The enchanting new extension of Spare Time Books invites locals and visitors to rediscover books, conversation and analog connection.
PASO ROBLES — Narrative Coffee will have its Grand Opening on Oct. 17, 2026, bringing an enchanting, bookish coffeehouse to downtown Paso Robles.
Created as a natural extension of Spare Time Books, Narrative combines books and coffee with an atmosphere inspired by fairytales, old-world coffeehouses and the cozy gathering places found within beloved stories. Guests can step directly from the bookstore through an enchanted doorway into a warm, fantastical space designed for reading, conversation and thoughtfully crafted drinks.
In a world increasingly shaped by screens and hurried interactions, Narrative offers a beautiful place to be present. Guests can arrive with a newly purchased book, meet a friend over coffee or settle into a quiet corner alone.
“We wanted Narrative to feel like discovering a hidden coffeehouse inside a storybook,” said owner Carla Cary. “Spare Time [Books] has always been about wonder, discovery and human connection. Narrative gives those experiences somewhere to continue—a place where people can put down their phones, open a book and step outside the ordinary for a little while.”
Established in 1989, Spare Time Books was purchased by best friends Carla Cary and Clio Bruns in 2023. Over the next three years, the pair revitalized the longtime local bookstore while documenting its transformation on social media. Their journey attracted more than 200,000 followers from around the world, many of whom cheered on the shop’s renovation and growth.
In 2025, Cary began transforming the adjoining space into Narrative Coffee, hoping to expand the bookstore experience and help books remain relevant in a digital age. Now the sole owner of both businesses, Cary hopes Narrative and Spare Time will continue to inspire creativity, community and a love of reading.
Cary hopes Narrative and Spare Time can be a place to host a slew of engaging book themed and creative events as well as promoting local artists and authors.
Narrative draws from classic literary coffeehouses while offering a focussed menu of traditional cafe drinks using the highest quality ingredients available. The shop will feature a rotation of imaginative specialty drinks, baked goods, and other treats. Narrative is committed to partnering with local and regional suppliers whenever possible. Working closely in tandem with Slake Coffee Roasters in SLO and Counterpoint Coffee – a local professional coffee shop supplier and trainer; Narrative is set up to be serving great coffee with industry leading experience.
Locals can also take advantage of Narrative’s coffee-token program, which allows customers to purchase tokens redeemable for drip coffee at a reduced price while bypassing the regular ordering line.
Together, Narrative and Spare Time Books create an immersive downtown destination where guests can browse, sip, read and gather—a place where an ordinary afternoon can feel like the beginning of a story.
Join Narrative on October 17th and 18th from 7am-7pm for their grand opening weekend celebration! There will be music, great coffee, pastries, and lots of surprises!
ABOUT NARRATIVE COFFEE
Narrative Coffee is an enchanting, storybook-inspired coffeehouse connected to Spare Time Books in downtown Paso Robles, California. With whimsical surroundings and thoughtfully prepared drinks including coffee, tea, espresso drinks, chai, and matcha. Narrative invites the community to slow down, connect and rediscover a little everyday magic.
LOCATION
Narrative Coffee
945 12th Street STE D Paso Robles CA 93446
Hours of Operation:
7am-3pm — 7 days a week
Social Media Handles:
@narrativebookcafe @bookshopbesties @sparetimebooks
Website:
www.narrativebookcafe.com