Parthenon Books - Syracuse, New York

Parthenon Books: A Haven for Book Lovers in Syracuse

For those seeking a truly enriching and welcoming literary experience, Parthenon Books stands as a premier destination in Syracuse, New York. Located at 333-335 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202, this independent bookstore and cafe has cultivated a devoted following due to its carefully curated selection, inviting atmosphere, and commitment to community engagement. Contact them at Phone: 54638485 or visit their website at Website: parthenonbookstore.com to learn more.

A Detailed Overview

Parthenon Books distinguishes itself not merely as a retail space for books, but as a multifaceted hub designed to foster a love of reading and provide a comfortable social environment. The store’s Specialties: Book store, Cafe, Coffee shop reflect this dual focus. The expansive interior is a notable feature, offering a generous and open space that encourages browsing and discovery. A prominent, visually striking mural adds a touch of artistic flair and contributes to the store's unique character.

Location and Accessibility

The store’s location on South Salina Street provides convenient access for residents and visitors alike. It boasts several accessibility features, ensuring a welcoming experience for all patrons. These include a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a Wheelchair accessible restroom. Furthermore, Wheelchair accessible seating is available throughout the store, and a Gender-neutral restroom is provided for added comfort. Visitors can also enjoy free street parking nearby, simplifying the process of visiting the establishment.

Services and Amenities

Beyond its core bookstore function, Parthenon Books offers a range of additional services aimed at enhancing the customer experience. In-store pickup is readily available for online orders, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to collect their purchases in person. Delivery services are also offered, and for those seeking immediate gratification, Same-day delivery is available within a specified radius. The store also accepts a variety of payment methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards, streamlining the checkout process. For those looking for a quick visit, the store’s layout and friendly staff facilitate efficient browsing.

Community Engagement and Atmosphere

Parthenon Books is more than just a business; it’s a valued member of the Syracuse community. The store hosts a variety of events, including a popular book club and other literary gatherings, fostering a sense of connection among readers. The Wi-Fi available within the store further enhances the visitor experience, allowing patrons to stay connected. Notably, Parthenon Books is an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment and a Transgender safespace, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and acceptance. The cafe component offers a delightful selection of beverages, including a particularly well-regarded chai, allowing customers to relax and enjoy their reading material. The overall atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, a sentiment consistently reflected in customer feedback. The store’s commitment to supporting local businesses is also evident in its dedication to providing a sustainable and thriving retail environment.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

The store’s Opinions: This company has 116 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of Average opinion: 4.5/5. This positive feedback underscores the high regard in which Parthenon Books is held within the community. Customers frequently praise the store’s friendly and knowledgeable staff, the breadth of its book selection, and the pleasant ambiance. Many reviewers specifically mention the spacious layout and the captivating mural, highlighting the store’s distinctive character. The cafe’s offerings, particularly the chai, are consistently lauded as exceptional. The store’s commitment to providing accessible services and a welcoming environment is also a recurring theme in customer reviews.

Key Features Summary

• Extensive Book Selection: A diverse range of titles catering to various interests.
• Inviting Atmosphere: A spacious and aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Cafe Services: Offers a selection of beverages, including popular chai.
• Community Events: Hosts book clubs and other literary gatherings.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible for patrons with disabilities.
• Convenient Services: Provides in-store pickup, delivery, and same-day delivery options.

Parthenon Books represents a valuable asset to the Syracuse community, offering a unique blend of literary resources, social engagement, and accessible services. It’s a destination that rewards exploration and encourages a deeper appreciation for the power of books.

👍 Reviews of Parthenon Books

Chanel R.

5/5

My favorite book store in Syracuse. I love the big open space, the cafe, and the huge mural. It’s beautiful inside with a great collection. Super friendly staff every time we visit. Will be back again soon!

Yusra K.

5/5

I love the atmosphere in this bookstore and the selection of books on display. Last time I went to Parthenon was just to browse books, but they also seem to run host a book club and other events! They have a coffee shop which serves really great chai that you can enjoy while cozying up with a book 🙂

Amber D.

3/5

fun indie bookstore and i enjoyed the creative touches in the artwork displayed as well as ways that the staff interact with the customers by having personalized recommendations on the shelves. not a five star because the staff wasn’t particularly friendly or interested in helping, the prices were expensive, and there wasn’t a lot of variety in the books themselves.

ewein

5/5

Diverse and well-curated selection of books! Surprising number of signed editions and fun staff pick categories on display. Used books are designated with a dot sticker on the spine, and the pricing is very fair. It doesn’t take long to make it through the store, the setup is very spacious, and it would probably be easy to navigate during busy times. I visited right when they opened and had a nice browse, bought 2 books.

Adam

2/5

There’s simply something “off” about Parthenon.
When they opened, I was THRILLED that we’d have an independent bookshop downtown. Since then, I’ve been a handful of times and just never had a good experience.

The employees are never particularly friendly and there’s essentially zero customer service. Last time I went in there were 3 folks working and the only person that acknowledged our existence was the young woman working the cafe (who admittedly was nice).

The older woman literally just stared at my wife and I when we came in and said nothing. I smiled and gave a little wave and got nothing in return.

The space is also WAY too big for the quantity of books they have. They have about 60% of their shelves that are completely empty, no sections that delineate new/used (they’re mixed in together) and the shelves are all too deep. The lighting is also incredibly dim making it difficult to see which books are actually on the shelf.

All in all, it seems like Parthenon was created by folks who really wanted to have a book store but didn’t want to have a business.

Quron H.

1/5

How am i supposed to give someone a change when they didn’t even try to say hello to a potential first time customer. A simple greeting would’ve made it feel a bit more welcoming. The sad part is I got greeted by dollar general employees as soon as I walked in the door and they who had multiple customers in line. So please do better with your staff.

Jacqueline P.

5/5

My absolute favorite bookstore in Syracuse. Ann, Selena, and Jude are friendly, dedicated to helping you find the perfect book and always willing to spend time engaging with their customers. The many events hosted make for an enjoyable night, refreshing in the lack of alcohol.

Kyle M.

5/5

Support your local bookstore!! Parthenon is a cozy little shop downtown. The vibe is very progressive and there is much support for women and local artists here (love to see it). There is also a small cafe where you can get drinks while you settle down with a good book. Also, the wall art is stellar!