Beat Book Shop - Boulder, Colorado

Makuta T.

Seemed like a really cool place. However, the owner was very off-putting and due to the amount of books piled everywhere, I wasn't sure where I was and wasn't supposed to be. Prices were also a bit steep, I'm all for supporting local but $50 for a couple basic books that are 20 years old was surprising.
If I'd have known they would be that much I would have searched somewhere else (none of them were priced until I brought them to purchase) and I felt quite uncomfortable putting them back after expressing interest, due to not being sure if I'd be berated for doing so.

Luke S.

One of the coolest spots in Boulder. The owner is an awesome guy and given the store's location, the prices are very reasonable. I find something great every time I come in.

Ashton A.

Loved this book store! Filled wall to wall and some on the floor but to me that shows a love of literature and passion from the owner! He was very kind and we talked a good bit before I left. Dont listen to the bad reviews, respect his space, time and collection and I can’t see how you would not have a great time! He really likes books and has a lot of knowledge! Well priced, cool collection! Walked around with my mouth open in awe (:

Tyler D.

by far one of the coolest shops in the pearl street area. I found my way into this store because it had a hole in the wall vibe. i walked around and explored this little gem to see what i could find. There was so many trinkets, records, old books, comics, magzines. The collection inside this store is the most unique collections of items i've ever seen.

I then began to speak with Tom, the owner, he explained hes been in this location for 35 years! and hes been collecting, and making the store grow, he sells books and items from his shop on amazon and ebay, on top of having the books in his store.
Tom was explaining how hes read thousands of books over his time, and i began to ask some questions about his favorite books, he has many lol.

Tom is by far one of the most knowledge men ive ever met, especially when it comes to knowledge on books, and history facts.

This was such a cool shop to explore, and Tom was an awesome host / owner. anyone who has a fascination with old trinkits and books should check out this amazing little shop, and see what goodies or Tibet's of knowledge tom can behold.
10/10 would recommend anyone and everyone coming here

Salvador H.

Tom is one of the OG's preserving the authentic spirit of Boulder, he's a national (and local) treasure. First met him on a monday night when he was MC'ing the open mic nights at Penny Lane, the legendary coffee shop of OG Boulder. Later we spoke again when I came to Naropa for the SWP, I was about to be studying with my literary hero Chip Delany. I was just a young college kid with stars in my eyes, super nervous, I wanted to buy one of his novels to have signed. He encouraged me and gave me the tip that if I want the book to appreciate in value, don't get it personalized but if I was doing it just as a fan then go ahead and have him write a personal message. Never felt condescended to at all, we were just two people who loved books. Tom and the Beat Bookshop is one of the reasons I fell in love with Boulder and lived there for over 20 years. Ignore the negative reviews on here, everyone is going through something, but there's no need to take it out on a small business owner, people don't understand the superhuman level of passion and integrity it requires to keep a bookstore open for decades, especially in this economy. There used to be an enormous Borders Books right down the street on pearl st. mall. That's been shut for over a decade now but the Beat Bookshop still remains! Please support the best bookstore in town and meanwhile get to meet one of the inspiring legends of Boulder.

Chris W.

Wide and diverse selection of books, records, cassettes(!), prints and more. Prices might be a little high for a used store, but items are well-curated and harder to find.
Owner is friendly and extremely helpful if approached with respect. I can see if some find him prickly.
Glad we found the store.
It’s down a set of stairs facing Pearl St. Don’t know if there’s an elevator.

Henrik K.

"SHAME ON YOU, MISTER TOM, SHAME ON YOU."

Lured in by the seemingly magical atmosphere, the excitement of finding interesting items soon turned sour.
The owner have the tendency to filibuster with a steady steam of word-sallad. So BEWARE!

On top of the background noise, the owner dabbles in skullduggery when asked of prices of the many unmarked books. A flood of reasons are conjured out of thin air; book being rare, out of print, cost this and this much on site X, et cetera. Shameless and wicked! Your Swedish ancestor is rolling in his grave.

Some friendly advice to fellow visitors;
* Remember, you can always sleep about potential choice of purchase for a night. Those books aren't going anywhere.

* Should the owner follow you out under continuous blatant high rambling, (marijuana is legal in the state, so no drug shaming), just walk away, should you not tell him to beat it
back down the stairs.

* You can of course bring your kids to show an illustrative example of the risks with regularly being under the influence of in-state legal marijuana. Cognitive incontinence is a serious impairment on ability to talk with, instead of over, your fellow man. Loneliness and isolation is it's consequence, only highlight the symtom.

To finish in the spirit of the owner, I offer amalgamation of quote from film maker M.M. from the Oscar's some 21 years ago and book titel by author with same initials;
"SHAME ON YOU, MISTER TOM, SHAME ON YOU."

Ava D.

Owner is misunderstood- he comes across rude on the surface if you don't know him, but interacting with him for more than 2 minutes you'll see he is a very well-meaning nuerodivergent fellow who cares first and foremost about maintaining his shop (ultimately for the customers benefit). He is sharp and to the point with his speech, but was extremely helpful and knew where everything was, A-Z, like the back of his hand. Wouldn't be surprised if his memory was photographic. I do recommend coming here, came with 2 others and we all found something we loved, just be patient if you feel like you're being talked down to- it's not his intention.