By Stephanie Starks | Staff Writer
In an immersive bookstore, The Raven’s Nook, every room is themed like a different genre or style of book.
This bookstore and bistro is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12:30-6 p.m. Sundays in the heart of downtown Waco at 719 Washington Ave.
Tom Towns, co-owner of The Raven’s Nook, said this store works great in Waco because there is nothing quite like it.
“We want to bring a bit of Waco into every part of The Raven’s Nook,” Towns said. “Waco needed the Raven’s Nook simply because it did not exist.”
There are six rooms full of books, all themed around certain genres.
“The vibe of the room is going to tell you what kind of book you will find in that room,” Towns said. “Our front room has sci-fi in one corner and in the other corner there is fantasy. We have a study room, a hidden game room, and we also have a bistro area where we serve refreshments and small bites to eat.”
The Raven’s Nook wants to involve the Waco community through events at the store.
“Starting Oct. 2, The Raven’s Nook will be hosting a coffee and karaoke night on the first Friday of every month, we also have book signings almost every Saturday and in the middle of the month on a Wednesday we have book-themed trivia nights,” Towns said. “We want to get to know the people around us and develop a love of learning through these events.”
Towns said his favorite thing about The Raven’s Nook is seeing other people’s reactions to the bookstore.
“No one knows what to expect when they walk in here,” Towns said. “They’re expecting a normal bookstore, and when they walk in, most of the time, they smile.”
Towns’ wife, Holly, had always been a reader. In March 2025, she wanted a bookstore, and Tom needed a new job.
“Part of Holly’s desire [in planning the store] was to have a study space for students,” Towns said. “She is also an English teacher and advisor at McLennan Community College, so to her having a fun study spot for students was equally as important as having books on the shelf.”
Gabriella Smith, a senior at MCC and assistant manager at The Raven’s Nook, wants to help children in their educational pursuits. Smith used to tutor students with Holly Towns.
“Holly asked me if I would want to continue helping people who want to learn at The Raven’s Nook,” Smith said.
Smith’s role gives her the opportunity to recommend books.
“My job also helps me to teach others,” Smith said. “I hope that both my confidence and my speaking ability can improve over time.”
Smith said that The Raven’s Nook is the perfect place to study.
“Even on our slow days, we still have some students trickle in,” Smith said. “It is really quiet and cozy. All of the staff are very welcoming, and we are really grateful that students chose to come study here.”
Hannah White, a sophomore at MCC and barista at The Raven’s Nook, said she loves the people that come to the bookstore.
“Every person who walks through that door is automatically interesting,” White said. “I think that people who are boring are going to avoid this place at all costs. Everyone who comes in is so sweet and willing to talk with you. It is so exciting to see other people be ecstatic about a fake door. It’s even funnier when they cannot find it and they try to pull the fake lever.”
White said the Raven’s Nook signature drink is its matcha.
“Everyone needs to get a whipped strawberry matcha,” White said. “It is the best drink that we have.”
Alyssa Utrera, a customer at The Raven’s Nook since the opening a few months ago, said the store is unlike anywhere else in Waco.
“If you do not like anywhere that you currently frequent, then you should give The Raven’s Nook a try,” Utrera said. “This place is just different from any other cafe or bookstore. I mainly come here to study, but if I am being honest with you, I usually leave with a book.”
