“An excellent source for graphic novels for school age kids, especially if you want more diversity than the typical marvel or DC approach. When I found out my 1st grader was trans, this store helped me find age appropriate books that they could see themselves in. And they in turn learned stories about brown kids, black kids, and immigrants from other graphic novels there that I would never have known existed. Staff are excellent and know their stock.”
“A fine book store indeed! Has a wide selection ranging from mathematics to fantasy and I simply love the vibe! Would recommend to any friend to check it out for sure!! And they do Jazz / art shows as well! 5/5”
“Such a DELIGHTFUL shop: an entire bookstore for books about FOOD. This delicious stop will sure make you salivate as you dive into beautifully curated collection of printed pages from all around the world! Ever want to find a specific culinary topic, chef or food -- this is the place! They also host lots of author in-person events. Make sure to check their website for listings. This independent bookstore is a MUST visit.”
“Fabulosa Books is......well........fabulous I really enjoy shopping here, They carry an extensive selection of books for the gay /LGBTQ community, as well as a selection of mainline books and best sellers. I can often find many hard-to-find and out of print book titles in the store, Fabulosa Books is an important store for San Francisco's Castro neighborhood, I look forward to stopping by often in the future.”
“I bookmarked this place for a while and it was nothing short of my expectations i spent like more than 2 hours here!! They have an incredible selection of crt books and science fiction novels. They also have vintage postcards and a lot of cute stationary. The staff are super queer and cute i felt at home.”
“I try to go here once a week! Staff are great, constant rotation of new books on display and situated in such a wonderful spot between some amazing West Portal spots.”
“I was looking for a place that carries products aimed at cognitive enhancement (nootropics) and overall brain health and wellness (adaptogens). Drawn to the name, The Higher Consciousness, I found such supplements to elevate my mind. It's a specialty shop located in the eclectic and diverse Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. They carry a wide assortment of unique cbd, mushrooms, and plant medicines not found elsewhere, all reasonably priced. The shop owners are very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to answering questions and making product suggestions based on your specific needs. You can also find an interesting assortment of cannabis and mushroom themed books, novelties, and gifts. I've been here a few times and truly recommend this place. Nothing but good vibes and great customer service here. Thanks guys! Not to mention, it's always good to support and shop local businesses.”
“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 neighborhood book shop is a true treasure! Their exceptional customer service goes hand in hand with a carefully curated book selection. The staff's care and passion for books shine through in every visit. A haven for book lovers seeking personalized recommendations and a welcoming atmosphere.”
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.”
“I recently collaborated with David to design a bespoke bookshelf that includes a printer drawer and doubles as a window seat bench. I am thoroughly impressed with the exceptional craftsmanship, unique customization, and structural integrity incorporated into this piece. David and the delivery team provided outstanding customer service, ensuring every detail was perfect. This beautiful and functional piece of furniture is built to last, and I wouldn't hesitate to embark on another project with them. Highly recommended!”
“I got the iced matcha latte with oat milk and vanilla sweetner. It was really good quality and one of the best matchas i’ve had so far in SF! Drink was a rich green color, so that was a tell tale sign it was good quality matcha.-1 star because the only alternative milk they have is oat milk. I would love if they had almond or soy too.”
“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.”
11AM - 5PM
332 Balboa St, San Francisco“Good selection of Russian books with a progressive focus. I previously had them ship a book on LGBT Russian history and just put in a new order for Anna Akhmatova and a book on Russian emigration. Pretty quick shipping and I prefer them to my local (Chicagoland) bookstore.”
“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.”
“The first time I visited this store was twenty years ago. I never thought that this independent bookstore would still be able to survive in 2024. For endangered creatures, I am happy to support it with US dollars.”
12:30 - 11PM
3036 24th St, San Francisco“really lovely place- good vibe, wide selection, and vibrant feel. the back has a bit of an art gallery and some games(when I went) and it was nice to walk through. I sat for about an hour and read books I brought with me(which they kindly lete read in their shop) and it was lovely. I really like that it's open late when not much else is. as someone who suffers from nightmares often this place really did feel like medicine. perhaps more of a clever nameing then litterally implication, but it really lives up to it with its cozy and warm atmosphere.”
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”
11AM - 7PM
1727 Haight St, San Francisco“This is a wonderful bookstore!! You can really feel the love for books and I wish I wasn’t just visiting the area, but lived nearby and that this was my bookstore ❤️Large selection, well organized and lovingly displayed. Lots of fun treasures for book lovers, including wrapped books with a single sentence written on the wrapper.The young woman at the register was friendly and welcoming. Loved everything about Booksmith.Accessible, with items both high and low within reach.”
10AM - 5PM
375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco“I had a great beginner class here. The instructor was friendly and very informative. The building is nice with interesting equipment. I look forward to taking more classes”
12:30 - 5:30PM
804 Montgomery St, San Francisco“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.”
“Discover a wonderful haven for book lovers encompassing a diverse range of subjects. Indulge in a delightful café experience while surrounded by literary treasures. Lose yourself in the tranquility of a garden nestled within the bookstore's walls.”
11AM - 7PM
601 Irving St, San Francisco“Soft opening right next to sweet cupz, sounds like competition but it has a really nice interior to sit down in, has wifi but no power outlets so come with a full battery or charge in the library nearby. Street parking in residential is recommended! I got the holy howl to experiment but it was alright, the coconut milk did not really add flavor to the avocados make a splash of condensed milk would have been nice. Also had some pieces of the pit in my drink too (hence the 4 stars) I'll still come back as they had food I wanted to try as well!”
“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 love this bookstore! The items are very reasonably-priced and there's a great variety of inventory in the store (gift items, Bibles, greeting/note cards, a really cool selection of Christian rings, etc.). I like the wide selection of books and Children’s Bibles (for all ages) in the children's section of the bookstore. Well worth a visit!”
“Adobe is best. For the past three years I have consistently come to adobe to hang out and connect with my community. There is always a good book, a good convo or good time in general whenever I pull up to this bookstore. Art shows are always interesting and music events bring a cool crowd. Stoked to witness the beauty that is adobe books and it community it cultivates there. Come check it out and be curious of what it can offer you”
“First time at a standalone Moleskine store! They had every size, colour and type of Moleskine books you could want. And also all other product offerings as well like bags, cases and even customizable accessories and service to do in-house print of monogram/words on your purchased book. They have all the partnership/collab books as well like Le Petite Prince, Star Wars , etc. Prices are at regular levels here, no sales were spotted during my late December visit. They did have some beautiful gift sets here that you can't find any where else. Which are lovely gift ideas for stationery/paper lovers in your life! There were 2 staff members present during my visit, and one of them very quickly came to greet my friends and I as soon as we entered.”
“I come to Borderlands at least once monthly (generally for the CGBC, iykyk), but also because my love for this store knows no bounds. It’s truly my dream come true. A bookstore that specializes in horror, Sci-Fi, and fantasy? Are you KIDDING ME? Take my money. Not to mention the owner is kind and welcoming, Jude is an absolute doll, and Eleanor is everything I hope to be in life… Borderlands is a must. An institution. You’ll always find something here ??”