Great place to meet with your book group.
- Nicole Schultheis Verified
Backwater Books is the best! Truly an indie bookstore that celebrates local authors and our freedom to read and organizes very fun and impactful events. It has been a wonderful addition to our community!
- Jackee Allmond Verified
Tessa Dower left a 5 star review!
- Tessa Dower Verified
Amazing book store with tons of gorgeous art on the walls love all the comfy seating available, including rocking chairs. There’s a bar in the back which is awesome and they host events which is very cool. Loved the banned books displays with explanations of where and why they’re banned.
- Caryn R Verified
This place is pretty cool, I’m happy I made the trip. The bartender was friendly and answered our question about the paintings- a local who is passionate about EC made them. Good book selection and great atmosphere. A band was playing when I came. They do lots of events.
- Sly Cooper Verified
A lovely bookstore with a craft beer bar! Definitely worth a visit.
- Jonathan Katz Verified
The perfect little bar tucked away on the 2nd floor of a bookstore. I visited early on a Friday, and had a couple of beers, chatted with the owners, and enjoyed the vibe. This is my new favorite spot in OEC, definitely worth checking out if you're into books and good beer!
- Benjamin Johnson Verified
A beautiful bookstore.
- Zlynn Verified
A beautiful bookstore.
- Rose Verified
Scott Shatto left a 5 star review!
- Scott Shatto Verified
My favorite place! solid selection of books, great drinks, and amazing atmosphere. Very friendly and always welcoming! Highly recommend
- Blair Hunt Verified
Response from Backwater Books & Bibliopub Yeah Blair! Thanks for coming, we love having you! Read More
Brian Kelly left a 5 star review!
- Brian Kelly Verified
Every town should have a Backwater Books. With a carefully curated selection of books,(including those that encourage people to keep a very open mind), a wonderful live music scene, in-store literature-focused events that inspire, and the best owners and staff you could imagine, it just can't get better than this. Congratulations to Matt et al . for providing something that Old Ellicott City didn't realize it needed. It makes me feel especially proud to call this town my home.
- Pamela Voulalas Verified
Lovely bookstore with a great selection of sci Fi, fantasy, and nonfiction books. I also loved the upstairs pub space. I will have to come back here for a relaxing remote work session. Just generally great vibes. Highly recommend. They also have a great collection of original art and prints for sale. All with very cool frames that add to the vibes.
- Sarah Ingerson Verified
Love the paintings by w. Purkey that line the walls of the bar upstairs where you have a wonderful coffeehouse feel and don't feel odd pulling out some sketch or book to read
- Katharina Boser Verified
l. paige keltz left a 5 star review!
- l. paige keltz Verified
We just walked in, and it was super cozy and cute! It had a wide selection of popular and new books. There is also a coffee shop inside!
- Ivy Lee Verified
Elizabeth Aman left a 5 star review!
- Elizabeth Aman Verified
The BiblioPub is a great touch and has a varied selection of drinks. We had a very friendly bartender, as well!
- Michael Hyde Verified
Great local book store. Nice relaxing vibe. Fun events like live jazz, a bar upstairs with large patio for consuming bottles of rose on a warm summer night while people watching along Main St.
- Emily Rao Verified