Iris Book Café to provide 'third place' on North Main

Iris Book Café is promising to become a much needed 'third place' at 1331 Main Street in Over-the-Rhine's North Main Street district.

Although the shop has already had a soft opening, owner Julie Fay plans an official grand opening for August 7.

"Julie's been part of Main Street for years," says Mike Markiewicz, the man responsible for the café's amazing selection of books.  "She's hoping it's something that will make the neighborhood better."

Tucked behind an inviting front room is a more intimate back room that's prefect for quiet conversation. An adjoining courtyard is shaded by trees and surrounding buildings, making it an oasis from the bustle of the streets.

The centerpiece of the café is Markiewicz's used book selection, a fraction of his entire inventory that spans a wide range of disciplines.

"We've got some good titles, plus some cheaper titles," he says.  "I'd say I have one of the best selections of poetry in the city," he says.

The café also has 350 to 400 vinyl LPs for sale, mostly rock, jazz, and avant-garde electronica and experimental music - many of which are extremely rare.

Café offerings will include Coffee Emporium coffee, Aglamesis Brothers ice cream, a variety of specialty teas and smoothies, and a limited lunch menu.

Although the neighborhood's residential base continues to build, Markiewicz says that residents need more inviting spaces to keep them in the area.

"It's an excuse for people to come out at night and stay in the neighborhood, instead of going out to the shopping centers," he says.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Mike Markiewicz, Iris Book Café
Photography by Scott Beseler and Keving LeMaster