Village Well Books & Coffee

Tina C

Wow, what an absolute gem of a spot. So, so glad I walked in here! It’s been ages since I found a bigger, local bookstore with seats!! There were a lot of people already studying/working in the cafe area, browsing, and sitting around so it felt nice to just buy a book and sit to read!

Isabel Davila

I came to the Village Well books & coffee shop on July 8 for a meet & greet with Rossana D’Antonio’s book “26 Seconds” and I picked up a copy for myself and my brother in law who works in the aviation industry. If you’ve experienced grief or work in the aviation industry (especially in safety or regulations), or a combination of both; I recommend you get yourself a copy of this book!! The bookstore is amazing and so were all of their employees and events!! I think I found my new favorite bookstore!! I bought some stickers and have attended additional events since then and the vibes are amazing! If you’re passing by or thinking to check this place out, DO IT!! Highly recommend.

PsBoston7

What makes a bibliophile choose to walk into a brick-and-mortar bookstore over sitting at a computer and ordering (or tapping a few clicks on the phone), and often, a less expensive option? My thoughts are this... the camaraderie one finds in a bookstore can't be shared when purchasing online. The conversations that are had in the aisles, at the counter - the browsing to see the cover art, which many illustrators have worked endlessly on, is missing from that website experience. My go-to adventures on the weekends are generally scoping out Stationery shops, visiting plant nurseries, and perusing Independent Bookstores. Today, after eating my delicious chocolate almond croissant😋 from a nearby bakery. I went on Yelp to see what bookstores were in the area. How can I describe the enthusiasm I had while tasking their counter help for books I had seen here on Instagram and researched on Goodreads 😆? The staff here are just another example of the 'why' you walk into these stores. Someone has a passion for books, for gifts that bibliophiles appreciate, for serving yummy food in this same location (so that you won't have to leave), for providing a space to sit and make that hard decision of what books will come home with you. This is my humble homage to all of the Independent Store owners who continue to take that risk and keep hope alive for we readers out there that (like I) will travel over 1 1/2 hours just to support you and your team. Bravo Culver City! you are providing a place where a community of people may gather and enjoy their favorite pastime. Respectfully Reviewed

M T

The cutest and coziest book store. They have an amazing book selection and fun little trinkets. They have a children’s section, making it a perfect place to come with a family. Their cafe is really good and has a great drink/ food selection. The banana latte is to die for! Huge bonus points because their staff is so nice!

steff :3

i love this bookstore — i really can't stop thinking about it! the ambiance is welcoming, inviting bookworms of all ages to just sit down, enjoy the atmosphere, and read what the store has to offer. even if you don't plan on reading, there's definitely spots to open up your laptop and catch up on work or even study. as expected from an independent bookstore, prices are a bit higher than other shops, like Amazon, but i'd be more than happy to spend an extra 3 bucks to support the business! they also have a lot of events going on every month, which is a great way to get the surrounding neighborhoods together. i wish there was a bookshop like this in the south bay, but if i ever find myself in west LA again, this will definitely be one of my stops!

Yamit Florentin

I recently discovered Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City through social media and came across their Breakup Stories Open Mic event. It immediately caught my interest, so I sent it to my girlfriends, and we decided to check it out together. The event was fascinating! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the people who shared their poetry and breakup stories were incredibly talented. It was a mix of raw emotion, humor, and deep reflection—an unforgettable experience. The host did a fantastic job leading the event and shared that the bookstore offers a variety of workshops, events, and other community gatherings. Beyond the event, the bookstore is beautiful and thoughtfully curated, making it a perfect place to explore books, sip coffee, and soak in the creative energy. After looking at their website, I’m even more impressed by the compelling events they offer. I’ll be coming back for more! If you love books, coffee, and engaging events, Village Well Books & Coffee is a must-visit!

gerry furth

A delightful, intelligent, airy book store that feels like a Manhattan experience in the California sun. Already a neighborhood favorite. Jennifer, the owner, and former college friend are so dedicated, and eager to help you find anything (huge database on their phone computers). Coffee and snacks are in one corner. Blessedly it is a place where people read instead of sit at computers -- it inspires conversation, too. Free parking inside the building structure

afroknife

This place was very inviting with a diverse crowd, young, old, it didn’t matter everybody there had a really pleasant energy. Nice quaint bookstore with interesting reads and a cafe!!!!!!!!! My wife and I performed at the open mic and it was a great time. Definitely recommend and will definitely be back.

I was a regular, almost everyday, client for years and then the music got very loud and I stoped coming. I came today and it was wonderful, music was calm and in the right volume, same amazing staff and cozy homey dishes. I loved every minute of being here.

Love this place! I was so excited to discover this bookstore/cafe! It is cute and welcoming and the staff are so kind and helpful. They have a great selection of books and a little separate area to order coffee, food, and merch! I ordered a breakfast burrito, cookie, and iced mocha and they were all so good! I also made sure to pick out a cute romance book and bookmark to take home!

Thank you to Alana for being so sweet and thoughtful as she carefully selected children’s book recommendations for me. I was gifting a book to a friend who is expecting and after sharing my favorite qualities about my friend, Alana quickly had a number of books in mind that would resonate. Her love for these books is evident, and she’s so excited to share that with everyone. Love this place every time I’ve come in, but this felt like a special exchange.

My favorite place! A fantastic selection of books in a sunlight-filled, colorful, large space. The coffeeshop is a great place to work, with grand birchwood tables, ambient music, and views of the city outside (many people think so, it's often packed!) The baristas are awesome, so friendly and joyful. There are many events held here too - comedy shows, book clubs, talks, etc. It's a community-centered business and I'm so grateful for it.

One of my favorite places in Los Angeles. The atmosphere is welcoming, bright, and safe. All the employees are helpful and kind. Amazing events are hosted here and it really feels like a place of true community. Twice, I have purchased books relating to deeply personal issues. Each time I was self-conscious as I headed to the checkout, but both cashiers I interacted with commented on how the particular book I was buying had helped them out, too, and I came away feeling so encouraged. I really can’t recommend this place enough to anyone looking for an inviting place to relax or work. And just logistically speaking, book selection is extensive and they are quick with online orders if they don’t have something in stock right away.

This is one of my favorite bookstores in LA/Culver City area. I lived for four years in the area and this place was amazing. I could work from here, go to events, buy a book. The cafe was great. You can easily grab a bite to eat, set up your laptop and get to work. The staff is so friendly. Can't wait to go back again.

I came in with my 1 year old, so we made a beeline for the kids section. The staff back there were so kind, welcoming, and helpful. They were patient with my baby’s babiness, which I truly appreciated. There’s a great selection of kids’ books. They also sell a couple sets of baby/toddler socks, which are super cute (book themed) and great quality. The only negative is the parking, but it’s just downtown Culver City, so not their fault at all. They actually have a small parking garage, but it’s often full and I’m usually left to search for street parking. It wouldn’t dissuade me from going back though!

Justin McManus

A wonderful local book store! Staff are incredibly pleasant, a great selection of books that are organized well, and a fantastic area for studying/working by the cafe.

Mirie Ezer

I was a regular, almost everyday, client for years and then the music got very loud and I stoped coming. I came today and it was wonderful, music was calm and in the right volume, same amazing staff and cozy homey dishes. I loved every minute of being here.

Nicole Moreno-Deinzer

This is one of my favorite bookstores in LA/Culver City area. I lived for four years in the area and this place was amazing. I could work from here, go to events, buy a book. The cafe was great. You can easily grab a bite to eat, set up your laptop and get to work. The staff is so friendly. Can't wait to go back again.

Ariane Knapp

I came in with my 1 year old, so we made a beeline for the kids section. The staff back there were so kind, welcoming, and helpful. They were patient with my baby’s babiness, which I truly appreciated. There’s a great selection of kids’ books. They also sell a couple sets of baby/toddler socks, which are super cute (book themed) and great quality. The only negative is the parking, but it’s just downtown Culver City, so not their fault at all. They actually have a small parking garage, but it’s often full and I’m usually left to search for street parking. It wouldn’t dissuade me from going back though!

Janae Dela Virgen

Thank you to Alana for being so sweet and thoughtful as she carefully selected children’s book recommendations for me. I was gifting a book to a friend who is expecting and after sharing my favorite qualities about my friend, Alana quickly had a number of books in mind that would resonate. Her love for these books is evident, and she’s so excited to share that with everyone. Love this place every time I’ve come in, but this felt like a special exchange.

Jaci Hiller

One of my favorite places in Los Angeles. The atmosphere is welcoming, bright, and safe. All the employees are helpful and kind. Amazing events are hosted here and it really feels like a place of true community. Twice, I have purchased books relating to deeply personal issues. Each time I was self-conscious as I headed to the checkout, but both cashiers I interacted with commented on how the particular book I was buying had helped them out, too, and I came away feeling so encouraged. I really can’t recommend this place enough to anyone looking for an inviting place to relax or work. And just logistically speaking, book selection is extensive and they are quick with online orders if they don’t have something in stock right away.

Tamara Franklin

Love this place! I was so excited to discover this bookstore/cafe! It is cute and welcoming and the staff are so kind and helpful. They have a great selection of books and a little separate area to order coffee, food, and merch! I ordered a breakfast burrito, cookie, and iced mocha and they were all so good! I also made sure to pick out a cute romance book and bookmark to take home!

Bringing together a cafe and a bookstore, this place wasn’t just perfect as they’re offering you the chance to get both of them in one go, but also a win in giving the ambiance that enabled you to focus which wasn’t always the case in any other cafes. Oh and not forget to mention, dedicated free parking garage’s available! They opened until pretty late (6/8pm depending on the day) and served multiple corners to sit based on your preference, either a low bench amidst the bookshelves, a communal working desk, or sitting outside enjoying the sun kiss. Initially expecting the cafe only offered basic staples, it’s actually amusing that they had pretty long menu list, including for munchies. Trying their Spanish Latte, which was available in small and big size, I was pleased that the coffee was pretty decent. I did love that they could serve it hot and not just warm, just like how I fancied my hot coffee. Typically I needed to order it extra hot to avoid getting warm coffee! Would also take a moment to appreciate the baristas behind the counter as they’re just the sweetest :)

A cafe and bookstore in one right in the heart of Culver City. Having just moved to the neighborhood, we were delighted to discover Village Well Books. It’s a cozy space with room for a decent, if not extensive, collection of books, and a coffee counter offering a variety of coffee options. There’s also plenty of mostly communal seating to browse a book or two while enjoying coffee.

JG

Bringing together a cafe and a bookstore, this place wasn’t just perfect as they’re offering you the chance to get both of them in one go, but also a win in giving the ambiance that enabled you to focus which wasn’t always the case in any other cafes. Oh and not forget to mention, dedicated free parking garage’s available! They opened until pretty late (6/8pm depending on the day) and served multiple corners to sit based on your preference, either a low bench amidst the bookshelves, a communal working desk, or sitting outside enjoying the sun kiss. Initially expecting the cafe only offered basic staples, it’s actually amusing that they had pretty long menu list, including for munchies. Trying their Spanish Latte, which was available in small and big size, I was pleased that the coffee was pretty decent. I did love that they could serve it hot and not just warm, just like how I fancied my hot coffee. Typically I needed to order it extra hot to avoid getting warm coffee! Would also take a moment to appreciate the baristas behind the counter as they’re just the sweetest :)

Atul Pande

A cafe and bookstore in one right in the heart of Culver City. Having just moved to the neighborhood, we were delighted to discover Village Well Books. It’s a cozy space with room for a decent, if not extensive, collection of books, and a coffee counter offering a variety of coffee options. There’s also plenty of mostly communal seating to browse a book or two while enjoying coffee.

My first time here in the cafe side and unfortunately I got the wrong order. I asked for a Spanish latte and I got a matcha latte instead. The laptop area is okay. I recommend headphones because everyone is very talkative. I don't recommend eating while in the group area because people around you will keep shaking the table and your coffee may tip over. Overall it's a nice place. The baristas are nice.

L Vaz

My first time here in the cafe side and unfortunately I got the wrong order. I asked for a Spanish latte and I got a matcha latte instead. The laptop area is okay. I recommend headphones because everyone is very talkative. I don't recommend eating while in the group area because people around you will keep shaking the table and your coffee may tip over. Overall it's a nice place. The baristas are nice.

I've been a regular customer at Village Well and recently I met the owner Jennifer who left a very bad impression. Village Well has been a safe space for me to do my work, a place where I've made friends, joined events and have made a great financial investment. In gratitude of this and to support local businesses, I always make purchases when I visit, resulting in earning many points as a rewards member. Hence, the day I met the owner happened to be just another day for me at Village Well spending close to $70. However, what transpired after left me in disbelief. I sat in the "computer free zone" area to read a book I had purchased and after a while, I needed to use my laptop but the seats in the computer area were all taken. While I waited for availability, I sat with my computer open on my lap. Shortly after, Jennifer (owner) said to me in front of other costumers who also witnessed her unfriendly aggressive behavior, "This is a Computer Free Zone space!" I immediately responded, "ok I will move shortly". She raised her tone in anger and responded, "you are being disrespectful!" I was unclear as I had politely told her I would be moving shortly. I thought she was perhaps a very impatient customer who wanted to sit where I was, so I asked if she wanted me to move so she could sit. Arrogantly and authoritatively she said, " I AM the owner and I want you to move RIGHT NOW." So much for first impressions. I gathered my belongings and left. I was so disappointed that I thought to return what I'd purchased. There are ways to communicate with customers with kindness rather than with hate. Had she employed a positive and empathetic tone it would have significantly improved my experience. If I were the owner, rather than lashing out on a regular customer whom she's benefited from to stay in business, I would focus on the following: 1) Making sure non-handicap cars don't park in the Village Well handicap parking spots. Not to mention, non-customers that park there to go elsewhere for hours. There's never parking to say the least. 2) Customers who use computers for hours if not all day making it impossible for new customers to use the space. Some don't even make a purchase. They bring their own snacks. 3) BENCH computer area is NOT handicap friendly. When I told the owner I couldn't sit there due to my condition after her demands for me to sit there instead, she brushed me off with zero empathy. If you're wanting to check out Village Well, I sincerely encourage that you go elsewhere. There will be no availability for you to use your computer, the books are cheaper on Amazon with a much broader selection, unreliable parking, the food is expensive for what you get, and the owner if you've read this far will have a sense on what to expect.

Vanessa

I've been a regular customer at Village Well and recently I met the owner Jennifer who left a very bad impression. Village Well has been a safe space for me to do my work, a place where I've made friends, joined events and have made a great financial investment. In gratitude of this and to support local businesses, I always make purchases when I visit, resulting in earning many points as a rewards member. Hence, the day I met the owner happened to be just another day for me at Village Well spending close to $70. However, what transpired after left me in disbelief. I sat in the "computer free zone" area to read a book I had purchased and after a while, I needed to use my laptop but the seats in the computer area were all taken. While I waited for availability, I sat with my computer open on my lap. Shortly after, Jennifer (owner) said to me in front of other costumers who also witnessed her unfriendly aggressive behavior, "This is a Computer Free Zone space!" I immediately responded, "ok I will move shortly". She raised her tone in anger and responded, "you are being disrespectful!" I was unclear as I had politely told her I would be moving shortly. I thought she was perhaps a very impatient customer who wanted to sit where I was, so I asked if she wanted me to move so she could sit. Arrogantly and authoritatively she said, " I AM the owner and I want you to move RIGHT NOW." So much for first impressions. I gathered my belongings and left. I was so disappointed that I thought to return what I'd purchased. There are ways to communicate with customers with kindness rather than with hate. Had she employed a positive and empathetic tone it would have significantly improved my experience. If I were the owner, rather than lashing out on a regular customer whom she's benefited from to stay in business, I would focus on the following: 1) Making sure non-handicap cars don't park in the Village Well handicap parking spots. Not to mention, non-customers that park there to go elsewhere for hours. There's never parking to say the least. 2) Customers who use computers for hours if not all day making it impossible for new customers to use the space. Some don't even make a purchase. They bring their own snacks. 3) BENCH computer area is NOT handicap friendly. When I told the owner I couldn't sit there due to my condition after her demands for me to sit there instead, she brushed me off with zero empathy. If you're wanting to check out Village Well, I sincerely encourage that you go elsewhere. There will be no availability for you to use your computer, the books are cheaper on Amazon with a much broader selection, unreliable parking, the food is expensive for what you get, and the owner if you've read this far will have a sense on what to expect.