madreviewsLocal Guide · 502 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews madreviews has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleLove the new space!
Lake City Books
How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%92+58.4Reliability 28%94+26.5Replies to reviews 8%23+1.9Experts Score= 87Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.87SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#8 of 32 bookstoresPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 77%
4.9 ★★★★★ 164 Google reviews · 24 photos
96%five-star reviews
4.91★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.9%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
57%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review
Lake City Books at a glance
Google reviewers praise Lake City Books for its expanded space, diverse book selection, and on-site wine bar. Customers frequently highlight the friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and dog-friendly policy as key features. While most experiences are positive, low-star reviews note concerns about safety regarding off-leash pets and criticize the store's highly granular shelving organization.
- Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 164 reviews (96% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 164 Google reviews (112 with written comments, 24 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 57% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 18, 2026.
- Service: Bookstore serving Madison, Wisconsin.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.
Score profile vs other bookstores
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: replies to reviews.
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Lake City Books: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.A
92
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Lake City Books: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
94
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
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ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Lake City Books: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Lake City Books: 23/100 on this factor. Category median: 38.D
23
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
164 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars15796%
- 4 stars53%
- 3 stars11%
- 2 stars11%
- 1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 112 written reviews
- Praise58100%
- Complaints00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Staff & attitude4578%
- Price & value47%
- Would recommend47%
- Quality & results23%
- Speed & response23%
- Honesty & trust12%
What customers talk about
We read 112 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Everyone who works in the store is so friendly and helpful.”
“Prices seemed fair too.”
“Definitely recommend this wonderful woman owned bookstore!”
“Molly, the owner, does an excellent job of making this place look beyond beautiful.”
“…read and love or a book already on my TBR or when I read a jacket It immediately becomes a book to add to my TBR.…”
“And to be completely honest when Lake City books was opening I wasn't sure we needed another one.”
People customers mention
- Capitol 3 reviews
- Molly 3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Lindsay7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I’ve been to many indie bookstores, and this one is at the top of the list. The selection was varied and curated, the employees delightful, and the little bar was such a fun addition to the vibe. I will absolutely be back.
mickey12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Super cute with soooo many books!! I loved it but I had to leave before I bought more than I did!💫🌟💥⚡️❤️
DrewLocal Guide · 680 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Molly, the owner, does an excellent job of making this place look beyond beautiful. The staff is extremely friendly. Lots of places to sit and have a drink and read books. The new location is highly accessible and definitely gets a lot more traffic. There are two entrances and when you walk outside, you have a great view of the Wisconsin Capitol.
YuliiaLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
Very cute and cozy inside, I stopped to dry off from rain and shop for notebooks & stickers! There's at least 4 different shelves of lined notebooks and sketchbooks, + there was a dotted pattern notebook. They vary by price based on size about 7-25$, I think? Im saying that one off memory. Multiple racks of…
Gabrielle2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Lake City Books is my favorite book store in Madison!! I love just stopping by and browsing and ordering books ahead online. Everyone who works in the store is so friendly and helpful. The new store is also such a cool expansion of the first location!!
Anna8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Love their new location! There’s so much space for browsing without feeling overwhelmed. Great selection, and loved the seating available for our book club meet. Pup friendly, too!
Photos
Customer reviews
4.9 ★★★★★ 164 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Team members customers mention
Trevor DinsmoorLocal Guide · 24 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Trevor has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleExcellent bookstore. Wonderful staff. Friendly, cozy atmosphere.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you!!
Lindsay K7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lindsay has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleI’ve been to many indie bookstores, and this one is at the top of the list. The selection was varied and curated, the employees delightful, and the little bar was such a fun addition to the vibe. I will absolutely be back.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much! See you again soon 💙
mickey wood12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews mickey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleSuper cute with soooo many books!! I loved it but I had to leave before I bought more than I did!💫🌟💥⚡️❤️
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for stopping by!
Drew EvansLocal Guide · 680 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Drew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleMolly, the owner, does an excellent job of making this place look beyond beautiful. The staff is extremely friendly. Lots of places to sit and have a drink and read books. The new location is highly accessible and definitely gets a lot more traffic. There are two entrances and when you walk outside, you have a great view of the Wisconsin Capitol.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thanks so much!
Yuliia DiachenkoLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Yuliia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleVery cute and cozy inside, I stopped to dry off from rain and shop for notebooks & stickers! There's at least 4 different shelves of lined notebooks and sketchbooks, + there was a dotted pattern notebook. They vary by price based on size about 7-25$, I think? Im saying that one off memory. Multiple racks of various stickers. Obviously there's a LOT of books, but I didn't check them out unfortunately.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thanks for stopping by!
Gabrielle Grace2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gabrielle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleLake City Books is my favorite book store in Madison!! I love just stopping by and browsing and ordering books ahead online. Everyone who works in the store is so friendly and helpful. The new store is also such a cool expansion of the first location!!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much!! 💙😇📘
Anna Schilcher8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Anna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleLove their new location! There’s so much space for browsing without feeling overwhelmed. Great selection, and loved the seating available for our book club meet. Pup friendly, too!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for the review!!
Jaclyn Rothman1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Jaclyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleThis is, hands down, the best independent bookstore I’ve ever been to. I loved their old location, but ever since they moved Lake City has become my favorite place to hang out on a weekend or just after work. The wine/beer bar is such a great addition and you can browse while you have a glass of wine, which is the dream. Their staff picks are always super fresh and everyone is incredibly knowledgeable, make sure you ask for recs and attend the book clubs! Their fantasy section in particular is fantastic. Also - it’s dog friendly! Which in my book makes it a 10/10. I think my dog Fish is becoming more literate with every visit.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you so much for this lovely review! We love having a space for you (and your wonderful dog!) to hang out 💙
Braxton Baker1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Braxton has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleGreat staff, great selection, and great location! My favorite place in Madison to sit a read a good book. Love bringing our dog Fish to see some of his favorite people! Fantastic drinks and energy. It’s a must visit!
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you so much, Braxton! We 💙🐟
Business details
- Address: 120 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703
- Phone: (608) 298-7064
- Website: lakecitybooks.com
- Service area: Madison, WI