- Attraction: Moon Palace Books
- Location: 3032 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://moonpalacebooks.com/
Few bookstores can claim they’ve fed protesters during civil unrest while simultaneously hosting drag storytimes and selling thousands of zines.
Moon Palace Books doesn’t just sell literature – it creates a living, breathing community hub where you can browse used novels upstairs, grab a slice of brick-oven pizza downstairs, and attend poetry readings featuring Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop participants.
This isn’t your typical quiet bookstore experience. Since opening in 2012, owners Angela and Jamie Schwesnedl have grown their shop from a tiny storefront into a sprawling 3,300-square-foot cultural anchor in the Longfellow neighborhood.
When the George Floyd protests erupted just blocks away at the Third Police Precinct, Moon Palace emerged unscathed – not through luck, but because the community literally tagged their boarded windows with “Don’t Burn” messages, recognizing the store’s irreplaceable value to Minneapolis.
Literary Treasures & Unique Finds
New and Used Book Selection: You’ll discover an expertly curated mix spanning every genre imaginable. The children’s section consistently surprises parents and teachers with lesser-known titles that spark genuine excitement.
Related
More in Minnesota
From Guava Cream Cheese To Brigadeiro Chocolate, Bebe Zito Isn’t Your Average Ice Cream Shop
Keep Exploring →Each section reveals carefully chosen books you’ve likely never encountered, meaning you’ll leave with both your intended purchase and a mental reading list for months ahead.
Zine Culture: Moon Palace stands as one of the few Twin Cities brick-and-mortar stores fostering the region’s decades-old zine scene. You’ll find independently published works covering everything from political resistance to quirky personal narratives – perfect for discovering voices you won’t encounter in mainstream publishing.
Science Fiction & Mystery Collections: Genre lovers consistently praise the extensive sci-fi and mystery selections. You’ll spend hours getting lost among the carefully organized shelves, with fairly priced books that make building your home library surprisingly affordable.
Special Ordering Services: Can’t find what you’re seeking? The knowledgeable owners excel at tracking down specific titles, making Moon Palace your go-to for both popular releases and obscure literary gems.
Geek Love Café Experience
Brick-Oven Pizza: The café serves legitimately excellent sourdough-crust pizza that rivals dedicated pizzerias.
More in Minnesota
This St. Anthony Spot Is A Dream Come True For Kitchen Essentials And Home Décor On A Budget
Discover MoreThe “Almanac of the Dead” features roasted beets, goat cheese, mozzarella, and habañero honey – an unexpectedly harmonious combination. The “Bodice Ripper” loaded with chicken thigh, garlic sauce, olives, pickled peppers, and feta brings creative flair to comfort food.
Book-Themed Menu: Pizza names reference classic literature, creating a playful dining experience that celebrates the written word. You’ll appreciate touches like the “Travis McGee” with pesto, tomato, and mozzarella, honoring the detective fiction series.
Beer & Wine Selection: The carefully curated drink menu complements your literary browsing perfectly. You can grab a tallboy and settle into comfortable booths designed for extended reading sessions, with tabletops showcasing classic book covers.
Wings & Alternatives: Honey habañero-drizzled chicken wings satisfy meat lovers, while organic cauliflower wings ensure everyone finds something delicious. Most pizzas adapt to vegan preferences, making the café welcoming to diverse dietary needs.
Atmosphere & Community Vibe
Multi-Level Layout: The main floor houses new books and the café, while used books fill the entire upstairs level. This creates distinct zones for different browsing experiences – you can hunt for bargains above or discover fresh releases below.
Related
More in Minnesota
This Cozy Log Cabin Cafe In Two Harbors Serves Fresh Trout And Tasty Pies You Have To Try To Believe
Keep Exploring →Event Space Versatility: The multipurpose venue transforms from quiet bookstore to live music venue hosting up to 20 shows monthly. Author readings regularly pack 50+ attendees into the dedicated event space, creating an intimate connection between writers and readers.
Neighborhood Integration: Located at the bustling intersection of Minnehaha and Lake Street, Moon Palace anchors a rapidly evolving corridor. You’ll find yourself surrounded by other independent businesses, creating a walkable cultural district perfect for extended exploration.
Welcoming Inclusivity: The space radiates genuine warmth that attracts everyone from families with children to serious literary scholars. Drag storytimes, farmers market collaborations, and community meal programs demonstrate Moon Palace’s commitment to serving diverse neighborhood needs.
Other Considerations
Pricing Philosophy: Books maintain fair, competitive pricing that supports both accessibility and sustainability. The café marks up beverages appropriately to discourage excessive consumption while keeping food costs reasonable for quality ingredients.
Parking Logistics: Street parking and a small private lot handle most visitors, though weekend farmers market crowds can create temporary challenges. The location’s walkability from nearby neighborhoods reduces parking stress for many customers.
More in Minnesota
Ride Gravity’s Wildest Thrill On Duluth’s Timber Twister, Minnesota’s Only Alpine Coaster
Discover MoreCommunity Support: During the pandemic, Moon Palace provided free meals to houseless individuals while adapting to online sales and pickup services. This commitment to neighbors over profit explains their remarkable community protection during 2020’s civil unrest.
Hours & Accessibility: Open Monday through Saturday 11-6:30 and Sunday 12-5, with events extending evening hours. The ground-floor café ensures accessibility, while the upstairs used book section requires stair navigation.
Awards & Recognition: Book Riot named Moon Palace among America’s 35 best bookstores, while the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association honored the owners as 2020 Booksellers of the Year for their extraordinary community impact.
Moon Palace Books
📍 3032 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
