Auto Erotica is a unique shop in the Castro and San Francisco, specializing in LGBTQ+ history and related memorabilia. It offers a wide range of items including photos, posters, books, magazines, pins, diaries, scrapbooks, and other gay-related ephemera. The shop is often described as part store, part museum, with a constantly changing inventory that appeals to queer history enthusiasts and erotic connoisseurs alike. Visitors enjoy browsing through vintage magazines, art, postcards, videos, and discs, and many find the selection to be fantastic and inspiring. The owner is generally friendly, sharing stories and providing helpful information, making the experience more engaging. The shop is appreciated for its importance as a piece of queer history and a space where people can start their own collections or simply enjoy the history. However, some reviews mention a less welcoming experience due to staff attitudes, emphasizing that the shop’s atmosphere can vary. Overall, Auto Erotica is valued for its rich history, diverse selection, and its role as a cultural hub for LGBTQ+ community and history lovers.
Like this place a lot. Prices are very reasonable and there is a fascinating collection of gay memorabilia to browse and buy, some of it stretching back decades. Quite different from the other stores in the Castro and definitely worth a visit.
May 2025
Patrick And Auto Erotica is probably The Last Place Like It Left on This Kinda Sad !Scary!but Still Wonderful! Planet (& San Francisco!!) A Great Place to Find So Much Fabulous Gay History and Ephemera !! You must Go, Incredible! All the Fantastic Things (Mostly Adult Only!!) Inside and Watch Your Step !! Love !!
December 2023
There are few places like this around anymore. If you're a gay dude who likes vintage erotica, you'll probably enjoy this shop.
