Bird’s Bookstore offers a design-heavy enclave for passionate readers

Drew and Emily Dawson always had a dream of owning their own bookstore. Initially envisioning embarking on the project in their golden years, the couple decided to accelerate their plan two years ago.

“We had a realization of, ‘Why wait?’” Emily recalls. “Drew’s a traditional novel lover, and I do all the non-book items, giftables, magazines and art books, so the store is really a combination of both of our passions.”

A cafe in Bird's Bookstore serves matcha lattes and other beverages, plus pastries.

A cafe in Bird’s Bookstore serves matcha lattes and other beverages, plus pastries.

Allison V. Smith / Special Contributor

Drew, who worked for nonprofits and in private equity, and Emily, a former digital art director for D Magazine, poured both of their skill sets into the inviting space of Bird’s Bookstore, which opened in September. With a moniker drawn from Drew’s childhood nickname, Bird’s was designed by the Dallas firm MMaison Interiors, which left plenty of cozy nooks and crannies to welcome in readers of fantasy, history, horror, nonfiction and classic literature.

The warm wood interior possesses both mid-century modern and Scandinavian hygge vibes. It is centered on an inviting lounge area, situated opposite a coffee bar that Emily has dubbed “the Second Cup Café.”

Offering java from Oak Cliff Coffee Co. (served in purchasable mugs from local ceramicist Marcello Andres) plus pastries from Bresnan Bread and Pastry and Unrefined Bakery, the cafe forms the heart of a space that is already proving to be an HQ for members of the community.

Even nonreaders can find something to love at Bird’s. Emily Dawson says she travels and combs Instagram to find gifts she calls “sidelines” that shoppers can’t find anywhere else in town.

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“I really want to try and bring things in that have some exclusivity,” she says. “I want [each gift] to be beautifully made, high quality and something that delights and inspires customers that they’re excited to share with their friends.”

Amanda Kendig reads in the relaxing environment of Bird's Bookstore in Dallas.