The Wild Detectives

The Got Weekend take

Why go

Founded in 2014 and named after Roberto Bolaño’s novel The Savage Detectives, The Wild Detectives grew from a simple pairing: a bookstore with a bar, so a good read can turn into a conversation. Stories, at 314 W 8th St, is where the project began. Its shelves hold fiction and narrative, poetry and children’s books, along with a selection of books in Spanish. A second space, Ideas, sits nearby at 321 N Zang Blvd and focuses on nonfiction: history, philosophy, science, memoir, culture and the arts. Both locations have a bar and host readings, conversations, music and other cultural events, and you’re welcome to browse, order a drink or join an event at either one. Much of the programming comes from the community, with readers, writers, musicians and neighbors suggesting what happens next.

• Fiction, poetry and children’s books at Stories
• Books in Spanish at both locations
• A bar inside the bookstore
• Readings, conversations and music events

Readers, writers and friends who want to browse the shelves, share a drink or catch a reading or show will feel at home here.

Make it your kind of weekend

• solo exploring
• date night
• friends
• rainy-day option

A few visit notes

This page covers the Stories location at 314 W 8th St; the nonfiction-focused Ideas location is at 321 N Zang Blvd. The website does not list hours or a phone number, so check its Instagram or Facebook before visiting.