125 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX

I already reviewed another one of this company’s locations, but each location does have its own vibe and this is the first Half Price Books I started going to when I lived in San Antonio from 2006 through 2009. During this time I was voracious for anything Bukowski, Kerouac, Hunter Thompson, Steinbeck, and the like, and I always found excellent editions of their books here. I have probably purchased at least a dozen collection of Bukowski’s poetry from the 80s and 90s in this location alone, so any time I’m back in SA, I hit this one up to dig for gold. It never fails to have something interesting!

The shop itself is absolutely jam packed with books, and yet it still feels spacious, with little nooks along every wall covering almost any topic and sub-topic imaginable. Near the front were the newer releases and the best of the new inventory they brought in from those selling their books (you can do that at the desk in the back), but there’s also gifts, notebooks, and collectables up there too. In the next few nooks are selections covering Texana (books of and about the Texas region), photography and the arts, race/gender studies, home repair, medicine, religion, history, military, sports, and more. There’s also a nook for children’s books in the far back right corner worth checking out. The outer nooks along the walls are mostly nonfiction, with some manga, comics, records, and movies as you start nearing the front desk checkout area again. The music/movie section there is quiet extensive and you can get some good deals on records, CDs, DVDs, and film collectables and gift sets.

Throughout the middle section of the store are long rows of shelves, and this is the bulk of the fiction, mystery, poetry, plays, horror, sci-fi, etc. There’s also essays, business, cards, and gifts here too. I head straight for this section first to find those literary gems that you could never get at Barnes & Noble, those older editions of books that don’t crop up in most places. The literary books are both hardcover and paperback and toward the front you’ll find more of the mass market paperbacks and affordable “classics” from way back in cheap new editions, and these can go for as much as a couple bucks each, soemtiems cheaper.

I can’t recall a time I left here emptyhanded and there’s always new stuff circulating in. If you’re looking to stock up, this is the place to go. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, and it’s just a fun place to browse too. This location might be their best.

Atmosphere — A trove of books, music, and movies in one vast room, with deals in almost every nook and aisle. There are a billion signs overhead so you’ll never wonder where something is, and the place never feels too packed but you’re never alone either. It’s a good vibe in here.

Quality — There are some older editions mixed in with newer releases, so you might find a real steal just waiting jammed in between the latest new bestseller, but they’re all in good shape.

Quantity — Like I said, it’s a veritable trove. And new books are always trickling in.

Diversity — This shop hits most of the usual categories, with plenty of fiction, literary classics on the cheap, history, religion, philosophy, military, Texana, music, movies, etc.

Affordability — The books were all very fairly priced. I mean, it’s in the name. Nothing is going to break the bank here, although they do have some collectables that are pricier (and probably worth the money).

Amenities — You’ve got a few stool and bathrooms in the back, but you’re here to browse.

Location — It’s on the north side of 410 in a big plaza (La Plaza Del Norte) with a Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, and also right off Isom Road, close to North Star Mall. Google Map that thing if you’re unsure, but it’s not hard to find.

Customer Service — The folks checking me out were quick and friendly, and there’s plenty of staff if you have questions.

Overall — This is my favorite Half-Price Books location. I’ve found so many gems here that when I fly down from New York, I always visit. That should tell you something. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop in and bring a bag for everything you’ll inevitably want to bring home.