A new bookstore has opened its doors in historic downtown Huntsville.

Mortar and Pestle of Texas offers patrons not only the latest titles and classic works, but also art, wine, teas, light charcuterie and more–a harmonious balance between both intellectual and sensory experiences. 

The store itself occupies a renovated pharmacy. Longtime residents and Huntsville historians will recall the building was once Goolsby Drug, originally opened in the 1920s. While the pharmacy may be gone, its legacy still echoes throughout the space in its reconstruction, decor, and even the name itself. Though it may no longer have pharmaceuticals for sale, customers are reminded that a good book is its own kind of medicine. 

The bookstore also serves as a celebration of Texas culture. Patrons will find the old pharmacy shelves lined with books from Texas authors and Texas-related topics, alongside a diverse selection of wines sourced from wineries across the state. The inventory also includes a mix of used and new editions. Regardless of your taste or budget, Mortar and Pestle Texas aims to ensure that every visitor can find something that speaks to them.

With the advent of the new year, Mortar and Pestle Texas plans to begin hosting a variety of special events including author book signings, book club meetings, poetry reading, writer workshops and more. “The Tonic Room” will also be available to rent for private gatherings and special events. The owners, Kara Froelich and Carl Pittman, also invite Sam Houston State University students to share their input on what kinds of events they would like to see hosted.

Mortar and Pestle Texas provides a space to gather, to reflect, and to connect. As the bookstore continues to grow and host new events, it stands poised to become a cultural cornerstone in downtown Huntsville, honoring the past while fostering a vibrant creative future.