Book Eater: An Ode to the Book Lovers of Our Generation

CultureDrink

May 6

Bookeater cafe and bookstore is located in the Swillburger neighborhood in Rochester, NY

An ode to the book lovers of our generation.

If you’re touring through the Swillburg neighborhood and looking for a bite to eat, an espresso to drink, or a good book to devour, you’re in for a treat. Opening their doors in June of 2023, Bookeater, a cafe and bookstore located at 836 S. Clinton Ave, has been satisfying the community’s craving for literature with a mixture of good reads and cozy vibes.

Entering the shop, you’ll discover a wonderland of natural lighting, ample seating in the cafe and the upstairs reading spaces, eclectic light fixtures, and a couple of couches adjacent to some classic video game consoles. All of which makes the space a bit reminiscent of that one cool kids’ basement hangout room that many of us spent hours gaming in during our adolescent years (No need to call them, they’re doing fine). Look to the left of the cafe, and admire the gorgeous mural by artist Zazie Weldgen that blends the cultural and historical intricacies of Roc, NY.

Mural by Zazie Weldgen inside the bookshop

Bookeater is bringing a truly unique Rochester vibe to Swillburg. The owners, who can often be found pushing out delicious espresso drinks and whipping up some good eats, take pride in their work and welcome their guests with a friendly attitude. Take a flight up the staircase to the second floor, and you’ll be enchanted by the bright open space lined with bookshelves, creative tees, comfy furniture, a plethora of house plants, and a great assortment of books from graphic novels, classics, romance, travel, trending, and so on.

End your visit by checking out the lovely and lush backyard. It is fully equipped with an accessibility ramp. When the season is right, the shop features live music events, poetry, and readings from visiting authors. Bookeater nourishes the soul with books and your appetite with a delightful, bite-sized menu. You can visit Bookeater during their open hours from Tuesday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.