Under the Volcano Books

Awesome tiny bookstore in the old American Legion building, which used to be a brothel. Really excellent curation of books at fair prices. Heads up: It’s cash only!

Great place for English language used books. Owner is super chill guy that will try and help you find exactly what you are looking for. A bit hard to find (upstairs) but worth it.

The guy who runs it curates his books, he doesn't just let any book on the shelves so yeah they have good books at good enough prices.

Grant took me off guard when he told me to take my stuff off of his couch so I didn't mess up the leather. I had just walked in on a rainy afternoon as the store was about to close and wasn't really paying much attention. I was a little taken aback then he asked me what he could help me with. I told him I really am more of the non-fiction type and he politely showed me where I should look. Grant quickly warmed up as we engaged in a friendly conversation about living in CDMX, how smartphones was destroying the tradition human social structure, and politics in the US, although it was clear him and I voted differently. It was really refreshing to actually have a peaceful conversation with a fellow American who was polite and respectful about the before-mentioned subject (due to the fact I was looking at some books about the history of the US). He also gave me some good input about the American Legion downstairs after he found out I was a Veteran and invited me to an event his was having the following week. The store itself is quaint and small, but welcoming and in a great part of Condesa. It's hard to find a good used book store, let along one in English in Mexico City. I walked out with 3 books for 330 MXN, which 2 of them are classics: "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene and "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. Thanks for your help and I will be back!

Great selection of English literature and very helpful staff. A life-saver if you don’t have an e-reader! They have limited working hours though so check before dropping by.