the book club llc

620 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States
+1 757-800-3894
$$$ cafe
(64 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re searching for a spot that intertwines the comforting charm of a cafe with the intellectual allure of a bookstore, look no further than The Book Club LLC in Portsmouth, VA. Nestled at 620 High St, this unique venue is not just a place to grab a coffee or pastry, but a vibrant hub for creativity, conversation, and community.

The Book Club LLC is much more than your typical cafe; it is an experience. As you step through the doors, you are greeted by a warm ambiance that invites you to unwind and linger. The decor is tastefully curated, featuring inviting nooks filled with books and an expansive candle selection that enhances the sensory appeal of the space. Customers have described it as "a beautiful place for coffee, books & candles,” fostering an environment perfect for both intimate conversations and solitary reflection, as noted by Robert Waverly.

Here, you can enjoy a delightful range of beverages, from expertly brewed coffee to exquisite wines, all while surrounded by a treasure trove of literary works. The atmosphere buzzes with creative energy, as you can partake in unique events like candlemaking and cocktail nights. The candle-making events, in particular, offer a hands-on opportunity to blend creativity with conviviality—a feature that has charmed visitors like Safiya P, who loved the spacious layout which allowed for social distancing while engaging in the activity.

Local patrons have also been raving about the fantastic events hosted by The Book Club, including comedy nights that transform the venue into a lively entertainment space. For just $20 per person, you can enjoy a night filled with laughs from local comedians. As Lorraine Taylor highlights, it's a wonderfully chill atmosphere that’s perfect for a date night or a fun outing with friends.

The engaging staff, including the candle artist Rob, adds a personal touch to each visit, as they invite you to delve deeper into your creativity and meet fellow patrons. As Aura Life beautifully noted, “Unbelievable Scented candle bar” is just one of the highlights, making a visit to The Book Club a well-rounded escape into relaxation and inspiration.

While The Book Club currently doesn't offer food for sale, the aromas from their pastry lineup and beverage choices create an appealing olfactory backdrop that heightens the overall experience. Whether it’s coffee, pastries, or a good book you're after, this place has you covered. And let’s not forget the array of board games available to guests, adding a delightful twist to your visit, particularly for a bit of friendly competition as Laura Y mentions with their famous connect four!

In essence, The Book Club LLC is more than just a cafe; it is a gateway into a world where food, creativity, and community converge. This hidden treasure in Portsmouth is waiting for you to come and make your own unforgettable memories. So, grab a book, a drink, and maybe a friend, and explore all that this charming establishment has to offer.

Service options
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Live performances
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Wine
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

64 Reviews
Robert Waverly

15 Aug 2025

A beautiful place for coffee, books & candles. A decorum that invites you in & makes you want to stay for conversation.

Dwayne Blackwell

31 Jul 2025

Wow!!! What a beautiful space hosting some great events in downtown Portsmouth. Highly recommend folks check out what's happening here!

Laura Y

25 Jul 2025

Bar meets bookstore plus an amazing wine and drink selection. Table games were so fun, connect four was a personal favorite!

Safiya P

17 Jul 2025

My friend and I were here for an candle making event found on Eventbrite. We were pleasantly surprised when we walked in because the establishment is huge! There is plenty of space to social distance. The book selection is large. The bar has wine, coffee and good looking pastries. It was great meeting some of the owners of the business, they were super friendly. I heard they have a list of events from live music, comedy shows, Chef-led experiences, and more. Do yourself a favor and go visit.

Aura Life

16 Jul 2025

Outstanding! Piano Bar! Open spaces. Well planned interior design layout. Wonderful library & Book sale displays! Excellent Wine & Coffee bar!Great pastries!(for those of you who can eat like that)Hmm. Great pastries!(for those of you who can eat like that) Unbelievable Scented candle bar. Rob, The Candle Artist hosts "Conversations" on Wednesday nights, where you can make your own candles while chatting with others in open conversation! Good seating and lighting!

Charlene Funderburg

07 Jul 2025

Went to "Cocktails and Candle Making" event here. Absolutely lovely place. We had the opportunity to choose our fragrance out of many scents for our candles. The candles turned out fragrant and very pretty. Meanwhile, there were cocktails, fun and stimulating conversation, with live music. Unfortunately, at this time there are no food sells, but it's a great place for your book club to meet up, to hang out for cocktails, music, finding your favorite scent, and socializing.

Lee Dear

02 Jul 2025

This place is exactly what I didn't know I wanted in my life! This is a hidden treasure in Portsmouth. Don't tell to many people because I want to keep it to myself. They have one of my favorite beers on tap (1865 Brew co), candle making, great wine, BEER, music, oh did I mention books! The atmosphere is outstanding. I'll post more pictures on my next visit but I was blown away.

Lorraine Taylor

02 Jun 2025

Saturday nights is comedy night. They have local stand up comedians come and make you laugh. For 20 per person it is a great date night activity. Real chill atmosphere Wednesday they have couples candle making.

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