“Incredible selection of toys. Exceptional service. Merilyn went above and beyond to help us. Sales associates like her are the reason we go to real stores instead of shopping online.”
12:30 - 5:30PM
804 Montgomery St, San Francisco
Book Stores
“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.”
“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.”
10AM - 10PM
261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco
Book Stores
“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”
“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.”
“Excellent selection, beautiful layout and a focus on local authors and artists. Some incredible bay area history books/coffee-table books, and charming greeting cards made by local artists. A+++ service; love this place!”
“I love supporting our San Anselmo library! I was able to buy books for everyone in my family for a very affordable price. It is fun to search the shelves looking for unique finds. The volunteers are very kind.”
“We are very fortunate to have Corner Books inside the Tiburon library. There’s no other place like it—they have a fantastic selection of books at the lowest prices possible and a friendly smart team that can help people find exactly the right books to read or give as gifts.”
10:30AM - 4:30PM
1016 C St, San Rafael
Book Stores
“Whoah, I was shocked by the collection at this little tiny bookstore. They sell used/donated books and the proceeds go to the local library. I've been to other bookstores that benefit local libraries, and normally the collection is so sad. I'm an avid fiction reader, and pretty picky, and in their fiction section they had tons of great books published in the last couple years that I have loved (for around $5 for most books) In the travel section I found a fairly recent guidebook for Montreal which will be awesome for our upcoming trip. My husband couldn't stop raving about the 4D? John Wick DVDs he found for cheap that he said would easily go for 10x the price on Amazon. We also found lots of cute books for our toddlers that were 2-3 dollars each. Overall, very small shop but some great finds!!”
“We rented a chuppah for our wedding from Dayenu Judaica. We found the process to be incredibly easy, and the staff to be friendly and helpful in every interaction we had. The chuppah was in good condition and reasonably priced. We'd recommend them if you are looking for a chuppah! Note: while the chuppah poles and bases fit fairly easily in our midsize SUV, you may want to make a plan for transport if you have a smaller vehicle and have any other luggage.”
“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.”
“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.”
“You simply MUST visit if you have any appreciation for the lost art of bookmaking or any interest in typography and the mechanics of printing. The machinery used here date back to some of the earliest printing processes and are still working.This place is a museum that still produces beautiful art books. The fine people working here are true artisans and are happy to share their work with you. Call ahead to be sure you can take the tour, or attend a show featuring their amazing artwork on display.”
“Glad to have such a great book shop in the neighborhood.
They take requests, so if you want to shop local and they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, they’ll make it happen!”
“It was great to see items from the shows in the store and own a memory. We were able to find some unique gifts for friends and families. The staff is knowledgeable, patient and efficient.”
“Yay! Kayo is open again, in a beautiful new space just a block west of their old location! The old space was, like most used bookstores (Green Apple, Russian Hill Books, Dog Eared, et al), a bit cramped and overflowing with printed matter, but this new space is more like a temple of vintage books and magazines -- airy, filled with light, and with plenty of space. I don't think I've ever been in a used book store that had such an elegant and spacious feel, and I've prowled through used book stores around the world. There's still a good selection of vintage pulp magazines & paperbacks, entire sections for various kinks, lots of art books, and a surprising selection of high-end volumes to choose from (a signed copy of Evelyn Waugh's "Love Among the Ruins"?! Be still, my credit card!) If you miss San Francisco's late, great used bookstores (Acorn, Albatross, Fields', et al), take heart: we still have at least ten, now that Kayo is back among us, and Kayo's selection and foci are unique among them. Discover the unique treasures that Kayo offers!”
“Went during weekday, was only custie there. Strange layout, found what I was looking for in back against wall. Seems geared toward hoodies, not enough sweats and other logo gear. Class rings were displayed, grateful for sizing card. Bookstore staff person VERY nice and went above and beyond.”
“I found so many treasures here for my Christmas gift shopping. The staff went above and beyond to help with our school fundraiser and helping me with bringing my purchases to the car. The book selection here is great for adults and kids and there are so many other unique , cool items like games, puzzles, and toys. I went in November and they had a special book display for National Native American Heritage Month. I highly recommend shopping here!”
“Amazing customer service and care. I don’t remember his name but he was wonderful gentleman who helped my friend pick a book and was just so knowledgeable and friendly.”
“If you're not exiting through the gift shop and buying a bunch of cheap junk along the way, are you really a tourist? Get your little metal cup and clank it, baby!”
“Always great service, very knowledgeable staff, will order any book they don't have in stock AND they carry some used books as well. Very good children's book section as well. Support this little treasure!”
“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.”
“One of the best book stores in the entire world. The books I get here are life changing. You can find all sorts of good reads here. This book store is a must for all book lovers and readers. 1848 Buchanan”
“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!”
“I am often there. If you stop by to have a coffee or tea and look at the books, you will enjoy yourself. This is a peaceful place in a very good and safe location. Total wine is close, and I like to check their wine selection. As a wine enthusiast, this place is ideal. New books, used books, kids books and coffee break, nothing better.A latte is healthy for you from what I learned. It has antioxidants, protein and calcium and it tastes delicious.”