Books & Barrels — Local services in Longview

I’ve been in twice, both with and without my child. The first time the reception was cold, we weren’t greeted at the door, no one offered to show us the wine bar, and their two children were eating McDonald’s at the only coffee table between the only two couches in the place. I didn’t feel comfortable sitting in front of the kids with wine at the only spacious seating area with my friends. We browsed the selection, noting the lack of a wine menu. Because they offer wine we expected someone to offer a menu or explain the selection. Instead it felt like they wanted us to leave. This was at 1:00 pm on a Saturday. We were the only customers.

The second time we thought, let’s give it another chance. Same exact vibe. I had my child this time and he tried to ask the employee about the book arch and instead of explaining the arch she seemed irritated that he even inquired about it. There was no engagement at all. Because we were the only customers I assume it was the owner’s two kids eating yet again on the only two couches in the place. I let my child pick out a book and we left. This was at 6:00 pm on a Thursday.

Bottom line this business feels like a private club and if you’re not someone they know personally don’t bother. Even if you purchase something they aren’t friendly to you at all.

I love the concept and I feel they have a lot of potential. They just need to sell it. Be more friendly, offer wine, offer to converse a little about the story behind the business and wrap it up with a nice “let me know if I...

My wife finally took me to Books & Barrels for the first time. As a lover of both books and wine, I was ashamed at how long it took me to finally step through the door.

We bought everything--not excluding half of their puzzle selection, as gifts, because even their taste in puzzles was top notch. After we carried our pile of books back to the car, we returned for another hour or so just to enjoy a couple glasses of local Texan wine and to read a few chapters of our new acquisitions.

Thank you for the wonderfully unique addition to...

I always feel at home when I visit Books & Barrels. Laura, Joanna and Chad are great people and they will help you with anything you need. It is a good place to sit back and enjoy a great selection of wine and other great beverages. And they host a variety of events such as Art night and poetry night! And did I mention they have a wide variety of book selections?

If you haven’t already, please stop by and support this small-owned family business! Enjoy a good book and a glass...