Cactus Ink Bookshop

Cactus Ink Bookshop has become a cultural anchor in downtown Phoenix since opening its doors in 2012, bringing a bold literary presence to Roosevelt Row's bustling arts corridor. The store was founded by a former Phoenix New Times journalist who wanted to create a space that reflected the city's transformation from sprawling suburb to genuine cultural destination. The Chicano literature section is one of the most carefully curated in the state, featuring both established voices and emerging writers from the Valley's vibrant Latino community. Rotating murals on the exterior walls, painted by local artists from the Roosevelt Row collective, make the building itself a work of art that changes with the seasons. The in-store cafe serves agua fresca and Mexican hot chocolate alongside espresso, and the back room hosts everything from poetry slams to comic book release parties.