“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.”
11AM - 5PM
332 Balboa St, San Francisco“Stopped by with my mother to pick up Russian books and magazines. Amazing place, huge curated selection and a vey nice lady that works there. Little gem for all Russian/Ukranian speakers”
“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”
“this place is beyond cool. if you get sad every time you go into a bookstore and the sci-fi/fant sections are sad and small, this place is the exact opposite. even if you don't typically read sci-fi/fant/horror/mystery, you could probably find something in here to change your mind. they've got all the usual suspects: dune, the expanse series, children of time, stephen king, agatha christie, etc. and then also tonnsss of other titles to discover! ps. eleanor has great taste”
“Step into the enchanting world of Kinokuniya bookstore, nestled within the bustling Japan Center mall at Japantown, San Francisco. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that's as inviting as it is exciting. The first floor is a paradise for anime and manga enthusiasts, boasting an extensive collection of Japanese and English manga, art books, and anime merchandise. And don't miss the illustration by the renowned Japanese artist, Katsuya Terada, adorning the entrance. It's a testament to the store's commitment to celebrating Japanese culture and artistry, with a touch of magic added by Terada's live painting during his visit in 2013. Venturing up to the second floor, you'll discover a haven for book lovers of all kinds. Here, you'll find a diverse selection of general English and Japanese books, magazines, and gift items. Whether you're searching for a new novel to lose yourself in, a magazine to spark your curiosity, or the perfect gift for a loved one, Kinokuniya has you covered. What truly sets this bookstore apart is the variety of offerings from Japan. From literature to lifestyle, stationery to snacks, there's something to captivate every interest and taste. I often find myself getting lost in the aisles, marveling at the array of titles and treasures waiting to be discovered. But it's not just the impressive selection that keeps me coming back--it's the staff. Knowledgeable and friendly, they are always willing to offer a recommendation or answer any questions you may have. Whether you're a devoted manga fan, a curious reader, or simply seeking a slice of Japanese charm, make sure to pay a visit to this delightful bookstore. You won't be disappointed!”
“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.”
“Very well organized, lots of souvenirs and such.A few books on the actual prison, but hey we're here for the LIVE tour after all.The employees were very friendly and courteous.”
“I can't say enough good things about the store and the people that work there (shout out to you Jo! and cashier and chief gift wrapper-didn't get her name sadly) I've only been there once before for a short time. I went yesterday with my dog (who was quite vocal that day) and we were embraced wholeheartedly. I got a mass of gifts for a friend's bday among their well-curated books and other items, and they were beautifully wrapped. The team also showered my dog with attention and snacks. and I felt like I was treated with such care. The store has such a homey, cozy, and lovely vibe! I will definitely be going back!”
“By coincidence I came in to this book store where I saw books on display that rapidly intrigued me, and made me think about diverse topics. Definitely worth a visit if you are seeking for food for thoughts.”
“Excellent quality custom bookshelves for reasonable prices. They have lots of options for stains and can accommodate different dimensions. My bookshelf looks exactly as ordered and was completed on time with delivery and install included.”
“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.”
10AM - 9PM
2251 Chestnut St, San Francisco“I really like this Books Inc. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. I also appreciate that they are open somewhat early. I can buy a magazine or a book before my work day starts and still have time to grab coffee. Thank you Books Inc, glad you're still around!”
10AM - 10PM
900 Valencia St, San Francisco“Stumbled upon this cute bookstore that sell both used and new books. I appreciate the large collection of used books. The environment is warm and friendly. Would love to come back again to check it out again in depth.”
10AM - 6PM
601 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco“Legendary store. Have always enjoyed every visit here. I always find good finds each visit from all the many options to choose from here. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I love the location as it is near a restaurant I adore, Max's Opera Cafe. Peet's shares the building and entrance so that is a nice perk. Buy a book, get a beverage, sit and enjoy both. There is a parking garage with Valet service in the building. Love the many live talks with authors.”
“This place is a sacred SF institution run by some of the loveliest and most helpful guys around. Browse their website and see for yourself, Bolerium is a treasure trove.”
12 - 6PM
30 Grove St, San Francisco“A great bookshop with excellent choice of books. It has all those interesting books from the past, but not many that you get swamped. Run by Volunteers of the Library. Books cost.under $10, some as low can as $3, even for a volume. The success of a bookstore is in the choice of the books.”
10AM - 5PM
375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco“I wandered around the workshop and paper art exhibit. I enjoyed seeing all the bookbinding equipment and letterpress supplies. Seems like a cool place to attend a class.”
“This is my go-to spot for books locally. There is a warm, friendly environment. It is very neat, organized, and clean - just how I would like my own library. It is well lit with lots of good features on display. Oh, and signing events with authors! Eragon! They do have medieval fantasy titles and books too! There is a whole section dedicated to that - more geared towards young adults. But it is good to see a few Dungeons & Dragons titles here and there! If you are a local teacher, inquire about the discount! For educational staff too, I think? This is valuable and a good way to support local bookstores.”
10AM - 6PM
100 Bay St, Sausalito“This is a very peaceful and unique book shop. The inside is very well organized and has every book sorted out by the different genres. They had various home items, valentines décor, cards, gift options, and souvenirs. The kid section was super cute and had different stuffed animals, toys, and books. The view is very pretty as you can see out towards the boats / yachts. We didn't interact with the lady working and she didn't say anything to us either. It was pretty busy and a lot of people were browsing.”
“The store is stocked to the brim with comics, novels, cookbooks, and various genres, all with reasonable prices! It is also run by the sweetest and most helpful store owner, Jiang Mama. She and the store makes the trek from South Bay to SF Chinatown worth it.”
“Great aesthetically pleasing store filled with nice notebooks. Have personalization/customization for your items on the spot. Can spend forever in this place! :)”
“This place is fantastic! The atmosphere is so welcoming, and everyone is incredibly friendly. Plus, they have a great selection, especially when it comes to used books--my favorite!”
“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.”
“Really friendly service! Great selection--and they can order any book I want and get it very quickly. (A particularly great selection of kids books, but I also get a lot of literary books here too.) Free parking out back. Just an all-around great independent bookstore!”
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.”
“This is a fantastic bookstore!! Great books AND beautiful cards and stationery. The owner is very kind and knowledgeable. The store itself has a lot of light in all ways! Highly recommended for browsing, purchasing, and to simply discover.”
“Cozy bookstore in the middle of larkspur landing. They have a cute little fireplace with comfortable seating. They also have a vast sale section of books. I walked out with about 5 books! Such a nice store and great service.Plus, my cat LOVED the bag.”
“I was doing a walk about The Mission this early September afternoon. Medicinas para Pesadillas. Damn! Wasn’t that what I’m always looking for? I asked the staff for help selecting contemporary Mexican American literature. The thicker the better. Magical realism, dark psychologically themed short stories that make you question reality? Yes, por favor.The staff’s selections exceeded my expectations.Medicine for Nightmares indeed.”
“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.”