15+ Best San Francisco Bookstores

Daniel C
· · · ·

San Francisco’s bookstores are more than just places to buy books—they’re part of the city’s rhythm. Each one has its own personality, shaped by the neighborhood, the people who run it, and the readers who keep coming back. Whether you’re into rare editions, niche genres, or just want a quiet spot to browse, there’s a shelf here with your name on it. This isn’t a list of polished highlights—it’s a straightforward look at the spots that matter, what they offer, and why they’re worth your time.

15+ Best San Francisco Bookstores Every Book Lover Should Visit at Least Once

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

A North Beach institution since 1953, this bookstore helped define the Beat Generation. It’s where Lawrence Ferlinghetti published Howl, sparking a legal battle that changed free speech in publishing. The three floors are packed with poetry, politics, and literature that challenge the status quo.

  • Location: 261 Columbus Ave
  • Website: citylights.com
  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Green Apple Books

With locations on Clement Street and 9th Avenue, this bookstore has been around since 1967. The Clement spot is the most popular, with a wide mix of new and used books across fiction, nonfiction, and kids’ titles. It also buys used books and music, and hosts regular author events.

  • Locations: 506 Clement St, 1231 9th Ave
  • Website: greenapplebooks.com
  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

Dog Eared Books

On Valencia Street in the Mission, this bookstore stands out with its bright turquoise exterior. It carries a mix of new and used titles, with a focus on independent publishers and local authors. The space is small but well-organized, making it easy to spend an hour flipping through shelves.

  • Location: 900 Valencia St
  • Website: dogearedbooks.com
  • Hours: Check site for current schedule

The Booksmith

Opened in 1976 on Haight Street, this bookstore is a hub for literary events. It co-runs the Berkeley Arts & Letters series and hosts readings with both local and national authors. The layout is open and inviting, with strong sections in fiction, nonfiction, and signed editions.

  • Location: 1727 Haight St
  • Website: booksmith.com
  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

Borderlands Books

Borderlands Books, San Francisco Bookstore
Photo via Borderlands

Specializing in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery, this store is a go-to for genre fans. It opened in 1997 and has stayed open thanks to strong community support. The inventory includes rare finds, first editions, and a deep selection of speculative fiction.

Omnivore Books on Food

In Noe Valley, this bookstore is dedicated to food writing. It carries vintage cookbooks, rare menus, and modern culinary titles. Founder Celia Sack, a former rare book specialist, curates the collection with a focus on history and culture. The store hosts cooking demos and author events.

Black Bird Bookstore

On Irving Street in the Outer Sunset, this bookstore doubles as a café with a backyard patio. It opened in 2022 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite. It hosts book clubs, art shows, and pop-ups, and the space feels lived-in and welcoming.

  • Location: 4541 Irving St
  • Website: blackbirdsf.com
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily

Fabulosa Books

Located in the Castro, this bookstore focuses on LGBTQ+ literature. It has one of the city’s most complete collections of queer titles and hosts a monthly book club, author signings, and release parties. The vibe is open and inclusive, with staff picks that reflect current conversations.

Christopher’s Books

A Potrero Hill staple since 1991, this bookstore offers a tight selection of new titles. It’s housed in a Victorian building and feels like a neighborhood living room. Staff recommendations are handwritten, and the pace is slow—no rush to move you along.

Adobe Books & Art Cooperative

In the Mission since 1978, this store is part bookstore, part gallery, part event space. It focuses on used, rare, and out-of-print titles and hosts live music, poetry readings, and art shows. It’s run as a cooperative, with a long-standing commitment to local artists.

  • Location: 3130 24th St
  • Website: adobebooks.com
  • Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Books, Inc.

The Fillmore location is one of several Bay Area branches. It’s spacious, well-lit, and carries a broad selection for all ages. It hosts writing workshops, book clubs, and author events, and supports emerging writers through community programs.

  • Location: 601 Van Ness Ave
  • Website: booksinc.net
  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

Kinokuniya Book Store

Photo via Kinokuniya

In Japantown, this Japanese bookstore is a cultural hub. The first floor has manga, anime, and graphic novels. The second floor has general literature in both English and Japanese, plus stationery and gifts from Japan.

Chronicle Books

This is the retail space for the independent publisher of the same name. Located in SoMa, it sells only Chronicle Books titles, cookbooks, children’s books, design books, and gifts. It hosts book launches, trivia nights, and seasonal sales.

  • Location: 680 2nd St
  • Website: chroniclebooks.com
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kayo Books

A Lower Nob Hill spot specializing in vintage paperbacks, pulp fiction, and LGBTQ+ literature. The inventory is eclectic, with rare and collectible titles. It’s open by appointment, making it a destination for serious readers and collectors.

  • Location: 907 Post St
  • Website: kayobooks.com
  • Hours: By appointment only

Noe Valley Books

Opened in 2024 as a community-funded project, this bookstore replaced Folio Books. It was stocked with donated titles and focuses on local authors and diverse voices. The space is bright and open, with regular events that reflect the neighborhood’s mix.

These bookstores aren’t just retail spaces—they’re part of what makes San Francisco feel lived-in. They survive because people show up, buy books, attend events, and treat them as more than transactions. Some are historic, some are new, but all of them contribute to a culture where reading isn’t just a habit—it’s a shared value. If you’re in the city, give one a visit. Better yet, give a few a try. You’ll walk away with more than a book.

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Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a big coffee enthusiast who loves traveling and discovering new places. When I’m not on the road, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and planning our next adventure.

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