show books—their knowledge of the location's footprint by author by memory. The book selection was also varied in topics, carried multiple copies, and had a variety of new and old.

A fine establishment full of charm good drinks and of course books.

Wow what a great bookstore. Not as big or as many books as the other location but seems to have a beer stock of newer books. Love this place.

My sister said it is the best used bookstore in Jacksonville

Great bookstore. A lot of great selections.

There are precisely two places in Jacksonville worth visiting. This place, and the other one. Best bookstore in the state!

Awesome bookstore/library. Great Cafe and places to sit and indulge in the great reads. Alot of community flyers, event noti es, and advertising. Good place to connect. They have a poetry corner which is why I go.

One of the best book stores in Jacksonville. There's always something good here.

Hadn't been here in years. Missed coming here and glad that a familiar place is still around. Do stop by and support local whenever you can.

Beautiful place and peaceful nice and awesome Atmosphäre. POLITE AND NICE PEOPLE AWESOME CUSTOMER SEEVICE.

Coolest bookstore in Jax that somehow manages to leave me with two new CDs and a book every time I walk in. Their hot chocolate is also really good.

No better place to meet great minds of the city all filling their heads the the latest and greatest as well as those hard to find classics. Don't forget to fuel up on their delicious made to order breakfast items. Personal favorites include the lavender latte and chocolate meringue cookie. Mmmmmmmm

It’s a bit of a drive for me to get here so I don’t get to go often. When we do go, we make a special trip of it and this bookstore is simply magical 💫

Nice place, friendly people, kind of haphazard though

Best Bookstore in Jax, always has been always will be, make sure to try the lemon bars and grab a blueberry coffee.

Chamblin's Uptown: My Experience in Jacksonville, Florida Introduction: Nestled in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, Chamblin's Uptown is a literary haven that has captivated the minds and hearts of book lovers for decades. As an avid reader and a resident of this vibrant city, I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in the enchanting world of literature within the walls of this iconic bookstore. In this essay, I will delve into my personal experiences at Chamblin's Uptown, exploring its rich history, diverse collection, and the unique atmosphere that makes it a cherished gem in Jacksonville. Paragraph 1: Chamblin's Uptown, established in 1976, stands as a testament to the enduring love for books and the power of literature. Located in the historic district of Jacksonville, this bookstore has become an integral part of the city's cultural fabric. Its founder, Ron Chamblin, envisioned a space where book enthusiasts could gather, explore, and indulge in their passion for reading. Over the years, Chamblin's Uptown has evolved into a literary sanctuary, attracting locals and visitors alike. One of the most remarkable aspects of Chamblin's Uptown is its vast and diverse collection of books. Spanning multiple genres, from classic literature to contemporary fiction, this bookstore boasts an extensive range of titles that caters to every reader's taste. As I peruse the shelves, I am constantly amazed by the sheer variety and depth of the collection. Whether I am searching for a rare first edition or a newly released novel, Chamblin's Uptown never fails to deliver. Beyond its impressive collection, Chamblin's Uptown offers a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other bookstores. The labyrinthine layout of the store, with its maze-like corridors and hidden nooks, creates an air of mystery and adventure. Each visit feels like embarking on a literary treasure hunt, as I navigate through stacks of books, discovering hidden gems along the way. The cozy reading corners and comfortable seating areas invite readers to lose themselves in the pages of their chosen books, fostering a sense of community and shared love for literature. Moreover, Chamblin's Uptown serves as a hub for literary events and gatherings, further enriching the cultural landscape of Jacksonville. From book signings to author readings, the store regularly hosts events that bring together writers and readers, fostering

This place was an all around good experience. My coffee was delicious, and the selection of book and music offerings took me back to a simpler time. I will absolutely be back!

Super cozy cute has lots of books to browse through.

Super convenient. They pulled books from the Roosevelt location and will hold the for up to 1 week for you. They had just what I need plus extra so it's always worth browsing.

Love this place. Endless selections and quaint cafe.

Frequently I go to the Westside location but was in the area. Books at both can be slightly more expensive than they are on Amazon but I deal with it cause I want the book, iced coffee's weren't very good and they forgot my order originally and when they went to make it they made it wrong and remade it with an attitude. I'll stick to the Westside location.

Best used/new book store in town. It truly is an adventure when you visit. Never know what you'll find, but whatever it is you know it's what you needed. Go and explore.

Yummy treats, comfy seats,great friends and good reads 😃

It's so much fun to explore here! Nice cafe with tasty food.

Freedom for all. Used books for everyone.