“This store has the best selection of Judaica and the owners are so helpful. It is such a pleasure to have a brick and mortar store where I can compare items. And around holiday times there is no better place to shop.”
“as soon as i knew i was going to be in berkeley, the first thing i thought of was ”i need to go to sleepy cat books again!” :) it is simply the warmest and coziest little indie book shop that feels like being wrapped up in a blanket with a hot cup of coffee. if no one stopped me, i could spend hours browsing the impressive postcard and sticker collections, as well as the very skillfully curated staff pick tables! definitely a must visit if you are in the area and want to get a bit of an escape amidst all of life’s chaos as both the owner and lyla are very sweet and welcoming :)”
“I have been coming to Marcus Book Store since I was a little girl. The atmosphere hasn’t changed…you can still sit on the floor and read. The selection is amazing and the service is wonderful.”
“A complete Islamic bookstore. Catering from the beginners to the advance level curious minds. Easy learning games for children, coloring Islamic books, prayer mats and more. A must visit for every Islamic knowledge seeker in Berkley, Oakland area.”
“Great selection of used books nestled away in a quiet bookstore. They also have some nice greeting / holiday cards at the front. The folks working were very helpful and polite.”
“This is my favorite local bookstore. I've gone here to buy books for all kinds of special occasions over the years. I especially like that they have bilingual books for kids. Unfortunately, with them closing at 7:00 p.m. it's been tough for me to get here after work. Today I showed up a couple minutes before closing but they had already locked up. What a bummer. Wish they were open later.”
10AM - 8PM
1855 Solano Ave, Berkeley“Amazing customer service and overall shopping experience! Preschooler and I love coming here to browse. When I want something specific, they have special ordered titles for me, as well as transferred something that was out of stock from a different store — free of charge and with a very quick turnaround. I have stumbled upon many hidden gem type books via their sale racks.”
“Fun bookstore to browse! Lots of great finds, both new and old (nostalgic).The layout was confusing at first, with some books not in alphabetical order so it may take a bit of searching if you are looking for a specific book or author.”
11AM - 6PM
601 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco“Lovely place. It is linked to Peet's entrance, so your can get your book and go read it with a nice cupa. Staff does a great job putting together theamed book displays. And all the little extras like journals, stuffed toys, greeting cards are nice.”
12 - 6PM
3086 Claremont Ave, Berkeley“My husband and I have been science fiction readers since we were kids looking for stories to read. We've been happy customers of this shop since we discovered it, a very long time ago.Now we're thinkers, editors and writers, but those books and more are still there in this magical shop, waiting to jump out at more curious young readers like we used to be. In fact, there's a rumor that Santa sends his elves there every September to scout for new stories. Just sayin'...”
11AM - 7PM
2476 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley“This is my favorite book store in America. It is a very beautiful place and I love being here when I have a chance. It has so much good books and is like 5 floors of literary excellence. This is the creme de La creme of the Bay Area and it's book store's. This is a rare find and a nice honest place. I was going to head out to go to Moe's books one time during a social unrest and called because there was protests. I asked the worker if it was safe to come down. He told me don't do it, come next week will still be here. I thanks him and saved myself being arrested or harassed. Thanks”
“Great place to buy books including a good sum of products you don't find in any other book store in the US normally. Japanese books, magazines and manga untranslated for one thing.”
“Beautiful bookstore with knowledgeable staff on a gorgeous street in SF. I am in town on vacation and wanted a book on the unknown history of the city. The gentleman behind the counter walked me to a shelf and handed me my next read, "Spirits of San Francisco" by Gary Kamiya and Paul Madonna. The store is well organized and offers a great variety of books and gifts. Do not miss this place!”
11AM - 5PM
151 3rd St, San Francisco“Every time I go, my eyes are happy. I bought a small mobile on this day. It's not very large, but there are many different and fun gifts. Yayoi's pumpkin cushion is too expensive to buy.”
“Love this local book shop. They have a loyalty program and the staff are so nice! They helped me special order a book for my kids bday and were so thoughtful with the whole process. Support a local small business!”
10AM - 5PM
1401 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley“A light-filled spot with lovely books for little and not-so-little ones. We got several sweet books (e.g., Letters to My Grandchild) authored by Lea Redmond, and the warm storefront attendant Elizabeth wrapped beautiful gifts for the grandparents, who will definitely be delighted when they receive their care package. Thank you!”
10AM - 10PM
261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco“I felt very safe as a trans person here staff were very kind and although they didn't have what I was looking for I was able to find other pieces that more politicalyneutral bookplaces wouldn't stock 10/10 atmosphere 10/10 staff”
“I wish I could buy this entire store ; its design and display achieves a sublime balance between high art and warmth ; your eye flits amongst books and posters and makes unexpected connections ; this does result in nice impulsive buying; I will visit more often as I am registered to take a modern architecture class at Stanford. Vernon and staff are well informed, dispatching their knowledge with ease and warmth.”
11AM - 5PM
781 Beach St, San Francisco“The Cartoon Art Museum was a lovely addition to our touring schedule for our family, including our 16 year old, a self-proclaimed Comic Con geek. The museum fueled her curious nature. A quaint little off the beaten path respite from all energy of the Wharf, we loved the reading room, and the memorabilia was well displayed. Also, the local artists featured in several areas around the museum were extremely impressive. We felt very welcomed and enjoyed seeing the mentoring going on between curator and what appeared to be a new museum employee. Overall, it was a 5 star experience. Excellent quality.”
11:30AM - 5:30PM
3347 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley“Cynthia is always a pleasure to speak with because she’s a wealth of esoteric knowledge. I find myself lost amongst her books, crystals, oracle decks, incense, different types of tarot — you name it! Nowadays, I like to bring friends here when they are on an ‘energetic journey’ and need some encouragement from a master. Thank you Angel Light for all that you bring to our community!
P. S. I prefer her self published Crystal Blessing deck since the reprint changed (shortened) some of her advice. The publisher edition is good! Hers is GREAT.”
“Love Mrs. Dalloway's! I enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the shop. The managers and staff do a fantastic job of displaying book reviews and recommendations for you to choose. There's a great mix of newer releases and older classics. Pricing is fair on all their titles. Can't wait to come back and make another purchase!”
“Everything you want out of a classic bookstore. Anything from the essentials to the niche, in a tranquil and smooth-jazz filled enclosure. Owner is a wonderful guy, and I'm very happy with my purchases.”
“I purchased on eBay from you The Dynamite edition of Mission Impossible the Original Series DVD box set. Packed very well took me a little bit to unpack it and I love it thank you. I hope the Oakland library's enjoys my donation. When in Oakland, California I intend to visit your fine store.”
10AM - 8PM
5560 College Ave, Oakland“Pegasus Bookstore is a great place to buy used as well as classic hard to find books. They have a phenomenal children’s selection as well as new books, tee shirts and other gift items”
“Can't believe I've lived in Berkeley 10 years before discovering this gem. Don't be a dum dum like me. Especially now that they have a fill center, and all sorts of fun stuff, friendly staff, and good green living.”
10:30AM - 6PM
5433 College Ave, Oakland“This has become one of my favorite bookstores. It's beautiful inside and has a wonderful book selection in many genres. When I visited twice last month, the woman working was kind and friendly. I found two interesting books (including one featured here in the image) and a gift for a friend. Great place for book lovers!”
“The owner is very helpful as well as her staff. Many encouraging books representing all walks of life. Our school book club gets it's books from here. Love that it's local.”
10AM - 1PM
6121 La Salle Ave, Oakland“wonderful way to discover new releases and older gems. I love how the bookstore is formatted - truly feels like a treasure trove and helps me rediscover the magic of finding the unexpected.”
“It's funny to feel like this is an old school bookstore when they were the ones who were partially responsible for pushing out the real school bookstore back in the day, but anything resembling a bookstore feels real right now. Still a reliable place to get an actual physical book.”