We were passing by this store on the first of many resto stops on a Sunday and decided to dip in. Obviously wasn't planning on buying anything but the set-up is too enticing! They know just how to position books and which ones to order. I wouldn't call their selection extensive or esoteric - but it's a good store if you don't know what to pick up and are looking for something with an... more

Definitely a great place to go for a signing or speaking event. I went to Johann Hari speaking event and not only enjoyed the talk (fyi he should definitely do a TED talk) and loved the vibe the store provided. It's warm, cozy, and the staff is very friendly. Will definitely be coming back.

Once I get through the 26 or so books in piles on my dresser, waiting to be read, this will be my new favorite bookstore.

Oh nuts to that ... it's my favorite now! Let others sing its praises; let's just say it's not Chapters or Indigo .... !

Charming independent bookstore in the heart downtown Toronto.

It has tasteful decoration, soft lighting, lovely display and nice collection of books. I wish I could spend more time in it if I wasn't just passing by.

It was pretty empty on a Monday afternoon, but I hope it's doing well. When chain bookstores are closing down because they can't win the price war, hopefully independent... more

This is exactly what I seek in an independent bookstore that I can't get at chains. Please support shops like this. If I lived near this bookstore it would be a go-to. The owner is friendly and it feels very personal with very careful curation. I found a great selection of books on food and cooking and writing, and anthologies of poetry to suit my tastes. There were intriguing displays of... more

Just came home and experienced a wonderful gem in the city - the bookstore Ben McNally Books, which hosted the launch of a new book by one of my co-workers. I had thought that bookstores like this weren't around much given the growth in businesses like Chapters and Indigo. But Ben McNally is one of those throwbacks to another time - before the cookie-cutter bookstores made their way into the... more

This bookstore deserves kudos. Daring to open in the middle of the financial district surrounded by print stores, Tim's Horton's and other nondescript buildings and business. Away from art houses, galleries and cafes. Away from the type of businesses that would bolster the demographic that would easily swing by and keep you in business. Or maybe... Ben did it BECAUSE there was nothing around... more

VIBE
I thought I was the only one that came here during a c@!%!y day at work. When I worked in the area, Ben McNally was my refuge. It's hard wooden foors and wooden panels and neatly stacked books everywhere. The ladders are even perfectly adjusted. It's true that it's quiet that if you dare have the wrong high heel on that day, you will feel like an elephant in the room.

SELECTION
A great... more

This bookstore is one of my favourite places to visit during a lunch break. Serenely quiet (I don't think I've ever been in here with more than me and the staff?), helpful staff, and a nicely edited selection of books. It's definitely a haven on the hustle and bustle of Bay Street. Also it's a nice feeling supporting something that is not Indigo/Chapters/Coles.

But.... given that I never see... more

When I want to read a boatload of magazines for free, I go to Chapters or Indigo. When I actually want to buy a book, I'd rather fork my money over to small bookshops like Ben McNally Books.

Those who favor hushed environments and a well-edited selection of books will love this place. And by hushed, I mean dead-silent like a cathedral after hours. So keep your oohing and ahhing over the... more

This is my retreat during a c@!%!y day at work. Here I get distracted, then I get inspired, maybe even academic with some non-fiction, and definitely drop some $20s on every visit.

You can feel their editorial nature in the very selection of literature, and the way they arrange by topics on the tables. They are not about best-sellers-- they're about the good stuff, the real stuff. On my last... more

I tend to drop my books in the bath, so I'm not a huge proprietor of fancy book stores such as this one.

Having said that, it doesn't mean I wouldn't one day LIKE to be able to drop an expensive hard cover book in the bath and not think anything of it, much like I would like to have expensive wine jellies on my toast every morning, but that ain't happening any time soon.

This is a gorgeous... more