Bookstores of the Triangle Pt 2: Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews

Bookstores of the Triangle is a blog series where Redbud highlights bookstores in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Morrisville, Cary, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Carrboro, and surrounding environs. Do you have a bookstore you think we should visit? Let us know!

We remember getting the email, in October 2019, telling us about the concept for Epilogue. We went in to meet with staff before the store officially opened to the public, and we found ourselves bedazzled by the aesthetic: well-curated books, plants, a Frida Kahlo mural, a sleek bar, a chic industrial vibe.

Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews, a relatively new spot on Franklin Street.

Our bedazzlement has not diminished in the past year and a half. Epilogue, located on bustling Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, is a gathering place for locals and students alike. Its waffles and Mexican sweets are delicious, its drinks innovative (Emily doesn’t usually like artisanal coffee drinks, but their dulce jalapeño syrup? Chef’s kiss!), its books both new and old well-curated and socially conscious.

A column of comments, plus surprise books for sale! We love a good surprise book.

We interviewed founders Jaime and Miranda Sanchez about their project back in 2019, so check that out if you want more context. It’s no mean feat to be the owners of a business founded in 2019 (ahem, as we know from experience), so on a recent visit to Epilogue on a rainy Sunday, we were pleased to see socially distanced drink orders flying, staff recs spread out on all the tables, and free plastic gloves provided for the browsers. We definitely recommend that all Chapel Hillians (and beyond!) check out this aesthetically and culturally valuable space!

Staff picks—Emily also loved Megan Campisi’s Sin Eater.